by GA Hauser
Butch choked on a comment and covered his mouth to hide it.
Roman set the remote control down and stared at the show.
"It's his new reference guide." Butch chuckled.
"Shut up." Charlie nudged him, then gazed at his lover, who was slouched low on the soft sofa, straddled, holding his beer between his legs.
When Roman met Charlie's gaze, Charlie felt the fire instantly. He tried to focus on the show, and keep his lust for his wolf-man under control. But it wasn't easy.
All Charlie wanted to do was get naked and grind on Roman's body.
~
Butch glanced from one man to the other, since they were on opposite sides of him. Then he watched the television program, which was a mixture of cute boys and gory violence.
He grew uncomfortable when someone on the show changed into a werewolf and tore up a human. "Do we have to watch this?"
Roman tossed the remote control at him.
"I mean," Butch held the remote as he spoke, "It might have been funny a couple weeks ago…but."
Charlie stood up from the couch.
Butch was about to tell him it was okay, he would leave it on the channel, but Charlie was giving Roman a look. A 'look'.
Roman guzzled the beer, staring at Charlie.
Butch's gaze made its way to Roman's crotch. The man's jeans were bulging from a hard dick. "Damn."
Charlie left the room.
Roman finished the beer and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, licking his lips as he watched Charlie.
Butch stuck his hand into his pants to adjust his stiff cock. "Why don't you two let me in no more?"
"Huh?" Roman stood, obviously distracted by Charlie's flirting.
"Roman. You two used to let me watch, let me jerk off with you."
"I don't care. Ask Charlie." Roman set the bottle on the coffee table and headed down the hall.
Butch pointed the remote to shut off the TV, spotted two werewolves fighting and hesitated. When he turned to look at the hall, the two men had closed themselves into their bedroom. Viewing the violence on the television, Butch had second thoughts. The last thing he wanted to do was get bit, 'accidentally'. And while those two made love? They were out of control.
Especially now.
Laughter and the bed creaking followed. Butch shut off the television and listened. His cock throbbed in his pants. He tossed the television remote on the couch, stood, and headed towards the sound. Love noises, whimpers, shifting on the mattress, got Butch so hot he was going crazy. He removed his shirt, touched his own nipples, and undressed in the hall, dropping his clothing on the floor. Then he tried the doorknob. They never locked it.
Through the gap in the door he could see Roman on top of Charlie. They were kissing passionately, naked, grinding crotches. Butch licked his lips. He touched himself, running his hand up and down his own length and leaned on the doorframe.
Charlie rolled them over on the bed so he was on top, and then he kissed his way down Roman's body to his dick.
Butch bit his bottom lip and felt his cock thicken to its potential as Charlie gave Roman oral sex.
Roman's green eyes met Butch's. He smiled wickedly.
Butch swallowed down his dry throat. Roman craned his finger, beckoning Butch into the room.
Charlie's head bobbed up and down on Roman's cock, and he appeared preoccupied with pleasing his man. Butch had no idea if Charlie knew he was in the room.
Butch entered, still playing with himself. Roman continued to lure him closer.
Charlie stopped sucking and turned to look, panting.
Butch halted his approach and waited to see what Charlie would do.
Roman urged Charlie to continue sucking, cupping Charlie's head and raising his hips towards Charlie's mouth.
The dominant male won again. Charlie closed his eyes and drew Roman's cock back into his mouth.
Roman reached out his hand towards Butch.
Butch approached warily, not wanting to upset Charlie and see wolf-on-wolf action.
Charlie only glanced briefly at him, and focused on Roman's cock.
Butch stood beside the bed. The sight of Charlie giving Roman a blowjob was making Butch edge his climax. Roman touched Butch's cock.
Butch shivered and released his hold, leaning his hips towards Roman's fingers. Roman wrapped his hand around Butch's dick and Butch fucked Roman's palm, staring at Charlie sucking Roman's length deeply into his mouth.
The sensation in Butch rose quickly and he was about to come. He held onto the headboard for balance and closed his eyes. Biting back a shout or grunt of pleasure, he came, spattering Roman's skin, the hair on Roman's chest, and his muscular arm.
Roman milked him gently, then released him and held onto Charlie's head, fucking his mouth.
Charlie moaned and grabbed his own cock, jerking it off while the top man in the room came in Charlie's mouth.
Butch caught his breath and leaned on the wall beside the bed, thrilled Roman allowed him to be a part of their sex.
It had been a long time, and Butch wondered if Charlie was the one objecting.
Charlie sat on his heels and wiped his mouth, catching his breath. "Whoa. That jus' keeps gittin' better an' better." Charlie seemed to be inspecting the white spatters on Roman's skin, from himself and Butch.
Butch was about to get something to clean up the mess when he heard Roman make a noise in surprise. Butch spun back to Roman and Roman's gaze was riveted to the dresser. Butch and Charlie both looked in the direction Roman's stare had taken and in the mirror over the dresser was the image of the man.
"Oh no." Butch held up his hand in defense, but there was nothing they could do to stop it.
Roman snarled, and it sounded canine to Butch, not human.
Charlie hopped off the bed and stood beside Butch. "He ain't happy, Roman."
Roman spoke to the apparition. "They're mine."
The hair stood on Butch's forearms and the nape of his neck. It finally occurred to Butch. Roman was their pack leader, and this man meant to take it. Take them all, as his. Like spoils of a war.
"Roman, don't provoke him." Charlie tried to intervene. "Stay human, babe."
Butch studied the man; the clothing, the weapon strapped to his back. He was from some other time, another century. This was not a modern man. The man's lips moved but the sound came later, as if it were from another source. But Butch heard it. Loud and clear.
"Mine."
Crawling on all fours on the bed, Roman began to move, like a predator, stalking.
"No!" Charlie jumped on him. "Do not change!"
Butch walked as close as he dared to the mirror, seeing his own reflection and the other two behind him on the bed. Three vulnerable naked men against one armed. "Who are you?" Butch asked, intrigued when he should be afraid.
The man's amber eyes found his. "You are mine."
Butch shook his head. "No."
"Butch, don't talk to him!" Charlie sounded terrified.
Another growl came from Roman.
Butch knew his engaging this strange 'thing' was angering Roman to the point of bringing on a change. Butch turned his back on the mirror and crawled onto the bed, embracing both of his friends. Even with his mortal senses, Butch could feel Roman decompress at his reassurance.
Charlie let out a loud exhale of relief and they held onto each other tightly.
Butch took a quick peek in the mirror and the image was gone. He closed his eyes and held onto the two men. "I gotcha. I won't let nothin' hurt you."
He felt Charlie's grateful kiss on his cheek, and when Butch opened his eyes, he was given Roman's fabulous smile, dimples and all.
"I'll fight for you," Roman said. "He can't take you from me."
"All right," Charlie replied, "Let's all calm down. He feeds on the anger."
Butch rested on the bed beside Roman and kept touching both men. "Thank you. I mean that."
Roman kissed his hair and the three of them stayed s
till and calm, recovering from the incident.
Butch wondered if being bit, changing into whatever it was the other men were, would be like becoming super-human. It was food for thought.
At twenty-one, Butch hadn't accomplished much, felt extremely ordinary, and sometimes even self-conscious and insecure. With the potency of what that man in the mirror contained, he wouldn't be Butch Crowell, cowboy ranch hand. He'd be something special.
He glanced at the two men in bed with him, and realized they were kissing. It made Butch feel like an outsider. He relaxed on the pillow and watched.
Chapter 9
Roman looked down over the snow-covered trees, soaring in the crisp blue sky, his black wings spread out, feathers open like fingers reaching for a prize.
He surveyed the land under him; the Deer Creek reservoir, the Wasatch Mountains, and a ranch with several out buildings. A man wearing a cowboy hat was riding a trail, the big brown horse under him at least sixteen hands high. Roman circled, eyeing the man, seeing he was headed to a dead deer carcass near a wire fence that had been cut. Behind the man was another rider, a younger man, riding a pinto horse, both making their way up the trail.
Roman perched on a fence post as the two men stopped to investigate the dead animal. A rambunctious Jack Russell was also with them, sniffing, barking, hyperactive…
Roman shifted on the fence post, his long black talons moving as he folded his wings. He met the handsome cowboy's blue eyes…
The second man called the first by name. Charlie.
Charlie…I've been watching you, Charlie Mosby.
The sound of a shotgun blast woke Roman out of his dream. He sat up and huffed for breath.
Beside him, two men, stirred, waking from his movements on the bed.
"Roman?" Charlie narrowed his eyes in the morning light that filtered in from the window.
The noise of a truck engine making its way up their driveway caused them all to become alert. Butch leaned up on his elbows and checked the time. "Christ. It's eight." He climbed out of bed and left the room.
Roman rubbed his face and jaw tiredly, feeling his beard growth and the stubble of its bristles.
"I can't believe we slept so long." Charlie tossed off the blankets and headed to the bathroom, closing the door.
Roman caught sight of both Charlie's and Butch's morning erections, and peeked down at the sheet. The nightmare had taken his away, if he had one.
But it wasn't a nightmare. It was more of a recollection of the first time Charlie spotted Roman. Roman was a large black crow. Yes. A bird.
He could hear Butch greeting the men outside, yelling, "We got up late! Thanks for comin' so early, boys!"
Roman crawled out of the bed, slowly, feeling achy and worn out. His dreams felt more like work than restful slumber.
He sat up, rubbing his hair, hearing the shower starting in the bathroom. Letting Charlie get ready first, Roman slipped on a pair of jeans and headed to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. He located the travel mugs, and placed bread into the toaster for a quick bite before they went. On the way to Heber they'd hit the road for gas and food.
They had to go. Had to get to Heber. To Salt Lake City.
While the coffee perked he checked his phone, turning it on. He had several missed text messages. One from Phil, a fellow ATF agent.
'Already interviewed two witnesses from the old case. They haven't practiced since the incident. Have no idea why you are still dealing with it. Will keep you updated.'
Roman scrolled for his name and was about to dial Phil's number to tell him they were going to Heber today, not Thursday, but he didn't. He knew how Phil would get when they were together. The man would shadow Roman, and if he turned? Phil would put a collar and leash on him and box him up in a crate.
Roman texted back. 'Tx.' That was it. He had some leads of his own he was going to follow, and it was bad enough this Alpha was annoying him. He didn't need Phil on his tail as well.
Butch entered the house, stomping off the snow from his boots. He met Roman's gaze. "I'll pack up the truck."
"Okay."
Butch carried their luggage outside, leaving the door open. From where Roman stood he could see the ranch hands leading the horses out of the barn to the corral, getting ready to clean out the stalls.
Roman checked on the coffee pot and Charlie appeared, fresh from his shower. "I thought you'd join me."
"I just wanted to get us ready. My turn." Roman touched Charlie affectionately and returned to their bedroom, stripping off his jeans to shower.
He looked back at the bed, thought about the three of them sharing it last night, and then met his own green eyes in the mirror. "You keep away from my men. You got that?"
He waited for a sign, the apparition to appear, but nothing happened. Roman walked into the bathroom, feeling the dampness from Charlie's shower. He shut the door and took his razor out of the vanity. Instead of leaving designer stubble, Roman shaved all the hair off his face. He didn't need to look like a wolf anymore than he was.
To keep calm, he kept repeating a mantra in his head. And this too shall pass…
If he didn't believe it, he would go insane.
~
Charlie watched Roman walk away, worried about him. The dreams Roman was enduring seemed to be haunting him. And his were the same, but Charlie woke in the middle of the night, when Roman was so deeply asleep he could not be woken.
Charlie poured coffee into three travel mugs, making each one the way the men liked it; Roman's black, Butch's cream and two sugars, his, just cream. He pushed the lever on the toaster and removed butter and jam from the fridge.
Butch entered the house, taking the wrapped packages outside.
"I'd have helped ya, darlin'." Charlie stepped into the living room.
"I got it." Butch hoisted the brown bag, filled with Christmas gifts and left the house.
Charlie felt the icy air coming into the house and went to close the door. He stood by, seeing Butch fill the bed of his pickup truck, the one with the canopy, and close the canopy door, rubbing his hands together and returning. Behind Butch was the group of men, cleaning the stalls. The horses were already in the paddock.
Butch walked by Charlie on his way in. "I'm jus' gonna shower quick."
"All right. We're not headed out early no more. Jus' do what ya gotta do." Charlie closed the door and heard the bread pop in the toaster. He returned to the kitchen, buttering the four slices, dropping in four more.
Once Charlie had a stack of buttered toast on the table he put on his coat, hat, and boots to head out and talk to the hired hands about helping out while they were gone.
Charlie looked into the house before he closed the door and tried to contain his worry. If that thing, that 'alpha' attacks our horses while we're gone…
A pang of pain hit him with his doubts. He inhaled, rubbed his stomach to calm down and met with the men cleaning the stable.
~
Roman finished putting a few of his last minute toiletries into his shaving kit and looked for Charlie. He placed the kit near the door with his coat, and called out, "Charlie?" as he entered the kitchen. He spotted the toast and the three travel mugs. He opened each and took the one without the cream.
Standing at the back door, looking out of the window, Roman ate a slice of the toast and thought about the drive to Heber. They were taking Charlie's truck, but he didn't know if it was smart for him to drive, though…Roman wanted to. Usually did.
Roman did think of himself as the dominant male out of the three of them. The one with the size, the strength, and the education…not to mention, ATF training of the highest level.
He was proud. He admitted that.
A noise behind him didn't even make him turn around. He could hear, smell, and sense, everyone and everything. Butch's shampoo and aftershave filled Roman's nostrils.
"I'm good to go, Roman."
"Okay." Roman finished the slice of bread and spun around to take another, seein
g Butch eating his, sipping from the mug.
"You…you shaved," Butch said while chewing. "I mean, shaved clean."
"Mm." Roman nodded, then folded another slice of toast in half and bit it. "I don't need to look any more like a wolf than I already do."
Butch chuckled. "I like it. You look, well, younger."
"Yeah?" Roman swallowed the toast down with his coffee.
"Yeah."
"You like everything I do."
"That a crime?"
"Nope." Roman brushed off the crumbs from his black crew neck top and continued to drink his coffee.
"About last night." Butch crossed the room, as if he were getting more personal, sensual.
The front door opened.
Butch backed up quickly, acting as if they were doing something wrong.
"Okay," Charlie said, entering the room. "I told the boys about the incident with the goat. Ya know, kind of glossed over the disposal part." Charlie washed his hands at the sink, still wearing his hat and coat. He picked up the remaining mug and sipped it. "They'll keep an eye out. I told them to make sure the lock is on the barn when they leave…" He picked up a slice of toast and bit nearly half of the piece and chewed. "Who's drivin'? I can."
Butch refilled his coffee mug. "I don't care who does, but if ya turn into a wolf or crow on the road, I get to punch the shit out of you."
Roman laughed and nudged the last few slices of bread at Charlie. "Eat the rest."
"We can stop for some grub on the way." Charlie took another slice of toast.
"Can't wait for Connie's chow." Butch tucked his shirt into his jeans. "No offense, Charlie, but she's heads an' tails better than you."
"I use her recipes." Charlie finished the toast and stuck the plate into the dishwasher.
"Yeah, well…" Butch laughed.
"You drive, Butch." Roman shut off the coffeemaker, dumping the grounds. He held up the pot. "Refills before I dump it?"
Both men opened the caps of the travel mugs for him.
Roman poured the remainder of the coffee and said, "Okay. Last pit stop and we head out." He rinsed the carafe.
Both Charlie and Butch left the kitchen.
