Conchlin couldn’t think up an appropriate response other than, “Mmm-hmmm.” He did know how his father was. Creasis lived and breathed Chieftain Grecian’s views about how might made right. Large winged gargoyles were at the top, and smaller, weaker gargoyles were placed on the earth to serve them. Conchlin had always been a disappointment to his father. He’d learned from a young age just to stay out of Creasis’s way... as well as the way of most of the big gargoyles in his birth clutch.
“So, how is your medical training coming? Are you still enjoying it?”
“Oh, yes,” Conchlin replied enthusiastically. “It’s fascinating.” Unable to wait a second longer, he added, “And guess what else?” He didn’t wait for his mother to respond. “I found my mate!”
His mother squealed with excitement. “Oh, my goodness! That’s such wonderful news! I’m so very happy for you,” she gushed. “My first boy to find his mate. Your father will be so proud! Tell me all about her... or him.”
Conchlin really didn’t think his father would be proud, but he didn’t bother saying that. One of the reasons he’d left his birth clutch was because the smaller gargoyles were kept behind the scenes and away from those who visited the clutch. There was next to no chance of meeting new people, let alone a mate.
Pushing thoughts of his past clutch aside, Conchlin instead focused on Fate’s blessing. He shared what little he knew about Baron, his name, what kind of shifter he was, and that he was pretty dominant. After explaining that Baron had come in injured, so they hadn’t had much time to talk, his mother jumped into a diatribe about the best healing and comfort foods.
Before Conchlin knew it, he realized he’d been on the phone for thirty minutes. While he hated to do it, because he truly enjoyed his mother’s chatter and enthusiasm, he had to cut her off.
“I’m so sorry, Mom,” Conchlin said, interrupting her. “I really need to get going. I have to be at work in fifteen minutes, and I still need to head to the dining hall and get food for myself and my mate.”
“Oh, of course,” his mother responded. “I’m so sorry for keeping you. Call later when you have time, sweetie. Good luck with your mate!”
After thanking her and assuring her that he would be in touch, Conchlin hung up the call. He was already moving toward the door when he remembered he hadn’t brushed his teeth before his shower. Hustling back to the bathroom, he took care of that oversight before all but sprinting out of his suite.
Just over ten minutes later, Conchlin managed to make it to the hospital wing, a tray of food in hand. His own stomach rumbled, and he hoped Baron enjoyed breakfast foods. He figured eggs and toast would work if Perseus insisted his mate only consume something light, but he had many other choices as well.
“Hey, Conchlin,” Perseus greeted him, sweeping his gaze over the tray. “I figured you’d bring Baron his meal.” He grinned, waggling his brows. “Was wondering what was keeping you, actually.”
“Got a call from my mom. Held me up with her congratulatory enthusiasm,” Conchlin explained, grinning with pride. “How’s Baron doing? Do you think he’s able to sit up, yet?”
Perseus grimaced. “I really wouldn’t recommend it. His butt cheeks alone have forty-seven stitches in them.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he advised, “Maybe kneeling could be an option, but if he rests back on his thighs, that will stretch the sixty-three in them.” He shook his head. “I smell the eggs, which is good. He needs the protein to help kick-start his shifter healing. If he wants the sausage and bacon, he’s welcome to have some, but only half of what you’d eat. Got it?”
Conchlin nodded. “I’ll figure out a way for him to eat the food himself,” he vowed, already mentally sorting through ideas. “With his dominant nature, it’ll boost his spirits. Don’t you think?”
Nodding, Perseus smiled at him as he clapped him on the shoulder. “You’ll make a fantastic mate for an alpha like him.”
Beaming, Conchlin continued on his way to Baron’s room. He saw the door was cracked open, so used his shoulder to push his way inside. Turning his attention to his shifter, Conchlin spotted the pain in his mate’s gaze as he took in his expression.
Conchlin’s smile faded as he crossed to the sideboard. “Hey.” Setting the tray down, he turned and headed to the bed. “I have a meal.” Realizing how silly that sounded... of course he had food, he cleared his throat and asked, “Are you up to eating something?”
Baron’s lips curved into a slight smile, and his nostrils flared. “Yeah, hi,” he whispered. “Your scent”—he inhaled deeply again—”is wonderfully distracting from the pain.” Then his expression darkened as his brows furrowed. “I don’t want to be fed though, so what ideas have you around that?”
Realizing Baron must have overheard his conversation with Perseus, Conchlin mentally cast about for his best option. “Um—” He took in the blanket covering Baron’s lower half and how the pillows had been shoved aside. “How about we put those pillows under your stomach and chest, lifting your torso a little. Then I can put the plate in front of you.” He twisted his fingers in front of him, barely stopping himself from touching. “The other option is propping you up on your side, but that’ll probably hurt more.”
Nodding, Baron reached out and gripped Conchlin’s hands, stilling his movements. “I make you nervous.”
It wasn’t a question, but Conchlin still nodded. “And excited, but—” He bit his lip, silencing himself. Realizing he had to come clean—his mate valued truth, after all—he peered at Baron from beneath his lashes and mumbled, “But you’re really dominant, and I’m worried that, well, you might, or won’t want—” Conchlin stumbled over his words, uncertain how to share his concerns without a long drawn out explanation about his past.
“Hmm, I see my drug-addled display of dominance made an impact on you,” Baron mumbled. He squeezed Conchlin’s hands, then released them, returning his arm to the bed. “I am sorry about that. When I woke earlier, I thought over that encounter and wondered why you hadn’t gotten too close.”
Heaving a sigh, Conchlin rubbed his hands over his arms, already missing Baron’s touch. “Yeah.” Then he snickered. “Drug-addled display of dominance. Try saying that five times fast.”
To Conchlin’s pleasure, Baron rumbled a soft chuckle. “Well, I am hungry, Conchlin,” he told him, his lips curving into a slight smile. “Help me with option one, and we’ll eat and chat. How’s that sound?”
Conchlin nodded eagerly. He leaned over Baron’s body and grabbed the pillows that had been pushed out of the way. Inhaling his mate’s scent caused his blood to heat and his prick to plump.
As Conchlin slid the pillows into position beneath Baron’s stomach and chest, the backs of his hands slid across the smooth skin of his mate’s chest and belly. Goose bumps broke out on the skin of his arms, and he felt grateful he’d jacked off in the shower. Conchlin just knew that, otherwise, he’d already be sporting a boner.
As it was, Conchlin knew it wouldn’t be long before Baron’s tantalizing, musky aroma caused that reaction anyway.
As much as Conchlin hated hearing Baron’s pain-filled grunts and hisses as he lifted his body and got comfortable on the newly positioned pillows, it did at least help him maintain control.
Once Conchlin got Baron positioned, he couldn’t help but trace his hand down his collarbone. He admired the difference in the tones of their flesh, his own bright-orange mottled hide and Baron’s deep brown flesh. Tracing over the smooth skin, he licked his lips and swallowed as saliva pooled in his mouth.
His gut clenched, and his arousal surged as he wondered when they’d get the chance to exchange fluids and trade bites.
“You gonna share what you’re thinking about, mate?” Baron growled softly, his dark eyes gleaming. “I bet it’d help take my mind off the throb in my back.”
Conchlin sucked in a harsh breath upon seeing Baron’s feral smile. “U-Um, well.” He licked his lips before admitting, “Just admiring your
collarbone, and wondering what my bite mark would look like on your skin and, and when I’d be able to put it there.”
Baron’s eyes widened a little, then he lifted his chin in a slight nod. “Ah.” His smile dimmed a little. “Gods, I don’t know how long I’m going to be stuck in this bed, but I sure hope it isn’t too much longer.”
Conchlin nodded as he swept his gaze over Baron’s stitched up back. “Right, well—” He backed a step and turned toward the sideboard, his heart tripping in his chest. Conchlin hadn’t missed that Baron hadn’t really answered his question. Unable to keep his mouth shut, once he’d removed the plate covers and carried the tray back to the bed, he blurted out, “Do you not want me to bite you? A mate’s bite is supposed to cause an orgasm, ya know?”
“Shit,” Baron muttered. “That’s not what I meant for you to get from that.”
Confused, Conchlin set the platter on the bed. Using his clawed foot, he hooked the leg of the nearby chair and dragged it toward him. Conchlin plopped onto it, then leaned his forearms on the mattress and lightly scraped his claws over the mattress, petting it absently.
“So, uh, what did you mean?”
“First, you’re my mate, Conchlin,” Baron began, reaching over and taking one of his hands. His gaze turned intense, his dark eyes narrowing. “I want your bite.” His nostrils flared, and his jaw clenched. “I admit there are things that I’m going to struggle with regarding a gargoyle bonding, but your bite is definitely not one of them.”
Conchlin flipped his hand so he could thread his fingers with Baron’s. Using his other hand to push the platter closer to Baron’s head, he asked, “So, what then?”
Baron used the fingers of his free hand to scoop up some of the cheesy egg and peppers mixture, piling it onto his toast. As he slowly worked, he seemed for all the world to be figuring out how to respond. Finally, his grip tightening on Conchlin’s hand as he picked up his toast, he turned his head and met Conchlin’s gaze.
“Is there any way to complete your bond without you fucking me?”
Conchlin’s mouth went dry as his brows furrowed. His heart felt as if it skipped a beat. Damn alpha males. Keeping that thought to himself, instead, he mumbled, “I-I don’t know.”
Chapter Five
“There’s a slim possibility if you suck Conchlin’s dick a lot,” Perseus snarled, revealing his presence... and his displeasure. Baron took in the green gargoyle’s narrowed eyes, curled lip, and disapproving sneer. “But I don’t know how long that will take... or if it will.”
“I don’t—” Baron began, but seeing Conchlin bow his head out of the corner of his eye, he realized he shouldn’t be focused on the large gargoyle. He turned his attention to his mate and took in Conchlin’s clearly troubled expression, which caused him to quickly change his tune. “I mean, I’ve never”—he cleared his throat and admitted—”been on the receiving end before.”
Trying to ease the agitated scent rolling off Conchlin, Baron squeezed his gargoyle’s hand as he added, “I’m a pretty big guy, sweetie. Never been asked to before, especially with my personality.” To Baron’s relief, Conchlin finally met his gaze. “You already picked up on my dominance. I’m kinda an asshole.” Baron heaved a soft sigh before finishing, “I don’t have any right to ask for patience because I’m not a patient man myself, but”—he squeezed Conchlin’s hand again—”will you give me a little time to wrap my head around this?”
Watching Conchlin nibble his bottom lip with a couple of his sharp teeth, Baron wondered what it’d be like to kiss the male. He’d never been into kissing since his bed partners were always tricks he’d picked up at the bar. A peck or two was about all the experience he had with, well, anyone. Baron didn’t lead women on. Instead, he’d cultivated an attitude of being an uncaring, icy asshole.
Only Jayden and Ariana had known differently. Back in the day, even Nolan had called him a bastard on more than one occasion.
Baron knew it was going to take a lot to change his ways. For his mate, though, he knew he needed to. Scenting the sadness and uncertainty rolling off Conchlin, he knew he needed to start right away, too.
Releasing Conchlin’s hand, Baron lifted his own to the small gargoyle’s face and cradled his jaw. He took a second to admire the way his big, dark hand looked against his mate’s vibrant orange skin. Ignoring the twinge in his back as he levered the weight of his torso onto his other elbow, he leaned forward and pulled with his hand.
Pressing his lips lightly to Conchlin’s, Baron heard the gargoyle gasp and felt his mate’s breath puff against his mouth. He smiled, knowing he’d surprised him. Slipping his tongue out, he swiped it over Conchlin’s bottom lip.
A light, masculine flavor burst across Baron’s taste buds. Humming appreciatively and wanting more, he thrust his tongue between Conchlin’s lips. He lapped along the gargoyle’s teeth, then stroked across his tongue.
Baron kept the kiss slow and easy, relishing Conchlin’s flavor. He continued to tease at his mate’s tongue, liking the tremble he felt beneath his hand and mouth. Baron mapped the gargoyle’s cavity until his lungs screamed and breathing became a necessity.
As Baron broke the kiss and met Conchlin’s gaze, he realized his cock ached pleasantly. The arousal caused heat to surge through his groin and stomach. His nipples were beaded, and the enjoyable sensations were doing a fantastic job of beating out the pain.
Smiling warmly at Conchlin, Baron murmured huskily, “Now that is some amazing pain medication.” He eased his hold on the gargoyle, sliding his fingertips along his square jawline. “Your kiss—” Baron hummed. “So very nice.” Rubbing his thumb along Conchlin’s bottom lip, he admitted, “Gonna wanna do that often. Hope that’s okay with you.”
Conchlin’s smile appeared radiant, and he nodded quickly.
Pleased that he’d caused such happiness in the small gargoyle, Baron eased his hold on Conchlin’s face and lowered his arm. He rested back on the pillow under him and sighed. Pointing at the plates before him, he licked his lips.
“I hope you’re sharing with me today.” Baron’s stomach grumbled, but he knew his weakened body. “I don’t think I can eat even half of this.”
“I planned to eat with you.” Conchlin looked toward Perseus. “Then I can get to whatever you need help with or work on some more training manuals.”
Turning his head, Baron spotted Perseus... and his solemn expression. “Baron is in need of a sponge bath after he finishes eating. Why don’t you plan on that?” His eyes narrowed just a bit before he added, “Once Baron falls back to sleep, we’ll talk about what’s next in your training.”
Conchlin swiftly nodded, clearly pleased by that order.
Baron wasn’t. “Wait.” Sponge bath? Hell, no. That’d be torture, even without pain meds scrambling my brain. “Can I take a shower instead?” Spotting Perseus’s denial coming a mile away, Baron added, “If Conchlin is going to wash me, I’d rather it be in there.”
Perseus grumbled something under his breath, but Baron didn’t catch it. Baron figured it was actually Conchlin’s beseeching expression that swayed the doc.
“Very well, but it’s going to be damn painful, so move slowly,” Perseus warned. Turning his attention to Conchlin, he ordered, “Use the shower head’s misting setting. Baron shouldn’t be placed under a direct spray. Be extremely gentle with the sponge when working around his backside.”
Turning his attention back to Baron, Perseus leveled a serious look his way. “If it gets to be too much, don’t be a damn obstinate alpha. Tell Conchlin, so he can get you back to the bed before you collapse. Got it?”
Baron recognized an order when he heard it. It grated on his nerves to agree, but he knew the wisdom in it. “No alpha bullshit. Got it.”
Perseus grunted, then turned and left, leaving the door cracked open behind him.
Baron figured that was so he could keep half his attention on what was going on in their room. Whatever. Turning his attention to
his food, he again picked up the egg-covered piece of toast. Before he took a bite, he once more offered his thanks.
“This looks and smells wonderful.” Baron hummed appreciatively as he bit, chewed, and swallowed his food. “Gods, so much better than soup.” Then he snagged a sausage link off of the middle plate and bit it in half. Sighing, he savored the greasy goodness as the flavors of maple flavored sausage burst across his tongue. “Oh, gods, who makes this, and how’d they manage to make it taste so good?” He immediately popped the rest of the link into his mouth and licked his fingers.
Conchlin snickered, holding out a napkin. “If you like that, try the bacon. It’s Applewood smoked bacon. I love it.”
Baron took the napkin, wiped his fingers, then did as his mate recommended. He moaned deeply as the bacon flavors burst across his taste buds. Crunching through another piece of egg-covered toast, then three more strips of bacon and four sausage links, he ate until his stomach felt stretched.
Knowing he probably shouldn’t have, Baron couldn’t help himself. It’d been so damn long since he’d had anything other than scraps and soup. Unfortunately, Baron now felt as if he’d burst.
Pushing aside the still half-full plate, Baron slid his arms above his head. He groaned softly, good-naturedly, as he allowed his head to hang. Turning his cheek to peer at Conchlin, he smiled as he watched his mate continue to eat.
Baron decided that, since the gargoyle had his mouth full and wouldn’t be able to interrupt, it would be a perfect time to share a bit about himself.
“I’m one hundred eighty-one years old,” Baron began slowly. His words drew Conchlin’s gaze away from his food, but Baron didn’t give him time to swallow and respond. Instead, he continued, “My alpha, well, ex-alpha I suppose, Alpha Beacham—” He paused a second to get his thoughts in order. “He was a bigot, but a big, strong shifter. He’d already been our alpha for about... twenty years, I think.”
Comforting his Restless Stallion Page 4
