The Goat Farmer’s Guardian

by Charlie Richards

  “So you’re needed there.”

  Zander’s quiet comment drew Geoffrey’s entire attention. He realized what Zander was really thinking…Geoffrey couldn’t stay there, in Oregon. Clearing his throat, Geoffrey licked his lips. Finally, he jerked a nod, acknowledging the truth.

  “My place is there,” Geoffrey confirmed. “I, uh, I guess I hope to woo you enough to think about moving with me.” He knew it was a bombshell—hell, a long shot, really—but he refused to lie about his intentions. He couldn’t stay, not in wolf shifter territory. “I’ll stay as long as I can, but—” Geoffrey stopped talking, not liking any of his options on how to finish that sentence.

  “At least you’ll know some of the guys who live there,” Logan pointed out. “Marty and Matthew Beakman are mated to a couple of the gargoyles in the clutch. They live at the manor. Plus Bobby and Cornelius are a blast.” He chuckled and winked at his friend. “Just don’t let them talk you into anything. They told me once that they cause so much trouble because the make-up sex is so much fun.”

  “Is that why they do it?” Geoffrey muttered, some of the pair’s antics making sense now. “They do keep Maelgwn and Einan on their toes.”

  Laughing, Logan nodded, then ate a bite of salad.

  “Right, uh, guess that’s something to think about,” Zander mumbled. He returned his focus to his food. Poking at it a bit, Zander grimaced, then slid the last bite of meatloaf into his mouth.

  Geoffrey wished there was something he could say, something that would ease the awkwardness of the moment.

  As if reading his mind, Zander looked his way and smiled, although the move did nothing to ease the tight lines on his forehead. “So, what’s that rumbling, humming thing you did in the kitchen? It, uh—” He paused and chuckled. Picking up his wine glass he took a sip. After swallowing, he admitted, “It relaxed me and made me hard at the same time. How the hell does that work?”

  Jimmy practically choked on the food he’d just stuck into his mouth. Logan barked a laugh.

  Geoffrey allowed a snicker to slip as he grinned at his mate. “That’s called trilling. As you can understand,” he explained, “when a gargoyle finds a human mate, we need some way to calm them, to reassure them that we mean them no harm.” He shrugged one shoulder. “While trilling will calm most humans, it’s especially effective, even enjoyable, to our mate.”

  Zander’s brows drew together. “So, you use it to manipulate?”

  “No,” Geoffrey immediately replied. Damn, his mate certainly was hung up on that. He hated the vampire for the fears he’d instilled in Zander. “Absolutely not. It’s to help calm someone, not impair or coerce them in any way. You were upset earlier. I only wished to reassure and comfort.”

  Sighing, Zander rubbed his temples with his thumb and forefingers. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled. “I know I shouldn’t paint you with the same brush as Juarez. I know you’re not like him.” He lowered his hand and lifted his head to meet his gaze. “I always feared telling anyone that I was bisexual because I hated the idea of them being prejudiced against me because of that. It’s not right that I’d do it to you and Jimmy just because I had a bad experience with Juarez. Hell,” he added. “He didn’t actually even hurt me. Ya know?”

  “Not physically,” Logan stated. “But fucking with a married man, hell, or woman, was never something you’d do without being coerced in some way. We both know that.” He gave his friend a smile. “We both know you’re too good a guy to do that.”

  “Thanks, man,” Zander replied. “Anyway,” he turned back toward Geoffrey. “Sorry for jumping to conclusions.”

  Geoffrey nodded. He reached across the space between them, resting his hand over Zander’s. Inordinate pleasure filled him when Zander didn’t tense at his touch. “This is a big adjustment for you. I understand it takes time.” Looking into Zander’s clear brown eyes, Geoffrey told him, “I’ve been looking for my mate for almost three centuries. I think I can wait a few more days while you get used to the idea.”

  Zander’s jaw sagged open as his eyes widened. “Over three centuries? Just how old are you?”

  “I don’t know my exact birthday, but I’ve seen three hundred and sixty eight summers,” Geoffrey told him. He lifted his hand from Zander’s and, curling his fingers, rubbed his knuckles down his mate’s jaw. Giving him a cheeky smile, he murmured, “I do hope you like older men.”

  Shivering under his touch, Zander licked his lips, before replying, “As long as you know how to put all that experience to good use.”

  Geoffrey’s cock swelled at all the ideas that flooded him in response to those words. “Oh, yes,” he assured. “That I can promise you.”

  “And on that note,” Jimmy finally cut in, “Maybe you’d like to ride home with Zander, Geoffrey.” He stood and picked up his empty plate. “I’m sure you two have plenty to, uh, discuss,” he stated, waggling his brows.

  Zander’s face flushed, but he didn’t seem to be able to tear his gaze away from Geoffrey as he asked, “Want help with the dishes?”

  Jimmy chuckled. “Hell, no. Get out of here. With the pheromones you two are putting off, I plan to have my dick buried in Logan’s ass within two seconds of you walking out the door. Dishes can wait.”

  That yanked Zander’s attention to the wolf shifter, his jaw sagging open. The smell of shock filled the area, but not enough to erase the scent of arousal that his mate gave off. Geoffrey really, really liked knowing he caused such need in his mate. He would enjoy all the various ways he could satisfy that need.

  “Come on, Zander,” Geoffrey urged, rising from his own seat. “I promise I won’t ask you to do anything you’re not ready for.”

  That seemed to be the right thing to say, for Zander nodded and rose. Logan met them at the door, patting his friend on his shoulder as he handed him his coat. He winked. “Have fun.”

  Zander’s face flushed. “Thanks,” he muttered.

  Geoffrey followed his mate—his soon-to-be lover, if he played his cards right—and walked toward Zander’s vehicle.

  Chapter Five

  Zander pulled up in front of his home and shut off the engine. Instead of getting out, he turned and stared at his passenger. Geoffrey’s massive form seemed to eat up the space in his range rover’s cab.

  “You are nervous, but you needn’t be,” Geoffrey rumbled softly.

  It was true. Over the course of the thirty minute drive home, Zander’s nerves had built. Would the gargoyle expect to fuck him? He hardly knew the creature. Would he take him hard and fast or slow and easy? Would he try to make love to him? Did a gargoyle even know how to make love? Or was it all aggression and dominance? Why hadn’t he asked before what all bonding entailed?

  The gargoyle reached out and touched Zander’s hand. “Please,” Geoffrey whispered, rubbing his fingertips over the back of his hand. “Please, calm down. Whatever you’re thinking, please share it with me.”

  Zander glanced from where Geoffrey touched him so gently, probably trying to soothe. He shook his head. “Geez, I need to get out of my head,” he mumbled. He was freaking himself out again.

  Perhaps misunderstanding his head shake, Geoffrey offered, “If you’d like, I will just walk you to the door. I understand many people think that is proper etiquette on a first date.”

  For an instant, Zander found himself tempted. Except, then he remembered Geoffrey’s kiss, the feel of his hands on his body, even through his clothes. He wanted to feel that again, to feel more.

  “We’re not dating,” Zander stated softly. Seeing the expression on Geoffrey’s face, one that he could only call hurt, Zander quickly added, “We’re mates.” He lifted his left hand and placed it over Geoffrey’s where the gargoyle still touched him. “I’ll admit I’m a little nervous about getting into bed with another paranormal.” He blanched at his own words, grimacing. “I don’t mean to compare you to another, I really don’t,” he assured. “But please understand…he caused me to do thin
gs I’m embarrassed, hell, I’m ashamed of. Just like Logan said, I’d never sleep with a married man, but—”

  When Zander didn’t finish that sentence, Geoffrey finished, “But you were manipulated. You didn’t have any choice.”

  “Yeah,” Zander whispered.

  Geoffrey squeezed the fingers he still gripped. “Then, will you allow me to show you the difference? May I please you, Zander?”

  Zander nodded slowly, unable to do anything else. His pulse still pounded in his veins, but this time he recognized it as anticipation. He wanted to know what it’d be like to be held by this male.

  “Please.”

  Geoffrey didn’t wait. He released Zander’s hands, then shoved open the passenger door. Zander watched him stalk around the hood of the vehicle. Except, after Geoffrey yanked open the driver’s side door and reached for him, his touch remained gentle, sure, urging almost. Zander obeyed.

  Sliding from his truck, Zander found his chin less than an inch from Geoffrey’s massive barrel chest. He gave in to his desires and rested his palms on the gargoyle’s chest. The hard, hide-covered muscles were warm under his fingers. They rippled as Geoffrey grunted softly.

  “Zan, come with me,” he ordered, even as he slid his arm around Zander’s waist, moved him a few steps sideways, then shoved the door of the vehicle closed. “I won’t go in your home until you’re ready,” he promised. “But I will give you the pleasure and release we both seek.”

  Zander’s dick pressed against the fly of his jeans, hard and aching. His body tingled at the promise of pleasure. “I want that,” he admitted. To his ears, he sounded breathless. He’d feel embarrassed, except Geoffrey’s chest heaved under his palms.

  “Come with me,” Geoffrey urged.

  While Zander would have easily obeyed, Geoffrey didn’t even give him a chance to do so. The big gargoyle actually gripped Zander’s ass and lifted him up. Hissing in surprise, Zander acted on instinct. He moved his hands up to Geoffrey’s shoulders as he wrapped his legs around the gargoyle’s waist.

  Zander’s erection came in contact with Geoffrey’s hard abs and he moaned at the pressure on his over-sensitized cock. With his focus on his throbbing dick, it took Zander a few seconds even to realize they were moving. He rested his forehead on Geoffrey’s shoulder, his head turned just enough so he could see where they were going.

  To Zander’s surprise, Geoffrey didn’t enter his home. The gargoyle stuck by his word, even when Zander rocked against him, rubbing shamelessly, must have made it obvious that Zander would have allowed it. Geoffrey climbed onto the porch, then strode around the home to the back deck. Settling in the swinging chair, Geoffrey caused Zander to straddle his lap.

  “Easy, my mate,” Geoffrey soothed. One of his hands moved to Zander’s hip and slowed his movements. “Let me get these open.”

  Zander nodded and stilled his body. He blinked and focused on just breathing, trying to get hold of himself. Never had he felt such arousal and lust that he thought only of rutting against a man. Lifting his head from Geoffrey’s shoulder, Zander met the gargoyle’s gaze.

  “Th-This is intense,” Zander whispered. “Will being in your arms always feel like this?”

  “We’ll always feel drawn to each other,” Geoffrey told him softly. “This driving need we feel, however, will ease somewhat once our bond is complete.” He released Zander’s ass and gently cupped his jaw. “But we’ll always want each other. It’s the way of mated paranormals.”

  Zander licked his lips, his gaze focusing on Geoffrey’s lips. He remembered how it’d felt to kiss the gargoyle’s lips. Instead of giving in to his desire to taste the other male again, he asked, “And what must one do to bond?”

  Geoffrey rubbed his thumb over Zander’s bottom lip. His claw scraping lightly over Zander’s flesh sent tingles down his spine. It made it difficult to focus on Geoffrey’s words when the gargoyle started talking.

  “It’s different for gargoyles than most paranormals,” Geoffrey told him. “With a shifter or a vampire, they would just need to fuck their mate and give them a claiming bite.” His voice remained hushed, as if he, too, struggled to focus enough to get his words out.

  “How are gargoyles different?”

  “While we do have to do that, our mate also needs to do the same to us,” Geoffrey explained. He moved the hand at Zander’s waist, sliding it around to cup his cock through his jeans. “I need to feel your shaft sliding inside me, filling me up with your seed.”

  Zander rolled his hips, pressing into the gargoyle’s hold. Geoffrey squeezed and massaged him through his jeans, and Zander wondered just how tight the gargoyle’s chute would be. Pre-cum oozed from his shaft as he thought about how good that’d feel.

  “Then, either you bite me hard enough to break skin, so you can drink my blood,” Geoffrey continued, his dark eyes blazing with feral lust. “Or I will cut my neck, allowing you to drink that way. Either way, the bond will be complete, and our life-lines joined. We will be together until the day that we die, your wish, your desires, mine to fulfill.”

  That finally penetrated Zander’s lustful fog. “I have to bite you? Drink your blood?”

  Geoffrey smiled, the look full of understanding. “Humans seem to have a hang up about that, but it really isn’t bad. In fact, most of us truly enjoy our mate’s bites. Some even continue to bite each other during sex just for the enjoyment of it.”

  Frowning, Zander slid one hand up and began absently tracing over first Geoffrey’s brow ridge, then over to the gargoyle’s pointed blue ear, sweeping his fingertips along the lobe. Geoffrey’s eyes slid to half-mast as he accepted Zander’s touch, allowing him to explore unhindered.

  “So different, yet so handsome. Thank you for being honest.”

  Geoffrey nodded. “Now, I think it’s time we both get a little relief, hmm?”

  Looking down where Geoffrey cupped him, Zander groaned as he watched the gargoyle easily flip open the button of his fly. Next, he gripped the fly tab and eased it downward. Zander’s erection pressed against the fabric of his briefs, a damp spot already around his swollen head.

  “So pretty,” Geoffrey rumbled. He slid one claw into his briefs and sliced the fabric, revealing his engorged flesh. “So sexy.”

  Zander gasped as his cock twitched and oozed, pre-cum beading at the tip. Geoffrey lifted his hand, pressed the fingertips of his forefingers to Zander’s cap, and rubbed across his sensitive flesh. He massaged the beads of pre-cum into his glans. Zander moaned at the gentle touch, tingles sparking down his stalk. His balls drew up close to his body.

  Reaching out, Zander grabbed Geoffrey’s wrist. At the gargoyle’s questioning look, he panted, “T-Too close.”

  Geoffrey growled softly. “So fucking sexy that my touch does this to you.” As he spoke, he worked Zander’s jeans and underwear down his hips as far as they would go while not moving him from the gargoyle’s lap. Reaching into his underwear, Geoffrey cupped his balls and pulled lightly.

  “Shit,” Zander hissed. At least, the move eased his desire to come. “Wanna see you.” Lowering his hands to the ties at Geoffrey’s waist, he tugged at one lightly. “Gonna open this.”

  “Yeah,” Geoffrey rumbled. “Gonna please us.”

  Geoffrey pulled a couple of packets of lube from a pouch on his shoulder strap. He opened both, then poured the contents of one onto the fingers of his right hand while setting the second aside on the bench. Maybe for later? Then, Geoffrey used his other hand to finish tugging the ties open and shoved his loincloth down.

  Zander gaped at the thick, over nine-inch, deep blue erection that jutted from Geoffrey’s hairless groin. He reached out and slid his fingers up the hard flesh, from base to tip. Gripping the gargoyle’s foreskin, Zander eased it the rest of the way off his head, exposing the wide, oozing slit. He massaged the opening lightly, pleased when Geoffrey growled softly and another bead of fluid oozed from him.

  Lifting one clawed hand back to Za
nder’s jaw, Geoffrey lowered the other to their groins. He urged Zander to grip both their pricks, then gripped his foreskin and pulled it over both their heads. Hissing at the odd sensation, Zander gaped up at Geoffrey.

  “H-Holy shit, Geoff!”

  “Yeah,” Geoffrey snarled low in his throat. He wrapped his lubed fingers around Zander’s hand and started their grip moving. Using the hand on Zander’s jaw, Geoffrey urged their heads together. “Gonna kiss you right.”

  Zander was all for that. He leaned forward and sealed his lips over Geoffrey’s. He flicked out his tongue and teased the seam. The gargoyle quickly opened to him, meeting Zander’s tongue with his own. Zander quickly found himself submitting to Geoffrey’s kiss, to his urge to tilt his head. Geoffrey plunged his longer, narrower tongue into Zander and swirled it around his mouth.

  Between Geoffrey’s ever increasing strokes on their dicks, the slide of the gargoyle’s foreskin over his cock head, and the sensual assault on his mouth, Zander’s body went up in flames. His dick oozed. His balls tingled. His nipples beaded.

  Feeling something slick slide down the back of his pants and probe at his ass, Zander yanked his head away from Geoffrey’s mouth. He gaped, wide-eyed, upon seeing the feral expression on the gargoyle’s face.

  “Easy,” Geoffrey urged. “It’s my tail. I’m gonna slide it into your ass and massage your prostate, Zan,” he claimed. As he spoke, he did just that.

  Zander felt the appendage push past his guardian muscle. He gasped upon feeling the gargoyle’s slender tail move inside him, massaging his muscles from the inside out. “Oh!” He tensed for a second, but then the tail pushed a bit further and moved across his prostate. “Oh!” he gasped again as tingles radiated through him, settling in his balls.

  “That’s it,” Geoffrey rumbled. “Just hang on and enjoy.”

  Pulling his hand away from their dicks, Zander rested both hands on Geoffrey’s broad shoulders. He dug his fingers into the male, hanging on tight as his mind drowned with sensation. Geoffrey continued to jack them both with quick, firm strokes. He slid the hand from Zander’s jaw, down his chest, trailing his claws over him lightly. The light scratching caused his nipples to tighten, and when Geoffrey’s hand reached them, he scraped over first one, then the other. The tail in his ass massaged his inner walls and that special bundle of nerves.