Comforting his Restless Stallion

by Charlie Richards

  Resting his hands on Baron’s forearms, Conchlin rubbed his mate’s limbs, enjoying the shifter’s smooth skin. He struggled to continue to focus as Baron rumbled softly, nuzzled his neck, and mouthed kisses along his collarbone. For a few seconds, Baron remained focused on the skin he licked and kissed, his eyelids at half-mast.

  Baron finally lifted his gaze to Conchlin’s, and his lips curved into a smile. “Feeling fine.” He kissed and nipped his way up Conchlin’s neck, over the sensitive skin behind his ear, before suckling on the tip.

  His mate’s ministrations created delicious tingles that traveled down Conchlin’s neck. His nipples beaded, and his heart thudded swiftly in his chest. He gasped with pleasure, nearly missing it when Baron started talking again.

  “I’m in need, my mate.” Baron’s voice was husky, and he rocked his hips forward. “And I’m tired of being patient.”

  Conchlin felt Baron’s thick prick press against his lower back and ass. The wet slide of warm fluid over his skin betrayed that his mate already leaked with need. Knowing Baron was marking him, Conchlin shivered with pleasure.

  “A-Are you cl-cleared for, um, anything?”

  “I won’t lie and say yes,” Baron purred into his ear. “But I didn’t ask, either.”

  As Baron spoke, he slid his right hand down, teasing his fingertips along the grooves of Conchlin’s abdominals. Baron also urged him toward the bed, taking small steps so their bodies didn’t separate. His left hand slid up, teasing at Conchlin’s already beaded nipple, causing pleasant zings to course through his torso.

  Before he knew it, Conchlin found himself standing before the bed. His body thrummed with desire, his groin felt hot, and his prick twitched with anticipation. Conchlin found himself rocking against Baron’s groin as he trembled in his mate’s arms.

  “Well, my mate?” Baron rumbled as he continued to nibble at Conchlin’s ear as well as over the sensitive flesh behind it. “I promise not to do anything too strenuous,” he continued, his fingers plucking Conchlin’s nipple as his other hand began to tease at the edge of his loincloth. “You’ve been coming to see me, to care for me for days with other people’s scents on your skin.” His voice turned to a low growl. “I need my scent on you. It’s been driving me nuts. My patience is at an end.”

  Conchlin moaned, his body shuddering, the delicious sensations that Baron created too much to contain. “N-Nothing stren-strenuous,” he managed to pant out, even though being careful was the last thing on his mind. “Want that, too. Cr-Crave it.”

  “Good.” Baron’s right hand immediately went to the ties holding Conchlin’s loincloth in place. As he opened them, he urged, “Turn for me. On your back, on the bed.”

  Only too happy to comply, Conchlin pivoted in Baron’s grip. As he moved, his loincloth fell away, freeing his aching prick. He moaned at the feel of the room’s warm air caressing his hard shaft as he climbed backward onto the mattress.

  Conchlin’s breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of his mate before him. Baron stood tall and proud, his dark eyes glittering with lust, his wide nostrils flaring with need. His dark skin stretched over his wide torso and trim waist, and sweat already gleamed on his flesh. Baron released the loincloth he still held in the fingers of his right hand, drawing Conchlin’s attention to his clenching fingers.

  Licking his lips, Conchlin eased backward and reclined fully on the bed. He lifted one hand as he spread his legs, his invitation clear. Hearing a low growl erupt from Baron’s throat, anticipation surged through him, causing pre-cum to ooze from him.

  Baron took Conchlin’s hand and placed a knee on the bed. He crawled forward, holding Conchlin’s gaze. Using his hold on Conchlin’s fingers, he moved that hand to rest beside his head, threading their fingers together.

  When Baron settled his body over Conchlin’s own, his groan of obvious enjoyment nearly drowned out Conchlin’s blissful moan. The heat of his mate’s skin instantly caused his blood to surge hotly through his veins. Feeling his shifter’s heavy prick pressed against his own, Conchlin instinctively bucked, searching for friction.

  Grunting, Baron pressed harder against Conchlin. He grabbed his free hand and moved it beside Conchlin’s head, twining their fingers, mirroring their other hands. Baron’s eyes met Conchlin’s, their gazes locking.

  Staring up at his mate, Conchlin saw the lust, the desire and need shining in Baron’s deep brown eyes. He licked his lips and swallowed hard, attempting to find his voice. His move caused Baron’s focus to flicker to his mouth, then back to his face.

  “So very stunning,” Baron growled, his smile turning feral. He rocked his hips, rutting slowly, firmly. “Going to mark your skin, make you smell like me.”

  Loving the sound of that, wanting it... needing it, Conchlin moaned. “Yes!” he cried, bending his knees and planting his feet so he could lift his hips and meet Baron’s next rut. “Yes, please.”

  Baron growled again, showing off his even white teeth. “Finally.”

  Then Baron lowered his head and captured Conchlin’s mouth. He slipped out his tongue and pushed it between Conchlin’s lips.

  Opening eagerly to Baron’s invasion, Conchlin groaned into his mate’s mouth as his handsome shifter’s taste exploded across his taste buds.

  So good!

  Conchlin gripped Baron’s shoulders and moaned wantonly as bliss suffused his body.

  Chapter Seven

  Baron’s senses reeled as he relished the feel of Conchlin beneath him. He reveled in the flavors flooding his taste buds. His cock throbbed as he rutted slowly, the pressure and friction setting his body ablaze.

  His balls rolled, tightening in his sack. The tingle at the base of his spine told him that he was going to come embarrassingly fast. Scenting his mate, lying naked but unable to do anything, Baron knew his body had been primed for far too long.

  Lapping along Conchlin’s teeth, Baron mapped his mate’s mouth. He felt the way his new lover trembled beneath him when he slid their tongues together. It caused pride and pleasure to flood him in equal measure, knowing he affected Conchlin so.

  Baron eased the kiss to an end so he could take in a much-needed lungful of air. Sweeping his gaze over the bright orange skin of his mate, he admired the dark flush to his cheeks and the slightly glazed expression of bliss on his features. His extended canines and sharp teeth drew Baron’s attention, and he couldn’t resist diving back in so he could slide his tongue over them, mapping them.

  Pressing his tongue against those sharp points caused Conchlin to moan into Baron’s mouth. Baron felt a rush of pleasure at eliciting that response. His body thrummed.

  A shudder worked through Baron. Their combined sweat and pre-cum allowed their bodies to slide easily against each other, their dicks moving in bliss-inducing friction. When another tremble worked through him, Baron knew he couldn’t put off his need any longer.

  Tearing his mouth from Conchlin’s own, Baron let out a low growl. The whine that escaped his mate’s throat was like music to his ears. Feeling his lover shudder shredded the last vestiges of his control.

  Baron sailed over the edge, his orgasm crashing through him. His balls tightened deliciously, and his prick throbbed. His cum escaped him in hard spurts, causing ecstasy to pulse through him in heady waves.

  Tucking his forehead against Conchlin’s neck, Baron rode out the sensation. His teeth tingled, threatening to extend so he could claim his mate. He fought the desire back, since they hadn’t talked about it, yet.

  All the while Baron kept his hips rocking, urging his lover on. When he felt Conchlin buck, heard his cry of delight, and felt the heat of more seed spilling between them, he began to slow his movements. He nuzzled his mate’s neck, licking and sucking, working up a light mark.

  Baron eventually felt more than heard Conchlin sigh beneath him. Easing his grip on his gargoyle’s fingers, he managed to lift his head and grin down at him. His own body hummed with aftershocks of the bes
t kind.

  “Gods, that was amazing,” Baron admitted. Leaning down, he softly pecked Conchlin’s lips. He lifted his head and met Conchlin’s heavy-lidded, blissed-out gaze. “Stunning. I want to put that expression on you daily.” Baron grinned. “Maybe several times a day.”

  “Yes, please.”

  Chuckling huskily upon hearing Conchlin’s throaty mumble, Baron released his right hand. He skimmed his fingertips down his gargoyle’s arm, enjoying the feel of his slightly bumpy, mottled hide. His desire to explore every inch of his gargoyle was tempered only by the growing pain in his backside, which had previously been beaten out by the pleasure coursing through him.

  Baron opened his mouth, but the sound of a deep voice coming from his left interrupted his thoughts.

  “How about you leave that for later. I need to talk to you both right now.”

  Turning his head, Baron spotted Chieftain Maelgwn standing just inside the door. He stared in their general direction, but his focus seemed to be on the picture hanging just over and to the left of the bed. His expression remained neutral, but there was something in the male’s dark gray eyes that put Baron on alert.

  Baron leaned over and grabbed the sheet that he’d shoved halfway down the bed. He pulled it over both him and Conchlin as he eased to the side of his mate. Once the cloth sufficiently covered them, he wrapped his arm around his gargoyle’s torso, holding him close.

  “What’s going on?”

  Baron couldn’t give a shit that they’d been walked in on... especially knowing it was his own damn fault. Earlier, when he’d been finishing in the bathroom, he’d heard Conchlin puttering around in his room. Enjoying the way his unique, musky scent flooded his senses, he’d been beyond enamored with his mate’s smell. The idea of waiting any longer to enjoy each other had seemed too much.

  It hadn’t even occurred to Baron to lock the door before he crossed to Conchlin and wrapped him in his arms.

  Truth be told, Baron loved the way his gargoyle fit against him. His slender frame and shorter stature felt wonderful against him, beneath him. He could hardly wait to slide his cock into his mate, but even just rutting slowly against him—while it had beat out the pain in his back during their coupling—had probably caused too much strain on his stitches.

  Baron certainly felt them now.

  “We’ve had some visitors from another clutch. The Aerasceatle clutch.”

  Maelgwn’s words caused Conchlin to gasp.

  Not liking the acrid surge of fear that instantly marred Conchlin’s pleasant scent, Baron frowned. “Okay. What does that have to do with us,” he asked as he stroked Conchlin’s chest and stomach. While he did it to soothe, he also took advantage and used the move to rub their spilled seed into his thick skin.

  “It’s my former clutch,” Conchlin revealed, a tremor in his voice as his chest hitched. “Wh-Who?” He cleared his throat. “What do they want?”

  Chieftain Maelgwn’s jaw flexed once, twice, then he replied, “Chieftain Grecian is here, as well as your father and brothers. They claim that the proper paperwork for you to switch clutch allegiances was never filed. They claim that you are still under Chieftain Grecian’s jurisdiction.” He growled softly before finishing, “And that he has not given you permission to mate.”

  “What the fuck?” Baron snarled. He just caught himself before he rolled onto his back so he could sit up. Glaring at the chieftain, he pointed out, “Our mating was blessed by Fate. Are you telling me that gargoyles try to keep fated mates apart?”

  “I don’t,” Maelgwn swiftly assured, lifting his black-clawed hands in placation. “And I don’t understand why another chieftain would attempt such a thing.” He ran his fingers through his long, black hair, a scowl tugging at his thick lips. His focus rested on Conchlin. “I was hoping you might be able to shed some light on it.”

  Baron could feel the trembles working through Conchlin. Turning his attention to his mate, he lowered his head and pressed a kiss to his temple, then his cheek, and finally his lips. His touch slowly eased Conchlin’s shivers, but the way his mate clutched at his upper arms still concerned him.

  “Talk to me, sweets,” Baron urged. “Can you tell us your thoughts?”

  Conchlin sighed as he nuzzled against Baron’s neck and chest. After a moment, where Baron was grateful Maelgwn didn’t interrupt, his mate finally began to relax. He stopped hiding and turned his attention to the gargoyle leader.

  “I left the Aerasceatle clutch because, well”—he glanced around uneasily before refocusing on Chieftain Maelgwn—”Chieftain Grecian values physical strength over everything. Might makes right. He, uh, he considers gargoyles like me, smaller ones with wingskins instead of”—he motioned toward the chieftain—”well, your kind. Big gargoyles. My kind are servants. Lesser gargoyles. Weak. A liability.” Conchlin’s normally orange cheeks appeared almost red by the time he finished. “He’s been trying to weed us out of his clutch for centuries, so I don’t understand why he’d want to—” He paused then, frowning.

  After a few seconds, Baron dipped his head and pressed a kiss to Conchlin’s lips. He then turned his attention back to Chieftain Maelgwn. Taking in the frown on the big man’s features along with the fact that Enforcer Einan had joined them in the room, as well as Doctor Perseus, Baron felt his stallion shift restlessly in his mind.

  Baron slid his hand to Conchlin’s hip and tightened his hold. “So, what else did they say?” he pressed. “Are they looking for recompense for his lost services?” Returning his attention to Conchlin, he asked, “How long have you been in this clutch? A couple years?”

  “Try over a hundred,” Chieftain Maelgwn replied, refocusing Baron’s attention. “And they’re spouting some bullshit about giving you to one of his brothers.”

  Baron growled low in his throat. “So not happening.”

  “They know you’re not bonded, yet,” Enforcer Einan stated, irritation showing clearly in his tone. “How did they even know what the hell was going on with you, Conchlin?”

  “I-I still talk to my mother.” Conchlin’s voice trembled. “She was so happy for me. Proud of me.” He met Baron’s gaze, sadness in his gorgeous green eyes. “I-I told her about you being injured, and that we had to wait to bond. She must have told them.”

  “That would explain why they came unannounced,” Enforcer Einan mused. “Didn’t want to give us time to just encourage you to bond, even with your injuries.”

  “And I damn well would have,” Baron growled as he glared at everyone. “Is that still an option?”

  Baron didn’t care if it tore apart his back, ass and thighs. He’d fuck his beautiful mate and sink his teeth into his neck, claiming him for all to see. He’d do it in a heartbeat. Too bad the chieftain shook his head.

  “Best not,” Chieftain Maelgwn admitted. “In your condition, it’d take quite a while for you to fuck each other and exchange bites.” He crossed his arms, and his brow ridges furrowed. “It would probably be more than a little painful to your ass cheeks and thighs for you to, uh—” He cleared his throat. “Uh, be taken.”

  Oh, right. That.

  Baron had completely forgotten about the fact that a gargoyle’s bonding needed to go both ways.

  Or maybe I just blocked it out for a bit.

  Maelgwn speaking refocused Baron’s attention where it should be... on his and his mate’s problem.

  “But I have to ask, Conchlin. Do you still have the scroll I signed accepting your petition for joining my clutch?”

  Conchlin nodded. “Yeah. I have it in my room.”

  “And do you mind me asking why you didn’t give it to Chieftain Grecian before leaving?”

  Sighing, Conchlin admitted, “Because I worried that he wouldn’t allow me to leave. H-He’s put small gargoyles under surveillance before when they talked about leaving.” He nibbled his bottom lip before saying, “It was my mother who found your clutch for me.”

  “Goddamned controlling bastar
d,” Einan grumbled.

  Chieftain Maelgwn growled softly, nodding his agreement. “I’m going to need you to clean up and come with me, Conchlin.” He swept his gaze over them both, then added, “In fact, just wipe yourself down.” He smirked. “I want to see what kind of reaction having you clearly marked with your mate’s scent will cause.”

  Conchlin nodded and began easing from the bed.

  Baron growled, tightening his hold and staying his mate’s movements. “Conchlin, you are not facing those jackasses without me.” Seeing his mate’s jaw sag open and the shock on his face, he swiftly added, “I am your mate, and I don’t give a fuck what your ex-chieftain has to say about it.” Turning his attention back to Chieftain Maelgwn, he continued, “You offered me sanctuary. That means my mate has sanctuary, too. Right?”

  Chieftain Maelgwn’s eyes narrowed, and a low growl escaped him. “Even if you were not here, Conchlin is one of mine.” He sneered, his lip curling with disgust. “I would never allow another clutch to just come in and take one of mine due to a technicality. Especially an asshole like this.”

  While it rankled his stallion to have the chieftain call Conchlin his, Baron still nodded. “Then I go with you to the meeting, or they must come here.” After a brief hesitation, he added, “I’d prefer the former. Meeting a threat to my mate while lying down is... not something I wish to do.”

  To Baron’s surprise, Chieftain Maelgwn didn’t put up a fight. Instead, he turned his attention to Doctor Perseus and lifted one brow ridge. “Is Baron well enough to walk to the salon?”

  Doctor Perseus grimaced, sweeping his gaze over Baron. “Clean up, then let me look at your back. If you didn’t pop any stitches with your bit of fun, then yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck. His next words came out a muttered grumble. “Just take it easy.”

  Baron couldn’t resist smirking at the irritated gargoyle doctor. “Okay, everyone out, then,” he ordered, waving his hand imperiously. “We’ll wipe down,”—he turned his attention to Conchlin—”mostly, before coming out to see everyone.” Focusing on the hicky he’d left on his gargoyle’s neck, Baron decided he might just take a minute to darken it before heading out, too.