Fangs and Fur

by M. A. Church

  “Oh, don’t worry. There won’t be.” Rhett flashed that evil grin again. “I want you to have closure, so I’m going to tell you that I’ve gathered what evidence I could find in that shed and documented it. Along with your statement, the video, and that evidence, there will never be a question of who and what Hogan was.”

  “Good,” Bert said feverishly.

  Rhett stood. “I’m going to take this to Rob, since it seems he has lost his way with our drinks. Then that fucking shed and I have a fucking date with a can of gas and a lighter. Care to join me?”

  Alvin glanced at Bert. “A bonfire would be great this evening, wouldn’t it?”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Rising to his feet, Bert followed Rhett and Alvin back to the jamboree house.

  DYLAN, BERT, Alvin, Rhett, and Rob sat in lawn chairs watching the shed burn. No one spoke. As they sat there, other jamboree members joined them, talking softly to one another, killing the quietness, as the place that held so many bad memories burned to the ground.

  It seemed appropriate.

  The little building burned quickly, but instead of letting it go out, a couple of men threw on dead limbs that had been swept into a pile. A couple more folks hunted up some ice chests and filled them with drinks. A few teenagers scrounged around and came up with marshmallows.

  A radio appeared, lending a sense of fun to the solemn occasion. Children came out from behind their parents’ legs, sticks were handed out, and before Bert knew it, there was a marshmallow roast going on. Laughter filled the area, and when a lively tune came on, dancing broke out.

  “Much better, isn’t it?” Rob asked Bert from the seat next to him.

  “This is how it should’ve always been,” Bert said.

  “It will be.” Rob fiddled with the stick somebody had handed him, carefully cooking his marshmallow. “Not that I want to intrude on what’s turning into the such a pleasant night, but have you and Alvin thought about what you’re going to do?”

  Alvin stayed quiet since this question seemed to be directed at Bert.

  Bert’s marshmallow went up in flames, and he blew it out. After he ate it, he answered. “We’ve talked about it. This may come as a surprise, but we’re considering staying here. But a lot of it depends on who the new Alpha will be.”

  Rob shot Alvin a glance, and Alvin nodded.

  “Ah, well, in that case, let me put your mind at ease. Alpha Trent Jonas is the Alpha I have in mind to assume leadership. He’s a good man—loyal, trustworthy, and fair. And a beast in a fight. Actually, he reminds me a lot of Grady.”

  Alvin laughed softly. “That’s terrifying and reassuring at the same time.”

  “Indeed.” Rob grinned. “But anyway, Trent won’t assume Alphaship until I have this jamboree a hell of a lot more stable than it is now.”

  “What do you mean?” Bert asked, frowning.

  “We both kind of assumed a new Alpha would be here within a few days,” Alvin added.

  “Usually that’s how things work, but not this time.” Rob grimaced. “Not only does Hogan’s outstanding debts have to be settled, but every cabin here needs to be… well, let’s just say practically rebuilt. The jamboree house needs a lot of work too, as does the land. Businesses connected to the jamboree are going to need to be overhauled… and by the Jaguar God, it just goes on and on.”

  Alvin noticed Rob and Rhett never mentioned their goddess like most jaguars. No, they seemed to pray to the Jaguar God of the Night, the formidable Lord of the Underworld. It was a powerful, scary deity.

  Deciding to avoid that subject, Alvin focused instead on all the money needed to get this jamboree back onto his feet. “So who’s going to pay for all this, if not the new Alpha?”

  Rob sighed. “The Council is. We let the situation drag on way longer than we should have, so we’re responsible for making sure your jamboree gets back on its feet. But it isn’t going to happen overnight. Until then, I’m going to act as Alpha, and Rhett will be my right hand.”

  Okay, Alvin wasn’t expecting that. And by the way Bert jerked in surprise, neither had he.

  “I hope the both of you decide to stay. If you do, Bert, I want you to retain your rank as delta. Alvin? I plan to reinstate you as a delta too.”

  Alvin’s mouth fell open.

  The firelight caught Rob’s amused grin. “Surprised you, huh? Yes, I know you lost your rank, but this isn’t Grady’s jamboree. For the time being, it’s mine, and I want you as a delta.”

  Alvin was floored. And in shocked. And overwhelmed. “But, what will the new Alpha say about that?”

  “He trusts my judgment. Tell me, Alvin, have you learned from this? If a similar situation should ever come about, do you think you’ll act on your own? Or will you trust in your Alpha and talk to him?”

  “I’d talk to him. All of this could’ve been avoided if I had just talked to Grady. It was a hard lesson to learn, but one I learned well.”

  “I believe so too.” Rob briefly patted Alvin on the shoulder. “I’m glad to hear you’re considering staying. I’m going to need good men like you and Bert to rebuild.” Rob stood and slowly made his way through the crowd, taking time to speak to jamboree members.

  Alvin grabbed Bert’s hand, excitement racing through him. “Holy shit. Holy shit! Did I just get my rank back?”

  “I would say you did.” Bert lifted their joined hands, kissed Alvin’s knuckles, and then lowered them. “I’m so happy for you! You know, I’m actually kind of excited now that I know Rob will be here awhile. I like him, and I’ll think it’ll help me adjust too.”

  “So, we’re staying, for sure?”

  “Yes. The only experience with an Alpha I’ve ever had was bad,” Bert said. “But I think… I think Rob will help me get over that.”

  “Babe, I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. I—”

  Alvin didn’t get a chance to finish as a cute cub with pigtails ran up, grabbed Bert’s hand, and dragged him to the impromptu dance floor. Bert looked back, a baffled grin on his face. Snorting, Alvin waved at him. Seeing Bert dance with the little girl warmed something deep inside him. By damn, Bert deserved some fun in his life.

  Someone offered Alvin a drink, which he gladly took and settled in his chair. He scanned the area. It looked like most of the jamboree had turned out. Everybody was either dancing or roasting marshmallows. Those who weren’t were clustered in small groups, talking, but Alvin didn’t sense any malice from them.

  The song ended, but another one started right up. Bert was still dancing with the cub. Rhett was trying to get Dylan to dance with him, and that wasn’t going so well. Seemed like every time the two of them got near each other, the claws came out. That situation would bear watching.

  Alvin admitted to himself that he was thrilled about the plans to rebuild. He also had business experience, which would come in useful later. Admittedly, he was uneasy about dealing with the new Alpha, but Rob’s words reassured him.

  Huffing, Dylan flopped down on the chair next to him, wiping his forehead. “Holy cow, it’s been a while since I busted a move on the dance floor.”

  Alvin snorted. “You’re getting old.”

  Dylan shoved him in the arm. “Hey! I’m a few years older than you.”

  “I’m not the one huffing and puffing.” Alvin raised an eyebrow.

  “Dude, Rhett told me Rob offered your delta position back, and I came over here to congratulate you. And what do I get? Flack. I see how it is.” Dylan acted like he was going to get up.

  “Oh, sit your ass back down already. You couldn’t wait to get over here.”

  “Busted. Rhett is driving me crazy.” Dylan waved his hand. “Anyway, seriously, congratulations! I know you’re thrilled.”

  “Yeah, I was shocked. Sure wasn’t expecting to hear Rob planned to stay as temporary Alpha or that he wanted to reinstate my rank.”

  “So, I guess that means you’re staying?”

  “Yes.” Alvin sipped his drink. “I’m actually kind
of excited about it.”

  “Grady will be disappointed, but he’ll understand. I wish you the best of luck and much happiness, my friend. It’s going to be a long journey, but you and Bert have a chance to repair the damage done here and make something beautiful. If you ever need anything, just let me know.”

  Alvin jumped right on that offer. “Well, since you mentioned it….”

  “Sure. What do you need?”

  “Would you mind if I borrowed the SUV we arrived in?” Alvin rushed on. “Bert and I haven’t mated, and I want it to be special. You know, romance him. I’m thinking about renting a nice hotel room for two days, but I need a way there.”

  Dylan waggled his eyebrows. “Absolutely, man. Do it up right.” He sighed. “I’m going to be here a few days anyway. Rob brought in a brand-new computer system he wants me to help set up. When are you planning on leaving?”

  “Tonight.”

  “Well, then, let me get my keys.” Snickering, Dylan stood. “I’m staying in the jamboree house, so give me a few minutes to get them and I’ll be back.”

  “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

  “No problem. I’m glad to help.”

  A few minutes later, Bert stumbled to the seat Dylan had vacated and fell into it. He grabbed the drink out of Alvin’s hand and took a long gulp, then ran the can across his forehead. “That little one is a spitfire. Her name is Sally, if I remember correctly. If we could find a way to bottle all that energy and sell it to the humans, we’d make a fortune.”

  “Too bad we can’t.” Chuckling, Alvin rescued his drink.

  “Yeah.” Bert leaned back in the chair. “Did I look like a total fool out there? I never was a big dancer, and now with this knee—”

  “Hey, you looked gorgeous to me.” Alvin waited until Bert met his eyes. “I was just getting ready to come out there and break in. Can’t have all these people looking at my sexy mate shaking his ass unless I’m near.”

  Bert snorted. “I’d have been grateful if you had. What did Dylan want?”

  “To tell me he’d heard about Rob offering me a position and to congratulate me.”

  “Cool.”

  “I also asked if I could borrow the keys to the SUV we arrived in.” Alvin held his hand out. “You ready for that vacation I mentioned earlier?”

  Bert licked his lips and took Alvin’s hand. “When are we leaving?”

  “I was thinking about….” Alvin saw Dylan making his way to them with something thrown over his shoulder. “How do you feel about now?”

  “Hey, guys!” Dylan tossed his keys to Alvin, who caught them. “I did a quick search on my cell and found the perfect place. Already booked you for two nights.” Dylan dropped the suitcase on the ground and held out a piece of paper. “Here’s your confirmation number and the directions. I grabbed your suitcase too, Alvin. You might have an occasion where you need clothes. Doubtful, but who knows.”

  Alvin stood and gave Dylan a quick hug. “You did not have to do that. Thank you.”

  “I wanted to. Consider it a mating gift.” Dylan stepped back.

  Bert stood and tentatively hugged Dylan too. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

  “You deserve it. The both of you do.” Dylan released Bert and shoved his hands in his front pocket. “Okay, get going. Have fun. Next time I see you guys, I want to see matching scars.”

  Grabbing his suitcase, Alvin dragged Bert through the crowd toward Bert’s cabin. There was clapping and shoulder-patting as they hurried along. Man, shifters and their excellent hearing. He didn’t stop until they were standing on Bert’s porch.

  “Good grief, what are we doing here?” Bert asked.

  “I thought you might want to grab a few clothes, your toothbrush, and so on.”

  “Well, I don’t have much in the way of clothes, but the rest I will probably need.” Bert opened the door and stepped inside. “I won’t be but just a second.”

  “Don’t worry about the clothes. We can pick up whatever you might need on the way,” Alvin said, following of Bert inside.

  Bert stopped and turned. He bit his lip. “I, ah, don’t have a lot of money. Hogan didn’t exactly pay us for the things he wanted done around here.”

  Alvin swore harshly. “Jesus, the guy was…. Okay, yeah, not going there. Not on our mating night. Look, you’ll be earning a paycheck soon enough. You should’ve been drawing a salary, since you’re rank. I’m sure Rob will encourage members to get jobs on the side too, like the business I have.”

  “Okay. I don’t want you to think you have to furnish everything in our mating.” Bert fidgeted, moving farther into the cabin. “I’m more than capable of earning money, when given the chance.”

  “I know you can. Got any ideas of what you might like to do?”

  Bert glanced around the cabin. “Well, I’m pretty good at building things. A lot of the stuff in here I built.”

  “Holy crap, seriously? You’ve got a good eye. So, you can do carpentry?”

  “I was never formally trained, but yes.”

  “I have a feeling Rob is going to love you. If I had to guess, I don’t think you’re going to have to worry about earning money for long, not with all the work to be done around here. So why don’t you go grab whatever you want to take, and let’s get going.”

  Blushing, Bert grabbed the few things he needed.

  WHERE THEY were staying wasn’t far off. On the way there, Alvin stopped at a wholesale chain store. He bought Bert a couple pairs of shorts, a few shirts, a swimsuit, and other some other odds and ends. He enjoyed treating Bert, but he could also understand Bert’s need to provide for himself.

  They arrived at the hotel, which had miles of marble everywhere, fancy columns, and more flowers than he could shake a stick at strategically placed around. Alvin didn’t give a damn about any of it. All he needed was a bed and Bert.

  He opened the door, then stepped aside so Bert could enter first. Following Bert into the room, he dropped his suitcase at the end the bed. The curtains were pulled back, showing the city sparkling in the night.

  “What a fabulous view,” Bert whispered.

  “Damn. It sure is.”

  “Jesus. This place is beyond anything.”

  The suite had a 50" TV in the living area, a dining table for four, and a spacious living room with a sectional sofa.

  Alvin planned to use every available hard surface while they were there.

  Bert wandered into the bathroom. “Holy shit.”

  Alvin followed, anxious to see. “Whoa.”

  There was a jetted deep-soaking tub, a 15" TV, and again, marble everywhere. The bathroom also consisted of a separate shower, dual sinks, and a lighted makeup mirror. Alvin rubbed his hands together. More hard surfaces.

  “I’ve never stayed in anything like this,” Bert said. “It’s really fancy.”

  Alvin swung his arm around Bert’s shoulders. Surprise had him tightening his hold on Bert. His mate was trembling. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m almost afraid to touch anything. It’s just…. I don’t belong in a place like this.”

  “Hey now, stop that crap.” Alvin leaned back. “Really, it’s just a room with a TV and a big tub. No big deal.”

  “You did see where I lived, right?”

  “Yeah, I guess it might seem extreme, considering. But I don’t ever want to hear you say you don’t belong in a place like this, because you do. You deserve nice things, and I’m going to make damn sure you have them.”

  “I would’ve been happy mating you at my cabin.”

  “I would have too, but I wanted something special. I wanted to….” Apparently Bert’s habit of blushing was catching, because Alvin cheeks were growing warm. “I wanted to treat you.”

  Bert’s eyes watered. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” Stepping out of Alvin’s arms, Bert walked out the bathroom. As he walked, he stripped off his shirt and dropped it on the ground. “Romance me, mate.”

  Alvin couldn
’t undress quickly enough. He scrambled after Bert, following the line of clothes to the bed. There Bert lay. Even from where he was standing, Alvin could see Bert was trembling. Alvin planned to turn that hesitation into moans of pleasure.

  Grabbing the lube out of his suitcase, he placed it on one of the stands next to the huge bed. He prowled across the bed, watching Bert. Alvin sniffed. Bert was still nervous, but arousal was also spiking in his scent now. Good. Once he was close enough, he straddled Bert.

  He leaned over and kissed Bert’s jaw, purposely avoiding Bert’s neck—too much temptation. Instead, he licked and sucked his way down to Bert’s chest. Alvin grinned—the rapid beat of Bert’s heart was as loud as a drum.

  Taking his time, he nibbled toward a perky nipple. He was determined to make Bert tremble for another reason. A stifled whimper greeted him as he bypassed the nub. Perfect. He wanted Bert needing him as bad as he needed Bert. Making his way to the other nipple, he circled it, not touching where Bert wanted.

  “Alvin….”

  Hearing the demand in Bert’s voice, Alvin licked the stiff peak, then blew across the wet skin and saw chill bumps. Trailing back and forth, he tormented the stiff nubs with soft kisses and nibbling bites. He sucked a nipple into his mouth while pinching the neglected one.

  “Goddess, yes.” Bert clutched the sheet, his head rolling back and forth on the bed, whimpers escaping him.

  Moving on, Alvin explored farther down, following Bert’s treasure trail. Bert’s dick was rigid and begging for attention, and streaks of precome decorated Bert’s belly. Alvin lapped at it, and Bert whimpered.

  “Mmm, you taste good.” Alvin nudged Bert’s legs open.

  Bert raised his head to watch as Alvin settled between Bert’s spread legs, then dropped his head back on the pillow. “Fuck.”

  Alvin tapped Bert’s leg. “Don’t come yet.”

  “I’ll… try. Don’t know how much of that I can take, though.”

  Before Alvin did anything else, he pressed a kiss to Alvin’s damaged knee.

  Bert let go of the sheet and threaded his fingers into Alvin’s hair. “Thank you,” he choked out.