Lessons Learned

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

  “Would you like something to drink?” Hayden walked into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and scanned the contents inside. “I have a soda.” Hands slid up his sides and Hayden stiffened.

  “I don’t want a drink. What I want is you.”

  Hayden closed the refrigerator door and took a deep breath before turning to face Jude. He knew Jude had issues with everyone thinking he was weak and Hayden knew he had to be very careful with his next words.

  “I…have only bottomed once,” Hayden said quietly.

  “I don’t have to top you to be a man, Hayden.” Jude slipped his hands under Hayden’s thin T-shirt. “I want you inside me.”

  Jude slipped the shirt off and popped the button of his jeans with a flick of his fingers. The zipper slid down slowly and Jude pushed his hands inside Hayden’s jeans, gripping his cock firmly. “I want to feel you touching every part of me until I scream that I can’t take anymore. Then I want to do it all over again.”

  “Shit,” Hayden whispered. His cock was instantaneously hard. Damn, Jude knew how to make a statement.

  “Where’s the bedroom?” Jude brushed his lips across Hayden’s.

  Hayden led Jude down the hall to his room. He shut the door and kicked off his shoes. Jude was undressing and Hayden stood transfixed to the spot. Jude’s body was sculpted perfection. The muscles rippled as Jude removed his boxers slowly. Hayden’s mouth went dry at the sight of a naked Jude. His cock, on the other hand, was jutting straight out pointing at what he wanted.

  “Impressive,” Jude grinned motioning to Hayden’s erection. He sat down on the bed and put his hand out. “Come here.”

  Hayden walked to the bed, almost tripping on the woven rug on the floor. His cheeks heated and he looked down at his hands. Jude’s soft chuckle brought his head up.

  “What?”

  Jude sat back on his elbows and gave Hayden a slow once-over. “I think it’s funny to see you like this. You’re shy and awkward around me.”

  “Because I have feelings for you; I always have and I’m so afraid I’m going to stick my foot in my mouth and ruin all this.”

  Jude patted the bed. “Lay down on your stomach.”

  Hayden did as he was told and spread out on the bed. Jude’s thigh slipped between his legs and pushed them apart. Soft lips trailed across his shoulders and fingers tickled down his spine and sides. Jude nuzzled his ear and licked the soft skin of his lobe.

  “I want to lick every inch of you,” Jude whispered huskily. “I want you to be trembling under my tongue and fingers, and just when you think you can’t handle anymore, I’m going to mark you as mine.”

  Hayden’s skin broke out in tiny bumps as Jude’s seductive voice slid down his spine.

  “You have to trust me. Do you trust me, Hayden?” Jude kissed Hayden’s shoulder and moved down his back.

  Hayden nodded.

  “No, say it.” Jude nipped at Hayden’s lower back.

  “I trust you, Jude. With my life.”

  “Lube?”

  Hayden lifted one of his pillows, revealing the lube.

  Jude chuckled softly and put the lube within in reach.

  He sat up on Hayden and ran his fingers down the broad back at his mercy. His balls and leaking cock slid down Hayden’s ass as he moved back, making his way down Hayden’s thighs. He licked one ass cheek and bit it softly. Hayden’s ass clenched and Jude smiled.

  He spread Hayden’s ass cheeks apart and blew on Hayden’s hole, teasing him with what was coming. Hayden’s ass arched a little higher as Jude began licking and teasing. Hayden’s loud moans were beginning to resonate around the room as Jude speared inside, wiggling his tongue around the outside before diving in again.

  “Jude…” Hayden rasped.

  The sound of the cap being opened on the lube filled his senses. Jude’s finger rubbed his hole in slow circles. Hayden gripped the pillow as a finger slid inside him. In all honesty, he tried this once before and it hadn’t gone well. The pain was the only thing he remembered about it. Jude’s finger slowly stroked him on the inside, crooking and scissoring to open him up. Jude seemed to know when he was ready for another, because another digit joined the first one and Hayden’s back arched again.

  “Relax, Hayden. Close your eyes and listen to my voice.” Jude slid his fingers higher, seeking Hayden’s pleasure spot. All the while he told Hayden to relax and let him in. Hayden’s anus started to relax around his fingers and Jude pushed in further; his fingers rubbed the nub of nerves and a loud moan left Hayden’s lips.

  “Jude!” Hayden croaked. The pleasure surprised him. Hayden gasped as Jude continued to rub him into a frenzy.

  Jude kept a nice slow fuck in Hayden’s ass as the man lost his composure.

  “Oh my God! I’m going to come!” Hayden ground out.

  Jude rubbed Hayden’s prostate again and the man came with a fierce cry. Jude leaned over and sunk his canines into Hayden’s shoulder. His orgasm hit him like a truck, squeezing the air from his lungs. He collapsed on Hayden with his canines still lodged in his shoulder. Hayden trembled underneath him and Jude wrapped his arms around him. He removed his canines from Hayden’s shoulder and licked and kissed the area lovingly.

  “You okay?” Jude nuzzled Hayden’s cheek.

  “Wow!”

  Jude chuckled. “Yeah?”

  “I didn’t even have to touch my dick. Holy shit, Jude.”

  Jude rolled off and spread out on the bed with a smile.

  “My turn.”

  A loud growl resounded around the room.

  ~*Chapter Nine*~

  Jude stood on the beach and listened to the sound of the waves. It was quiet out here. Everyone had come to Ireland for a meeting of the packs. Lev had met with James and Wayne and told him everything he knew about the goings on of the Siberian pack.

  Dasan was adjusting well. He’d been introduced to Elijah, Skylar, Stone and Ryder and they had become fast friends. He and Hayden had spent a lot of time with the younger wolf, taking him out and showing him Seattle. Dasan had opted to stay with Hayden, Ross and Noah while he was in Seattle. With a threat now looming over Elijah and Skylar, Wayne wanted to keep closer tabs on them.

  Jude wrapped his arms around himself as he thought about Hayden. He had finally recovered from his rogue bites, but it had scared Jude to death. The kid who had bullied him was now a man — a man who loved him.

  Did he love Hayden?

  Jude looked up at the clouds floating by, pushed by the wind. When Hayden had gotten bitten, his first instinct had been to kill Walter savagely, and he had taken great pleasure in killing him later.

  Hayden was…well he was his. Wasn’t he?

  Jude rubbed his shoulder where Hayden had bitten him when they made love. He’d bitten Hayden. Could he actually see himself with Hayden for life?

  Oh, hell yes.

  Jude smiled as it dawned on him. He loved Hayden Cox. He always had. Even when Hayden was pushing him into a locker, singing his name and calling him a fag, he had loved him.

  “Hey.”

  Jude jumped at the voice and turned to see Hayden staring at him.

  “Hi.” Jude smiled at Hayden. He was wearing sweatpants with a skull shirt on. He looked so damn edible like that.

  “I was surprised to find you gone this morning.”

  “Yeah, well I woke up early and wanted to let you sleep.” Jude searched Hayden’s features. “You thought I’d left for good?”

  “Well, I want this to be more. Like a lot more. I know we’ve bitten each other and made love, but I need to know, Jude.”

  “You need to know what? If we’re exclusive? If I plan on spending my life with the guy who tortured me in school?”

  “God, I can’t apologize enough, Jude. I wish I could go back and take all that pain away for you. I — ”

  “I love you, Hayden.”

  Hayden stopped. “What?” he whispered.

  “I said I love you.” Jude walked to Hayden and took his hands. “Do
you hear me?”

  Jude was startled by a crack of lightning above them. His brows furrowed and he looked up at a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. It wasn’t going to rain. What the hell?

  A streak of light shot down from the sky and bobbed above their heads in the shape of a sphere.

  “What is that?” Jude said slowly.

  Hayden’s eyes widened. “I think it’s the mate bond. Logan and Chance said it was an intense ball of light.”

  “Oh, hell no!” Jude shifted and ran down the beach.

  Hayden stood stock-still as the sphere split in two. One slammed into him as the other chased Jude down the beach. A feeling of peace enveloped him and his toes and fingers warmed as the mate bond passed through him. Hayden looked down the beach to see the ball chasing Jude. It slammed into his butt and Jude yelped. Hayden chuckled as Jude whined and slowly made his way back to his side. He knelt down and took Jude’s face in his hands.

  “I love you, Jude.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Howls filled the air as the pack reacted to another bond. The ground shook with the force of the entire pack running along the beach. Pups Kane and Matty were out front, with Ethan and Gage right behind them. Kane came to a sliding stop in front of Hayden and growled, snapping at Hayden’s sweats.

  “Oh really?” Hayden removed his shirt. “You want to see me in wolf form?” Hayden chuckled as Kane pawed at the sand and shook his head.

  He shifted in the blink of an eye and stared down at Kane. He let out a low growl. Kane huffed and sat down, thumping his tail and staring back.

  “Seriously?” Hayden snorted.

  “What did you expect?” Jude laughed inwardly. “He’s an alpha.”

  “A tiny bit of fear would feed my ego.” Hayden nudged Kane in his ass; Kane nipped at Hayden’s muzzle and snorted.

  “Not going to happen.”

  Hayden turned to see Dakota in wolf form. He would never get used to seeing Dakota as a wolf. The five-foot-nine man was huge in his wolf form. Kane yelped and ran to Dakota, nuzzling his father’s jaw. Dakota licked Kane’s face.

  “So, I see you got mate whammied,” Dakota chuckled.

  “Jude fought it.” Hayden glanced over at Jude, who was doing a wolf version of a scowl.

  “Just because I say I love someone doesn’t mean I have to get hit in the butt to make it stick,” Jude snapped.

  “Well, call me crazy, but I’m actually glad the fates decided to stick it to you. Makes me feel a little bit more comfortable.”

  Jude flipped his tail in Hayden’s face. “I meant what I said.”

  Chance trotted over to Jude and sniffed him. He stiffened and turned to face the others. “Guys, can we have a few minutes alone, please? Jude and I need to talk. Don’t worry — everything’s fine.”

  The pack, minus Hayden, reluctantly trotted off.

  “And no eavesdropping!” Chance shouted.

  He turned to Jude. “Something’s in there hissing.”

  Jude backed up. “What?”

  Chance tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “I see another form in there, and it’s not happy right now with the wolf sitting on it. Something you want to share with the class, Jude?”

  “How can you see it?” Jude asked, disconcerted. Did that mean everyone could see his tiger?

  Chance sat down and sniffed indignantly. “Um, because I’m a warlock? I think I can actually help in this department. Can you shift back to human for me?”

  Jude glanced over at Hayden cautiously.

  Hayden nodded.

  Jude shifted and stood in the sand naked. Chance shifted seconds later and approached Jude slowly. He seemed to be looking right through him.

  “You have two different spirit guides. A wolf and a tiger. The wolf is more dominant, however.”

  Hayden snorted.

  Jude tossed an irritated glance at Hayden. “Dog whistle?”

  Chance chuckled and resumed. “I think I have a way to help you. Your inner tiger is pissy and wants to come out.”

  “Why now?” Jude sighed.

  “Maybe it’s because you found your mate.” Chance smiled over at Hayden. He turned his attention back to Jude. “You ready?”

  “For what?”

  Chance shimmered, and then disappeared. Seconds later, a large white tiger appeared on the sand in front of him. Jude’s body erupted in panic and his neck snapped back. A loud shout of pain left his lips. Hayden shifted immediately and ran to Jude, grabbing and holding him.

  “Hayden! Oh God, it hurts!”

  Hayden spun around and stared at the tiger on the beach.

  “Make it stop!” he shouted. Jude’s fingers changed into massive claws, ripping into Hayden’s arm.

  “Let me go! I don’t want to hurt you!” Jude shrieked.

  “Chance, goddammit! Make it stop!” Hayden roared.

  Jude bucked and flailed in his arms. The sound of bones cracking was hurting Hayden’s heart. Jude was wailing as his body shifted into the form of a white tiger.

  Rounded ears sprung from the top of his head and a long, sleek tail jutted from his backside. Massive paws stretched out. Jude’s face seemed to sink in and change; his cheekbones stretched out to meet his eyes.

  Hayden backed up as Jude’s transformation was complete. God, but Jude was breathtaking. His violet eyes were a jewel-toned contrast to the white fur.

  Hayden approached Jude carefully. He wasn’t sure if Jude could understand him and he was a very big kitty indeed.

  “Jude?” Hayden searched the tiger’s eyes.

  “Fuck me, that hurt!” Jude stretched his legs out in front of him, arching his back.

  Hayden let out a sigh of relief. “I was so worried!” He threw his arms around Jude’s tiger form.

  “That is just so cool!”

  Hayden snapped his head around to see Dasan with a wide smile on his face. “I knew I would like you guys!” he laughed.

  “Chance sent me a message to bring you boys some clothes. Just wanted to check in before I did it, make sure everything’s okay,” Wayne explained. “Brought this one along because I still don’t like leaving him alone. Let’s give these two a little privacy, Dasan, shall we?”

  He looked at Jude and winked. “Tiger, huh? Man, I love this pack. Come on, Dasan; let’s go get them some clothes.”

  The teenager eyed Hayden’s naked form. “Can’t he just stay that way?”

  Jude’s massive head swung around and a low growl left his mouth.

  “Okay, okay!” Dasan put his hands in the air. “But I did say he was hot.”

  Hayden chuckled as the two left. He sat down in the sand and stared at Jude. He was beyond stunning. Black stripes scattered throughout his white coat and he was easily the size of a hippo. Hayden stroked his head, marveling at the intricate stripes that decorated his forehead.

  “You are so incredibly beautiful, Jude.” Hayden rubbed the flat nose.

  “You really think so? I’m not freaking you out?”

  “God no, look at you!”

  Jude yawned.

  Hayden sat back a bit. “My, what very large teeth you have,” he chuckled.

  Jude walked around a bit, just getting used to his new form. The smell coming from Hayden was delicious.

  “Jude…” Hayden back up as Jude advanced on him.

  “Damn you smell good.” Jude nuzzled Hayden’s cock.

  A soft cough interrupted Jude’s smell-fest and he glanced over his shoulder. Wayne was holding two pairs of sweats.

  “Did I interrupt?” Wayne chuckled.

  “Yes, thank God,” Hayden sighed in relief as Jude backed away from his cock and balls. He loved the man, but teeth that big should be nowhere near his groin.

  “Come on up to the house for brunch when you’re ready. I’m just going over Dasan’s options with him.”

  Hayden pulled his sweats on. “Yeah? What does he want to do?”

  “Actually,” Wayne grinned. “He wants to stay with you and
Jude. Guess he trusts the two of you.”

  Hayden looked over at Jude. “What do you think?”

  “I like it. He’s a good kid.”

  Hayden nodded.

  Wayne looked from Hayden to Jude. “Do either of you have a stable home for him? You don’t even live together. He has to go to high school.”

  “I can buy a house,” Hayden offered.

  “We can buy a house,” Jude corrected.

  “We can buy a house.” Hayden dug his fingers through Jude’s lush fur.

  “Okay then, I’ll let him know.” Wayne waved as he retreated down the beach.

  Hayden searched Jude’s eyes. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

  “Yes. Are you?”

  “Oh yeah. I’m ready.”

  “Speaking of ready – I’m not ready yet for everyone to know about my inner kitten. Can we keep it quiet for now?”

  “Anything you want,” Hayden promised, kissing him on his nose.

  Jude glared at Chance.

  “Fine.”

  ~*Chapter Ten*~

  Cuffs and Stuff was packed up to the damn ceiling. The repairs from the fire were still in process, but the mahogany bar had taken most of the damage. The counter and back wall had been replaced and the walls had been given a new coat of paint. All in all, it looked better than it had before the fire.

  Jude weaved through the crowd, holding Hayden’s hand. They’d been house hunting for weeks and had finally found a modest three-bedroom on Aloha Street. Elijah, Stone and Ryder went to the high school nearby, ensuring that Dasan would know at least three people there. They’d taken him to the cemetery as well to say goodbye to his parents.

  All in all, the kid was adjusting better than any sixteen-year-old Jude had ever encountered. Which really wasn’t that many, come to think of it.

  Sam’s mother, Nadine, had fallen for Dasan like a rock. The teenager was half Native American and half Spanish, and he loved all the Quinton boys. Nadine and Joe had spent quite a bit of time with him, as had John Quinton.

  He was flourishing and Jude couldn’t help but think that he and Hayden had a part in all that. Dasan’s parents had wanted to show their son the world; they ended up dying trying to make that dream come true for him.