The Goat Farmer’s Guardian

by Charlie Richards

  “You,” Zander snarled.

  Zander grabbed Geoffrey’s massive blue shoulder and shoved. Even as part of his mind recognized that he probably didn’t have enough strength to move the gargoyle without the beast’s say so, some small part of him was thrilled when Geoffrey turned. His back to the counter, Geoffrey held his arms at his sides, gray sauce dripping from the spoon he held in his right hand.

  “You did this to me,” Zander claimed angrily.

  Geoffrey’s brow ridges drew together. “Please, Zander,” Geoffrey rumbled softly. “Please, tell me what’s wrong. I don’t understand. What did I do?”

  “You told me you wouldn’t manipulate me and yet you have!” Zander roared. Geoffrey’s confused expression enflamed his aggression. Curling his hands, Zander slammed them into Geoffrey’s massive pectorals. “You make me feel these things for you. I don’t like it! You’re not human. Stop taking away my choices!”

  Meeting his gaze, Geoffrey made no move to stop him as Zander continued to pound on his chest. He just stood there and let him.

  His emotions all over the place, Zander howled in frustration and anger for several more moments. Mentally wrung out and confused, he finally sagged against the big male, his breath catching in his throat as exhaustion hit him hard. Somewhere in Zander’s mind, he recognized that Geoffrey wrapped his arms and wings around him. However, the soft humming vibration that rumbled from the gargoyle and into Zander finally cut through the haze that seemed to have taken over his mind.

  The odd vibrating noise felt as if it moved through his body, encasing him with soothing warmth. It reminded him of how it felt to step into a hot bath. Zander let out a soft sigh and just…let the odd sensation clear him of tension.

  Finally, Zander registered that the noise came from Geoffrey and the gargoyle was speaking softly to him. “Easy, darling,” Geoffrey murmured. “Easy. It’ll be okay.”

  Geoffrey held him in a loose embrace. One hand made circles at the small of his back while the second massaged his upper spine, including the nape of his neck. The gargoyle’s claws scraped ever-so-lightly across Zander’s skin, sending arousing chills tingling through his system. The mix of soothing vibrations and tingling sensation quickly banished his anger and fear.

  “Damn it,” Zander whispered. “My emotions are all over the place. I feel like I’m on a fucking rollercoaster,” he muttered, sighing. “Why the hell do I feel this way?”

  Shit. Did I really say that out loud?

  Continuing to pet his back, Geoffrey lowered his head enough so he could murmur into his ear. “I’m sorry this is so hard on you. I—” He hesitated. “You’re my mate. I’ll give you as much time as you need, but—” Geoffrey nuzzled his neck as he whispered, “Please don’t shut me out.”

  Zander sighed. He sank further into the gargoyle’s embrace, enjoying the feel of his arms around him, the feeling of safety it created. He didn’t understand why he wanted to stay right there, but he couldn’t resist placing his cheek on Geoffrey’s chest and nuzzling the hard, firm flesh.

  “I—” Zander paused, trying to sort through his conflicting emotions. “I don’t want to shut you out. I just…I just feel like I’m being manipulated, and I hate that.”

  “There are theories on how Fate chooses mates, but no one really knows for sure,” Geoffrey admitted. “A shifter and a gargoyle recognize their mate by scent. A vampire friend of mine once told me that his beloved’s blood sang to him, although he didn’t know for certain until he actually tasted it.” After another nuzzle, he continued, “A demon I met once says their consort will smell subtly of brimstone while an angel’s katran will smell of air and sunshine.”

  Zander snorted. “Sunshine. What does sunshine smell like?”

  Geoffrey chuckled softly. “Hell if I know.”

  “Angels? Demons?” Zander whispered, suddenly registering what Geoffrey said. “Really? There are those here, um, on Earth?”

  “On occasion,” Geoffrey replied. He lifted his head as he slid his top hand up to cup Zander’s nape. “They don’t involve themselves in the affairs of men much.” His brow ridges furrowed. “Unless they’re feeling bored or playful. For some reason, both breeds have a very similar mischievous streak.”

  Zander followed Geoffrey’s urging and tilted his head back, so he could meet the gargoyle’s gaze. He peered at the huge creature holding him. Taking in Geoffrey’s square jaw and the hard brow ridges that acted as his eyebrows, his gaze riveted to how the creature’s pointy upper canines protruded just enough to peek over his bottom lip.

  Suddenly, Zander wanted to rise up and lick Geoffrey’s bottom lip. He wanted to slide his tongue along the flesh and feel how different the teeth would be compared to the flesh.

  Geoffrey’s low grunt yanked Zander’s attention from the gargoyle’s lips. Zander peered into Geoffrey’s eyes and he gasped at the unmasked desire he saw staring back at him from the gargoyle’s deep brown eyes. He felt an answering stir in his gut and blood flowed south, plumping his dick.

  “Oh, Zander,” Geoffrey stated roughly. “Damn, you smell good.”

  Zander couldn’t seem to help the feeling of shyness that seeped into him. “Really?”

  “Yeah.”

  Licking his lips, Zander saw how Geoffrey’s gaze followed the sweep of his tongue. “Stay still,” he demanded softly.

  Geoffrey jerked a nod, his dark eyes intense.

  Sliding his hands up Geoffrey’s torso, Zander enjoyed the odd sensation of the gargoyle’s leathery hide under his palms. He really liked how Geoffrey’s eyes took on an almost glowing quality. Still, the gargoyle allowed Zander to set the pace.

  Zander rocked forward on his toes, resting his weight on the larger male. Leaning forward, he brought their faces a hairsbreadth apart. Then, Zander slipped out his tongue and slowly traced the man’s lower lip, pausing as his appendage snagged on each of Geoffrey’s canines.

  Geoffrey’s body shuddered against him. “Oh.” The way the big gargoyle breathed the word it sounded almost like a groan…or a prayer. “Zan.”

  Zander drew his tongue back into his mouth, discovering the taste of the man pleasant and masculine. He closed the remaining distance and pressed his lips to Geoffrey’s, careful of the sharp teeth he’d just explored with his tongue. He pecked once, twice, three times, the kiss chaste and light.

  With his cock throbbing in his jeans at how Geoffrey allowed him to control the chaste kiss, Zander finally eased away. “Wow,” he whispered. Zander didn’t know what else to say. If just being held by this male could stimulate him that way, he wondered how actually making out with the gargoyle would be.

  Geoffrey chuckled roughly. “Damn, I didn’t realize my teeth were that sensitive.”

  Zander smiled, pleased that he wasn’t the only one affected by the intense pull between them.

  “May I beg a goodnight kiss after our evening is over?” Geoffrey asked.

  Nodding before he even thought—because how could he say no to another kiss, one that would probably be even better—Zander wondered if they could skip out on dinner.

  Shit. Dinner! At Logan’s.

  Glancing around self-consciously, Zander searched for his friend and his partner. The kitchen and dining room were empty.

  “They left us alone for a few moments,” Geoffrey told him. He massaged the tendons of Zander’s neck as he added, “They, uh, thought we had some things to work out.”

  Zander scoffed as he returned his focus to Geoffrey. “I guess they’d be right, huh?”

  Geoffrey smiled in a hopeful fashion. “I hope that since we’re talking, that we—” He paused and tilted his head. His brow-ridges furrowed as he scented the air.

  Following his movement, Zander tipped his head and inhaled deeply. “Is something burning?”

  “Damn it,” Geoffrey snapped.

  Grabbing Zander’s hips, Geoffrey pushed him backward a couple of steps, then turned toward the stove. “Well, shit,
” he grumbled, grabbing the burner knob and giving it a twist, turning it off. Next, he grabbed the handle of the pan and shoved it onto a back burner. In that instant, the flame of the burner flared, then died, eating up the last of the gas that fed it.

  Geoffrey snarled and yanked his hand back.

  “Shit, Geoff!” Zander cried, realizing that, even with a thick hide, the fire had to have burned the gargoyle’s wrist. “Here.” He grabbed Geoffrey’s palm and pulled his arm toward the sink. He twisted the faucet and started the water, then urged the gargoyle to hold his wrist under the stream.

  Again, Zander couldn’t help but think that, if Geoffrey hadn’t allowed him to manhandle him, there was no way he’d actually be able to move the gargoyle. Looking up at Geoffrey, he scowled and asked, “Why are you letting me manhandle you?”

  Smiling down at him, Geoffrey replied, “I’m honored that you care enough to worry about me.”

  Zander felt his cheeks flush at the gargoyle’s words. He cleared his throat and returned his focus to Geoffrey’s wrist. “Does it still hurt?” he asked as he pulled Geoffrey’s wrist out from under the stream so he could peer at it. Since Geoffrey’s skin was a marbled blue, he wasn’t entirely sure if the skin was actually discolored by the burn.

  “I’m fine,” Geoffrey assured. With his other hand, he reached around Zander and shut off the water. “I have a thick hide and heal very quickly. It really only stung for a second.”

  “Oh,” Zander muttered, releasing his hold. He felt his cheeks heat again, embarrassed by his reaction. “Uh, glad you’re okay, then.”

  “Hey,” Geoffrey soothed. He reached out, completely unmindful of his wet arm dripping on the hardwood floors of the home. He gripped Zander’s shoulders lightly as he ducked his head. He nuzzled his temple for a few seconds before kissing the sensitive flesh, sending tingles down through Zander’s jaw. “I appreciate your concern. It means so very much to me.”

  Zander felt his heart pound in his chest. He turned his head just enough so he could rub his five o’clock shadow along Geoffrey’s neck. The slightly bumpy hide felt interesting against his barely grown whiskers. Then, he kissed the gargoyle’s neck. Geoffrey once again made the odd vibrating noise as he tilted his head, offering more of his neck to Zander’s questing mouth.

  “Damn, what the hell did you burn?” Jimmy asked, announcing his presence.

  Chapter Four

  Geoffrey just hid a grimace when Zander pulled away from him upon hearing Jimmy’s question. He didn’t know if it was being caught in his arms because he was shy or if there was some other reason. Hopefully, he’d have the opportunity to learn.

  Releasing his hold on Zander’s shoulders, Geoffrey turned and met Jimmy’s gaze. “I’m sorry,” he offered with a grin. “Got a bit distracted.”

  Jimmy chuckled. “Gotcha. Is the sauce at least salvageable?” he asked, frowning at the crusty brown goop in the now cooling saucepan.

  “Definitely not,” Geoffrey replied. “But I hadn’t put the mushrooms in yet, so I can remake it with little difficulty. It’ll only be a few minutes.”

  “Good,” Jimmy replied, nodding. “Zander, you get to come with me,” he said. As he spoke, he reached and wrapped an arm around Zander’s shoulders, drawing him away. “No more distracting the chef,” he teased. “I want my goat cheese meat loaf sometime tonight.”

  As Zander moved away from him, Geoffrey fought against the growl he wanted to release. Hell, he didn’t like seeing another man lead his human away, even if he was mated. “I’ll get your damn meat loaf done,” he grumbled.

  Jimmy, probably understanding from where his irritation stemmed, chuckled. “Let’s get drinks. You want coffee? Beer? Wine? Iced tea?” Jimmy focused on Zander. “What’s your evening beverage of choice?”

  “Uh, well,” Zander began, pulling away from Jimmy and looking toward Geoffrey. “You’re the chef,” he said with a smile. “Got any suggestions?”

  Pleased that his mate would think to ask him, Geoffrey nodded. “I had Logan pick up a couple of bottles of Riesling. It should pair pretty well, even though the goat cheese is in a meatloaf and not on its own.”

  Zander’s eyes widened and an impressed look crossed his face. “Wow. You know how to pair wine?”

  Geoffrey grinned widely. “I said I like to cook. I also like to make certain the wine or beer served with the dish won’t detract from the taste of the meal.” He winked. “I do my homework.” Then, deciding not to stretch his abilities too far, he added, “Plus, the internet is a great tool.”

  Snickering, Zander grinned. “There is that.” He looked back at Jimmy. “You heard him. How about a glass of Riesling?”

  “You got it,” Jimmy responded.

  “Wait, not yet. Give it another five before you pop it,” Logan said, striding into the kitchen. “I just pulled it out of the fridge before Zander arrived.”

  “Uh, why?” Jimmy asked, glancing between them.

  Geoffrey chuckled, moving to restart the mushroom gravy that would complement the meatloaf and mashed potatoes perfectly. As he started cleaning his mess and reworking the gravy, he tossed over his shoulder, “Because a white wine needs to warm just a bit before opening and serving for best flavor.”

  “And a red wine?” Zander asked, amusement in his tone.

  Smiling at the new gravy, he stirred while turning the burner back on. Geoffrey liked hearing the easy, teasing note in Zander’s voice. “The standard red wine is chilled for twenty minutes or so, then served.” He glanced over his shoulder and winked at the man he hoped to claim soon. “General rule if you’re serving with a meal or before a meal, anyway. Some people go so far as serving one wine with the appetizer, another with the meal, then a third with dessert.”

  “So, would now be a bad time to grab a beer?” Jimmy asked, mirth filling his tone.

  “Drink what you want,” Geoffrey replied. He peered over his shoulder and smirked at the wolf shifter. “I just wanted to give the possibility in case anyone wanted it.”

  “I want it,” Zander piped up. “I’ll wait for the wine.”

  Jimmy snorted. “I was just yanking your chain, gargoyle. We’ll wait a few minutes, then open the wine.”

  Geoffrey placed the meatloaf on the table, followed by the fresh batch of gravy. He had to admit, at least to himself, that the second batch had turned out better than the first one would have. His quick sampling as it cooked had confirmed it.

  Seems I need to get into the kitchen more often. I’ve been spending too much time guarding perimeter.

  “Come on in,” Geoffrey called to where he saw the men sitting in the front room.

  Watching them as he’d put together the last of the food, Geoffrey had noted how Logan and Jimmy had sat close together on the sofa. They’d leaned toward where Zander had sat on the sofa chair. Even with Geoffrey’s heightened hearing, he hadn’t been able to figure out what they were whispering about. Whatever it was, Zander’s scent remained relaxed and calm.

  The trio of men rose and joined him in the dining room.

  Geoffrey couldn’t help pulling out a chair and motioning for Zander to sit. His mate’s brows shot up, and a smile curved the corner of his lip. “Thanks,” he murmured, settling into the chair.

  Nodding, taking a chance, Geoffrey lowered his head and kissed the side of Zander’s neck. “You’re welcome.” Then, Geoffrey moved over and sat down next to him at the small round table. Logan sat across from him and Jimmy on his other side.

  Logan picked up the wine bottle and popped the cork. While he did that, Geoffrey picked up a knife and began cutting the meatloaf. He picked up Zander’s plate, set it on top of his own, then placed a slice of the meat on it. Next, he added a scoop of mashed potatoes, followed by ladling a spoonful of mushroom gravy.

  “There’s more of everything,” Geoffrey commented with a smile as he returned the plate to its place in front of Zander.

  “It smells delicious,” Zander co
mmented. “Thank you.”

  As Zander and Jimmy dug into their dinner salads, which were in small bowls that Geoffrey had placed beside each place setting, Logan began pouring wine. Geoffrey picked up Jimmy’s plate and served him next. Then, he did the same to Logan’s and finally filled his own plate.

  They ate in silence for a few minutes. Well, other than the hums of appreciation and the grunts of approval. Geoffrey smiled to himself. He peered over the rim of his glass of wine at his mate as he took a sip. It pleased him to see his mate eating steadily, smiling in obvious enjoyment as he scooped up a bite of mashed potatoes and gravy and slid the fork into his mouth.

  “Damn, Geoff,” Logan stated. “You’ve outdone yourself. I never thought I’d find a meatloaf I enjoyed, but you…mmm.” Grinning, Logan cut another large bite of meatloaf and speared it with his fork. “I’m going to tell Maelgwn that you’re holding out on him.”

  Geoffrey chuckled. “Now you’re threatening me. No way in hell I want to be stuck in those massive kitchens all day every day,” he admitted.

  “What kitchens?” Zander asked.

  “At my clutch’s home in Durango,” Geoffrey replied, stabbing at his salad before focusing on Zander. “Maelgwn is our leader. He’s a good guy, fair and honest. He’s mated to the human, Bobby.” He realized he had his mate’s full attention, so decided to continue. “Tobias is our second. For the most part he’s a hard-ass, unless it’s in regard to his mate, Roland.” He smiled, thinking about the small lynx shifter. “Sweet little lynx shifter is helping mellow him out a bit.” He winked and shoved his bite of salad into his mouth.

  “So, what do you do?” Zander asked softly. “What’s your job?”

  Geoffrey took a sip of wine, then answered, “I’m part of security. I’m one of several that rotate patrols of our territory’s borders.”