The Marius Brothers 1
Micah Micah Marius is fourth of seven brothers, warriors that fight against the demons of his world. He’s used to fighting hard, being in life or death situations on a daily basis, and pushing the softer side of his personality to the side. He isn’t prepared for his reaction when he meets Riley, a sexy little vampire doctor and his fated mate. Hell, Micah isn’t even gay, but he can’t seem to control his reaction to the man that he knows belongs to him. Riley is a vampire doctor. He’s also unconventional, secretive, and dealing with a heavy case of lust toward the warrior in his care. Sensuality Rating: SEXTREME Genre: Alternative (F/F or M/M)/Vampire/Paranormal Length: 41,645 words
MICAH The Marius Brothers 1
Joyee Flynn
EROTIC ROMANCE
Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com
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[email protected] A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance MICAH Copyright © 2010 by Joyee Flynn E-book ISBN: 1-60601-895-7 First E-book Publication: August 2010 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2010 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com
Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Micah by Joyee Flynn from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.
Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Joyee Flynn’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Flynn’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com
DEDICATION To Glynis, Barb, Jeff, and all the others who have made me feel so welcome at my new home. You guys rock and accepted the city girl with open arms and a willingness to always help me adjust. Lots of love to the small town I live in!
MICAH The Marius Brothers 1 JOYEE FLYNN Copyright © 2010
Chapter 1 “Come on, Caleb, we’re closing in on him,” Micah yelled to his best friend. They’d been chasing a demon for a better part of a week, unable to locate his daytime resting place. He needed to be pretty powerful to cloak himself from two warrior vampires. “One of us has a clawed up back, asshole,” Caleb snarled, still picking up the pace. Micah kept his chuckle to himself. His best friend was a machine. There were very few things that ever got in Caleb’s way or slowed him down. Most vampires would be on the ground bawling if a demon clawed up their back. The poison from those claws felt like acid. Micah knew it well. After four hundred years of being a warrior, Micah had lost count of how many times he’d received the same type of injury. But still they fought. Some days it seemed like a losing battle. For each demon they killed, another one seemed to pop up in its place. Still, the alternative of letting the demons overrun the vampires and drain them dry wasn’t an option. Demons were once vampires, vampires who decided they didn’t want blood to feed, they wanted it for the power, for the kill. Vampires had always lived by a strict code: Do no harm to humans, and hide all evidence of their existence from humans. In recent
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decades, with blood banks everywhere, most vampires didn’t even drink directly from a human unless in emergency situations. Micah missed it though. Not that he wanted to hurt a human, but he missed the intimacy of drinking from someone, wrapping his arms around them. He preferred to drink during sex. Sinking his fangs into his lover right as he climaxed was intense. Micah snapped himself back to the job at hand. Just thinking about drinking while engaged in sex made his cock rock hard, and this wasn’t the time or place for that. “We’ve got less than a half hour until sunrise. If we can stay on the demon’s ass until then, maybe we can finally find his lair,” Caleb said. Micah was starting to worry. He could sense Caleb getting weaker by the minute. They’d been chasing the demon most of the night, but Micah stayed sharp. If the demon led them into a trap with more demons waiting for them, game over. “Hit the ground!” Micah yelled as he saw a burst of energy heading their way. The demon was getting desperate, trying to lose them any way he could. Micah had never met this demon before, but he knew that Caleb had been friends with him before he turned. Torhn had been his given vampire name. He was over six hundred years old. Why he turned demon, what led him to the decision, no one knew. “Fucker’s always been quick,” Caleb replied as they got up and continued the chase. “Torhn was the one who trained me to be a warrior, like a lot of us. Why there are only two of us hunting him is beyond me!” “We’re spread pretty thin these days as is,” Micah said. “Most hunts are solo activities. I was presently grateful for the backup, even if it gave me someone as slow are you.” “Oh yeah? Would you rather it be one of your brothers?” Caleb asked, laughing. “Fuck no!” Micah loved his brothers, but like any siblings, they fought all the time. He was born into an elite warrior family,
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respected and powerful for generations, but to Micah, it didn’t mean he was different than any other warrior. He wanted to earn respect as a warrior from his actions, not from his name. Desmond and Elena Marius had seven sons: Victor, Stefan, Gabriel, Micah, Virgil, Remus, and Damian. Marius was a name all vampires knew. It was almost like being royalty in their world. His father retired from being a warrior a few hundred years ago and took a seat on the high council. Given vampires could live for centuries, Desmond could have that seat for a very, very long time. Of course, vampires could die. Just not how most legends said. Garlic was nothing to them, crosses didn’t hurt them, silver was no big thing, and they could be in the sunlight. Granted the sunlight wasn’t their favorite thing, because they were quite sensitive to it, but they certainly didn’t burst into flames. “I’ve lost him,” Caleb said from his right. “Can you still sense him?” “Yeah, I’ve got him, but he’s fading fast. I have to really concentrate to feel him,” Micah replied, changing their direction as the demon did. He was ready for a break. The past few months, he’d gone from hunt to hunt to hunt. Micah wanted his own bed for about a week and his mom’s homecooked meals. Vampires could eat food fine. They just had to have so much blood in addition or they would grow weak. “What’s up?” Caleb asked quietly when Micah stopped. “He’s close, but I’m losing him,” he replied. They were at the Grand Canyon again. They knew Torhn’s hiding place was in there somewhere, but given the size of the Grand Canyon, finding one demon was like finding a needle in a haystack. Micah jumped down to a ledge where he last had a strong sense of the demon. He lay flat against the inner wall of the cavern that was there, waiting for Caleb to join him. As Caleb landed, a burst of energy came towards them. Micah dived, pushing Caleb out of the way. The energy grazed his shoulder, knocking the wind out of him.
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Damn, that hurt! “Thanks, man. Are you ok?” Caleb asked, helping Micah to his feet. “I’ll live. Let’s get this asshole and get some rest.” They took off into the cavern, knowing it took only a few minutes for Torhn to regroup and send another blast. Some demons were strong enough to send them in rapid succession, but considering how long this chase had been, both sides were feeling the strain. Vampires were born with one or two special gifts, each catered to the individual. Apparently Torhn was born with the ability to shoot energy blasts at anyone who chased him. A useful ability and one Micah wished he didn’t have right at the moment. His shoulder hurt like hell. As they reached a chamber in the cavern, Caleb used his gift, which was multiplying himself. They all gave off the same signature, but only the real Caleb could be hurt. It was impossible for friend or foe to tell the real Caleb from the fake ones. Almost as Torhn was about to send another burst of energy, he looked up to see twenty Calebs. Choosing the wrong Caleb to send the energy at was the only opening Micah needed. He launched himself at Torhn, striking hard and fast. Micah’s gift was the ability to scramble minds. It helped in battle. Moving around quickly, Micah was able to land a good blow to Torhn’s face and neck with his claws. Unfortunately, vampire claws didn’t poison demons, but they were still incredibly sharp and hurt. Caleb attacked Torhn’s back while Micah had him distracted. They each were able to land several good punches before Micah felt a screaming pain in the shoulder that was already injured. He was able to land one last blow to Torhn’s stomach before he felt a searing, burning pain in his lower chest. His world went black, and he never even felt himself fall.
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**** Micah was in and out of consciousness the next few hours. He didn’t know how long it was, but he felt himself being carried, and they were no longer in the cavern. The sun was up so he kept his eyes closed, not having his sunglasses on to protect him. Micah realized it was Caleb who was carrying him, even before he spoke. “Stay with me, Micah. Don’t you dare die on me,” Caleb said, the panic clear in his voice. Micah tried to tell him he was coherent, but it seemed his voice wouldn’t work. The sunlight was burning on his exposed injuries, and Micah almost wished he would pass back out. It didn’t take long for his wish to be granted. The next time he was lucid, they were out of the sun, but Micah still couldn’t get his eyes to open. Everything hurt, way worse than any injuries he’d ever sustained before. Realizing he was in a car, he tried to sit up. Micah let out a small groan as pain racked his body. “Micah, are you okay? Don’t try to sit up. Stay still,” Caleb said from the front seat. “I called your father. He got permission for us to gain entrance to the local coven. We’re almost there, buddy. Are you hearing me?” Micah still couldn’t form words, but he moaned, at least acknowledging Caleb’s words. He must be in really bad shape. Caleb wasn’t one to fluster easily, and he sounded panicked. As the car flew along, Micah tried to keep breathing nice, deep, steady breaths. He wasn’t as worried about his shoulder injury, but the pain in his chest was hell. Every turn of the car, every movement of his body sent shards of pain through him. When the car stopped with a jerk, Micah’s injured shoulder bumped the seat in front of him. The good news was he felt it, so he wasn’t so bad the shock made him numb. The bad news was that it hurt like a son of a bitch!
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He felt himself being pulled out from the backseat of the car and carried by at least two people before being laid down. Micah assumed it was a gurney, but he was so out of it, it could have been a magic carpet for all he knew. “Hold on, Micah. We’re here, okay? You can’t die. I’m not dealing with your dad and six brothers. You like me too much to do that to me,” Caleb said as he pushed back Micah’s hair from his face. Micah wanted to tell Caleb he was okay. He really did, but he couldn’t seem to get enough air in his chest to use his voice. It felt like he was trying to breathe underwater. He really hoped he wasn’t drowning in his own blood. Yeah, four hundred years is a long time to live, but not for a vampire. There was so much more he wanted to do in his life, and his race needed him in the war against the demons. Besides, he hadn’t even met his mate yet. Shouldn’t he do that before he died? “Fuck, what did this to him?” Micah heard a man say, and it wasn’t Caleb. He realized he was inside some building, probably the coven’s hospital. He could feel a strange man’s hands on him. “A demon by the name of Torhn. Micah took an energy shot to the shoulder when he pushed me out of its way. Later, he took another claw swipe to the same shoulder before a small energy burst hit him in the chest,” Caleb said as the gurney finally came to a stop. “We move him on my count. Three, two, one,” the stranger said. Micah felt himself moved to a stable flat surface. He could feel Caleb moving away from him as strangers took up places around him. Someone stuck a needle in him, and a mask came over his face. Micah suddenly felt like he could breathe again. He listened to the commotion for a few more moments before someone worked on his shoulder, and the pain was too much for him to handle. His mind screamed in agony. Micah had no idea how long he had been out the next time he woke up, but there were fewer people around him at least. He could feel only one set of hands on his body this time, and they were doing
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something with his shoulder. The pain was substantially less. Micah was never more grateful to whoever had invented drugs that worked on vampires than he was at that moment. Opening his eyes, he saw the most gorgeous, bright blue eyes, surrounded by thick, long black eyelashes. She had a small nose and plump, kissable lips. Micah couldn’t see much else because of the surgical cap and clothes, but her face alone was breathtaking. In that moment, the woman’s sweet scent hit him, and Micah realized his mate had just saved his life. Overjoyed he’d found his mate, Micah completely forgot about his injuries. Reaching over with his good arm, he cupped the back of her neck and pulled her close to him. Micah felt her jump. Before she could protest, he pulled her head down, and he raised his up as much as he could. When their lips met, it was like being hit by lightning. Micah’s head pounded, and his heart leapt at the feel of his mate’s lips. He wanted to devour her lips. Micah wanted to explore, plunder, and demand everything from those lips. If he had more energy, he would have, but he felt the drugs dragging him back to sleep. Letting go of her neck and lying back down, Micah fell asleep with a large grin on his face. **** He kissed me, Riley thought to himself, still in shock. He reached up and touched his lips. They were swollen and plump. Wow, could that man kiss! Riley knew the man was his mate as soon as he was wheeled in to his trauma room. Not only was the man huge, but he was so muscular. He couldn’t imagine what the man ate. Snapping back to the task at hand, he needed to get his mate stitched up. Riley could worry about the rest after his mate healed a bit. He had heard the man who introduced himself as Caleb call his mate Micah.
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Micah. It was such a strong name that just thinking it gave him shivers. Riley knew they had gotten a call requesting emergency entrance to their coven because someone high profile had lifethreatening injuries. It had made Riley curious, so he had volunteered himself to be the doctor on Micah’s case. Thank God he did! What if his mate had come here and left, Riley never having met him? The idea was too depressing to even think about. He had been here, and he had met his mate. Riley simply hoped that Micah wanted him. Riley always knew he was small for a vampire. Sure, he was strong, but someone five foot nine could only have so much strength. Fate had worked it all out for him though, giving him the gift of healing. It didn’t matter how strong or tall Riley was. He was smart. He learned early that he could heal living things. One of his earliest memories was hearing his grandmother upset because her rose bush was dying. Only a child, Riley hadn’t understood what that really had meant. He went outside and saw this big bush against the house that was mostly brown. Riley remembered touching one of the warped buds, thinking Please get better, make Grandma happy. When he opened his eyes, all the brown had faded away, and the bush was green and lush and had several rose buds open. Riley had run to his grandma, shouting to come see what he had done. He was so proud he could make his grandma happy. Following the small child, probably thinking he had made a mess somewhere, his grandma froze in place. When he realized she had stopped, he pulled her closer to the bush. “Riley, this is wonderful. You have found your gift, my love. Oh, what a wonderful gift it is,” she said, crying softly. “Fate has smiled on you. Always be grateful for it. I’m so proud of you.” Then she wrapped Riley up in the biggest bear hug and brought him back to the kitchen, where she let him eat as many cookies as he wanted.
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Riley chuckled at the memory. How different a child’s perspective was. Riley remembered being confused, wondering if Grandma was happy, why was she crying? And if she was crying, why was he getting all the cookies he wanted? Only after he had grown up did he realize you could cry because you were so happy. Micah mumbled in his sleep, causing Riley to look at his face. The man was gorgeous. He had to be at least six-foot-four, 250 pounds, with longer than average chestnut-brown hair and kelly green eyes that you could simply fall into. Riley felt that when Micah had looked at him before their kiss, he had seen every secret Riley had ever thought. It was almost terrifying how intense the look Micah gave him was. Finishing the stitches, Riley pulled off his scrub cap and washed his hands. He grabbed a bag of blood from the little fridge where they kept it in, along with any lab samples, and drank it down. Normally he hated drinking blood cold. But after working on Micah for hours, getting all the poison out of his shoulder, re-inflating his lung, working on the trauma to his chest, and stitching him up, Riley was beat. Finishing his second bag of blood, Riley started to feel like himself again. He headed to the doctor’s lounge, peeled off his scrubs, and jumped into the shower. Letting the hot water run over his body, he took inventory. He wasn’t a bad looking guy, at least he hoped his mate thought so. Riley stood five-foot-nine, 175 pounds, with a firm ass and taut muscles. He had shoulder-length, jet black hair and vivid blue eyes. Like all vampires, he didn’t have any body hair. He did have a tattoo on his back, in memory of his family’s slaughter. The tattoo was a rendition of a statue of the angel of mercy, and it was huge. It started slightly below the nape of his neck and went down to almost the small of his back. The tips of the wings touched each of his shoulders. At the base, there was engraving on it, just like you would find on a statue in the cemetery: Marcus, Angela, Blake,
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Maria, Meghan, and Carolyn Johnson, along with the date it had happened. He was five when it had happened. Riley had been in the kitchen playing with his parents, Marcus and Angela. They heard crashes like someone was breaking down the walls of the house and then screams. His dad had reacted quickly, putting Riley in the dumbwaiter and pulling him into the attic. The door to the attic was hidden so he would be safe there. He remembered thinking it would be okay, that his parents would be right behind him. Riley watched in horror as his father had broken the dumbwaiter moments after he climbed off. Then he heard more screams and his father and brother yelling. He wanted to cry, but he was too scared, frozen where he was in the corner of the attic in a tight ball. Riley had tried to cover his ears to keep out the noise of fighting, things breaking, and all the horrid screams. It was his grandmother who had found him days later. Riley had learned when he was older that because of the carnage downstairs, no one had figured out right away he wasn’t among his parents, brother, and three sisters dead. Finally when they did, his grandma had been wise enough to look in the attic, finding Riley lying on his side, curled up and unconscious. Part of him had always been glad he had never seen what had become of his family. Another part of him wished he had, since his brain gave him nightmares over the centuries of what possibly happened. Riley stepped out of the shower, toweled off, then walked over to his locker to put on fresh scrubs. He chuckled as he thought of how the other doctors teased him. They said he spent too much time at the hospital. Riley had bought so many pairs of scrubs so he never had to do laundry. If they only knew the truth, that his grandma still did his laundry. Even then, most times when he’d finally make it home, he’d have days worth of scrubs for her.
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Shit, he hadn’t been thinking about his grandma when he had been thinking about his mate. Riley would never leave her. They had each other, and that was it. His grandma had raised him, supported him, and loved him all his life. Riley’s grandfather having died before he was even born, it had always been just the two of them. Marian Johnson was never fazed by anything. When Riley had told her he was gay, she had shrugged her shoulders and told him whatever made him happy. Later in life, Riley had told her he wanted to go to a human college and medical school, which was odd for vampire doctors. They mainly worked with an experienced vampire doctor and learned that way. But Riley’s knowledge of the human anatomy had helped vampires immensely. Again, his grandmother simply shrugged her shoulders and said, “Whatever makes you happy.” The genetic makeup of vampires was the same as humans, except they needed blood and healed a good deal faster. But learning about the human medical world had given Riley a stepping stone to developing painkillers that worked on vampires. It also had helped with pregnancies, his surgical skills, and human organ transplants into a vampire if a situation called for it. Riley knew he was the best his race had, but he refused to take on an apprentice. It had pissed the council off that he wouldn’t, but he had explained to them that a majority of his knowledge had come from human schooling. He firmly believed that all vampire doctors should attend such schooling, not be stuck in centuries past learning from another doctor. He shook his head as he walked back to his patient’s room. When was his race going to learn? Humans weren’t beneath them. Oh sure, the council enforced all the laws to protect humans, but that also protected vampires from being found out. Humans had made great strides in lots of fields. Building upon that knowledge wasn’t weak. It was smart.
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Approaching his mate and patient, Riley tried not to be distracted by his good looks. Pushing up the sleeves of his lab coat, he put his hands on the man’s naked chest. As Riley saw Micah’s wounds in his mind, he went to work repairing them. He knew he was pushing himself too hard, but this was his mate. He hated to see Micah hurt. “You okay, doc?” his patient asked with a croak, catching Riley with his good arm before he fell to the floor. Using his abilities to help heal took a lot out of Riley and made his legs fell like spaghetti. “Yes, thank you,” Riley replied, leaning his hands on Micah’s bed, waiting for the nausea to pass. “Where is she?” Micah asked, his throat raw. Riley handed him the glass of water from the side table. “Go slow,” Riley said. “You’ve been through quite a lot, Micah.” “Am I going to live?” “Yes, you’re going to recover just fine,” Riley answered with a chuckle, running his hand through Micah’s hair. “Where is she?” “Who?” “The woman I kissed, my mate.” “Your mate? The woman?” Riley asked, trying to keep his emotions at bay. There was no woman who was his mate. Riley was his mate! Micah had kissed Riley. Oh shit, Riley thought to himself, Micah didn’t realize I was a man. “There’s no woman, Micah.” “Of course there is. I saw her. I kissed her,” Micah replied in frustration. “You didn’t kiss a woman, Micah.” “Don’t be absurd. Who else would I have kissed? I’d never be caught dead kissing a man.” Riley felt his heart shatter at the words. “Y—you…t—there’s no, w—women don’t—” Riley stuttered, not even able to speak the words. “Doc, spit it out,” Micah said, looking straight at Riley. “Doc, are you okay?”
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“N—no, no, I’m not okay,” he replied, breathing heavily as he moved Micah’s arm from around his waist. “She had the same eyes as you do, doc. Is she your sister?” Micah asked. Riley took several steps back as Micah asked, unable to tell him what had happened. “No, my sisters are all dead.” That’s the last thing he said to his mate as he opened the door and fled. He tried as hard as he could to keep his tears at bay until he made it to the on-call room. Not paying attention to where he was going, he plowed right into Caleb. “Doc, you okay?” Caleb asked. “Um, sorry about that—no I’m not—didn’t see you—excuse me,” Riley rambled out trying to get away. “Doc, wait, is Micah okay? Did something happen?” “He’s fine, he’ll make a full recovery, and he’s straight,” he said tugging out of Caleb’s hold before racing to the on-call room. Riley threw himself on one of the beds, curled up in a ball, and pulled the covers over his head. As he let the tears flow, all he could think about were his mate’s words. His family had been slaughtered, and now his mate didn’t want him. At least he had his grandma. That’s all he really needed, right?
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Chapter 2 Micah sat there stunned. He couldn’t believe the conversation he had just had with the doctor. What the hell was that all about? He tried to snap out of it when Caleb walked in. “Hey, how are you feeling?” Caleb asked, stepping up to his bed. “Better. I don’t feel the pain,” Micah replied with a chuckle. “And I can open my eyes and talk now without my head feeling like it’s going to explode.” “Well, I learned a lot while you were out. You have Dr. Johnson to thank for those pain meds. Seems the good doctor went to human college and medical school. He took what he learned and designed pain medicine for our kind.” “Really?” Micah asked. “Wow, maybe he’s so smart because he’s not good with people.” “What makes you say that?” Caleb asked, giving him a strange look. “He was really strange,” Micah replied, shaking his head. “Kept stuttering and couldn’t wait to get out of here.” “Why? What happened?” Caleb looked very curious, one eyebrow arched as he looked at Micah. “When I came to earlier, there was a woman stitching me up. I realized she was my mate. I kissed her and then passed back out. I woke back up later and caught the doc before he passed out on the floor. Then I asked him where my mate was, the woman I kissed,” Micah answered, shrugging his shoulders. “He started rambling and couldn’t get out of here fast enough.”
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“Micah, there’s been no woman here,” Caleb replied with wide eyes. “Of course there was! I kissed her. She’s the one who stitched up my arm.” “Dr. Johnson stitched up your arm, Micah. I don’t think they even have women on staff. I haven't seen any women around.” “That’s what the doc said, that there was no woman.” Micah’s forehead wrinkled in confusion. “How can that be?” “Oh my God, you idiot,” Caleb answered with a chuckle. “What? What did I do?” Micah asked, completely perplexed. How come everyone kept acting insane around him? “You said you kissed this woman while getting stitched up? What did she look like?” “She had these amazing blue eyes with long black lashes and full lips. Why?” Micah asked. “Did she have long hair? Nice full breasts?” Caleb asked, trying to hold back his laughter. “She had a scrub cap on and surgical gear. I couldn’t see her breasts or tell you anything about them. I mean, I was still pretty out of it,” Micah said, starting to get pissed off. “What are you getting at, Caleb?” “Micah, I want you to listen to me,” Caleb said. “This is very important. What did you say to the doc after he told you there was no woman?” “I told him of course there was a woman,” Micah snapped. “I’d never be caught dead kissing a man.” “You idiot!” “Would you stop calling me that and tell me what’s going on, or I swear the minute I can get out of this fucking bed, I’m kicking your sorry ass,” Micah growled. “The person who stitched you up was Dr. Johnson. I saw him do it, Micah. When he left your room, he had tears in his eyes and was almost running. He wasn’t paying any attention to where he was
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going and plowed right into me. When I asked him about you, he said you were fine and straight,” Caleb replied. “What are you getting at? I asked if it was his sister I kissed,” Micah replied, completely confused. “I mean, they have the same eyes.” “You kissed him!” Caleb finally yelled. He waved his hand around the room. “There was no woman here. You told the doc you’d never be caught dead kissing a man. He ran from the room crying. He made some comment to me about you being straight and fled. You said it yourself--the person you kissed had the doc’s eyes. Pull your head out of your ass!” “Are you saying—you’re trying to tell me—no, that can’t be true.” Micah shook his head as dawning horror filled him. “I’m not gay, Caleb. There had to be a woman here. You simply didn’t see her.” “You said she stitched you up,” Caleb said, softening his voice and putting a hand on Micah’s shoulder. “I’m telling you, Micah, Dr. Johnson was the one who stitched you up.” “He’s my mate?” Micah asked in complete shock. He’d never been with a man, never even thought of being with a man. How could fate give him a man for a mate? And if fate did, he definitely fucked up royally. “Yes, Micah, if what you’re saying is true, Dr. Johnson is your mate. Just remember that we don’t choose our mates. Fate chooses them for us. There’s nothing wrong with having a man for a mate.” “I know there’s not, but I’ve never looked at a man like that. I’ve never wanted one,” Micah said quietly. “What do I do?” “I don’t know. Do you want me to go find him?” Caleb asked. “Do you think that’s best? I don’t know. I need to think. My head is still fuzzy,” Micah answered. “You think while I go find him, okay? I think he needs to take your stitches out before they heal over. It’ll be okay, Micah,” Caleb replied, heading for the door.
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“What if it’s not, Caleb? What if I’ve messed up too badly?” “He’s your mate. He’ll forgive you,” Caleb answered, leaving to go look for the good doctor. Micah wasn’t so sure. He might have just fucked up any hope he had at happiness with his mate, his male mate. **** “Dr. Johnson?” Riley heard someone call out as the door to the on-call room opened. He had no more tears to cry, but his head was killing him. “Yes?” Riled asked, rolling over to face the man. Great. It was Caleb, Micah’s friend. “I’m trying to get some rest, Caleb, what do you want? Is something wrong?” “I know,” Caleb replied, closing the door behind him. He walked across the room and sat down on the bed across from Riley. “Look, I talked to Micah. He didn’t realize it was you he kissed, that you’re his mate. That’s what happened right. He kissed you?” “Yes,” Riley whispered. “Look, Micah was doped up, you know that. You’re the one who gave him the drugs. He couldn’t see much of you. He assumed you were a woman. I know he handled it badly, and he feels awful about it,” Caleb said, reaching over to take Riley’s hand. “He’s merely never been with a man before or ever been attracted to one before, okay?” “He said he’d rather be caught dead than kiss a man,” Riley replied, looking down at their clasped hands. His heart ached simply saying the words. “Micah’s a big, bad alpha male warrior,” Caleb told him, laughing and squeezing Riley’s hand. “But he’s a really great guy, loyal as can be, and really good to the people he cares about. Give him a chance, Riley. I mean, what’s the alternative? Walking away from the only mate you’ll ever have?”
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“I guess,” Riley replied, shrugging his shoulders. “But what if he doesn’t want me?” “Fate wouldn’t put you together without a reason, doc. You’re smart guys. You’ll figure it out. Plus, I think his stitches need to come out before he heals over them.” Caleb laughed, stood up and walked to the door. Right, okay, I can do this, Riley thought to himself. He got up, stretched, and tried to right his clothes. He went to the locker room and took a good look in the mirror. It was so obvious Riley had been crying. Great. Now his straight mate would think he was a baby. Quickly washing his face and trying to rid himself of all the evidence of his tears, he took several deep breaths and walked out of the on-call room and down the hallway to his patient’s room. “Hello, Micah,” Riley said putting on his best professional face and trying to pretend that the man hadn’t ripped his heart out. “Let’s take a look at those stitches.” “Doc, look, I’m sorry about before—” Micah started to say. “Let’s handle your stitches before we discuss other matters, shall we?” Riley said. He was proud of himself for keeping his voice level when he felt like he was falling apart. He grabbed some sterile instruments and pulled up a rolling stool to Micah’s bad shoulder. Yeah, the stitches needed to come out. He could do this. “What’s your name?” Micah asked quietly. “Riley Johnson,” he answered, turning the large surgical light on the area he was going to be working on. Riley heard Micah repeat his name a few times softly. He started to snip the stitches one by one. “Do you know my name?” “Micah. I said it when I walked in,” Riley answered, putting the surgical scissors back and picking up the tweezers. He started to pull the stitches out. “My last name. Has anyone told you my last name?” Micah asked, but Riley didn’t even look up. “No, why?”
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“Micah Marius is my name,” Micah answered softly. That made Riley look up in shock. Shit! Not only was his mate straight and had no interest in being with a man, he was a Marius. Riley had never met a Marius before, but they were the vampire elite. It was like being one of the Kennedys for humans. Could things get any more complicated? “I didn’t know that,” Riley said, looking into Micah’s kelly green eyes. He really was a gorgeous man, but could he ever want Riley? “Does it matter?” “Not to me. I think the bigger problem would be the fact that you’re straight and would rather be dead than kiss a man,” Riley replied, unable to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. “Riley, I’m sorry. I just woke up, my head felt like mush, and I was so confused by what was going on and what you said. I really thought I kissed a woman. I mean, I assumed I kissed a woman. I’ve never wanted to kiss a man before.” Riley wanted to groan. He wanted to scream and throw a temper tantrum. But he couldn’t. He was efficient and in control of his emotions at all times, or so he liked to believe. He simply took a deep breath and went back to work on Micah’s stitches, avoiding Micah’s gaze. “Look, Micah, I get it. I do. You’re straight. Finding out that you are mated to a man has to be as confusing as finding out you are mated to a straight man, like I am. But what you said, it…it hurt, okay?” Riley said softly, pulling out the last stitch. He put down his instruments and pushed back the bright light so he could see Micah clearly as they talked. “I was excited to find my mate. I was trying my hardest to heal you.” “I’m sorry,” Micah said. “I’m an ass. I wouldn’t rather die than kiss a man. I’ve just never been attracted to one before. I’ve never wanted one until I met you.” Wanted, past tense. “I get it, you wanted me when you thought I was a woman,” Riley said sadly, making a move to leave.
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“No, wanted as in I want you now. I don’t know what to do about it though. Have I ruined everything? That kiss was the most amazing kiss of my life. Woman or not, it was,” Micah replied with a pleading look in his eyes. “You mean that?” Riley asked, desperately trying not to get his hopes up. “Yes, Riley, I mean that,” Micah answered, sitting up. “I’d like nothing more than to kiss you again.” Micah swung his legs over the side of the bed. He opened them wide and pulled Riley forward in between his thighs. Micah looked at him for merely a few moments, before pulling Riley’s head down to kiss him. Oh, Micah was so sweet. He tasted like the sweetest, most succulent thing Riley had ever tasted. Riley could go on kissing Micah for the rest of his life. He stroked his tongue over Micah’s lips, feeling him resist for just a moment before opening his mouth and allowing Riley entrance. One hesitant brush of Micah’s tongue against his and Riley knew he was in trouble. He had to have more. Riley’s kiss was urgent and ravenous as his tongue explored the recesses of Micah’s mouth. Riley felt a deep growl of approval escape his mouth as Micah’s hands moved up to clench his shirt. Micah held Riley’s lips to his as he pressed his body tightly against him. It appeased the man in Riley to know that his new, very large mate wasn’t immune to him. When Micah pulled back, Riley looked into those gorgeous green eyes. He wanted to wake up every morning for the rest of his life and see those eyes. “You okay?” Riley asked Micah, as he ran his hand down the side of Micah’s face. “Yes, it’s clearly a lot to take in. I mean, I’m obviously attracted to you. I want you, but I’m not sure what that entails.” Micah frowned. “Does that make sense?” “In a way, yeah. I mean, the first time I was with a guy, it was confusing to figure out. It’s not like they teach us about how men are
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together when we learn about the birds and the bees,” Riley said with a laugh. “Never ever again,” Micah suddenly snarled, his fangs dropping down as he pulled on the front of Riley’s shirt until they were nose to nose. “Never kiss you again?” Riley whispered. He felt scared out of his mind by the intensity in Micah’s angry gaze. No one had ever looked at him like that, like Micah wanted to eat him up and lock him away from the world at the same time. “Never ever will you be with another man,” Micah bit out, clearly about to lose control. “You’re mine now, and I don’t share! Mine! You better learn that right away.” “Of course not, Micah,” Riley replied softly, reaching up to stroke the side of Micah’s face. “I would never betray my mate. I was simply trying to explain. I understand why you’re confused.” “I’m sorry,” Micah answered, slowly relaxing his grip. “I have quite a temper. I-I just don’t like the idea of you being with anyone else but me.” “I don’t like the idea of you being with anyone but me either, Micah. But it’s a fact. We’ve had partners before. Thankfully, that’s in the past, and all that matters now is the present and future, okay?” “You’re right,” Micah said, nodding his head. “Can I still get another kiss?” “Always, Micah, always,” Riley whispered before leaning in to claim his mate’s lips. Riley felt like he was being devoured. Micah’s lips plundered, explored, demanded. Riley was helpless to stop him, not that Riley wanted to stop him. Instead, he felt his body melt against Micah's solid form. His hands gripped Micah's waist. Riley wasn't sure who made the first move, but suddenly Micah's entire body pressed against Riley's. Slowly breaking the kiss, Riley's eyes closed. He let his head drop forward to rest on Micah's shoulder. He felt flustered, out of control. His heart beat erratically in his chest.
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“Wow,” Riley whispered against Micah’s neck. “Yeah, me, too,” Micah replied with a chuckle as he stroked Riley’s back. Finally catching his breath, Riley lifted his head and body off Micah. “So what now?” “Now, we see how quickly we can get you packed up and moved to the Marius compound,” Micah answered as if stating a fact written in stone. “Who says I’m the one to move?” Riley asked, stepping away from Micah and hardening his face. “Isn’t it common courtesy to ask a lover to move in, not to assume?” “Common courtesy my ass,” Micah said, looking at Riley like he’d presently sprouted another head. “Of course you’ll move in with me.” “Why should I be the one to move?” Riley asked again, not liking how Micah moved right past it last time. “Besides, I wouldn’t be moving in with you. I’d be moving in with your parents! And I already live with someone. I can’t just leave them.” “I don’t get a shit who you live with. You’re mated to a Marius. You move into the Marius compound,” Micah snarled, his face growing red with anger. “You think I give a fuck about whoever you’re living with?” “Nice, Micah, real nice,” Riley replied, getting clearly as pissed as Micah. “You are to have no other lover except me! I’m your mate.” “It’s not a lover, you asshole—” “Asshole? I’m an asshole?” Micah shouted, getting up from the bed, standing to his full height. “I could give a shit about the man—” “She’s my grandmother!” Riley yelled in Micah’s face. “Oh, I thought…” Micah said his voice softening. “I mean, I assumed it was a roommate or a lover.”
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“Yeah, I got that. Maybe you should stop assuming things! Assume I’m a woman, then assume I’m living with a man. You must have a really low opinion of me,” Riley spit out in frustration. “Okay, I’m sorry. I deserve that,” Micah replied then took a deep breath. “Well, there’s more than enough room for your grandmother to move into the main house. Bring her along.” “Bring her along? Like a piece of furniture? Man, you are an ass,” Riley said, starting to pace. “Again, you assume I’m living with you! I have a life here. I’m a doctor. Is there a hospital over there for me to get a job? I do research and report it to the council. Is there a place for me there? You’re a warrior. You’re gone most of the time! You want me to move and risk everything I have built in the blink of an eye, when you’re going to be absent?” “Well, I figured that—” “Yeah, I got that. I don’t give a shit if you’re a Marius. I’m the best fucking doctor our race has, and I did it on my own with help from the only family I have. A mate is a gift, Micah, not a guarantee. Something to be appreciated and loved, not a tote bag you pick up and throw in your room. It’s a partnership! Until you realize that and act like it, all I have to say to you is go fuck yourself.” When Riley finished his speech, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room. Slamming the door behind him was childish, he knew that, but right then he didn’t care. What a presumptuous bastard! It’s not that Riley wouldn’t move, but he had to talk to his grandma. She would be a huge deciding factor. But also, he just couldn’t leave his work. He helped vampires individually and as an entire race. Instead of his mate appreciating that, even being proud of him, Micah simply assumed Riley would give it all up for him. Not even asking. No, that would be below a Marius. Now Riley understood the rumors he had heard about the Marius family acting like they were better than everyone else. Just because they felt like they were royalty
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didn't mean they were, and Riley would be damned if he acted like a subject. “What happened?” Caleb asked, approaching Riley. “Nothing much. The presumptuous asshole is completely fine,” Riley answered with sarcasm. “What did the idiot do now?” Caleb inquired, sighing heavily. “Merely assumed I would be moving into the illustrious Marius compound as soon as possible. Didn’t even ask. I tried to explain to him that I lived with someone, my grandma, keep in mind, and I couldn’t just leave her. He flipped out, assumed I was living with another man, but when I explained who it was, he said bring her along. Like I had said I wanted to bring my favorite chair. Of course he would think she didn’t get a choice. He didn’t give me one.” Riley sighed and pushed his hand through his hair. “He’s a warrior. He’s gone most of the time. He simply expects me to pack up, drop my job, my research, basically everything, and move to I don’t even know where for him to barely be around!” “And your response was?” “I told him to go fuck himself. I couldn’t give a shit if he is a mighty Marius. I’m not some subject to bend to his every whim. A mate is a partner. You’re supposed to be a team! Plus, with him being gone all the time, I’d be living in his parents' house, whom I’ve never even met.” Riley finished. “I think you guys will be just fine.” Caleb laughed. “Oh, this is going to be good, watching Micah’s mate knock him down a peg or two. He’ll actually have to work at something for once!” Riley stared at Caleb as he walked away, still laughing his ass off. Well, Caleb might think this was funny, but Riley was more than a little pissed off. Plus, he was still tired from healing Micah, which Micah never even thanked him for. Asshole! Riley walked to his lab, closing the door behind him. He tried to focus on his experiments while trying to calm down. Micah drove him
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crazy and in more than one way. The man was a walking sex dream. He also pissed Riley off just by opening his mouth. Riley simply wished he could have one without the other.
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Chapter 3 Micah stared at the door Riley had just slammed. Okay, he got it. He was an ass. Micah could understand why Riley was upset, but no one had ever talked to him like that before. It gratified him that Riley wasn’t afraid of him. He never wanted to scare him, but that still left the question--what the hell was he supposed to do now? Making a decision, he found his cell phone and dialed his father. “Hello?” “Father, it’s Micah.” “Oh son, I’m so grateful to hear your voice. When Caleb called, he was so panicked, he scared your mother and me. How are you feeling?” Desmond Marius asked. “Much better, Father, thank you for asking,” Micah said. “The doctor here is amazing, I actually suspect that healing is his gift.” “Really? And what would this doctor’s name be?” “Riley Johnson.” “Yes, I’ve met him, wonderfully talented man, astounding doctor. I couldn’t be more pleased than to hear he treated you,” Desmond replied, his relief apparent in his voice. “You’ve met him?” “Of course. He does research for our race and reports to the council. He was brought in front of the council several years ago for refusing to take an apprentice. It’s not normal to refuse such a thing, but when he explained, the council let it go,” his father informed him. “Dr. Johnson actually petitioned the council to mandate all new doctors go through human medical schooling. Quite a radical idea to be sure.”
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“Well, I’m glad you have such a high opinion of him, because there’s something else.” “Oh? What would that be?” “Well, see I’ve found my—I mean to say that he’s—I need to tell you—” Micah tried to explain, but the words simply wouldn’t come out. How was he to tell his father he was mated to a man? “Micah, spit it out, son. There’s nothing you can’t tell me,” Desmond replied with a chuckle. “Dr. Johnson is my mate,” Micah spat out before his nerve left him. There was a long pause, making him anxious. He pushed his hand through his hair. “Father?” “I’m here, Micah,” his father said. “Why didn’t you tell me you were gay, son?” “I’m not! I mean I’ve never been before, but I guess I am now.” “You’re saying you’ve never been with a man, never wanted to be, and now you’re mated to a man?” “Yes, Father, that’s exactly what happened.” Micah swallowed. “How could that happen?” “I don’t know, son. Fate has its reasons, but there is no shame in being mated to a man, and Dr. Johnson is a very fine man indeed,” Desmond replied. “You are attracted to him, right?” Micah flushed. “Yeah, I am. That’s part of what’s so confusing. I mean he’s gorgeous. It’s just, you know, weird.” “I could see how it would be.” Desmond laughed. “Well, congratulations on finding your mate, son. Your mother will be thrilled to hear of this. How long until you bring him home?” “Um, well, that’s another issue.” “How so?” “Well, I assumed he’d move into the Marius compound.” “Of course he will,” his father said. “Yeah, but I didn’t ask him. I simply said we’d get him packed up and moved home as soon as possible. Then he got mad that I just assumed he would move his life. Plus, he said he lived with someone
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and couldn’t leave them. I blew up at him, assumed it was another man. It turns out I was an ass, and it’s his grandmother.” “His grandmother would be more than welcome to live here as well.” “That’s what I said. Well, I said bring her along. And then he really let me have it.” “Maybe because that’s a tad insensitive. Don’t you think, son?” “I get that now. Riley said she’s the only family he has, and of course, he would have to talk to her. He brought up a few other good points, too. He said I was a warrior and gone all the time. That I merely expected him to leave his work, his research, when I’m going to be gone and leave him moved in with my parents. He was furious at the idea. He wanted to know if there was a hospital to work at or something.” “Those are valid points, something to discuss with him,” Desmond said gently. “A mate is a partner, Micah. You can’t just make decisions for him like he’s a child. You have to learn to compromise and figure things out together.” “That’s pretty much what Riley said to me,” Micah replied, sighing and wiping a hand over his face in weariness. “Well, he actually kind of yelled them at me. He was really pissed, Father.” “I think Riley is right. That being said, I would press upon both of you the importance of him living here. He is now a mate to a Marius. He needs the security of the compound. I’m sure we can figure out a way to have a research facility here. Also, about his job, the council was talking about having a doctor solely for the warriors, considering how much damage they sustain.” “Father, you’re a genius!” Micah exclaimed, suddenly excited at the prospect of what he might be able to offer Riley. “That’s a great idea, but how do I get him to do it?” “You discuss it with Riley, make compromises where they need to be made, and figure out a way to make it work,” Desmond said.
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“Any suggestions on how I dig myself out of the hole I’m in?” Micah asked. “He was livid when he left here.” “You do what every mate does when they’ve pissed off their mate, what I do anytime I upset your mother,” Desmond suggested. Micah could hear the amusement in his father’s voice and wanted to strangle him. “What’s that, Father?” “You beg,” Desmond said, starting to laugh heartily. “You apologize and then plead for forgiveness and hope they’ve had a good day and feel like forgiving you.” Micah groaned as he hung up. He had heard his father continue to laugh as they hung up the phone and knew his misery was his father’s amusement. **** Micah slowly and stiffly took a shower and used the toiletries someone wonderfully left for him. Finishing up and drying off, he found fresh clothes of his lying on the counter. It had to be Caleb. What a good friend! Grunting as he got dressed, he made sure he had everything and decided to go hunt down his mate. They really needed to talk. Micah made his way through the hallways, feeling better as he was able to stretch out. He checked the doctor’s lounge to find it was empty. He could only hope his mate was here somewhere, but where would a doctor go? It took Micah a moment to figure out Riley had to have an office here somewhere. Seeing Caleb approaching, Micah held up a hand, hoping to keep Caleb’s questions at bay. He didn’t want to have the conversation he had just had with his father again. “Yeah, yeah, I’m an asshole, and I’m on my way to beg for forgiveness,” Micah said.
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“Really?” Caleb asked, smirking as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Whose idea was that?” “My father’s,” Micah answered. Seeing Caleb’s surprised expression, he continued, “Yes, I told him everything. He explained to me why I’m an ass and how to fix it.” “Go Desmond,” Caleb said, bursting out laughing. “Well, your mate is in his lab, straight down that way.” Caleb pointed down the hallway. “Good luck, my friend. You’re going to need it.” Micah heard Caleb laughing. He groaned and walked in the direction Caleb pointed. Coming up to the door, Micah took a few deep breaths trying to calm his nerves. What did he know about begging forgiveness? He was a warrior. There wasn’t much up for debate. Biting the bullet, he knocked on the door. “Come in,” he heard Riley say through the door. Micah opened it, stepped inside, looking around for his mate. Riley was bent over a microscope, barely paying attention to his surroundings. When Micah closed the door, Riley finally glanced up. Micah was heartbroken when he saw Riley’s face turn from concentration to disappointment. “Um, do you have a couple of minutes, Riley?” Micah asked. “If you’re busy, I can come back.” “I can take a few minutes,” Riley replied. “I’m simply looking over some samples I’ve been working on. It’s nothing that won’t keep.” “Oh good, I mean, I wouldn’t want to ruin your work,” Micah said, moving a few steps closer. “First, I wanted to thank you for healing me. What you did, what you’re able to do, is amazing. So, thank you.” “You’re very welcome. I was glad I could help,” Riley said, giving Micah a nod. “Second, about earlier, you were right. I am an asshole.” Micah continued, trying not to grin when he saw the surprise on Riley’s face.
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“I’m sorry, I really am. I have no excuse for my behavior. Is there anything I can do to get you to forgive me?” “That depends,” Riley answered, looking him over suspiciously. “On what, Riley?” “On whether you understand why I was so pissed off by what you said.” “I do. We’re mates, and that makes us partners. It’s supposed to be us against the world, not one of us acting like a parent, making all the decisions for the other. I didn’t think about all you’ve accomplished and would have to leave behind. Again, I’m sorry.” “Okay, apology accepted,” Riley said, giving him a small smile. “Now what?” “I was hoping we could discuss where we might live,” Micah said, feeling almost shy about it. He’d never been put in this position before. He wasn’t comfortable with it. He usually made decisions and had them accepted. “We can discuss it, yes,” Riley answered, but when he didn’t continue, Micah took that as a sign he could talk. “I, um, called my father to tell him I found my mate.” “Oh God, how did Desmond Marius take finding out his son was mated to a man?” Riley asked, rolling his eyes. “Actually, the only thing he seemed upset about was he thought I’d been gay all these years and didn’t tell him. When I told him I hadn’t been hiding it from him, he just wanted to make sure I felt attracted to you. I told him, yes, and he congratulated us. Also, he says he’s met you. He said great things about you. He seemed ecstatic you were my mate.” “Really?” Riley asked, his eyebrows going up in shock. “Really. I swear, Riley, I wouldn’t lie to you. I won’t ever lie to you. I can promise you that,” Micah said, looking straight into those deep blue eyes that melted him. “Well, that’s a start,” Riley replied with a smile. “Pull up a stool. You’re still recovering. Don’t strain yourself.”
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“Yes, doctor,” Micah answered with a laugh and pulled a stool over across the lab table from where Riley sat. “I filled him in on our fight. He basically agreed with you, but he did want me to bring up one thing that probably neither one of us thought of.” “What’s that?” “Well, if you mate me, you’ll be mated to a Marius,” Micah said, quickly continuing on at the sour look on Riley’s face. “Wait, let me explain, please. My father merely wanted us to understand being mated to a Marius can be dangerous. The demons try to take out the oldest vampire families. There are security issues, and my father just thought the compound would be the best place for us to stay safe.” “Okay, I can see where he’s coming from,” Riley said, seeming to think about it. “I also talked to my father about your grandmother, and he confirmed that she is more than welcome to move into the main house if she wants. I also wanted to say, I understand what you said about moving in with my parents. But it’s not like we wouldn’t have our privacy. I mean, it’s a really large mansion. We would have our own suite, with a living room, office, bedroom, and large bathroom.” “That does alleviate one of my concerns,” Riley said slowly. “What about my work?” “I said the same thing to my father. He said we could figure out a way to convert space into a lab for you or have one built on the compound. Also, it seems the council has been discussing having a doctor solely for the warriors. You saw firsthand the abuse we take.” That made Riley smile. “The council would want me?” “My father seemed to think so. He was thrilled at the possibility of having you be the doctor for us. He said we could build whatever medical facility you needed at the warrior compound,” Micah said, smiling back. “Micah, where do you even live?” “Shit, sorry,” Micah answered, feeling like a heel. He had to stop assuming things. “The Marius compound is in rural Virginia. The
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warrior compound is less than an hour away. Most of the eldest families and the warrior family live in that area.” “Well, that still leaves my concern about you being gone all the time,” Riley said quietly. “Most warriors don’t fight as much after they’re mated. From what I understand, they can’t stand to be away from their mates for very long.” “Oh, I could be okay with that,” Riley replied, blushing slightly. “So would you like to live with me?” Micah asked quietly, hoping he did it right this time. “We have one more thing to handle first.” “What?” “We have to go ask my grandma,” Riley answered, smiling and standing up. He took off his lab coat and laid it down on the table before walking over to Micah. He held out his hand. Micah was ecstatic! He took Riley’s hand, loving how smooth his skin was, and let his mate lead him. **** Riley was nervous. He’d had men over to his house before, not for the purpose of meeting his grandma though. Riley really hoped this worked out. It had to work out. Micah was his mate, right? As they drove, getting closer to his house, Riley figured out why he was so freaked. Until now, it was only him who knew he was mated. Once he told his grandma, it would be real. He had found his mate and might be moving across the country. He just had to remember to keep breathing. Riley couldn’t have a panic attack right now. This was normal. He had found his mate and was bringing him home to meet the family. People did this all the time. Never mind the fact that his mate was straight, a warrior, and a Marius. Yeah, no big deal. He could handle this.
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Taking a quick peek at the man in the passenger seat, Riley knew he was screwed. Micah was so gorgeous. He’d end up giving in to anything and everything Micah ever wanted, he just knew it. Micah was all male, so large, strong, and a little scary. Riley took another deep breath as they pulled in his driveway. “We’re here,” Riley said, putting the car in park. “You ready to do this?” “Why wouldn’t I be?” Micah asked with some confusion. The man was so damn confident. Riley admired that. Riley wasn’t timid, but after everything that had happened in his life, he hated to make waves. He preferred to stay in the background of things, keeping to himself and focusing on his work. “Merely asking,” Riley answered. “I’d be a nervous wreck if I were meeting your family!” Shit, did I just admit that? Riley thought to himself, hoping his mate didn’t think he was a wuss. “I could see that,” Micah replied, getting out of the car. “I only have to meet one grandmother. You have to meet my parents and six brothers.” “Six!” Riley choked out as he locked up the car. “Wow, great, six brothers-in-law. Just shoot me now.” “You’ll be fine.” Micah chuckled. “My father already has a great opinion of you. And what Desmond Marius says, his sons listen to.” “Okay,” Riley replied weakly, not sure how he was going to get through that. But first, he needed to introduce Micah to his grandma. After hearing about the Marius family, at least he wasn’t nervous about his grandma anymore. They walked up to the front door, Riley digging in his pocket for his keys, unlocking the door, and letting them in. “Gram? I’m home.” “In the kitchen, love of mine,” Marian Johnson said from the back of the house. “I have a guest,” Riley yelled back, wanting her to be prepared. Well, for the guest, not for the rest. Riley wasn’t sure anything would prepare her for the bomb he was about to drop in her lap.
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“Well, bring them back, too. I’m only this minute pulling fresh cookies out of the oven,” she replied with a chuckle. His Gram knew him too well. It was like she could sense when Riley needed reassurance and always had freshly baked cookies ready for him on those days. “How do you always know when I need my cookies?” Riley asked, wrapping his arms around his grandma as he walked into the kitchen. “It’s my job, young one,” Gram replied, patting the arms wrapped around her waist. “It’s been a couple of days since I’ve seen you, Riley. How is work?” “Good. I made some progress on the new drug I’ve been working on. It will knock vampires out like human sedation, so when they are in pain I can put them in a coma state or for when they need surgery. I merely have to get it to work longer. Tests have been showing that it will only work for a few hours, and I want it—” “Riley, my love, you can fill me in later,” Gram said, moving out of his embrace. “I’m always proud of you, and you’ll figure out how to make it work. Right now though, we have a guest.” “Oh right, sorry. You know how my mind runs away when I’m talking about work,” Riley said a little sheepishly. “Gram, this is Micah Marius. Micah, this is my grandmother, Marian Johnson.” “Mrs. Johnson, a pleasure,” Micah said, bowing respectfully to her. “None of that now, Micah, we’re family,” she replied with a knowing smile. “Please, call me Marian or Gram as Riley does.” “How did you—you know?” Riley asked, shocked. Micah just chuckled as his grandma hugged him. “Of course I know. Mothers and grandmothers know these things, my love. Congratulations to you both,” Gram said, stepping back from Micah’s hug. “You are a very handsome man, Micah. A warrior, no doubt?” “Yes, ma’am,” Micah replied.
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“Well then, you should be able to always keep my Riley safe,” Gram said before her expression turned sharp. “However, warrior or not, Marius or not, you ever hurt my boy, and I don’t care how old I am, I will kick your butt all the way to hell.” “Gram!” Riley exclaimed. He’d never heard his grandmother talk like that in all the years he’d known her, and that was a lot of years. He was shocked. “Fair enough,” Micah replied with a huge grin. “I’d expect nothing less.” “Good. Now that we got that out of the way, why don’t you boys sit down and have some cookies? I want to hear all about your meeting,” she said, gesturing to the small table in the kitchen. She quickly got glasses of milk out before sitting down herself, an eager look on her face. Micah simply smiled at Riley. Riley knew Micah would love her. How could he not? He was just grateful the meeting went so well. He started telling his Gram how they met, leaving out certain details of their fight, of course. She sat there patiently, taking it all in. “So you will be moving to the Marius compound? That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you, Riley,” Gram said when they were done. Her smile was betrayed by her eyes, which brimmed with tears and sadness. “Well, we haven’t decided that, yet,” Riley said, casting a quick look at his mate before facing his Gram again. “Micah and I wanted to talk to you about that first.” “Oh? What do I have to do with that?” she asked. “Riley wants to stay wherever you are, Marian. And after meeting you, I can see why. He hasn’t told me all the particulars yet, but from what I understand, you are his only family. How can he be happy so far away from you?” Micah asked her. “I’ve already checked with my father, and we would love it if you would consider moving into the Marius compound with us.”
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“No, you two are young and very soon mated. You don’t need your grandmother around bothering you,” Gram said thoughtfully, patting Riley’s hand. “Gram, I want you there,” Riley said, firmly wrapping both of his hands around hers. “We’ve been together for so many years. I can’t leave you behind.” “Riley, I’m more than capable of being on my own, dear. You don’t have to worry about me.” “I’m not. I’m worrying about me,” Riley said, blushing. He knew he sounded like a selfish jerk, but he didn’t care. Gram was more important to him than anything in the world. “The idea of being separated from you tears my heart. I couldn’t bear it.” “Oh my love, don’t cry,” she replied, wiping away his tears and starting to cry herself. “Marian, the Marius main house is quite large. We have more than enough room for you to live with us,” Micah said, gently taking her other hand. “You most certainly won’t be in the way. Riley loves you, and I’m already nuts about you. We want you there. The only question is, would you be willing to leave your home? I know you have lived here for centuries. Is it something you would want to do?” “I couldn’t give two shakes about this house. It’s just a building. Yes, I have friends in our coven, but they will still be my friends wherever I live. Riley is my life,” Gram replied, getting choked up. “If you truly want me to move with you, I will.” “Oh, thank God,” Riley exclaimed, picking up his grandma and swinging her around in glee. “Put me down, you little imp.” Gram laughed. His grandma continued to chuckle as he put her back down in her chair. “Riley, all funning aside, are you sure about this?” “Never more sure in my life, Gram,” he said, nodding in affirmation. “I don’t want to go unless you’ll be there.” “Micah, you are fine with this as well? You’re family is okay with the arrangement?”
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“Yes, Marian, my father extended the invitation for you to move in before I even was able to ask,” Micah said, smiling. “Very well then, I have only one issue. What about your work, Riley?” Riley smiled lovingly at the woman who was his everything. She always put him first, and with such a big heart, he always knew how much he was loved. He filled her in on what Micah had discussed, setting up a lab at the compound and working as the doctor for the warriors. “Well, you boys have thought of everything!” she laughed. “I assume most of this was your idea, Micah?” “At first I was an ass and assumed Riley would live with me. After he put me in my place and listed all the reasons why he couldn’t just leave, I called my father, and he helped me figure out a way to make this work,” Micah explained. “Then I stopped being an ass and talked to Riley about all of this. I asked if he would live with me instead of demanding it.” “At least you’re learning,” Gram answered. “Being mated is an adjustment. For a while, you’ll both have to be patient with one another, especially both being strong males. Not that women are weak, mind you, but we are known for being less pigheaded on issues.” “Very true, Marian, very true,” Micah replied, kissing her hand. Riley was impressed to see how his mate treated his grandma. He hoped one day Micah would have that soft side with him. Now that all of his issues with moving had been put to rest, Riley was actually excited to start a new life with his mate. “I’m going to make some calls in the study, then,” Riley said happily, jumping to his feet. “I have to find someone to pack up and ship my lab equipment. It’s very fragile, of course. I also need to find movers for the house and someone to sell it for us. Anything I’m missing?”
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“Of course not, dear,” his grandma replied. “You always think of everything.” Riley looked at Micah, who nodded his agreement. He nodded back and headed off to the study to see to the preparations for the move, an excited spring in his step. **** Micah chuckled as he watched his mate bounce out of the kitchen. He was so relieved they had figured out what to do. This whole diplomacy thing with his mate was hard to figure out, but he thought he might be getting the hang of it. “Thank you, Marian. I know leaving will be a sacrifice, but I will feel better if both of you live at the compound,” Micah told her. “The security there is excellent, and you being there will help Riley feel more comfortable in his new home.” “I’m grateful you both want me with you,” Gram replied, her tone going curiously somber. “Marian, what is it?” Micah asked as he turned to regard her inquiringly. “There is something we need to discuss, Micah” Marian said sadly. “I know Riley will tell you, but it’s so hard for him, and he was so small. It would just be easier if I told you.” “You can tell me anything, Marian,” Micah replied softly, wiping away the tears that suddenly slipped down her face. A huge knot formed in his stomach. He knew whatever she needed to tell him would be bad. “We’re family now. If you feel up to telling me, I’ll listen.” “Thank you for being so kind, Micah,” Gram replied, nodding. “Riley needs that in his life. Despite being a brilliant doctor, he’s alone too often. I think he’s afraid to get close to people. The only person he opens up to is me, and I know he doesn’t open all the way up. He still hides some part of himself.” Gram took a deep breath,
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twisting a napkin around in her hand. “Right after Riley had turned five, his entire family was slaughtered in their home by demons. My son, his wife, Riley’s three sisters and brother were all torn to pieces. I cannot even put it into words how horrific it was.” “My God,” Micah whispered. “How did Riley survive?” “His father, my son, put Riley in a dumbwaiter they had in the house. They had a small attic with a hidden door to it. My son pulled Riley up there then broke the dumbwaiter so that the demons couldn’t use it. He fought bravely, my son, taking out a few of the demons, but there were just too many,” she said, taking a deep breath again before continuing. “I found them the day after it happened. We always had Sunday brunch together as a family. I went over and saw what had happened, why they didn’t show.” Micah watched her as she seemed to tear up again. He patted her back with one hand and rubbed her hand with the other. “Go on, I’m listening.” “There are just some things that stay with you for the rest of your life, Micah. This is mine. I called in for help, but we couldn’t even tell who was who at first. As others put bodies back together, by the end of the night, we realized Riley was not amongst them.” Gram sniffled, wiping at her nose with her napkin. “I’ve never been more afraid than I was at that moment, thinking the demons had taken my youngest grandson. We searched the house, of course, but to no avail. Warriors went out to look for him and destroy the demons who murdered our family. On the third day, I was working on cleaning up the house. The bodies had already been removed, and it was the only thing I could do to keep myself sane. “I was working in my son’s room when I remembered the attic. Not knowing what I would find, I climbed up there. I was overwhelmed with relief to find Riley. He was unconscious, dehydrated, hungry, exhausted, and needless to say, completely traumatized. We were able to bring him around a few days later. And then I had to explain to this little boy that his family was gone.”
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“Oh my God,” Micah whispered. Gram nodded. “Riley wanted details of what happened, of course. He didn’t see anything, but he heard it all from the attic. I never told him what I walked in on that first day. I couldn’t. Besides his gift of being a healer, I know that’s why Riley went into medicine, why he went to human college and medical school. He wanted to learn everything he could about healing.” “He’s good at it,” Micah said. “I can tell you that from personal experience.” “Yes, he is, but it’s more than that. Riley has always felt that if he had known more, been stronger, then he could have healed his family. I’ve tried to explain to him that if he had been down there with his family, he would have met the same fate. Also, there are merely some things you cannot heal, no matter how gifted you are,” she finished, letting the tears flow freely. “Oh, Marian, I’m so, so sorry,” Micah said, wrapping an arm around her and bringing her close to him. “Micah,” Gram said after a few minutes, lifting her head up, “I know he still has nightmares. I know that’s why he’s afraid to get close to anyone. What if they leave him, too? He’s a great man, loving, caring, and extremely smart and talented, but he needs more than I can give him to heal. I hope having you for a mate will finally help him.” “I will do everything in my power, Marian,” Micah promised, swallowing past the lump in his throat. “I may need your guidance though. I’m a warrior. We’re not known for being warm and fuzzy. While I will do everything I can to help Riley, to love him, most times I won’t know what to do.” “I will always be here for you and Riley, Micah, just as I’m sure your parents will as well.” Gram smiled. “Now why don’t you go use this time to get to know your mate more? Maybe complete the mating process? I’ll be here in the kitchen so no one will interrupt.”
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Micah felt his face turn about ten shades of red at Gram’s suggestion. All he could do was nod. He turned one last time to look at Marian before leaving the kitchen. She must have understood the look on his face because she started laughing. That was all Micah needed to hightail it out of there and go looking for his mate. He found the study, only to find it empty. Assuming Riley had gone to his room for something, Micah headed up the stairs. As he walked, he thought of all the pain Riley experienced in his life. His mate was a very strong man to have made a life for himself after what had happened, not to mention being the best there was in his profession. Micah admired his mate. Riley was one of a kind. Even though it was unexpected to be mated to a man, he was mated to a good man, which was more important to Micah than which sex his mate was. Micah didn’t even bother knocking on the door he found partially open, which was obviously Riley’s room. He merely walked in, grabbed Riley, and pulled him into a kiss. Fuck! His mate knew how to kiss. Riley wasn’t just some wet noodle having Micah do everything. He gave as well as he took. Micah grabbed him by the hips and molded their bodies together. They both moaned as their hard cocks pushed together through their pants. Riley wrapped his hands around Micah’s neck, one hand tangling in his hair. Micah never wanted this kiss to end. He could spend the rest of his life kissing his mate. Oh, he could kiss like no one Micah ever met before. Riley didn’t simply kiss, he devoured, stealing every last breath from Micah’s lungs. Micah could live on Riley’s kisses all day long. Needing more, Micah ripped off Riley’s scrub shirt, using one claw to shred it down the middle and pull it off him. Micah let his hands wander over Riley’s smooth, soft, but firm skin. Riley was so well built. He had impressive muscles in his shoulders, back, and arms. Micah groaned as he explored every inch
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of those muscles. Riley broke their kiss and moved along Micah’s chin, down his neck. He kissed, sucked, and nibbled every inch of Micah. It was heaven. Micah wanted to savor this moment, but he felt like he was going to burst into flames. Untying Riley’s pants, Micah pushed them down his hips and immediately his hands went to the man’s glorious ass. Squeezing each of the round globes firmly, Micah loved it when he heard Riley moan. Quickly as could be, he whipped off his own shirt while Riley had started on his jeans. Once all the clothes were removed, they again threw themselves into an embrace. Micah buried his hands in Riley’s jet black hair, loving the silky feel of it. He knew he wanted more, but he wasn’t sure what to do next. Going for it, he took Riley’s hard cock in his hand and started to pump it. He’d worked his own cock enough times. He simply did what he knew felt good for himself. “Fuck, Micah—yeah, yeah, fuck, just like that,” Riley moaned, pumping his hips. Riley’s hands were still wrapped around Micah’s neck, but his lips were kissing along Micah’s collar bone. Micah shuddered at the pleasure Riley brought him, even more so when Riley started to work down to his nipples. They were a hot spot for Micah, and he loved having them played with, nibbled on, sucked on. When Riley’s thrusts became more erratic, Micah quickened the pace. “That’s it, baby, come for me. I want to see how you look when I make you come.” That must have startled Riley because his head immediately shot up, and he looked Micah in the eye. Micah groaned and pumped faster. His mate was enchanting. Those deep blue eyes were glazed over and full of lust. Riley’s lips were parted slightly as he panted and whimpered. He was fucking gorgeous. “Come for me, Riley,” Micah hissed in his ear as he bit the man’s earlobe. “I want your seed all over me.”
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That was all it took to push Riley over the edge. Thick ropes of white seed splashed all over Micah’s hand and abdomen. He kept pumping Riley’s cock, hoping to extend his orgasm as long as he could. When Riley came back down and looked up at him, Micah had an idea. Micah was curious about the taste of Riley’s seed. Slowly lifting his hand, making sure Riley was watching, Micah licked some of Riley’s cum off his hand. He closed his eyes and groaned. Riley tasted like heaven, like crisp green apples and honey. Micah had thought Riley’s cum would be bitter and nasty but was glad he was wrong. He knew he would become addicted to Riley. “Fuck, that’s so hot, Micah,” Riley whispered. As Micah started to lick more off his hand, Riley captured Micah’s head and kissed him. Micah was shocked that Riley would kiss him, tasting his own cum, but it seemed to turn Riley on that Micah was licking his hand clean. The combined taste of Riley’s mouth and his seed made Micah harder than he ever thought possible.
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Chapter 4 Riley couldn’t believe how hard he came. He had never experienced that before, much less from just a hand job. He was thrilled Micah was accepting that his mate was a man, taking steps that Riley figured would take a while before Micah was ready. Deciding to reward his mate, Riley dropped to his knees in front of him, immediately wrapping his fingers around Micah’s huge cock. Riley tightened his grip on the cock that he held. Micah’s cock throbbed. Riley could feel the blood pulsing in the man’s dick. He was huge! Wide, with thick veins running through it, and long enough Riley wasn’t sure he could deep throat it. But he would enjoy every minute of it in his ass. It made Riley’s heart soar that he could turn on a straight man like that. He stroked Micah slowly from head to base, his thumb rubbing around the head each time he moved up. He was determined to make Micah’s first time with a man outstanding. Riley glanced up and examined Micah’s face. Emotions raced from one to another across his face--fear, acceptance, joy, then pure bliss. Riley knew Micah had had doubts about being with a man in the beginning. He had been clear with Riley about that, but he seemed to have had a change of heart. Riley could feel it in his cock, and he could see it in Micah’s face. “Oh, fuck me!” Micah yelled, his body shaking so bad Riley was afraid to let go of his thighs. Micah nicked his lip with his fang and blood trickled down his lips and chin. Riley wanted to taste that blood more than he wanted air.
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With each inhale, the smell of Micah’s blood and Micah himself filled Riley up. He smelled incredibly masculine. It overran Riley’s senses. Losing complete control of his body and actions, he swallowed as much of Micah’s cock as he could. Riley moaned at the taste of Micah’s pre-cum. He tasted like thick vanilla custard. Micah suddenly grabbed him so hard by the ears that Riley gasped at the slight pain. He increased the pace of his head, swirling his tongue around the head of Micah’s cock each time he reached the tip. Micah moaned so loudly the neighbors could have heard. And he made noises that Riley would think to call whimpers, but warriors didn’t whimper, did they? Micah started to fuck Riley’s mouth, making Riley want Micah to enjoy it even more. He was determined to make Micah experience the ultimate blowjob and from a man. Micah would become a fanatic, unable to live without Riley, hopefully as much as Riley was becoming addicted to his large warrior mate. Changing up the pace, Riley opened his mouth and let his tongue do all the work, licking up the sides and swirling it around the head and down to the base. He rotated between that and swallowing Micah all the way down until Riley’s nose hit Micah’s pubic hairs. Riley was surprised that his gag reflex was holding out, but then again, he’d never given head to his mate. “Riley, gonna—can’t stop—soon—” Micah grunted out with each thrust. Riley made a split second decision and sank his fangs into Micah’s cock just as it started to burst. It felt so different then biting a neck, softer, almost like satin. The blood hit his taste buds a moment before Micah exploded. The cocktail in Riley’s mouth was amazing. He would have pinched himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, but Micah started to collapse. Now on his knees, Micah was still taller than Riley. He held firmly onto Riley’s shoulders. Micah looked like he’d been smacked
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upside the head, dazed and surprised. At what, Riley wasn’t sure, but he was suddenly scared, very scared. After hundreds of years, Riley had finally found his mate. What happened in the next few seconds could change everything. What if Micah was still upset about him being a man? What if Micah hadn’t enjoyed what Riley did to him? What if he was disgusted? The warrior breathed heavily, holding onto Riley’s shoulders with a death grip. “Wow,” Micah panted, licking his lips. “That was—that was, I don’t even know how to explain it, Riley. I’ve gotten blowjobs before, but nothing like that. How did you learn to do that?” “I’m a man.” Riley chuckled. “I know what I like, and I did the same to you.” “Thank you,” Micah said, reaching up with one arm to pull Riley down for a kiss. “I’m not going to be as good as you at that, you know?” “Who knows, Micah, you may be a natural.” Riley shrugged. “You may hate it. We don’t have to find out right away. We can take as long as you like to try new things. I’ll wait as long as you need.” Micah sat up then, pulling Riley into his arms. “I’m going to fall for you so hard and fast. I hope one day you will love me back.” “I’m sure I will, Micah,” Riley whispered into Micah’s hand. His heart pounded in his chest at Micah’s words. He didn’t know if he was shocked, overjoyed, or both. He stood up, holding out a hand to Micah then pulled him to his feet. “Wow, we didn’t even bother closing the door.” Micah chuckled. Riley watched Micah go to close it, groaning at the sight of Micah’s tight ass. “What?” Micah asked, turning around after closing the door and raising an eyebrow. “You have the most glorious ass. I just want to lick, nibble, and bite every inch of it before I fuck it one day.” Micah blushed at that, obviously not used to those kinds of compliments. Riley went to Micah, pulling him to the bed and
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pushing him down on it. Riley climbed over Micah so he was straddling his waist. He took Micah’s face in his hands. “I meant what I said, Micah. I won’t push you. We will take as much time as you need, okay?” Micah’s response was to pull Riley down and wrap his arms around him. They lay there for a few moments, simply enjoying the afterglow. “Riley, can I ask you something?” Micah asked. “Of course,” Riley answered, sitting back up. “Sex between men, I mean between us, it’s just as simple as sticking one of our dicks in the other’s ass, right?” “Um, no, there’s a little more to it than that.” “What do you mean?” “When you have sex with a woman, you make sure she’s ready, right? That she’s nice and wet,” Riley replied. “Oh, that’s what lube is for?” Riley rolled his eyes. He was used to being smarter than his colleagues, but they didn’t talk about sex. He’d never been so embarrassed in his life, having to show his mate how to love a man. But on the other hand, whatever he showed Micah would be what the man did to Riley. At least Micah wouldn’t have a trial and error period like Riley did when he first learned about having sex. “Would you be willing to show me, Riley? I guess I could look it up, but I’d rather experience it with you. Show me what you like, please? I want you to teach me. I want to experience everything for the first time with you.” “Are you sure, Micah? We don’t have to do this already. We can wait.” “No, I don’t want to wait,” Micah said before kissing him madly. When they came back up for air, he continued. “I want more. I want you.” “I want you, too, Micah.” Riley grinned. “Lay down flat and push that perfect ass up.”
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“What are you going to do?” “I’m going to get your virgin ass ready for my cock. You’ll love every second of it, and if you don’t, tell me, okay?” Riley said. Micah looked a little scared, like a child attempting to ride his bike for the first time, but he lay down, slowly raising his ass to Riley’s every whim. Getting settled between Micah’s legs, Riley rubbed one round tight globe, then the other, placing little kisses on them, then nibbling them a bit. Micah pulled back a little, startled, but then resumed where he was. Riley smiled at his mate’s adventurous side, willing to try new things even if it made him nervous. He gave his virgin hole over to Riley with only slight hesitation, wanting to share this moment with his mate. “Promise I’m going to like this, Riley? You’ll show me the way you like it?” Micah asked, sounding a little hesitant. “I can’t promise you will like it, Micah, but I can promise that I will stop if you don’t. I’ll show you exactly how I like it. Now take a deep breath and try not to tense up,” Riley said. He ran his lubed fingers up and down Micah’s hole, teasing him just a bit. Slowly, he circled one finger around Micah’s hole before gently pushing in. Micah let out a long moan. Taking that as a good sign, Riley pushed his finger all the way in. When he was sure Micah was ready, he started to twirl it around inside the man. After a few moments, Riley slipped a second finger in. “This is foreplay between men, like how you would play with a woman’s clit to get her ready for sex. You’re loosening up the other person, so they can take your cock, but you’re loving it at the same time, aren’t you, baby?” Riley asked. “Yes. It’s weird, too, but a good weird.” “Well, tell me if it gets bad weird, but I think you are going to love this even more. There is this place inside every gay man, human, werewolf, and vampire alike, called the sweet spot. If you curve your fingers just right, you can hit—”
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“Oh fucking shit, please do that again,” Micah yelped. His large body started to shake. Riley did it again and again, making sure to keep hitting Micah’s prostate. “Hitting that spot is like hitting a woman’s G-spot. It makes the sex more intense. And we want our sex to be intense, don’t we, Micah? Especially our first time,” Riley said. Adding a third finger, he began thrusting them into Micah’s ass. “Just don’t stop. My God, Riley, don’t ever stop,” Micah pleaded. Riley used his other hand to caress Micah’s sac as it started to tighten up. He wouldn’t hold out much longer, and Riley wanted to be in his ass when Micah came. The little groans and whimpers coming from Micah were making him so damn hard. “Ri-Riley, I’m almost there—” “You ready, Micah? Do you want this or for me to simply keep playing?” “No, more, show me more. Please, just fuck me!” Micah exclaimed. Riley pulled his fingers out and lined his cock up with Micah’s ass, pushing his cock in and then thrusting as deep into Micah as he could go. Fuck, he was so tight. It felt like his cock was in a vice grip. “Riley, I want to see you, baby. Our first time together, I want to see those deep blue eyes,” Micah groaned. Riley quickly pulled out and rolled Micah onto his back, grabbing his cock in his hand. “Micah, you can ride me,” Riley said, touched Micah wanted to look into his eyes while they were together for the first time. Micah looked skeptical for a moment then he moved over to straddle Riley’s waist, slowly lowering himself onto the cock in Riley’s hand. As Riley let Micah take charge, he grabbed Micah’s hips. Micah finally settled all of the way down, his ass pressing against Riley’s balls. Micah wiggled around a bit, seeming to get used to the new sensations. What he didn’t seem to realize was that his movements were about to make Riley shoot his load. “What do you want me to do?” Micah asked.
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“Move around and experiment a little. Find out what you like, what feels good.” Micah leaned forward, putting each forearm under Riley’s shoulders, keeping most of his weight on his elbows. He pulled Riley up for a kiss, moving his hips, making them both groan. “Riley, I need more, baby,” Micah demanded. “Anything you want, Micah,” Riley replied, trying to hold back tears as he suddenly became emotional about sharing Micah’s first time with him. He reached down to grab Micah’s hard cock in his hand. Riley began stroking him, slowly at first, then faster and faster as Micah’s hips began to move in a more rapid pace. He reached up with his other hand and wrapped it around Micah’s neck, pulling him down for a kiss, rubbing his tongue slowly over Micah’s lips before delving inside. As he brushed his tongue against Micah’s fang, he could feel the man start to go wild. Micah’s hips moved faster, impaling himself on Riley’s cock as fast as he could. Riley continued to stroke Micah’s cock as his groans turned into growls. Riley could feel Micah’s hands moving to grasp his hair. “Micah,” he whispered as he turned his head to the side. He knew what he was asking Micah to do. He knew it would mate them together. He was ready to be Micah’s, forever Micah’s. He needed Micah to claim him just as much as Micah needed to do it. As Micah sank his teeth into the soft flesh of his neck, Riley took over and thrust upwards, doing his best to make sure to hit Micah’s sweet spot on every thrust. He grinned when he heard Micah grunt, his arms wrapped around his shoulders as Riley held him tighter to his neck. Micah was so close to coming, it made Riley hit that spot inside Micah harder and faster. He looked up in surprise when Micah suddenly reared up. His back arched as he screamed out his release, covering Riley’s hand and stomach with white seed before falling down over Riley’s body. Micah’s head buried in Riley’s neck. Oh yeah, Micah had enjoyed every second of it. He was panting, licking the mating marks on
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Riley’s neck. Riley allowed himself just a moment to enjoy his delight until his need to come overcame him. He thrust his cock up into his mate as far as he could go, glorying in the feel of Micah’s inner muscles tightening around his erection. Riley cried out as he exploded, filling Micah with his seed. Riley’s eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling rapidly with each breath he took, his mouth hanging open slightly. “Riley,” Micah said, breaking the silence hanging in the room. “You are to never, ever do that again with any other man, Riley. Do you understand me?” Micah growled. “I would be a very unhappy warrior, and you wouldn’t like that.” Riley opened his eyes and looked up at him. “I promise,” Riley whispered. “You belong to me now, and if you ever do this with anyone but me, so help me Riley, I—I don’t even know what I will do to you!” Micah snarled. Riley’s was shocked at his possessiveness. “Even though I’m a man?” “I don’t care if you’re a man!” Micah snapped. “You’re my mate, and I will not share you ever! Do I make myself perfectly clear?” “You’re not upset that you were a minute ago fucked in your ass?” “Fuck, no! I’m hoping there’s more for you to do to me, and me to do to you. That was fucking amazing, the best sex of my life,” Micah said with a grin before becoming serious again. “Did you understand what I said, Riley? No one else, just us, you and me, baby, okay?” Did he understand? Fuck yeah, he was good with that! He was thrilled. “Of course, but I ask one thing in return,” Riley replied. “What?” Micah asked, looking guarded. “I want you to fuck me, my big strong warrior, and I like it hard and fast!” Riley almost thought he might have demanded more than Micah wanted to give, but then the man started to smile. It lit up his entire face.
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“I think that can be arranged. Being mated and all, I’m to see to your needs, am I not?” “Now,” Riley said breathlessly. He could feel his cock getting hard simply from the thought of Micah pounding into him. “Already?” Micah chuckled. “You’re going to be the death of me, Riley.” “Hey, I’m not the only one who liked the idea of fucking me.” Riley smirked, indicating Micah’s growing cock. Micah sat up and rolled to his side, looking around the bed. “Where’s the lube?” Riley grinned, holding up the bottle in his hand. Micah grabbed the bottle out of his hand and popped the lid open, pouring some out on his fingers before dropping the tube back down on the bed. “Okay, baby, assume the position.” Riley shook his head. “No way, I want to watch, as you watched me, and this time we both mark each other.” Micah’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I can do it this way? I won’t hurt you?” “Baby, there are a lot of ways that we can do this.” Riley nodded, pulling his knees up to his chest and spreading them wide open, baring himself to Micah. “And no, you won’t hurt me if you prepare me, and I’ll love every fucking minute of it.” **** Micah was nervous as he moved into position, but he also wanted Riley so much. He didn’t think he’d ever wanted to fuck someone so much in his entire life! Riley’s words, his body, his very presence aroused Micah to a fever pitch. Also, there was the fact that Riley liked it hard and fast. Micah didn’t have to worry about his strength as much as making sure he was prepared. As much as he hadn’t wanted to mate with a man, there were some definite perks!
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“You’ll tell me if I do something wrong, won't you?” As soon as Riley nodded, he continued. “Good, then it’s my turn to play doctor. I think you need a full exam, having me inside you in every way.” At Riley’s moan, Micah reached down with his finger and began gently stroking around Riley’s puckered entrance. He slowly moved around the edges, never quite touching him there directly. By the time he claimed his little doctor, he wanted him so out of his mind with pleasure that he would never feel any discomfort. Now he merely had to figure out how to do that. He didn’t have a clue how to arouse his mate beyond what the man had just shown him. Micah didn’t want to fuck this up. Micah nibbled on Riley’s ass as he moved his finger around. He remembered how much he liked it when Riley did it to him. He sank his fangs into Riley’s ass cheek, not drawing in blood. The erotic pleasure of biting the ass of his mate made him harder than rock. He slowly pushed the first finger in then started to wiggle it around. “Micah, fuck me. I want you inside me. I want you to fill me up, split me in half with that monstrous cock,” Riley grunted as he started to thrust back on Micah’s finger. Micah slipped in a second one, and Riley increased his thrusts back. “How am I doing? Am I being as good of a doctor as you?” Micah asked, teasing Riley in a way, but Micah was so enthralled with Riley and how impressive he was, in and out of the bedroom. “You seem to like what I’m doing, baby. You like this?” “Micah, fuck me. Please, just fuck me. I want your cock in my ass.” Riley panted, looking up at him with frantic eyes. Micah pushed in a third finger and thrust all of them in at the same time. He noted where he was rubbing inside Riley, because Riley screamed out in pleasure. That had to be that damn sweet spot Riley talked about. “Micah, please, I’m begging you.” Riley whimpered. “Shove that big cock in my ass! I’m ready for you, I promise. Don’t keep teasing me.”
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“What did you say, Riley? I couldn’t hear you.” “I need your cock! Fuck me now, fuck me hard!” “That’s all I wanted to hear,” Micah said as he pulled his fingers free and grabbed Riley’s legs, pulling them around his waist. He looked down and inhaled sharply. Riley’s big blue eyes watched him. He reached down, lining up his cock and thrust in Riley hard, balls deep. “Yes!” Riley screamed. “How does it feel, baby? The best you’ve ever had? Tell me you want only me forever, that you’ll never want another.” “Yes, only you, Micah,” Riley grunted. “I only want your cock in my ass, I swear.” “You want me to fuck you as hard as I can?” Micah panted. “You want it faster?” “Yes, harder, faster, now, fuck me with everything you have.” “Promise you’ll never leave me, promise me,” Micah demanded. He knew it was wrong to try and get Riley to make promises during sex, but he couldn’t take the chance of not being enough for his mate. He leaned down until his nose was nearly touching Riley’s. “Open your eyes, baby. I want to see your blue eyes. I could get lost in those eyes.” Riley gasped when he opened his eyes. Micah knew it was because he was crying. He couldn’t help it. He had never felt such intense emotions before. Riley seemed to be in such bliss that it led Micah to hope he could please Riley, make him never leave. “I promise, Micah,” Riley whispered, a sound that was out of place after what the man had shouted at him a moment ago. “I’ll never leave you.” “I’m yours now, Riley, only yours. The first and only man I will ever make love to. I’m yours, but you have to keep me. You’re mine now, too. I want to hear you say it,” Micah demanded as he gazed down at him. “Yes, yours, Micah, always yours,” Riley said.
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“Yes! Mine!” Micah growled, fucking Riley faster. “It’s my cock in your ass, fucking you raw. And my hands holding your hips, my lips kissing you, my fangs claiming you. No one else.” If it wasn’t such an important moment in their life together, Micah might have laughed. Him possessive? Perish the thought. Micah realized it was fear more than dominance. He didn’t want to dominate Riley. He was just scared out of his mind that he wouldn’t be enough for Riley. Micah had never been with a man before. He had nothing to compare it to. Riley had been with other men. What if Riley got rid of him because one of the other men he’d been with was better in bed than Micah? Or they were better at relationships? How could Micah make Riley stay? He’d do his best, but for right now, he needed to focus. Micah grabbed Riley’s hands, moving them up above his head and entwining their fingers together. He kissed Riley, demanding his mouth, possessing him, trying to entwine their souls. Riley seemed to understand Micah’s mentality, as he squeezed their hands tighter together. They both groaned as Micah fucked Riley harder. “Micah,” Riley whispered as their kiss broke. “Only you, Micah. I only want you. I’ll keep you with me always, for as long as you want me. I will never desert you, never love another.” “Show me how much I please you, Riley. Come all over us. Make me believe I’m enough for you,” Micah begged. His pulse stopped, and his breath caught in his lungs at the look in Riley’s deep blue eyes. They held all the lust and desire Riley felt for Micah. It took Micah’s breath away. Riley came the same time as he did. Micah covered Riley’s mouth with his, not wanting the world to hear and share in their mating. He rocked his hips back and forth, barely enough to keep Riley stimulated. He wanted to draw out this moment, their first time together.
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“Micah,” Riley moaned, tilting his head to the side. Micah sank his fangs into Riley’s neck a second before he felt Riley’s in his neck. Micah continued to rock his hips, his hands still holding Riley’s as he drew the man’s blood into his mouth. Each pull from Riley had him coming again and again, just as Micah suspected it was for Riley. He felt jet after jet of cum filling the space between them. Each movement spurred on by Riley’s small whimpers and cries. When Riley drew back his fangs, Micah did as well, thrusting in one last time. He stayed there above Riley as they stared at each other, not knowing what to say, lost in the moment. Micah was shaking, about to collapse, but he didn’t want to hurt Riley. He finally rolled over onto his back, pulling Riley with him. Micah was astounded by how drawn to Riley he was, how infatuated he had become with his little doctor mate in just one day. Micah had no idea what to do about it, but he had warned Riley that he would fall hard and fast for him. He knew now he couldn’t live without him, and that scared the ever-loving shit out of him. “What now, Micah?” Riley asked, still panting a bit. “Now we start packing,” Micah answered, tilting his head to give Riley a kiss on those plump lips.
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Chapter 5 Riley was impressed at how willing Micah was to help them move. He called Caleb over, asking him to bring boxes, and packed up anything Riley’s grandma told him to. Riley, on the other hand, went to his lab and packed up everything there. When the movers came to the hospital first, he was just finishing up. The hospital had given him the office and lab, but all the equipment in it was Riley’s. It was lucky the movers were actually available, but then again, vampires didn’t have a tendency to move all that often. Once you were in a coven, you normally were there for life. They ended up having everything packed up by early evening. Of course, if they had been human, and not had their preternatural speed, it would have taken a lot longer. Riley had talked his grandma into bringing all the furniture. The rooms she would be moving into would probably be furnished, but this way if she didn’t like it, she had her own stuff. After leaving the keys on the counter for the realtor, they figured out the driving rotations and headed out. Riley and Micah had both chuckled at Caleb’s and Gram’s insistence they would drive together, giving the new mates the long drive to bond. Caleb drove Riley’s car with Gram, while Micah drove his with Riley, and the movers drove the truck, of course. They had decided not to stop, driving straight through the thirty-hour drive, switching off drivers.
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After Micah’s first four-hour drive, they had stopped to stretch their legs and use the facilities. Riley hopped into the driver’s seat and laughed when Micah had a silly grin on his face. “Do I want to know?” Riley asked. “Probably not,” Micah answered. “Tell me anyway,” he replied. “Well, I know you said to pick up some food for the drive while we stopped, but I’m not sure you’re going to like my choices,” Micah said with what Riley would have called a blush. Sure enough, Micah had gotten almost every junk food known to man that he could get at a convenience store. “They didn’t have any sandwiches or anything that isn’t completely full of chocolate?” Riley asked, laughing as they got back on the highway. “Not so much,” Micah started to answer. “Okay, they may have.” “You better make it up to me.” Riley laughed. “I can think of a thing or two,” Micah replied, putting the bag down. “Oh? And that would be?” “You focus on the road and let me worry about pleasing you,” he replied. Riley was about to ask what Micah meant when the man undid his seat belt and scooted over towards him. Leaning over and twisting his body, Micah’s head ended up in Riley’s lap. As he slowly unzipped his pants, Riley’s heart rate started to pick up. “Micah, I was just kidding. You don’t have to do this because you bought junk food.” Riley gasped as the man’s hand slid into his pants and pulled Riley’s cock free. “I know, baby, but I’ve been thinking about giving you a blowjob. I want to try it. What better time than right now when you’re trapped here with me and I can explore all I want?” “Um, maybe a time when I’m not driving your very expensive car,” Riley replied, starting to lose his ability to think as Micah started
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stroking him. When Micah’s tongue ran along the head of his erection, Riley couldn’t hold back his moan. That seemed to encourage his mate, who started running his tongue up and down the side of his cock. “Move your seat back a little,” Micah mumbled against his balls, vibrations running throughout him. Riley was all too willing to comply. He simply had to remember to keep his eyes open and on the road. Micah seemed to really plan on exploring every inch of him. That or he was trying to tease Riley to death. When he finally took the head into his mouth, Riley thought he would burst. “Oh, Micah, just like that, fuck.” Riley groaned as Micah sucked on only the head. When Micah tried to swallow Riley as far as he could, Riley jumped a little, completely surprised at the bold move. Micah’s left hand went to grab his cock at the base, while his right hand fondled his balls. His mouth went up and down slowly at first, but then picked up the pace. Micah’s constant attention, speed, and pressure had Riley ready to blow his load in a matter of minutes. Added to that was the knowledge that Riley was lucky enough to experience Micah’s first time giving head. When he started to shake and his balls drew up, his mate started to suck on him harder until he exploded into Micah’s mouth. Swallowing every last drop of cum, Micah then licked Riley clean and tucked him back into his pants. He released a sigh, moved over to his seat, buckled in, and didn’t say a word. “Fuck, Micah, are you sure that’s your first time?” “Yes, why?” Micah frowned. “That was fantastic!” “Really? I wasn’t sure you enjoyed it,” Micah said, looking at his lap. “Of course I did, baby. I had to bite my tongue almost the whole time,” Riley replied grabbing Micah’s hand. “I’ve never come that fast from head. That was amazing, hot as hell. I just had to keep quiet.
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You know how loud I can get, and we are driving on a highway where others can see us.” “Yeah, I didn’t think of that.” Micah frowned, looking worried. “You promise you liked it? You wouldn’t lie to me, right?” “No, Micah, I wouldn’t lie to you,” Riley said, bringing his hand to his lips. “I loved it. Thank you.” “Okay, good,” Micah replied snuggling down into his seat. He grabbed one of the pillows from the back seat and lay his head down on it, closing his eyes. He still held onto Riley’s hand. Riley shook his head. Who knew his big warrior mate could actually be insecure about anything? Riley hoped he had handled it well. He never wanted Micah to feel bad about his abilities to please him. Given that Micah had been straight twenty-four hours ago, Riley was shocked how inquisitive and excited Micah was to try new things. The rest of the long drive passed without much excitement. They chatted after Micah woke from his nap and learned more about each other. Riley started to be fascinated at all his mate had seen. Sometimes they would just take turns sleeping in between stopping for food, stretching out, and using the washroom. Riley was glad Micah was driving when they finally reached the compound so he was able to get his fill of his surroundings. Calling the Marius main house a large house was like calling the White House a summer home. The place was huge! Riley bet there were at least a hundred bedrooms. The mansion had several wings for crying out loud. They pulled into a circular driveway that had five servants waiting by the main doors. Immediately, they started moving things inside. “Leave it,” Micah said as Riley went to grab a few of the bags. “I’ll give you and Marian a quick tour while Caleb supervises the move.” Riley was too tired to argue, plus he felt he needed a tour otherwise he’d be lost in the mansion for days.
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“Your home is amazing,” Gram said, joining them in the front of the house. “It’s your home too now, Marian,” Micah replied with a chuckle. “Let me show you around a little before retiring to our rooms. I know my parents are looking forward to seeing us at dinner tonight.” Riley took his grandma’s hand as Micah led them inside, only to gasp as he walked in. The foyer alone was larger than most people’s apartments, complete with stained glass windows and mosaic floors that had the Marius crest. Micah showed them what he called the front sitting rooms, then the “larger” ballroom, the main dining room, the kitchen, the indoor pool, the outdoor pool, his father’s study, Micah’s study, and the doors to his brothers’ studies. When he showed them the two-floor library, Riley knew his grandma would be thrilled about the move now. “We can read these books?” she asked, her eyes wide. Gram loved to read. “Of course, they are here at your disposal anytime you want, Marian. You don’t have to ask. Just put them back where you got them when you’re done, or if you’re not sure, you can ask Henry. He’s the main butler, and he knows where everything goes. I admit, my father can be quite a bear when something is out of place,” Micah said with a snicker. “I resent that, son,” Riley heard a voice say from behind them. “You may, but it is also true.” Micah chuckled as he turned and hugged his father. Riley smiled. It wasn’t one of those awkward male hugs or something formal. It was a genuine, loving hug. “Welcome home, Micah. I’m so glad to see you well after what happened,” Desmond Marius said. “Thank you, Father. It is nice to be home,” Micah replied, releasing his father. “May I present Marian Johnson. Marian, this is Desmond, my father.” “Mrs. Johnson, it is a pleasure,” Desmond said, bowing in the old ways.
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“Please, call me Marian. We’re family now,” she said, smiling. “I have to say, your home is marvelous, and I have a feeling you can always find me here now that I have seen your exquisite library.” “Why, thank you, Marian. Please, feel free to use it anytime you want,” his father said before turning to Riley. “Ah, Dr. Johnson, a pleasure to see you again.” “Thank you, Mr. Marius,” Riley replied, shaking his hand. “You’re home is absolutely breath taking.” “Thank you, and please, call me Desmond. You are my son’s mate. There is no need for formalities. “I agree. Call me Riley,” he replied, smiling. “Are you joining us on our tour?” “No, I will leave Micah to it. I heard voices, and knowing one was my son’s, I could not wait to see him until tonight. We were quite worried after Caleb’s call about his injuries. Thank you for saving my son, Riley. Caleb told us how quickly you healed him. You will always have a special place in my heart and I’m sure my wife’s heart for bringing Micah home to us.” “I did get the added bonus of meeting and making sure my mate was going to be around.” Riley chuckled. “But I’d have done it even if he wasn’t my mate. I can’t stand by when I know I can help.” “And that, son, is what makes you so wonderful,” Desmond said, giving him a large smile. “I will take my leave now. See you all for dinner.” They all said their goodbyes, and Micah led them out of the library. His mate had deemed that enough showing for the ‘short’ tour, and they dropped off his grandma to her room before retiring to theirs. “I hope you like it,” Micah said, opening the main door. “If you don’t, we can change whatever you like.” “I’m really not that picky,” Riley replied as he entered their living quarters. Off to the right, there was a set of double doors that had to
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be the bedroom and the master bath. Riley opened the doors and looked around, amazed at all the room they had. There was a guest bedroom and bath, a large office, a small kitchenette, a large living/sitting room, and a closet in their bedroom that was about the size of his old room at home. The place was huge. “You haven’t seen the best part,” Micah said, grabbing Riley’s arm and leading him to their bathroom. Riley would have laughed if he were sure he wouldn’t hurt Micah’s feelings. He was so excited to show Riley everything, like a little kid showing off his birthday presents to the other kids. Riley gasped as he walked into the bathroom. There was a glorious spa tub that could fit at least four people and a huge glassedin shower that had multiple shower heads. To top it off, of course, dual sinks with mirrors and even a vanity with a makeup table. Riley wasn’t really sure of the technical name, but it was where someone would sit down and put on their make-up. Before he realized what he was doing, Riley started getting undressed. That shower was calling to him. After days spent packing, moving, and then being trapped in the car, he was slimy and dirty and wanted those shower heads spraying warm water all over his body. “Riley? What are you doing there, babe?” Micah asked, behind him with a chuckle. “Shower. I want a hot shower. It’s calling to me,” Riley answered, not even slowing down his progress as the last of his clothes hit the floor. He stepped into the shower stall and turned on the water only to find the shower had five separate jets. It didn’t even need time to warm up like his old shower at home. Riley was in heaven and let out a long, built-up sigh. “You can’t just get naked and expect to get away from me, Riley,” Micah said, coming into the shower behind him. “I wasn’t trying to get away. There’s more than enough room for both of us,” he replied. Riley went to grab the soap, only to see Micah beat him to it. He let out a moan as his mate started to soap him up.
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Leaning his head back on Micah’s shoulder, he enjoyed every touch of Micah’s hands on his body. As Micah worked down his body, he felt himself being spun around. “Fuck it, I can’t take anymore.” Micah growled, surprising Riley before mashing his mouth down on Riley’s. Oh lord, could his mate kiss. Riley melted into him, moving his hands over Micah’s muscular back and shoulders. Riley let out a squeak as he was lifted and pushed back against the wall of the shower. “Micah,” he moaned as his mate started to nibble his neck. “Oh, Micah.” Riley was barely aware of the sound of a cap snapping shut, before he felt Micah moving Riley’s legs around his hips. Grabbing onto Micah’s shoulders, Riley felt fingers press against his little, puckered hole right before Micah thrust two into Riley. “You like that, don’t you, Riley? Tell me what you want, baby, and I’ll give it to you.” “You, Micah, I want you,” Riley said, starting to pant as he felt his cock swell. Micah moved his fingers around in Riley, loosening him up, before adding a third finger, making sure they swiped across his sweet spot each time. “I’m ready, Micah. I’m ready. Fuck me. Ram that big cock into my ass, please!” “Just my cock, right, baby? You don’t want anyone else’s cock? You want my cock, don’t you?” “Yes, Micah, I want only your cock. No one else has ever satisfied me the way you do.” He moaned, holding onto Micah tighter. It took him a minute to realize that Micah had stopped moving. He opened his eyes and looked right into Micah’s bright green ones. “Is that true, Riley?” “What, Micah?” “That no one else has satisfied you the way I do?” Micah asked, and there was something in his eyes. Riley couldn’t figure out what it was, hope maybe, pleading with him.
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“Yes, Micah,” he said tenderly, caressing the side of Micah’s face with his hand. “I would never lie about something that important. You’ve taken me places during sex I didn’t know even existed. You do things to me no other man has.” “You have no idea how much I wanted to hear that from you,” Micah replied, choking on the words, as he buried his head in Riley’s shoulder. “I know I’m not a perfect man, and I’ve never been with a man before. I’ve been so scared I couldn’t please you, and you’d leave me.” “Oh, Micah, baby, look at me,” Riley said, pausing until he saw those green eyes again. Riley took his face in both hands. “Not going to happen, Micah. I will never leave you. I’ve become addicted to all things Micah. Do you really think I would pack up my life, my grandma, and move across the country if I wasn’t sure about this, you, us?” “I guess not,” Micah mumbled. “I wouldn’t, Micah. I’m way too logical to do things on a whim. I’m falling so fast for you. You’re everything I’ve always wanted, hoped for in a mate, and more,” Riley said, starting to feel the tears in his eyes. “Thank you, Riley. I promise to be everything you want and need,” Micah replied, dropping his forehead against Riley’s. “Right now, I need you inside me, Micah. I need you to show me how much you want me,” Riley said, lightly kissing him. “Fuck me, Micah. Make me yours again.” And then, there were no words left. Micah slowly pushed his way into Riley, grunting to hold himself from slamming home in one thrust. “So tight, so perfect,” Micah groaned. “And mine, all mine. You were made for me, Riley.” Just then his mate was buried all the way in him. Riley loved the feeling of being completely filled by Micah. “Hold on, baby, this is going to be rough and hard. I can’t hold back anymore.”
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“Don’t hold back, never hold back from me.” Riley panted as Micah started to pull back out. He thrust back in. Riley cried out only to have Micah swallow his cry with his lips. His mate started pounding into him. Riley loved every second of it, crying out every time Micah thrust in all the way. “Yes, like that, Micah, harder, fuck me harder,” Riley cried out in between thrusts. Right when he felt Micah getting close to his climax, he leaned over and sank his fangs into his mate. Micah’s soft skin gave no resistance as Riley drank from his mate. He heard Micah roar out his release, as his hot seed filled Riley up. After the last few thrusts, Riley let his head fall back, releasing his fangs from Micah’s shoulder, and started leisurely licking the wound. Micah’s body shuddered around him, still pressing against the wall of the shower, the warm water engulfing them. Riley was still hard enough to pound nails, but he could see his mate was overcome with emotions, as well as trying to recover from his orgasm. “Are you okay, baby?” Riley asked, brushing Micah’s wet hair away from his forehead. “That was—it was—I’ve never felt anything—,” Micah tried to say in between pants. “I know, Micah, me, too,” Riley replied, knowing there were some things that you simply couldn't put into words. Micah slowly pulled out of him. Releasing a groan as his mate left his body, Riley was set down on his feet. “Now we have to take care of you,” Micah said. “I like the sound of that. What did you have in mind?” Riley asked, smirking as he moved away to shampoo his hair. Riley froze in place when he turned around to see Micah with two fingers in his own ass, getting himself ready for Riley. He hurried washing and rinsing his hair, finishing just in time to see Micah stick a third finger in. Riley groaned at the gorgeous sight.
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Grabbing the lube, he poured some on his own hard cock and got ready. Pushing Micah face first against the shower wall, Riley slowly pressed his cock into Micah’s tight ass. “Oh, Riley, yes, that’s what I wanted, please, fuck me,” Micah whimpered as Riley stopped moving once he was pushed into his mate to the hilt. “You want me to fuck you, Micah?” “Yes, fuck me!” Riley didn’t need any more encouragement. He started pounding into Micah, making sure to hit his sweet spot each time. It sent a thrill through him each time he remembered that he was the only man to fuck Micah’s sweet ass. He picked up the pace, leaning against Micah’s back and holding on to his hips tightly. He knew he was leaving marks, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. “No,” Riley said, smacking Micah on the ass when Micah started to stroke his hardening cock. “My turn. You’ll enjoy me fucking you.” “Do that again,” Micah moaned. “What? This?” Riley asked as he swatted his mate’s ass. “Yes,” Micah hissed out. Riley could see how much Micah loved it by the way his cock was now rock hard. “You’ve been a bad boy, Micah,” Riley said, smacking him a few more times then rubbing his hand marks while still fucking Micah. “Yes, yes, I have. Punish me, Riley.” his mate panted, pushing his ass back, encouraging Riley. Riley was so shocked Micah liked to play this way. You could have pushed him over with a feather. Riley smacked Micah’s ass in between thrusts in him, loving his mate’s grunts and groans of pleasure. Realizing he was close, Riley leaned over and caressed Micah’s balls, pushing his mate into coming. “Oh, Micah, shit,” Riley growled out as Micah’s inner muscles clamped down on his cock, pushing him over the edge. He’d never felt this intense of orgasms like he did with Micah. They were so
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amazing. Riley couldn’t get enough of them! Still leaning against Micah, Riley tried to get his breathing under control. His heart was still racing. Pulling out from Micah, Riley let out a groan, leaning back against the shower wall, letting the water calm down his raging body. Micah pulled him into his arms, just holding Riley for a while, neither of them speaking. “Go dry off, and hop into bed. We have time for a nap before dinner,” Micah said when he pulled back from the embrace. “You okay, Micah?” “I’m perfect, Riley. Just realizing how tired I am,” Micah replied, giving him a big smile. “I’ll have to be more careful. I don’t want to wear you out,” he chuckled, escaping the shower before Micah could retaliate. “Wear me out? I’ll fuck you so good, you won’t walk for a week,” Micah said as Riley grabbed a towel. He laughed at his mate as he dried off before heading back into the bedroom. Micah had the biggest bed Riley had ever seen, way larger than a king size bed. It made sense, seeing how large Micah was. Not bothering to find clothes, Riley crawled into bed, snuggling into the covers and falling asleep before Micah was even done in the shower. **** Micah woke up when his alarm went off at six, snuggled around his little mate. He had spent some time simply lying next to Riley, just watching him when he got out of the shower. His mate was full of surprises. Smacking him on the ass during sex had been a shock, but even more shocking was that Micah had loved it. At first he had wondered what that had meant about him, but then he let it go. He liked what he liked. “Baby, wake up. We have to get dressed for dinner,” Micah said, laying kisses all over his mate’s shoulder.
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“Mmm, order room service.” Riley groaned. Micah just laughed, threw off the covers and picked Riley up. He loved the feel of his mate against his chest. He set Riley down on the edge of the bed, then found clothes to wear, pulling them on. The Marius house always ran a tight ship, drinks before dinner at 6:30, then dinner promptly at seven. “Come on sleepyhead, wake up.” He tried again, going through Riley’s bags to find something for him to wear. “I’m up,” Riley replied, not moving or opening his eyes. “If you don’t get dressed in the next five minutes, I’ll carry you down to dinner naked,” he answered. That got Riley’s attention. His eyes popped open to glare at Micah as he hopped off the bed and reached for the clothes held out to him. “You wouldn’t dare,” Riley said glaring at him. “Maybe, maybe not. Want to see if I would?” “No, you win. I’m getting dressed, but no sex for you tonight for threatening me!” “Oh really?” Micah asked, trying not to laugh at his stubborn little mate as he pulled Riley back against his chest, kissing him along the neck, nibbling on his ear while his hands massaged his ass. “Really, I can hold out against your charms,” Riley replied right before letting out a long moan. “It would seem you couldn’t, my mate,” Micah said in between licks on the mating mark he had given Riley. “Okay, you win, take me now,” Riley whimpered. Micah burst out laughing, as he released Riley and reached for his shoes. “Oh yeah, you have a lot of restraint, Riley.” “Hey, you’re hot, and you fuck like a god. What do you expect? That I’m ever really stupid enough to say no?” “I love it when you flatter me,” Micah replied, opening the door when they were both done dressing. Taking Riley’s hand in his own, he led him into the main hallway, and then to the front sitting room. “In here?” Riley asked pointing to the door, his hand shaking.
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Micah could sense his apprehension. He grabbed both of Riley’s hands and kissed them. “Yes, take a deep breath, my love. You’re going to be fine. My father already likes you, and he’s the one everyone has to be wary of. My mother is a kitten. She’s loving and wonderful. She is not even capable of hating people.” “We can hear you in here,” his parents called out, laughing. Micah chuckled, opening the door, hiding his blushing mate behind him. “I didn’t say anything I wouldn’t say or already haven’t said to your faces,” Micah said as they entered. “Mother, how I have missed you.” Micah let go of Riley’s hand and embraced his mother. “My son, how glad I am that you are home safe,” she said, tears in her eyes, hugging Micah tightly. After releasing them, she headed over towards Riley. “And you, saving my son’s life, bless you, doctor.” She hugged Riley so tightly, and Micah held back a laugh seeing Riley’s surprised reaction, finally relaxing into the hug. “It was my pleasure, Mrs. Marius,” Riley replied, patting her on the back. “Please, it’s Elena. We are family now,” Micah's mom said, releasing Riley and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Elena. You have an amazing house,” Riley replied. “Riley,” Micah said, grabbing his hand, “I’d like to introduce you to some of my brothers, Victor, Stefan, Gabriel, and Remus.” He pointed to each brother. “Virgil and Damian are out on a mission currently and won’t be joining us.” “Hello,” his mate said fearlessly, shaking each huge man’s hand. “I’m Riley Johnson. Nice to meet you.” He watched as each of his brothers shook his hand, sizing up his mate. Riley seemed to be trying his best not squirm under their gazes. “Good to see you again, Riley,” his father said, interrupting the awkward moment, hugging his mate. “Thank you, Father,” Micah whispered, hugging his father when he was done with Riley.
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“You’re welcome, son,” Desmond replied with a chuckle. “Ah, Marian, welcome.” Micah turned around to see Riley’s grandmother walk into the sitting room. “Hello, Gram,” Riley said, walking over to her and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “You’ve met Desmond. This is Elena, Victor, Stefan, Gabriel, and Remus Marius.” “Well, hello,” she said, shaking each of their hands, ending with Elena. “Just how many children have you popped out, my dear?” “Seven boys,” Micah's mother replied, laughing, “I’m honored to have you here, Mrs. Johnson. We need more women in the house to even things out.” “Marian, please, I appreciate the invitation. I was grateful to learn I was welcome to live here as well. While I was thrilled my Riley found his mate, I was overcome with grief of the idea of him being so far away from me. I don’t know if you’ve been told, but it’s been just Riley and I for centuries. He is my life.” “As you are mine, my loving grandma,” Riley replied, kissing her on the head. “Yes, thank you for inviting my grandma to move in as well. It helped us both acclimate to the changes.” “Of course,” Elena said, frowning slightly. “Family is always welcome here. As you can see, we have more than enough room. I wonder why your parents aren’t here, though, my dear.” “Um, well, you see, it’s…,” Riley said, looking shocked at having to explain. Micah pulled him under his arm, about to explain, but Marian took charge. “My son, Riley’s father, his wife, and children were murdered by demons when Riley was a small boy. His father was able to hide him where the demons couldn’t find him,” Marian explained, starting to tear up. Riley immediately moved away from Micah and wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, Mother mine,” Micah heard Riley whisper to his grandma.
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“I apologize, Mother, Marian,” Micah said, clearing his throat. “Given our quick meeting, my injuries, and the move, I hadn’t found the time to fill my family in yet.” “You know?” Riley asked, turning away from Marian. “I told him, my love,” Marian replied. “I know how hard it is for you to talk about. You were so young, and it was so traumatic for you. I didn’t want you to have to relive it and explain.” “I do not deserve you,” Riley said, kissing her again. “Of course, you do,” she replied with a laugh. “You are my love, my neverending surprise.” “Riley likes to surprise you?” Victor asked. “Really, we don’t need to talk about this. I’d like to hear more about your family,” Riley quickly answered, his face flushed red, obviously embarrassed. “No, I think I will like this explanation.” Micah chuckled, wrapping an arm around his mother, taking the glass of wine his father handed him. “Sorry, Riley,” Marian said. “But I love telling this story. It was one of the most touching moments of my life.” She waited until Riley nodded to continue. “Riley was the baby of his family, the youngest by over a century. I lost my husband several centuries before Riley was even born, so he would spend days with me while his mother was at work. “Well, I love gardening but seemed to always have problems with roses. One day, when he was about two maybe three years old, Riley watched me come inside the house sad, with dying roses in my hand. Seeing that I was upset, he toddled outside and went over to my rose bush, touched and breathed life right back into it. “He came inside all excited and dragged me outside, saying he had a surprise for me. I figured he made a mess and wanted to show me, like all little boys do. When I saw what he had done and figured out his gift and how happy he was to fix my roses for me, I cried and cried. I assumed I confused him. He was so small, but I told him how
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proud of him I was.” Marian wiped a tear away from the corner of her eye and sniffled. “Riley has always been full of surprises, always doing things his own way if he felt it was the right thing to do. I mean, there aren’t many of our kind who attend human college and medical school to learn to become a doctor. He’s developed quite a few medications for vampires that stem from human inventions and has helped bring up our birth survival rate.” “Okay, Gram,” Riley said, placing a hand over her mouth. “You told the story, now you’re merely giving them my resume.” Everyone laughed at that, only to be interrupted by one of the staff informing them dinner was ready. “That’s how you found out you were a healer, isn’t it?” Micah asked, wrapping an arm around his mate. “Yeah, even though I was too little at the time. When I got older, I started playing with my gift, seeing what I could do. My grandma always supported and pushed me. She even gave me the basement as my own person lab, even if it was nothing like the lab I have today. But as a child, it meant a lot to me.” “I think that’s great, the love you share for each other. Besides, that story is adorable,” Micah said, laughing and planting a kiss on his head. “Adorable, great,” Riley said, snickering. “I’m already short, now I’m adorable. Just what every grown man wants to be, adorable.” Micah smiled, knowing he took the compliment the way it was intended and that Riley wasn’t really upset.
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Chapter 6 Riley was still shaken up from the conversation they had had in the sitting room as they took their places on one end of the very long dining room table. Their salads were set down by staff members. That had Riley reeling. He now lived in a house that had staff. Riley tried to settle himself down, taking a long drink of water, then smiling at Micah. “So, you turned my younger brother into a fruit,” Micah’s brother Stefan said. Riley was so shocked he spit half his water out, making the situation that much more embarrassing. “Stefan, you will not speak to my mate that way,” Micah roared. “I know Elena has taught you better manners than that,” Gram admonished at the same time. “Please, both of you,” Riley said calmly. “I appreciate your willingness to defend me, but I am more than capable of fighting my own battles. Desmond, Elena, this is your home, and I will not argue with one of your family while in it.” “Riley, while that shows you have better manners than my son,” Desmond replied, glaring at Stefan, “it is your home now as well. Argue away.” “Thank you,” Riley replied, nodding at Desmond before turning his attention back to Stefan. “Spoken like a jealous man who has yet to find his mate, Stefan. However, I’m sure you have been told, fate chooses our mates, not us. As for your brother now being a fruit, that is your opinion, but I suggest you keep it to yourself. You may call me what you wish, but I will not stand for you to disparage him like that.”
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“I don’t disparage him.” Stefan sneered. “I think you did something to him. He’s under some delusion that since you saved his life, now he is your mate. What, did you give him some of your blood while he was injured?” “No, I did not give Micah any blood. His injuries were mostly from energy blasts from a demon. As you are not of the medical profession, I will explain that energy blasts cannot heal faster with blood, only time. I was able to speed that time up drastically by using my own gift, and his claw marks were not bleeding much either. It was simply a matter of removing the poison and stitching him up,” Riley said, much calmer than he really felt. “You probably learned that from your human schooling. I mean you are a human lover, aren’t you?” “No, again your ignorance astounds me,” Riley began to say. “Did you just call me ignorant?” Stefan snapped, standing up and slamming his hands on the table. “Would you like me to answer the first question, or would you rather keep shouting? Is that it? You like to hear yourself talk, Stefan?” Riley asked, tilting his head to the side. “Fine. Answer away, fag.” “Fag, cute,” Riley replied, trying to ignore Micah’s growl next to him. “Human institutions do not teach anything about the reality of our kind. They have literature classes that read the myths and legends, but their understanding of vampires is much closer to what demons really are. They do not generally believe we exist.” Riley smirked at Stefan. “That being said, I think humans are amazing. They are ingenious at times, intuitive and in ways centuries further ahead in their thinking than vampires are. I do not favor them over our race, but I respect them as equals to our kind. As your father can tell you, I have approached the council that doctors of our race should attend human schools as I did, instead of the old way of apprenticeship, which humans got rid of centuries ago.
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“Their genetic makeup is close to ours, so there is much we can learn from them, and I have. I’ve read your medical file, Stefan. You’ve been injured several times on missions. Did you enjoy the pain medicine you were given while you were hurt?” Riley asked. “Yes, of course. What does that have to do with anything?” “Riley developed that for vampires, based on his studies on human medicine,” Desmond answered. “Dr. Johnson has kept the council apprised of his experiments and developments over the years, even coming up with solutions for problems that we have approached him with.” “Fine, he’s smart. He’s learned a lot from humans. That doesn’t mean I have to believe he didn’t do something to my brother. It still seems suspect that he knows all about drugs, and now Micah is a fruit and mated to the good doctor,” Stefan replied with utter contempt. “Micah nor Riley is no more a fruit than I am, brother,” Remus said from next to Stefan. “You’re gay?” Stefan asked Remus, his chin almost hitting the table. As grateful as Riley was to be out of the spotlight for a few minutes, he felt bad for Remus for throwing himself under the bus. “Yes, I’m gay,” Remus said, shrugging. “Nice of you to break the news this way.” Stefan sneered. “The rest of us already know, my son,” Elena said quietly. “Remus wasn’t sure of your reaction and told us not to say anything to you. I feel quite foolish. I told him you would love him no matter what, and him being gay wouldn’t bother you at all. It seems I was wrong.” “You are all saying not one of you has a problem with our brothers being gay?” Stefan asked, looking completely astonished as he glanced around at his family. “It seems you might be spending too much time with the Dragos brothers and their hypocritical father,” Desmond said, shaking his head. “I had no idea you felt this way, Stefan. While Riley has
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defended and handled himself admirably, you, my son, have not. We do not judge in this family. Micah is happier than I have ever seen him, and I give all credit to Riley. From now on, you will keep such opinions to yourself, and not insult anyone in this family in such a way. And Riley and his grandma are our family now. Do I make myself perfectly clear, Stefan?” “Yes, Father, of course,” Stefan stuttered out. “I’m sorry, Father. Sorry, Riley. Please excuse me.” He put down his napkin, stood, bowed, and hurried from the room, confusing Riley as to how quickly Stefan lost his conviction. He didn’t know if Stefan said what he did because he thought his family felt the same or what the fuck just happened. “I apologize, Desmond. I never meant to bring such distress to your home,” Riley said, trying to keep his feelings at bay. “I will leave immediately if that is your wish.” “No!” Micah, Elena, and Desmond yelled at the same time. “You were in no way at fault, Riley. I am the one who should be apologizing,” Desmond said. “I am embarrassed at how my son acted, and I can tell you the rest of my family does not feel the same as he does. You are our family now, Riley. You will always be welcome here.” “Thank you, Desmond,” Riley replied, “but there is no reason for you to be embarrassed. Your son is an adult. His actions and words are not a reflection upon anyone but himself.” “I want you here, my love,” Micah said, wrapping his arm around Riley. “My family wants you and your grandma here. Please don’t let one stupid brother ruin this or drive you away.” “Of course not,” Riley said, smiling around the table, hoping it didn’t look as fake as it felt. “I’m fine, seriously. I’m just tired from everything from the past few days. If you would excuse me, I would like to head to bed.” “I’ll come with you,” Micah said, rising.
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“No, please, stay,” he replied, putting his hand on Micah’s shoulder to keep him sitting. “I want to unpack a few things and go to bed. You haven’t seen your family in a while. Enjoy it. I’m not going anywhere. I will see you later.” “As you wish,” Micah said, kissing each of Riley’s hands before releasing them. Riley bowed to everyone at the table and kept his calm until he entered one of the studies. He wasn’t sure which one, but they were at the back of the house facing the yard. He opened the French doors and ran. He ran hard, ignoring his tears. He knew he was probably being silly, but he couldn’t help it. His emotions were already askew, finding his mate, learning he was straight and thought Riley was a woman, then everything with the move, worrying about his grandma. Then the growing feelings he had for Micah, somewhat confused by the feelings Micah had for him. Now one of Micah’s brothers thought he had drugged Micah into being a fruit and making him believe they were mates. What if Micah listened to him for even a second? Would his mate doubt this mating? Would he believe his brother, blame Riley for making him gay? He wanted to think he knew Micah better than that, but really, what did he know about his mate? They’d met only a few days ago. Why should Micah believe him over his brother who he’d known all of his life? Riley started to get physically tired, not just the mental exhaustion he’d been feeling. He slowed his pace, realizing he had run much farther than he had planned. Well, he hadn’t really planned any of this, but he’d run farther than he thought. He turned around and realized he couldn’t even see the main house anymore. He assumed he was still on Marius property. Riley heard noises off to his right, and something smelled funny, almost like sour vampire blood. Was someone hurt out here? He started to walk in that direction, wondering where he had smelled this scent before.
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Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. That day, in the kitchen with his parents, the day they had died, that’s where he had smelled it. His heart stuttered in his chest as panic and outright terror filled him. Demons! He spun back towards the mansion and took off like a flash, knowing he was small for a vampire and not capable of outrunning demons. Riley prayed he had smelled the demons before they had smelled him. He whipped out his cell as he ran, dialing Micah’s number. “Riley, are you okay, baby?” “I’m far behind the mansion. There are demons in the woods. I recognized their smell. They’re close—” was all Riley was able to say before he was tackled. “Riley, Riley! Answer me, baby!” he heard Micah screaming through his phone. He was face down on the ground, unable to move, his face to the side. Seeing something moving out of the corner of his eye, he looked over. A demon walked over to his phone and picked it up. “We have your mate, Marius,” the demon rasped out. “Are you brave enough to come and get him?” “No, Micah, don’t! It’s a trap!” Riley screamed before he was hit in the head, seeing bright white spots in his vision before everything went black. **** Micah heard his mate screaming, trying to speak to him, before he grunted, and the line went dead. “Riley!” “Son, what is it?” Desmond asked, grabbing him. “Demons on the property. They have Riley,” he said quickly, breaking his father’s hold and racing to the back of the house. Hitting the backyard, he smelled his mate’s scent and took off in that direction as fast as he could.
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Fear gripped his chest like a vice. The feeling was so strong, he barely registered his parents, brothers, or even Marian racing behind him. Micah just knew he needed to get to his mate. It felt like hours of running to even get to the treeline of the woods. He knew in reality it was mere minutes. He stopped immediately when he smelled Riley’s scent change direction. Continuing to follow the scent, he started smelling the sour smell of vampire blood that signaled demons. He changed direction again, moving as quickly as he could before the scent faded. “No!” he screamed, falling to his knees when he found Riley’s cell phone. “Micah, I’m so sorry,” Stefan said from behind him. “This is your fault,” he replied, turning and launching himself at his brother. They rolled around in the grass. Stefan did nothing to fend off the punches Micah landed on him. His brothers pulled him off Stefan. “You did this! You upset him! You called him names and made him feel unwelcomed. I could feel his despair, but he wanted to be alone to think. He came out here, and they got him!” “You’re right,” Stefan said, bowing his head, tears rolling down his face. “I’m sorry, Micah. I never wanted him to be hurt. I just, I didn’t know. I thought he tricked you.” “He didn’t,” Micah roared, trying to break his brothers' hold on him. “He’s my mate, and I love him!” He lost his fight after that, the realization hitting him hard. He did, he loved his mate, and now he was gone. “I love him,” he wailed, slamming his fists on the ground. “Micah, son, this won’t help,” Desmond told him, putting his arm around him. “You can smell him better than anyone. Which way did they take him?” “I don’t know,” Micah cried, starting to hiccup. “This way,” Marian said after she sniffed the air. Not waiting for anyone, she took off running again. Micah jumped to his feet and ran after her, easily catching up. If there was anyone who would be used to Riley’s scent, it would be his
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grandma. Micah saw a group of figures racing in front of them, one carrying a smaller form over his shoulder. “There, that must be them,” Micah yelled, picking up speed. He let his hands grow into claws and his fangs extend. He would not let his mate die, but these demons would. Victor was faster than he was, making better progress. And he knew Stefan had stopped the chase. But since Stefan’s gift was controlling the wind, Micah knew he needed to stop running to concentrate. Sure enough, a large gust of wind hit the group in front of them, still a few hundred yards away. Micah used his gift to scramble the demons' brains. His father must have been close to them as well. Desmond’s gift was the ability to manipulate the ground. He could cover only a square mile or so but it was still an extraordinary gift. His father shook the ground under which the demons were running, knocking them off their feet. That was all they needed to finally close in on them. Micah went after one of them, while his brother Victor lit one of them on fire, using his gift. After Micah had ripped one of them apart, he saw Victor had dispatched the third one as well. Approaching his mate, all Micah saw was blood covering him. Realizing it was a large gash or two on Riley's head, Micah whipped off his shirt and wrapped it around Riley’s head. “What do you need, son?” his father asked, coming up behind them. “A vehicle. He has head injuries. I don’t want to run all the way back with him. It could jar him too much,” Micah whispered. He kept steady pressure on the wounds, the tears rolling down his face, making it near impossible to see. “How is he?” Marian asked, kneeling next to him. “I don’t know. I saw at least one gash on his head. He’s bleeding a lot,” he told her. “I’m sorry, Marian. I was supposed to protect him. It was my job to protect him.”
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“It’s not your fault, Micah,” she said, tears choking her voice as well. “You can’t be with him all the time, and no one could have predicted that demons would be here on the property.” “He’ll be okay, Marian,” his mother said, wrapping her arms around Riley’s grandma. “Riley is a strong man. He’ll make it.” “They’ve taken everyone from me,” Marian shrieked, sobbing. “My husband, my son and his family. And now my Riley. Everyone I’ve ever loved.” “He’s not gone, Marian,” Stefan said quietly, but not approaching. “My son is right,” Desmond said, hugging Marian as well. “Riley needs us to be strong right now. We can’t give up on him.” Just then Micah heard a car approaching. About to whip around to face it, he heard Victor speak up. “Gabriel and Remus went back to get a van and a doctor,” Victor said, laying a hand on his shoulder. Seconds later, Remus pulled up. Micah gently picked Riley up and climbed in the van door that Victor held open. His mother and father climbed in, along with Marian, while Victor and Stefan closed the doors and headed back to the mansion on their own. Micah held his precious cargo as gently as he could, making sure to take any impact of the van going over bumps. The minutes and miles back to the house were murder on his nerves, as he was unable to help his little mate. Even in his current state, with Micah’s shirt wrapped around his head, Riley was the most beautiful man he had ever seen. “It’s okay, baby. I have you now, Riley,” he whispered in his mate’s ear. “I love you, Riley. Please don’t leave me.” He knew everyone in the van could hear him. Micah simply didn’t care. To him, it was just Riley and him. He hoped his mate could hear his words and hang on. As they pulled up to the mansion, Remus stopped the vehicle, and Micah waited until someone opened the door. He carefully got out of the van, went through the main entrance, and took Riley up to their
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rooms. Once in their bedroom, he gently laid Riley down on the bed, then got towels, clean washcloths, and warm water, and brought them back to the bed. His hands shaking, he removed Riley’s clothing, checking for injuries as he went. When he saw nothing more than bruises on Riley’s body from the neck down, he pulled a sheet up over him. Micah then removed his shirt off his mate’s head and wiped away as much blood as he could without stressing the wounds. Micah looked up and met Marian’s distraught stare before she, too, took a washcloth and started to wipe the blood away. No one said a word as they cleaned the wounds, waiting for the doctor. “Is my patient in here?” Micah heard a man say from the outer room. “Yes, Dr. Johnson is in the bedroom with his mate,” Gabriel replied. “Oh, it’s Riley Johnson who's injured,” he heard the man say, the man’s voice clearly showing his distaste for Riley. Micah moved to the man, grabbing him by the shirt and holding him against the wall in a flash. “I don’t care if you don’t like him. I couldn’t give a shit if you hate him,” Micah snarled at the doctor, baring his fangs. “He is my mate, and you will care for him as if he were one of your family or I will tear you into pieces. Are we clear?” “Yes, of course,” the doctor sputtered out. “I would never let my personal feelings get in the way of treating a patient. I’m not a fan of Johnson’s way of doing things, but that doesn’t mean I want him to die!” “You’re right. I’m sorry, doctor,” he said, releasing the man. “Please, he’s my mate.” “I understand, my boy. I will do everything in my power. You have my word of honor,” the man said to him, patting him on the back before making his way to Riley. “Okay, everyone, give me a little space to examine my patient.”
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Everyone left the bedroom, going into the living room with Micah. Seeing Marian’s tears again, he went and hugged her. He ran his hands up and down her back as they held each other crying. “I need his mate in here,” the doctor said from the bedroom. Micah gently released Marian and went to the doctor. “What can I do?” “Tell me what happened, for starters.” “There was a family squabble. Riley said he wanted some time alone, and he was going to go to bed. Next thing I knew, my cell phone rang. Riley was calling to tell me he was out in the back woods and smelled demons. I could tell he was running. He was interrupted mid sentence and it sounded like the phone fell.” Micah felt sick to his stomach as he spoke. “Then one of the demons picked up and said, ‘We have your mate, Marius. Are you brave enough to come get him?’ Then Riley shouted something. I heard him grunt and the line went dead,” he continued to tell the doctor. “We raced out to the woods. Following his scent, we followed it past the woods, and suddenly we could see them up ahead of us. I know they dropped him at one point, but we killed the demons and brought him back here.” “So we can assume that he probably had a few knocks on the head, then,” the doctor said thoughtfully. Micah merely nodded his head, not knowing what else to do. “I checked below his neck. There were only bruises, nothing too big,” Micah told him. “I’ll check that later. Right now, I’m more concerned with his head,” the doctor mumbled. “They seem to be superficial wounds on his head, but he needs a few stitches, no big deal. His pulse and breathing are normal. The question is why isn’t he waking up then. There are no telltale signs of brain swelling.” He watched the doctor examine Riley from head to toe, completely and utterly feeling helpless. Micah just had to sit there and
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wait. After looking Riley over, the doctor stitched up Riley’s head, cleaned up, and put away his instruments. “Look, son, there’s no easy way to say this,” the doctor said, putting his hand on Micah’s shoulder. “The brain is a fragile organ. Sometimes we get hit in the head, and nothing happens. Other times we get hit in the head, and we don’t wake up for a while, or ever.” “Which are we talking about…for Riley,” Micah was able to choke out, barely able to breathe. “Right now, it looks like the first or second option, but normally if nothing happens to the brain, you might be out for a few minutes. He’s been out the whole time I’ve been here, so I’m leaning towards him not waking up for a while. I have to go out to my vehicle to grab a few things. I want him hooked up to an IV feeding him blood and nutrients. That will help him heal.” “Thank you,” Micah said, shaking the doctor’s hand. “I’ll be dropping by often to keep checking on his progress, but this isn’t the end, okay? You need to keep positive. He could wake up at any time. There seems to be no reason to stop him from waking up. We go into comas because our brains need time to heal. When he wakes up, if I’m not here, ask him basic questions: his name, what year is it, those type of things. What happened to him, now that might take him a while to remember.” With that, Micah watched the doctor walk out of the room. Then he went to go sit next to his mate, running his fingers through Riley’s hair. It was almost easy to pretend that Riley was just sleeping, not possibly in a coma like the doc had suggested. A little while later, he noticed Marian sitting down on the other side of Riley. “Did the doc tell you what’s going on?” he asked. “No, he said he was going out for more supplies,” she answered. “He thinks Riley’s in a coma, that he could wake up at anytime. The injuries aren’t life-threatening but whatever hit he had to the head shook his brain around.” “So he will wake up?”
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“Doc’s not sure, but he said he doesn’t see any reason why not. Riley’s brain is keeping him out for the count while it heals itself. He said we’re still to hope for the best until something tells him otherwise,” Micah was able to choke out. He just wanted to crawl under the covers with Riley and wake up tomorrow and everything be okay. “Riley’s strong,” Gram said. “He’s been through more than most men, always coming out on the other side.” “Then he will this time, too,” Micah’s mother said from the end of the bed. “I’m sorry, Marian. I don’t know how they got onto the property undetected. It’s never happened before.” “I don’t blame anyone except the demons, and I’m glad they’re dead,” Marian replied, her voice cold, remote. Before Micah could think of something to say to comfort her, the doctor walked back into the bedroom carrying some medical equipment. Micah watched in silence as the doc put in an IV for Riley, attaching a bag of blood and then a bag of clear liquid, some type of medicine and nutrition as the doc had said. When he was done, Micah heard him speaking softly to his father, but Micah was only half listening. His main focus was his mate. The rest was just background noise to him right then. Realizing he was covered in demon blood, he got up off the bed, found some pajamas and quickly changed in the bathroom. Micah came back by the bed when he was cleaned up, pulled back the covers, but not enough for anyone to see his naked mate, and climbed in. He lay on his side, still playing with Riley’s hair, kissing his head every so often. Micah hoped that Riley would know he was there with him, that he could feel Micah’s loving touch. “We’ll see you in the morning, Micah,” his mother said, giving him a kiss on the head. “The doctor told us what to do for Riley. I’ll take care of his IV and fluids.” All Micah could do was nod as his family said their goodbyes. Marian was the last to leave, leaning heavily on Gabriel for strength.
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Eventually, Micah felt the stress of the day sink in and pull him to sleep, but Micah wanted to be awake for Riley, fighting it off as long as he could. But like always, sleep won out in the end.
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Chapter 7 The first week, Micah and Marian barely left Riley’s side, only leaving to shower or change if the other was there. Though they didn’t do anything but simply be there with Riley, Micah knew it was taking a toll on both of them. Every day the doctor would come, do his exam, talk to his mother about Riley’s intake of blood and nutrients, then leave. His mother was wonderful, making sure what needed to be done for his mate was done and even having the staff send up food for Micah and Marian. Not that they seemed to be able to eat a thing, but the thought behind the gesture was there. Members of his family came often to visit, more for support for him and Riley’s grandma than Riley himself. It seemed to Micah that they wanted to check on him. Why? Riley was the one who was injured. He was the one everyone should be worried about. “Marian,” he said, breaking the silence on the ninth day. “Yes, Micah?” “How much do you know about Riley’s lab? Do you know what is needed for him to have a lab here?” “Most of it,” she replied. “Why do you ask?” “I was just thinking,” Micah replied, not sure how to put it into words. “When he wakes up, Riley’s going to want to get back to work. He’ll be upset that he missed this time to get everything set up.” “That does sound like our Riley,” she replied with a chuckle. It warmed Micah’s heart that she referred to his mate as our Riley, including him, whereas before, she would have said my Riley.
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“How about if I go look with my father and find a space in the mansion for his lab, and we can work with my brother on how to convert the space? What do you think of that?” “I think you love Riley very much, Micah. He’s lucky to have found you.” “He’s made my life worth living,” he replied quietly before going to find his father. Micah’s muscles were stiff from not having used them the past week and a half, so he slowly made his way to his father’s study. Knocking before entering, Micah peeked in the room. “Micah, is everything okay?” Desmond asked, jumping up from his desk and racing to Micah. “Yes, Father, there has been no change,” he said, sighing. “I have a favor to ask.” “Of course, whatever you need.” “I want to find some space for Riley’s lab and have it converted. When he wakes up, you know he’ll want to get back to work, but he’ll be weak for a while. I don’t want him to have to worry about getting the lab set up.” “I think that’s a great idea, son,” his father replied, wrapping him in a hug. “Let’s go look now, shall we?” Micah nodded and was grateful to his father for not saying that part of this was a distraction for Micah as well. They went down to the lower level of the mansion, which was mainly used for storage, staff quarters, the boiler room, the laundry room, and pretty much anything else you’d want mostly hidden in a mansion. Of course, his father knew which rooms were being used and which could be used for Riley’s lab. They found two large adjoining rooms at the end of the west wing, fairly close to the staircase. It was two floors almost directly below Micah and Riley’s rooms. It was perfect. He wrote down some things for the contractor that they would need to get to start with, basically what he remembered from Riley’s
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old lab. His father promised to show Marian the rooms, ask for her opinion, and get in touch with a contractor. “What about the hospital and clinic at the warrior compound?” he asked. “Well, I know the council was thinking of adding on an attached addition to the main house there,” Desmond said thoughtfully. “I see no reason why we can’t get started on that as well.” “How will we know what Riley would need?” “I’ll confer with Riley’s doctor. I’m sure he would know what the basics would be. Other than that, I think maybe Victor could look at some human clinics to see what they have.” “Victor would be willing to do that?” Micah asked. “I’m sure he would,” his father said, wrapping an arm around Micah. “Anything to help out and make things ready for when Riley wakes up.” “Thank you, Father,” he said, leaning into Desmond’s arm. Micah hadn’t received this physical attention from his parents since he was younger. It was nice that they realized he needed it now. When they were back to Micah’s bedroom, his mother, the doctor, and Marian were already there. He went over and kissed his mother on the head, watching as the doctor did his exam. After he was done writing notes in a file, probably Riley’s, the doctor finally turned to face them. “He’s looking good. The stitches in his head I took out. The bruises on his body have healed nicely. Now it’s just a matter of him waking up,” the doc said, looking back down at Micah's mate. “And that’s up to Riley. He has no brain swelling, and his body is healing. It gives me hope that his brain will heal whatever injury it has sustained.” “Thank you, doc,” Micah said, shaking the man’s hand. “My father would like to speak to you about a few things. We’re planning on adding a small hospital onto the warrior compound. We would like your input.”
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“Of course, any way I can assist the warriors would be my honor,” the doctor said before following his father out into the other room. “I thought Riley was going to be the doctor for the warriors?” Marian asked, seeming concerned. “That has not changed, I promise you, Marian. When we were looking for a place to set up Riley’s lab, we talked about getting the hospital underway as well. My father thought Riley’s doc would know the basics of what he would need,” Micah reassured her. She simply nodded and returned her attention on Riley. Instead of just sitting there again, Micah started cleaning out closet and dresser space for Riley’s things that he never had gotten around to unpacking. When he was done with that, he started sorting through his mate’s boxes that were still stacked all over the living room. He found most of Riley’s scrubs and placed them gently on the shelves in the closet. He realized his mother had started to help, laying Riley’s suits off to the side to have the staff look at. They were mostly wrinkled balls of material now, being packed away for as long as they had. After most of the clothes were put away, he put his mate’s personal belongings away in the bathroom. Finally, he separated what needed to be brought to the lab. While they were working, his father came back when he was done with the doctor. Desmond informed Micah that the contractors would be coming tomorrow morning, first thing. Also, the doctor had some really good input, and Gabriel would pull plans of other clinics and smaller hospitals. His father promised everything would be ready in the morning. Micah thanked his parents for their help and support. He was falling apart, barely breathing, and without his family’s support, he would have fallen apart. As he got ready for bed, he wished his mate would be awake the next morning, as he had every night since Riley had gotten hurt.
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**** It had taken a week for the renovations to turn the basement rooms into a lab and three weeks for the hospital to be built off the warrior’s main house. And still Riley hadn’t woken up. Micah had thrown himself into the projects, taking time in the afternoon and night to spend with Riley. Other than that, Marian was by his side so if Riley woke up, he wouldn’t be alone. Micah was starting to give up hope. Riley had been in a coma for five weeks now. He didn’t know how Marian stayed so positive. Micah had turned into a bear, yelling, snarling, and growling at every one of the construction workers. Not to mention anyone who was foolish enough to tell him to take a break or eat. He knew his family was merely trying to help, to be there for him. Micah just couldn’t deal with the pitying looks anymore, the ones that told him how far out of his mind he was. The looks that were afraid for Micah if Riley never woke up. So he did the only thing he could think of--he worked. When the lab was done, Marian helped him order supplies that she knew Riley had in his old lab. He didn’t want to unpack them for Riley, not knowing how to set it all up. Then when the hospital was almost done, Micah ordered equipment based on the doctor’s suggestions. Everything was almost ready now. There was only one thing missing. His mate, his Riley. “Micah! Micah, where are you, son?” he heard his mother yelling. “In here, Mother,” he growled back. Micah figured another lecture was coming about taking better care of himself and eating. He really wasn’t in the mood right now. “Oh, you’re here, good,” his mother said, running into the room, trying to catch her breath. “You need to come. Riley just woke up!” “What?” Micah whispered, thinking he’d finally gone crazy and was now hallucinating. “He’s awake, Micah. He awoke a few minutes ago—”
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Micah ran out of the lab so fast he never heard what else his mother said. Riley was awake! He was so glad he was just downstairs in the lab instead of at the hospital. The drive back home to Riley would have killed him. He was at the top of the two flights of stairs before he could blink. Two more seconds and he was inside his rooms, racing for the bedroom. When he reached it, he froze in the open door. Riley was really awake. Without even realizing he moved, he was on the bed pulling his mate into his arms. “Riley, I love you,” Micah said, sobbing. “You’re awake. I was so scared you’d never wake up.” “I’m awake now, Micah,” Riley replied, his voice hoarse from disuse. “I wouldn’t leave you.” “Thank you, thank god, you’re awake,” he replied, trying to wipe away his tears. “Oh, sorry, did I hurt you?” he asked, loosening his grip on Riley. Micah had to be crushing him, he was holding on to his mate so tight. “No,” Riley replied with a chuckle. “I’m just glad you’re so excited I’m awake.” “How are you feeling, my love?” Marian asked. “Fine,” Riley answered. “A little dizzy.” “I already called the doctor over to check on you,” Micah's mother said from the doorway. Micah had missed that she had even joined them. He saw his father and most of his brothers standing behind her. “Thank you, Elena,” Marian said. “My pleasure. I was thrilled to call him and say our Riley was awake!” she replied, coming to the edge of the bed and giving Riley a kiss on the head. “Glad you’re awake, son,” Desmond said, stepping into the room as well. “How long have I been out?” Riley asked, and the room turned so silent it was almost deafening. “Five weeks,” Micah said quietly.
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“Are you fucking kidding me?” Riley yelled, but then grabbed his head. It seemed yelling had been too much for his newly awoken brain. “No, baby, I’m not,” he answered his mate. “Take it easy, okay? You just woke up. It’s going to take you a while to get back to normal.” “Yeah, okay,” Riley answered quietly. “Sorry, I merely can’t believe it’s been that long.” “It’s understandable to feel that way, my love,” Marian replied, grabbing Riley’s hand. “Well, well, he’s awake,” the doctor said from the doorway, pushing through his brothers to get in. “Okay, everyone but Micah out please.” They waited while everyone filed out before the doctor approached the bed. “How are you feeling, Riley?” he asked. “A little dizzy and a little worse now that I know how long I’ve been out.” “That’s to be expected,” the doctor said, flashing a penlight in Riley’s eyes. “You didn’t have any obvious brain swelling. All we really could do was wait.” “Five weeks? There had to be some brain swelling,” Riley replied, looking the other doctor over. “Did I have a CAT scan or an MRI?” “I don’t know what those even are,” the doctor replied, still checking out Riley’s eyes. “What do you mean you don’t know what those are?” Riley asked, seemingly outraged. “Did you not understand me?” the doctor asked concerned, “Has he not been understanding what you’ve been talking to him about, Micah?” “I understood your words just fine,” Riley replied, obviously annoyed. “What I can’t understand is how a doctor doesn’t know what the most basic of tests are.”
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“Riley, they can’t be basic tests if I’ve never even heard of them,” the doctor answered in a chiding voice. “Yes, they are. Human doctors use them on their patients all the time. I use them on my patients if they have injuries!” Riley said, the tone of his voice rising. “When Micah was hurt, I did. He was hit with an energy blast. I needed to know what type of internal damage was done.” “Either a vampire will heal from their injuries, or they won’t, Riley,” the doctor answered, starting to get upset as well. “There are lots of things we, as doctors, can do to help them!” “Of course there are, but we don’t need human tests to do it,” the doctor answered. “Let’s everyone calm down,” Micah said, interrupting the fight. “Doctor, is Riley okay?” “Yes, he seems mentally healed,” the doctor said, obviously wanting to say more. “Thank you. We appreciate you coming. I don’t want to keep you from your other patients anymore, and Riley needs his rest,” Micah said, getting off the bed to show the doctor to the door. The doctor took the hint, but was obviously furious at what Riley had said and then at Micah dismissing him. “Are you taking his side?” Riley asked when the doctor had left. “Not in the slightest, Riley,” Micah answered. “If you say there’s more that could be done, I believe you. However, I’m worried about you. You just woke up from a five-week coma. I don’t want you upset. Plus, some vampires are stubborn and set in their old ways. You might as well bang your head against the wall than try to talk sense into the doc.” “I’m sorry. You’re right,” Riley replied wearily, patting the bed next to him. Micah went over to the bed and climbed back in next to his mate. “There’s no need to be sorry, baby,” he whispered, reaching for Riley.
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“I merely want you to be completely healed before getting into fistfights.” “Good point,” Riley said, laughing and leaning into Micah’s embrace. “I’m sorry I scared you.” “I’m sorry you got hurt,” Micah whispered. “I’m so sorry I didn’t protect you.” “It was my fault. I was stupid to let my emotions get the best of me. I just wanted some air, a little alone time to think,” Riley replied. “I didn’t mean to run so far away from the house. I should have known better.” “You did nothing wrong, Riley. The property should have been safe. We don’t know how the demons go onto our land undetected,” Micah said, a sudden thought coming to him. “Actually, we need to get to the bottom of how they did. I admit I’ve been a little preoccupied with you being injured and all.” “Well, I’m better now, so you can focus on that.” “That’s not what I meant,” Micah started to say. “I know what you meant. I didn’t mean to sound like a shit.” “It’s okay. You’ve been through a lot,” Micah replied, giving Riley a gentle kiss on the lips. How he had missed kissing his mate. He was scared to ever let Riley go again. “Riley, can you tell me what happened?” “There’s not much to tell,” Riley answered softly. “I got tackled from behind while on the phone with you. Then I heard the demons taunting you. I screamed it was a trap. I felt a bright pain in the back of my head. I’m assuming one of them hit me. Then everything went black. Next thing I know, I wake up with my grandma sitting here crying.” “She was just happy to see those gorgeous blue eyes of yours. Same as I am.” “Did you really say you loved me? Or was I dreaming?” “No, you weren’t dreaming,” Micah answered. “I told you every day that I loved you. I do love you, Riley.”
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“I love you, too, Micah.” “You feel up for a surprise?” “I’m not sure I’m up for sex right now, Micah,” Riley answered. His face flushed. “Even though I’m hard, I don’t think I should be doing much until I’m able to check out my brain.” “Well, I’m always wanting sex with you,” Micah said, chuckling. “But that’s not what I meant.” “As long as it’s not too strenuous, then yes, I’d love a surprise,” Riley replied, smiling up at Micah. Without another word, Micah picked Riley up in his arms, grateful they had started dressing him in pajamas. If Micah saw his mate naked right now, he’d never be able to stop himself from making love to Riley. He needed to be inside Riley right now. But Riley was right. They needed to make sure he was okay first. Micah walked with Riley snuggled against his chest out into their living room. He had forgotten all about his family waiting there. “I’m taking Riley to see his surprise,” Micah said with a large grin. “Anyone want to join us?” There were several nods and returning smiles as they followed him and his mate out to the hallway. They filed down the hall, and then down the stairs like ducks in a row. Before entering the lab, Micah waited for everyone to catch up. Marian opened the door for them, and Micah carried Riley inside. “Holy shit,” Riley whispered as he looked around the room. “You’ve been a very busy mate.” “Did we do okay?” Marian asked as everyone came in behind them. “There’s a second room, too.” “This is wonderful,” Riley answered, sounding like he was choking up on tears. “Hey, none of that, my little mate,” Micah whispered as he wiped Riley’s tears away. “This was supposed to make you happy.” “It does. It means the world to me,” Riley replied. His father came forward and patted Riley on the arm, “It was Micah’s idea. We found a space we weren’t using, called in some
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contractors to do the renovations. Marian helped Micah work with them on setting it up as your old lab worked and ordering supplies. They wanted it ready for you when you woke up.” “Thank you, all of you,” Riley said, finding his voice again. “You’re welcome, my love,” Marian replied. “I wasn’t going to tell you about your other surprise, yet,” Micah said. “But after your conversation with the doctor, maybe it’s better if you know.” “Another surprise?” Riley asked. “What else could you possibly have done?” “Micah got your hospital built at the warrior compound as well,” Marian answered. “Why are you telling him now?” “Riley told the doctor there are human tests that could have been done on him to see how injured he was. They could have helped the doctor treat him,” Micah replied. “I don’t know if we ordered the machines Riley was talking about, but if he says he needs these tests, we should take him there.” “I have the list of everything we ordered for the hospital right here,” Remus said from behind them. “Do you want to see it, Riley?” “Yes, thank you. Let’s backtrack for a second here,” Riley said as he took the lists from Remus. “You had a hospital built in five weeks while I was unconscious?” “Well, we had it built in three,” Desmond answered. “Gabriel pulled up some plans of human hospitals that were smaller in size. We looked them over, comparing them to the hospital where you worked, and picked which we thought would work best. Then we hired teams of construction workers, and a lot of the warriors helped out. Your mate was very determined you would wake up any day, Riley. He rode everyone pretty hard to get the job done fast.” “Yeah, I admit I was an ass,” Micah said, chuckling. “Wow,” Riley said, seeming to take it all in. “Micah, could you set me down on the counter over there? I need a minute.”
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Micah put him down gently, looking at his mate in concern. Did Micah do something wrong? He had assumed Riley would like that he did all this, but maybe Riley would have wanted to work with the contractors himself. What if Micah missed something or screwed up what Riley needed? “Riley, are you mad at me?” Micah asked. “I didn’t mean to mess up your plans. I just figured when you woke up, you’d be upset you were behind on what you wanted to get done. I only wanted to help.” “I’m not mad at you, Micah,” Riley said, lifting his head with tears swimming in his eyes. “This is overwhelming. It’s amazing you did all this for me, thank you. I can’t get over how thoughtful you were.” “I would do anything for you, Riley, anything.” “I get that now,” Riley replied. “Most people get their injured mates flowers. You build me a lab and a hospital. I don’t deserve you.” “Don’t say that. Don’t ever say that,” Micah replied, taking Riley’s face in his hands. “I love you. You’re everything to me.” He leaned in and took Riley’s lips with his own. Micah tried to keep the kiss gentle, but still put all the passion and love he felt for his mate into it. “I love you, too, Micah,” Riley whispered against his lips. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much I love my surprise, almost as much as I love you.” Riley leaned in to kiss him again, and Micah finally felt whole now that Riley was okay. He really wanted to take the kiss to the next level, but Riley had to run those tests first. Micah regretfully broke the kiss. He figured the sooner they found out Riley was healthy, the sooner Micah could go back to kissing his mate. “Do you want to check that list now?” Micah asked as he released Riley. “Right,” Riley replied, drawing his eyebrows together and looking over the list in his hands. Micah loved when Riley had that look on
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his face. His mate was so sexy when he was using that big brain of his. “You got the right machines. We can go over to the hospital, and I can hook them up.” “How about we go to the hospital,” Marian replied. “And you tell us how to do it for you?” “That works, too,” Riley replied, chuckling. “I’d really love a shower and maybe a sandwich first, though.” “Micah can help you shower, and I’ll make you a sandwich,” Micah's mother answered. “We can all meet out front and drive over to the hospital together.” “I’d like that, Elena,” Riley answered, smiling at Micah's mother. Micah felt centuries younger than he had yesterday. His mate was okay. Picking Riley up again, Micah headed to their rooms to get him clean. Micah was looking forward to the future again, their future together.
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Chapter 8 Riley felt great now that he had showered and eaten. It was amazing how something so simple could change your overall mood and mentality. They took two cars over to the hospital. Riley was excited like a little kid at Christmas. Putting the car in park, Micah got out and came around to the passenger’s side to help him out. Riley had never even gotten a chance to see the warriors’ compound before. The main house looked like a Gothic castle more than the large fraternity house Riley had been picturing in his head. Micah maneuvered Riley easily out of the car and into his arms. He knew eventually his mate would have to stop carrying him everywhere. For now though, Riley was enjoying it. Micah’s strong arms around him made the idea of a five-week coma less scary. They walked into the house, Riley taking in his surroundings while noticing the warriors he saw. He had treated patients before, but having such huge patients was going to be an adjustment. Riley eagerly paid attention to the way Micah took to get to the hospital. He didn’t want to get lost in this huge place once he was walking on his own. Riley figured they were almost there when they came to a newlooking door at the end of the corridor. Everything else looked like it had been the same way for centuries. Then there was this new-looking door and area around it. It made the fact that construction had been done here obvious. His grandma opened the door for them, and Micah walked right through, still carrying Riley. Riley let out a gasp. It was almost like
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they had walked right into his old hospital. Except here, everything was shiny and new. Micah led them into a waiting area and a front reception area. Then he showed Riley the three exam rooms and the six patient rooms. Riley couldn’t believe it when they walked into a large lab, testing room, and then a surgical room. The best part was the huge trauma room. It was bigger than all their rooms back at the Marius mansion. “Micah, this is amazing!” Riley exclaimed. “You like it, really, Riley?” Micah asked, seeming hesitant. “Yes! This is so much better than what I thought I’d have here,” Riley said, looking around in amazement. “You’ve thought of every contingency.” “I’m glad you like it, baby,” Micah replied, kissing the top of his head. “Now, where are those machines?” “Back in the testing room,” he answered, almost laughing when he saw his mate’s confused look. “The room you showed me after the lab.” “Oh, that one,” Micah replied. “We kind of used that one as storage for all the items we didn’t know.” “See, you’re so smart and you didn’t even know it,” Riley snickered. “All those boxes looked labeled with testing machines.” “Good, then we won’t have to move them again,” Remus said from behind him, laughing. “Those fuckers were heavy.” “Remus, language,” Elena said, chiding him but not able to keep the smile off her face. “My apologies, Mother,” Remus replied sarcastically. “I forgot how you’ve never heard such words before.” Elena swatted Remus on the arm, and it made Riley smile at how they teased each other. They were showing him around the hospital that had to have cost hundreds of millions, including all the supplies, but they were still teasing each other like they had walked into their kitchen.
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“Let’s get started,” Riley said as they entered the testing room again. Micah gently put him in a chair before going over and reading off the writing on each box. Riley told his in-laws and his grandma where to put each item and how to unpack it. Thankfully, most of the machines came preassembled, only needing an attachment or two. It was frustrating enough for Riley to have to sit still and explain everything to them. Everything would have gone much quicker if he could have done it himself. But every time he tried to move, his mate was there in a flash stopping him. It was great how much his mate cared about Riley, but also annoying as hell. Finally, when everything was set up correctly, Micah allowed Riley to configure the machines. Riley had explained to his mate that it needed to be done with exact precision. It was something Riley had to do himself. He couldn’t talk one of them through it. Even with everyone working together and their vampire speed and strength, it still took a few hours to get everything ready to go. Once the machines were finally ready, Riley kicked everyone out except Micah. “Okay, Micah, everything is set,” Riley said, lying down on the MRI table. “Push the red button once I’m settled, and then get behind the protective shielding.” “Then what?” Micah asked him. “Then nothing. The machine will do its thing and the results will pop up on that monitor. When it’s all done, I’ll go over there and read the results.” “All right. You ready, baby?” “Yep, hit the button,” Riley answered. They were quiet as the machine went on and on and on. Finally when it made a whirring noise and went back into sleep mode, Micah came out from behind the protective shielding. “You okay, baby?” Micah asked as he gave Riley a kiss. “Yes, but if I say no, will you kiss me again?”
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“I’ll always kiss you again,” Micah whispered, lowering his head back down to Riley’s. The kiss started out slow. Riley knew Micah was being careful with him. He licked his tongue over Micah’s lips and slid it into Micah’s mouth when his mate groaned. They kissed with all the pent up heat they had. “I should look at those results,” Riley panted when they finally came up for air. Micah didn’t say anything as he picked Riley up and brought him over to the MRI’s output console. Riley carefully went over every scan, ignoring Micah’s hovering presence. “I’m dying here, Riley,” Micah whined. “Can you at least give me a hint?” “Everything looks fine,” Riley answered, finishing up the last scan. “I have no lasting damage. I’m getting blood to my brain just fine. Brain’s doing everything it should. As soon as I get my strength back, I’ll be all healed.” “Oh, baby, that’s wonderful,” Micah exclaimed, planting kisses all over Riley’s face. When their lips met again, it was with renewed passion. Riley started to remove Micah’s clothing. “Riley, maybe we should wait.” “I’m the doctor here,” Riley replied. “And I say lots of sex is needed for my recovery.” “Well, I would never want to impede your recovery,” his mate said chuckling. Micah had his clothes off in a flash and then helped Riley remove his. His mate pulled Riley down to straddle his lap as Micah sat on a chair. “Let me do most of the work, okay, Riley?” Riley was so hot for Micah, he couldn’t even speak, so he just nodded. Micah had lube in his hand, which must have been in his jeans. Slowly pouring some on his fingers so Riley could see, he reached around and teased Riley’s puckered entrance. “Oh, fuck, Micah,” he moaned as Micah pushed a finger in. He started to push back on Micah’s finger, but Micah stopped Riley with his hold on Riley’s hip. Micah slipped in a second finger, wiggling both around as he kissed Riley. Their tongues swirled around together
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as Micah’s fingers thrust in and out of him, hitting Riley’s sweet spot every time. “So tight,” Micah whispered as he kissed along Riley’s neck, ending at his ear. He added a third finger while sucking on Riley’s earlobe. Riley let out a long moan, knowing he was almost ready for Micah’s cock. “You like that, baby? Is it too much?” “No, more, I need more, Micah. Please, I need you inside me,” Riley panted. “Whatever you want, baby,” Micah whispered as he removed his fingers. He lifted Riley up by the hips and slowly lowered him onto Micah’s perfect cock. “I needed this so much, Riley. I wanted to feel you, be a part of you again.” “You’re always a part of me, Micah,” Riley replied, looking into his mate’s eyes as he worked Micah’s cock deeper into him. “I love you, Micah.” “I love you, too, Riley,” Micah said as he slid the rest of the way into Riley. He slowly lifted Riley back up, before lowering him back down. Micah’s eyes never left his as he kept the pace slow and steady. It was the most intimate lovemaking Riley ever felt, not that he had ever told anyone else that he loved them. “You fill me up. Your cock always hits the right place,” Riley moaned. His mate picked up the pace a little, still keeping his movements gentle and intimate. “Micah, I’m so close.” “Come for me, my mate,” Micah whispered against his lips. “I want to see your eyes as you come. I love to see the pleasure I bring you.” “Fuck, your sexy voice is what has me climaxing so fast, always,” Riley said. “Bite me, Riley, be inside me as I am in you,” Micah replied. Riley didn’t need the invitation twice. His fangs already extended, as they always were when he was turned on, he licked Micah’s neck before slowly sinking his fangs in Micah’s flesh. That was all it took for both of them to come.
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Riley felt the wetness of his seed fill the space between them while Micah’s filled him up inside. Micah rocked his hips a few more times, and then Riley just collapsed on his mate. It took Riley a few minutes to get his heart rate back under control. He was about to lift his head when he felt wetness on his cheek. He realized Micah was crying. “Micah, what is it?” he asked, lifting his head and wiping Micah’s tears away. “I was so scared, Riley,” his mate choked out. “I thought you were never going to wake up. I never wanted anything as much as I wanted you to wake up.” “I know, baby, I know,” Riley replied, overwhelmed by Micah’s emotions. “I’m awake and I’m fine, I promise.” “I know,” Micah whispered, kissing him gently. “You can’t ever leave me, Riley. I won’t survive it.” “You’re stuck with me, big guy. I love you.” “I love you, too, Riley.” “Good,” Riley said smiling, trying to lighten the mood. “Then let’s get cleaned up and go give everyone the good news. Besides, it’s late, and I’m getting sleepy.” “Whatever you say, little mate,” Micah replied, chuckling. Riley reached over and grabbed some medical wipes, cleaning up the space between them. Micah slowly lifted Riley off his softening cock, and Riley cleaned him up as well. They took a minute to right their clothes then Riley went to hug Micah, sharing in the relief that Riley was okay. “Come on, slowpoke,” Riley said, dragging his mate to the door. He opened it to find everyone waiting, some smirking, others blushing. Guess the room wasn’t soundproof. “Tests are back. I’m fine.” “We heard,” his grandma said, throwing her arms around him and laughing. “Yeah, sorry about that,” Micah said, his face turning bright red.
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“The man can’t keep his hands off you, can he?” his grandma whispered in his ear. “Thankfully, no. Seems he can’t get enough of me,” Riley replied. “Good thing, too. Have you seen the man? He’s hot!” Everyone laughed as they headed out to the cars. Riley felt everything would be okay, walking between his grandma and his mate, holding their hands. **** Riley woke up with a start, screaming in his head after the nightmare he had just had. Knowing there was no way he’d get back to sleep, he crawled out from Micah’s embrace. Getting up, he used the washroom and threw on some scrubs. He had formulated a plan last night on the way home from the hospital. Riley was never going to be left to someone else’s devices ever again. He was mad at himself for not being able to defend himself from the demons. Sure he knew there were three of them, that he was smaller and weaker. But it didn’t matter. Never again would he feel helpless. Riley quickly wrote a note asking Desmond to please come find him in the lab when he woke up. Making his way down to the kitchen, he snagged a bagel and juice then went to leave the note on Desmond’s study door. Then he headed down to the lap to begin. Once there, he started putting supplies away, leaving out what he would need. After about an hour, he had everything put away and had finished the list of supplies needed, all except the parts he didn’t know anything about. That’s where Micah’s father would come in. Riley spent a while working up formulas before moving to working with the corresponding radioactive isotopes. Putting on his protective gear and goggles, he set in to combining and testing out his formulas. Right as he mixed the third equation's trial, he heard a noise
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and looked up. He had a second to see Desmond in the room before the isotopes flared to life. Desmond screamed so loudly it hurt Riley’s ears. Quickly covering his experiment, he raced to the man. “I can’t see,” Desmond cried out. “What were you doing, Riley?” “I have to wash out your eyes, Desmond,” Riley said sternly, dragging his father-in-law over to the sink. He grabbed the eye solution, forced Desmond’s eyes open one at a time, and cleaned them out. Then he pulled up a chair for the man. “I’m so sorry, Desmond. I never thought anyone would walk into a lab without being let in. But of course, how would you know that? You’ve probably never been around a lab before. It was so stupid of me.” “No, you’re right. I should have knocked,” Desmond answered. “Am I blind?” “Not to worry, you’re not blind,” Riley replied. “Your vision will come back shortly, but keep your eyes closed for a bit longer. You’ll be light sensitive today. I’ll rinse out your eyes a few more times. And by tomorrow, you’ll be just fine. No lasting effects, I promise.” “What the hell were you doing, Riley? Why did you ask me here?” “I was mixing some isotopes for an equation I’ve been working on and…nevermind. I asked you here because I wanted to ask you something in private. I wasn’t sure of your schedule today and figured you’d come by when you had time. Really, I didn’t think you’d be down here first thing in the morning. But I need to ask you, which of your sons is the best with ammunition and guns?” “Stefan, but why would you need to know that?” Desmond asked, clearly confused. “I’ll explain later. Let’s just get you back upstairs,” Riley answered, helping the man to his feet. Making sure to take the bottle of eye drops with them, he led Desmond to the middle of the mansion
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and the elevator. Once on the main level, he stopped. “Where do you want me to take you?” “The kitchen, please,” Desmond replied. “Can I open my eyes now?” “Not yet. Let’s get you seated first in case you get dizzy.” Riley led him to the kitchen. Elena and his grandma were already there. “What in the world?” Elena yelped. “Riley, what happened?” his grandma asked at the same time. “I’m fine,” Desmond answered. “I wasn’t thinking and simply walked right into Riley’s lab.” “I was working with some isotopes when he walked in,” Riley filled in apologetically. “He didn’t have on any protective eye covering, but he’ll be fine. Today will just be a little rough on his eyes. How’s the pain, Desmond?” “Not bad, more like scratches all over my eyes,” he answered as Riley sat him at the kitchen table. “Okay, I’m going to put in some more drops. They will help.” He lifted each of Desmond’s eyelids and put in the drops. “Give them a minute to soak in, and you can open your eyes. Elena, did you see what I did?” “Yes, of course, Riley,” she answered. “He’s going to need these once an hour today,” Riley explained. “You’re going to want to flush out the eyes each time. Make sure he keeps them closed a minute or so afterwards. Then he can open them and wipe away the excess. Have him do it once more as soon as he wakes up tomorrow. He should be fine by then. I’ll check on him later today and tomorrow, just in case.” “All right,” Elena said quietly. “You’re sure he’s going to be okay?” “Yes, I promise,” Riley answered, wrapping his arm around her. “I’ve done it to myself before. He only burned his retinas a little, nothing remotely permanent.”
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“We need to make sure everyone knows not to walk into the lab,” Desmond said. “I’ll post a sign as soon as I go back down there,” Riley replied. “Also, if you could, tell the family and ask the staff to avoid the lab altogether.” “Riley, what are you even doing out of bed? You just woke up from a coma for crying out loud,” his grandma scolded him. “I made sure to eat. I promise you, I’m fine, simply a little weak. Nothing that would keep me from sitting on my butt, playing in my new lab,” he replied, smiling at her. “Desmond, I am so sorry. Again, I should have thought ahead about people not knowing how to be around a lab. I apologize.” “As long as it’s nothing permanent, I’d say it was a lesson learned,” Desmond said. “Let’s be grateful that you weren’t working on something more dangerous when someone walked in. Riley, you’re not going to blow up my house, are you?” “My Riley has never blown anything up,” his grandma replied, sounding insulted. “Well, nothing he didn’t mean to blow up.” “I promise, your house is safe,” Riley answered, chuckling. “I didn’t mean to insult you,” Desmond said slowly, seeming to choose his words carefully. “But what I just witnessed was like a solar flare. You can see where I would be concerned?” “Yes, of course I can,” Riley replied. “And you’re right, it was like a solar flare. It’s almost like fireworks, without the bang of gunpowder and the shooting off.” “What are you working on, Riley?” Elena asked him. “Don’t bother, Elena,” his grandma quickly answered for him. “Riley never talks about his experiments until they are perfected. I’m sure Desmond has come across this from being on the council.” “She’s right, my love,” Desmond replied, opening his eyes. “Riley always was secretive about everything and annoyed quite a few members of the council. Oh, I can see again. Everything just seems really bright.”
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“That will get better as the day goes on,” Riley told him. “Does this experiment, the one that simulates solar flares, have anything to do with asking which of my sons knows about ammunition?” Desmond whispered quietly in Riley’s ear after he pulled him to lean down. “You’re a very wise man, Desmond.” “Should I be concerned? Are you okay, I mean, emotionally, after what happened?” “I will be, after I get this right,” Riley whispered back, noticing his grandma and Elena were staring at them intently. “All right, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help,” Desmond replied, returning to his normal tone of voice. “Thank you, Desmond. Come find me if you’re feeling any pain or you feel your vision gets worse. The drops will help, but I can give you something for the pain,” he answered, patting his father-in-law on the back. “Well, that’s one perk of having a doctor in the family,” Elena said, chuckling. “Glad I’m of use besides injuring your husband,” Riley retorted, kissing Elena, then his grandma on the cheek. “I have to get back. I can’t leave those isotopes for too long.” “Oh, Riley, Stefan’s room is on the other side of the mansion from yours. Almost a mirror image to where you and Micah are,” Desmond informed him. “Thank you, Desmond,” he replied and hurried away, not wanting to answer their next round of questions. Riley made his way up the stairs and to the room he hoped was Stefan’s. Knocking, he took a deep breath, hoping this went well. “Yes?” Stefan said, opening the door. Obviously Riley had woken him up. “Oh, sorry, Stefan, I didn’t mean to wake you up,” Riley said apologetically.
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“No, that’s okay, Riley,” the man replied, yawning. “Are you okay?” “Yes, I’m fine. I can come back later. Go back to sleep.” “It’s fine, really. Please come in,” Stefan answered, moving out of the doorway. “What’s up, Riley?” “Well, I don’t know really how to start. I mean, we didn’t exactly get off well when we met.” “I know, and that’s my fault. I’m really sorry—” “I didn’t come here for an apology, Stefan. I came here to ask for your help, but I wasn’t sure you’d be willing to,” Riley said, looking at his feet. “If it’s something I can help with, sure. What do you need?” Stefan asked. “I’m working on something in my lab, and your father said you were the one to help me. I don’t usually bring people in on my experiments, but this time, I need someone to consult with.” “And my father suggested me? Now I am intrigued,” Stefan replied, raising an eyebrow. “If I bring you in on this, I need you to swear it stays between us until we’re done. I’m not very good with outside opinions and pressure when I’m working. Plus, I don’t like to get anyone’s hopes up until I know if I can accomplish what I’m setting out to do,” Riley said, running his fingers through his messy hair. “You have my word of honor, Riley. It stays between us,” Stefan replied, placing his hand over his heart. “Good!” Riley exclaimed, letting out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. “What do you know about flash bombs?” “Nothing, I’m afraid.” “Well, they are like grenades, except there’s no big boom and destruction. Humans use them as a means to disorient their enemies, to visually impair them.” “Okay, I get the concept, but why would you be working on that?”
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“They use a combination of radioactive isotopes that recreate a flash of light. Almost a solar flare if you will, but it’s ultraviolet light,” Riley answered, hoping the man would catch on. “Ultraviolet light? What would be—demons! You’re developing a weapon to use against the demons, aren’t you?” Stefan asked with an almost evil grin crossing his face. “Yes. The flash bombs themselves aren’t that hard to recreate, though I know nothing of grenades. But I want to put that compound in ammunition form,” Riley explained, getting excited. “If we could put it into collapsible bullets, they could enter the demon and release the light. They’d have to collapse so they wouldn’t be a through and through shot.” “Burning the demon from the inside out,” Stefan finished for him. “Yeah, that’s the idea,” Riley answered. “You’re a fucking genius, Riley,” Stefan exclaimed, rushing over to hug Riley. He picked Riley up and swung him around. After he put Riley down he continued. “I’ll help you any way I can, brother.” “Brother?” Riley whispered. “Yes, brother. I wanted to apologize for what I said before you got hurt. You were right. I was ignorant. I thought a lot about it, and I saw the happiness you give Micah. And when you were hurt, he was hurting so bad, it was like a piece of him was gone. I don’t care if you’re a man or not. If you make my brother happy, that’s all that matters.” “Thank you, Stefan. That means a lot to me,” Riley answered, forcing himself not to cry. “Well, I hope you’ll forgive me over time.” “I forgave you the moment you said it, Stefan. You were concerned for your brother. A lot can be said and done in the pursuit of protecting those we love. Let’s just leave it all in the past, okay?” “I’d like that,” Stefan answered, patting Riley on the back. “I’d like that a lot, Riley.”
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“Good, now get your ass dressed and down to the lab. Bring some guns and ammo with you, so we can get started,” Riley replied, heading towards the door. Once in the hallway, he leaned back against the door he had just closed. Wow! That went way better than Riley had expected. Go figure. Sometimes people can surprise you for the better. Smiling, Riley raced back to his lab to get everything ready. This would work.
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Chapter 9 Micah stretched out and yawned as he woke up. It took him several moments to figure out what was wrong. He was alone. Where the fuck is Riley? he thought, starting to panic. Micah quickly grabbed his robe, throwing it on as he ran around checking all their rooms. He ran as fast as he could to the kitchen, praying Riley just got hungry. His hopes were dashed as he skidded into the room, and Riley wasn’t there. “Where’s Riley? Have you seen him?” Micah cried out. “He’s fine, Micah,” Marian chuckled. “He’s been working in his lab for hours. Riley’s working on some new experiment.” “Are you sure? No one took him?” he asked, starting to breathe again. “Lost your mate already, son?” Desmond snickered. “I woke up and he wasn’t there. With him just getting over—what the fuck happened to you, Father?” “Micah! Language,” his mother scolded him. “I’m sorry, Mother,” Micah replied, getting his emotions under control. “What happened?” “I walked into Riley’s lab without knocking or thinking,” Desmond replied calmly. “Whatever he was working on chose that moment to flare up, and I burned my eyes. Riley says I’ll be fine tomorrow. Merely a little light sensitive today.” “Are you sure?” he asked, walking to his father to see for himself. “Yes,” his mother answered, wrapping an arm around him. “Your father is already feeling much better, and it just happened a couple of hours ago.”
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“Is Riley okay?” “He’s fine, Micah,” his father answered, chuckling. “He had all of his protective gear on. Riley knew exactly what he’s working with. We all clearly have to get used to not walking into the lab until he admits us.” “Have a seat, Micah,” Marian said, pointing to a chair. “I was just making Riley lunch. You can take it down to him when I’m done.” “Marian,” Elena said, scolding. “I already told you, we have staff who are here to do that. You don’t have to cook.” “I know, but I like to. Makes me feel useful,” she replied, chuckling. “Besides, your staff doesn’t get paid enough to interrupt Riley when he’s working and try to make him eat.” “He’s that bad?” Micah's father asked. “Oh yes,” Marian replied. “He’s horrible. When he starts a new project, he’ll go for days, forgetting to eat, shower, return calls to the hospital. He’ll catch naps here and there in the lab. One thing you have to learn about Riley, he doesn’t understand the idea of quitting, or taking a break even. Look Desmond, I like you, so this isn’t a reflection upon you. But the council has been rather harsh on Riley, chastising him over the years. Not to mention his colleagues who look down on him like he’s a voodoo doctor. He’s always had to work three times as hard as other doctors, because he went for human education. They look down their noses at him, and anytime he accomplishes anything, they either outright laugh at him or say it’s because of his healing gift, not his talent. Oh, our doctors have started using some of the medicine he’s created. They just act like it dropped out of the sky.” “Instead of giving Riley the credit he deserves,” Micah finished for her. “Yes,” Marian said, her voice sad. “I know I explained to Micah about when Riley’s family was murdered, but I haven't explained it to you yet. Riley blames himself. If he’d been stronger, he could have healed his family. That’s where this thirst to know more, this drive to
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know more comes from. And after what the demons did to him? I know my grandson. He’s feeling weak, helpless, and pissed off.” “I guess that’s normal for most victims,” Elena said, gently taking Marian’s hand. “Yes,” Marian said, raising her head to look at Micah. “But now he also has you, someone who loves him for him. You respect his abilities, are in awe of them almost. He needs someone to support him. Be his cheerleader, if you will.” “I’ll do my best, Marian,” he replied, kissing her on the cheek and taking the tray of lunch from her. He headed down to Riley’s lab, thinking over what Marian had just told him. Micah wanted Riley to be happy. He wanted Riley to take care of himself, too. Maybe he could figure out ways to lure his mate away from the lab every so often. Chuckling, Micah reached the lab and knocked loudly at the door. Waiting several minutes before it was opened by his brother. “Stefan? What are you doing here?” Micah asked. “I’m helping Riley with something,” he answered, opening the door wider. “Come on in.” “Hello, my mate,” Micah said, walking into the room. “Imagine my surprise when I woke up alone.” “Oh, yeah, sorry,” Riley muttered, not looking up. “Not used to having someone worry after me. I’ll leave a note next time.” “That works, but I also missed my good morning kiss,” Micah replied, setting down the tray. “Your grandma made you lunch and sent me down here to make you eat.” “Not hungry. I’ll eat it later,” his mate replied, writing down some notes. Yeah, Micah wasn’t having any of this. Walking up behind Riley, he scooped his little mate in his arms. “Micah! What are you doing? Put me down. I’m working!” “As soon as you greet me and eat your lunch,” Micah replied. “Then you’re more than welcome to get back to work. You just woke
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up from a coma, Riley. Think as a doctor. Isn’t it important for you to eat?” “Okay, point taken,” Riley replied, rolling his eyes. He tilted his head toward Micah and gave him a gentle good morning kiss. “Can you put me down now so I can eat?” “I don’t know. I like having you in my arms,” Micah replied, chuckling. He reluctantly put his mate down. “So what are you guys working on?” “I’ll tell you when we’re finished,” Riley replied, stuffing part of his sandwich in his face. “Oh,” Micah said, trying to keep the hurt out of his voice, “Anything I can do to help?” “Nope, Stefan’s been a huge help,” his mate replied in between inhaling his lunch. “Besides, I thought you were going to look into how the demons got on the property?” “Right,” Micah answered, feeling tears burning at the back of his eyes. “I’d better get to that. I’ll see you at dinner, Riley.” “Thanks for the food,” Riley replied, smiling at Micah before turning back to his lunch. Micah left the lab feeling defeated. Why would Riley want Stefan’s help and not his? He didn’t even think they liked each other after what had happened the night the demons attacked his mate. Micah headed back to the kitchen. He needed to eat, too. “Did Riley eat?” his mother asked when he entered the kitchen again. “Yeah,” he answered nodding, walking to the refrigerator. Micah couldn’t seem to decide what he wanted. His conversation with Riley killed his appetite. “What’s wrong, Micah?” Marian asked him. He couldn’t find his voice, afraid he was going to cry. Micah just shrugged his shoulders. “Let me guess, he wouldn’t tell you what he was working on?” “No,” he answered.
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“He wouldn’t tell any of us, son,” Desmond said. “And before you ask the question, Riley asked Stefan for help because he came to me and asked me who would be the best to consult on his project. I told him Stefan would be.” “So you do know what he’s working on!” Micah replied, spinning around to face his father. “Not exactly, but I did piece a few things together,” his father answered. “Given the questions he was asking and what I saw him experimenting on.” “Well, then you can tell me,” Micah said. “No, Micah, he can’t,” Marian replied, shooting Desmond a look. “If Riley wanted you to know, he’d have told you.” “But why is he keeping secrets for me?” Micah asked, feeling his heart break. “He’s not keeping secrets from you, honey,” Marian replied, walking over to Micah. “Riley simply keeps his cards close to his chest when it comes to his work. He doesn’t like people’s involvement, opinions, or getting anyone’s hopes up until he knows for sure he can do whatever he’s working on.” “It’s true, Micah,” Desmond threw in. “We were talking earlier about how it drives the council nuts that Riley won’t ever tell us what he’s working on until it’s done. It’s just his way.” “Did he put up a fight when you tried to get him to eat?” Marian asked. “No, at first he ignored me and said he’d eat later,” Micah chuckled. “But then I picked him up and reminded him he just got over his injury and needed to eat. Then I set him down in front of his food and told him to eat. He was eating it quickly when I left.” “See,” Marian said. “You got him to eat faster than I ever do! What else did Riley say?” “I asked if I could help,” Micah answered, starting to feel a little better. He took his food to the table before continuing. “He said no
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thanks. He thought I was going to be working on how the demons got onto the property.” “There you go. He thought of you,” Desmond said. But Micah was more interested in the member of the staff who suddenly went pale as a sheet and turned in the opposite direction. Then she scurried away as quickly as she could. Micah was out of his chair and caught up to her in a flash. “What do you know, Susan?” Micah asked, trying to stay calm. “N-nothing, M-Mr. M-Mi-Micah,” she stuttered. “Then why did you turn pale at the mention of the demons being on the property? You looked like you were about to faint,” Micah replied, sharpening his tone. “Susan, you turned and fled like the hounds of hell were behind you. What do you know?” “I’m sorry,” she wailed, sobbing. “I’m so very sorry.” “Sorry about what, Susan?” his mother asked, taking the woman into her arms. “They promised no one would get hurt,” Susan cried out. “They said they just wanted something from the house.” “You told them how to get into the compound!” Micah roared and went to launch himself at the woman. Thankfully, Victor and Remus ran into the kitchen, probably hearing the commotion. They caught Micah in time and restrained him. “My mate could have died! Why? Why would you do this to us? Haven’t we always been good to you?” “Yes,” she whispered, sounding more frightened now than before. “Then why?” his mother asked in a calmer tone then Micah’s. “They took...” Susan hiccupped. “They took my daughter. The demon who contacted me said if I would help them get into the compound, they’d release her. That no one would get hurt. They just wanted to steal a few things.” “Did they release your daughter?” Desmond asked her. “No,” she whispered. “And the number they called me from doesn’t work anymore. I did what they asked, and they still have her. I didn’t know what to do. I hoped they were telling the truth. But now
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that I betrayed you and they still have my daughter, I don’t know what to do.” “Susan,” Desmond replied. “Why didn’t you come to us right away? You had to know we would have helped you.” “They said they would know if I told you,” Susan answered. “The demon said they would send me back my daughter’s head if I told anyone.” “Susan, if they couldn’t get onto the property, how would they have known if you told us?” his father asked. “I don’t know,” she cried again. “They said they would know.” “Okay, Susan,” Elena said, running her hand down the woman’s back. “We’ll figure out something. But you need to tell us how they disabled the security.” “The sensors on the back of the property,” she answered, trying to pull herself together. “I really am sorry, Mr. Micah. I wouldn’t have done it if I knew anyone would get hurt.” “I believe you, Susan,” Micah replied, calming down, and his brothers let him go. “You can’t trust demons though, okay?” “I know, but they had my daughter,” Susan said, quietly looking down at her hands. “When the demon called, did you hear anyone in the background? Any distinctive noises?” Victor asked, always staying on focus. “No, not really, but he echoed,” Susan answered, scrunching her eyebrows together. “Oh, and water. I heard like waves. Almost like at the beach.” “Good, that’s good Susan,” Victor said gently. “If you think of anything else, you tell us, okay? And we’ll need your phone.” Susan nodded, handing over her cell phone to Victor. His brothers left the kitchen as fast as they had come in. “Susan,” Desmond said, his tone going serious. “Never again, okay? Something happens, or you’re in trouble, you come to us. You’ve been a loyal employee for centuries, treating us like family. I’m not happy about what happened, but I can imagine doing anything
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for one of my children. But never again hide something like this from us or betray us.” “I promise, Mr. Marius,” she replied, meeting his look. “I love my job here, I do. You are like my family, and you’ve always been good to me. I’m sorry.” “Okay, Susan, we know,” his mother said, sharing a look with his father over the woman’s head. Micah knew that look. It said they could be in deep shit. He couldn’t agree more. **** The next couple of days flew by for Micah. Riley and Stefan pretty much lived in the lab, but at least they ate. He finally felt okay with Riley not telling him about his project. Riley would tell Micah eventually. The surprise to everyone was how well Stefan and Riley were getting along. An outsider would have thought they had been friends for years, not adversaries when Riley first got there. Micah, Gabriel, Remus, and Victor repaired and relocated the sensors that Susan had told the demons about. They also added a few extras that they weren’t going to tell anyone else about. When everything was done, the brothers agreed that no one would be getting on the property without them knowing. Micah had just walked into the sitting room for drinks before dinner when he heard the property alarms go off. He spun around and ran into his brothers at the security system. It was a small room off the front of the house that showed what sensors were tripped and stowed some extra weapons. When they saw it was the back of the house, they shut off the alarms quickly so the demons wouldn’t be deterred by them. Victor and Gabriel were out in front of Micah, with Remus following behind him. They hit the back door and took up positions that covered them from sight. A few minutes later, just as the demons
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came into sight, he felt Stefan come up beside him. While Micah was grateful for the extra help, he had hoped Stefan would stay with his mate. Micah’s heart stopped as he saw Riley step out the back door and start walking calmly towards the demons. “No, let him be,” Stefan said, grabbing Micah’s arm. “Trust us.” He was about to freak out on his brother when he saw Stefan pull out a sniper rifle and take aim. Micah looked over at his other brothers, who just shrugged their shoulders. Great, they had no idea what was going on either. “Come back for more, little Marius mate?” one of the demons asked, now about 20 yards in front of Riley. Micah was itching to get out there and protect his mate. It took everything he had to trust that his brother and his mate had a plan. “Yes, actually. Are you ready to join the assholes who tried to grab me last time?” Riley asked, laughing at the demons, which of course infuriated them. Right as the demons were about to rush the last distance, Riley pulled out a semi-automatic handgun. Micah heard the sniper rifle go off next to him a second before Riley took aim and fired. Micah couldn’t believe his eyes. He watched as each of their shots hit a different demon, then a small burst of light flared in the hole the bullets made. The demons who were shot seemed to crumble inwards and, after a minute, turn to ash. Holy fuck! What was in their guns? Micah wondered as he watched his brother and his mate take out the other four demons as they did the first two. “Well, I’d say that was a successful test,” Stefan yelled over to Riley, standing. “Wouldn’t you?” “Test?” Micah asked as he followed Stefan racing over to Riley. “Yes, test,” Riley answered when all of the brothers met him. “I think we did rather well, Stefan!”
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“Fuck yeah, we did,” Stefan answered, bumping fists with Micah's mate. “Can someone fill us in?” Victor asked in amazement. “What the fuck did you just do?” “Well, I had an idea while I was stuck in my coma,” Riley explained. “I kept reliving over and over what had happened, but then my brain would change it into various nightmares. Anyways, in some of the nightmares, I would simply keep trying to keep the demons out until sunrise then watch them turn to dust. It reminded me of something I learned in history class in college about flash bombs used in human wars.” “So the day after I woke up, I was mixing radioactive isotopes that give off ultraviolet light. That’s when your father walked in the lab, of course.” Riley took a deep breath before continuing. “I asked your father which of you knew the most about ammunition and guns. He told me Stefan.” “Riley came to me that morning,” Stefan said, picking up the story. “Told me what he had been thinking of and asked for my help. Needless to say, I was all for it. The tricky part was designing a bullet that was strong enough to be loaded and then shot, but would still break open when it entered the demon’s body.” “Right,” his mate added. “We figured that part out yesterday. So really, this turned out to be the perfect test for us.” “And now that we know they work, we can produce a lot more,” Stefan said. “Making sure all the warriors get armed with them. Maybe even some covens, but we’d have to talk to the council about that.” “Well, you’d have my vote,” his father said from behind them. “Nicely done, Riley, Stefan. I knew you boys could do it.” “So you did know?” Micah asked. “When Riley asked me which of my sons was best with guns, it made me wonder. But that was after my eyes were burnt by his experiments. He described what he was working on as a type of solar
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flare,” his father explained. “When I put the two together, taking into account Riley had just been attacked by demons, I figured it out pretty fast.” “Holy shit, Riley!” Micah exclaimed, wrapping his arms around his mate. “This is awesome! You’re amazing, a fucking genius!” “Language, Micah,” his mother laughed, coming up behind them. “Just wait until we get the grenades done,” Stefan replied with a laugh. “We’ll get to those, Stefan.” Riley laughed, hugging Micah back. “I’ve created an experimenting monster.” “Yes, you have,” Stefan agreed, laughing. “I never knew science could be so much fun. Dangerous chemicals, guns, ammo, I’m in heaven.” The family all had a good laugh at that, excited that such a helpful weapon was designed to fight the demons. Maybe the war wasn’t a losing battle after all? Who knew? All Micah knew was that he loved his little mate and was so very, very proud of him.
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Epilogue Riley woke up the next morning to soft lips kissing his shoulder and a finger working its way into his ass. He really hoped it was his mate, or Micah was going to be pissed. “Wake up, baby,” Micah whispered, working his way up to Riley’s ear. “Good morning, my love,” Riley said, then let out a groan as Micah inserted a second finger. “Oh, Micah, that feels good.” “That’s what I wanted, to make my little, gorgeous, hot genius mate feel good,” his mate replied, kissing him in between words. “Hot, huh?” Riley asked. “You don’t think you’re hot, Riley?” Micah chuckled. “I fell asleep with you in my arms after you fucked me raw. And the first thing I do when I wake up is start touching you again. I couldn’t even wait for you to wake up. I had to get into this sexy, tight ass right away.” “Well, if you don’t want it so tight, let me lift my hips,” Riley replied. He was lying flat on his stomach and Micah was pulling apart the cheeks of his ass while fingering his puckered hole. “Of course, I’ve never been fucked this way before.” “Then you’ll stay this way,” Micah growled in his ear. “I will be the one and only to fuck you this way. And it will be a fucking you will never forget.” Riley went to say something clever back, but Micah inserted a third finger then and all he could do was moan at the pleasure. He felt the loss of Micah’s fingers when he removed them but loved the feel of his thick, long cock working its way into Riley’s ass. His mate
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rocked his hips back and forth a few times, until he was all the way in Riley. “Riley, I want us to have a baby,” Micah whispered as he covered Riley’s body. “A what?” Riley asked, trying to shake off his lust-filled haze. “I want us to have a baby, a little you or me,” his mate answered. “I talked to my mom, and she found us a surrogate who's willing to carry our baby for us.” “You’re asking me this now?” Riley asked, trying not to laugh. “Isn’t this how men ask their mates? During sex?” Micah asked confused. “I think that’s more when men are having sex with their women,” Riley replied. “You know, because women can get pregnant. They ask before sex so they can start trying to make a baby.” “Oh,” Micah answered. Riley could hear how defeated his mate sounded in that one word. It broke Riley’s heart. “I think it’s the perfect way to ask me, my love,” Riley said. He wouldn’t crush Micah’s spirits for anything. “Have you thought about this, or is it a spur of the moment thing?” “I thought a lot about it while you were in your coma,” Micah replied. “I kept planning our future together. It helped me stay hopeful you would get better. One day I thought about kids, and I realized I really want us to have children. I want us to have a baby.” Riley thought about it for a few moments. He’d always wanted to have children, but since he was gay, it didn’t really seem in his future. As he thought about a child who looked like Micah, his heart fluttered. A baby! His grandma and Elena would spoil the child rotten. The thought alone made him chuckle. “Why are you laughing, my love?” Micah asked as he kissed Riley’s neck. “I was just thinking how your mother and my grandma would spoil our baby rotten,” Riley told him. They both had a laugh at the images it brought.
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“Does that mean you like the idea?” his mate asked, the hope so apparent in his voice. “I love it,” Riley whispered, lifting his head to meet Micah’s lips. “And I love you, Micah. Yes, let’s have a baby.” “Really?” Micah exclaimed, moving up a little in surprise. “Yes,” Riley answered. “I love the idea of a little boy or girl who looks like you.” “Thank you, Riley,” Micah whispered, starting to choke up. “I love you so much.” “Show me.” Riley moaned. “Show me how much you love me, Micah. I need you.” “Anything you want, my mate.” Micah growled. He slowly pulled out of Riley before plowing his rock hard cock back in. Micah was licking the mating mark on Riley’s neck at the same time. He knew that drove Riley crazy. “Yes, Micah, yes,” Riley started to cry out. “Right there, fuck me hard like that. Oh, you’re hitting my spot every fucking time.” “Like this?” Micah asked, thrusting hard back into Riley’s tight ass. “Yes! Oh fuck, yes,” Riley howled. “That’s it, Micah. Make me yours again.” “Always mine.” Micah growled in between thrusts. “You’re mine, Riley. Always mine, and I fuck you. Only I bring you pleasure. I want your pleasure. I’m addicted to it. Just as addicted as I am to fucking you. I can’t get enough of you.” “Good. I want you fucking me like this for eternity.” Riley moaned in response. Micah must have liked the idea, because his thrusts became even faster and less coordinated. “Bite me, Micah. I want everyone to see your fang marks on me.” “Yes,” Micah hissed, lowering his head to Riley’s neck as he wrapped his arms around Riley’s. He sank them in slowly to draw out the pleasure and the edge of pain. Every drink his mate took from him, Riley relished. He came so hard. His cock ejaculated his seed
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under him so forcefully he shook. He screamed out his mate’s name at his release. A moment later, he felt Micah’s hot seed fill up his ass as his mate came, too. Micah shouted out his name as well. It was perfect. It was the perfect sex after deciding to start a family, after everything that had happened. It was the best step toward their future Riley could have thought of, if he could think after an orgasm like that.
THE END WWW.JOYEEFLYNN.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joyee Flynn grew up in Chicago living in the same house all her life until she went left for college. Though she has a great life, she loves to get lost in fantasy that only books could bring. She kept writing, short stories, romance, mystical, and of course adding in hot cowboys any chance she could. Her wide interest in reading was reflected in her writings. Currently Joyee lives with her dog, Marius, named after a vampire from Ann Rice’s Interview with the Vampire series. She dreams of one day living out in Montana, enough land to have a few horses, and find a couple of cowboys of her own. A lover of men, Joyee’s all about them in any form in her books. Vampire, werewolf, military, doesn’t matter at all as long as they are hot, hard, and sex fiends!
Also by Joyee Flynn North American Dragon Series 1: Dragon Mine
Also by Stormy Glenn and Joyee Flynn Delta Wolf 1: Chameleon Wolf Delta Wolf 2: Mating Games
Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM
Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com
