by Chris McHart
He’d just get Josh to come over for a quick fuck, then after he’d gotten that over with, Josh could spend the night with him. Then he wouldn’t think something was wrong, and Anthony would get what he longed for. He hated to pretend to want sex, but he didn’t see any other way except to admit how weak he was. That wouldn’t happen. Before he could think any more, his thumb pressed the button.
The phone started ringing. Josh answered after the third ring. “What’s up, big guy? Did you change your mind?”
“Yes, I did. Do you want to come over?”
“You don’t really have to ask. I’ll be there in a few minutes. I just need to get dressed.”
“You can stay in sweatpants. Don’t get dressed on my behalf.”
“I didn’t mean wearing sweatpants. More that I should wear something at all.”
Anthony froze. Did Josh say what he thought he just said?
If he even had the slightest desire for sex, he’d now be halfway at Josh’s place. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to save this picture for the next time he felt like it. Today, it did nothing for him.
“I’m a little disappointed I didn’t get any other reaction. But well, maybe I just didn’t see it. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Josh ended the call without waiting for Anthony to say goodbye. Anthony sank back onto the sofa, rubbed his face with one hand, and closed his eyes.
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang, and Anthony rose to answer the door. He hadn’t moved from the sofa since he’d called Josh.
When he opened the front door, Josh threw himself around his neck, as he did so often. His arms wrapped around his neck, while his legs went around his waist.
Anthony caught him out of reflex and was immediately pulled into a kiss. Josh was here for one reason only – which was sex. He opened his mouth to return the kiss, and his tongue touched Josh’s. He tried to concentrate on the man in his arms, tried to enjoy how Josh felt, but his thoughts kept wandering. One hand supported Josh under his ass, and with the other, he closed the front door to prevent the neighbors from seeing too much if anyone was around.
“What’s the matter?” Josh had stopped kissing him and stared at him.
Anthony closed his eyes for a moment and Josh slipped from his arms.
“Okay, you tell me what’s going on first. I guess you didn’t call me to have a little sex before bed, so there’s another reason. You lured me here with sex, and I’m here, but now you can tell me what this is really about.” Josh definitely noticed too much. Sometimes at least. And this time he had noticed something was wrong.
Anthony pulled him toward the bedroom. “Come with me. I’ll tell you what I can.”
Josh didn’t ask any more questions, but just followed him into his bedroom. Anthony waited until he was under the blankets, then turned off the light and lay down with him.
He pulled Josh into his arms and on his shoulder. Feeling Josh close to his body calmed him down and gave him a sense of security. In the silence of the room, he began to speak.
His heartbeat slowed, and his breathing seemed to get easier. He held Josh tight and said, “Today, when we were talking about the pack… I wanted to take over. Everything inside me screamed to challenge the alpha. The desire for power was almost overwhelming, and I barely managed to resist it. Even though I already knew what was going on, I was able to keep it in check until now. Until the suggestion that I should take over. I don’t know what to do if it hits me again. I ran ’til I couldn’t go on, but what if it comes back? I can’t do it.”
Anthony stopped, and Josh used the break to talk. “That’s why you wanted to be alone today?”
“Yes. I was running in a park until I couldn’t breathe anymore. It’s the only thing that really helps.”
“But what exactly is the problem with taking over? Except that you don’t want to rule a pack.”
Anthony took a deep breath. That was something he didn’t want to talk about. He’d told D, but no one else. “Can you just believe me when I say it’s not a good idea? That it’s the worst solution you could come up with? No matter what happens, I can’t do it … Just believe me.”
Josh nodded against his shoulder. “I can’t imagine it’s that bad, but I believe you. You know better than I do. Is there anything I can do?”
Anthony took a deep breath, felt Josh’s slender and smaller body pressed against his, and more and more tension left him.
That was what he needed. Not only did he not want to be alone, but he needed to hold Josh in his arms. He breathed deeply once more, pressed a kiss on Josh’s hair and muttered, “No, I think that helped already. Thanks for coming over.”
“You offered sex. Did you expect me to say no?” Josh’s voice was light, showing he wasn’t serious.
“Next time you’ll get sex again, okay?”
“You can just call me if you need someone to talk to. It’s not like I’m just thinking about sex.”
“I didn’t expect you to lie to me like that.”
This time Josh snorted out loud. The sound was slightly muffled because he pressed against Anthony’s shoulder, but it was clearly audible. “Crap. Doesn’t mean you can’t still call if something’s wrong. Dominant guy or not, you sometimes need someone who’s just there, too. And I can’t get rid of the feeling that you usually ignore that.”
Anthony couldn’t deny that. “We were raised differently, and it’s hard for me.”
“I know.” Josh rubbed soothing circles on his stomach. “But you took the first step today. Next time it’ll be easier, believe me. And it shows strength to ask for help, more than trying to do it alone.” Josh continued rubbing, changing between his abs and his chest, but keeping his distance from his nipples.
Touch was what he needed, but Josh tried hard not to let it become sexual. He just petted him – like he was scratching a cat. Anthony bit his lip to stop himself from laughing. It felt so good that his panther saw it as a caress.
He wouldn’t have thought about it, but now he knew why he was so relaxed. An excited cat didn’t allow any belly scratches, so it seemed to calm him down as a human too. It sounded strange, but he couldn’t explain it any other way.
“I’ll remember that and not lure you here with sex next time.”
Josh giggled quietly. “You can lure me here with sex. I’m just saying you don’t have to promise sex if you just want a little company. If you’re calling because you just want to hang out, it’s all right.”
“So I’ll call when I want sex, and I’ll call when I don’t want sex. Right?”
As a reward, Josh scratched his chest.
If he’d be able to purr, he probably would do it now. His cat was so relaxed that it only wanted to roll up and sleep, which was exactly what he’d do now. “Would you mind staying here tonight?”
“Do you seriously think I’m gonna get up again unless you tell me you want to be alone?”
“I just wanted to make sure you didn’t feel obligated or anything.”
“Believe me, I’ll let you know if it comes to that.” Josh moved his head and pressed a gentle kiss to Anthony’s cheek. “Now go to sleep, big boy. I’ll stay here.”
“Good night.” He hesitated. “And thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are there for.”
Anthony felt his body getting heavier and heavier. “Still, thanks,” were the last words he mumbled before his body gave in to exhaustion.
Chapter 8
Josh
* * *
Something had changed when they hadn’t fucked as planned, but talked about the things troubling Anthony. He still didn’t know all the background, but it was a start.
It didn’t sound like Anthony to be so afraid of challenging his father that he even accepted others were hurting or suffering. He knew Anthony to be very different from someone who could turn a blind eye to the pain of others, and from the moment he’d woke in Anthony’s arms that morning, he worried about it.
Josh tried to focus on the billing he was working on. The numbers blurred again and again, no matter how hard he tried to figure it out. Someone hadn’t been paying attention, and now it was up to him to correct it. It wasn’t easy when his thoughts kept wandering to Anthony and the things that kept bothering him.
A knock sounded from the door, and Josh looked up. The interruption came just in time, because he didn’t get any further with this bill. “Come in.”
The door opened, and he spotted the man he’d just been thinking about.
“Am I interrupting?” Anthony asked.
“No, not at all. Can I help you?”
They’d seen each other a few times since Anthony’s call two days ago, because Anthony also worked in the castle, but they hadn’t really talked to each other. Josh wanted to give Anthony some space until he’d sorted out his thoughts. He’d obviously found it hard to ask Josh to just be there for him, and he didn’t want Anthony to feel uncomfortable about it in any way.
“I need the records of the new mates who arrived the day before yesterday. Gerome said you should have them here. Mainly where they’re from and all that information.”
“Yes, that’s here.” Josh rolled his chair to the closet while Anthony stopped into the middle of the room. He had his hands in his pockets and studied the floor very carefully. He seemed to be uncomfortable in Josh’s presence. “If you’re free in the evening, say something,” Josh mentioned carefully while he was leafing through the papers. He’d just put them down here yesterday. The folders couldn’t have gotten far.
“Yes, I’d love to.” Anthony’s voice revealed his surprise. Maybe he’d felt really uncomfortable inviting Josh back for an evening.
“Great. Maybe today?”
“Yeah, why not? Pizza?” Anthony asked.
“I’m not saying no to that.”
“My place? Or yours? And is seven okay?”
Josh took the papers he was looking for from the stack. “Come to my place so I don’t have to go out again.” On the way back to his desk, he handed Anthony the documents.
“All right. Then I’ll pick you up here?”
Josh nodded. “Good plan. I’m looking forward to it.”
For the first time since he had entered the office, Anthony smiled. “Me too.”
Before he could turn around, the office door burst open again and Jeremy stood in front of them. “Anthony, come quick. It’s important.” He was gasping like he’d run all the way to Josh’s office.
Anthony turned around immediately and Josh jumped up from his chair to follow him. He ran after the two men. Their feet echoed across the hardwood floors and Josh had trouble keeping up with them as they hurried through the castle.
“What happened?” Anthony asked while he was running.
“Your father.”
“What’s he done now?”
“You’ll hear in a minute.”
They reached the part of the palace where the mates were housed. There had been fewer of them, but some still turned up, only now allowed to leave their mates. Some lived in circles that didn’t recognize the change at all and had to wait for a time to flee. Others knew about the new laws but couldn’t leave immediately for various reasons.
Jeremy opened one of the doors without knocking. Inside, a young girl sat, tears streaming down her face. Luis and Gerome were with her. Even though Josh didn’t really have any business being in there, he wouldn’t wait outside. He quietly closed the door behind him when he entered the room with Jeremy and Anthony.
“Kyra, this is Anthony. He’s the alpha’s son, and you have to tell him again what you just told me.” Gerome spoke quietly to not frighten the girl. She had long blonde hair, soft facial features and looked no older than fourteen.
She looked up, startled, then closed her eyes again. “I can’t. What if he –“
“He’s not. I promise you. He’s one of the best men I know, and he doesn’t share any of his father’s views. He escaped from the pack years ago, and he’s the only one who might be able to help.”
“Hello, Kyra, I’m Anthony. How can I help you?” Anthony took a step forward and then kneeled down in front of the scared girl.
More tears came into her eyes, ran down her cheeks and she tried to wipe them away. “My sister, he has my sister.”
“Who has your sister?” Anthony’s voice remained calm as he visibly tried not to frighten her.
Josh already suspected, and he wished she wouldn’t say what he feared.
“The alpha has my sister, my twin sister. I was supposed to be mated to one of his high-ranking pack members, and she’s going to be the alpha’s. But she’s only fourteen. We can’t…”
Anthony took a deep breath. His whole body trembled, then suddenly a roar filled the room, making the walls tremble.
Josh looked at the spot where Anthony had been standing a moment ago. In his place was the most powerful black panther he’d ever seen. Not that he’d seen too many, but he was very sure they weren’t usually this size. D was definitely a lot smaller.
The big cat growled in anger then ran to the door. It jumped on the handle and was gone.
“Fucking hell!” That came from Jeremy.
“What’s he doing?” Gerome seemed just as confused as Josh.
“I would say the Alpha is going to get challenged now.” Jeremy replied.
“What do you mean?” Josh asked.
“I’d guess he’s on his way to his old pack,” Jeremy said.
“But he never wanted to go back there. Do you really think he’ll challenge the alpha?” Josh still tried to wrap his head around the events.
“I’m pretty sure that’s what he’s going to do. The way he reacted, he won’t tolerate what’s happening. And I can understand him.” Jeremy touched the girl’s shoulder. “Anthony will take care of it, and I think he’ll do anything to keep your sister safe.”
She nodded gratefully.
“We can’t let him fight alone!” Just the thought of Anthony facing his father all by himself was enough to make Josh sick. He looked to Gerome for help.
“I can’t. That’d be a declaration of war and a bloodbath. Besides, I’m not that sure I could take on a shape-shifting, completely crazy alpha. I don’t think my chances are the best.”
“Can you at least come with me?” Josh looked at Jeremy.
Jeremy nodded and pulled out his cell phone. “Yes, I can, even if we’ll need more support. We’re not welcome there, but at least it’s not a declaration of war like if Gerome turns up there.”
“D and Ash are allowed to come, right?”
Jeremy nodded.
“That’s enough.” Josh pulled out his cell phone. “Jeremy, we’re leaving right after I call D and Ash. Luis, could you call Alex or Sam to see if they want to watch the twins?”
“I’ll take care of it, but right now, I’ll go with you and watch them until Alex or Sam say yes, or I’ll just take them with me.” Luis stood, ready to leave.
Josh pressed the phone to his ear as they hurried through the corridors.
Anthony was only running, but he had a head start.
The phone rang and Ash answered shortly afterwards. “Josh, what’s going on?”
“We need to go to D and Anthony’s old pack. Something’s happened, and Anthony will challenge the alpha if we don’t hurry. Can you and D come with me?”
“Of course.” Ash suddenly sounded very serious.
“I’ll tell you the rest in the car. You in?”
“Of course, let me just see who can take the kids–“
“Luis will get them and take them to the castle. We’ll be over in a few minutes.”
“We’ll be ready.”
Ash hung up and Josh put his phone in his pocket.
Less than ten minutes later, all of them were in Lindsay’s car. The four of them had changed into black clothing, and Lindsay and Jeremy looked dangerous with their black equipment to ma
tch. D’s shirt stretched a little over his slightly visible baby bump, but anyone who didn’t know he was pregnant would assume that D just liked food a bit too much.
Only Josh hadn’t changed. He was wearing a dark blue T-shirt and jeans because there wouldn’t have been time to stop at his apartment.
“Okay, now, let’s slow down. Tell us exactly what happened.” Ash looked at Josh.
“The short version is that a girl showed up at the castle who seems to have run away from your old pack. She’s young, so damn young, and she said she was supposed to be mated to a high-ranking pack member and her twin sister to the alpha.”
Ash slapped a hand in front of his mouth while D cursed loudly. “Damn it!”
“Pig!” hissed Ash.
“Anthony yelled so hard, the walls were shaking, then he shifted and stormed out. Gerome, Luis, and I agree that he wouldn’t let that happen and will try to challenge the alpha. D, I have no idea if he’s strong enough, but he was so convinced he couldn’t take over the pack. I totally get his reaction, but do you think it’s a good idea to let him go?” Josh swallowed while they fought their way through traffic. Had he made the wrong decision, and was it wrong to help him?
“I don’t think anything can stop Anthony right now. Hearing what happened in our pack ate him up from the inside. Just like me, to be honest, but we both knew there was nothing we could do. Anthony has his reasons why he doesn’t want to become alpha, but I think he just can’t ignore what’s going on anymore. He’ll do anything to save the girl, no matter what that means for him.”
“That’s what I suspected. But what’s he going to do right now?”
“I think he’s either running or driving to our pack. Looking at the traffic, he won’t be faster if he drives, but he’ll be more rested. I don’t know how clearly he’s thinking. But I’m sure he’ll face our father and fight him. Anthony is damn well in shape and I dare say he can win, but I’m not sure. These fights are usually to the death, because our father won’t give in. He doesn’t submit. No way.”
Josh put his hand to his mouth. “But we can’t–“
