Rogue

The Pack 2

Rogue When Frankie joins Tyler and Matt's pack, he is happy to have a family and to finally fit in. Only everyone in the pack is mated and he still feels lonely. Going out for company, Frankie is attacked by rogues, but one of them, Jared, turns against the others to save him. Unable to take Jared home to the pack or let him face death with the rogues, Frankie hides him at his grandmother's house. Despite the attraction between them, Jared is vicious and defensive, and Frankie is filled with despair when he realizes that the rogue is his mate. How can it possibly work out? As trust slowly builds between them and the packs find out about Jared, things start to improve. But the rogues aren't about to let things go. Under attack, can they reconcile their differences, beat the rogues, and be the mates they're meant to be? Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Paranormal Length: 61,510 words

ROGUE The Pack 2

Teya Martin

EROTIC ROMANCE MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance ManLove

ROGUE Copyright © 2011 by Teya Martin E-book ISBN: 1-61926-043-3 First E-book Publication: November 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 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 Rogue by Teya Martin 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 Teya Martin’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Martin’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION Rogue is dedicated to all my family and friends and everyone who bought the first book with my thanks.

ROGUE The Pack 2 TEYA MARTIN Copyright © 2011

Chapter 1 The lecture came to a slow end, and Frankie sighed. It was the end of the week and the end of his relative freedom once again, his weekends an uninterrupted hell. Dr. Baker stood as students started to shove books into bags and grab jackets. “Wait!” he yelled. “Your assignment for next week is to read chapters eight through ten and answer the questions at the end of each.” There was a collective groan, and Frankie was surprised when Dr. Baker chuckled. None of his professors at Cal Tech would have reacted so pleasantly. “It won’t take long. Oh yes, Mr. Mancuso, a word please.” Sighing again, Frankie walked over to the desk as the other students left the lecture theater. There was something about Dr. Baker that made him uncomfortable, and yet he was drawn to him at the same time. It wasn’t sexual, despite his teacher being quite possibly the most beautiful man he’d ever seen. It was more a sense of recognition. There was something about Dr. Baker. The almost unnatural quality of his pale skin, black hair, and bright-green eyes was

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something that Frankie had only ever seen in the mirror. Not that he thought himself beautiful. His eyes were hazel and his hair, while black, was short and scruffy, but he had the same freakishly pale alabaster skin and strange brightness to his eyes, all part of what had always made him abnormal. He wasn’t paranoid like most teenagers and young adults. He didn't just think that he didn’t fit in. He really didn’t fit in. He’d always known he wasn’t normal, but he’d become a master at hiding it. The fact that this professor looked like him was disconcerting to say the least. “Yes, Dr. Baker?” he asked softly. His teacher glanced at the door for a second, and Frankie followed his gaze out of curiosity. While he didn’t see anyone, he could tell someone was waiting outside by the scent and sound of the other person. The scent made him feel as oddly uncomfortable as Dr. Baker did. “I just wanted to welcome you. It must be tough to transfer mid way through your final year, but I’ve read your file, and I don’t think you’ll have any problems with the material.” “Thank you, sir.” “Please don’t call me sir,” Dr. Baker said with a chuckle. “I prefer informality. Call me Zacky.” “I, uh, okay,” Frankie said hesitantly. “Good. Well, if you have any problems, just let me know. I’m here to help.” “Thank you.” “You’re welcome. And if you want anyone to show you round, three of my cousins study here. They’re great kids.” Frankie smiled tightly. The offer was genuinely meant but only made him feel worse, reminding him what he couldn’t have. “Um, that’s okay. I grew up here, and I don’t really have time to do anything outside school.” Dr. Baker frowned but nodded. “Okay, well, let me know if you change your mind.”

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“Thanks, Doc…um, Zacky. Can I go now? I really need to get home.” “Of course, enjoy your weekend.” Frankie walked toward the door. He could feel Dr. Baker’s eyes on his back, and he tried not to speed up. Just outside the door he nearly gasped. The person waiting there was gorgeous. He was a small, slender boy with a shock of dark hair and enormous blue eyes. He, too, had that odd quality of unnaturally pale skin and bright eyes. What the hell was going on? He passed the boy and rounded a corner, stopping and listening carefully. “Billy, why are you waiting outside?” Dr. Baker called out. Frankie heard the lecture room door open and close again, and he snuck closer. “What do you think of Mancuso?” Dr. Baker asked softly. “Pack,” Billy said. “Yeah,” Dr. Baker agreed. “And close to turning.” Frankie frowned. Pack? Turning? What did that mean? “Come on, Billy. I don’t know about you, but I need my mate.” Frankie bolted, hurrying to the car lot and getting into his car. He watched Dr. Baker and Billy head for a car where two guys were making out heavily, the shorter blond one leaning between the taller brunet’s legs as they kissed. It was hot, but that wasn’t the reason why Frankie couldn’t stop looking. They, too, were incredibly pale and beautiful. He wound his window down to eavesdrop again. “Okay, boys, let’s tone it down a little please.” “Aw c’mon, Zacky, this is the first real kiss we’ve had all day.” “Big deal. Billy and I haven’t even seen our mates since this morning,” Zacky said with a snort. “Yeah, I guess.” The blond backed up and hugged Zacky and Billy quickly. “Are we dropping you off at the forest, Billy?” Zacky asked. Billy nodded. They got in the car, and for a second, Frankie was tempted to follow them, his curiosity increasing with every snippet he overheard.

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But he couldn’t. He had to get home before Mrs. Faris finished for the day. He was probably imagining things anyway. He was a freak of nature. What were the chances of him finding others like him, really? **** Back home, Mrs. Faris was preparing to leave, and she smiled as he came in. “Hi, Frankie.” “Hey, Mrs. Faris, how’s she been today?” She grimaced ruefully. “The same really, a few moments of lucidity but otherwise…” She trailed off and shrugged. “Yeah. Well, thanks, have a nice weekend.” “You, too, hon, take care.” She gave him a quick hug and left. Sighing, he went to the fridge and dug out a steak, ripping open the package and biting off a chunk. Since moving back to his grandmother’s, he’d given up the brief seconds he’d cooked his meat for and the knife and fork he’d used for some pretense at normality, to try and disguise the fact that he ate raw meat. That he only ate raw meat. It had always been the easiest thing for him to eat, and lately, it was all he could keep down, a change he wasn’t keen to analyze. He already knew he was abnormal. Why labor the point? Quickly finishing, he washed hands and mouth, briefly touching his stomach at the slightly sick feeling that was occurring more and more often after his meals. He hoped it was just stress because if he couldn’t eat meat any more either, then he’d starve. He made a cup of tea and a bowl of soup and put them on a tray to take to his grandmother’s downstairs bedroom. “Hey, Nana, how are you feeling today?” “Who are you? What are you doing in my room?” “Nana, it’s me, Frankie,” he said gently. “I brought you some dinner.” He put the tray on the side table and sat on the edge of the

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bed to take her hand. “My grandson’s name is Frankie.” “Nana, it’s me.” His heart tightened with misery as she stared blankly at him. “Who are you?” she asked again. “Frankie.” “My grandson’s name is Frankie.” “I know. Come on, time for dinner.” He picked up the spoon and started to feed her carefully. “Chicken soup’s my favorite,” she said as he wiped her chin gently. “I know. It’s not too salty this time?” “It’s lovely.” “Oh good. Did you have a nice day today?” “What day is it today?” “It’s Friday, Nana. We can spend the whole weekend together.” “Who are you?” Frankie took a slow, deep breath. It was like this every day. All day, every day. His wonderful, bright, funny, brilliant grandmother was a shell who didn’t even recognize him. He hadn’t felt so alone since his parents had died. Last time, it was his grandmother who had rescued him, filling his life with love and joy. Who was going to rescue him this time? “Do you want some tea, Nana?” “You look like my grandson. Did you know I have a grandson?” “I am your grandson, Nana,” he said quietly, helping her sip her tea. After she finished, he wiped her mouth and put everything back on the tray. “Time to get you ready for bed.” “I’m not tired.” “You don’t have to sleep, Nana, but we still have to get you ready.” “I don’t want to,” she said, shoving at his hands. “Nana, please don’t.” It was too hard, seeing her like this. Nursing

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her wouldn’t be half as hard if she still had her mind, if he could still talk to her, confide in her the way he used to. She’d known how out of place and abnormal he’d felt, and she’d always reassured him, loved him, and kept him sane. “Go away!” she shouted. “Leave me alone.” She started to fret, batting at his hands and trying to get out of the bed. Reluctantly, Frankie got out the small hypodermic kit the doctor had given him and injected her with a sedative so she wouldn’t hurt herself like she sometimes did when she got agitated. He brushed her teeth and washed her face, emptied her colostomy and catheter bags, and tucked her in. He kissed her forehead, switched off the light, and closed the door, letting lonely tears fall for a few brief moments. He walked slowly to his room and sat on his bed. His mind wandered back to the end of school and the peculiar conversation he’d overheard. What was it about those guys that felt so familiar, that made him feel so uncomfortable and yet drawn to them? And what the hell had they been talking about, calling him “Pack” and saying he was close to turning? With a frown, he switched on his computer and did a quick search of the University site, hacking into the staff section to find Dr. Baker’s address. He wouldn’t normally leave his grandmother on her own, but his curiosity and loneliness burned through his chest, and he had to find out if they could possibly be anything like him. He pulled on his coat, tugging the zipper right up under his chin. All dressed in black, he felt better about slipping out into the dark. Despite his diminutive size, he’d never been afraid of trouble, of being out late on his own. He’d always been strong and fast, but still, he preferred not to be seen. Stalking through the fields, he made his way across town quickly, his eyes scanning, his ears focused for any unusual sound, every breath he took telling him who or what was nearby their scent. It was another part of what made him abnormal, his enhanced senses. It had taken years for him to realize that other kids couldn’t hear

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conversations in another room or see in the dark. Luckily, because he’d thought everyone could do it, he’d never drawn attention to it, talked about it, so no one had picked up on his abilities. At least it helped in situations like this. Coming to the right road, he crossed and walked to the driveway. Dr. Baker’s house was set several hundred meters back from the road, completely hidden by enormous, thick hedges. A large gate blocked the entrance, but Frankie jumped over it easily and snuck along the edge of the driveway to the house. It was a large, two-story, oldfashioned building, like a plantation house. The ground floor was completely dark, but several rooms were lit upstairs. Frankie circled round the house, concentrating his hearing and flushing in surprise at the sheer number of heartbeats and sounds of passion and lovemaking. Finally he heard Dr. Baker’s voice, and he found a tree close enough to the house to climb so he could take a look. He could see into two rooms, both of them containing large beds. In one, a couple moved under the covers, soft pants and gasps and the sound of flesh slapping together tightening Frankie’s stomach with a mixture of lust and envy. He looked away quickly, turning his attention to the other room. He flushed lightly when he realized that Dr. Baker, or “Zacky” as Frankie was supposed to refer to him as, and the other occupant were curled up together on the bed, naked. “Mmm,” Zacky murmured, pressing a kiss to the other man’s lips gently. “I missed you this week, Ty.” “I know, baby.” The other man, Ty, sat up, and Frankie barely held back a gasp. He’d never seen such an amazing-looking man before. It wasn’t just that he was gorgeous, but strength and energy, just sheer power, exuded from him in waves. He, too, had unnaturally pale skin, and his dark-brown eyes shone as he smiled at Zacky. “You work too hard.” “Me? You’ve been home late every night this week, Mr. 'I don’t

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need to work, we have enough money to live on for a couple of centuries' Magnusson.” “Well, true,” Ty sighed. Frankie frowned. Somehow it hadn’t sounded like they’d meant it figuratively, more like they were expecting to live that long. “I’ve had enough of working, Ty. We just seem to get busier. We haven’t fed together properly for weeks, and as much as I love quickies, I want to make love with you more,” Zacky said softly. He sat up, and Ty wrapped his heavily tattooed arms round him, kissing his cheek. “I love you, baby. I can quit work.” “But it makes you happy.” “You make me happy.” Frankie swallowed as his throat tightened, heart pounding as his eyes burned. The love between the couple was practically a physical entity, it was so strong. Seeing it tore at the badly patched wounds Frankie’s heart bore from a lifetime of pain and loneliness. “Oh, Tyr,” Zacky murmured. “I tell you what, my love. I’ll finish this academic year, and then I’ll retire.” “Zacky, you love to teach.” “I love you more. Besides, I was thinking…maybe we should move on.” “What do you mean?” “As much as I love Matt, Johnny, Jimmy, and the boys, they’re not our pack.” Ty seemed to flinch and glanced out of the window. Frankie held his breath, but the other man just looked away without seeing him. “Baby…” “Tyr, I know it hurts, but we can’t run with them forever. It’s not fair on Matt. He’s alpha, not you.” “I know,” Ty sighed. “I’ll think about it.” “Thank you, love, now come on. We need to talk to the others about Mancuso.”

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Zacky looked out of the window right at him, and Frankie fell out of the tree, shock and horror filling him. His teacher had known he was there and probably knew he’d heard everything. Scrambling to his feet, he ran as fast as he could all the way home, letting himself in the back door. He checked on his grandmother, watching her for a moment while he caught his breath, before heading back to his room. He stripped and got ready for bed, climbing under his covers before permitting himself to think about what he’d seen and heard. Alphas, feeding, packs? They talked like they were wolves, not humans. Was he like them? How else would Dr. Baker have known he was there, if he hadn’t heard him? He’d detected the presence of nine people in the house, four couples, all male and one single female. All of them, apart from the woman, had felt familiar, smelt like he should know them. And for some reason, they were talking about him. He wished he’d stayed now to listen to what they'd had to say about him, find out what part he could possibly play in a group of strangers’ lives. It was probably nothing. He didn't dare let himself hope that he wasn't alone. Unable to relax, Frankie got up again and headed down to the kitchen, getting a beer out of the fridge. He was twenty-one in less than a week. What did a few days matter for legality? At least liquids were something that didn’t make him ill. Sitting at the table, he bit off the lid and took a long draught, sighing softly. If only he could risk going out again. If only he could get out more often, down to a club to lose himself in music and anonymous sex, to try and stave off the loneliness for a couple of hours. The trouble was, a quick fuck usually ended up making him feel worse, but unfortunately, that never seemed to manage to put him off doing it again. He’d never had a boyfriend, never had the confidence to risk letting anyone get close enough to become friends, let alone

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have a relationship. Anonymous sex was all he knew, empty and meaningless, the closest he got to feeling the warmth of human contact now that his grandmother was sick. Before her illness had progressed, she had been the only one he could turn to, talk to, or just hug. Being away from her at college was what had precipitated his sleeping around. Now that he was home again and looking after her, he had neither, and it was tearing the hole in his soul wider. Maybe finding others like him, if that was what they were, could help fill that hole. The question was, did he approach them or wait to see if they approached him? What if they came to the house? After all, he’d found them easily enough. If they were like him, they might not even need an address. His heart pounded with a mixture of fear, hope, and anticipation. What were they? What was he? Was he finally going to know why he was different?

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Chapter 2 After a whole day looking after his grandmother, which meant a whole day of heartache and a whole day of wondering and worrying about Dr. Baker and the others, Frankie couldn’t bear the aching loneliness any longer. He sedated his grandmother after her dinner and did all his chores. Tucking her in carefully, he kissed her forehead and headed to his room to change into his club clothes. A tight, black shirt and low-slung jeans that showed off his ass usually guaranteed him a quick lay. And it would have to be quick. He didn’t want to leave his grandmother alone for too long. He slipped out and crossed town through the dark alleys he’d gotten to know well before he’d left for college. He felt safe there. He could see and hear anyone coming way before they spotted him and hide in the shadows. He went to his favorite club and bought a beer, bouncing on the balls of his feet to the heavy, throbbing beat of the music. Scanning the crowd, he almost smiled at the number of couples pretty much having sex on the dance floor. There was a reason it was his favorite club. He could do whatever he wanted—when it came to sex, at least. He saw a pair of brown eyes, under which a pretty mouth smiled at him, and Frankie smiled back, rewarded with a crooked finger and a beckoning gesture. Finishing his beer, Frankie put the bottle down and strode onto the dance floor, pulling the guy against his body. “What, no small talk?” Frankie smirked. “You wanna waste time talking?” He pushed his groin against the other man’s thigh, and the guy chuckled. “Hell no, I wanna suck some cock.”

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“Good, come on. “ Frankie grabbed the guy’s hand and pulled him to the side, leaning back against a wall and yanking him close for a kiss. Hot tongue swept over his mouth, and he opened eagerly, sucking it in as he rocked his growing erection into hard thigh. Nimble fingers swept down over his chest and stomach, flicking open his pants and tugging them down enough for his cock to push out. The guy’s fingertips slid over the head, and then he pulled his hand free and licked up the pre-cum. “Ooh you taste good, gorgeous.” The man grinned and dropped to his knees, sucking Frankie’s cock straight into his mouth. Groaning, Frankie dropped his head back and sank his fingers into short hair. He arched his back, thrusting slowly, pleasure seeping through his body in a warm haze. Here and now, in this club, in front of hundreds of other men, he didn’t feel completely alone. The hands stroking his hips and thighs and the heat of the mouth sucking him down deep were almost affectionate, something Frankie could pretend had more meaning than it really did. The wet warmth and constriction of throat muscles around his cock were amazing, and he groaned again, thrusting faster as the other man sucked harder. Suddenly, there was the pressure of eyes on him, and as it pulled him out of the pleasurable daze, the scent hit him. Over and above the smoke, beer, sweat, and sex, he could smell them, and he opened his eyes. Zacky and Ty were standing not far from him, two sets of eyes, brown and green, fixed on him. Ty was standing behind Zacky, his tattooed arms wrapped round his smaller partner, and Frankie gasped when he realized that Ty’s hand was down the front of Zacky’s pants, the steady motion unmistakable. Somehow that was the hottest thing Frankie had ever seen, and as he started to come, he watched Zacky jerk against his own lover. Frankie’s conquest swallowed him down and stood up, kissing him

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hard, but Frankie couldn’t stop watching in slightly horrified fascination as Ty bit down on his lip and bent his head, letting a drop of blood fall onto Zacky’s mouth. Frankie pushed his erstwhile partner back, licking his lips as he watched his teacher lick the blood from his mouth, then surge up and round to kiss Ty hard. Lips parted as he dragged in harsh breaths. Frankie moved closer, the scent of blood assailing him as he watched the couple bite and suck at each other’s lips and tongues. It was hypnotic watching them sharing blood, and the scent drew him closer as his mouth watered and his stomach tightened. Ty eased Zacky back and nodded toward Frankie. “Baby.” Zacky turned, licking blood from his mouth as he smiled. “Hi, Frankie.” “What…” Frankie paused as he suddenly realized that his anonymous fuck was ranting at him, and he flicked his head round, snarling, teeth bared. The guy stared in shock and backed away, hands up. “Oh yeah, he’s close,” Ty said softly. “What the fuck is going on?” Frankie demanded. His teacher smiled at him gently. “It’s okay, Frankie. Why don’t you come home with us?” “Oh no, no way. I don’t get involved with couples.” Zacky snickered and looked up at his lover. “Beloved, did you want a threesome?” “No offense, Frankie, but we’re not into anything but each other,” Ty said. Frankie frowned in confusion and raised an eyebrow. “Um, okay, so why?” “You know why.” “I think I do,” Frankie said cautiously. “You’re like me.” “Not exactly,” Ty said. “You’re almost like us.” “Oh, Tyr, don’t be so pedantic,” Zacky said with a chuckle.

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Frankie shook his head. “I really don’t have time for this, you know,” he said, turning and starting to walk away. “Feisty,” Ty said. “I like him.” “Don’t patronize me,” Frankie snapped, walking faster. He knew they were following him, and he didn’t know whether that was reassuring or slightly terrifying. “Don’t you want to know why you’re different?” Zacky asked as they kept up with him outside the club and through the alleys. “Doesn’t everyone?” Frankie asked with a shrug. “Everyone isn’t strong and fast like you are though, are they?” Pausing in his step for just a second, Frankie tried to fight his curiosity. They couldn’t know. He couldn’t hope that they did. Speeding up, he was shocked when he couldn’t lose them. “Can't see as far, hear as well, or smell as sensitively as you can,” Zacky continued softly. Frankie’s heart faltered for a second. It was almost too much. The fact that they just might have the answers he’d been looking for his whole life was overwhelming. “Or can only eat raw meat.” Gasping, Frankie stopped and turned round. “What?” “We know what you’re going though,” Zacky said quietly. “We’ve been there.” Blinking rapidly and swallowing against a lump in his throat, Frankie took a step toward them. “You know.” “Yeah.” Zacky reached out and took his hand. “Come home with us, Frankie.” “I can’t. My grandmother, I can’t leave her alone for long.” “Can we come with you, then?” “Uh, yeah I guess.” Frankie frowned. “Really?” “Yes, really, we need to talk.” “Okay, just, you have to be quiet. I can’t have my grandmother disturbed,” he said, feeling oddly nervous. “Don’t worry. It’ll be fine,” Zacky said, his warm tone soothing as

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he reached out to pat Frankie’s arm. “Lead on.” Frankie nodded and turned to continue his walk home, more and more reassured by the couple’s presence. “I’d better call home,” Ty said from behind him. “Oh true, Mom will worry.” “Matt will worry.” Zacky chuckled. “He’s such a mother hen.” “Comes with being an alpha, my love.” “Tyler, you’re his alpha.” “Yeah, well, that doesn’t stop him, does it?” “No.” Frankie glanced back in confusion. They were completely serious, not even a hint of put-on or irony. The couple were walking arm in arm, and Tyler had a cell pressed to his ear. “Hey, Matt. We’re staying out tonight…Yes, we’ll be careful, Matt,” Tyler said. “We’ll be with the cub if you need anything.” Zacky rolled his eyes. “His name’s Frankie.” “Sorry, my love,” Tyler said with a quiet chuckle as he hung up and slipped the cell into his pocket. “Cub?” Frankie asked. “Sometimes used affectionately, sometimes derogatorily, but I always found it annoying,” Zacky said a little cryptically. So far, they were just giving him more questions, and Frankie sighed in frustration. At least they’d reached his house. Maybe he’d actually get some answers now. He led them in through the back door into the kitchen and switched on the light. “There’s beer and stuff in the fridge. I just need to check on my grandmother.” “Okay, thanks.” Frankie jogged to the other side of the house and snuck into his grandmother’s room, checking that everything was okay before kissing her forehead and heading back to the kitchen. Zacky was curled up in his lover’s lap, and they were kissing softly. Loneliness

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stuck in Frankie’s throat, and he couldn’t quite swallow it back. “Hey, sorry,” Zacky said softly. “Um, I, that’s cool,” Frankie said with a shrug. He moved round the table and sat down opposite them. “You guys are very, uh…” “The term is mated,” Ty said with a smile. “Pardon me?” Zacky lifted a hand to stroke his lover’s arm. “We’re mates, a couple.” “I know what it means,” Frankie said a little defensively. “It’s just not exactly a common term.” “True,” Zacky agreed. “But it’s what fits. We are, effectively, married.” Ty smiled and nuzzled his lover affectionately. “Even if it took you a while to accept it.” “That was a long time ago, Tyler,” Zacky said, narrowing his eyes. “I know.” “It can’t be that long,” Frankie said with a confused frown. “We’re not as young as we look,” Tyler said. “Speak for yourself,” Zacky snorted. Tyler raised an eyebrow. “You calling me old?” “'Ancient' might be a more accurate term.” Frankie watched in bemusement as Tyler started to tickle his teacher, and Zacky giggled, not really struggling. “Um, excuse me,” he interrupted. “Aren’t you supposed to be answering my questions?” Tyler stopped and cleared his throat. “Right, sorry.” “What am I?” Tyler opened his mouth to reply, and Zacky slapped a hand over it. “If you say ‘you’re like us,’ I swear I’ll hit you.” “Okay, jeez,” Tyler said, rolling his eyes. “Maybe we should leave explanations until morning.” “My love, waiting isn’t going to help. You know how hard it was on me.”

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“I’m not going to be able to sleep,” Frankie said quietly, trying not to sound as frustrated as he was getting. “Sorry, Frankie, I know we’re not helping. It’s just been a while since we’ve turned anyone who needed an explanation,” Tyler said. “Turned?” He didn’t like the sound of that, and Frankie stood up nervously, backing away. “When you hit twenty-one, you become Pack, one of us, regardless. We don’t turn you into one of us. You already are. We’re just here to help the transition.” “How?” Frankie asked. “How what?” “How do you help the transition?” “You drink Tyler’s blood,” Zacky said bluntly. Frankie backed into the wall with a jolt that knocked the breath out of him. “What?” he gasped. “Nicely done,” Tyler sighed. “What? I’m just being honest.” “You’re always honest, my love, but we could have eased him into that one a little.” “I, uh, I thought you two were only into each other,” Frankie said softly. “It’s not sexual,” Tyler said. “Well, it won’t be between us because I’m mated, but it can be.” “Well, why you, then?” “Because he’s an alpha,” Zacky said. “You talk like we’re wolves,” Frankie said, still backed up against the wall. He was less nervous now but still confused. Then he panicked. “We’re not, are we? Werewolves, I mean.” “No,” Tyler sighed. “Okay, let’s start this over and do it right. Grab a beer and sit down. We’ll tell you everything.” Nodding slowly, Frankie got a beer from the fridge and sat back down, trying to relax. “Let’s go, then.”

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Chapter 3 Frankie lay back in his bed, arms tucked behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling, trying not to listen to the soft moans and panting coming from the couple currently occupying his guest room. They were hot, and normally he wouldn’t have had any compunction jacking off while he listened. But he had too much to think about, and the scent of blood as well as sex was as much disturbing as it was a turn-on. He wasn’t entirely sure what to think. Throughout the explanation, he’d almost wanted to deny it all. It sounded ridiculous, drinking blood, alphas, running in packs, being almost immortal. It sounded like a bad horror movie. But he couldn’t deny he was living it, or rather would be in a matter of days when he turned twenty-one. The thought simultaneously terrified and comforted him. He knew what he was now and that he wasn’t alone, but at the same time, he was still alone. The guys in the pack were all mated, which meant yet more meaningless, anonymous sex. At least they’d reassured him that they didn’t kill. He’d seen enough death in his life. His grandmother was the only person in his family who hadn’t died, and the thought of killing—anyone—made him balk, physically and mentally. Turning onto his side, Frankie cuddled up to his pillow and buried his face with a sigh. With any luck, he wouldn’t have to wait too long for a mate. Even the hundred or so years Jimmy had waited, while nothing compared with how long Tyler had waited for Zacky, seemed a horrendous torture after a lifetime of loneliness. Tyler had mentioned packs gathering together once a year. Maybe

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his mate was with one of them. The guest room had quieted down to soft, loving murmurs, and Frankie suddenly found himself getting to his feet and walking down the corridor, almost against his will. He paused outside the door, hesitant and uncertain. What was he even doing there? The door opened, and before he could say a word, Zacky took his hand and dragged him into the room, closing the door and leading him to the bed. “Um, I, what?” Frankie stuttered. “Come on, cub,” Tyler said softly, beckoning him onto the bed. “It’s okay.” “What’s okay? I don’t even know why I’m here.” “Get into bed,” Zacky said, with a soft push to his back. “Why?” “Because you obviously need it.” Zacky pushed him again, and Frankie got onto the bed, feeling awkward and even more nervous. Tyler pulled him down and Zacky slid in behind him, both of them cuddling up to him. “Need what?” Frankie whispered. “Jimmy likes to call this a puppy pile,” Tyler said, reaching over him to stroke Zacky’s hair. “It’s a comfort and reassurance thing for a pack. At the house, we have a separate room just for that.” “Sounds…kinky?” Frankie said with a nervous laugh. “It’s a cuddle,” Tyler said sternly. “While we occasionally have sex in front of each other, we do not have sex with anyone but our mates.” “What if we’re unmated?” “Well, like Jimmy, Matt, and myself before we were mated, we had sex with other unmated Pack or with humans, especially the ones we were going to feed on.” “That’s kinda gross.” “I know, but it helps stave off the loneliness, at least for a while.” “Can’t you just, I don’t know, get a boyfriend?”

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“No,” Tyler practically snapped, his frame stiffening next to him. “Easy, beloved,” Zacky said softly, stroking Tyler’s shoulder. “Forming a relationship with anyone who is not your mate leads to nothing but pain and heartache, so don’t even think about it.” Frankie snorted bitterly. “I’ve never had a relationship. No point in thinking that’s gonna change.” “You haven’t?” “I always knew I was different, so I never let anyone close enough to find that out,” he said with a shrug. “Yeah, that’s generally a good idea, I’m afraid,” Tyler said with a sigh. “Come on, cub, let’s get some sleep, okay?” “Okay,” Frankie sighed. “Stop calling him cub, Tyr,” Zacky murmured sleepily. “Yes, dear.” Frankie smiled and finally relaxed between them, closing his eyes as Zacky stroked his hair gently. They were right. It was comforting, and he let himself drift into sleep. **** Frankie started awake. An arm was wrapped round him, and warm breath puffed against the back of his neck. For a split second, he thought he’d brought someone home, and he started to panic. Then he remembered he had brought someone home, or rather two someones. So why was there only one in bed with him? He eased out of Zacky’s arms, rubbing his eyes and face as he wandered down the stairs to the kitchen. There was a fresh pot of coffee but no sign of Tyler. Heart in his mouth, Frankie rushed to his grandmother’s room. He stopped at the door with a sigh of relief. Tyler was sitting on the edge of the bed, feeding her cereal in between chattiness he hadn’t heard from her in a long time. She looked up and smiled. “Frankie.”

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“Nana?” he whispered in shock. He stumbled forward, and Tyler moved out of his way so he could sit on the bed. “It’s good to see you, sweetie. Your friend was just telling me how you’ve been looking after me.” “Oh. Well, of course I have, Nana.” “You moved home, left school…” “Transferred,” Frankie said quietly. “You’re such a good boy, Frankie, but you’re too young to have to deal with this.” “There’s no one else, Nana, and I want to. I love you.” “I love you, too, Frankie. Which is why I want you to put me in a home.” Frankie stood abruptly. “Never.” He swung round to glare at Tyler. “You, what did you do? What have you done to her?” Tyler grimaced. “I was trying to help.” “Why?” “Because you’re Pack and I know a lot about loneliness and losing family.” “He’s a good man, Frankie. I can tell.” “You haven’t even been able to tell that I’m your own grandson lately,” he snapped. “Frankie,” she gasped. “That’s not fair.” “I know,” Frankie sighed. “I’m sorry, Nana. It’s just painful.” “Which is why you should put me in a home, sweetheart.” “Tyler, what did you do?” “She’s a carrier, part of the bloodline.” “And?” “And so he gave her some of his blood,” Zacky said quietly, entering the room. He slid his arm round Tyler’s waist. “Morning, my love,” Tyler murmured, pulling Zacky closer and kissing him. “Morning, Tyr,” Zacky said with a smile, kissing his lover back. “Morning, Frankie, Mrs. Pinciatti.”

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“How do you know her name?” Frankie asked. “Research, Frankie, as soon as we knew you were Pack.” “Oh. Nana, you don’t seem surprised,” Frankie said in slight confusion. “I’m not. It’s an old family legend. My grandmother used to tell me stories about her grandmother’s brother and what he was, although I must admit I never believed them until I met Tyler this morning,” she said softly. “I knew you were special, but I never made the connection, sweetheart, and I’m sorry for that.” “I don’t understand how Tyler’s blood helped you, Nana. Are you better now?” “No, Frankie, I’m too old and too ill for any cure now, but I’m grateful to be able to talk to you again.” “Me, too,” Frankie whispered, sitting down again and hugging her carefully. “I’ve missed you so much, Nana.” “I know, sweetheart. I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with this.” “I’d do anything for you, Nana.” “I know, and I really think it’s best for me to go into a home so that you can enjoy your life.” “I’ve got eternity to enjoy my life. I want to look after you, spend time with you while I can.” “You’re such a good boy,” she said with a sigh. “I can’t change your mind?” “No, Nana.” “Then I want you to let us help you,” Tyler said firmly. “You don’t have to do this alone, and you are going to need more time with us.” “I don’t know,” Frankie said quietly. “Frankie, you do enough. Let them help.” “You might as well both move in with us,” Zacky said. “That way you’ve got us whenever either of you need us.” “Oh I don’t…” “We have lots of room, and my mother loves adopting strays.” “You can hardly call me a stray,” his grandmother said with a

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laugh. “But I think Frankie should consider it.” “I’m not leaving you, Nana.” “Well, in that case, maybe we should both say yes.” “Good, then it’s settled,” Zacky said before Frankie could object. “Baby, don’t you think we should talk to Matt first, at least out of courtesy?” Ty asked. “Oh yeah.” Zacky twisted his mouth ruefully. “I guess we should.” “Why don’t you boys go and get yourselves some breakfast. I’ll be all right on my own for a bit.” “Okay, Nana.” Frankie leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I love you.” “I love you, too, Frankie. Now go.” Frankie followed the couple back to the kitchen and sat down, folding his arms on the table and dropping his head onto them. “I don’t understand how or why,” he said quietly. “But thank you for giving me my grandmother back.” “You’re very welcome,” Zacky said softly. “It’s something we discovered recently. My mother had cancer, and I was desperate. Tyler remembered that the women in his family would sometimes drink Pack blood to increase fertility, so we figured it couldn’t hurt to see if it would affect my mom’s health in other ways.” “And?” “It cured her. We thought it was worth trying with your grandmother.” Zacky patted his shoulder and poured three cups of coffee while Tyler went to retrieve his cell from the guest room. “Yeah, it’s all explained,” Tyler said, wandering back into the kitchen, already on the phone. “All right, considering.” There was a long pause, and Tyler murmured and hummed, nodding to himself. “Yeah, you sure? Thanks, Mattie. Ask the cubs to set up a bedroom downstairs for Frankie’s grandmother then, please. Yeah, okay, see you later.” Tyler hung up and smiled.

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“He offered, didn’t he?” Zacky asked softly. “Yes, just like you knew he would, didn’t you, baby?” “Of course.” Zacky grinned up at his lover, and Tyler bent to kiss him deeply. Moaning softly, Zacky cupped the older man’s cheek and pressed up harder. Frankie tried not to watch, squirming with discomfort as his gut tightened and desire heated his groin abruptly. “Um, guys? Breakfast,” he said hurriedly to interrupt them. “It’s okay, Frankie. We’ll feed later. You eat what you need,” Zacky said, pushing Tyler back. “Then we can see about moving you two in with us.” “What, now?” “Well, not straight away, but as soon as we can arrange it.” “Right, okay.” Frankie got up and went to the fridge to take out a steak. He cut open the package and put it on a plate for some semblance of formality. Sitting opposite the couple again, he looked down and cleared his throat. “It’s okay. Eat,” Zacky said gently. “You know it’s necessary.” “Yeah, I guess.” Frankie picked up the steak and tore off a chunk with his teeth, chewing slowly. “I’ve been feeling kinda sick after eating lately. Is that normal?” “Yes,” Tyler said with a nod. “Your body is changing, maturing. Once we share blood, you will only be able to drink blood.” “What happens if I turn twenty-one and I don’t share blood with you?” “You’ll find it harder and harder to keep meat down and to resist drinking blood,” Zacky said softly. “Which means I might drink human blood first and…become a killer.” “Yeah,” Zacky said with a grimace. “The rogues really are a horror movie cliché, vicious killers, insane, and without conscience. They live for blood and violence. They fight and rape and kill, each other as well as humans.” “Okay, I get the idea,” Frankie almost snapped defensively. “If

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that’s the case, shouldn’t we try and stop them?” “We do, when we find them. This is a big country, and packs are relatively few and far between,” Tyler said. “And honestly, they do a pretty good job of killing each other off.” “Yeah but still, if they’re as evil as you say, don’t they give us all a bad name?” “Yes, unfortunately, which is why we don’t draw attention to ourselves.” “I guess.” “I know it’s a lot to deal with and take in, but honestly, things get easier,” Zacky said softly. “Okay,” Frankie sighed. “Listen, why don’t you catch up with your grandmother. We need to head home and sort a few things out,” Tyler said. “Sounds good,” Frankie agreed. He had his grandmother back, and he knew what he was and that there were others like him around. It was a couple of steps toward feeling less lonely, and that felt good. “We’ll come back later so we can talk about the arrangements. I don’t know whether you want to think about packing a few things up or not.” “I suppose I could, yeah,” Frankie said with a nod. It was all happening so fast, but then he was going to turn in a matter of days and then he’d be Pack anyway, so they might as well get on with it and move in so he could get to know the others and understand more about what being Pack entailed. **** Frankie woke with a quiet groan and rolled over, unable to help a smile when he saw Jimmy and Billy curled up together just by his feet and Michael and Oliver kissing each other just by his head. It was far too early after a very late night to even feel remotely horny watching the pair, so he got up, stretching and scratching his stomach before he

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pulled on his shorts. He’d been Pack for a few months now, and he loved it. He felt at home, accepted and loved, and he could just about live without having a mate. For now. His grandmother had settled well and was firm friends with Zacky’s mother, both of them looking after the pack as if they were all their children. It was nice, and Frankie especially enjoyed the frequent puppy piles that were most often indulged in by the youngest members of the pack, as if they sensed his need for companionship. Not that Zacky, Tyler, Matt, and Johnny didn’t take part, just not as often. After the sense of anticipation he’d had for his turning, it had been somewhat anticlimactic. Knowing he’d be horny as well as hungry, Tyler and Zacky had taken him to a club, and he’d fed on Tyler’s blood. It was the most amazing thing he’d ever tasted, and Tyler had had to push him away to make him stop. He hadn’t been able to control himself, throwing himself at the first guy to smile at him, humping them both to orgasm as he bit down on soft neck and drank human blood for the first time. It had been a good, if strange and slightly bittersweet, night. He’d learnt since that Matt and Johnny, due to their jobs as paramedics, supplied most of the blood they drank. It made it easier for them to stay in a small town for a longer time without raising suspicions. But sometimes, he needed to go out alone and have sex, to feed on a living, breathing, warm person to stave off desperation, and they all understood that. They never questioned his regular disappearances, letting him have that time. He stumbled down the stairs, poking his head into his grandmother’s room on his way to the kitchen. Zacky’s mother was sitting on the chair by her bed, and he smiled at them both. “Morning, Nana. Morning, Esther.” “Good morning, dear,” Esther said as his grandmother looked up and smiled.

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“You boys were up late last night.” “Yeah, well, Jimmy challenged Michael on the Xbox, and that was it really. It turned into a tournament.” “Boys and their toys, eh, Marie?” Esther sighed. She shared a smile with Frankie’s grandmother. “I know,” Frankie agreed. He moved into the room and kissed both women. “You okay, Nana?” “I’m fine. Go and get yourself some coffee?” “Yeah, I think I need it. I’ll see you later, Nana.” He continued to the kitchen where he found the two alphas cuddled up with their mates on only two chairs. “Morning all,” he murmured, heading straight for the coffeepot. “Good morning, Frankie, did you boys have a nice puppy pile?” “Yeah, although I don’t think we’ll be seeing the others any time soon.” Matt snorted. “Well, some of us have to work.” “Jimmy works.” “Jimmy runs round in a national park. It’s hardly work.” “Chéri,” Johnny said with a frown. “He does more than run around, and it is the perfect job for him.” “Yeah, I know.” Matt sighed, nodding slowly. “What about you, Frankie? You’re up early.” “Figured I’d get some work done and out of the way,” he said with a shrug. “Are you going out tonight, then?” Zacky asked. Frankie shrugged again. “Thought I might, yeah.” “Frankie, you know by now we’re not going to stop you doing what you need.” “I know,” he sighed. “It just feels a little weird, that’s all.” “You don’t have to feel weird about it, cub. Do what you need to do,” Tyler said with a smile as he stroked Zacky’s back. “Yeah, thanks, guys.” Grabbing a bag of blood from the fridge, he added a long drizzle to his coffee just to take the edge off. He wanted

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to save his appetite for when he went out. “That is completely disgusting, Frankie,” Matt said with a curled lip, his nose wrinkling up. “I know.” He grinned at the alpha and held up the bag. “Anyone eating before I put it away?” “No thanks.” Resealing the bag, Frankie put it back in the fridge and sat down, stirring the blood into his coffee. He sipped slowly, a soft shiver traveling down his spine from the tang of blood. He definitely needed a warm body to bury himself in and a soft neck to nuzzle and bite. Just a moment of pretense to feel like he had love in his life. “If you need any help with the assignment, just let me know.” “Thanks, Zacky, but I’ll be fine. I don’t like to take advantage.” “If it makes you feel any better, you can come to my office. I’m there for everyone.” “No, really, I’m good. In fact I’m gonna head into the library today.” “Need a ride?” Frankie smiled at Zacky. His beta was always so kind and thoughtful. It was like having an older brother looking out for him. The whole pack was like having an extended family, and most of the time, it felt good. But sometimes it was too much, and it was another reason that he needed to get out alone every now and then. “No thanks, I want to walk.” He finished his coffee and headed back to his room to get dressed, pulling on a tight, black T-shirt and pants. He shoved a shirt into his bag for later in case he didn’t get home before he went out. Pulling on a pair of boots, he headed out and across the garden, jumping over the hedge and into the field behind the house. It was his own secret shortcut, although truthfully it wasn’t really secret, at least not to the rest of the pack, or a shortcut unless he used his speed. He just liked the peace and quiet, the scent of clean air, grass and trees, and the myriad of small creatures that tended to run from him.

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As he reached the edge of the woods, Frankie paused, all his hair standing on end, his stomach tight with a sense of being watched, of some scent that shouldn’t have been there but he couldn’t quite catch. He twisted, scanning avidly, focusing his sense of smell. But as suddenly as he’d noticed it, it was gone. He shook off the creeped-out feeling he’d got, but nonetheless speeded up through the woods and onto campus where he felt marginally safer. Unfortunately, he really did have to study, with an assignment for Zacky’s class and an exam coming up for another class, so he made his way to the library and settled in for the day.

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Chapter 4 “Oh God, yes, harder.” Grunting, Frankie grabbed the other guy’s hips and thrust harder into a wonderfully tight, hot ass, burying his face in the man’s neck to inhale sweat and musk and sex. It was all too good, and as he started to come, he licked the man’s neck and bit down. Blood gushed into his mouth, and the man cried out, coming against the wall as Frankie jerked hard into his body. As Frankie fed, he held onto the other man to stop him falling as he passed out. He licked the blood from his lips and withdrew from the limp body, pulling up both their pants. They were in the alleyway behind the club where he’d picked up the random lay, as feeding made some degree of discretion necessary. His usual habit was to carry the men somewhere safe. He didn’t like to just leave them when they were unconscious. As he buttoned his pants, he suddenly heard the scraping of feet, and he was assaulted with unfamiliar yet distinctly Pack scents. One of the scents in particular stood out, making his stomach tighten even as his heart started to pound with nerves. He spun round, staring at three strange Pack. The one standing in front of the other two had long, straggly hair, an unkempt beard, and insane-looking, bulgy eyes. To his right stood a tiny, cute boy with huge, dark eyes, dark hair that stuck out in all directions, and skin almost paler than any Frankie had seen before, except for the third rogue. The last rogue pack member was standing behind the other two, taller than all of them, but still quite short, no more than five feet

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seven. Blue eyes met his, and Frankie stared in shock, barely able to breathe. The third rogue was beautiful. Long, black hair framed a delicately boned, alabaster-pale face with large eyes and a soft, full mouth. Frankie felt a surge of recognition, his chest and groin tightening simultaneously, and he took a step forward almost against his will. “What a pretty one, and all on his own,” the bearded one snarled, his mouth twisting into a sickly, evil smile. “I feel like a pack snack.” Frankie started to back up, but before he could make a run for it, the tiny one with wild hair darted forward, headbutting him straight on the nose. Pain exploded through Frankie’s face, his eyes watering, nausea clutching at his throat. “Fuck,” he gasped. “Soon, baby.” The bearded one laughed, as the tiny one hit him again, knocking him to the ground. “No!” The bearded one, who appeared to be an alpha of sorts, swung round to glare at the beautiful rogue that Frankie seemed so drawn to. The tiny one who’d hit him looked round, too, fist still raised, a look of shock on his face. “What did you just say to me, Jared?” “I’m sorry, Bert,” Jared whispered, ducking his head. “I asked you a question, and you will answer me!” Bert shouted angrily. He strode forward and smacked Jared across the face. Anger rippled through Frankie, and he shot to his feet, knocking the tiny one down as he leapt at Bert, landing on his back and wrapping his arms round his neck in a headlock that Tyler had taught him. “Don’t touch him,” Frankie said with a growl. “Get off me!” Bert shouted, struggling to hit at him. “You aren’t my alpha, asshole. You can’t tell me what to do,” Frankie grunted, wrapping his legs round Bert’s waist for extra grip. “Will, get him off me. Now!”

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The small one jumped on them both, grabbing Frankie’s hair and yanking hard. Crying out, Frankie managed to pull out of his grip and threw his head back, smacking Will in the face as he tightened his grip round Bert’s neck. “You little fuck,” Bert grunted. He grabbed Frankie’s head and flipped him over his shoulder. Frankie hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of him. Jared kicked Bert aside, the rogue alpha’s head slamming into the wall, and grabbed Frankie, pulling him to his feet and into his arms. Frankie stared up into pale, blue eyes, breathless from the fight and so much more. The scent of the other man filled him with desire. The heat of Jared’s body against his was the biggest turn-on he’d ever known. “We have to run. He’ll kill us both,” Jared gasped suddenly, tearing his eyes away to look behind them. Mind racing, Frankie nodded and turned, taking Jared’s hand and breaking into a run. He couldn’t take a rogue pack member home with him. He wasn’t even sure why he wasn’t running from Jared, but somehow he knew that he couldn’t leave the beautiful man behind to die. That left him one choice, his grandmother’s house. He led Jared quickly through town and to the back of the house he’d grown up in, letting them into the kitchen with the key he still carried with him. He maintained the house, so he kept a few things there and a room prepared in case he wanted a night to himself. “Where the fuck are we?” Frankie glanced at the other man as he pulled two beers from the fridge. “My place.” “Liar,” Jared growled. “Pardon me?” Frankie gasped in surprise. “I’ve seen your place, your…” Jared paused, his nose wrinkling in disgust. “Your pack,” he spat. “And? I live with my pack. Doesn’t mean I can’t have a place of

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my own, too,” Frankie said, bristling defensively. While the rogue was utterly beautiful and completely magnetic, he was also aggressive. Frankie had to remember that as much as he wanted to rip both their clothes off and fuck Jared brainless, and he really, really did, this guy was a vicious killer. Jared grabbed a beer from him, opened it, and guzzled the whole bottle down in two swallows. He belched, wiped his mouth, and smashed the bottle against the table. Before Frankie could react, Jared had him in a headlock, the sharp edge of the glass pressed against his throat. “What have you done to me?” Jared said in his ear. “What do you mean?” Frankie whispered. He was barely able to breathe, fear and anticipation holding him frozen. “When Bert threatened you, I wanted to…to kill him. I attacked him.” “You helped me,” Frankie said. “Exactly,” Jared growled. “I don’t help people. I definitely don’t help prissy, pathetic pack. I kill them.” Frankie let out a heavy breath. Perversely, despite his continued fear, he’d never been more turned on. Jared’s body was hot and solid against his, the warm puff of breath against his neck, a tantalizing tease. He could smell the rising desire of the rogue, heightening his own growing lust. “So kill me,” Frankie whispered, rocking his ass back into Jared’s groin. The sharp point of the broken bottle pierced his skin as the rogue groaned and jerked against him. “Argh!” Jared screamed, shoving Frankie round and punching him in the face. “I can’t. What have you done to me?” “I haven’t done anything,” Frankie said softly, touching his split lip gingerly. “If I could kill you at least, maybe Bert wouldn’t kill me,” Jared muttered, pacing erratically. “I don’t understand why he would kill you.”

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“He is my master,” Jared said, eyes flicking nervously from Frankie’s face to the door. “I do what he wants.” “No,” Frankie said, shaking his head. “He’s your alpha. That doesn’t give him the right to force you to do anything.” “What?” Jared’s eyes fixed on him again, widening in surprise. “None of our alphas force us to do anything, even though they could if they wanted to,” Frankie said softly. He started to approach the rogue he still wanted so badly. “Bullshit.” “It’s not bullshit, Jared. You can even change packs if you want to, or if your mate is in another pack.” He reached out for the taller man, flinching when Jared shoved him back. “What’s a mate?” “A partner,” Frankie whispered. “A lover.” “A lover?” Jared spat with a sneer. “There is no love for people like us, just blood, death, and sex, and if we’re really lucky we don’t get beaten down every fucking day.” “Is that what you think?” Frankie gasped. “Is that why rogues hate us so much?” “Rogues?” Jared stared to laugh. “Is that what you freaks call us?” Frankie stiffened angrily. “We are not freaks. We are Pack. We are what you are supposed to be.” “More bullshit,” Jared snorted. “Supposed to be? Life is death. You take what you can from it, and if it doesn’t give you what you want easily, you fight and you kill and you force to get it.” “You don’t have to kill,” Frankie said softly. He reached out again, his urge to touch the other man impossible to deny or suppress. Jared grabbed his wrist, spinning him round and back into a headlock, pressing close to his hot body. “Maybe I want to kill,” Jared whispered, nipping his earlobe sharply. Frankie stiffened, his cock starting to harden again. “Maybe I enjoy it.” “Maybe you really are insane, then.”

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“That turn you on, baby, huh?” Jared murmured. He slid a hand down to cup Frankie’s crotch, rubbing his palm over the hardening length. “Fuck,” Frankie grunted, bucking helplessly. “That can be arranged,” Jared said. He rubbed harder, as his matching erection pressed into Frankie’s ass. “Oh fuck, I…” “C’mon, baby, I can smell how much you want it.” “Like you don’t,” Frankie said, twisting and shoving Jared back against the table. “And my name is Frankie, baby.” He smashed his mouth hard against Jared’s, pushing his tongue between sweet lips with a moan of satisfaction. He tasted as good as he’d hoped, and Frankie pushed between slim thighs, rocking into Jared’s groin as he pinned his hands behind his back. Jared grunted, kissing him back hard, fighting to dominate the kiss as his hips bucked and he struggled to free his hands. “You fuck,” Jared said harshly against Frankie’s mouth, biting down hard on his lip. Crying out as the pain only sharpened his lust, Frankie felt his blood spurt into Jared’s mouth and the throb of Jared’s cock against his thigh. He pulled his head back with a groan, staring at his blood on Jared’s lips and the look of shock in blue eyes. Leaning up again, Frankie licked his blood from Jared’s mouth and kissed the rogue gently, before he bit down on Jared’s soft bottom lip until the blood gushed into his mouth. The taste was beyond anything he’d ever experienced. Sweet and warm, it filled him completely. His heart started to pound, as he suddenly understood. “No,” he whispered despairingly, yanking himself back as he stared at the other man. “What the fuck?” Jared gasped, meeting his eyes, his gaze dark and surprised. “What was that?” “Nothing,” Frankie said, still backing up. “No fucking way that was nothing.” Jared growled, looking a cross between angry and panicked. “I’ve never felt anything like that

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before, and I know you felt it, too.” Frankie started to shake his head, but Jared shot forward, shoving him up against the wall and kissing him hard, nipping at his lips until he bled again and his desire resurged. “Fuck, you taste…” Jared pulled back and glared at him again. “What’s going on? And don’t fucking tell me nothing again.” “I wanna fuck you,” Frankie said, avoiding the question and going for distraction instead. Jared snorted. “Oh, I don’t think so,” he said. He leaned heavily against Frankie, burying his face in his neck and biting down hard. The pain sharpened Frankie’s pleasure, and he jerked helplessly against the rogue. “I’m gonna fuck you,” Jared continued. He lapped at Frankie’s wound and rocked his hips into his groin. “No,” Frankie groaned. He pushed Jared back, kissing him as he shoved the rogue against the table again, biting at Jared’s lips to taste the sweet, utterly addictive blood of his soon-to-be lover. Pulling back for a second, he spun Jared round and bent him over the table, rubbing his crotch into firm ass and fighting to hold Jared down as the rogue struggled against him. “Get off me, you son of a bitch!” Jared shouted, trying to elbow him, pushing himself away from the table. The rogue was bigger than he was, but Frankie was pretty sure he was stronger, and his training from Tyler and Matt had made him a good fighter. He twisted one of Jared’s arms up behind his back and wrapped his other arm round the rogue’s neck, shoving him toward the door. “Where the hell are we going?” “The bedroom.” “You are not fucking me, you asshole.” “Well, you aren’t fucking me,” Frankie said with a snort. He shoved Jared into the bedroom and down onto the bed. “No!” Jared struggled harder, free arm flailing against him as he

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bucked and kicked. Jared’s elbow caught him in the face, and Frankie let go, falling backward. Jared turned and punched him, climbing over him to pin his arms and legs down against the mattress. Hard cock pushed into his own, and Frankie groaned, need growing, the desire to bury himself deep inside the other man stronger than anything he’d ever felt before. “What is your problem?” he grunted, struggling back against the other man and managing to roll them back over. “Oh nothing. Why should I care that you’re gonna rape me just like everyone else.” Jared turned his face away, and Frankie felt his heart clench with pain that seemed to be coming from the other man. He sat back, frowning down at the beautiful rogue. “I don’t want to rape you. I want to make—have sex with you, and you want it, too.” Jared glared at him. “I want you. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone, but I am not giving myself to you, and I am not fucking letting you take me without a fight.” “I don’t want to fight you,” Frankie said softly. “So let me go.” “And what’s to stop you from raping me?” Frankie asked. Jared smiled darkly, baring his teeth before he licked his lips suggestively. “Nothing.” “Why aren’t you trying now, then?” Frankie asked with a smile, feeling slightly triumphant. Jared stared up at him in shock, and then suddenly, he started to laugh. “I don’t know.” He sobered and stared again. “I really fucking want you.” “Yeah.” Frankie slid his tongue out to flick the corner of his mouth, as he stared down at the rogue contemplatively. He didn’t want to force Jared, but he just didn’t bottom. He hadn’t trusted anyone enough to allow that. Shifting back, Frankie worked Jared’s pants open and tugged them down enough for his cock to push out. It was as beautiful as the rest of him, smooth and pale, slender and

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dripping. Frankie licked his lips and smiled, bending over to lap up the dribble of pre-cum. He groaned simultaneously with Jared, the flavor sliding over his tongue, almost as good as the rogue’s blood. “What are you doing?” Frankie raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me no one’s given you a blow job before.” “Not willingly,” Jared said with a tiny grimace that tugged at Frankie’s heart painfully. “Well, I’m willing,” he whispered. “So shut up and enjoy it.” Bending again, Frankie pressed soft kisses to the tops of Jared’s thighs, sliding his hands from slim hips up under Jared’s T-shirt to touch incredibly soft skin. He stroked flat stomach with his fingertips, as he traced the ridge of vein up the underside of smooth cock with his tongue, smiling as Jared jerked and almost laughed. Fanning his fingers over Jared’s ribs, Frankie parted his lips over the head of his cock and slid down slowly, eyes fluttering closed with ridiculous bliss. He’d been determined to show Jared that sex could be enjoyed, that it didn’t have to be violent, but it was already better than anything else he’d ever done, and all thoughts of anything but need and pleasure filled him, mind and body. Moaning softly, he sucked gently round the head, dipping his tongue delicately into the slit, searching out more of the addictive taste. The rogue was making quietly urgent noises low in his throat, hips moving erratically against him. It was almost too hot, and Frankie slid down further, swallowing Jared’s length all the way down, then sucking back up to the head again to swirl his tongue around. He ran one hand up the rogue’s chest, stroking his neck and jaw, reaching further up to slide a finger over pretty lips. “Fuck,” Jared murmured, hips rocking faster. “Please, you’re teasing.” Lifting his head, Frankie replaced his mouth with his free hand, stroking tightly as he licked his lips and swallowed the pre-cum and

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saliva that had pooled in his mouth. “I’m not teasing. I’m enjoying,” he said softly. He added a twist to his strokes, as he gently pushed two fingers between Jared’s lips. The rogue moaned, sucking hard on his fingers, hips jerking to push his cock harder through Frankie’s fist. It was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen, and Frankie’s cock pulsed and throbbed against his zipper, need consuming him. “Fuck, you’re beautiful,” he whispered, bending again to suck on the head of Jared’s cock. He worked the length with hand and mouth while he fucked the rogue’s mouth with his fingers. Jared bucked and writhed against him, moaning and sucking round his fingers, tongue lapping over fingertips to the same rhythm of Frankie’s tongue over the rogue’s dick. He sucked and swallowed and stroked, and he moaned and sighed, full of need to feel Jared come, to taste him. He wanted to come himself, which he was so close to doing without a single touch to his own cock. Jared whimpered, his dick jerking in his mouth, and he bit down on Frankie’s fingers, sucking hard. The pain was intense, and Frankie cried out round his mouthful, coming hard into his pants as Jared flooded his mouth. Moaning softly, Frankie swallowed and pulled back, shifting over to bite down on the soft flesh of Jared’s inner thigh, groaning at the warm spurt of sweet blood onto his tongue. The flavor mixed with the bitter salt of cum, wringing an aftershock of pleasure from his body, and he shuddered happily, dropping onto his back with a sigh. There was a long moment of quiet. The only sound was the panting, as they recovered their breath. Frankie relaxed. Maybe his lover was a rogue, but he knew Jared wasn’t going to kill him, so he could let down his guard for a least a moment. He closed his eyes and released a deep breath, trying to hold back a sense of despair. “Did…did you come?” Frankie twisted his head to look up into confused blue eyes. “Yes.”

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“But we didn’t. I didn’t. How?” Jared frowned, and Frankie couldn’t help a smile. “I told you, I enjoyed it.” “Nobody enjoys giving a blow job,” Jared said, wrinkling his nose. “Jay,” Frankie said, the nickname coming to him almost naturally. “I got off on you coming in my mouth and sucking on my blood. I didn’t even jack myself and you don’t think I enjoyed it?” Jared stared a little longer, then suddenly the confusion and wonder in his eyes darkened to anger, and he sat up, shoving his dick back into his pants, zipping, and buttoning up. “Jay?” “You’re fucking with my head.” Frankie sat up. “No, I’m not. Why would I?” “Why does anyone do anything?” Jared snapped. “To hurt others.” “Now that’s bullshit,” Frankie snorted. “Everybody is not out to hurt you.” “Really?” Jared sneered, standing abruptly and looming over him. “Maybe everyone isn’t out to hurt you, but that isn’t how it works in my world.” Frankie swallowed back bitter pain, unsure if it was his own or the rogue’s, and reached out to take his hand. “It doesn’t have to be that way.” “What do you mean?” “Things change.” “Not for me. If I go back to Bert now, maybe he won’t kill me. Maybe he’ll just…” Jared trailed off, shaking his head and swallowing hard. “Just what?” Frankie whispered. “Nothing, never mind.” “It’s not nothing.” “Just fuck off, Frankie, okay. Go back to your prissy little pack, and I’ll try to survive.”

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“What will he do if he doesn’t kill you?” “I don’t know, but it’ll be worse than last time.” “Last time?” Frankie’s heart froze at the tone of Jared’s voice, the terror he could detect under the brash defiance. “This is all your fault!” Jared shouted, snatching his hand back and smacking Frankie across the face, hard. “You fucking did this to me. I’d be fine if it wasn’t for you.” Clutching at his face, Frankie glared up at the rogue. “Fine? Really? Being subjugated, feeling like everyone wants to hurt you, that’s fine, is it?” “It’s my life.” “It doesn’t have to be!” Frankie shouted, surging to his feet to grab Jared again. “What else am I going to do, huh? You fucked up my life, and it was bad enough already.” “I didn’t do anything. It just happened, to both of us.” Frankie sighed. “You were right. I felt it, too.” “Felt what?” Jared demanded. “What happened to us? Why do I want you so fucking much?” “I don’t know,” Frankie whispered, dropping his eyes from the rogue’s penetrating gaze. “You’re lying,” Jared spat, grabbing his shoulders and hauling him up against his body. “I can feel it. How is that possible?” “You can’t go back, Jay, not if he’s going to hurt you,” Frankie said to avoid the question. “What choice do I have? The longer I stay away, the worse it’ll be for me.” “So don’t go back at all.” “Oh, right!” Jared snorted. “And what do you suggest I do?” “You can stay here.” Jared pulled back and stared at him, wide-eyed with shock. “I can do what?” “Stay here. No one comes here but me. The rest of the pack know

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I need privacy sometimes, and they respect that.” “Privacy.” Jared blinked at him, looking wistful before his eyes suddenly narrowed. “What do you get out of it?” Frankie snorted. “Oh I don’t know, the satisfaction of helping someone maybe? Or maybe I’m just hoping for another smack in the face,” he said sarcastically. “Fuck you,” Jared snapped. “Do you want to stay here or not?” “You’re serious.” “Yes, I’m serious,” Frankie said softly. “I want you to stay,” he admitted, lifting a hand to brush long, black hair from Jared’s face. “I don’t know if I…What if he finds me?” “How’s he going to find you?” “I don’t know.” “We’re right across town from the club. He won’t be able to follow our trail. I took us all over, doubled back, and circled. And they flush the streets down on a Sunday near the clubs to clean up the weekend crap.” “They know where your pack is.” Frankie swallowed nervously. He’d known from the start that he’d have to tell Tyler and the others about the rogues, but he’d hoped to have a little time to think about what to tell them. If the rogues knew where the house was, that was a problem. But he couldn’t tell them about Jay. There was no way he could risk them knowing he was hiding a rogue, and it deepened his growing sense of despair and loneliness. “Are you always that careful, or was it just this time?” “I’m always that careful.” “Why? You’re Pack. You don’t have to worry about insignificant shit.” “Training. My alpha is a warrior.” “Oh.” “Stay. Please.”

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“Okay.” Frankie smiled despite himself and nodded. “There are clothes in the bedroom and towels in the bathroom, beer, coffee, and tea in the kitchen.” “What about food?” “Have you fed tonight?” “No.” Pulling a face, Frankie sighed. He didn’t have time to run home for some blood, and he didn’t want to risk the life of some innocent human. “You’d better feed from me, then. I’ll keep you supplied with blood after tonight.” “You’d do that? For me?” Frankie frowned. “Why not?” “Because I don’t…nobody gives to me. They take.” “I’m not like them, and you need to feed.” Frankie held out his hand, offering his wrist to the other man. Jared stared at him for a long moment, and then he took Frankie’s hand and tugged him into his arms, holding him close as he buried his face in his neck, inhaling slowly. Frankie shuddered, need slamming back through his body with a force that shocked him. His cock hardened in seconds, and he arched up, moaning as Jared licked his neck and grabbed his hips, rocking hard into him as he bit down. “Fuck,” Frankie gasped, the pain pushing his pleasure higher. As he felt Jared suck the blood from his neck, the tension grew, and he humped harder into the rogue, coming when he heard Jared moan and felt him stiffen against him, the scent of hot cum filling his nostrils. He started to feel light-headed, and he shoved Jared back. “Enough,” he grunted. Jared wiped the blood from his mouth and shifted back slightly to stare at him, his eyes dark and a little glazed. “I’ve, I’ve gotta go,” Frankie whispered. “When will you come back?” “Tomorrow. I’ll bring you some food.”

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Jared nodded slowly, sliding his tongue over his canines and bending his head to lick over Frankie’s mouth, coating his lips with blood. Moaning softly, Frankie licked it off and kissed the rogue gently. “I’ll be back. Don’t leave the house,” he said firmly. “Fine.” Jared half glared at him, but as Frankie turned to leave, the rogue grabbed him and kissed him again hard and fast before turning and stalking away. Frankie touched his mouth, holding back tears with difficulty. He hurried out, locking the door behind him before running home as fast as he could. He slipped inside and made his way upstairs quietly.

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Chapter 5 Why did it have to be like this? Loneliness overwhelmed him terribly, and after quickly getting ready for bed, Frankie made his way to Tyler and Zacky’s room. He tapped quietly on the door. “Come in, Frankie,” Zacky said softly. It happened often after a night out. The need for comfort took over, and he knew by now that neither Tyler nor Zacky minded him crawling into bed with them to cuddle. He got in the bed between them, burying his face in Zacky’s neck as Tyler spooned up behind him. “What’s wrong, cub?” Tyler murmured. “Can I tell you in the morning?” “Are you sure?” Zacky whispered, stroking his hair. “Yeah.” Exhaustion took over, and Frankie let his eyes slide closed and everything went black. **** There was blood in his mouth, and Frankie swallowed, suddenly ravenous and light-headed from it. He clutched at the wrist and sucked hard. “Okay, cub, that’s enough,” Tyler said softly, pushing him back. “You can have a bag of blood as soon as you tell me why you’re so hungry.” Frankie licked his lips and looked down, shrugging. “Frankie, we couldn’t wake you up. Didn’t you feed last night?” “Well, yes but, um, after I fed, there was—”

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“Frankie, what is it? Please, you scared us this morning,” Zacky said, taking his hand. “I was attacked by rogues.” Tyler surged to his feet. “Why the hell didn’t you tell us last night?” “I don’t know. I wasn’t exactly myself.” “How many?” “Tyler!” Zacky exclaimed. “What?” “How about, are you okay, Frankie?” Tyler sighed. “Right. Sorry, baby.” “Don’t apologize to me.” “Sorry, Frankie, are you okay?” “I’m fine, just a bit, you know.” “Yeah. Come on, we should get up. We’ll get you fed and talk about what happened.” “Okay.” They got up, and Frankie let Zacky put an arm round his shoulders. He wanted desperately to tell his friend about Jay, about what had happened. How he felt simultaneously ecstatic and devastated to have met the rogue, and how Jay was all he could think about. All he wanted to do was go straight back to his grandmother’s house, crawl back into bed with the rogue, fuck him brainless, and then just lie with him and hold him. Frankie’s breath hitched, and Zacky glanced at him in concern. “Frankie?” “I’m fine.” “Are you sure?” “Yeah.” They sat down in the kitchen, and Zacky handed him a bag of blood and gave him a cup of coffee. “Matt, Johnny!” Tyler yelled. “We need a meeting.” “Okay, jeez, don’t yell,” Matt said, walking in with his arm round Johnny’s waist. “We were on our way down anyway.”

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“We’ve got a problem,” Tyler said. “Frankie, what happened to your face?” Johnny gasped, hurrying over to cup his chin. “Nothing some blood won’t fix,” Frankie said quietly. “I thought you went out to feed last night.” “He was attacked by rogues.” “What?” Matt exclaimed angrily. “Why the hell didn’t we know this last night?” “I, uh, I kinda passed out.” “How many were there?” “Two, but I think there are more of them,” Frankie said quietly. “Two? How did they get close enough to attack you?” Matt asked. “They caught me with my pants down,” Frankie admitted. “Oh.” “Yeah.” Shaking his head, Frankie added a large dose of blood to his coffee. He’d come to like the combination of flavors and the warmth it gave the blood. The others grimaced, and he couldn’t help a chuckle as he drank. “Definitely rogues?” Matt asked. “Oh yeah. They just attacked. I think they wanted to drain me.” “Damn it,” Matt gritted out. “They’re fucking insane. I’m gonna fucking kill them all.” Frankie flinched and took a quick swallow of coffee to hide his reaction. “Are they really all like that? Vicious killers I mean?” “I’m afraid so,” Tyler said quietly. “Tasting human blood before Pack blood changes them, damages them. There’s nothing we can do.” “But kill them,” Frankie whispered. Pain and denial clutched at his chest, filling him with nausea. “Yes,” Matt said firmly. “Unfortunately,” Tyler said, looking pained. “Tyr, don’t blame yourself. You can’t get to all of them.” “I know, baby. It’s just hard knowing we can’t even change them.”

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“Have you ever tried?” Frankie asked. “Of course we have!” Matt snapped. “What do you take us for?” Frankie shrugged, grimacing apologetically. “Why are you asking?” Zacky asked with a curious frown. “It’s just, you know, they’re so like us.” “You have to stop thinking like that straight away, Frankie,” Johnny said softly. “Yeah. They aren’t like us. They’ll happily kill you as soon as look at you,” Matt added. “I know, I know.” Frankie sighed, trying to suppress the hopelessness that was overwhelming him. What was he going to do? Jay was a rogue and irredeemable. He might kill him at any moment. And yet Frankie couldn’t give him up, couldn’t think of anything but when he’d be able to sneak out to see the rogue again. It was stupid. Maybe he was insane, but he couldn’t help it. He was completely drawn to Jay, helpless in the face of his desire and ridiculous need. And thinking about it was making it worse. He wanted to get back to Jay, touch him, taste him, bury himself inside him. He’d never wanted anything more. “They know where we are,” he said quietly. “They would,” Tyler said. “I don’t want the cubs involved in this,” Matt said. “I think it’s best if we sent them to Jimmy’s cabin for the time being.” “My mother, too,” Zacky added. “Yes, I think that’s probably a good idea,” Tyler said. “What about Marie?” “It’s not ideal, but I don’t think we’re going to be able to move her,” Zacky said with a sigh. “If Nana’s staying here, then I’m not going anywhere,” Frankie said, glad of the excuse to stay. He couldn’t bear the thought of being sent away where he wouldn’t be able to reach Jared. “Frankie, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Zacky said. “It’s easier if we’re not worrying about you all.”

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“It’s okay, Zacky. Matt and I will sort this out,” Tyler said firmly. “Tyler…” Zacky started. “Baby, you don’t have to get involved with this, okay? All I need from everyone is to be careful. We’re the best fighters, and we have the most training.” “But, beloved…” “Zacky, I’m not saying you can’t fight, I know you’re capable of taking care of yourself. I would just feel better knowing that we’re the ones dealing with it.” “Well, okay,” Zacky sighed. “I guess you’d only worry anyway.” “Yeah, I would.” Tyler tucked two fingers under Zacky’s chin and kissed him gently. Frankie felt his breath hitch again. Sometimes living with four blissfully happy couples was hard, but on this particular morning, loneliness stuck in his throat and he almost heaved. He stared hard at his coffee, willing them not to notice his depression. “How are you feeling, Frankie?” Zacky asked. “Okay, I guess.” “Maybe you should stay home today, take it easy,” Johnny suggested. “I’m fine.” “He’s not a baby, Johnny,” Matt said with a shake of his head. “I know he isn’t, cher, but that was his first fight. It takes time to deal with,” Johnny replied. Matt sighed and hugged his mate close to kiss him. “I know, sorry.” “Okay, I gotta get to work,” Tyler said with a sigh. “I’ll see you at lunchtime, Matt, okay?” “Definitely.” “Have a good day, beloved.” Zacky smiled as Tyler bent to kiss him good-bye. “Frankie, stay home and relax, okay?” Tyler said firmly. “Okay. Thanks, Tyler.” Frankie finished his coffee and headed

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back up to his room to get dressed, taking some more blood with him. He knew he should stay home, stay safe, maybe get some studying done, but he knew that he couldn’t. He went down to his grandmother’s room, smiling at her as she looked up from her book. “Hi, sweetie.” “Morning, Nana.” “Aren’t you going to school today?” “Not today, Nana, but I am going to go out for a little while.” “Oh?” “I don't…Nana, I don’t want the others to know, and I don’t know how long I’ll be…” “I’ll just tell them you want to sleep.” “Thanks, Nana.” “That’s okay.” She smiled and took his hand. “Have you met someone?” “What? Why would you think that?” Frankie spluttered. “Because you’re sneaking out, sweetheart. In my experience, that usually involves a boy. Am I right?” Frankie sighed. “Yeah.” “Oh, Frankie,” she said delightedly. “Is he handsome?” “Yes,” he whispered, smiling slowly to himself. Jay was beautiful. “Is he nice?” Frankie stopped smiling and looked away. “Frankie?” “No.” “What?” “He isn’t nice,” he sighed. “Nana, you can’t tell the others about this.” “Well, what do you mean he isn’t nice?” “He…Nana, please, I can’t tell you. Just trust me, please.” “Sweetheart, you know I trust you. I won’t say anything. For now.” Frankie smile tightly. “Thanks.” He focused on the rest of the

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house for a moment. “Okay, they’ve gone. Just tell them I’m sleeping, please?” His grandmother pursed her lips but nodded. “Thank you,” he repeated, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “See you later.” He ran up to his room and locked the door behind him. He put all his dirty laundry on the bed to try and give the impression of his scent in the room, then jumped out of the window. Running as fast as he could, he took his usual roundabout and overly circuitous route back to his grandmother’s house. Double-checking it was all clear, he let himself into the kitchen, gasping as he was grabbed and thrown against the counter. “Hey!” “Oh, it’s you,” Jay muttered. “Like you didn’t know,” Frankie snapped. He scowled at the rogue to try and hide how turned on he was just from that brief contact. He’d felt Jay’s presence as soon as he’d approached the house, and he knew that Jay had felt him, too. “Well, maybe,” Jay said quietly, looking away. “Just wanted an excuse to touch me, huh?” Frankie didn’t quite tease. “Oh fuck you.” Frankie smiled. “No, Jay, you won’t be fucking me.” “Like I’d want you anyway,” Jay sneered, crossing his arms. The pain was surprisingly intense, and Frankie couldn’t stop himself from just reacting. He grabbed Jay and twisted them round to shove him up against the counter instead. He pushed a thigh between slim legs, pushing his hips into Jay’s groin as he leaned up to capture the rogue’s pretty lips with his mouth. Sucking Jay’s bottom lip into his mouth, he nipped hard, groaning as a drop of blood spread addictive flavor over his tongue. Jay moaned, arms sliding round his waist to drag him closer. He felt Jay’s cock hard against his hip, and it was all Frankie could do to

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yank himself back. “Sure about that, are you?” he asked quietly. “You son of a bitch,” Jay gasped, throwing a punch that Frankie barely avoided. He caught Jay’s fist and twisted until the rogue cried out, dropping to his knees. “Stop reacting all the time, Jay.” Frankie sighed. “Please. I’m not your enemy.” “You’re Pack.” “And you’re a rogue. I’m not holding that against you,” Frankie said softly. He let go of Jay’s fist and offered him his hand. The rogue stared hard at him, and Frankie felt his heart start to pound. Jay pushed himself to his feet, ignoring his hand, and Frankie swallowed back bitter disappointment. “I thought you were bringing me some food.” “I did.” Frankie took the bag of blood from his jacket and put it on the counter. “What the fuck is that?” Jay asked, nose wrinkling in disgust. “Food.” Turning away, Frankie filled and set the coffee machine. “I’m not eating that. It’s in a bag.” The rogue sounded so disturbed by the thought that Frankie couldn’t help a chuckle. “It’s blood, isn’t it?” “It’s cold, lifeless. How can you even think about drinking that?” “You get used to it.” “Why would you want to?” “So we can stay in one place longer.” Jay sneered. “I don’t give a shit about that. I am not drinking that.” “It’s that or starve.” “Fuck you. I’ll find my own food.” “Oh really. Gonna go out, are you?” Frankie snorted. “Fuck!” Jay snapped, slamming his hand down onto the counter. “It’s not so bad.”

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“Maybe not for you.” “Just try it, would you?” Frankie asked with a sigh. “No,” Jay said stubbornly. “Well, what else do you suggest? I’m not going to drag someone here for you to kill.” “Why not?” Frankie snorted. “Don’t be an idiot. Just drink it.” “No.” Sighing, Frankie poured himself and Jay a coffee and sat at the table. “Try it my way, then,” he said, pouring some blood into both mugs. “You have to be kidding me?” “No.” Frankie took a sip to show him. “It’s not bad really.” “I don’t think…” “Please,” Frankie said softly. Jay stared at him in shock. “I—okay.” He picked up the second mug and took a sip, grimacing. “That’s vile.” Frankie chuckled. “Just drink.” Taking another sip, Jay gagged and choked, covering his mouth as he coughed. “I can’t,” he managed to choke out. Frankie sighed. “Well, some of the others stick it in the microwave.” “Like that’s gonna make it any better,” Jay said with a growl that curled his lip. “It might.” “You like it so much, you drink it.” “What are you, two years old?” “Fuck off,” Jay snarled. “Fine.” Frankie pushed himself to his feet and stalked for the door. He didn’t want to go, didn’t want to be anywhere else, but Jay was such a stubborn asshole, he didn’t know what else to do. He put his

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hand on the door handle, turning it reluctantly. “Wait,” Jay said suddenly. “What?” “You can’t just go.” “Why not? You obviously don’t want me here,” Frankie said quietly. He didn’t let go of the handle, didn’t even glance around. “That’s not—I’m hungry,” Jay whispered. “I’ve done all I can. What more do you want from me?” “I want,” Jay paused and moved up behind him, putting his hands on his hips. Frankie gasped softly, a pulse of electricity tingling through his nerves and tightening his gut. “What?” Frankie whispered. “What about last night?” “What about last night?” Frankie asked. “Can’t we…” Jay stopped again. “What? You want to feed, so feed.” “You could—” “No,” Frankie interrupted, suddenly realizing what the rogue was suggesting. “Why not? You did it last night.” “It’s a bad idea.” Jay leaned closer, rubbing his nose behind Frankie’s ear and licking his neck. “It’s a great idea,” he murmured, sliding his arms round Frankie’s chest and biting down. The pain was sharp, but the shock was worse. The rogue was just taking, without permission, and Frankie was so turned on it was ridiculous. He elbowed the rogue hard, twisting and shoving him back. “How fucking dare you!” he shouted. “What? You did it yesterday.” “That was different, and I offered. You don’t just take from me.” “I…” Jay stopped and blinked uncertainly. “I should have known.” “Known what?”

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“Nothing. Never mind.” Jay sat down and picked up his coffee, obviously forcing himself to drink it despite gagging and choking. Despite his anger, Frankie couldn’t help feeling terrible, like he was denying Jay what he needed. And he wanted to give Jay everything. Walking over to the rogue, he pulled the mug from his hands and sat on the table in front of him. Jay stared up, expression wary, eyes suspicious. “This is a bad idea,” Frankie whispered. He cupped Jay’s face and sliced his tongue open on his teeth, bending to lick gently over the other man’s mouth. Jay’s breath stuttered, and his tongue flicked out over Frankie’s lips. “Oh fuck,” Frankie gasped, staring down at the rogue. How could he possibly want Jay so much? The gap closed. Who moved, he wasn’t quite sure, and suddenly, they were kissing hard and Jay was sucking on his tongue. Jay pushed to his feet to stand between Frankie’s legs and rubbed his hard cock into his groin. Frankie wrapped arms and legs round the rogue, helpless in the face of his desire and steadily increasing need. He kissed Jay harder, biting at his lips for a taste of the rogue’s blood. “Why do you feel so good?” Jay said with a groan against his mouth, thrusting harder into him. “Taste so good?” “Don’t know,” Frankie gasped, pulling back and tipping his head sideways. He was hard and aching and desperate to come. “Just bite me.” Jay shuddered against him, fingers digging into his hips as he slid his lips across Frankie’s cheek and jaw, down to his neck. He licked over his pulse point and Frankie shivered with need, lifting a hand to cup the back of Jay’s neck, pushing him closer. Jay bit down, and Frankie cried out. Pain shot through him, tightening his groin and tipping him over the edge. He came with a moan and arched up against the rogue, clinging to him tighter. He felt Jay suck hard on his blood, hips rocking hard and fast into him. The scent of Jay’s cum filled Frankie with a heady satisfaction and a sense

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of additional need, the need to taste more of Jay, taste the bitter salt of his cum, feel the smooth texture on his tongue again. Pushing Jay back, Frankie twisted them round to shove his lover up against the table. He grinned at Jay’s look of shock as he slid down to his knees and tugged open the rogue’s pants and underwear. “What are you—oh, fuck!” Jay gasped, eyes widening as Frankie leaned in to lick up the cum and sweat from his groin, carefully cleaning him up. He sucked gently on Jay’s softened cock, lapping at the tip until all he could taste was the sweetness of his skin. Pulling back, Frankie did up Jay’s pants for him again, kissing his belly before getting to his feet. Jay was still staring at him in shock, and Frankie smiled softly. “Why did you…why would you do that?” Jay whispered. “Because I wanted to. You taste good.” Frankie sat down and put a larger dose of blood into his coffee, sipping it slowly. He didn’t want to risk passing out again at the house. If Jay wasn’t going to drink from the blood bags, then he’d have to feed the rogue himself and drink more afterward. Not a great idea, but he couldn’t help a shiver of anticipation at the thought of Jay’s lips on him, teeth slicing his skin, mouth sucking, tongue lapping and all the passion, heat, and need that would accompany it. Maybe he could even persuade Jay to let him fuck him eventually. He wondered if he could ever trust the rogue enough to let Jay fuck him. He wanted to, almost as much as he wanted to fuck Jay. “You’re drinking more?” “I just fed you. I need to build up my strength again.” “Oh.” Jay sat down next to him and picked up his coffee, staring into the mug with an expression of distaste. “You really drink your blood like this?” “Most of the time.” “So what were you doing with that guy?” Jay asked, the tension in his voice surprising Frankie. He looked up. “Sometimes being lonely gets too much. I need a warm body to

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fuck and feed from.” Jay stiffened and pulled away. “Is that what I am? A warm body?” Frankie frowned. “If you’ll recall, I have neither fucked you nor fed from you,” he said sharply. “If anything, I’ve been a warm body for you.” “Except I’m not lonely,” Jay spat, looking defensive and angry. “Sure, whatever you say.” “I don’t need this.” Standing abruptly, Jay stormed off in the direction of the bedroom, and Frankie winced as the door slammed behind the rogue. What the hell had he let himself in for? Not that he had a choice. From the moment he’d seen Jay, let alone tasted his blood, there hadn’t been a choice. But did he stay or go? He’d already been there for far too long. If Tyler or Matt found out he’d gone out on his own, especially after being the one who’d been attacked the night before, he’d be in serious trouble. The problem was, he couldn’t just leave like this. Getting up, he walked to the bedroom and listened for a moment. It was quiet, so he opened the door and went inside. Jay was curled up in a ball on the middle of the bed, utterly silent and still, almost like he was holding his breath. With a soft sigh, Frankie toed off his sneakers and stripped out of his pants. There was no way he could just leave the rogue. Jay looked so small and lonely, and Frankie had the feeling that he’d never experienced a puppy pile. Not that it was much of a puppy pile with just the two of them, but still, it was a necessary part of being Pack. More than that, he just wanted to cuddle the rogue. He climbed onto the bed and slid up behind Jay’s increasingly stiff body, spooning him and wrapping an arm round his waist. “What are you doing?” Jay whispered. “It’s called a hug.” “I know what a hug is, asshole.” “So relax and enjoy it, then,” Frankie said with a soft sigh, tugging the rogue closer, back tight to his chest.

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“Why?” “Because they’re nice?” Jay sighed. “No, I mean, why are you doing this?” “Because I want to, because we both need it.” “I don’t need anything,” Jay snapped, trying to pull away. “Oh hush,” Frankie said with a huff of frustration. He leaned forward, brushing Jay’s hair aside to nuzzle into his neck, licking gently. The taste of the rogue made him moan, as Jay stopped struggling and gasped. “Oh.” “See,” Frankie murmured, bathing the nape of Jay’s neck with long, slow laps of his tongue. “It’s nice.” Jay snorted, but he didn’t pull away. Flattening his hand on the rogue’s chest, Frankie carried on gently nuzzling and licking, and slowly, muscle by muscle, Jay started to relax against him. Soon the rogue had fallen asleep. Closing his eyes, Frankie took just a moment to breathe in Jay’s scent and enjoy the feeling of warmth against him before he eased back and got carefully off the bed. He didn’t want to leave. He wanted to sleep with his lover in his arms and wake up with him, but he knew that he had to get back before Zacky checked on him. And he knew that Zacky would check on him. He pulled on his pants and shoved his feet back into his sneakers, moving back to the edge of the bed so he could bend over the rogue. Brushing dark hair back gently, Frankie stroked a thumb over a rounded cheekbone and leaned over to press a kiss to soft, pale skin. Heart in his throat, his sense of loneliness almost overwhelming him, Frankie stared at the rogue. Why did it have to be him? What should have been the happiest moment of his life had turned out to be his most despairing. He rubbed the tip of his nose along Jay’s cheekbone to kiss his ear. “I love you,” he whispered, barely holding back a sob as he

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pressed his forehead against the rogue’s temple, then straightened up. Tears trickling silently, he left Jay a note to say he’d be back the next day. Not that he thought his lover would actually care, but he didn’t want to just leave without a word. He closed the bedroom door behind him and left the house, allowing his tears to come more freely as he hurried home. He needed comfort, and he needed it badly, and while what he really wanted was comfort from Jay, he knew that was impossible, so he’d wait for Zacky to check on him. His beta would comfort without question, unlike any of the others, which made it more likely that he’d be able to keep from spilling his guts. Climbing up to his room, he slipped back through his window and jumped, almost falling over when a throat cleared pointedly behind him. “Zacky!” he gasped. “You are extremely lucky that it was me who came to check on you, you know that?” Zacky said sternly. “Um, yes.” Frankie kicked off his sneakers, not quite meeting Zacky’s eyes. “Have you got anything to say?” “Don’t tell Tyler or Matt?” “Give me one good reason.” “I…” Frankie bit his lip, desperate to tell his friend. “Zacky, please,” he whispered, starting to cry again. “Oh…oh, Frankie, no, don’t cry.” He was enveloped in a hug, and Frankie buried his face in his friend’s neck, letting himself really give in to his tears. Zacky drew him over to the bed and sat them down, stroking his hair and rocking him slowly. “It’s okay, little one.” Frankie snorted quietly and shook his head, pulling back to grimace apologetically. “I’m not sure anything will be okay again.” “Is this about finding a mate?” Frankie gasped. “Why would you ask me that?”

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“You snuck out, even after being attacked last night. You’re crying.” Zacky reached up to stroke his cheek. “Being unmated is the only thing that upsets you like this.” “I guess.” “Is that why you snuck out?” “Yes.” “You know Tyler said not to go anywhere on your own.” “Yeah, I know, but I needed to get out for a bit.” Zacky shook his head. “You need to stay safe.” “I’m sorry, Zacky.” “It’s okay,” Zacky said softly. “I suppose I’m not the best person to talk to about loneliness.” “I like talking to you, though,” Frankie said, leaning against Zacky with a sigh. “Tyler’s great, but sometimes he’s just so, so, you know. It’s overwhelming.” “No, I don’t know. He’s so what?” “Well, it’s different for you. You’re his mate. To me, he’s like, he’s been through so much.” Frankie shrugged. “I know he understands a lot, but I feel like my problems are a bit pathetic compared to what he’s been through.” “Something that makes you feel bad isn’t pathetic, Frankie.” Zacky sighed. “And Tyler would be very hurt that you feel that way.” “I’d never want that,” Frankie said quietly. “I do know that I can talk to him about anything, but I know that you’ll just listen. You don’t push, and I need that.” “Johnny’s good for that,” Zacky said with a smile. “Yeah, true, but you’re my beta, Zacky.” Zacky hugged him close and patted his back. “Thanks, Frankie, you know I’m happy to help.” “So you won’t tell Tyler or Matt?” Chuckling, Zacky nodded. “Fine, this once, but don’t sneak out like that again.” Frankie bit his lip. He couldn’t agree, and he didn’t want to lie to

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his friend. “Thanks, Zacky,” he noncommittal. “You coming downstairs now?” “Yeah, I could use a snack.” “Cool, come on, then.”

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said,

staying

deliberately

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Chapter 6 Jay looked up when he walked into the kitchen, and Frankie couldn’t help smiling when he saw there were two cups of coffee on the table. “How’d you know to make me one?” he asked, taking off his jacket and sitting down. “I don’t know,” Jay said, shrugging one shoulder. “I kinda felt it.” Frankie’s breath hitched, and he covered his elation by sipping his coffee. “Gah,” he gasped, grimacing at the taste of just coffee. Jay chuckled, and Frankie looked at him in surprise. “What? “You made the exact face I must have when I had coffee with blood the first time.” Frankie smiled. “I don’t think anyone could look as revolted as you did.” “Oh, you came close.” Jay almost smiled at him, and Frankie felt his heart stutter. This was the most friendly the rogue had been with him in the week since they’d first met, and it was almost confusing. “Did you uh, bring some blood?” “When haven’t I?” Frankie said, taking the bag of blood from his jacket pocket. He added some to his coffee and stirred quickly before drinking again. “Mmm, better.” Jay licked his lips, staring hard at him, and Frankie shivered, trying not to let the intensity of rogue’s gaze affect him. “Are you going to try the blood today?” “No,” Jay murmured, standing slowly and leaning over the table to nuzzle against his cheek. “Why would I, when I’ve got you to feed

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from?” Frankie sighed. Jay was feeding from him every day, and it was getting harder and harder to sustain, but how could he resist? Moaning softly as Jay kissed his neck, Frankie tipped his head to the side and reached up to grasp the rogue’s hips, tugging him into his lap. Jay licked up his neck and nipped his earlobe. “What’s wrong?” “What do you mean?” Frankie asked, sliding his hands down to the rogue’s ass and rocking him hard into his groin. “You feel—you feel reluctant.” Jay sat back on his knees, frowning at him. “You don’t really want to feed me.” Standing abruptly, Jay backed away, frowning at him. “No, Jay…” “You don’t want to,” Jay snapped. “So why? Why are you doing it?” “It’s not that I don’t want to, Jay. I do. I enjoy it.” “But?” Jay said stonily, folding his arms over his chest. “We’re not meant to feed from each other.” Frankie sighed. “I’m not fully sustaining you, and every time you feed from me, it takes more and more blood for me to recover.” “Why, then?” “Because you need it.” “What do you get out of it?” Sighing, Frankie shook his head. “You really think I’m doing this because I want something?” “Why else would you?” Jay snapped. “After a week of doing this for you, feeding you when I knew it was dangerous for me, holding you until you can sleep, fucking sneaking away from my pack every day…” He paused to take a shaky breath, as his anger and hurt had risen with every word. They fought every day, too, and it left him feeling utterly hopeless. He knew Zacky was worried about him, and he knew that Tyler had noticed his listlessness and increasing fatigue. But what could he do? Even

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though he’d deny it, Frankie knew that Jay was terrified of Bert and what the rogue alpha would do to him if he found him. And Frankie was terrified of what his pack might do if they found Jay. So if the rogue wouldn’t drink the blood that Frankie brought him, then there was no other choice for him. “You know what, if that’s really what you think of me, never mind,” he said softly. He bit down on his wrist and held up his arm out, not even looking up. “Frankie, I…” “Just drink, Jay, okay?” Sighing quietly, Jay took his hand and lifted his wrist to his mouth. Warm, wet tongue licked up his forearm and lapped over the bite, and Frankie shivered, trying to ignore the tightening of his gut and groin. His muscles trembled as his need for the rogue grew with every pass of tongue over his ragged wound and the movement of lips over his skin. He closed his eyes and turned his head away so he wasn’t tempted to look, because if he did, he knew he’d give into his desire. “Frankie.” “What?” he asked, still not looking up. Jay kissed his wrist and licked up his palm, his tongue tracing one finger to the tip, where he sucked it into the warmth of his mouth. Frankie gasped in surprise, heat flooding his body, and he looked up as Jay shifted, straddling his lap. Leaning in, the rogue licked over Frankie’s lips gently, sliding one hand into his hair to hold him tightly as his other hand stroked down his chest and stomach to his waistband. Frankie’s breath hitched in shock, as Jay kissed him harder and opened his pants, pushing his hand under his shorts to wrap round his erection and stroke. Frankie yanked himself back and stared up wideeyed at the rogue. It was the first time Jay had ever actually touched him, other than kissing him and drinking his blood. “What are you doing?”

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“What do you think?” Jay snapped, looking defensive, his hand stilling on Frankie’s cock. “I know what you’re doing.” Frankie sighed, wishing he hadn’t said anything. “Why?” “Why?” Jay let go of his dick and stood abruptly, backing away. “Because I’m a fucking idiot. I can’t believe I actually thought you…Never mind.” The rogue stormed out of the room, and Frankie flinched at the sound of the bedroom door slamming shut. How did he keep messing things up? Why hadn’t he just kept his mouth shut and enjoyed Jay finally reciprocating? The trouble was, he couldn’t have actually enjoyed it without knowing why the rogue was doing it. If Jay didn’t want to touch him, then Frankie didn’t want him to feel like he should or had to. With a groan, he zipped himself up and picked up the bag to gulp down every last drop of blood as quickly as he could. He was in two minds as to whether he should leave or if he should try to get Jay to talk to him. Who was he kidding? He couldn’t leave like this, the same way he hadn’t been able to leave every other time they’d argued and Jay had stormed off, which was every day that week. After every fight, Frankie had climbed onto the bed with Jay, cuddled and licked him until he fell asleep, and Frankie quietly confessed his love, all the time wishing he could really tell Jay how he felt. Pushing himself to his feet, he walked reluctantly to the bedroom, opening the door slowly. “Fuck off,” Jay snapped. “Jay…” “Don’t, okay? I don’t know why you do this, or why you even think I want you to, but I don’t. So just fuck off, and leave me alone.” Frankie swallowed back his hurt and shook his head. “No.” As he kicked off his sneakers and stripped off his pants, Jay rolled over to stare at him.

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“What?” “No,” Frankie said firmly. “I don’t think you want me to do this. I know you do. It’s part of being Pack.” “I’m not some pussy little Pack prick like you,” Jay said, his lip curling, even as he shifted to let Frankie get on the bed with him. “Why am I a pussy?” Frankie asked quietly. He climbed onto the bed beside his lover and let Jay roll up into his arms. “Because I let you feed from me? Because I enjoy getting you off? Or maybe it’s this, huh? Cuddling you makes me a pussy, I suppose.” Jay shrugged and glared at him, and Frankie laughed humorlessly. “Do you even realize what you’re doing right now?” Jay frowned. “What do you mean?” “You made room for me on the bed. You cuddled up to me.” Jay blinked and pulled back, staring at him wide eyed. “No.” “Yes.” “I don’t want—” Jay stopped, and his mouth worked silently. “Don’t want what?” Frankie whispered, barely holding back tears. “Me?” “I don’t know, Frankie,” Jay whispered, his eyes glistening. “You’ve turned my life upside down. I don’t know anything anymore.” “Is that why you touched me tonight?” Jay half shrugged. “I thought you wanted me to.” “I do,” Frankie sighed. “But I want you to want to.” “Do you want to, when you touch me?” “You know I do. I told you that. I love—” Frankie stopped abruptly, feeling his cheeks flush. “I mean, I enjoy touching you, tasting you, sucking you off.” Jay shivered against him, one hand coming to rest on his chest, fingers digging in lightly. Breath hitching as desire started to surge again, Frankie pulled the rogue closer and cupped his cheek. “Can I?” he whispered. “If you want to,” Jay said, not meeting his eyes.

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“Do you want me to?” Licking his lips, Jay lifted his chin and kissed him, lips clinging softly to his for an all-too-brief moment. Heart fluttering, Frankie breathed out heavily and licked his lips for a taste of his lover. “Was that a yes?” Jay took Frankie’s hand from his cheek and pushed it down to his crotch. The rogue’s cock was hard and straining against his pants. Frankie groaned, unable to resist curling his fingers round the solid length. “Yes,” Jay whispered, arching into him. “Oh fuck, Jay,” Frankie gasped. He kissed his lover again gently, a soft press of lips and slide of tongues as he rubbed the hard length pushing at his hand. His own cock was already straining at his shorts, aching for more than just his own hand or humping against Jay fully clothed, but he controlled his own need. He wanted to give more to his lover, to show Jay how good sex really could be. He kissed Jay deeply, pushing the rogue back onto the bed and rolling half on top of him, sliding his leg over to rest his thigh on Jay’s groin. Groaning loudly, Jay arched against him, lips parting under his to suck his tongue into his mouth. The taste of him was sweet with a copper tang from his blood, and Frankie shivered with ever-increasing need, nipping on Jay’s lips for a taste of his blood over the top. He pushed at Jay’s T-shirt, stroking up the smooth skin of his chest until he reached a tightening nipple, and he pulled back with a quiet gasp. “Shirt, Jay, please,” he murmured, moving back enough that a hesitant-looking Jay could pull his T-shirt over his head. The rogue was utterly beautiful, with skin so pale it was practically translucent, his body slender and toned, although possibly a little too thin, the lines of his ribs clear through his skin. Frankie got on his hands and knees over his lover, kissing his mouth quickly before sitting back so he could trace his fingertips

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along the indents between Jay’s ribs, sliding up to the tightened nubs of his nipples and rubbing the pads of his thumbs over them. Jay’s breath hitched, and the rogue pushed up into his touch, his cock jerking under Frankie’s ass. “God, you’re gorgeous,” Frankie whispered. He bent to kiss his lover again, rolling his hips to rub their erections together. Jay’s lips opened to him almost eagerly, tongue raking over his teeth so he could taste blood again. Frankie moaned happily, sucking and licking as his hands slid down to Jay’s hips and round to the fastening of his pants, pulling them open and pushing one hand inside to touch the silky, soft skin over the hard length of cock. “Fuck,” Jay gasped into his mouth, bucking against him. “You feel good,” Frankie whispered. He wrapped his fingers tightly round Jay’s cock and kissed his jawline down to his neck. “Taste good,” he murmured as he licked along one collarbone and down Jay’s breastbone to press and kiss to the center of his chest. “I want you so much.” “Please,” Jay breathed. “I need to come.” “I know.” Frankie shifted lower, kissing a line down Jay’s belly as he pulled the rogue’s pants and underwear down round his thighs. The scent of arousal was strong and heady, and he moved down to lick over the crown of Jay’s cock. He sucked the head into his mouth while he pushed his lover’s pants down further. “Oh fuck yes,” Jay gasped, grabbing his hair to tug at him. Frankie pulled back, smiling softly at Jay’s groan of disappointment. “Oh no, not yet.” “But—” “Hush, Jay.” Frankie leaned over to kiss the rogue’s mouth, then got up off the bed, pulling Jay’s pants and underwear all the way off so that he lay naked, hard and beautiful on the bed. “Turn over for me,” Frankie said softly, pulling off his own shirt. Jay’s expression faltered and he shook his head. “No!”

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“Please? I’m not going to try and fuck you if that’s what you’re afraid of.” “I’m not afraid of you,” Jay snapped, eyes fixed on him. “So turn over. I’ll keep my shorts on.” “No.” “Okay, I’m sorry.” Frankie sighed, crawling back onto the bed between Jay’s legs, stroking his thighs gently. He’d been hoping the rogue would be able to trust him enough to expose himself even more than he already had, but maybe it was too soon. He would just have to adjust his positioning for what he wanted to do. Gripping Jay’s hips, he bent to lick up his cock again, sliding his tongue over the tip to taste pre-cum again. It was almost overwhelming, taste and feel. He wanted so much that he felt like he could explode. But he wasn’t even close to finished with what he had planned for the rogue. Sliding further down the bed, Frankie licked down the crease of Jay’s groin, and he pushed his arms under his lover’s thighs. Frankie pushed them up and back toward Jay’s chest as he licked down over soft balls and smooth skin below to swipe his tongue over the entrance to his body. “Oh fuck,” Jay cried out, hips rising up off the bed, shoulders digging into the mattress. Frankie licked again, harder, moaning at the intensity of scent and taste. “What the fuck?” Jay gasped, rocking into him jerkily. Pulling back enough to look up, Frankie grinned at him. “Just enjoy it,” he said, bending down again to lick harder, long, slow laps right along the crease, teasing Jay’s hole with the tip of his tongue. “Oh fuck, oh fuck,” Jay moaned, putting his hands in Frankie’s hair as he writhed under him. “Oh fuck please, Frankie, please.” Letting go of one hip, Frankie fisted the rogue’s cock, stroking hard as he pushed his tongue deeper inside his body. Jay wailed, jerking and trembling, and suddenly he stiffened, flooding Frankie’s hand with hot cum.

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Frankie couldn’t resist. He licked back up to Jay’s groin so he could taste the bitter, salty fluid, cleaning him up and sucking gently on his softening cock. “Frankie?” “Yeah?” “Did you come?” “No,” Frankie sighed, not looking up. Sitting up, Jay shifted his legs off Frankie’s shoulders and dragged him up on top of him, clutching his face and kissing him hard. Frankie gasped in surprise, opening eagerly to the probe of tongue. Jay’s hands slid down his back and pushed his boxers down before he rolled them over, pinning Frankie to the mattress. He kissed him harder, nipping at Frankie’s lips and rocking into his aching cock. Moaning, Frankie grasped Jay’s hips and arched up into him, kissing back and rocking frantically against him. To his surprise, the rogue pushed a hand between them and wrapped it round his cock. “Oh God,” Frankie whimpered against soft lips. The feel of Jay’s hand, the knowledge that the rogue was actually touching him was too much. “Bite me, please.” Jay buried his face in his neck, stroking him harder, twisting his hand around the head of his dick. Pleasure flooded him, and he pushed up harder, fucking Jay’s fist. The rogue bit his neck hard, and pain shot through him. Crying out, Frankie grabbed Jay’s hips and bucked into him as he came harder than he ever had in his life. “Oh fuck,” he panted. He held on tightly to Jay so the rogue couldn’t move, wishing he could tell him that he loved him. “Thank you,” he whispered, kissing Jay’s cheek. “You’re thanking me?” “Yes.” “Why?” “For touching me.” “Oh, well, I thought…” Jay trailed off, and Frankie felt his heart sink.

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“You didn’t want to,” he whispered, letting his hands fall to the bed. Jay pushed himself up to look at him. “It’s not that,” he said with a sigh. Frankie shook his head. “Jay, listen to me. I don’t want you to feel like you have to do anything.” “But you want me to,” Jay whispered. “Yes, I want you to. I want you all the time, but I want you to want me, too.” “I do,” Jay said softly, rolling onto his back and looking away. “I want you so much, all the time. Sometimes, it’s all I can think about.” Turning onto his side, Frankie ran a gentle hand down his lover’s chest. “But you don’t want to want me,” he whispered with a sorrowful shrug, forcing back the threat of tears. He didn’t want Jay to know how much it affected him. “That’s the difference. I feed you, touch you, because I want to, because I like to. That’s what I want with you, do you understand?” “No.” Frowning, Frankie cupped Jay’s cheek, urging the rogue to look at him. “What?” “I don’t understand,” Jay whispered, still not meeting his eyes. “What do you mean?” “It’s never about what I want. It’s never about me.” The rogue finally met his gaze, his expression a mix of confusion, sorrow, and regret. “I’ve never had anyone give a damn about what I want or how I feel.” “Is it really so bad?” Frankie whispered, stroking a thumb over his lover’s mouth. “I keep waiting for it all to bite me on the ass.” “Well, you know, if you wanted me to bite you on the ass, you just had to ask me,” Frankie said, somehow keeping a completely straight face. “What?” Jay gasped, looking confused and upset, and Frankie felt his chest clench with sorrow.

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“Nobody ever jokes with you either, do they?” “That was a joke?” “Yeah.” “Oh.” Jay sniffed and swallowed hard, managed a weak smile. “Oh, Jay. Come on, roll over for me,” Frankie whispered. “Why?” “I want to cuddle with you,” Frankie said quietly. “If that’s okay with you, I mean.” Jay didn’t reply, just rolled over for him to spoon up behind. Frankie nuzzled the nape of the rogue’s neck gently, brushing his hair aside so he could press a kiss to soft skin. “Thank you.” “Why are you thanking me again?” “Because I wanted to do this and you’re letting me.” Frankie kissed Jay’s neck again, inhaling his scent and smiling happily. It felt like they’d made progress, that maybe the rogue was starting to trust him, even just a little. He licked slowly, bathing Jay’s neck thoroughly with his tongue, listening to the rogue’s breathing slow into sleep. He held him for as long as he could risk staying, just holding him, kissing and stroking soft skin, full of regret from the knowledge that he had to leave again. Finally, he eased back and got up, dressing quietly. He knew by now that nothing he did woke Jay after he fell asleep, but he still tried to be quiet. Carefully, Frankie leaned over the edge of the bed and pulled a blanket over Jay’s naked body. He bent further to kiss a smooth cheek, stroking a stray lock of hair from his forehead with a sigh. “I love you, Jay,” he whispered, pressing his nose into the rogue’s neck for one last breath of sweet skin. “Mmm,” Jay mumbled, turning over and clamping one delicately boned hand in his shirt. “Frankie.” Freezing, Frankie held his breath, wondering if maybe this time he had actually woken the rogue. But his eyes were still closed and his breathing was still even.

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“Easy, Jay,” he whispered, gently levering his fingers from his shirt and kissing them. “Sleep, my love, I’ll be back tomorrow.” He kissed his lover’s forehead again and backed up to the door. Leaving got harder every day, but after what had happened between them that evening, he felt like leaving would rip his heart out. As he reached the door, he heard movement behind him, and he looked back. Blue eyes blinked sleepily at him. “Frankie, stay.” Frankie’s breath caught in his chest, and his eyes stung as he shook his head. Jay’s expression hardened as he seemed to wake up more. “Fine,” he snapped. “No, Jay, it’s not fine.” Frankie sighed. “Whatever.” “Damn it, Jay,” Frankie snapped. “You really think I want to leave?” The rogue looked surprised, and he stared at him, eyes widening. “Don’t you?” he whispered. “No, I don’t want to. But I’m sneaking out as it is. The longer I stay, the more likely it is that I’ll get caught. If I stayed the night, they’d come looking for me. Do you want that?” Jay swallowed hard, a hint of fear entering his eyes. “No.” “Neither do I, okay? I need you safe.” “Need?” Jay frowned at him in confusion. Frankie breathed out heavily and walked back over to the bed, sitting down and taking Jay’s hand. “Haven’t you wondered why we’re so drawn to each other? Why we can barely keep from touching each other, especially when you’re feeding?” “Yes, of course I have,” Jay said with a roll of his eyes. “I never stop thinking about it, about you.” “I don’t just want you, Jay. I need you,” Frankie whispered. “How can you possibly need me?” “The same way you need me,” Frankie said.

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Jay pulled his hand back. “I don’t need anyone.” “Okay, fine, I’ll just go, shall I?” Frankie snapped, standing abruptly and stalking away again. “Nobody needs me,” Jay whispered before he could leave. The pain in Jay’s tone, that Frankie could actually feel deep inside his heart, stopped him. He breathed in deeply, squaring his shoulders against the pain and his own fear of being hurt before he turned and walked back to the bed. He stripped off his clothes with each step until he climbed back onto the mattress, naked and hard. Jay scrambled back, the blanket falling off him as he knelt up. Frankie leaned forward and took Jay’s hands, dragging him closer. He put one of Jay’s hands on his chest and wrapped the other round his cock. “I need you,” Frankie said. “In here.” He tapped the hand on his chest. “And down here.” He clasped the fingers round his dick, squeezing them tighter with a soft groan. “And with every other part of me.” The rogue was staring at him, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, breath dragging harshly in and out of his lungs. Then suddenly, he moved, sliding his hand from Frankie’s chest to the back of his neck, pulling him into a hard, desperate kiss as his hand moved slowly along the length of Frankie’s shaft. Frankie moaned into Jay’s mouth, rocking his cock through the tunnel of his fist. It felt good and right, and he wanted so much more, wanted to give, wanted to take. He wanted Jay to know he was trusted. He cupped Jay’s cheek and kissed him back, dotting his mouth with a soft kisses, panting for breath, and rocking his hips. He was so close, but he didn’t want to come yet. “I need you,” he murmured. “I want you.” “Frankie, I…fuck, I—” “You don’t have to say anything,” Frankie said, kissing him again. “If you want me, you can have me.”

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“Oh God,” Jay whimpered. Jay squeezed his hand tighter and twisted his stroke as he bit down on his lip, letting the blood drip into Frankie’s mouth. The taste filled Frankie and took over his senses. He jerked up, flooding Jay’s hand as he came with a soft cry. He licked the gash on his lover’s lip then pulled back. The rogue was staring down at his hand, his expression a little lost. “Jay?” Frankie whispered, reaching to take the rogue’s wrist. “Do you want me?” Jay started to shake his head, and Frankie’s heart sank, but then his lover looked up. “Yes, I want you,” Jay whispered. “But?” “I, uh, I’ve never—” Jay stopped and shook his head. “You said you had to go.” “I should, but I’ll stay if you want me to.” “Stop asking me what I want,” Jay snapped suddenly, pulling away from him. “I don’t fucking know what I want, okay?” Sighing, Frankie got up again and pulled his clothes back on. He’d tried not to pressure the rogue, but apparently even giving him choices was too much. “Well, why don’t you think about what you want,” he said quietly. “Because I want you, and I want you to fuck me.” Jay almost flinched, and he pulled the blanket over his lap, not looking at him. “Fine, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” Frankie said softly, turning one final time for the door and opening it. He stepped through, pulling the door behind him. Just before he shut it, he heard a moan, and he looked through the tiny gap, gasping when he saw Jay licking cum from his fingers. “Oh God,” Frankie groaned, quickly shutting the door and leaning against the wall. The rogue was so beautiful and hot and so very frustrating, and he wanted him so badly. He really had to go before he did end up staying and risking getting caught.

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Chapter 7 Coming out of his lecture, the only thing on Frankie’s mind was how soon he could sneak out to see Jay. Despite the tense end to the night before, he couldn’t help feeling hopeful that things would go better from now on. He was so distracted that he managed to walk into someone, and he grunted, looking up. “Sorry.” “Gianfranco Mancuso?” Frankie blinked and nodded. “Yeah. Um, who are you?” he asked, staring warily at the two men in front of him. Both had serious expressions and wore plain suits. “I’m Detective Brown, and this is Detective Solomon.” “What’s going on?” Frankie whispered, his heart pounding. The last time policemen had introduced themselves was the day his parents had been killed in a car crash. “Do you know a Martin Jetson?” Frowning, Frankie shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.” “You were at The Heretic last Wednesday night, is that right?” “Yes.” “Do you recognize this man?” They showed him a photo, and Frankie nodded. “Yeah, we, uh, hooked up,” he said, flushing lightly at the look he was getting from Detective Solomon. “And you didn’t get his name?” “I wasn’t interested in his name,” Frankie said dryly. “You’re not funny.”

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“I wasn’t trying to be funny,” Frankie said. “Look, we hooked up, we had sex, I went home. What’s this about?” “Martin Jetson’s body was found in the alleyway behind the club in the early hours of Thursday morning.” “What?” Frankie gasped. “You were seen leaving the club with Jetson by the back door to the alley, and your prints were found on his belt and body.” “I told you, we had sex,” Frankie said defensively. “That’s it. He was alive when I left.” “I’m sorry, Mr. Mancuso, but we are arresting you on suspicion of murder.” Frankie was vaguely aware of being read his rights as one of the detectives cuffed his wrists, but he was scanning the car lot desperately. “Zacky!” he yelled when he spotted his beta. Zacky frowned and jogged over. “Frankie? What’s going on?” “A misunderstanding. Can you and Tyler come down to the station, please?” “Of course.” Zacky bit his lip and reached out to touch his face. “Detectives, could I just have a moment with my student?” “Sure, why not.” “Thank you.” Zacky drew him aside. “Have you fed today?” “No, not yet.” “Do you want us to try and bring you some food?” “No,” Frankie sighed. “I’m sure I’ll manage in the cells.” He smirked humorlessly. “Just get me out of this. Please.” “We’ll be there as soon as possible.” “Thanks, Zacky.” Frankie leaned up to kiss his beta’s cheek, ignoring a snort from one of the detectives behind them. They escorted him to a plain car and put him in the back, driving him to the local P.D. He was photographed, processed, and thrown unceremoniously

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into a holding cell that was occupied by several other men, mostly meat-headed looking gang types. Frankie sighed at the looks he was getting. He was tiny compared to a lot of girls, let alone guys. If he hadn’t been Pack, he’d be a very easy mark. He knew what he needed to do straight away to make things easier for however long he’d be kept there. He strode up to the biggest guy in the cell, who was sitting on the bench, and put his hands on his hips. “What do you want, fish?” The guy spat, smirking at him. “You’re sitting in my place.” The rest of the cell descended into laughter as the guy shook his head and snorted, throwing a punch at Frankie’s face. Frankie caught his fist easily and squeezed. The guy gasped and grabbed his wrist, trying to free his hand, but Frankie dragged him from the seat and threw him across the cell, hard enough that his head cracked against the wall and he slumped to the ground. “Anyone else?” Frankie asked softly. Another man ran at him, and Frankie sidestepped, knocking him down to his knees and catching him round the neck. Face hidden by his hair, Frankie bit down on the man’s neck, sucking quickly. Fresh, warm blood was so much better than the bags, as it was vital and living. It made him feel even stronger. He lifted his head and grinned at his cell mates, licking the blood from his lips as he let the nowunconscious man fall to the floor. They all moved to the opposite side of the cell away from him, leaving him the entire bench to himself. Smirking, Frankie sat down and relaxed. Well, he tried to look relaxed at least. Inside, he was going into meltdown. What was he going to do about Jay? Even if Tyler and Zacky managed to get him out that night, there was no way he was going to be able to sneak out to see his lover. Going without blood for one night wouldn’t hurt Jay, but the rogue had intimated in previous conversations, well, arguments, that Bert had often starved him as punishment. Frankie didn’t want him to

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go without ever again. He also didn’t want Jay to think he’d deserted him. What if he left the house? What if Bert found him or even Tyler or Matt? He had no idea what to do. The cell door opened. “Mancuso?” “Yes?” he said, looking up. The officer was staring into the cell with an expression of bemusement. “You get a phone call, let’s go.” Pushing himself to his feet, Frankie followed the cop out of the cell and down the corridor to a pay phone, where he was handed a quarter. “Choose careful like.” Frankie thought for a moment. It was the only option he really had. Tyler and Zacky were coming, so he didn’t need to call home, but would Jay even pick up if he phoned his grandmother’s house? He had to try. He dialed carefully and held the receiver to his ear. “Pick up, Jay,” he whispered. “Pick up, pick up, please.” “Hello?” Jay sounded tentative, and Frankie breathed out a sigh of relief. “Jay.” “Frankie.” The rogue’s tone made his heart sink, and Frankie turned away from the cop. “Yeah, listen, I—” “You’re not coming are you?” Jay said flatly. “I can’t,” Frankie whispered regretfully. “You won’t, you mean,” Jay snapped. “God, I can’t believe I actually thought you meant it.” “I did. Of course I meant it.” “Bullshit!” “Jay, please.” “You know what? Just don’t fucking bother.” “Jay!” Frankie flinched as the rogue slammed the phone down.

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“Shit.” The cop snorted at him. “Didn’t go too well, huh?” Turning sharply, Frankie snarled at the officer, baring his teeth, and the cop blanched before grabbing him roughly and shoving him back into the cell. The bench was immediately vacated again, and Frankie sat down, growling low in his throat and glowering at the other prisoners. He’d hoped Jay had enough trust in him by now to give him a chance to explain, but apparently not, and he wasn’t sure how much more he could take. It was ripping his heart apart, but even more than that, he was angry with Bert and the other rogues for their treatment of Jay, the way their abuse had left his mate expecting the worst from everyone. He wanted to rip their heads off. It was no good. He was going to have to tell the others. They wouldn’t hurt his mate surely? Even if he was a rogue. **** He was in a small room with the two detectives and a lab guy. First they’d swabbed his cheek for DNA, then asked him to remove his shirt to check him for marks or bruising indicative of a struggle. He was getting tired of reiterating his story, especially when he actually was lying, just not in the way they thought. Finally, the door opened, and Tyler strode in with another cop. The alpha glanced at him and nodded, and Frankie stood with a relieved smile. “Let’s go, Gianfranco.” Frankie flinched at the use of his full name. He was in trouble, but he didn’t know why. “Wait just a minute,” Detective Solomon started, rising to his feet. The policeman who’d accompanied Tyler shook his head, and the detective subsided. Frankie followed his alpha meekly, worry and fear making him

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feel uncertain. Outside, Zacky hugged him tightly and patted his back. “Are you okay?” “Yes. Thanks for getting me out, guys.” “Get in the car, Frankie.” Zacky sighed and let Frankie go so he could get in the back of the car. “Ty…” “Don’t start with me, Zacky.” “Don’t snap at me, Tyler,” Zacky said shortly. “Let’s just get home, okay? Frankie, we need to have a serious talk.” “I know,” Frankie sighed. “I’ve, uh, I’ve got something I need to tell you.” “I’m sure you have,” Tyler said quietly. Frankie folded his hands in his lap and stared down at them despondently. As they pulled up outside the house, Frankie suddenly felt a spark of something, a warmth growing in his chest, and he gasped, jumping out of the car almost before it had stopped moving. “Frankie!” Zacky yelled after him. He ignored his friend and ran inside, following the tug in his heart to the kitchen, where he stopped for a moment in the doorway. Jay was tied to a chair with Matt looming over him, arm raised. The rogue already had a cut lip and a bruise blooming on his cheek. “What do you want with Frankie?” Matt growled. Jay shut his eyes and turned his head away with a whimper. Matt’s arm pulled back, and Frankie snapped, anger exploding through him. He leapt at Matt, punching the alpha and shoving him back. Matt growled and would have gone for him, but Johnny held him back. “Frankie!” Zacky gasped from behind him. “You do not touch my mate!” Frankie shouted, crouching defensively in front of the rogue. “Your mate? Frankie, what do you mean?” “Frankie,” Jay whispered. Turning quickly, Frankie sat on Jay’s knees and bit his wrist open, holding it up to the rogue’s mouth so he

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could feed. Jay groaned and latched on, sucking hard. “Oh, you fucking idiot,” Tyler said with a sigh. “You’re going to get both of you killed, you know that?” The alpha pulled Frankie’s wrist away from Jay’s mouth, and they both whimpered. “Frankie, get up.” Frankie touched Jay’s cheek gently, then stood. He felt stronger than he usually did after feeding the rogue, although he’d fed on fresh blood that night and Tyler had stopped him before Jay was finished this time. Tyler bit down on his wrist and held it out to him. “Really?” Frankie whispered, staring up at his alpha. “I couldn’t quite for the life of me work out why you were getting weaker when more and more blood was going missing. Feed.” “Thanks, Tyler, but feed Jay first,” Frankie said. “Frankie.” “Please,” Frankie whispered. “Please, Tyler, he’s my mate. I need you to feed him first.” “I’m fine,” Jay said shortly. “You just shut up, Jay,” Frankie snapped, turning to glare at his lover. “I can’t believe you. What were you thinking, leaving the house?” “I wasn’t thinking, was I? You blew me off. I was mad at you,” Jay said angrily. “I am mad at you.” “Well, maybe you shouldn’t have fucking hung up on me then, should you?” “You were going to just leave me on my own.” “I was in jail, you stupid prick!” Frankie yelled. “What the fuck do I have to do to get you to at least give me the benefit of the doubt, even if you can’t trust me, huh?” Tears stung his eyes, and Frankie turned away. “Tyler, please feed him.” “You could untie me,” Jay said softly. “What?” Frankie whispered, turning his head slowly to look at the

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rogue again. Jay quirked half a smile at him. “I’d trust you more if you untied me.” It felt like an olive branch, and Frankie’s heart swelled happily as he managed a weak smile and nodded. “Yeah, sorry.” Before he could move, Tyler caught his arm, and Frankie looked up in shock. “I’m not leaving him tied up like this,” he said to his alpha. Tyler smiled and shook his head. “I don’t intend you to. Jay, I want you to know that we’re letting Frankie untie you because we trust that you won’t hurt your mate and by extension, us. I can hear everything that goes on in this house, and if you do anything to hurt Frankie, I will know, and I will stop you, do you understand?” Jay blinked up at Tyler and swallowed hard. His eyes flickered to Frankie, who couldn’t help an apologetic grimace and a nod to confirm what Tyler had said. “I understand,” Jay whispered. Tyler let go of Frankie’s arm, and he slid back into the rogue’s lap. Frankie put his arms round Jay’s waist to untie his wrists, sighing in surprise and happiness when Jay’s arms came up to rest around his waist to hug him back. “You two okay now?” Tyler asked with a snort. “I guess, for now,” Frankie said. “Get out of my way, then.” Frankie quickly kissed Jay and got up. He turned to look at Matt, who was still being partly restrained by his mate. “Matt, I’m really sorry.” The large alpha glared at him but sighed. “Yeah well, I guess I’d have done worse if it was Johnny.” “I’ll bet. Thanks for holding him back, Johnny.” “You’re welcome. If there’s one thing I recognize, it’s defensive mate mode.”

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“Yeah.” The scent of Tyler’s blood drew Frankie’s attention again, and he moaned quietly as he watched Jay suck avidly on Tyler’s wrist. He’d never expected that watching his mate feed would be such a turn-on. Blue eyes caught and held his, dark with lust, and when Tyler pulled his wrist free, Jay licked his lips and held out a hand. “Frankie,” he whispered. “Oh fuck, Jay,” Frankie said, trying to control his desire. He knew there would be explanations demanded, but he wasn’t sure if he could keep his hands off the rogue. “Maybe, uh…” Zacky paused and cleared his throat. “It’s kinda late, you know?” “Yeah,” Tyler said, moving slowly over to his mate and tugging him into his arms. “We can talk tomorrow.” “Oh thank fuck,” Matt exclaimed, throwing Johnny over his shoulder and stalking out of the room as his mate squealed happily. Tyler chuckled, not looking up from Zacky’s face as he bent to kiss him. “So, uh, we can go?” Frankie asked softly. Tyler looked up from his mate and raised an eyebrow. “Remember what I said, Jay.” Jay nodded and looked away quickly. Frankie grabbed his mate’s hand and dragged him from the room, up the stairs to his bedroom. He closed the door behind them and twisted, pushing Jay up against the wall to kiss him hard. He clutched Jay’s face and pushed a thigh between his legs, rocking up against his hip. “Oh fuck, Frankie, wait. Frankie!” Jay shoved him back and dragged in a harsh breath. “Oh man, seriously?” Frankie gasped, staring at the rogue in disbelief. He knew Jay was as turned on as he was. He could smell the arousal, even feel how much Jay wanted him, too. “I’m still mad at you.” “Oh come on, Jay. I got arrested, that’s hardly my fault.”

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“I know.” “Everything I’ve done this week has been for you, did you know that?” Frankie continued, unsure if he was angry or hurt. “Yes,” Jay whispered. “So why are you mad at me?” “Because I—you don’t understand.” “No, you’re right. I don’t understand.” Frankie sighed. He took Jay’s hand again and tugged gently to draw his mate to his bed. “Talk to me. Please.” “You did things for me, asked me what I wanted all the time, and it made me feel so angry,” Jay said with a sigh. “Why?” “Because I didn’t know, okay? No one ever gave me a choice before, any choice. I didn’t know what to do with it.” “You keep saying ‘didn’t,’” Frankie said softly. “Do you know what you want now?” Jay looked away. “When you called tonight, I felt like you’d given up on me, and I got mad because it made me realize what I want.” Frankie took a slow, nervous breath and swallowed hard. “Which was?” “You, Frankie,” Jay whispered. “I want you.” “Yeah?” Frankie breathed, his heart skipping a beat. “Yes.” “So, why are you still mad at me?” “Because you scared me.” Jay stopped and looked down at his hands. “You’ve changed everything for me in a few days, and the thought that you might be taking it all away again scared me. I hated that you made me realize what I wanted, only to take it away from me.” “But I haven’t,” Frankie whispered. “I’m yours.” “And that’s another thing. I don’t get it, Frankie. How? Why? And why do I find myself wanting to say it back?” “Because we’re mates, Jay,” Frankie said softly. “From the

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moment we met, deep down, you knew. That’s why you stopped Bert from hurting me and why I just attacked a five-hundred-year-old alpha to try and protect you.” Jay blinked at him. “Five hundred?” “Yeah,” Frankie said with a twisted smile. Of all the things to react to, he’d picked Matt’s age. “And the others? Are they…” “Jay!” “What?” “Please. Stop avoiding the issue.” The rogue grimaced, mouth twisting ruefully. “You and me,” he whispered. “Yeah,” Frankie said softly. “I’m yours, and you’re mine. Nothing will ever change that.” “I’m yours?” “Afraid so.” Frankie managed a smile. “But you’re mine?” “Forever.” Frankie reached up, gently stroking his fingertips over Jay’s soft lips. “I want to give you everything, Jay.” The rogue took his hand, kissing his palm gently, and Frankie’s breath hitched, a tremor of desire working up his arm and down his spine. “You have,” Jay whispered. “That’s what’s so fucking scary.” “Why?” “What if you take it away again?” “I can’t, Jay. Mates are forever. I will always want you, always need you, always want to be with you and give you everything.” Suddenly, Jay yanked him forward into his arms, gripping his hair as he kissed him almost desperately. Then he pulled back again, resting their foreheads together as Frankie whimpered. “I want you,” Jay whispered against his mouth. “Did you mean what you said last night?” Frankie’s gut clenched with sheer need, and he nodded frantically.

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“Yes, God, yes,” he breathed, pressing an urgent kiss to his mate’s mouth. “Please, Jay.” “I don’t really know—” Frankie kissed him again, sliding a hand down his chest and stomach to his waistband, spreading his fingers over the soft bulge of his mate’s crotch. Jay groaned, and the sound made Frankie shiver. He pressed his fingers down, rubbing gently as he felt Jay start to harden. His lover rocked into him, kissing back harder, tongue sliding over his, tasting him, licking into his mouth. Quickly, Frankie tugged open Jay’s pants and pushed his hand into his shorts, wrapping his finger round his mate’s erection, stroking him to full hardness. Jay broke the kiss, heaving in a long breath, staring at him with dark, lustful eyes. “Get your shirt off,” Frankie said, staring back, panting for breath. He was dying to get Jay naked again, to explore every inch of skin. To touch, kiss, and suck and then finally feel what it was like to have a lover inside him. The rogue nodded, almost ripping his T-shirt in his haste to pull it over his head. Frankie chuckled and lunged forward to kiss Jay again, biting down on his bottom lip to taste his beautiful blood. Jay moaned, clasping his hair tightly as they kissed hard again. Frankie let his hands roam over soft skin and hard muscle, the slenderness of Jay’s chest visible under his fingertips. “Mmm, caro,” Frankie whispered, licking the gash on Jay’s lip gently. The endearment had slipped out, but it felt right and maybe Jay wouldn’t know what it meant. He kissed the rogue and stroked his cock until he was leaking pre-cum down the shaft and over his fingers. “Fuck, I want you so bad.” “I want you, too, but…” “No 'buts,' Jay, please.” Frankie pulled his hand from Jay’s pants and licked the pre-cum from his fingers so he could tug his T-shirt off. A quiet whimper from his lover made him stop, and he looked up as Jay reached out to touch him. Gentle fingertips slid over his chest and

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stomach to his groin, flicking his pants open and pushing at them. “I want to see you again.” “Okay,” Frankie said. “But I want to see you, too.” Jay nodded slowly, lying back on the bed and lifting his hips to push his pants and underwear off. Taking a shaky breath, Frankie got up and stripped off quickly so he could get back on the bed, lying next to his mate. He ran his fingers down Jay’s ribs, then round to his back to pull him close again, kissing him as he slid a leg over the rogue’s hip to push their cocks together. Jay gasped softly and touched his cheek, drawing him closer, nipping gently on his lip and rocking his hips against him. Pushing hard, Frankie rolled on top of his mate and got up onto his hands and knees above him. Jay blinked up at him, a shadow of fear behind his eyes clutching at Frankie’s heart. “Don’t be scared of me, caro, please,” he whispered. “I’m not,” Jay snapped, blue eyes flashing angrily. He pushed Frankie back and sat up, grasping his hair and yanking his head back to lick his neck and bite down. “Oh fuck, yes,” Frankie gasped, grabbing Jay’s shoulders, holding on as his mate lapped and sucked. He was so desperate and needy it was ridiculous. He felt empty and horny. His cock pulsed and dripped onto Jay’s stomach. “Please,” he whispered. “Jay, I need you so much.” His mate faltered, pulling back with a hitch in his breath. “But I—” “Jay, come on, I’m going nuts here.” “I don’t want…” Jay closed his eyes and sighed. “I don’t want to hurt you.” “Oh, Jay.” Frankie sagged against his mate, wrapping his arms round him and kissing him gently. “It doesn’t have to hurt. And even if it does, it’ll only be a little and for a little while. I want you. You won’t hurt me.” “It doesn’t have to hurt?” Jay asked slowly, looking up at him and frowning.

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“No, it doesn’t.” Frankie cupped the rogue’s cheek and kissed him again. “And I’m so sorry you didn’t know that.” “I can fuck you and not hurt you?” “Of course, Jay. Do you really think guys would want to get fucked if it hurt? I mean, unless they’re a pain freak.” “I don’t know.” “I’ve fucked a lot of guys, Jay—” “I don’t want to hear about how many men you’ve fucked, Frankie,” Jay snapped angrily, shoving at him. Frankie rolled his eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. They don’t mean anything. They were all one-night things to stave off the loneliness while I waited for you.” “For me?” “Don’t you get it yet? We’re mates. From the moment we met, you’re all I’ve wanted or needed. You’re the only one who counts.” He sighed and carefully tucked Jay’s hair behind his ears. “You’re the only one I’ve ever asked to fuck me.” Jay’s expression was a mix of shock, confusion and panic, and Frankie frowned. “What, caro?” “You’ve never…and you want me to…fuck, Frankie, I don’t know if I can.” “You can, Jay. We both want this. I want you to be the first.” “Who’s going to be the second?” Jay asked sharply. “You are,” Frankie snapped. “Fuck, Jay, how many times do I have to tell you? I only want you, and I’ll only ever want you for the rest of our lives.” “I just still don’t really understand. Why me?” “I don’t know quite how it works, Jay. I just know that we’re kinda made for each other.” Frankie knelt up and shifted over, reaching for the lube he kept in his bedside table. “What’s that?” “It’s what helps it not to hurt.” He squeezed some lube onto his

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fingers and crawled back over Jay’s body, supporting his weight on his knees and one hand as he reached back, sliding his slick fingers down the crease of his ass. Jay’s breath hitched. “What are you doing?” he gasped, hands coming up to skitter nervously down Frankie’s sides. Frankie shivered and pushed one finger slowly into his body. “I’m, uh, fuck,” he said with a groan. Jay’s hand slid down over his hardening cock and balls, and his fingertips traced round the entrance to his body and up along his finger. “Why are you…” “Preparation,” Frankie whispered, breathing in deeply, then out as he pushed a second finger inside himself. He felt full and uncomfortable, and the stretch burned a little, but he wanted his mate inside him so badly, it was all he could think about. “Oh fuck, Frankie,” Jay breathed, staring up at him wide-eyed. The rogue stroked over Frankie’s fingers as Frankie thrust them in and out of himself and reached for the lube with his other hand, squeezing some onto his fingers. “I want, I want to do it,” Jay whispered, lifting up to kiss him quickly. “God, yes, please.” Frankie eased his fingers free with a grunt and spread his legs wider, leaning down to kiss his lover. He moaned his encouragement as Jay’s fingers touched him tentatively, circling his hole slowly, almost tickling him. “Please,” Frankie groaned. “I need you to stretch me out so you can fuck me.” Jay pushed into him with two fingers, and Frankie gasped at the sudden stretch, eyelids fluttering with the edge of pain that somehow made him want more. “Oh God, please, Jay,” he said, nipping at his lover’s lip for a taste of his blood. “More.” A third finger pushed at his hole, and Frankie cried out as he was stretched even wider, the burn spreading through him.

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“Frankie!” Jay’s voice was full of fear, and Frankie looked down. “I’m okay. I’m—oh fuck,” he gasped, a shock of pleasure jolting through his body. “Oh fuck, do that again.” “Do what?” Jay whispered breathlessly, his eyes dark with lust as he stared up at him. “Prostate, press down. Fuck, I knew it had to be good, but I didn’t know it was so amazing,” Frankie gasped, rocking his hips back against the thrusts of fingers into his body. Jay pressed harder and Frankie bucked into him, cock jerking helplessly as another wave of pleasure consumed him. “Yes, oh fuck, I need you, Jay. I need you inside me so bad.” Jay nodded and kissed him again, easing his fingers from his body. “What do I—I want to see your face, Frankie.” “Me, too, caro.” Frankie rolled over onto the bed and spread his legs. He reached down to palm his erection as he watched his mate squirt more lube into his hand and spread it carefully over his cock. “Oh, Frankie,” Jay whispered, moving to kneel between his legs. “I want you.” “You have me.” Frankie beckoned to his lover and lifted both hands to grasp his hips, drawing him over his body and guiding his cock between the cheeks of his ass. “Now take me.” Jay groaned and pushed into him, a slow slide of silken hardness that stretched him intensely and filled him with heated pleasure. “Fuck, oh fuck,” Frankie moaned, arching his hips up and putting his arms round Jay’s waist. He’d never felt anything more amazing in his life, beyond the slight pain, the burn and the intensity. He felt complete at last, the hole in his heart repaired and soul filled. “You okay?” Jay whispered, sounding a little frantic. “Oh yes, so very okay,” Frankie said, wrapping his legs round his mate’s hips and rocking up to pull Jay all the way inside him. “Fuck, Frankie, you feel so good. This feels so good!” Jay pulled back and thrust into him again and Frankie cried out, the burn turning

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into a sensation of warmth that made his cock throb and leak pre-cum onto his stomach. “Yes, yes, so fucking good,” Frankie gasped. He pulled his mate into a hard kiss as they started to move together, hips rocking into each other faster. The length of Jay’s cock inside him felt so good, the slide out making his eyelids flutter with sensation, and every thrust into him slammed pleasure through his whole body. His constant cries were muffled by Jay’s mouth, their tongues tangled and torn on their teeth to share blood between them. It was too good. He had to come. His groin ached with the need to come. He pushed a hand between them and grasped his cock tightly, stroking hard and fast as he thrust up against his lover, trying to get Jay to fuck him harder. With a gasp, Jay pushed up, panting as he stared down at Frankie, and slammed into his body over and over. “Want to see you come,” Jay whispered. Frankie groaned, overwhelmed with heat and pleasure. “Fuck yes, Jay!” Frankie cried out, hips arching into the stroke as he came and jerked, holding onto his mate almost desperately. “Come with me, caro, please. Come in me.” “Ah fuck, Frankie!” Jay hunched over him, hips jerking into him, and suddenly, Frankie was filled with liquid warmth. He wrapped his arms round his mate as Jay collapsed on top of him, and bit back the urge to tell him that he loved him. “Thank you,” Jay whispered, kissing his neck gently. Frankie’s breath hitched, and he forced back tears. “What are you thanking me for?” “This whole week, you’ve done everything for me. No one’s ever done anything for me.” “That’s what mates do, caro, I want to. I need to.” “Yeah, I think I’m starting to get that.” Jay pushed himself up again and pulled back carefully. Frankie bit his lip to stop himself from asking Jay to stay inside him for a bit longer. “Good, because it’s not going to change.”

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“What about tomorrow?” Jay asked, kneeling on the bed between his legs. “They’re going to want to talk.” “I know, but I’m the one in trouble not you, don’t worry.” Frankie sat up and rubbed the frown from between Jay’s eyebrows. “But what if…” “What if what?” “What if they make me leave?” “They won’t.” “But I’m rogue.” “You’re my mate. They can’t make you leave without me, and they wouldn’t make me leave, I promise.” “You really think so?” “I know so, Jay. We’re Pack, and you’re my mate. That makes you part of our pack whether you or Bert or Tyler likes it or not.” Jay flinched at Bert’s name and looked away. “If I stay here with you, Bert will know,” he said softly. “We’ll be safe here.” “You really think so?” Jay shook his head. “He’s completely insane, Frankie. He won’t care that there’s eight of you. He’ll just want us all dead.” Frankie lay down and lifted his arms, beckoning to his lover. Jay sighed, lying down and cuddling up to him. “Just relax, Jay, please. Tyler and Matt can handle this, I promise. They know what they’re doing.” He stroked soft, black hair and kissed his mate gently. “I don’t know if I can relax.” “Turn over, caro.” With a sigh, Jay turned over, letting Frankie spoon up behind him. Frankie kissed the back of his mate’s neck, nuzzling softly. “I love you,” he mouthed silently against Jay’s skin. “Frankie?” “Yes?” “What’s caro?”

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The breath left his body in a rush, and Frankie licked his lips nervously. “It’s nothing, just…” He paused to clear his throat. “Kind of an endearment.” Jay twisted his head back to look at him. “What kind of an endearment?” “The usual kind.” “What does it mean, Frankie?” Jay asked with a roll of his eyes. “I don’t know,” Frankie lied. “It’s just a, uh, family thing.” “Right.” Jay sighed softly and turned away again. Frankie closed his eyes and pressed a kiss to the back of his mate’s neck, wishing he could just tell him the truth. But it was too soon. Frankie had a feeling that Jay wouldn’t be able to understand or accept that he loved him. “Just get some sleep,” he said quietly, gently licking his mate’s neck. “Yeah, whatever,” Jay murmured, his breath slowing into sleep.

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Chapter 8 Frankie woke to a soft knock, and he lifted his head to look in the direction of the door. “Come in, guys.” The door opened, admitting a naked Tyler and Zacky. “Hey, cub,” Tyler said softly. Frankie managed a smile until he felt Jay start awake and freeze next to him. Tyler and Zacky crossed the room to the foot of the bed, and Frankie stroked Jay’s arm, trying to soothe him. “Shift up then, kids.” “Oh God no,” Jay whispered. “It’s okay, Jay,” Frankie said softly. “No. No, it’s not okay.” Slowly, Jay pushed the cover back and got on his knees, prostrating himself on the mattress. “What are you doing?” Frankie gasped. “I don’t want—please don’t hurt Frankie. This was all my fault.” Frankie shared a stunned look with his alpha and beta as he tried to pull his mate up. Jay shook his head, refusing to move. “Jay, please, it’s okay.” “Don’t, Frankie. I have to do this. Don’t hurt him, hurt me.” “Okay. Baby, dig us out some boxers, please,” Tyler said softly. “Yeah, sure.” Zacky went to Frankie’s chest of drawers and pulled out four pairs of shorts. He and Tyler pulled a pair on each, and Zacky handed a pair to Frankie. He put them on and gently stroked a hand down Jay’s spine. “Sit up, caro, please. They’re not going to hurt either of us.” Jay turned his head to look at him, eyes wide and scared.

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“But then—why?” “They’re here to talk and cuddle, that’s all.” Jay slowly knelt up, blinking widely at him, his expression doubtful, frightened, and the tiniest bit hopeful. “Here,” Frankie said, giving his mate a pair of shorts. With a tiny, shaky smile, Jay took them and hurriedly pulled them on. “If it makes you more comfortable, we’ll just sit on the end of the bed,” Zacky said quietly. Frankie sighed. He could have used a puppy pile, but the edge of terror still haunting him from his mate made him nod. “Please, yeah.” He tugged Jay into his arms and stroked his hair, and Tyler and Zacky sat on the end of the bed, half turned toward them. “Tell me, Jay,” Tyler said. “What were you expecting to happen just now?” “Punishment.” “What sort of punishment?” “Whatever you’d have wanted,” Jay whispered with a small shrug. “You were offering yourself to us?” “Yes.” Frankie flinched, his mate’s brief reply chilling him, despite knowing a little of what his mate had been through. “Oh, Jay, no,” he whispered. “That isn’t how packs work.” Tyler sighed. “You’re both adults. You can do what you like without expecting to be punished for it. We’re here for guidance and protection. We’re here to talk to. We’re family.” “Frankie’s family,” Jay sighed. “You’re Frankie’s mate. That makes you family,” Tyler said firmly. “But—” “No buts, Jay. I can’t imagine what’s been done to you, but it’s over now. As long as it’s what you want, you are part of our pack.”

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Jay stared at Tyler, cuddling into Frankie closer. “I don’t know. All I know is that I want Frankie.” “Jay,” Frankie breathed, sliding a hand up to his mate’s cheek to kiss him gently. Jay kissed him back for a moment, then pulled away again. “Good, that’s settled,” Tyler said, smiling at them. “Just like that?” Jay asked with a frown. “But, I’m a rogue.” “No, not just like that,” Zacky said with a soft smile. “What do you mean?” Frankie asked warily. “Oh come on, Frankie, you came home reeking of sex and strange Pack every night. Besides, you snuck out. You really think we weren’t going to keep an eye on you?” Shaking his head, Zacky chuckled. “But I covered my tracks.” Tyler raised an eyebrow. “Who taught you to do that?” “You did,” Frankie sighed. “Quite,” Tyler said with a quiet laugh. “Give it a hundred years, and you might stand a chance at outwitting me.” “But then you’ll be another hundred years older, too.” “True.” “So you’ve known about Jay from the start?” “Yeah,” Tyler said. “I know I said I wouldn’t tell Tyler, but Jay’s scent was on you, and you were so upset. I had no choice.” Zacky reached out to pat Frankie’s leg. “You are our pack, Frankie. Keeping you safe is of utmost importance to us.” Frankie flushed and ducked his head. “I know it is. Tyler, I’m sorry I put myself in a situation that could have been dangerous.” “You couldn’t help it, Frankie,” Zacky said, turning to smile at Tyler. “When you find your mate, they are the only choice you can make…no matter how much you might try to resist.” “Yes,” Tyler said dryly. “Hush, beloved,” Zacky said with a roll of his eyes. “Yes, dear.” Tyler grinned at his mate and leaned in to kiss him

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gently. “Now, Jay, do you think you’d be up for a puppy pile with us?” “I—” Jay shook his head. “No, I’m not really ready.” “That’s okay,” Zacky said softly. “We’ll leave you two alone for now, but come down for breakfast soon so we can all talk.” “Matt and Johnny, too?” Frankie asked. “Yes. And Matt is very sorry for hurting you, Jay. He didn’t realize who you were.” “Okay,” Jay said quietly. The older couple got up and headed for the door, hand in hand, and Frankie turned his full attention back to his lover, wrapping legs round him as well as his arms. “You wanted to protect me,” he whispered. He smiled happily with a feeling of joy at the realization that Jay was willing to face his fears and sacrifice himself to save him from being hurt. “I guess,” Jay said quietly, pulling away from him. Frankie crossed his legs and sagged as his heart sank. “What’s wrong now?” he asked. “Why does anything have to be wrong?” Jay snapped. “Because you’re not touching me.” “I don’t always have to always be touching you, you know.” “Really?” Frankie asked, confused, hurt tears starting to burn his eyes. “Because I need to touch you all the time.” “Fine, I need to, but I don’t fucking want to.” Frankie’s breath hitched. “Why not?” “Do you really want to?” “Yes,” Frankie whispered. “I’ve wanted you, needed you since we met.” “It doesn’t bother you that we don’t seem to have a choice?” Frankie sighed and shook his head. “No. Do you know how long I’ve been lonely? Do you know how long some Pack have to wait for their mates? I’m lucky to have only waited months for you.” He reached out for his mate, who moved further back, and Frankie’s hurt

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snapped into anger. Lunging at Jay, Frankie pushed him down against the mattress, pinning arms and legs. “Maybe we don’t have a choice, but I wouldn’t change anything if I did,” Frankie said harshly. “Get off me.” Jay growled, struggling with him. “No. Not until you tell me. Why can’t you accept it? Accept me?” Jay stopped fighting him and turned his head away. “If I accept all this, then I have to trust you, and you’ll be able to hurt me.” Frankie sat up and yanked Jay up with him, biting his lip and licking the blood from his mouth. “You could rip my heart out right now, but I still trust you.” Jay blinked rapidly. “You barely know me.” “Maybe in the sense that I’ve only known you a week, but I know you.” “And…” Jay stared at him, gingerly prodding at his lip with the tip of his tongue. “You still—want me?” “What part of ‘I’m yours’ didn’t you get?” Frankie said with a huff of laughter. “I would never deliberately hurt you, Jay. I would never want to. I just want to be yours. Is that so hard to believe?” “Yes, okay?” Jay sighed. “You could have anyone. You’re beautiful, hot…” “Thank you,” Frankie whispered. “But so are you, you know? And I don’t want anyone. I want you.” “Aren’t you afraid I’ll hurt you?” “I guess a little, yeah,” Frankie said softly. “But you can only hurt me because I…” He bit his lip to stop himself blurting out his feelings. “Because I belong to you. I trust that you won’t.” “I just don’t know if I can trust you.” Frankie sighed and nodded slowly, the pain countered by the knowledge of how badly Jay had been treated in the past. “Not yet anyway,” Jay continued, shifting closer as he spoke. “I want to, you know?”

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“Want to?” “Trust you.” Frankie smiled and touched Jay’s cheek gently. “That’s good enough.” Jay pulled back again, frowning. “Good enough for what? A fuck?” Frankie’s anger rippled to the surface again. “I can’t say anything right to you, can I? You’re dying for any excuse to prove me wrong and prove your experience right. Well fuck you, Jay.” He got up, and Jay sneered at him. Frankie pulled on some track pants and leaned over the bed. “Like you said, Jay, I could have anyone, but try getting this through your thick skull. I only want you, and if I only wanted sex, I wouldn’t be here, letting you hurt me.” He emphasized the last four words by poking Jay in the chest. His mate’s expression was at once angry, confused, and pained, and he slapped Frankie’s hand away. “Now I’m going downstairs. You do what you like.” Turning, Frankie stalked from the room, barely managing to stop himself from slamming the door. They both did enough flouncing from rooms that it was getting tiresome. Sighing heavily, he jogged down to the kitchen where the two alphas and their mates were sitting, drinking coffee and talking quietly. “Frankie,” Tyler said as he went to pour himself a cup. “Yeah?” “Where’s Jay?” Frankie got some blood from the fridge and added it to his coffee before sitting down and grimacing at his alpha. “Upstairs.” “Is he coming down?” “I don’t know,” Frankie said with a shrug, dropping his gaze to stare at his coffee as he stirred it. “What happened?” Zacky asked gently. “We fought again. Sometimes it seems like that’s all we ever do.”

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“I know the feeling.” Tyler sighed, patting Zacky’s arm when he grimaced apologetically at the alpha. “What about?” “Trust,” Frankie sighed. “Getting hurt. He’s been hurt a lot and I—” “Hurt?” Frankie started in surprise, turning to see his furious-looking mate in the doorway. “You think I’ve been hurt? Fifteen years of being beaten for every little thing. Starved for punishment over every little thing. Used as a convenient hole by everyone. Last to feed when I was even allowed to. Scapegoat, punching bag, and toy. I wasn’t hurt. I was dead.” Jay stopped, heaving in a shaky breath, and Frankie stood. The pain radiating from his mate filled him until he wanted to throw up or cry or both. He needed to comfort Jay, the pain propelling him forward to wrap the rogue in a tight hug. He ignored Jay’s attempts to push him away, breathing apology after apology until his mate just sagged against him and sobbed quietly into his neck. While he’d known or guessed most of it, to hear it spelled out like that tore his heart apart. “It’s over, caro. That’s all over,” he whispered. “That never has to happen to you again.” “But he controls me,” Jay said, his breath hitching. “We can change that,” Tyler said, quietly but firmly. Jay lifted his head. “How?” “When you join our pack, I become your alpha, and he won’t have that control over you anymore.” “But you would.” “Technically, yes,” Tyler said with a slow nod. “How does that help?” “Because Tyler would never use that ability,” Zacky said. “Especially against you.” “How can I trust that you won’t?” “He wouldn’t dare,” Zacky said darkly. Matt snickered, and Tyler whacked his arm.

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“I suppose at the moment, you can’t,” Tyler said. “But I don’t need to. Pack doesn’t work that way, Jay. Even if you can’t trust me, you know, in your heart, that you can trust Frankie. Even if you think you can’t.” Frankie held his breath as he waited for his mate’s response, hoping against hope that Jay would finally put a little trust in him. “Okay,” Jay finally whispered. “Thank you!” Frankie gasped. His own tears overflowed at last, a silent trickle as he clasped his mate’s face and kissed him a little desperately. Jay kissed him back for a moment, a hand sliding up into Frankie’s hair before he broke away, resting their foreheads together. Blue eyes were wide and dark as they fixed on his, and Jay’s other hand came up to wipe gently under his eyes. “I’m sorry, Frankie.” “Yeah?” “You’ve tried so hard with me,” Jay whispered, fingers rubbing Frankie’s scalp gently. “I want to be part of this pack with you.” “Thank you,” Frankie repeated, kissing him again harder. “Please, Jay, do it now. I want to know you’re safe.” “Are you serious?” “Yes. I need you right now, Jay, but I don’t want you to go another second thinking Bert has any power over you.” Jay flinched at the mention of Bert’s name but nodded. “What do I have to do?” “Let me feed from you—just a little,” Tyler added hastily when Jay’s breath hitched in fright. “And then you feed a little from me. The exchange of blood is what seals the link that already started when you mated with Frankie.” “That’s all? Really?” “Yes, of course.” “I don’t have to—” Jay stopped and blinked rapidly, staring round the room at everybody. “Don’t have to?” Tyler prompted.

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“Uh, you know, um, service anyone?” “God, no,” Zacky gasped. “We’d never ask anything of you like that, not least because we’re mated anyway.” “Why does that make a difference?” “Because—” Zacky stopped and frowned. “Well, you’re mated now. You must know. Frankie is all you want and need.” Jay turned his stare to Frankie and frowned. Frankie stared back, nervous and a little anxious. His mate still had a lot of issues that couldn’t be fixed by just a week of being cared for, and that might never be fixed. He might want to deny that Frankie was all he needed or wanted. “Frankie?” “You’re all I want and need,” Frankie said softly. “You…you are,” Jay whispered, reaching up to cup his cheek. “I don’t—I didn’t—” “I know.” Frankie leaned up for a quick kiss, then gently pushed his mate back. “Please, do it now. Tyler, please.” “Of course. If you’re ready, Jay.” Frankie felt his mate’s nervousness and stroked his back, trying to soothe him. “Okay.” “Give me your wrist,” Tyler said as he stood, and Zacky moved to stand behind him. Jay stumbled forward, reaching back for Frankie’s hand. Frankie took it and squeezed, moving closer with his lover who held out his other hand to Tyler. Gently, the alpha took Jay’s forearm and lifted his wrist to his mouth. He bit down, and Jay gasped, squeezing Frankie’s hand hard. “Easy, caro, I’m here,” Frankie whispered, stroking up and down his mate’s arm. The scent of Jay’s blood was intoxicating, and Frankie bit his lip hard as his gut tightened. He needed to be alone with his mate, but he needed to know that Jay was safe from Bert more. Matt and Johnny had disappeared, and Zacky had slid his arms round Tyler’s waist and was kissing the back of his neck eagerly.

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Frankie swallowed hard, moving even closer to his mate, still holding his hand as he slid his arm round Jay’s stomach and nuzzled between his shoulder blades. Jay shivered lightly, and Tyler pulled back with a noisy slurp, twisting to kiss his mate hard. “Fuck,” Frankie groaned, pressing his hardening cock into Jay’s ass. Jay’s bloody wrist was too tempting, though, and he moved round, taking his mate’s hand and licking up the blood. The taste was intense, filling him with an increasing sense of need to drag his mate back to their room. “Hurry up,” he whispered. Tyler held out his arm as Zacky climbed up his body, biting at his mouth. Frankie lapped at the already-healing wound on Jay’s wrist, as the rogue took Tyler’s hand and bit his wrist open, sucking with a moan. “Caro, I need you,” Frankie said, leaning forward to lick over Jay’s lips and Tyler’s wrist. The taste of his alpha’s blood just deepened his need, and he pulled Jay back, twisting and surging up to kiss his mate. He licked over soft lips and pushed between them, desperate to taste his lover’s mouth, flavored with their alpha’s blood. Jay opened to him eagerly, tongue twining with his, as he wrapped his arms round Frankie’s neck. Gripping his lover’s T-shirt, Frankie started to push him toward the door, and Jay groaned, gripping his hair tightly, kissing him harder, deeper, almost desperately. They pulled apart for a moment, dragging in harsh breaths as they stared at each other. Tyler and Zacky were on the kitchen table, the smaller man straddling his mate, hips rocking as they kissed. “Fuck,” Frankie gasped again. He grabbed his mate’s hand and dragged him from the room. His groin ached, need flowing hotly through his whole body, and now he knew what it felt like to have his mate inside him. He craved that feeling again. Inside their room, he shut the door firmly, stripping off track pants and boxers as he headed for the bed. “Wait, Frankie. Wait!”

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“Oh fuck no.” Frankie sighed, collapsing on the end of the bed. His dick was hard and dripping. He felt empty, and he was dying to feel his mate lying against him, his weight on top of him, skin against skin, slick with sweat and sliding together. Shuddering with lust that filled him until he couldn’t breathe, Frankie shook his head. “Wait for what?” “I don’t want—” “Me? I don’t believe you.” “No, I didn’t mean,” Jay broke off with a gasp, staring at him as Frankie pushed his hurt anger aside and knelt up on the end of the bed. He clasped his shaft in a loose fist and swiped his thumb over the leaking tip. Catching Jay’s darkening gaze, he lifted his hand and sucked his thumb into his mouth to taste himself. “Mmm,” he murmured. “Almost as good as you.” “Stop it,” Jay breathed. Frankie fisted his cock again and stroked slowly. “Why?” “Because it’s not fair.” “You told me to wait. Well, I’m sorry, but I can’t, and if I can’t have you, then I’m gonna jack off while I look at you.” Jay blinked at him. “Looking at me?” “Of course,” Frankie said with a sigh. He let go of his dick to hold out his hand. Jay took it with a soft sigh. “You turn me on, Jay. You’re all that turns me on.” “But downstairs…” “You turned me on. Feeding, being fed on, your blood…fuck, Jay.” Frankie bit his lip, his cock pulsing with need as his desire rose, and he pulled Jay up to the end of the bed. He knelt up so he could slide a hand to the back of his mate’s neck and tug him down for a kiss. He sucked and licked gently at Jay’s lips, then slid his tongue between them, lapping delicately to taste and explore. His kiss got deeper and harder as Jay finally started to kiss him back and wrapped his arms round him. It was hot feeling his lover’s body against his, a single layer of

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clothing separating him from the silk of Jay’s skin. Slow hands stroked down his back to his ass, cupping and squeezing. Frankie gasped, almost shocked, his need jumping with his cock. He kissed the rogue harder, as Jay pulled him up to his feet. Standing on the low-slung bed, he was pretty much the same height as his mate, and he groaned at the feel of hard cock sliding and rubbing against his. “Fuck, Jay, fuck please,” he begged. He rocked urgently into his lover, the barrier of his mate’s pants a frustrating tease. “You want me?” Jay whispered. “You’re all I want,” Frankie replied, pushing his hands up under his mate’s T-shirt, scratching lightly. “Please?” Nodding, Jay picked him up and knelt on the bed, carrying him as he crawled forward and lay them both down. “What do you want?” Jay whispered. “Whatever you want.” Jay rolled his eyes and straddled him, pinning him to the mattress. “And what if I said I want to do whatever you want to do?” Frankie lifted his head, catching Jay’s lip between his teeth and biting hard. Jay growled, biting back at his lips, kissing and licking hard at their blood mixed together. “What if I said I want to fuck you?” Frankie said, licking over his mate’s mouth. Jay froze for a moment then sat up. “I don’t know.” “You don’t know what you’d do, or you don’t know if you want me to?” “I don’t know, Frankie!” Jay snapped. “I want to, Jay, I really want you, but not if you’re not ready or not sure,” Frankie said, slipping a hand back under his mate’s T-shirt to stroke his stomach. “I want you to fuck me just as much.” “Why?” “Why?” Frankie sat up and kissed his lover. “Because it feels amazing. Because having you inside me made me feel complete. I would just like you to have that, to feel that, too.”

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“Being fucked has only meant pain to me.” “I know, and I’m so sorry you had to go through that, but I want to change that for you,” Frankie whispered. “I would never just fuck you. I could never just fuck you.” “Well, what then?” Jay looked so confused that it made Frankie’s eyes burn and his heart clench painfully. “Caro, did you just fuck me?” “No. I couldn’t,” Jay whispered. “Would you let me try? Make it mean something different for you?” “I don’t know,” Jay whispered. “I don’t know if I can. I don’t know if I can get past that.” “What if I gave you total control?” Jay stared at him, confusion taking over again. “Me? How?” “You can tie me down. You can be on top. You can control everything,” Frankie whispered. Scrambling back, Jay blinked rapidly, licking his lips and swallowing. “Caro, we don’t have to. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.” “You’d let me—you’d trust me not to hurt you?” “You wouldn’t hurt me, Jay. I know that even if you don’t. And if you fuck me instead, I’ll be just as happy because I just want to be with you.” Jay breathed in and out harshly, staring wide-eyed and almost wondering. “You’re serious?” “Yes, Jay, completely.” “Well, uh, how would I, would we…we’re too strong for rope.” “But not for chains.” “Chains?” Jay gasped. “Where are we gonna get chains?” “I can get them if you want me to.” He smiled softly and waited, trying not to put any pressure on his mate. Jay blinked again and swallowed, suddenly nodding jerkily. “Yeah?”

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“Yes, I think—yes.” “Yeah? I mean, just wait here okay, caro? Don’t worry, just try to relax.” “Okay,” Jay whispered with tight smile. Frankie got up and pulled on his boxers, hurrying from the room and down to the other side of the house where Johnny’s choked cries were getting louder and louder. He debated the wisdom of knocking, then decided it would be safer to sneak in and leave them to it. Pushing the door open slowly, he crept in and stopped for a moment to stare in amazement. Johnny was chained up against the wall, mouth stretched wide with a ball gag while Matt lashed his back and ass with an expertly wielded bullwhip. Frankie pressed his lips together to keep himself from gasping and adjusted his dick, trying to ignore the hot couple and heading for the enormous trunk where they kept all their toys. As he reached for the catch, Matt suddenly twisted and cracked the whip at him. It wrapped round his wrist, and Frankie squeaked in shock. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” “Um, trying not to disturb you?” Matt glared at him. “Well, you failed. What do you want?” “A set of cuffs.” Matt raised an eyebrow. “You want a set of cuffs?” “Yes. Wrist and ankle if you have them.” “If I have them?” Matt snorted, rolling his eyes. The alpha moved over to his mate and kissed his cheek. “I’ll just be a moment, liebling, okay?” Johnny tapped the wall twice firmly with his fingertips. “What’s that?” Frankie asked. “That means yes, three for no, and four for stop.” “Oh, cool.” Opening the trunk, Matt dug around for a moment and pulled out two sets of chains and cuffs. “Fur lined,” Matt said with a wink. “I love my baby, you know.”

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“I know. Thanks, Matt.” He took the chains and headed for the door. “Uh, Frankie?” “Yeah?” “Key.” Matt chuckled and held out the key to him as Frankie flushed lightly and took it with a nod. Once out of the room, he ran back to his room, hoping that leaving his mate alone wouldn’t have freaked him out or made him change his mind.

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Chapter 9 “Jay, it’s me,” he said as he opened the door. His mate was sitting on the center of the bed, legs bent, feet tucked against his ass, arms wrapped round his shins and his cheek on his knees. He was also naked. “Oh fuck, Jay, you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Frankie whispered. Jay lifted his head, flushing lightly. “I, uh, thank you. Are those…” He stopped and swallowed hard. “Yeah.” Frankie approached the bed slowly. “Do you want to have a look?” “I think—yes.” “Okay, good.” Frankie stripped out of his boxers and crawled onto the bed, laying the cuffs on the mattress between them. Jay reached out slowly, touching the edge of one with his fingertips. “I, Frankie, I don’t know about this.” “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, you know that.” “I know.” Jay sighed and looked up to smile at him. “What did it feel like?” “What?” “When I fu—when we had sex.” “Like everything I was waiting for all my life,” Frankie said softly, his eyes locked firmly with his mate’s. “I want…” Jay faltered slightly and licked his lips. “I want to feel that, Frankie. I don’t want to feel hopeless and helpless anymore. I want to feel like I can have more than pain and fear.” “You can, caro. From now on, you’re my mate, you’re Pack. You

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have the rest of our lives together to do and be whatever you want. I want to fu—” He stopped and shook his head. “Make love to you, but if you’re not ready yet, then I want you to make love to me.” “What if I’m never ready, Frankie?” “You will be. You’re strong enough to beat him, you know.” “You really think so?” “Yes.” “Why?” “I can feel it in you, caro. I can feel your strength. You came to find me even though you knew it could be dangerous. You became part of our pack despite being afraid.” Frankie smiled at his mate and held out his hand. Jay took it and leaned forward, kissing him gently. “I want to try,” he whispered. Frankie’s heart swelled with happiness, and he kissed Jay back. He shifted back on the bed and put the key carefully on the bedside table. “I want you to cuff me, Jay.” “Okay,” Jay whispered. Lying down on his back, he stretched out, smiling when his mate’s breath hitched. He looked down to watch the rogue shift down to his feet, snapping a cuff round one ankle, then looping the chain round the rail at the end of the bed and snapping the second cuff on. “Is that okay?” Frankie wiggled his feet and nodded. “Yes, it’s fine.” Crawling forward carefully, Jay stopped at his shoulders and gently stroked his cheek. Frankie smiled and raised his arms over his head so Jay could cuff his wrists in the same manner. Frankie tugged gently at the chains holding his arms up, grinning when he felt their strength. The helplessness of his position was exciting. “Looks like I’m at your mercy, caro.” Jay swallowed loudly. “Oh God.” “It’s okay, Jay. I’m yours. You can do whatever you want to me.” “Yes, but I don’t know what I want to do.” “At least touch me, Jay, please,” Frankie whispered, arching up,

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trying to entice his lover. Jay reached out hesitantly, gentle fingertips trailing over his chest and stomach. It tickled, and Frankie gasped, jerking helplessly as he giggled. Jay smiled suddenly and scooted down to lie next to him, fingers scratching his chest lightly, then suddenly digging into his sides. “Fuck!” Frankie squeaked, laughing as Jay tickled him mercilessly. But the biggest turn-on wasn’t Jay touching him. It was seeing the genuine joy on his mate’s face, to see him laughing. “You tease,” he gasped, writhing to try and get away. He was hard again, aching for more. He wanted to know how it felt to fuck the man he loved, but as he’d said to Jay, if he was the one getting fucked, it would still be perfect. But either way, he needed more than a light tickle. He needed to be touched. “Caro, Jay, please.” The rogue pushed up onto one elbow, looking down at him as his touches grew firmer and moved lower and lower, torturously slowly. Frankie watched his lover’s hand, panting with anticipation, his dick leaking profusely with desire. “Please, caro, I need you,” he whispered. At last, Jay’s fingers tangled in the damp hair at the base of his cock and Frankie groaned as his lover bent to kiss him and slid his hand up to wrap round his cock. He moaned into Jay’s mouth happily, kissing him urgently and rocking his hips to push his cock through his lover’s fist. Jay twisted his stroke, sending a jolt of pleasure through his body, and Frankie groaned. Suddenly, Jay pulled back, letting go of his dick, and Frankie whined. “No, no, don’t stop, please…” He trailed off as he watched his mate lift his hand to his mouth and lick the pre-cum from his fingers. “Oh fuck.” Jay smiled shyly and bent to kiss him again, pushing his tongue into his mouth so he could taste himself. Moaning softly, Frankie kissed back eagerly, writhing desperately to try and gain some small contact with his lover. “Caro, please,” he begged. “Do something. You’re killing me

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here.” Jay bit his lip and leaned over, letting the blood drip slowly onto his mouth. Frankie licked the blood from his lips with a moan. The taste of his mate only intensified his need. He pulled helplessly against his waist cuffs, wanting to touch, grip, stroke, encourage. Shifting down, Jay kissed his chest, leaving a smear of blood, then licked a line down his stomach to the top of his cock. Frankie held his breath in hopeful anticipation, watching his mate hover over his groin, gaze flicking up and down between his face and cock. “You don’t have to, Jay,” he whispered. “I know, but I want to know what it feels like to do it when I want to.” “You still don’t have to, caro.” “I want to.” Jay leaned down and licked over the tip of his cock. “I—I like the way you taste.” “Good, I like the feel of your tongue on me.” Jay licked again, dipping the tip of his tongue into the slit and wiggling. Frankie groaned, little pulses of heated pleasure streaming down through his groin. “Fuck, Jay, you’re teasing again, please.” Licking his lips, Jay pursed them over the head of his cock and slid down slowly, tongue stroking the underside as he sank all the way to the root. “Oh fuck, Jay!” Frankie gasped in surprise. The hot, wet suction and swirl of tongue was more amazing than anything he’d ever felt before and more skilled than he could have guessed. Although, he probably should have, considering Jay’s background, and that was something he wasn’t going to think about. Throat muscles constricted round the head of his cock as Jay sucked and swallowed and barely moved up and down the length. Pleasure streamed through Frankie, tightening every muscle with need.

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“Jay, gonna come.” With a noisy slurp, Jay lifted his head and wrapped thumb and forefinger round the base of his cock. He squeezed hard, and Frankie groaned as he was yanked back from the edge. “Fuck,” he gasped, staring down at his lover. “Jay?” “I don’t want you to come yet,” Jay murmured, not quite meeting his gaze. “Fuck,” Frankie repeated. “God, I wish I could touch you, Jay.” “You could. You could suck me off.” Frankie grinned and nodded. “You’re in complete control, caro. I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” Jay crawled forward over his body slowly, the head of his cock trailing wetly over Frankie’s skin until it was pointing at his mouth. The position was awkward, but Frankie didn’t care. He lifted his head to lap over the dripping tip eagerly, wanting to taste his lover almost desperately. “Mmm, yes,” he moaned. “Move closer, please. I want more.” Jay blinked and smiled, crawling further forward and sliding his cock into Frankie’s mouth. Moaning again, Frankie sucked and swallowed urgently, moving his head back and forth as best he could. He wanted to make his lover come, wanted to suck and taste and swallow him down. More than ever, he wished he could touch his mate. Cup his ass, squeeze and stroke, encourage him to fuck his mouth. Jay was panting harshly, his hips jerking against him as he moaned and gasped. Suddenly, he pulled back, and Frankie groaned, dropping his head back and licking his lips. “Why’d you stop?” “I don’t want to come yet either.” “Oh?” Frankie raised his eyebrows, groin growing tighter as his need started to consume him. “No.” Jay crawled back to straddle his thighs, then reached over to the bedside table for the tube of lube they’d left there the night before.

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“I want to know how it feels to”—Jay blushed vividly—“to not be fucked.” “Do you want me to prepare you?” “No, Frankie, I need to do it,” Jay whispered, squeezing some of the gel onto his fingers. He reached back, and Frankie bit his lip, watching Jay’s expression change as his mate slowly stretched himself. It was a terrible tease not being able to actually see Jay fuck himself with his fingers, but his imagination provided him with vivid pictures that made him groan, his cock jerking with the tension of his need. “Oh God, Jay,” he said. “I need you so much.” Shifting forward again, Jay straddled his hips and bent over to kiss him. Frankie moaned quietly into his lover’s mouth, gasping when slick fingers coated his cock with lube and held the shaft upright. Jay sat up and slowly lowered himself until Frankie felt the head of his cock pushing at the entrance to Jay’s body. Frankie licked his lips and breathed slowly, trying to stay as still as possible and to focus all his love into his gaze. Maybe if Jay could feel how much he was loved, then he could relax into it. “You still don’t have to do this,” Frankie said softly. “No, I know,” Jay whispered. “But you want it.” “No, caro, I want you, whatever way you’re comfortable with.” Jay kissed him again, and suddenly, the head of Frankie’s cock was enveloped in a tight heat that made him gasp. His mate didn’t stop, sitting down, taking his whole length in one stroke until he was sitting in Frankie’s lap. “Oh my God,” Frankie breathed, desperately trying not to rock into his lover. He felt so fucking good. He was finally inside his mate, and even if he couldn’t touch him, he wanted Jay to have the best experience he could. “Sit up, Jay,” he said, panting quietly. “What? Why?”

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“It’ll feel better. I want you to feel good,” Frankie said, straining against the wrist cuffs. He wanted to grip Jay’s hips and rock and thrust and fuck, but all he could do was watch as his beautiful mate sat up. Jay’s pale skin was lightly flushed and sweating, his cock hard and dripping onto Frankie’s stomach. “Lean back,” Frankie breathed. Frowning, Jay leaned back, resting his hands against Frankie’s thighs. “Oh God,” Jay gasped. “Yeah,” Frankie whispered. “You look so fucking gorgeous.” “Oh, God!” Jay repeated, hips rolling up, then rocking back. He cried out, and Frankie groaned. Jay looked and felt so good, so hot, there was no way he was going to last long. “Never…felt like this,” Jay panted, rocking over his cock again. “So good, Frankie.” “God, yes,” Frankie breathed, back arching despite himself to push his hips up into Jay’s stroke. Jay cried out again, his fingers digging into Frankie’s thighs almost painfully. “Oh fuck, caro, please, I need more.” Making a tiny noise in the back of his throat, Jay rolled his hips again and slammed back onto his cock hard, taking him deeper. “Ah fuck, Frankie,” Jay cried out, not even pausing, rocking and thrusting against him harder and faster, hooded eyes fixed on his face. It felt unbelievable, and Frankie rocked with his lover as best he could, tugging at his chains hard, desperate to sit up, to hold, touch, to kiss. “Please, Jay, please.” Letting go of one thigh, Jay wrapped a fist round his shaft, jacking himself quickly. “Oh God!” Frankie cried out. Jay was moving faster over his cock, thrusting hard against him. His ass was hot and tight and rippling around him, building Frankie’s pleasure back up to breaking point. “Please come,” he begged, “please, Jay, come on me.” “Frankie!” Jay groaned and jerked. He came over Frankie’s

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stomach in a hot splash that seemed to burn pleasure through him. “Oh, Jay,” Frankie arched up and groaned, coming deep inside his mate. Jay bent forward and rested his forehead on his chest, breathing heavily. “Please unchain me, Jay. I want to hold you.” “Not yet. I just, I just want to feel you inside me a bit longer.” “Okay,” Frankie whispered, his heart clenching happily. He enjoyed the warmth of Jay’s body against him and the gentle squeeze of muscle around his softening cock as Jay lay on top of him. Finally, as his cock slid free, Jay sat up and reached for the key, unlocking first his ankle then his wrist cuffs. Barely taking a moment to rub his wrists, Frankie wrapped his arms round his mate and nuzzled the top of his head with his nose. “I love you,” he mouthed against dark hair, hugging Jay tighter. “Thank you,” Jay whispered. “What for?” “Giving me control, letting me do it for me.” “I wanted to, caro,” Frankie said gently. He pulled Jay up for a kiss, slicing his tongue open on his canine to give his mate a taste of his blood. Jay murmured quietly, nipping the end of his own tongue to mix their blood together, share it between them. It sealed them even closer together, and now, more than ever, Frankie’s heart ached that he couldn’t tell Jay that he loved him. “How do you feel?” Jay lifted his head to stare at him. “I think I feel…good.” “Yeah?” Frankie breathed happily. “Yes. It’s, at least, I think that’s what it is.” “Oh, Jay,” Frankie whispered, his heart tight with pain that his mate wasn’t even sure that he felt good. “Don’t, Frankie. It’s okay,” Jay said softly, reaching up to smooth Frankie’s floppy hair back off his forehead. “I never thought I could enjoy sex again. I never thought anyone would ever give a damn whether I did or not. You’ve turned my life upside down, but it feels

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good.” “I give more than a damn, Jay,” Frankie said, catching his lover’s hand and linking their fingers together. “I don’t want you to ever doubt that you are cared for.” “You? Care for me?” “Very much.” Jay looked down again, focusing on the center of his chest. “Why?” “Because you fill me.” “Fill you?” Jay frowned at him, looking confused. “What do you mean?” “I mean that my whole life, it was like I was missing a part of myself.” Frankie sighed and gently stroked his mate’s hair. “So?” “So, then I met you, and I realized that the hole in my heart, in my soul, was Jay shaped.” “You’re serious?” “Completely. Jay, you feel it, too. I know you do. We’re mates. You feel what I feel. You feel me, just like I feel you.” Jay lifted his head only enough to bury his face in Frankie’s neck, but he nodded against his skin. “I feel you,” Jay whispered. “That’s all I need,” Frankie said with a happy sigh. He kissed the top of his mate’s head. “We should get up. You need to feed.” Jay whined and lifted his head. “Cold blood?” Frankie couldn’t help a chuckle, reaching up to stroke his fingertips down Jay’s nose. “What are you doing?” Jay said, pulling back but smiling. “Your nose wrinkles up when you’re disgusted like that. It’s cute.” “Cute?” Jay looked doubtful. “Very. Now come on, let’s get up and have a quick shower.” Jay stood up and frowned at him. “You mean, together?” “Well, yeah. That’s okay isn’t it?” “I guess. I just never thought about it before.”

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“Let’s go, then.” Frankie jumped up off the bed and took his hand, dragging him to the bathroom he usually had to share with Mikey and Ollie. He switched on the shower, tugged his lover under the hot water, and wrapped his arms around him. Jay pulled him closer and bent his head to nuzzle Frankie’s hair. “This is nice,” Jay murmured. “Yeah it is.” Frankie sighed, rubbing his cheek against the skin of his lover’s chest. “Let’s just rinse though, I want you to feed properly today.” “So let me feed from a person.” Frankie stiffened with worry and a touch of fear. His mate had been so much less aggressive, he’d almost forgotten Jay’s rogue nature. Wild, vicious, uncontrollable killer without conscience just didn’t fit what he knew, truly knew, about his mate. But still, he couldn’t risk letting Jay anywhere near a human. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” “Why not? Come on, Frankie, you could use some fresh blood, too.” “I could, yes, but I’ve just been in jail on suspicion of murder. The last thing we need is to draw attention to ourselves.” “Right.” Jay pulled back and rinsed himself off. He got out of the shower, grabbed a towel, and walked out of the bathroom. “Jay—” Frankie stopped and sighed, chin dropping to his chest. His mate would have felt his doubt and anxiety, and that was going to set them right back again. He got out of the shower and wrapped a towel round his waist, hurrying back into his room. His mate had already gone, so he dried off quickly and dragged his clothes on. Running downstairs, he came to an abrupt halt in the kitchen doorway and leaned against the frame. He watched his mate taking six cups from the cupboard, as the smell of coffee filled the air. “Jay, I…” “Sit down,” Jay said softly. Blinking uncertainly, Frankie went to sit at the kitchen table. He watched his lover pour five cups of coffee,

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putting them on the table as they were joined by the other four. “Thank you, Jay, that’s very kind of you,” Zacky said. “Yeah, thanks,” Matt said gruffly. “And uh, yeah, sorry about before.” Jay nodded and almost smiled, moving to the fridge to get a bag of blood. He opened the bag and poured some blood into Frankie’s coffee. “Thank you,” Frankie whispered, staring uncertainly at his mate. He had no clue what was going on. Jay seemed oddly lacking in emotion, which made him hard to read. “Oh no. You haven’t taught Jay your disgusting habit, have you?” Tyler exclaimed. “No, he thinks it’s gross,” Frankie said, unable to help grinning at his alpha. “That’s a relief.” Tyler looked up and frowned at Jay, then raised an eyebrow at Frankie. “What’s going on?” Frankie looked at his mate who had yet to pour himself a cup and was standing near the table, hands behind his back and head bowed. “Caro? Aren’t you going to join us?” he asked softly. Jay looked up and stared at him, eyes a little wide, full of anxiety. “What do you mean?” Frankie stood up and took Jay’s hand, pulling him to the table. He moved the chair next to his so that Jay could sit down. “Frankie?” “Sit down, caro, please.” “But I…” “You don’t have to, but we’d all like it if you’d join us.” Jay swallowed loudly in the silence of the kitchen, four pairs of eyes on them both, full of shock. Slowly, Jay moved, sitting down and avoiding the gazes of the others. “Thank you,” Frankie said quietly. He moved to the counter and poured another cup of coffee, carrying it over to his mate. “What are you doing?” Jay gasped. “I can’t.”

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“Of course you can,” Tyler said, before Frankie could. “You’re part of this pack now, equal. You can do what you want, when you want to.” “Except feed properly,” Jay muttered. “Jay, come on, you know why.” “What I know is that when I asked, you freaked out.” “No, I didn’t,” Frankie gasped. “Bullshit, Frankie, I could feel it. You still think I’m like them.” “No, I don’t, Jay. I think that you still think that you’re like them.” Jay’s fingers clenched round his mug, and it shattered suddenly, coffee and porcelain spreading over the table. Jay hissed, pulling his hand back. The scent of blood sparked his hunger, and Frankie took Jay’s hand, gently licking the cuts across his fingers, shivering at the sweet flavor of his mate’s blood. “I’m sorry, Jay,” he whispered. “I don’t understand why you don’t act the way I was taught that rogues always do, but you still think that that’s the way you should be, and it’s not.” “Right, whatever.” “He’s right, Ty. Why the hell isn’t he acting like rogues always do?” Matt asked with a frown. “I don’t know,” Tyler said with a sigh. “The only explanation I can come up with at the moment is that maybe it’s because he’s mated with Frankie.” “Sounds possible.” “What do you mean, act like rogues always do?” Jay asked. “Nuts,” Matt said bluntly. “Matthias, please,” Tyler snapped. “What? They are,” Matt said huffily. “Chéri,” Johnny sighed. “All right. Sorry.” “So,” Jay started slowly. “We—they’re always”—he paused and glanced at Matt—“nuts?” “Never met one that wasn’t.” Tyler sighed.

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“But, but I’m not,” Jay whispered. “I wasn’t. I never was…I just did whatever I had to in order to survive.” “Being rogue is not a choice, Jay. It’s what happens when the transition goes wrong.” Jay frowned at Tyler. “What do you mean, transition?” “At twenty-one, you become fully Pack. The transition is made with blood.” “Oh.” Jay pulled his hand from Frankie’s. “When I turned twentyone, my birthday party consisted of Bert and the others killing my family and Bert forcing me to drink his blood.” “Wait.” Tyler sat up abruptly, and Frankie grabbed Jay’s hand again when his mate flinched. “You drank Bert’s blood first?” “Well, yeah.” “You’re sure?” Jay’s expression was both terrifying and heartbreaking. “Having some lunatic who just broke into your house, slice his wrist open and force you to drink his blood is pretty fucking memorable.” “Oh, caro,” Frankie breathed, wrapping an arm round his mate to pull him close. “We’re so sorry, Jay,” Zacky said softly. “But we weren’t asking because we doubt you. We just need you to be sure that the first taste of blood you had was Bert’s.” “I’m sure,” Jay said sullenly. “Well, that must be the explanation, then,” Tyler said softly. “What do you mean?” Jay asked defensively. “You’re not a rogue.” “Really?” Frankie gasped. “What?” Jay suddenly looked like he might pass out, and Frankie pulled him onto his lap. “It’s human blood that makes a rogue. You’re not a rogue, Jay.” “Really?” Jay breathed, clutching Frankie’s hand hard. “Really. He may be a rogue, but Bert is Pack. You made the transition properly.”

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“I knew it,” Frankie said softly. “I knew you weren’t like that. Even when we fight, you’ve never really been like that.” He wrapped his arms round his mate and kissed him gently. “Caro, you’re my mate, really my mate.” “You doubted it?” Jay asked quietly. “I was afraid that somehow I’d lose you, that if you were rogue, we couldn’t be properly mated.” “You were afraid?” Jay gasped. “You were the one who seemed so sure about everything.” “Only about being yours.” “Frankie, I—” “It’s okay, Jay.” Frankie put a finger over his mate’s lips to stop him. “Well, that makes things easier,” Matt snorted. “What do you mean?” Frankie asked slowly. “We won’t have to stop him killing people all the time.” “Why?” Jay said, tensing defensively. “Why what?” Tyler asked with a frown. “Why do you have to stop me at all? It’s how we feed. It’s how we survive.” “Not by killing, Jay,” Zacky said. “We don’t need to kill.” “What?” “Even with two of us feeding from one person, we don’t need to take enough to kill them.” “Seriously?” “Caro, that guy I was feeding from had passed out. He would have lived if it hadn’t been for…” “If it hadn’t been for Bert,” Jay snorted. “He told me I had to kill or die.” “He was wrong,” Tyler said firmly. “It was another way for him to control me,” Jay whispered. “Well, that’s over now, Jay,” Tyler said, reaching over to pat his arm gently. Jay flinched, and Frankie held him tighter.

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“It’s okay, caro,” he whispered, stroking black hair slowly. “I know, I think.” Jay stopped and sighed. Frankie eased his lover to his feet and stood. “Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet.” “Yeah, she’s been worried about you,” Johnny said softly. “I know. I should have gone to see her last night, but…” “Don’t worry. I spoke to her. It’s fine,” Zacky said. “Thanks, Zacky.” Jay frowned at them. “Who are you talking about?” “You haven’t sensed her?” “Well, yeah, I guess. I just, well, I’ve had other things on my mind, you know?” “Yeah. I know.” Frankie took his mate’s hand. “See you later, guys.” “Okay, cub,” Tyler said with a smile. “Cub?” Jay whispered as they left the room. “It’s like calling me kid.” “Oh. So, you didn’t answer me before. Who are we going to see?” “You’ll see.” “Frankie, seriously.” Jay sounded nervous and Frankie took his hand as he knocked on his grandmother’s door. “Come in, sweetheart.” Frankie opened the door, grinning at his grandmother as he pulled his mate inside and closed it behind them. “How’d you know it was me, Nana?” “Nana?” Jay breathed. “I’ve been expecting you to come see me since last night.” “Well, I would have, but I had some things to sort out with Jay.” Frankie tugged his mate over to the bed, holding tightly to his hand as he sat on the edge of her bed. “Is this your young man, then?” “Yeah. Nana, this is my mate, Jared, and Jay, I’d like you to meet my grandmother, Marie.”

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“Grandmother?” Jay whispered, staring at the elderly woman, wide-eyed and shocked. “Well? Come here and let me look at you, dear,” she said, holding out a hand. “I uh, um, okay.” Jay took her hand and let her pull him closer. “Italian?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Good, good.” “Nana,” Frankie sighed. “What? I can’t want a good Italian boy for my favorite grandson?” “I’m your only grandson,” Frankie snorted. “True,” she said with a smile. “You speak Italian, Jay?” “Uh no, ma’am.” “Well, we can’t have everything I suppose.” “Nana!” “What? It would be nice that’s all. Now”‒she frowned up at them both‒“he seems perfectly nice to me.” “He is.” “So what on earth were you talking about?” “It was a misunderstanding, that’s all, Nana.” Frankie sighed. “Well, that’s good. I want a nice boy for my favorite grandson.” “You’re okay with this?” Jay whispered. “Of course. I knew Frankie was gay long before I knew he was Pack. As long as he’s happy, then I’m happy.” Frankie smiled tightly and looked down. “Sweetheart, you are happy, aren’t you?” “Almost.” “Almost?” Jay whispered, looking hurt. “Are you happy?” “I don’t know what being happy feels like anymore,” Jay said with a tiny shrug. “Caro,” Frankie whispered, his heart hurting for his mate. He tugged Jay down onto his lap and wrapped his arms round his waist.

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“Caro?” his grandmother asked. “Really?” “He’s my mate, Nana.” “And?” she said, both eyebrows rising as she prompted him. “Lo amo,” Frankie whispered, wanting to tell someone but unable to say it in front of his mate. “Mio bambino,” she sighed. “Please stop saying things I can’t understand,” Jay snapped. “Sorry, Jay,” Frankie sighed, stroking his mate’s black hair gently. “You aren’t the only one,” his grandmother said softly. “What?” Frankie asked, startled. “You’ll understand,” she said, patting his arm. “Nana, what?” “Go get something to eat, Jay, dear. You look far too thin.” “Uh, sure, okay.” Jay stood and looked at Frankie, eyes wide with questions. “I’ll just be a few minutes, Jay, I promise. She’s right. You need to eat.” Sighing heavily, Jay nodded. “Fine, I’ll try.” “Thank you.” Frankie waited for the door to close before he stood and pulled his grandmother’s covers down. He set to work, giving her a wash and changing her drainage bags, avoiding her steady gaze. “Frankie.” “Yes, Nana?” “Gianfranco, look at me.” Startled by the use of his full name, he looked up. “What is it, Nana?” “What’s wrong?” she asked softly. “I thought you’d be happy when you found your mate.” “So did I.” “So, what is it?” “I, we thought he was rogue…” She gasped, and he grimaced. “That’s why you were so upset last week?” she asked. “Yeah. I thought my mate was a lunatic and a killer.”

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“But he’s not?” “No. we just found out he’s not, but—Nana, the time he spent with rogues, it damaged him. It’s been hard.” “Is that why you haven’t told him that you love him?” “I’ve known him a week, Nana. If I tell him how I feel, I think it would freak him out.” “I think it would help him feel like he’s not alone.” “He knows he’s not alone, Nana. He’s part of the pack now. Tyler exchanged blood with him.” She sighed and shook her head. “That’s not the same, sweetheart. The pack is family, and that’s wonderful, but you’re his mate.” Stopping, she took his hand. “And from what I understand, that makes you part of each other. Holding back isn’t going to help him feel like he’s not alone.” “Maybe,” he sighed. He wasn’t convinced though. Jay was fragile and defensive, and despite the progress they’d made that week, Frankie still thought it was far too soon for declarations of love. “Definitely.” She smiled and tugged him down to kiss his forehead. “Do you want some breakfast, Nana?” “Yes please, dear.” “Okay, I’ll be right back.”

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Chapter 10 He headed back to the kitchen and sat down next to his mate who was staring into his mug. “Have you drank any yet?” “I just can’t bring myself to do it,” Jay said with a sigh. “Try heating it in the microwave,” Johnny said. “It really does make a difference having it warm.” “Okay, I’ll try.” Jay got up and carried his mug over to the microwave. “Fifty seconds,” Matt said with a nod. Jay turned and raised an eyebrow, and Matt chuckled. “What? It’s experience.” “Okay,” Jay said with a shake of his head. A small smile tugged at Jay’s lips, and it warmed Frankie’s heart to see. “Try it.” Once the microwave had pinged, Jay retrieved the mug and blew on the blood before sipping. “Fuck!” Matt suddenly shouted. He leapt to his feet so abruptly that Jay choked and dropped the mug. It shattered, and a shocked quiet seemed to take over except for Jay’s coughs and Frankie’s worried pats on his back. “Fuck,” Matt repeated, scrambling for his cell. “Chéri, what is it?” Johnny whispered. “Matt?” Tyler added. “The cubs…” Matt was already dialing, and Frankie wrapped his arms round his mate, trying to soothe his shocked trembling. “My mother?” Zacky breathed. “Matthias, what?” Tyler demanded. Matt flapped a hand at Tyler

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and frowned. “God damn it!” Matt shouted, throwing his cell phone against the wall. It smashed, adding to the mess on the floor. “Matthias!” Tyler strode across the room, grasping the other alpha by the shoulders and shaking him. “Something’s wrong and there’s no answer,” Matt whispered. “Well, breaking your phone so they can’t contact you isn’t going to help, is it?” Tyler sighed. “They’re my pack, Ty,” Matt gritted out, reaching for his mate. Johnny ran to his alpha’s side to be enveloped in a tight hug. “What’s going on?” Jay asked softly. “An alpha can sense when his pack members are in trouble,” Frankie replied. “Normally the distance would mean he can’t. The fact that he can means they’re all in trouble.” “Bert,” Jay breathed. “Everyone, get dressed fast, time to go,” Tyler said tightly. Nodding, Frankie took his mate’s hand, pulling him back up to their room. He yanked on jeans and a T-shirt, then his boots. Clipping a knife to his belt, he tried to ignore his mate’s growing anxiety as Jay pulled on his own clothes from the previous day. “Frankie? What are we doing?” “We’re going to help,” Frankie said softly. “I don’t know if I can.” “I need you with me,” Frankie whispered. “I don’t wanna go.” “Please.” Frankie held out his hand and waited hopefully. Jay stared at him and then sighed heavily, taking his hand. “Thank you,” Frankie said, smiling as he led his lover back down the stairs. “He’s not coming,” Matt said harshly. “What? Why not?” Frankie gasped. “Matt, we need as much help as we can get,” Tyler said with a frown. “Not his,” Matt retorted.

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“But, Matt…” Frankie started. “I’m sorry, Frankie. I know he’s your mate, but until last week, he ran with rogues. I can’t trust him right now.” “I understand,” Jay said softly. “But—” Frankie’s heart pounded. He wanted to protest, but he understood, too. “It’s okay, Frankie. I told you I didn’t want to go anyway.” “Someone does need to stay with Marie, Frankie, and it would give Jay a chance to get to know her,” Zacky said quietly. “But—” “Frankie, you can stay, too,” Tyler said, patting his arm. Frankie closed his eyes and pressed his lips together, utterly torn between defending his mate and staying, or defending his pack and going. “You should go,” Jay said. “But.” Frankie stopped and opened his eyes, frowning at his mate. “I don’t want to leave you on your own.” “I won’t be.” “You’d be okay with my grandmother?” Jay looked momentarily terrified, but he nodded. “You want to go, and you’re needed. You should go.” “Make up your mind now,” Matt said shortly. “Okay. I’ll go.” Frankie cupped Jay’s cheek and kissed him a little desperately. “Be safe,” Jay whispered. He buried his face in Frankie’s hair, murmuring something he couldn’t quite hear. “Let’s go!” Matt snapped. Nodding, Frankie reluctantly let go of his mate and headed to the car with the others, squashing into the back with Zacky and Tyler. “Am I doing the right thing?” he whispered. “Yes,” Zacky said softly. “I think so. It was only unfortunate timing that Jay couldn’t come along this time.” “I didn’t want to leave him.”

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“Of course you didn’t.” Tyler sighed. “He’s your mate, but he was right. We need you. We have no idea what’s happened or what we’re going to find.” “I know. I’m sorry, Matt.” “Me, too,” Matt said a little gruffly. They drove out of town and into the National Park, following a little-used track to the hidden cabin that Jimmy used for his job. Matt got more and more agitated the closer they got, and Johnny tried desperately to calm him. “What can you sense, Matt?” Tyler asked softly. “Pain,” Matt growled. “And panic. I can’t…” “I know,” Tyler said quietly, squeezing his shoulder gently. Finally, the car screeched to a halt and they scrambled out. Tyler grabbed Matt before he could run down the path to the cabin. “Stop and think, Mattie.” “But…yeah, I know.” Matt sighed. He closed his eyes with a look of intense concentration. “It’s quiet, should be okay. I think.” As they hurried toward the cabin, there was a sudden noise on the roof and they looked up. “Bert,” Frankie said, recognizing the insane rogue. Bert laughed, grabbing his crotch in a lewd gesture before turning and jumping off the other side. “Son of a bitch!” Matt yelled, running and almost jumping straight over the cabin after the rogue. “Matt!” “Too late, Johnny.” Tyler sighed. “Come on. Let’s go check on the cubs. I can’t detect anyone else.” They hurried inside, and Frankie gasped at the devastation. The cabin had been ripped apart. Shattered furniture lay scattered around, strewn with broken glass from the windows. “Boys,” Johnny gasped. He ran to the corner where Ollie and Mikey were licking each other’s wounds. “Dad,” Ollie gasped. Johnny pulled them both into a hug, kissing and stroking them gently.

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“Where are the others?” Tyler asked. “Kitchen.” “Tyler!” Jimmy suddenly screamed from the other room. “Help me.” Sharing a terrified look with Zacky, Frankie ran after his alpha to the kitchen. “Oh God,” Zacky gasped. He hurried forward to where Billy lay in Jimmy’s arms, unconscious, a knife protruding from his chest. His T-shirt was soaked in blood. “He, he got in the way. He wanted to save me,” Jimmy sobbed. “Zacky, get Jimmy. Frankie, help me,” Tyler said quickly. Zacky pulled Jimmy away from his mate, holding him close as he cried his heart out. Frankie tried not to cry as he replaced Jimmy, holding Billy close. “Okay, listen to me. I’m going to start feeding him. As soon as he’s swallowing, I want you to pull the knife out and lick the wound. Do not suck his blood, just lick. He should stop bleeding pretty quick, but keep licking, okay?” “Yes,” Frankie whispered. He carefully pulled Billy’s T-shirt out of the way as Tyler bit his wrist and held it to Billy’s mouth. “Come on, Billy, drink,” Tyler whispered. “You know Jimmy needs you strong.” The blood dripped over Billy’s lips and dribbled between them. They all watched breathlessly, the tension palpable. Finally, the young Pack’s lips moved and he swallowed. “Yes,” Tyler breathed, moving his wrist closer. Billy latched on and began to suck, and Frankie shifted. He put one hand on his friend’s chest, pulling the knife out with the other. Leaning forward quickly, Frankie licked over the wound, pushing aside how good it tasted to lap over jagged flesh. “Jimmy, Zacky, come on, we need you,” Tyler said softly. Zacky pulled Jimmy over, stroking his hair gently. Frankie sat up and moved so that Jimmy could hold his mate again. “Billy?” Jimmy whispered.

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“Lick the wound, Jimmy,” Tyler said softly. “Zacky, baby, I need your blood.” Frankie sat back, staring in awe and incredulity as Zacky fed Tyler and Tyler fed Billy while Jimmy kissed and licked the knife wound. “Will he be okay?” Zacky smiled and patted Frankie’s knee. “He’s feeding, and the bleeding’s stopped. He should be fine.” “Zacky…your mother,” Frankie whispered worriedly. Green eyes widened fearfully, and Zacky turned to his mate. “Tyr.” Tyler let go of Zacky’s wrist and stared back at his mate. “Go, baby. Frankie, go with him.” Frankie stood, pulling Zacky with him, and they ran back to the other room where Mikey and Ollie were feeding from Johnny. “My mother?” Zacky whispered. The two boys looked up, pain and sorrow in their eyes. “They took her,” Mikey whispered. “We tried to stop them…” “No,” Zacky breathed. “Oh no. Tyr!” The pain in Zacky’s voice hurt him, but Frankie was helpless to do anything. Tyler ran into the room and wrapped his mate up in his arms. “My love,” Tyler whispered. “We’ll find her, I promise.” “Where’s Dad?” Mikey asked. “Hunting rogue,” Tyler growled. “Let’s get out of here. I think Billy’s stable enough. Matt will make his way back to the house eventually.” He lifted Zacky into his arms and kissed him gently. “You boys okay?” Mikey and Ollie both nodded. “Good, Johnny, can you help Jimmy?” “Of course.” Johnny headed to the kitchen, and Tyler carried Zacky outside. Frankie didn’t know what to do. He wanted to cry or scream, possibly both. He wanted his mate. Mikey slid an arm round his shoulders, drawing him out to the car. “You drive, Frankie,” Tyler said, getting in the back with Zacky.

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“Boys, one of you come with us. One of you drive the other car, okay?” “Okay,” Mikey sighed. He kissed Ollie gently. “Go with Tyler, please.” Ollie nodded, looking up at his mate sadly. “I love you.” “I love you, too.” Getting in the passenger seat, Ollie sighed. “I’m so sorry, Zacky. We really tried, but when Billy got stabbed, Jimmy went mad, and we couldn’t…” “It’s okay, Ollie. Calm down,” Tyler said quietly. The others followed behind them in Jimmy’s car, and Frankie tried not to speed, but he desperately wanted his mate. Billy had nearly died and Esther had been taken, and Frankie was about ready to fall apart. Both cars pulled up outside the house, and they all got out, Tyler carrying Zacky and Jimmy carrying Billy inside. Frankie followed slowly with Mikey and Ollie, the couple ensconced tightly in each other’s arms. They were subdued, shaken by the events of the day. Inside, Frankie went straight to his grandmother’s room, surprised and delighted when his mate flew into his arms and hugged him. “You’re okay,” Jay breathed. Then he pulled back and frowned. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?” “Sweetheart, what is it?” his grandmother asked. “They were attacked. We, uh, we almost lost Billy.” “Oh no, that poor boy and poor Jimmy,” she whispered. “And uh…” “Frankie, what is it?” “They took Esther.” Her face drained of color, and she shook her head. “No, no, not Esther. Why?” “I don’t know,” Frankie whispered, holding onto his mate for comfort. “Who’s Esther?” Jay asked quietly.

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“Zacky’s mother.” “Oh shit,” Jay gasped. His knees suddenly seemed to give way, and Frankie had to hold him up. “Caro, what is it?” “Bert uh, Bert has a thing. For mothers.” “A thing?” Marie asked worriedly. Frankie helped his mate over to the bed, sitting on the edge and drawing Jay onto his lap. “He likes to force them to play Mommy and look after him, baby him, only he’s the one who does the punishing for bad behavior.” Jay shook his head and tears trickled silently down his cheeks. “He makes them think he won’t kill them if they do what he says, but he always does.” “Kills them?” Frankie whispered. “Yes.” Jay buried his face in Frankie’s neck. “He strung my mother along for three days before he got bored and…” Frankie tightened his grip on his mate, sorrow tearing at his heart. “I’m so sorry, Jay.” “I know.” Jay’s breath hitched, and he nuzzled Frankie’s hair. “Nana, we should go and tell the others.” “Of course,” she said with a nod. “I’ll be fine.” Frankie eased them to their feet and took his mate’s hand to lead him to the kitchen. Tyler had Zacky in his lap and was holding him close, stroking his hair as he cried. Mikey was gently lapping a long knife score down Ollie’s chest, and the couple both looked up, focusing on Jay in surprise. “How’s Billy?” Frankie asked. “Awake. Johnny’s taking care of them both,” Tyler said. “Boys, this is Jay. He’s Frankie’s mate.” Mikey and Ollie looked shocked but pleased and quickly congratulated him. Frankie spared them a quick, sad smile and prodded his mate gently. “Jay, tell them what you told me.”

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“Your mother is alive, Zacky,” Jay whispered. “He, Bert, won’t kill her, not for a few days anyway.” Zacky looked up, hiccuping as he sniffed back tears. “He won’t?” “He might not even hurt her for a while.” “What’s a while?” Tyler asked harshly. “A day, maybe two.” “So we have time?” “Yes,” Jay whispered. “We have to get her,” Zacky gasped. “We have to go.” “Easy, baby, we can’t rush into this. You know that.” “But—” “Zacky, I know, but we have to wait. We have to get it right so she doesn’t get hurt, and we need to wait for Matt.” Zacky sighed and nodded. “I know, it’s just…I know.” “Will Matt be long?” Frankie asked. “No. Once he’s run off his anger, he’ll start blaming himself and feeling guilty that he wasn’t there. He’ll be back soon,” Tyler said softly. Johnny hurried into the kitchen, heading straight for the fridge. “I need blood,” he muttered, taking a bag and sucking right from the opening. Then he stopped and frowned. “Ty, you and Zacky need to feed.” “I know, I know.” Tyler sighed. “Throw us a bag, Johnny.” Johnny smiled sadly and carried one over to them. “I’m sorry about Esther, Zacky.” Zacky’s breath hitched again, and Tyler stroked his back gently. “Hey, remember what Jay said. She’ll be okay,” Tyler whispered. “Yeah.” Zacky swallowed hard. “How are Billy and Jimmy?” “Better. Jimmy’s calmed down. Well, a little anyway.” “That’s good.” Johnny nodded, moving over to his other two pack members and hugging them close. “You okay, mes petits?” “Yeah, I think so.” Mikey sighed. “Better now Ollie’s healing.”

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“Oh, Mikey, I’m fine, and you are, too, right?” “Yes, babe.” Mikey cuddled his little blond mate close, nuzzling into his neck. Looking up suddenly, Johnny frowned. “Matt’s close.” “Is he okay?” Tyler asked. “Still mad by the feel of it,” Johnny said. “But that will partly be because he’ll be feeling guilty.” “I know,” Tyler said. “Jay, maybe you should go back to Marie’s room for now.” Frankie frowned. “Now wait just a minute…” “It’s okay, Frankie,” Jay said quietly. “But, I want you here with me. Ty, come on. He’s my mate. Matt has to accept that.” “He will. I just think Jay’s presence will provoke him right now.” “Why?” Ollie asked. Tyler sighed. “Jay ran with the rogues who attacked you.” “He’s a rogue?” Mikey gasped, leaping to his feet to shield his mate. “No!” Frankie snapped. “He is not—” Before Frankie could argue any more, Matt burst into the room. He strode forward, grabbing Jay by the collar and propelling him back until he hit the wall. “Where are they?” Matt growled. “Hey,” Tyler snapped, moving Zacky from his lap to get up. “He’s my pack.” “I want that son of a bitch,” Matt said. Frankie grabbed the big alpha and shoved him back, anger tempered by understanding. “Don’t touch my mate,” he said firmly. “Chéri, please calm down,” Johnny said quietly. “Jimmy could use you right now. I could use you right now.” Sagging, Matt walked quickly over to his mate, wrapping him up in a tight hug. “I’m sorry, liebling,” he whispered. “Thank you for taking care of everyone.” He glanced at Mikey and Ollie. “You boys

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okay?” “We’re fine, Dad.” “Jimmy and Billy?” “Not so good, mon cher,” Johnny said. “We nearly, we nearly…” Johnny finally dissolved into tears, burying his face in Matt’s neck. Frankie watched sorrowfully, reaching out to stroke Jay’s arm, his mate’s fear and guilt calling him to soothe. “It’s my fault,” Jay whispered. “Don’t be ridiculous,” Frankie gasped. “How is this your fault?” “He’s doing this because of me, because of us,” Jay said, blinking rapidly. “He probably wouldn’t have challenged the pack if I hadn’t left with you.” “Bullshit. He and Will attacked me, remember? You think that wasn’t a challenge?” “I—but—” “Jay, they were going to kill me, and you saved me.” “We should have put them down when they attacked Frankie, and none of this would have happened,” Matt snapped, still rocking his mate and petting his hair. “Stop it, Matt. This is not Jay’s fault. He’s as much a victim as we all are,” Tyler said firmly. “Now you need to go and see Billy and Jimmy, and then we are going to work out what we’re going to do.” “What happened?” Matt asked, his voice tense and quiet. “Billy nearly died, chéri,” Johnny whispered. “Damn it,” Matt groaned. He grabbed his mate’s hand, dragging him from the room. “Right, everyone sit down and feed. Mikey, Ollie, I think it might be best if you two hold the fort and take care of Marie tonight.” “Oh but—” Ollie started to complain. “No, baby,” Mikey interrupted, taking his mate’s hand and kissing it. “I want us to stay. I can’t bear to feel so scared for you again, not this soon.” Ollie hugged his mate and kissed him hard. “I love you so much,

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Mikey. Okay, we don’t have to go unless Dad wants us to.” “Thank you, I love you, too.” “Jay, make sure you feed. You still haven’t,” Tyler said quietly. “Yes. Please, Jay, you need to. I need you to,” Frankie whispered. He was trying not to worry about later, about going up against Bert and the other rogues. “So do you then, Frankie,” Jay said firmly. “I’ve already fed, Jay.” “A dose in your coffee,” Jay snorted. “That’s hardly going to be enough.” “I’ll feed more when you feed at all,” Frankie snapped, his lover’s flippancy annoying him. “I’ll feed when I’m good and fucking ready, Frankie. I’m not a child, and you do not tell me what to do.” “I’m not trying to tell you what to do, you fucking idiot,” Frankie said with a growl. “Don’t call me an idiot,” Jay said, shoving at his shoulder. “Why not? You’re being one.” “Yeah? Well, you’re being an asshole,” Jay snapped. “Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t realize being scared and worried about you made me an asshole!” Frankie shouted. “I’ll try not to give a damn in future.” He couldn’t take it anymore. He was scared and angry, and he wanted to both kiss and hit his mate for being so stubborn. Not quite storming, Frankie strode out of the room, ignoring the calls of his name and ran to his bedroom. Sitting on his bed, Frankie curled down over his knees, burying his face. He was so frustrated, and all he wanted was his mate safe and well and curled up in his arms. Was that really so much to ask? And the trouble was, he knew Jay was only being a dick because he was feeling scared and guilty, but instead of trying to help, what had he done? Made it worse. It felt like forever when he finally heard the door open, and his

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mate came into the room. Frankie didn’t look up as Jay crossed over to stand in front of him, and his mate’s hand came to rest gently on his head. The touch was warm, and Frankie couldn’t hold back a sigh. But then Jay gripped his hair hard and yanked him up. “Ow, what the fuck?” Frankie exclaimed. “You are such an asshole, you know that?” “Really?” “Yeah, you are,” Jay said. “How can you say you give a damn and walk away from me like that? Keep walking away?” “I don’t give a damn,” Frankie said, pulling out of his mate’s grip. “You fucking liar,” Jay gasped, grabbing Frankie’s collar and hauling him up against his body. “I’m not lying.” And to a degree, Frankie wasn’t. Giving a damn was a mild euphemism for how he felt. Jay made a noise like a wounded animal and threw Frankie onto the bed, jumping on over him and holding down his arms and legs. Frankie didn’t struggle, just turned his head away and closed his eyes. “Why do you lie to me, Frankie?” Jay whispered, his voice hoarse. “You say you want me to trust you, but how can I when you don’t trust me?” “Of course I trust you.” “So why are you lying? Why do you lie to me?” “I’m not lying.” “But you do give a damn. I know you do,” Jay whispered. “Why do you care?” “Because…because I—” Jay’s face crumpled, and he pushed himself up, getting off the bed. “Where are you going?” Frankie asked worriedly. “Away.” “Away where?” Frankie asked, sitting up and staring at his mate in horror. “I don’t know,” Jay said with a shrug. “No one wants me to be

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here, and you don’t care. Maybe I can do something.” “I want you here,” Frankie whispered, willing his mate to turn round. “Why? If you don’t give a damn, huh? Or were you just lying?” Jay asked quietly. His shoulders were slumped, back tense, his hands working in and out of fists slowly. “I didn’t lie to you, Jay, but if you don’t know by now how I feel about you—” “How am I supposed to know when you never tell me?” Jay interrupted. “I did tell you. I told you that I care about—” “No, no!” Jay snapped. He turned and stalked back over to Frankie, fisting his shirt and yanking him up against his body. “Stop bullshitting me, Frankie. Tell me how you feel, really fucking feel, because I, I think I…” Frankie put his hands on Jay’s and gently pried his fists open. “You think you what?” he asked, his heart pounding with anticipation, hands trembling over Jay’s fingers. “I have…feelings for you that I can’t explain,” Jay whispered. “That I don’t understand and I need to know. I need to know, Frankie, please.” Sighing, Frankie slid his arms round his lover’s neck, the painful fear and anxiety from his mate propelling him to comfort, to tell the truth. Finally. “I must not be doing a very good job as your mate if you don’t know how much I love you,” he said softly. “You love, you love me?” Jay gasped. “But I…but you…” “I didn’t say it made sense, Jay. I just love you.” “I don’t understand.” “The moment I saw you, I knew there was something about you…I wanted to touch you, kiss you, and when I did, I was lost. I lost my heart to you. Forever.” Frankie slid one hand forward to cup Jay’s jaw, trying to make his mate look at him. Jay met his gaze,

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staring wide-eyed, and then suddenly, Jay lunged forward, catching his mouth in a bruising kiss, his lip splitting under the pressure. Jay’s tongue flicked out over Frankie’s lips, and he moaned as he lapped up the blood. “I want you,” Jay whispered urgently. “I know that much at least. I want you all the time. Only you.” It was enough for now. They were mates, so Frankie was certain that Jay would love him, eventually at least, and he could deal with that. He pulled Jay down and kissed him, sweet and soft, sucking gently on his bottom lip before nipping sharply. The taste of his mate’s sweet blood and the moan that resonated through him heightened his need and desire, and Frankie sucked harder, pushing his crotch hard against Jay’s leg so he could feel his rapidly growing erection. “Can I have you?” Jay whispered against his mouth. “God, yes,” Frankie gasped, kissing him again and pushing him back toward the bed. “Now?” Jay murmured, kissing him back as he scrabbled at his pants. “Have we got time?” “Yes, fuck yes we have,” Frankie said with a groan as his mate’s fingers slid over the tip of his cock and down to grasp his shaft tightly. “Can I fuck you?” Jay asked, sucking at Frankie’s split lip and pulling him closer. Jay jacked Frankie slowly and slid his other arm round his waist, pushing his hand under Frankie’s pants to grasp his ass. Frankie groaned as desire throbbed through his body and his cock pulsed in his mate’s hand. “Yes!” he exclaimed. “Please, Jay, I want you inside me so bad.” Jay’s tongue slid over Frankie’s lips and between them, his mate kissing him deeper and harder. He lifted Frankie up, rocking against his groin. Hot, hard cock rubbed over his hip even as Jay jacked him, and Frankie groaned again, thrusting into his lover’s fist urgently. He

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felt empty, needy, lust filling him with a desperate, helpless urge to be fucked, to feel his lover’s cock inside him again. “Please,” he breathed, licking over Jay’s lips. He tasted Jay’s mouth, his blood, and he shivered joyfully as his lover lifted him up and lay them both down on the bed. Letting go of Frankie’s cock and sitting up, Jay pushed Frankie’s pants and underwear down and off, and Frankie quickly pulled his T-shirt over his head, throwing it onto the floor. “Yes,” Jay breathed slowly, reaching up to trail a finger from Frankie’s breastbone to his groin. Frankie gasped quietly, watching his lover touch him, the look of wonder and tenderness on his mate’s face tightening his heart. His love for Jay seemed to grow ever deeper with each second that passed. Jay pulled off his own shirt and bent over, kissing him gently before following the trail his hand had taken, a soft brush of lips down his chest and stomach that electrified Frankie. “Ah, Jay,” he moaned. He carded his fingers through dark hair as his lover licked a slow, wet stripe up the shaft of his cock. “So good, caro.” Jay made a tiny noise in the back of his throat and smiled almost shyly at him. Then he bent forward again and kissed the top of Frankie’s dick gently. It almost tickled, and Frankie jerked slightly, holding back his giggle, unsure of how his mate would take it. But then Jay sucked his cock into the heat of his mouth, and Frankie could only cry out and rock his hips up to try and push himself deeper. Moaning quietly, Jay swallowed him down, sucking and licking all round Frankie’s shaft. It felt amazing and even more so because Jay was doing it willingly, unhesitatingly. His lover took him faster, long strokes that slid up and down the entire length of his cock, hard swallows constricting Jay’s throat round the head. Frankie gasped and begged, rocking against his lover’s grip and stroking his hair. Pleasure swept through him, building in his gut and groin until he felt like he was going to explode.

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“Caro, fuck, oh fuck, please,” he gasped. Slick fingers suddenly slid down between the cheeks of his ass, and one pushed inside him, rubbing over his prostate. Frankie cried out, jerking hard as he came. Jay swallowed him down as he thrust his finger in and out of Frankie’s ass. “Oh God, I want you to fuck me,” Frankie gasped, shuddering as Jay pushed another finger into his body. The stretch was intense, and Frankie bucked urgently into the strokes, the edge of pain heightening the pleasure that coursed through him. His cock twitched, trying to recover already. “Jay, please, Jay,” he panted. His mate’s fingers eased from his body, and Jay got up, quickly stripping off the remainder of his clothes. The sheer beauty of his mate took Frankie’s breath away, slender, pale lines and gorgeous hard cock almost too much to bear when he wasn’t close enough to touch. “Need you,” he whispered, beckoning to Jay with both hands. Jay crawled onto the bed between his legs, picking up a tube of lube that Frankie hadn’t even realized was there. Sitting up, Frankie took the tube from his lover and squirted the gel onto his fingers. Jay’s breath hitched, blue eyes focused on Frankie intensely as he reached out to stroke the lube carefully over his lover’s cock. “Fuck, Frankie,” Jay groaned. His hips bucked and pre-cum trickled down onto Frankie’s fingers. “Please,” Frankie said with a small chuckle. He let go and leaned up for a quick kiss, pulling him back and turning over onto his hands and knees. “Oh, Frankie, I…” “It’s okay, caro. I just want you to fuck me deep and hard.” “Fuck,” Jay whispered. “Okay.” Strong hands gripped Frankie’s hips, and he groaned quietly, arching his back in invitation. Jay bent over him and kissed the back of his neck as he slid the wet tip of his dick up and down the crease of Frankie’s ass. He teased slowly until Frankie was whimpering with

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need and pushing back against his lover. “Please, please, please,” he muttered, clenching his fists in the sheets and dropping down onto his elbows. Finally, Jay pushed into him, the head of his cock stretching him open. Frankie gasped, biting down on his arm as exquisite pain stabbed through him. “Fuck,” he gasped, as Jay thrust deep, filling him hot and hard. “Oh God, you feel so good,” Jay whispered, breathing harsh and heavy against the back of his neck. “So tight. Am I this tight?” “Fuck yes,” Frankie said, groaning quietly as Jay pulled slowly back. The slide of cock inside him was even better than he remembered. “You feel amazing, Jay, when you’re in me or when I’m in you. You feel so good.” Jay thrust back into him, hitting his prostate, sending a rush of pleasure through him again. Frankie cried out, rocking back hard as his groin tightened and his cock started to harden again. One strong hand left his hip, sliding up his chest and stomach. Fingertips played with one nipple for a moment, teasing him with sparks of sensation. “Jay,” he gasped. He bucked helplessly as his mate pinched down hard on his nipple and thrust deeper into his body. “Fuck, Frankie,” Jay whispered, bending over him to kiss the back of his neck. “So good, Jay, I’m so fucking hard for you again,” Frankie said, groaning. He reached between his legs to jack himself desperately, rocking back against his lover to encourage him to move faster, fuck him harder. Shocks of pleasure coursed through him with every stroke, intensified by his mate’s touches and kisses. Frankie was desperate to come again and feel the heat and completion of Jay coming deep inside him. “Need you, caro. Bite me, please.” Moaning loudly and slamming hard into him, Jay licked his neck and bit down, tearing through his skin and sucking at the pulse of his blood. The pain ripped through his nerves, and Frankie screamed, jerking desperately as he came, ass clenching down around his lover’s

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cock. Grunting and panting against Frankie’s skin, Jay bucked hard into him and filled him with heat. He collapsed over Frankie’s body with a soft whimper. “I love you, Jay,” Frankie whispered, reaching back. Jay took his hand and threaded their fingers together, licking the bite gently. Sighing, Frankie shifted carefully to lie down without losing contact with his lover. Jay eased back out of his body and rolled onto the bed, tugging Frankie over so he sprawled half on top of him. Frankie felt happy and satisfied and snuggled close, watching Jay nip the tip of a finger. Blood flowed slowly, and Jay traced Frankie’s lips with his finger, spreading the blood carefully over his mouth. “You taste amazing,” Frankie said. “So do you,” Jay whispered. Jay’s blue eyes fixed on Frankie as he sucked on his mate’s finger. “Everything. Your blood, your mouth, skin, dick…” He stopped on a gasp, and Frankie looked up. “Cum?” he asked gently. Jay nodded slowly, eyes flicking away from his face. “Yes.” “Don’t look away, caro,” Frankie whispered. He tucked his fingers under his mate’s chin to turn Jay back toward him. “I love the way you taste, every part of you. I want you to enjoy the way I taste, too, you know.” “Yeah,” Jay whispered, smiling at him again. They cuddled up, and Frankie kissed his mate’s neck as he traced random patterns over his chest. It felt really good to be in Jay’s arms for a change, and he closed his eyes with a happy sigh. There was a knock at the door, and Frankie growled in annoyance. “Guys, come on. We all need to talk about what we’re going to do next,” Tyler said through the door. “We’ll be right down,” Frankie said with a heavy heart. “I guess it’s time to go back to the real world, caro.”

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“The real world,” Jay said with a snort. “By whose definition do we live in the real world?” Frankie smiled ruefully. “Yeah, I know, but you know what I mean.” “Of course.” Jay kissed him, and they got up and dressed before heading downstairs to the kitchen.

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Chapter 11 Jimmy had Billy cradled in his lap as the younger Pack sucked on a bag of blood using a straw. “Billy,” Frankie gasped happily. “It’s so good to see you up.” Billy smiled at him briefly and went back to the blood. Jimmy growled when Frankie started to approach them, and Tyler caught Frankie’s arm. “I wouldn’t just yet,” he warned. “His protective streak is still pretty full on.” “It’ll take a while for him to calm down,” Johnny said softly. “Tyler nearly took my hand off once when Zacky was hurt.” “Okay,” Frankie said. He backed up and leaned against his mate, staring at his normally exuberant and bouncy friend who was clinging to his own mate like his life depended on it. It really brought home to him the depth of the connection between mates, and he hugged Jay closer. “Where is he?” Matt asked, not quite harshly. “I don’t know,” Jay said. “Oh come on,” Matt snapped. “He was your alpha. You must know.” “I don’t.” “Don’t bullshit me, cub.” “That’s enough, Matt,” Tyler said sharply. “Jay, relax. We can find him without your help, but time is of the essence here. Can’t you think of anything?” “We always moved around. Somewhere different every night,” Jay said quietly. “As much to keep us all off guard as anything else.”

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“Patterns, favored haunts, anything, Jay,” Zacky said desperately. “He’s got my mother.” Frankie felt his mate tense next to him, could feel the waves of worry and guilt, and he pulled his lover closer, holding him tightly. “I don’t know, abandoned houses sometimes, the sewer others. Motels, graveyards, even the zoo once when…” Jay trailed off, eyes wide. “When what?” Tyler prompted. “He…Bert, it was a weird phase. He was obsessed with wolves.” Frankie frowned at his mate. He knew Jay was lying, but he couldn’t work out why he would. He wanted to ask, but at the same time, he didn’t want to distract the conversation from finding Esther. “We’re just going to do an old-fashioned search.” Tyler sighed. “Okay everyone, get some sleep, we’ll start at 0100 hours.” “But…” “I know, baby, but we want everyone fresh so we can do it right.” “Okay,” Zacky sighed. “I don’t know if I’ll get any sleep though.” “You will, baby.” Tyler smiled softly as he lifted his mate into his arms. “Later, guys.” “Yeah.” Matt stood and stretched, then held out and hand to his mate. “Jimmy, make sure you two sleep, okay?” “Okay,” Jimmy grunted. He snuggled his mate in his arms and nuzzled his neck. Billy, who had finished his blood, stroked Jimmy’s arm gently. “Bed.” “Yes, Billy,” Jimmy murmured. He picked up his lover to carry him from the room after Matt and Johnny. “Later, Frankie, Jay,” Mikey said as he and Ollie followed. “Yeah.” Frankie turned and frowned at his mate. Now they were alone. He wanted to find out why Jay had lied. “The zoo.” Jay blinked at him. “What do you mean?” “You lied.” “No, I—”

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“Caro, I know you lied.” Sighing, Jay shook his head. “They didn’t need to know what Bert did at the zoo. And neither do you.” “But—” “No, Frankie.” Jay clasped his face gently, tipping his head back to meet his eyes seriously. “There are some things I’m never going to be able to tell you about, and this is one of them. Please don’t ask me again.” The pain and sheer sorrow that radiated from his mate almost broke Frankie’s heart, and he nodded slowly. “Okay, caro, I’m sorry. Let’s go to bed, huh?” He put his arm round his lover’s waist, squeezing his hip gently as they walked back up the stairs to their room. Stripping and getting ready for bed quickly, they snuggled up together under the covers, and Frankie sighed happily when his mate spooned up behind him and kissed his neck. Jay licked over his skin comfortingly the way Frankie usually did. “Mmm,” he murmured. “That feels good, Jay.” “I know,” Jay whispered. “Sleep, Frankie, you need it.” Frankie shut his eyes, letting the warmth and comfort of being in his lover’s arms soothe him to sleep. **** A loud knock woke Frankie with a start, and he looked up at the clock with a groan when he read the time. “Time to get up, boys,” Tyler said. “Okay,” Frankie called. “Jay, you awake?” He sat up and frowned. Something felt very wrong. “Jay?” He looked round, then jumped out of the bed, running to the bathroom. It was empty, and fear clutched at Frankie’s chest until he could barely breathe. “Jay, answer me right now!” he yelled. He was hoping against hope that his mate was downstairs or being an ass for some reason he

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couldn’t place in his state of panic. Yanking his clothes on, Frankie ran down to the kitchen and leapt at Matt, grabbing him round the neck. “What did you do to him?” he screamed. “The hell?” Someone gasped. “Frankie, what are you doing?” Zacky gasped. “Back off,” Matt growled, wrenching Frankie’s hands from his neck and smacking him hard. “What the fuck are you talking about?” “Jay’s gone,” Frankie whispered, clutching his jaw in shock. “He’s gone. Zacky.” He reached for his beta desperately, and Zacky hugged him close. “I wouldn’t hurt your mate, Frankie,” Matt said, sounding hurt. “I’m sorry,” Frankie whispered, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. “I’m sorry. I just reacted.” “Yeah, I know,” Matt said with a grimace. “Where would he go? And why?” Johnny asked. “I don’t know. I don’t know.” “Maybe he ran away,” Ollie said quietly. Frankie snarled. “He would never…” “He couldn’t anyway, not and leave his mate behind,” Tyler said quietly, wrapping his arms round Frankie and Zacky and hugging them both. “But he has left me behind,” Frankie whispered, dissolving into tears. His heart hurt, and he couldn’t bear it. “Then there must be a good reason for it, Frankie,” Zacky said. “But what?” Frankie asked, pulling back and wiping his eyes. “I know he was feeling guilty, but he’s terrified of Bert. He’d never…” Frankie stopped, his heart freezing with utter terror as he reconsidered his words. “Bert tortured and killed Jay’s mother. He has a thing for mothers. Maybe Jay thought, maybe he’s gone to…” “You think he might be trying to save my mother?” Zacky asked, his breath hitching. “Maybe.”

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“But where?” Tyler asked, looking a little frustrated. Frankie blinked slowly, realization dawning as, suddenly, the conversation he’d had Jay the night before made sense. “The zoo.” “The zoo?” Matt said with frown. “He lied last night. When I confronted him about it, he said it was part of his life I didn’t need to know about, but”—Frankie bit his lip uncertainly—“I think he realized that’s where Bert might be.” “Are you sure?” Tyler asked. “I think—yes, I’m sure.” “Come on, then. Let’s go,” Zacky said, looking hopeful. “Mikey, Ollie, I want you to stay here, hold the fort, and take care of Marie and Billy, okay?” Matt said. “Of course, Dad,” Mikey said as Ollie nodded. “Jimmy, are you staying or coming with us?” Tyler asked. “I don’t know,” Jimmy whispered, looking desperate. He knelt in front of Billy’s chair and put his head in his mate’s lap. “I want to stay with you, baby, but I want to rip that fucker apart.” Billy leaned over to put his hand on Jimmy’s head. “Go.” “Really?” Jimmy looked at his mate uncertainly. Billy nodded and stroked Jimmy’s cheek as he smiled at him. “Thank you, baby,” Jimmy whispered, leaning up to kiss his tiny mate. “I’ll bring you back his heart.” “Love you,” Billy said, kissing Jimmy back. “Love you, too.” “All right,” Tyler interrupted. “Have a drink and let’s go.” A bag of blood was passed round quickly, and Frankie tried to drink, but his fear had his stomach in knots. He needed to find his mate, make sure he was safe, and then smack him for being so stupid and kiss him for being so brave. They piled into two cars and headed for the highway. The nearest zoo was just outside the city, but even so, a two hour drive which was doing nothing for Frankie’s nerves. He sat in the back, gripping Zacky tightly, taking comfort as much as he tried to give it. His beta was

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quiet, shivering and barely holding back tears. Zacky kept one hand on Tyler’s back as the alpha drove, also for comfort. Frankie only wished his own mate was there for him to hold onto. **** Finally, they turned into the zoo’s car park and pulled up near the entrance. It was dark, but that was no hindrance to them. They all jumped the gate, and Tyler clasped Matt’s neck and arm. “Split up?” “Yeah, this place is vast. Even with Frankie and Jay’s bond, the rogue pack might have split up, and we need to get them all.” Tyler nodded. “Okay. Zacky and I will go with Frankie to find Jay. You three hunt.” Matt nodded solemnly and gestured at his pack. “Be safe,” Tyler whispered. “You, too.” Matt, Johnny, and Jimmy headed off, and Tyler turned to Frankie. “Relax, cub. Your fear is interfering with your ability to sense your mate.” Frankie closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to focus, trying to feel that tug in his heart that told him his mate was close. Warmth unclenched his heart a little, and he started to walk, speeding when he started to become aware of a sense of terror and pain. “Tyler, we need to hurry. I can’t stand it.” “I know. Let’s run.” “Thank you.” Frankie broke into a run, following his need through the zoo, past the enclosures, startling some of the animals. “Wait, wait!” Zacky suddenly screamed. “What, baby?” “My mom, I can smell my mom.” “Where?” “Close. She’s scared, Ty. Frankie, we have to—”

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“I know,” Frankie interrupted. Despite his desperate urge to find his mate, he knew they had to make sure Esther was safe first. He followed reluctantly, every step away from his path to Jay heavy with pain and an increasing sense of anxiety. His heart hurt to move away from his mate, but he swallowed back the pain and jogged with Zacky and Tyler toward the wolf enclosure. “Oh no,” Zacky groaned. “Didn’t Jay say Bert had a thing for wolves?” Frankie grimaced. “Yeah, he did.” They jumped over the fence and down into the rocky and wooded terrain where the wolves ran free and wild. “Mom?” Zacky yelled. “Mom!” Snarls and growls erupted and three wolves leapt toward them. “Zacky, find your mother, Frankie, with me,” Tyler said, turning to face the wolves. Baring his teeth, Tyler rushed at the lead wolf, grabbing it by its bottom jaw and the back of its neck as it lunged for him. “Oh fuck,” Frankie squeaked. Another enormous wolf leapt at him, growling and slavering. As Tyler threw the first wolf across the enclosure to slam into the wall and grabbed a second, Frankie ducked and turned, catching the third by the scruff of the neck and throwing it after the first one. Tyler growled loudly and took a couple of heavy, stomping steps toward the wolves. They whimpered and ran, and Tyler nodded at him. “Thank you, Frankie. Are you bearing up okay?” “I need to find him, Tyler,” Frankie whispered. “I know. We will,” Tyler said softly, patting his arm. “Let’s go. Zacky’s found Esther.” They ran through a small, wooded area to what was almost a cliff face, with a ledge about twenty feet up. Esther was clinging to her son’s back as he carefully climbed down to the ground. Tyler ran and grabbed both of them when Zacky jumped down the last few feet, hugging them tightly.

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“Thank God,” Tyler breathed. “Oh, my boys, I knew you’d come,” Esther whispered. “Billy?” “He’s fine, Mom, don’t worry about that now,” Zacky said, hugging her tightly. “My darling boy,” she sighed. “Are you all here?” “Most of us, yeah.” “Thank goodness. A boy tried to save me. I think that rogue was going to kill him.” “No,” Frankie whimpered. “Tyler, please, I need to find him.” “Frankie?” Esther said, raising her eyebrows. “He’s my mate.” “Oh, Frankie, poor baby.” She sighed, giving him a hug and a kiss. “Tyler, you and Frankie go and find him. Zacky, take me to the car quickly so you can help.” “Yes, Esther.” “Yes, Mom.” Zacky turned and kissed his mate quickly. “Be safe. I’ll be as quick as I can.” “Okay, love,” Tyler said with a nod. “Frankie, let’s go.” “Thank you!” Frankie gasped. He turned and bolted in the direction his heart and soul had been trying to point him in since their arrival. He could feel Tyler right behind him, but his heart sank when he saw the signs for the reptile house. While he no idea how he knew, somehow, Frankie knew that Jay was terrified of snakes. Just outside the door, Frankie stopped and took a shaky breath. “Oh Jesus,” he whispered. His mate’s sense of panic and terror was overwhelming, almost suffocating. Tyler put his hands on Frankie’s shoulders, and Frankie looked up at his alpha. “Calm down, Frankie,” he said firmly. “I know how hard this is, but you have to push it aside or you’re going to be no help to him.” Breath hitching painfully, Frankie nodded, trying to force the fear from his mind. He put his hand on the door handle and listened carefully. He couldn’t hear anything immediately behind the door, so he pushed it open. It was dark inside, warm and humid. Enormous

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glass panels showed off the various environments and enormous snakes inside their enclosures. “Come on, Frankie,” Tyler said softly. He put a gentle hand on Frankie’s back to guide him to the next room. “He’s close.” “Yeah,” Frankie breathed. He was fighting the urge to scream, the urge to run and hurt something, someone. Anything to stop his mate’s pain resonating through his whole being. They opened the door quietly and crept through. There were more glass panels showing enclosures filled with smaller snakes. The terror inside Frankie increased until he couldn’t breathe, and he bolted forward to the second window. Inside, Jay was curled up in a tight ball, snakes slithering over and around his naked body as he whimpered and cried. Frankie screamed, smashing his fists against the glass over and over with all his strength. “Why won’t it break?” he sobbed. “Why won’t it break?” “Easy, Frankie, it’s reinforced,” Tyler said, grabbing his shoulders and hauling him back. “Don’t stop me, help me. Please.” “There’ll be another way in.” “I have to get him out,” Frankie whispered, his breath hitching as tears streamed down his face. Tyler slapped him, and Frankie gasped in shock. “I know. Frankie, I know, okay?” Tyler said firmly. “And you’re only hurting yourself right now. We have to find another way in.” “Okay.” Frankie looked in the window again, heart breaking at the sight of his terrified mate. “We’re coming, caro, hold on for me.” Tyler took his hand and dragged him through to the next room where they found a door marked “Private.” Kicking it in, they ran down a short corridor, coming out behind the enclosures. There was a door to each one, and Frankie pulled away from Tyler, running to the one that separated him from his mate. He smashed it open and ran in, kicking snakes aside and throwing himself onto his lover.

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“Jay? Caro, I’m here. It’s okay,” he whispered. His mate wrapped arms and legs round him and buried his face in his neck. “Come on, Frankie, get him out of here,” Tyler said. He moved over to them to brush over them and make sure all the snakes were off them. Holding on tightly to his sobbing mate, Frankie stood, lifting Jay up and carrying him out of the enclosure. Tyler propped the door back over the entrance before following them out. Coming out of the reptile house, they ran into Zacky, who gasped in horror. “Oh, Frankie.” Zacky dragged off his jacket and held it out to him. “Thank you,” Frankie said, wrapping it carefully round his mate. “Are you okay?” “Yeah. I just need to get him out of here.” “We need to find that fucking rogue alpha,” Tyler said with a growl. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t give a shit about that right now,” Frankie snapped. “I know you don’t, Frankie,” Tyler said. “But we have to stop this guy.” “Too late.” Matt, Johnny, and Jimmy jogged over to them, all spattered heavily with blood. “Esther?” Johnny asked. “Safe,” Zacky said with a nod. “What did you mean, ‘too late’?” Tyler asked Matt. “We got two of them, but the small one got away and that fucking alpha bitch didn’t even show his face,” Matt said angrily. Jimmy looked up, a dark smirk on his face. “I got the bastard who stabbed my Billy,” he whispered, holding up a bloody fistful of meat. “Dude, seriously? You’re bringing the heart?” Matt snorted. Zacky retched and pulled a face. “Not in my car, he isn’t.” “Can we just go?” Frankie demanded, stroking his shivering mate’s back gently.

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“Come on, cubs,” Zacky said softly, steering them back toward the entrance. “Baby…” “If you want to stay and search some more, then you should stay, but Frankie needs to get Jay home and I need to get Mom home,” Zacky said firmly. “Yeah, I know,” Tyler said. “Are you okay to drive?” “Of course, beloved.” Zacky turned to wrap his arms round his mate’s neck and kiss him softly. “We’ll see you at home.” “Rakastan sua, Zacky.” “I love you, too.” Zacky kissed Tyler again, then turned back. “Come on, Frankie. I’ll take you two home.” “Let’s hunt,” Matt growled from behind them. At the car, Frankie climbed carefully into the back with his mate. Esther inhaled sharply, looking over the front passenger seat at them. “Oh, sweetheart, is he okay?” “He will be,” Frankie whispered. He cradled his mate in his arms and stroked his hair gently. Jay’s breathing was labored, and he still hadn’t stopped shivering, hadn’t spoken a word, and that was scaring Frankie, despite his mate’s leech-like grip on him that hadn’t relaxed at all. “I hope,” he breathed, tightening his hold on his mate. “Snakes,” Jay gasped, shuddering helplessly. “Snakes, can’t—” “They’re gone, caro. You’re safe,” Frankie said, cupping his mate’s jaw and easing his head back so he could meet terrified blue eyes. “I’ve got you.” Jay blinked up at him, tears swimming in wide eyes, lips parted for harsh, heaving breaths. “I’m sorry.” “I know.” Frankie managed a smile, and Jay’s face somehow seemed to drop even further. Jay surged up, kissing him desperately, hot, sucking kisses that burned need into Frankie like a brand. He slid his hand into dark hair, grasping tightly as he kissed back urgently. Then he pulled back. “Shit,” he gasped. “Caro, you’re burning up.”

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“I feel sick,” Jay whispered. “Did you get bitten?” “I don’t know.” Frankie shifted, moving Zacky’s jacket out of the way so he could see his mate’s body. “Frankie, don’t.” “Hush, Jay, I need to check. Oh shit.” Frankie stopped abruptly and groaned, starting to panic again. Jay was covered in bites. “Zacky.” “I’m going as fast as I can, Frankie, we really don’t want to get pulled over right now.” “Yeah, I know.” Frankie sighed. He carefully shifted Jay so his mate was lying on the back seat, while he knelt in the foot well so he could lean over him. He touched two of the puncture marks on Jay’s arm. He didn’t know what to do, but he had to try something. Leaning over, Frankie bit down above the marks and sucked hard. Jay cried out, gripping Frankie’s arm, his back arching. Frankie spat the blood out reluctantly, his mate’s taste a little too provocative for his state of mind. “Honey, I think it’s probably a little late to try sucking the poison out,” Esther said softly. “He needs blood.” “You think?” Frankie asked hesitantly. “Yes, dear.” “Okay.” Frankie sat up again, pulling the jacket carefully back round his lover. Jay’s body and a slight scent of arousal were really starting to test his self-control. He gathered his mate in his arms and bit down on his wrist, holding it to Jay’s mouth. With a quiet growl, Jay grabbed his arm with both hands, sucking hard and swallowing his blood noisily. Frankie wrapped his other arm round his lover and buried his face in his neck, groaning as the pain edged pleasure of his mate’s mouth on his skin and the warmth of Jay’s body settled on his groin took its toll on his ability to suppress his desire.

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“Fuck, Jay,” he murmured, rocking his growing erection into his mate’s ass. Jay moaned, sucking harder and rocking gently back against his groin. Kissing Jay’s neck, Frankie slid his hand under the jacket to stroke over his mate’s slowly hardening cock. Gasping, Jay wrenched his mouth from his arm and twisted to kiss Frankie with a sense of urgency that made Frankie wish desperately that Esther wasn’t in the car. “Easy, guys,” Zacky said softly. Frankie pulled back, easing his hand out from under the coat again and wrapping his arms round Jay’s waist. “Yeah, sorry,” he murmured, pressing an apologetic kiss to his mate’s neck. “Zacky, darling, it’s sweet.” “Mom, it might be sweet and you might be used to all of us, but they are not having sex in front of you.” “Technically, they’re behind me,” Esther said with a chuckle. She met Frankie’s eyes in the rearview mirror, winking when he snorted. “Mother!” “Sorry, dear.” Frankie giggled quietly, burying his face back in his mate’s neck. Turning to look at them again, Esther smiled. “Are you going to introduce us then, Frankie?” “This beautiful, brave idiot is my mate, Jay.” “Hey,” Jay complained. “Don’t call me an idiot.” “Why not? You are.” “I’m not an idiot, Frankie,” Jay snapped, trying to pull away. “And we are not having this argument until you are a hell of a lot stronger, Jay. Now say hello to Esther,” Frankie said firmly, just holding on to his temper. “Hello, Esther,” Jay said quietly. She smiled at him and reached back for his hand. “Well, you certainly are beautiful and brave, young man, thank you.” “What for?” Jay whispered, looking confused as he took her hand.

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“Coming to save me, of course. For giving the boys enough time to save us both before we were seriously hurt.” “I don’t…I didn’t.” Jay stopped and took a deep breath. “I had to.” “You should have waited, and you should have told us,” Frankie said sharply. “No,” Jay said with a shake of his head. “I didn’t want you here. I know what Bert’s capable of, and I knew what he’d do to Esther if I didn’t stop him because he did it to my mother.” There was a tremble in Jay’s voice, and Frankie pulled him closer. “I had to stop him because I didn’t save her.” Jay started to cry again, turning to bury his face against Frankie’s chest. “I had to. For me.” “Jay,” Frankie whispered. He felt like his heart was breaking all over again for his tortured mate. “Caro, you were only twenty-one, and you saw your family slaughtered. You didn’t even know what you were. You thought you were like them. I know you did everything you were capable of to try and save her.” Starting to laugh, a touch of hysteria in his voice, Jay shook his head. “You have no idea.” “Jay…” “No, you don’t understand. I don’t ever want you to know what I did, Frankie,” Jay whispered. “Ever.” “I don’t care what you did,” Frankie said. “And I don’t want you to feel like I’m ever going to judge you for anything. I love you, Jay. All of you.” Jay clung to him tighter, kissing his skin gently. “Really?” “Yes.” Frankie kissed his mate’s cheek and stroked his hair. “Always, Jay.” “But you don’t know—” “I know that Bert is completely without sanity or conscience, and I know that you did what you had to in order to survive,” Frankie said quietly. Jay shivered in his arms and Frankie held on tighter. “How long, Zacky?” he asked.

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“Another hour or so, I’m sorry.” “I know. Jay, try and sleep, okay?” “I don’t know if I can.” “You always say that,” Frankie said with a soft smile. “And I always get you to sleep.” He pulled Jay down to lie with him on the backseat. He wrapped himself and the jacket tightly round his mate and brushed Jay’s hair out of the way to gently kiss and lick the back of his neck. Slowly but surely, Jay stopped shivering and started to relax, then finally, his breathing slowed to sleep. “Are you okay, Frankie?” Esther whispered. “Getting there.” “I’m glad you found your mate, despite the circumstances.” “Thank you.”

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Chapter 12 The car stopping jolted Frankie out of his doze, and he sat up slowly, pulling Jay up into his arms. Zacky opened the door for him, and he slid out carefully, trying not to disturb his still-sleeping mate. It was starting to get light, and they hurried to the house, Mikey and Ollie greeting them with quiet happiness, hugging and kissing Esther. “I’ll tell Marie you’re both okay if you want to take Jay up to bed, sweetheart,” Esther said. “Thank you. Tell her I’ll see her in the afternoon. Jay needs to sleep.” “Just remember, all he really needs is you, and to know that you love him,” Zacky said, patting his shoulder. “Thanks, guys,” Frankie whispered, grateful tears pricking his eyes. “Hey, we love you, okay?” “Yeah.” Sniffing quietly, Frankie nodded and carried Jay up the stairs to their room. His mate stirred as Frankie put him on the bed and eased the jacket free. “Frankie,” Jay murmured. “I’m here, Jay.” “Don’t leave me on my own.” “I’m not going to.” Frankie frowned, contemplating his mate. “While you’re awake, let’s get you into the shower.” “Please,” Jay said with an emphatic nod. “I can still feel…” He trailed off and shuddered, and Frankie grimaced. “Snakes?” Jay’s eyes widened, and he curled up round his knees. “That, too,”

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he whispered. Frankie’s heart sank, bile burning the back of his throat. He climbed onto the bed, wrapping his arms round his lover. “Do you want to tell me what happened?” “No.” Jay almost laughed, a hysterical sob that cracked painfully and Frankie sighed, kissing his mate’s cheek. “You sure?” “No,” Jay whispered, clinging to him tightly. “Well, let’s at least get into the shower,” Frankie said quietly. He drew his mate to his feet and across to the bathroom. He started the water and stripped them both off, bundling his lover into the stall and under the spray. Sliding his arms round Jay’s waist, Frankie rested his head on his lover’s chest so he could hear his heart beating. “He hit me,” Jay started in a trembling whisper. “He, he bit me, said he wanted to drain me so the snakes would hurt me more. He wanted the venom to make me hot enough to be worth fucking.” “Oh Jesus, caro,” Frankie gasped, lifting his head. “You should…why didn’t you just tell me? Why did you go without me?” “I didn’t want you there.” “Why not?” Frankie whispered, throat tight with hurt. “Because he—because I didn’t want to risk you,” Jay said with a tight smile. “God,” Frankie breathed. “I really love you.” He leaned up to kiss Jay. “I’m your mate, caro. How am supposed to protect you if you leave me behind? How can I kick his ass to the moon for ever making you feel bad, let alone ever touching you, if you sneak off without me?” Jay looked down at him, eyes a little wide, a smile tugging at his lips. “What?” Frankie asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. “Kick his ass to the moon?” “Yeah, well, that or rip his throat out,” Frankie half growled, his lip curling.

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“Ah, Frankie,” Jay whispered, carefully stroking wet bangs out of Frankie’s eyes. “How do you always make me feel better?” “I don’t know. Because I want to?” “That probably helps, yeah.” Jay smiled and looked away. “I’m sorry I snuck off without you.” “Really?” “Yeah. I guess I have to get used to this.” Frankie smiled. “This?” “Being mated, having someone care,” Jay said with a small shrug. “Having someone love you,” Frankie corrected him gently. “Like I said, I have to get used to it,” Jay whispered. “Yeah.” Frankie rested his head on his mate’s chest again, cuddling him under the steady spray for a long, quiet moment. Pulling back reluctantly, he quickly washed them both off so he could get his mate back to bed to get some sleep. Jay was still a little warm and flushed, and tiny shivers crawled over his skin intermittently. After drying off, Frankie led Jay back into the bedroom, smiling softly when he saw that someone had left them a bag of blood. They got into bed and under the covers, and Frankie picked up the bag. “Aw, do I have to?” Jay whined. “Yeah, you do. What I gave you isn’t enough to make you better or sustain you.” “I just…” Jay grimaced. “It’s cold.” “I could go microwave you some…” “No! No, don’t leave me alone, please,” Jay whispered. “Okay, I won’t, but I need you to drink some.” Frankie sighed. He took a sip of blood, holding it in his mouth for a moment before he swallowed. “See? Not so bad.” Then he blinked. “Oh.” “What?” “Let me try something,” Frankie said, taking another larger sip. Letting it warm in his mouth, Frankie turned onto his side and leaned over his mate, kissing him gently. As Jay moaned and opened to him, Frankie let the blood slowly trickle into his mouth. Gasping, Jay

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gripped the back of his neck, pulling him down harder and licking eagerly into his mouth. Frankie pulled back with a reluctant groan and licked his lips. “You like that, huh?” “Yeah,” Jay breathed. “Really, really like that.” “Good.” Frankie took another large draught, smiling again as Jay pulled him down and kissed him urgently, pushing at his lips with his tongue. He let the warmed blood flow from his mouth to his mate’s, kissing him deeply. It was far too hot, feeding Jay this way, and he was desperately trying to suppress his growing desire. Jay needed blood and rest, not a horny mate wanting more than he should. He fed Jay more and more blood until he was so hard he just couldn’t help slipping a hand under the covers, wrapping it round his cock tightly. “Frankie?” “I’m sorry, caro. I can’t help it.” Jay blinked at him. “You know, when I said I really, really liked it, what did you think I meant?” Jay took Frankie’s other hand and pushed it down to his groin. Jay’s cock was hard and dripping, and Frankie gasped, fisting the solid length convulsively. Jay groaned and jerked into him. “I just thought you meant you could feed,” Frankie said with a wry smile. “Oh yes,” Jay murmured. His eyelids fluttered as Frankie started to stroke both their cocks at the same time. “But I meant this, too.” Jay groaned quietly and kissed him again, thrusting into his fist and reaching between them. He moved Frankie’s hand and replaced it with his own, quickly matching Frankie’s rhythm on Jay’s cock. “Oh fuck yes, Jay,” Frankie said with a groan, rocking into the tight tunnel of his lover’s fist. “I really, really like this, too.” Jay smiled softly, kissing him again as they moved together, shifting even closer so they were pressed against each other, pre-cum dribbling over their hands and bellies, easing their strokes.

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Suddenly, the taste of Jay’s blood filled his mouth, and Frankie thrust harder, need increasing as pleasure started to take over his body. “You feel so good, caro. Please come on me. I want to feel you come on me.” “Frankie?” Jay gasped, rocking into him faster, almost frantically. “Yeah?” Frankie whispered, stroking tight and fast as he thrust his cock harder through his lover’s hand. “I want to bite you. Can I?” “Fuck yes,” Frankie groaned, tipping his head to the side to expose his neck invitingly. Making a quiet, growling noise low in his throat, Jay licked up the tendon and kissed his ear. “Come for me, Frankie,” he whispered, breath soft against moistened skin before he bit down and sucked hard. Crying out, Frankie arched and jerked, pleasure taking him over as he flooded his lover’s hand. “I need you to come on me,” Frankie gasped. “Jay, please.” Grunting against his neck as he sucked, Jay shuddered and jerked and hot cum spurted over Frankie’s hand and stomach. “Fuck,” Frankie breathed. He blinked rapidly, suddenly overwhelmed with emotion, breath starting to hitch. “Frankie?” Jay whispered, easing back to look at him. “Don’t ever go off without me again.” Jay’s expression darkened slightly. “Is that a request or a demand?” “It’s a plea,” Frankie said softly. “I don’t want to lose you when I just found you. I don’t want anyone to hurt you ever again. Can you understand that?” “Yes.” “Good.” Frankie smiled a little sadly and touched his mate’s cheek. “Jay, why did you ask if you could bite me?” Jay sighed and looked away. “I didn’t want to just take, you know? Like before, like him. Take without even asking and take your choice away from you.”

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“Caro, look at me,” Frankie said as he smiled happily at his mate. Jay looked at him again, a touch of worry in his expression. “You don’t have to ask.” “But last time…” “Last time was different.” “How was it different?” Frankie shrugged. “Because you knew to ask this time. Besides, caro, my choice is and always will be you.” “Why?” “Because I love you.” Frankie smiled and nudged at his mate to turn over. “Now will you please get some sleep?” Jay sighed and settled back in his arms, twisting his head to kiss him awkwardly. “Okay. You won’t leave me on my own, will you?” “Never again. Unless you ever want me to,” Frankie said a little hesitantly. “I don’t think I ever will,” Jay whispered, turning forward again but pulling Frankie’s arms tighter around him. Heart swelling happily, Frankie kissed the back of his mate’s neck before starting the slow, long licks that would soothe his lover into sleep. Just as Jay’s breathing slowed and softened, he mumbled something Frankie couldn’t make out, except for his name. “Jay?” he whispered. But his mate was asleep, and he couldn’t disturb him for something that could be nothing, no matter how much he wished it had been an “I love you.” Closing his eyes, Frankie buried his face in his lover’s neck and let himself drift. **** Frankie woke to flailing limbs and heart wrenching screams that terrified him for a split second, until he realized that his mate was in the throes of a nightmare. He wrapped himself tightly round his lover and kissed him gently.

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“Hush, hush, I’m here. You’re safe, mio caro. You’re safe. I’m here, and I love you,” he murmured over and over until Jay was shaking in his arms and crying quietly. “Frankie?” “I’m here. It’s okay. You were having a nightmare. You’re safe.” “Oh fuck,” Jay gasped, turning and throwing himself at him. “Oh fuck, Frankie.” Frankie held on tightly, stroking long, dark hair and pressing soft kisses to pale skin until his mate stopped shaking. “Do you want to tell me about it?” Frankie asked softly. “No, God, no,” Jay whispered, shaking his head. “Bert?” Jay swallowed hard. “Yeah.” “It might help you to talk about it,” Frankie tried again. “Not to you.” Frankie’s throat tightened with hurt. “Oh.” “No, oh no, baby, I just meant I don’t want you to know, okay? I know you said you wouldn’t judge, but…Frankie?” Jay waved his hand in front of Frankie’s face, and he snapped out of his daze, grabbing Jay’s hand. He lunged forward and kissed Jay hard. “Frankie?” Jay gasped, pulling back and blinking at him. “I’m sorry,” Frankie said, panting quietly and licking his lips. “I couldn’t help it. You called me baby.” “I, oh, well, I…” Jay blinked again slowly. “You looked so upset, I just, it just came out.” “You couldn’t help it,” Frankie said with a soft smile. “I guess.” Jay sat up and rubbed his face. “Is it time to get up?” “Well, it’s two o’clock in the afternoon, but we don’t have to get up if you don’t want to.” “I don’t know what I want to do.” Jay sighed, stretching his arms over his head. He looked beautiful, pale and slender, the line of his back irresistible to touch. Frankie reached up to trace his lover’s spine with the tips of his fingers.

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“Stay in bed with me,” he whispered. Jay turned slightly, leaning on one hand to look at him. “Stay in bed?” Jay asked with a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk. “Whatever for?” Pouting slightly, Frankie slid his hand round to Jay’s hip and stroked a thumb over the bone. “What do you think?” he murmured, clasping his lover’s hip and tugging gently as Jay shivered. “But what would we do?” Jay whispered, turning and moving to lie over him, kissing him softly. “You could do me,” Frankie whispered back, wrapping his arms round his mate’s neck, nuzzling his cheek with his nose. Groaning quietly, Jay shifted enough to press their noses together. His breath ghosted lightly over his mouth, teasing him until Frankie was panting for breath, need growing to desperation point. “Caro? Do I get an answer?” “Was there a question?” Jay said softly, tongue flicking out over Frankie’s lips. “Oh God,” Frankie groaned, arching up to push his cock into his lover’s stomach. “Jay, please.” “No.” “What?” Frankie gasped. “I, uh, I want you to, uh, do me.” “Huh? I mean, you do?” Frankie managed to ask as his chest contracted and his heart started to pound. “Yes,” Jay whispered, letting his lips move over Frankie’s mouth. “Are you sure?” “Yes.” “Okay, the chains are…” “No.” “No? Really?” Jay kissed him gently and nodded. “Really. As good as it was, and it was really, really good, I know you wanted to touch me, and I want you to. I want you to touch me and hold me. I need to feel cared for.”

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Frankie sighed, rolling them onto their sides to face each other and pulling Jay’s leg over his hip. “Caro, you’re not just cared for. I love you. I always want to touch you and hold you, not just when we make love. Always,” Frankie whispered. He slid a hand down between Jay’s legs and stroked over his balls and under them to tease around the entrance to his body. “Oh God,” Jay gasped, arching into him, the hardened length of his cock sliding wetly over his stomach. “Please touch me.” Frankie lifted his hand to Jay’s mouth and touched his lips. “Suck on them, caro.” “Why?” Jay asked. “So I can touch you,” Frankie said softly, pressing his fingers to Jay’s lips and licking over both. “But what about lube?” Jay whispered. “I just want to touch you this way, Jay, please?” “It’s important to you?” “Yes,” Frankie said quietly. “I want to feel you like this, without the slick. It’s, I don’t know, more personal, more intimate somehow.” “Okay,” Jay whispered. “I’ll stop straight away if it hurts you,” Frankie said, watching Jay lift his hand back to his mouth. He swallowed hard, desire piercing his gut as Jay sucked on his fingers. The warmth, the wet suction of his mate’s beautiful mouth was almost too much before they’d even started. “Yes, suck them,” he whispered. Jay kissed his fingers gently then nipped hard at the pads, moaning quietly as the blood flowed into his mouth. He sucked on the tips one by one, slow and hard, until Frankie wanted to explode. “Wait, wait, Jay. I’m gonna come before we do anything if you keep doing that.” Pulling back, Jay blinked at him. “Just from that?” “That was fucking hot, Jay. God, I want you so bad.” Frankie spat on his fingers and reached down between Jay’s legs again, sliding the

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tips up the crease of his ass to circle the entrance to his body. Breath shuddered out of Jay’s lungs, his mate jerking against him as his ass rocked back against Frankie’s probing fingers. Kissing his mate deeply, Frankie gently pushed into Jay with one finger, working at the tight muscle with slow thrusts until Jay was gasping into his mouth and writhing against him. Then he added a second, stretching his lover open and pushing deeper to search out Jay’s prostate. “Oh fuck,” Jay cried out suddenly, bucking hard against him. “Oh God, do that again. I love that.” Smiling, Frankie kissed his mate harder, fucking him with his fingers and rubbing his prostate over and over. “Fuck, Frankie, oh fuck, you gotta stop.” “Caro? Are you okay?” Frankie gasped, panicking and pulling back. “Yes, oh yes,” Jay breathed. “I really am. I’m always okay when I’m with you.” “I love you,” Frankie said, kissing his lover urgently as his heart swelled. “Show me,” Jay whispered, kissing him back. “Make love with me.” He rolled onto his back and pulled Frankie with him. Frankie dipped down to kiss him quickly then pushed himself up onto his knees. “Like this?” “Yes.” Keeping his eyes locked on his mate’s face, Frankie grabbed the lube and squirted some straight onto his dick. He’d wanted to touch Jay without the slippery substance in the way, but there was no way he was going to risk hurting his lover. “Mmm, Frankie, please, I need you,” Jay moaned, licking his lips. With a shudder of desire, Frankie stroked his palm over his cock, spreading the lube liberally before he shifted to lie over his lover. He pushed Jay’s legs up and back, hooking his ankles over his shoulders, and guided his erection down between the cheeks of Jay’s ass.

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“In me, Frankie. Love me.” “I do,” Frankie whispered, pushing into his lover. He groaned quietly at the tight, velvet squeeze round his cock, hot and smooth and rippling and so good he almost couldn’t breathe. He leaned up, pushing back his lover’s legs so he could kiss him, sliding as deep inside his lover as he could. “Oh yes,” Jay said, his breath hitching as his pelvis tilted up and his hands gripped Frankie’s hips. “Oh please.” Gently nipping Jay’s lip, Frankie sucked his mate’s blood and rocked back, the tightness of his lover’s ass trying to hold him in the whole way. It was too hot, and Frankie groaned, thrusting into his lover, hard and deep. Jay gasped, gripping the back of his neck to kiss him frantically, urging him on with his legs and hands and rocking into every stroke. He’d never felt so amazing, never needed to come so badly. “So good, fuck, Jay, please I need—I need you.” Burying his face in Frankie’s neck, Jay bit down hard, and Frankie’s pleasure exploded with the pain, and he came deep inside his lover. “Oh fuck,” Jay cried out, jerking against him, splattering his stomach, hot and wet. Collapsing breathlessly, Frankie kissed his mate’s neck and licked the sweat from his skin. “Thank you, caro,” he whispered. “I love you.” Jay wrapped arms and legs round him tightly, nuzzling his neck as he sighed happily. “I feel good when you’re inside me, Frankie. Cared for, not hurt and abused. I didn’t think I’d ever want to hold on to the feeling of being possessed, but I do.” “Yeah?” Frankie asked softly. “Yeah, it’s like you’re more than inside me and I want, I want—” Frankie’s heart was fluttering, and he swallowed hard. “You want?” “I want to keep it, keep you inside me. Forever.” The breath left Frankie’s body in a rush, and he lifted up slightly to stare down at his mate.

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“I’m always inside you, caro, just like you’re always inside me.” “No,” Jay gasped, shoving him back and flinching as Frankie’s cock left his body. “No, I don’t want that.” Frankie knelt between his mate’s legs, frowning at him in confusion and hurt. “But you just said…” “No, that’s not what I said.” Jay sighed, turning onto his side and curling up round his knees. “Having you inside me comforts me, makes me feel whole somehow, but you shouldn’t—you shouldn’t—” “I shouldn’t what?” Frankie asked softly. “You shouldn’t have to have me inside you. I’ll taint you.” Jay started to cry quietly, burying his face in his knees. “You do not taint me,” Frankie gasped, tears of pain for his mate pricking his eyes. “You don’t. You are not like him, and now you’re free of him.” “I’ll never be free of him, Frankie.” Grabbing his mate’s arms, Frankie unwrapped them from round his legs and tugged Jay up into his arms. “Not if you keep blaming yourself for what he did to you,” Frankie said. “It wasn’t your fault, he made you.” Jay shuddered against him, breath hitching as his chest heaved with sobs. “I killed.” Frankie swallowed back his tears and the constriction of his throat. “I know you did. It wasn’t your fault.” “Yes, it was.” “How? How was it your fault?” “I was always last to feed, when I was allowed to feed. I knew, I knew feeding would kill them, and I did it anyway.” “He starved you. Of course you fed when you could.” Frankie stopped on a desperate sigh. “Caro, please, you’ve got to stop blaming yourself. He controlled you.” Jay just shook his head and buried his face, still crying. What did he do? How could he prove to Jay that he had had no control, no choice. Holding on tightly to his mate and rocking him slowly,

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Frankie knew he needed help. “Tyler, Zacky, please. I need you,” he called out. Not too many moments later, there was a quiet knock, then the door opened, the elder couple walking in slowly, concern on both their faces. “What’s up, boys?” Tyler asked, directing his gaze at Frankie. “He’s blaming himself for what he did with the rogues,” Frankie said, still trying not to cry. Tyler sighed. “Jay, do you mind if we sit on the bed?” “No,” Jay whispered, not looking up. Smiling comfortingly, Tyler and Zacky approached slowly and sat on either side of them, arms sliding loosely around them both. “Why would you blame yourself?” “You don’t know what I’ve done,” Jay whispered. “It doesn’t matter if I know what you’ve done or not, Jay,” Tyler said. “As an alpha, I know that with Bert, you had no choice.” “I could have…” “No, you couldn’t,” Tyler interrupted. “But I—” “You had no choice, Jay. I can show you if you want.” Jay froze in his arms, and Frankie shook his head. “Not to him. If you’re going to prove it, do it to me,” he said quietly. “Fine,” Tyler said, ominously softly. “Get out, Frankie.” “Wait, what?” Frankie gasped, his head shaking jerkily. “No.” But he was already rising to his feet, and Jay looked up at him, eyes filled with confusion and pain. “Frankie, where are you going?” Jay whispered, his voice cracking from his tears. “I’m sorry,” Frankie gasped, fighting every step as he headed helplessly for the door. “Tyler, please don’t do this.” “Hey, you wanted proof.” “Tyler.” Sighing, Tyler nodded. “Sorry, Zacky. Okay, Frankie, you can stop

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now.” Glaring at his alpha, Frankie ran back to the bed and jumped on, dragging his shaking mate into a hug. “I might be able to compel you to do whatever I want, but even I have to bow to my master’s voice,” Tyler said with a small chuckle. Zacky snorted incredulously. “Don’t be ridiculous, Ty,” he said. “That was cruel.” “Proved my point, didn’t I?” “And you had to do it like that?” Frankie exclaimed. “I am sorry, Jay,” Tyler said. “But it had to be something tangible.” Breath hitching as he clung onto Frankie, Jay finally looked up. “Yeah, I know.” “It’s going to take you a while to really accept that you weren’t to blame, Jay,” Zacky said softly. “And even longer to forgive yourself, but you will. And in the meantime, Frankie loves you and so do we. We are all here for you.” Jay frowned, looking a little confused. “You do?” “Do?” “Love me?” Jay whispered, barely audible in his hesitance. “You’re our pack, our family, and you just risked your life to save my mother. We all love you just for that.” Jay buried his face in Frankie’s neck again. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Is it okay if we cuddle you two for a while?” Zacky asked. “Caro?” Frankie asked gently. “You want to,” Jay said with a sigh. “Yeah.” “Okay.” Frankie smiled and kissed his mate gently before easing him down onto the bed and into a tight hug. Zacky lay down behind Jay and Tyler behind Frankie, sliding arms round them and holding hands over Frankie’s hip. Jay was stiff in his arms, but Frankie just kissed

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his lover as Tyler nuzzled his neck and Zacky stroked Jay’s hair, until, eventually, Jay started to relax, kissing Frankie back. “Feeling better, Jay?” Zacky asked softly. “Yes. I do,” Jay said, a note of surprise in his voice. “This is…nice.” “Isn’t it?” Frankie said with a smile. “I was freaked out my first time, too, though.” “You were?” “Yeah. I kinda found myself in Tyler and Zacky’s room, didn’t have a clue why,” Frankie said. “They sort of sneak up on you,” Zacky said with a chuckle. “Of course, my first puppy pile wasn’t under the best circumstances.” Tyler shuddered and Zacky sat up, leaning over Frankie and Jay to kiss his mate. “Hey now, beloved, it was a long time ago, and I’m okay.” “I know you are, baby, but it still—” Tyler stopped and sighed. “You know.” “Of course I do.” Zacky smiled and lay down again, cuddling Jay closer. They stayed like that long enough that Frankie had almost fallen asleep, when he was startled by a loud knock. “Guys, come on, you’ve had long enough. Marie’s asking for you, Frankie,” Matt said through the door. “Okay, thank you.” Frankie kissed his mate again and sat up, Tyler sitting up behind him and yawning. “We’re coming, Matt, get a grip,” Tyler said. “Get a grip? Are you fucking kidding me?” Matt shouted, flinging the door open. Jay jumped, and Frankie took his hand. Tyler raised an eyebrow at the other alpha. “It was time we needed to spend with Jay, which I’m sure you also needed with Billy.” “Yes, but—” “No buts, Matt, we’re coming. Now go feed.” Matt glared at Tyler for a moment. “Fine.” He stalked off and

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Tyler sighed. “What’s up with him?” Frankie asked. “He’s tense and worried because we couldn’t find those last two rogues.” Tyler stopped and grimaced. “Sorry, Jay, Bert’s still out there.” “I know.” “Did, uh, did Jimmy give Billy that rogue’s heart?” Frankie asked. “Yeah.” Tyler pulled a face. “He put a straw in it so Billy could suck the blood out of it.” “That’s sick,” Frankie said, grimacing in disgust. “That’s Jimmy,” Zacky said with a shrug. “Too true,” Tyler sighed. “Did Billy drink?” Tyler shrugged. “Sure. He’s just as bad as Jimmy. We just forget because he’s so quiet.” “That’s true.” Zacky smiled and stood, holding his hand out to his mate. Tyler stood with him and took it. “We’ll leave you two to get up in your own time. We’re not in a hurry, despite Matt’s impatience.” “Thanks, Ty,” Frankie said quietly. “No problem.” “Do you want to shower before we go downstairs?” Frankie asked his mate quietly. “Yeah.” Frankie got up and held out his hand. “Come on, then. We can keep cuddling for a while if we shower together.” “Sounds good,” Jay said softly, taking his hand and letting Frankie pull him to his feet. They walked to the bathroom, and Frankie switched on the shower, tugging his mate under with him. Jay’s arms slid round his shoulders, and Frankie rested his head on his lover’s chest, letting the water stream over his hair and back as he stroked the soft skin of Jay’s back. “Are you going to be up to this?” he whispered. “What do you mean?”

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Frankie looked up. “Going after Bert,” he said softly, sighing when his mate tensed up. “I wasn’t sure I’d be allowed after last time,” Jay said quietly. “Matt couldn’t quite trust you then, but after what you did for Esther, there are no doubts with the pack,” Frankie said firmly. “And if there are any objections, they’ll have me to deal with.” “What if I don’t want to deal with it at all?” Jay whispered. “I don’t know,” Frankie said with a frown. “I don’t want to force you if you’re not ready, but you went to face him to save Esther. What’s the difference?” “I had to try and save her.” “What about you?” Jay pulled back a little to look at him, frowning slightly in confusion. “What do you mean?” “What about saving yourself?” “I don’t know,” Jay whispered. “I think you need to face him, caro. I think you’ll feel better faster if you do,” Frankie said, reaching up to cup the older man’s cheek. “You won’t be alone, Jay. I’ll be by your side, and the whole pack will be with us.” Jay sighed, leaning into his touch and closing his eyes. “I’m scared, Frankie.” “You think I’m not?” Frankie said softly. “I love you. I don’t want to risk losing you, but we can’t let Bert get away with this.” Frankie clenched his jaw and shook his head. “We can’t let him live.” “I don’t want to risk losing you either,” Jay said with a shudder, pulling him closer again. “Can’t we just stay in the house?” Frankie almost laughed, his heart tightening at his mate’s words. “No, caro, of course we can’t. I wish we could, but what’s to stop him coming here?” “I guess.” Jay sighed and pulled back. “We’d better finish up in here, then.” “Yeah,” Frankie said with a soft smile.

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They washed and dried off quickly and went back to the bedroom to get dressed. “Uh, could I borrow some pants from someone?” Jay asked. “What’s mine is yours, caro,” Frankie said with a shrug. “What’s yours is short.” Frankie blinked at his lover, then started to laugh. “That’s true. I didn’t even think of that. I’ll ask Zacky,” he said. “You okay with my underwear and T-shirts?” “Oh yes,” Jay said with a rapid, emphatic nod. Frankie couldn’t help another quiet chuckle. “Good. Take whatever you want. I’ll be right back with pants.” He ran down to the kitchen where everyone else had gathered. “You two still not ready?” Matt said with a roll of his eyes. “No, actually. Um, Zacky, Jay needs to borrow some pants, if that’s okay?” “Why doesn’t he just borrow yours?” Zacky asked, with sad frown. Frankie moved over to his beta and looked up at him. “Why do you think?” “Ah. Yes.” Zacky smiled. “Sorry, when I first turned, I had to borrow clothes from Tyler. I just automatically thought he’d prefer it.” “That’s okay. So did I.” “I’ll get him some jeans.” “Thanks, Zacky.” Frankie followed his beta upstairs but headed back to his room where Jay was waiting. He had dressed in a black T-shirt and snugly fitting boxer briefs that made his skin look impossibly pale. “Fuck, Jay, you are completely beautiful,” Frankie whispered. He hurried to his lover and leaned up to kiss him desperately. Slim arms slid round his shoulders, and Jay kissed him back, lips parting against his. The tip of Jay’s tongue just touched his and sparked lust deep in his groin. A throat clearing from the doorway made him pull back, and he glanced over to see Zacky staring at them fondly.

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“You two are just lovely,” he said, holding out a pair of jeans. “Thanks,” Frankie said, taking them to his mate. “Thank you, Zacky,” Jay whispered. “Hey, you’re our pack. And you saved my mother. There isn’t a lot you can ask of me that I’d refuse.” Zacky quirked a smile at them. “Now you’d better hurry before Matt blows a fuse.” Frankie chuckled. “Yeah, we will. I don’t know why he’s the one freaking out so much.” “Because at heart, Matt is the softest softie in all of softieland.” Blinking at his beta for a moment until he’d really registered what he’d said, Frankie dissolved into a fit of laughter, holding onto Jay helplessly to stay upright. “Matt is?” Jay asked, looking bemused and doubtful. “Yeah.” Zacky grinned. “Just don’t let on that you know, okay?” he said with a wink. “Sure,” Frankie said, smiling at his friend. “See you downstairs.” “Okay, Zacky.” Jay pulled on the jeans, which fitted perfectly, and Frankie licked his lips, biting back the resurgence of his desire for his mate. “Frankie?” “We should go downstairs,” Frankie said hurriedly, licking his lips again. Jay stared at him for a moment, then exhaled heavily and nodded. “Yeah.” Leaning up, Frankie cupped his lover’s cheek, kissing him quickly before taking his hand and leading him down to the kitchen.

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Chapter 13 Letting Jay sit on the last chair, Frankie slid into his lap and wrapped an arm round the back of his neck. “So how many are left?” Matt asked immediately. “How many did you kill?” Frankie asked, stroking his mate’s neck gently. “Two.” “Then two,” Jay whispered. “Bert and Will.” “Will’s the small one?” Johnny asked. “Yeah, he’s uh…” Jay’s voice faltered, and Frankie had to bite back the urge to drag him up to their room and lock them in until it was safe again. “He’s the one. He’s Bert’s favorite because…” Jay sounded like he was about to hyperventilate, and Frankie hushed him quietly, patting his chest until he calmed enough to speak again. “He’s worse than Bert, sadistic. Bert often left punishments up to him.” “Caro,” Frankie sighed, kissing his cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t kill him that first time.” “Me, too,” Jay sighed. “I did sort of distract you.” “Yeah, you did.” Frankie smiled and leaned closer to nuzzle his mate’s cheek with the tip of his nose. “But I’ll never be sorry for that.” “No.” Jay twisted his head to kiss him and smiled. “Where are they likely to be?” Matt asked, a note of impatience in his voice. “They’ll probably be back in town,” Jay said. “Bert will be really,

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really pissed now.” “And he’ll be targeting us?” Tyler asked quietly. “Probably…well, me certainly.” Frankie shivered and pulled his mate closer. He frowned as he watched Tyler exchange a glance with Matt. “What?” he asked. “I just don’t think Jay will necessarily be his only or even his primary target,” Tyler said. “Well, who then?” Frankie demanded, starting to get worried again. “You, Frankie.” “No!” Jay exclaimed. “Why?” “He may well know that you’re mates. The worst thing you can do to any Pack is take their mate from them.” Tyler’s face fell, and he held onto Zacky tightly, burying his face in his mate’s chest as Zacky stroked his back and murmured lovingly. “Yeah,” Jimmy said with a nod. “When that fucker stabbed Billy, it was like having my heart ripped out and time stopped until I knew he was going to be okay.” The normally manic man cuddled his silent mate close and kissed him deeply. Billy petted his hair gently and eased him back again. “Love you, Jimmy,” he whispered. “I love you, too, Billy, so much,” Jimmy said, kissing him again, pulling him round to straddle his lap, his hands dropping to slender hips. Moaning quietly, Billy wrapped his arms round Jimmy’s neck and kissed back hard, hips rocking into him. “Not now, boys.” “But, Matt,” Jimmy whined. “No.” “Matt, let them go,” Tyler said quietly. “But, Tyler…” “Mattie, Billy nearly died remember? They still need time together.” “Yeah, but now?”

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Tyler shrugged. “Better now than distracted later.” “I guess,” Matt said with a snort. “Okay, cubs, why don’t you all go spend some time with each other.” “Thank you, Matt.” Jimmy stood, sweeping Billy up in his arms and carrying him out of the room. “Us, too?” Mikey asked eagerly. “Yes, you, too,” Matt sighed. He shook his head as Mikey and Ollie ran out of the room hand in hand. “You’re a good alpha, mon cher,” Johnny said softly. He kissed Matt soundly and stroked short, spiky hair. “I’m much too soft with them,” Matt said. Frankie’s lips trembled as he tried to hold back laughter. “They’re young, cheri.” “So are Frankie and Jay,” Matt said, not quite pouting. “Yes, but this involves them a little more directly,” Tyler said, raising an eyebrow pointedly. “And I’m worried about both of them.” A doorbell ring interrupted them, and with a frown, Johnny got up and left the room to answer it. “You don’t have to worry,” Frankie said quietly. “I don’t intend on leaving his side.” “I’m afraid that you don’t have a choice.” Looking up, Frankie frowned in confusion, getting out of Jay’s lap. “Detectives?” “We need to take you in for questioning.” “Tyler?” Frankie exclaimed. Tyler frowned. “What are you talking about?” “His prints and DNA were found on the victim.” “Not only his DNA, I’ll warrant,” Tyler snorted. “No, but so far he’s our only suspect and certainly our only lead…” “That’s not true,” Jay interrupted quietly. “Jay, no,” Frankie gasped. “What do you mean?” Detective Solomon asked sharply.

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“I know Frankie didn’t kill that man,” Jay said defiantly. “Jay, don’t!” Frankie snapped. “How?” “I was there,” Jay said. The detectives exchanged a look. “Well, you’ll have to come down to the station as well, give us a statement.” “Fine.” “What the hell are you doing?” Frankie shouted. “Not leaving your side,” Jay said, staring at him steadily. “Oh, caro, no, not like this,” Frankie said. He bent to cup Jay’s cheeks, kissing him gently. “I didn’t want you involved.” Jay stood and leaned down to kiss him back. “I am involved. If only because we’re mates,” he whispered. “But I am a witness.” Frankie smiled happily. His mate’s words filled him with so much joy and hope that Jay was really starting to accept them. “Okay, I guess you’re right. It means we’ll be together.” “We’ll have to follow you,” Tyler said. “But what about…” “Not now, Matt,” Tyler said quietly. “They’ll be together and safe. We’ll deal with the rest later.” “Fine.” “Come on, then. Let’s go,” Detective Solomon snapped. He looked distinctly uncomfortable, and Matt sneered at both the cops, growling low in his throat. “That could be interpreted as a threat, sir,” Detective Brown said quietly. “Cheri, s’il te plait,” Johnny whispered, tugging gently at Matt’s arm. The large alpha allowed himself to be pulled round, and he wrapped an arm round his mate, defiantly kissing him hard in front of the detectives. “Okay, that’s enough. Mancuso and you, what’s your name?” “Jared Rossi.” “Mancuso and Rossi, let’s go before I actually arrest you both.”

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Frankie held out his hand, and Jay took it. “Can I just take a minute to tell my grandmother, please?” Frankie asked. “She’s an invalid, and I haven’t had a chance to speak to her today.” “Fine, make it quick.” “Thank you.” Frankie led Jay to his grandmother’s room and knocked before letting them both in. “Hey, Nana.” “Frankie, Jay, oh my dear boys,” she exclaimed, holding out her hands to them. “It’s okay, Nana. We’re okay. You spoke to Esther, didn’t you?” Frankie asked. He took her hand and bent to kiss her cheek. “Yes, of course. Jay, come here, dear. How are you feeling?” Jay took her other hand and let her tug him close and hug him. “I’m fine. Frankie saved me,” he said softly. “I’m so glad,” she said with a smile. She patted his cheek gently. “You’re a good boy, but you’re Pack now. You don’t ever have to do things like that alone.” “I’m starting to realize that,” Jay said, smiling at Frankie. “Good.” “Nana, I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to sit down and talk. I promise we will, but we have to go again,” Frankie said, grimacing apologetically. “Oh? Why?” “We have to go down to the police station and clear things up.” “Well, that’ll be a relief I suppose,” she said. “Yeah. We can’t finish things with Bert until this is sorted out.” There was a loud knock. “Mancuso, Rossi, let’s go.” “All right, we’re coming,” Frankie snapped. “Sorry, Nana,” he whispered, kissing her cheek. “Just don’t take too long,” she said, patting his cheek affectionately. “Come here, Jay, dear.” Hesitantly, Jay moved close again, and she kissed his forehead. “I’ll see you both later.” Jay flushed, and Frankie couldn’t resist kissing him quickly. “Thanks, Nana,” Frankie said. She winked at him and nodded as

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they finally followed the detectives out to the car, getting in the back. Frankie curled up against his mate, smiling softly when Jay put an arm round his shoulders and rested his cheek on his hair. Solomon muttered something derogatory that they obviously weren’t supposed to hear, and Frankie tightened his grip on his mate as Jay stiffened. “Ignore him, caro,” Frankie whispered. “Why should I?” Jay gritted out. “We have as much right to be together as anyone.” “I know, but let’s not antagonize the police. We don’t want any more problems.” “We haven’t got the problem,” Jay said, looking sullen. “You didn’t kill that guy. They did.” “I know, caro, but I don’t know how easy it’s gonna be to prove that.” “I was a witness.” “I know, but we’ll probably have to prove that, too.” Frankie sighed and tipped his head up so he could kiss his mate. “They’ll probably want prints and DNA from you to rule you out as a suspect anyway.” “Oh.” Jay sighed quietly and shook his head. “That could be a problem.” “Why?” Frankie asked with a frown. “Well, uh.” Jay’s voice dropped further. “I’ve been at the scene of a hell of a lot of crimes, Frankie.” “For fuck’s sake, Jay!” Frankie gasped. “You see, this is why you shouldn’t have got involved. How could you not have thought of that?” “Because I was thinking about you, not me,” Jay snapped, pulling away from him with a glare. Frankie’s heart tightened with love even as his anger increased. “You would have been fine at home.” “Fine?” Jay exclaimed. “I’m never fine anymore unless I’m with

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you. So don’t tell me what I should or shouldn’t do when it comes to making sure we’re together.” Lips parting as he stared in shock, Frankie’s breath hitched and his heart skipped a beat. As he leaned forward, cupping his mate’s cheek, there was a loud snort from the front of the car. “What?” Frankie snapped. “You’re freaks, man. What the hell are you talking about?” Solomon sneered. “That would be none of your business,” Frankie said with a slight snarl. He glared at the big detective. “Ooh easy, girls, let’s not get into a catfight.” “Solomon!” Brown shouted at his partner. “That’s enough.” “Fine,” Solomon said, rolling his eyes. Then he frowned. “What the fuck is that guy…” There was an enormous smashing noise, metal grinding, and time seemed to slow down as the detectives cried out and the car flipped over, sliding on its roof several meters down the road. Frankie held tightly to his mate, silently blessing the fact that Jay had actually put a seat belt on and was clinging to him just as tightly. As the car came to a stop, Frankie opened his eyes. “You okay, caro?” “Yes, you?” “I think so,” Frankie whispered. “Solomon? Brown? You okay?” There was a groan from one of them, and the smell of blood started to fill the confined space. Outside the car there was a sudden burst of hysterical laughter, and Jay gasped, stiffening against Frankie, his fear pervading Frankie’s mind. “Oh yeah, that was perfect!” The voice was strangely familiar. “No,” Jay whispered. “No, oh shit, Frankie.” “Who is it?” “Will. We gotta get out of here!” Jay scrabbled at his seat belt as footsteps skipped round the car. “I got ya, I got ya,” Will giggled manically. “Got the little puppies

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and the piggies, too.” “Calm down, Jay. You’re just going to drop us on our heads,” Frankie whispered. “Let go of me slowly.” Jay loosened his grip, and Frankie twisted over so he could drop into a crouch on the roof. “Okay, now you,” he said. He flinched as Will ran round the car, tapping out a rhythm on the chassis as he laughed and sang, “Little pig, little pig, let me come in,” over and over. Jay undid the seat belt and dropped down next to him. “Frankie, all that blood…” “Caro!” “I can’t help it. I’m hungry.” Frankie sighed. “I think Solomon’s dead anyway. Hurry, then.” “Yeah?” “Yes, I’m going to get a door open.” “No!” “Yes. Just hurry up and feed, Jay.” “Puppies, puppies, puppies. Wanna come play with the big dogs, huh?” “He’s fucking nuts,” Frankie whispered. He shifted to the other side of the car as his mate moved under the drip of blood from the front passenger seat to drink eagerly. “Yeah,” Jay said with a shudder. “I won’t let him hurt you, caro.” “What if he tries to hurt you?” “You won’t let him, Jay. It’s the way mates work. We protect each other, no matter how scared we might be. Now, you ready?” “As I’ll ever be.” “Let’s go, then.” “You’ll never get the door open,” Detective Brown suddenly whispered. “Don’t worry, man. We’ll get help,” Frankie said, using all his strength to force the both locked and damaged door open. The screech

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of metal set his teeth on edge, but he rolled out and up into a crouch ready. He felt movement behind him before he heard anything, and Frankie rolled, jumping up to his feet again behind a startled Will. Before the rogue could recover, Frankie leapt onto his back, wrapping his arms round his neck in a hold Tyler had shown him that would knock even Pack unconscious in a matter of moments. Will dropped to the ground, and Frankie got up, wiping his hands on his pants as he spat on the prone rogue. “Should have killed you, asshole,” he said with a growl, fishing his cell phone from his pocket and dialing 911. As he quickly gave the operator the details, Frankie frowned, watching his mate slowly approaching Will. Suddenly, Jay screamed and started to kick the unconscious rogue over and over, ranting and sobbing incoherently. Putting his phone away, Frankie hurried to his distraught mate and pulled him away, holding onto him tightly. Jay sagged against him, tears trickling down his neck. “Caro, do you want to kill him?” “Really?” Jay breathed. “He’s rogue, Jay. We have no choice. But of anyone, you should be the one who does it.” “I don’t know if I want to…I don’t want to kill anyone ever again,” Jay whispered. “Ah, Jay,” Frankie sighed, smiling softly. “Then don’t. We can wait for Tyler.” He kissed his mate quickly and pulled back. “Do you want to keep an eye on him, or do you want to check on Brown?” “Check on Brown,” Jay said immediately with an emphatic nod. Frankie smiled and nodded back. “Okay then, I’ll keep an eye on this prick,” he said. He turned to watch his lover walking quickly back to the police car. As Jay wrenched open the driver door, he glanced back, and Frankie smiled again. Then Jay’s eyes widened in horror, and he reached out with a scream as sheer, red-hot pain pierced Frankie’s side and teeth clamped

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down on his neck, tearing his skin. “No!” Jay howled, running toward him as Frankie’s vision narrowed, and everything turned black. **** Consciousness came slowly, the sensation of hot tongue sliding over his skin making him groan quietly. The licking stopped. “Frankie?” Jay whispered. The note of tentative hope in his mate’s voice filled Frankie with worry. “Caro? What’s wrong. What happened?” “Don’t you remember?” “Not really,” Frankie sighed. He opened his eyes slowly and tried to turn over. “Stay still!” Jay snapped. “Please, baby, I nearly, I nearly—” He stopped, voice breaking as he sobbed and tears dripped onto the back of Frankie’s neck, trickling down under his chin. “I can’t stay still, Caro. You’re crying. I need to hold you.” Jay shifted round and carefully rolled him onto his side, snuggling close. “Are you hungry?” Jay whispered. “Starving,” Frankie said with a small nod. “What happened?” “What do you remember?” “The crash, and Will, and…” He stopped and frowned. “You went to the car and I—what happened?” “Will,” Jay whispered. “Stabbed you, tried to drain you.” He pressed a slightly desperate kiss to Frankie’s mouth. “Nothing he did to me in fifteen years of constant torture hurt me as much as seeing you, seeing you—” Jay broke off and kissed him again. “Oh, Frankie, I, I killed him.” Sighing, Frankie wrapped his arms tightly round his mate. “I’m sorry, Caro. I know you didn’t want to.” “I had no choice,” Jay whispered. “He shouldn’t have touched you.”

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“Are we home?” “Yes.” “That’s something at least.” Jay nodded and eased back slightly, biting his wrist and holding it out to him. Frankie grabbed his mate’s arm and latched onto the wound, sucking eagerly, Jay’s blood hitting his tongue like liquid ecstasy. “Oh fuck, Frankie,” Jay gasped. One leg slid over Frankie’s hip to pull him closer, hardening cock pushing into his stomach. Frankie groaned quietly, swallowing harder as his mate’s blood filled him, made him feel strong and alive, and he could feel his own cock twitching even if he wasn’t quite strong enough yet for an erection. “Fuck me, caro, please. I want you,” he whispered. “Frankie, oh God, Frankie.” Jay clutched him close again, kissing him with an urgency that filled Frankie equally with love and concern. “Jay?” “I thought you were gonna die,” Jay whispered, dotting frantic kisses over his face. “I couldn’t survive if I lost you. I couldn’t.” “You’re never gonna lose me,” Frankie said softly, his heart tight with joy. “I love you, and I’ll do whatever it takes for us to be together.” “Promise me,” Jay demanded, still sounding desperate. “I promise you,” Frankie said firmly, kissing his lover again. “Forever.” “I want to be in you,” Jay moaned, rocking against him again. “I want to fuck you right now, fill you. Make you mine again.” Breath shuddered into his lungs, and Frankie nodded frantically as desire tore through his body, his cock desperately trying to rise. “Yes,” he gasped, arching against his mate. “Please, fuck me. I always want you.” Jay shifted them so that Frankie’s leg was hooked over Jay’s hips instead, then reached for the lube, squeezing some onto his fingertips. Panting softly against Frankie’s cheek, Jay reached behind him, the tips of his fingers probing gently at Frankie’s ass.

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“Do it,” Frankie begged. He pushed back hard, trying to get even that small part of his lover inside him. “Frankie,” Jay groaned, his fingers rubbing over the tight muscle before two pushed into Frankie’s body to stretch him open almost too quickly. It burned, but Frankie didn’t care, crying out and rocking back hard into the stroke, trying to get his lover deeper, trying to relax so Jay would fuck him sooner. “Easy,” Jay murmured, kissing the column of his throat. He thrust his fingers in and out of Frankie’s body, slowly, deeply, rubbing over his prostate to heat every nerve with desperate need. “Easy?” Frankie gasped. “How am I supposed to take it easy. I need you.” Moist lips slid over his neck and down over his chest, hot darts of tongue teasing him with little shocks of pleasure as Jay moved ever lower, his fingers unrelenting inside his body. The pleasure was almost too much, as Frankie’s cock finally hardened. “Please, Jay, please inside me, now,” he said, clutching at his mate frantically. Jay rolled him onto his back, hooking Frankie’s leg over his shoulder as he quickly swiped some more lube over his cock. “Are you sure?” Jay asked. “Oh God, yes. I need this, Jay. I need you.” Leaning down, Jay kissed him as he pressed the slickened tip of his cock down to Frankie’s ass and pushed inside him. “Ah, fuck!” Frankie cried out, pain-edged pleasure streaking through him. He curled up, wrapping arms and legs round his lover and dragging Jay as deep inside him as he could. “Frankie,” Jay breathed, burying his face in his neck, sucking and licking at his skin as he pulled back slowly and started to fuck him. Jay’s strokes were deep and hard and so slow that it wasn’t long before Frankie was writhing torturously. He was breathless and needy, every inch of his lover’s skin against him burning desire through him. “Jay, please,” he moaned. “I need to come, need you to come inside me.” Jay groaned quietly, thrusting into him harder as he lifted

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his head. Biting his lip, Jay let his blood drip onto Frankie’s mouth and reached between them to grasp Frankie’s aching cock. Jay stroked him and fucked him, and it was too much. Orgasm exploded through his whole body, and he flooded his mate’s hand as he came with a cry, clenching down round the solid length inside him. Jerking into him, Jay moaned and shuddered, filling him with heat, the scent of satiation adding to his happiness. “I love you.” Frankie froze, mouth dropping open as Jay stared down at him, his eyes dark and serious with a glimmer of fear. “Say it again.” “Why?” Jay almost snapped, starting to look defensive. Frankie sighed and reached up to cup his mate’s cheek. “Because I love you, caro, and I’ve been waiting to hear you say that since the day we met.” Jay swallowed and licked his lips, dipping down to kiss him with such sweet, soft passion that it took Frankie’s breath away. “I love you, Frankie.” Happiness washed over Frankie and settled deep in his heart as he stroked dark hair and kissed his mate with all the love he felt in return. “Love you, too,” he murmured. Jay lifted his head and smiled a little shyly. “You realize I’m going to want to hear you say that all the time,” Frankie said, touching his lover’s lips gently. Jay raised an eyebrow at him. “Say what?” “Don’t tease, you ass,” Frankie said with a pout. “Sorry,” Jay said, huffing out a laugh. “Come here.” Frankie wrapped his arms round his mate and held him tightly, nuzzling into his neck. Frankie could feel the pulse of blood against his lips, the soft scent reminding him of his hunger. As he started to gently lick Jay’s skin, there was a quiet knock. Frankie sighed but looked up in surprise when Jay glanced at the door. “Come in,” Jay said quietly.

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“Seriously?” Frankie practically squeaked. They were naked, covered in blood and cum. Hell, Jay was still buried inside him, and yet it was his shy, nervous mate inviting the others in. “You need more blood,” Jay said softly. He eased from Frankie’s body with a quiet grunt as the door opened to admit boxer-clad Tyler and Zacky. “Frankie,” Tyler said with a smile. “Hey.” “How are you both feeling?” Zacky asked quietly. He was carrying a bag of blood, and Frankie couldn’t help an eager smile. “Hungry.” Zacky smiled. “Jay?” “I’m okay, I think.” Jay sighed and shrugged. “Better now Frankie’s awake.” “Makes a big difference,” Tyler said, climbing onto the bed beside Frankie. “Ready?” “God, yes,” Frankie gasped. He held tightly to his mate as Tyler bit open his wrist and held it out. Frankie sighed happily, sucking eagerly at alpha’s wrist, the strong, rich blood strengthening him more. His cock twitched as he opened his eyes to fix on his openmouthed, beautiful mate. Jay’s eyes locked with his, a hot smile hovering on his lips as he watched avidly. Letting go of Tyler’s wrist, Frankie lunged at his lover, kissing that teasing mouth hard as they dropped back onto the bed, arms and legs entwined. Jay licked into his mouth and kissed him back for a brief moment before easing him back. “Jay,” Frankie whined. “No, Frankie, no more. You’re not strong enough yet,” Jay said softly. “Quite right,” Tyler said with a firm nod. “Just relax for a while, cub. You need recovery time. It wasn’t a fatal wound, but with Will trying to drain you, it was close enough.” “Okay,” Frankie sighed, snuggling up to his mate, smiling when

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Zacky and Tyler curled up round them. “We took Billy’s example and brought a straw so we can all cuddle and you can drink at the same time, okay?” Zacky said softly. “Not straight from the heart, I hope,” Frankie joked quietly. “Well, we did have to drag Jay off that rogue before he ripped him apart,” Tyler said. “Whoa, really? Jay?” Frankie whispered, frowning at his mate. “I told you, he shouldn’t have touched you,” Jay said fiercely. “He attacked your mate, Jay. There’s very little you wouldn’t have done to protect him,” Tyler said, reaching over Frankie to pat Jay’s arm soothingly. “Yeah?” “I killed someone once, to protect Tyler,” Zacky whispered. “You did?” Frankie gasped, his shock shared by his mate. “I had to. That’s all there was to it.” Zacky grimaced ruefully and shrugged. “Love you, baby,” Tyler said with a smile. He took his mate’s hand over Frankie and Jay’s bodies. “Rakastan sua, Tyr,” Zacky whispered. They cuddled up on the bed for a while, Frankie drinking slowly from the blood bag, before Tyler got up again. “I’m going to check on the others, okay?” “Okay, beloved,” Zacky said with a smile. He snuggled up to Jay and stroked Frankie’s arm. “So what happened?” Frankie asked. “How come we’re home?” “When we caught up, you were unconscious, and Jay had, uh, taken care of Will. There wasn’t much time to sort you out so that we could bring you home, but you weren’t under arrest, and Detective Brown was conscious enough to let us go. I think he saw more than we would have wanted, but it can’t be helped.” “What if he causes trouble?” Frankie asked worriedly. “I have a funny feeling he won’t, but Tyler will deal with him if he tries. Don’t worry about it.”

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“But—” “Frankie, it’s okay. Just worry about getting well and being with your mate. Tyler will take care of it. It’s what he does.”

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Chapter 14 “Time to get up, boys.” Frankie blinked sleep out of his eyes and sat up. His mate made a noise of complaint, and Frankie looked down, smiling at the sleepylooking pout Jay was directing at him. “Sorry, caro.” Grumbling under his breath, Jay sat up and pressed a quick kiss to his mouth. “That’s okay, Frankie.” “Shower and dress, boys. Time to go,” Tyler said. “Go where, Ty?” Zacky asked. He sat up and let his mate envelop him in a hug. “To the hospital to see Brown. He wants to talk to Frankie and Jay.” “Us? Oh well, I suppose he would.” Frankie sighed. “We’d better have a shower, Jay.” Jay took his hand with a nod, smiling at the other couple before leading Frankie to the bathroom. Frankie switched on the shower, waiting a moment for the temperature to settle before pulling his lover under the spray. He leaned against Jay’s chest with a sigh. Jay stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head, arms wrapped loosely round his shoulders. “Are you sure you’re strong enough for this?” “I’ll be fine, caro. We are going to a hospital after all.” “Don’t joke about that.” “Sorry. No, Jay, I’m not sure, but I just want to get all this shit over with, you know?” “I know,” Jay sighed. “Okay, we’d better finish up in here, then.”

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“Aw, but—” Frankie lifted his head, licking over his lover’s lips, pressing his fingers into Jay’s chest gently. “Come on, Jay, we’ve got a few minutes,” he whispered. He slid both hands down his lover’s water-slick torso to his hips and writhed sinuously against Jay’s body. His cock slid against his mate’s thigh, hardening as his desire peaked. “Frankie, no.” “Just a quick one, please? I want you,” Frankie begged, rubbing himself harder against his mate. Jay groaned and arched against him. “Frankie, stop.” “Jay, I need you.” Suddenly, Jay grabbed his arms and propelled him back against the wall. Frankie gasped in shock, staring up at his mate wide-eyed. “I said stop, Frankie. What part of 'no' didn’t you understand?” Jay yelled. Frankie’s heart nearly stopped from guilt and horror, and tears sprang to his eyes. “Caro, I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean…I’m sorry.” “I know you are, Frankie, and I know you didn’t mean it like that, but I said no,” Jay said softly. He let Frankie’s arms go and backed up. “But…” Frankie’s pain grew. How could he have done that to his mate? But how could Jay say no? How could he want to? Never in all the months he’d been Pack had he seen one of the others refuse their mates. Not once. “Why?” he whispered, letting his tears fall. “I don’t want a quick one, Frankie. I don’t want a fast fuck in the shower when I almost lost you,” Jay said, reaching out to wipe the tears from Frankie’s cheeks. Frankie’s breath hitched softly, and he caught his lover’s hands, pulling them to his mouth to kiss his fingers gently. “I want to get this day over with and make sure you’re strong. Curl up in bed with you and make love, okay?” Frankie nodded, letting his mate draw him back into his arms. “Okay,” he whispered. “I’m sorry.” “And you’re forgiven.”

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“Can I kiss you?” “Yes.” Frankie clutched at his lover’s shoulders and leaned up, pressing his lips gently to Jay’s mouth, moving them slowly, the tip of his tongue just sliding along the crease. Jay moaned, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss slowly. Sliding his fingers into dark, soft hair, Frankie kissed his mate tenderly, reverently, trying to express all the love in his heart and soul until he had to pull away, panting for breath. “I love you. I’m sorry.” “You don’t have to apologize, baby. I know. I can feel it.” Frankie couldn’t help smiling. “You called me baby again.” “Do you mind?” “No, I like it.” Jay smiled and kissed him. “So are you going to tell me what 'caro' means?” “In the context I’m using it, it means ‘beloved,’” Frankie said softly. “Why didn’t you tell me before?” “I thought it would be too much. We’ve only known each other a couple of weeks, after all.” “But I feel like I’ve known you forever,” Jay whispered. “It’s a mate thing, I guess,” Frankie said softly. “I felt like I’d just been waiting for you my whole life.” Jay kissed him hard, quickly. “I didn’t realize it at first, but I was waiting for you, too.” Smiling, Frankie kissed him back. “Come on, then. Let’s go get dressed,” he said. “The sooner we go, the sooner we can spend the rest of our lives together.” “Sounds perfect,” Jay whispered, kissing him again. They rinsed off and got out to dry themselves, heading back to the bedroom to get dressed. Jay was wearing a different pair of jeans, and Frankie frowned.

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“Are they Zacky’s?” “Yeah, the other ones he lent to me are, uh, covered in blood,” Jay said with a small grimace. “Oh. Yeah.” Frankie gave his lover a small smile in apology. “I’d better do some laundry, huh? I’m running out of T-shirts. When this is over, we can buy you some new clothes.” “What?” Frankie frowned at his mate’s reaction. “Um, buy you some new clothes,” he repeated slowly. “I’ve never…new clothes, not since…” “Oh, caro,” Frankie sighed. “I had to steal clothes, usually from our victims.” “Never again,” Frankie whispered. “You’ll never have to again.” “Thank you.” “Anything for you, caro.” Jay’s smile was genuine, if slightly tinged with sadness. “Let’s go, Jay.” He held out his hand, and his mate took it, letting Frankie lead him from the room and down the stairs to see his grandmother before they left. “Frankie!” she exclaimed when she saw them. “Hey, Nana. Another flying visit I’m afraid,” Frankie said, bending to kiss her cheek. She stared at him, worry and anger in her eyes. “What? Why? You nearly died, Frankie.” “I know, Nana.” Frankie sat down on the edge of the bed and took her hand. “But I’m okay. We just have to square things with the cops, and then I think we’ll be okay.” “Are you sure?” “No, but it’s our best bet.” She sighed and nodded. “Okay, but I want a proper day with my favorite grandsons when all this is over, you got me?” Filled with joy at her inclusion of Jay in such a personal way, Frankie leaned over and kissed her again. “Thanks, Nana.”

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“Grandsons?” Jay whispered. “Of course, Jay. You’re part of this family now, and I know how much you love Frankie.” “What? How?” Frankie gasped. “He only just told me.” “It was obvious, sweetheart. Just as obvious as how much you love him.” “But I didn’t even know,” Jay said softly. “I know,” she said with a smile. “But I knew you’d work it out.” “You could have told me, Nana,” Frankie said with a small huff. “I did, darling,” she said with a raised eyebrow. “You just didn’t understand me.” “Oh.” “Hey, sorry to interrupt, Marie, but the sooner we get off, the better, really,” Tyler interrupted. “Okay, I suppose it’s for the best.” “Later, Nana,” Frankie said quietly. He gave her a hug and stood up. “Good-bye, boys, and remember, I want my day with you both.” She smiled and dragged Jay closer to kiss his forehead. “Thank you, Marie,” Jay whispered. “You’re welcome.” They followed Tyler and Zacky to the car and got in the back, Tyler driving them quickly to the hospital. They headed in on their own, the other couple electing to stay in the car. As they approached the room they’d been directed to, a familiar scent suddenly hit Frankie’s nostrils, and he paused as he felt fear flood his mate’s mind. Then there was a cry, and Frankie bolted forward, running to the room. Bert was straddling Detective Brown, holding down his wrists as he drank from the detective’s neck. “You son of a bitch!” Frankie yelled. Jumping forward, he shoved the rogue from the bed. Bert fell heavily, rolling on the floor and smacking into the wall.

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“Pack snack,” Bert sneered, chuckling quietly at him. “Frankie!” Jay gasped. “You don’t have to get involved, caro. I can handle this asshole.” Bert’s chuckle grew louder and turned ugly. “Can you now, child? Jared, why don’t you make everything up to me and kill the little pack brat.” “No,” Jay gasped out. “I said kill him, fucker,” Bert snapped, rolling onto his feet and staying in a low crouch. “And I said no,” Jay said sharply, sounding stronger. “You can’t say no to me, slave.” “I just did. If you try and hurt my mate, I’ll kill you, like I did Will.” “You? You killed Will? You!” Bert screamed. “I will rip your heart out and make your mate eat it before I suck him to a shriveled husk and pound him into dust.” “You can’t take us both,” Frankie snarled. He moved slowly toward the end of the bed, ready to run round. Bert lunged at Frankie. Crying out, Jay threw himself across the bed, crashing into Bert’s side, both of them hitting the wall hard, a loud crack nauseating Frankie. “Jay!” Frankie gasped, running forward and dragging the rogue off his mate. He threw Bert as hard as he could across the room and dropped to the ground next to his unconscious mate, cradling him gently. He knew Tyler and Zacky would be on their way, but he kept a wary eye on the rogue who was struggling, but so far failing, to get to his feet. “Jay? Caro?” he whispered, trying to control his panic and the urge to tear Bert’s throat out. “Wake up, Jay, please.” “I’ll kill you both,” Bert said with a growl. “I think you’ve done quite enough to my pack, rogue.” Frankie looked up at Tyler in relief as Zacky hurried past them to check on the detective.

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“I’ll kill you, too, fucker.” Bert straightened and ran at Tyler. “Stop,” Tyler said, quietly but firmly. Frankie shivered, recognizing the tone, the depth and strength and power of it. The same tone Tyler had used to force him from Jay’s side. But it was still a shock when Bert actually jerked to a halt. “What did you do to me?” Bert gasped. “You may not be my pack, rogue, but you are just a cub. Now stay there.” Tyler glanced over at his mate. “Zacky?” “He’ll be fine.” “Good, let’s go, boys,” Tyler said, flicking his head toward the door. “But Bert,” Frankie started. “It’s okay, Frankie. We’ll handle it.” “But—” “Frankie, get your mate and go wait for us, okay?” Zacky said softly, smiling reassuringly. “Why can’t I move? I’ll fucking kill you, motherfucker!” Bert shouted furiously, struggling to move. Growling at the rogue, Frankie picked up his mate carefully and carried him to the door. He needed to get somewhere private to give Jay some blood. The fact that his mate still hadn’t woken up had fear clutching at his heart, despite knowing it was unlikely to be serious. Jay was his mate, and once again it had been Jay doing the protecting instead of the other way round. Only this time Jay had gotten hurt, and Frankie couldn’t bear it. He’d told his mate not to get involved. He could have handled it. He should have handled it. Guilty tears streamed down his face, but he held it together long enough to slip into another room that he could hear was empty. Climbing up onto the bed, Frankie lay his lover down carefully, cuddling up to him before biting down on his wrist and holding it to Jay’s mouth. “Feed, caro, please. Feed for me,” he whispered, watching the blood drip slowly onto soft lips, his heart pounding fearfully.

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Finally, Jay’s lips moved and his tongue flicked out to lick them. Frankie sighed heavily in relief as his mate latched onto his wrist and sucked desperately. Jay pulled back before Frankie was even close to needing or wanting him to, but before he could complain, his mate dragged him over his body and kissed him just as desperately. Frankie could taste his blood in his lover’s mouth, and he moaned softly, nipping gently at Jay’s lip to add his mate’s sweet blood to the mix of flavors. “Jay,” he whispered against his lover’s mouth. “Frankie,” Jay gasped. “Bert?” “Tyler’s taking care of it.” “And Detective Brown?” “Caro, he’s fine. Don’t worry. Just drink some more.” “I don’t need to, baby. I’m fine.” Jay lifted a hand to stroke Frankie’s hair back. “Are you sure?” “Yes, Frankie, I’m sure.” Jay smiled sweetly at him and gently pushed him back, sitting next to him. “Let’s go home.” Frankie frowned worriedly, still feeling terrible that he hadn’t been able to protect his mate. “Your head,” he started. “Stop it,” Jay said, almost sharply. “Don’t do that.” “Do what?” “Blame yourself. It’s not your fault,” Jay said, kissing him softly. “Besides, aren’t you the one who told me that we’d do anything to keep each other safe?” Frankie smiled ruefully. “No, I think that was Tyler and Zacky.” “Fine, whatever. You definitely told me that we belong to each other. Why should you be the only one who gets to do the protecting?” “When have I done any protecting?” “You’re always looking out for me.” “That’s not the same thing.” “This isn’t a competition, Frankie. I love you, and you love me. I

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just happened to be faster this time,” Jay said with a roll of his eyes. “Sorry,” Frankie sighed. “I know.” Jay smiled and kissed him again. “Take me home please.” “Okay,” Frankie said, finally smiling back at his mate. “Let’s go, then.” He got up and held out his hand. Jay took it, letting Frankie pull him to his feet. Frankie slipped an arm round his mate’s waist, and they headed out of the room. As they passed by the detective’s room, there was a sudden cry, and Bert flew through the door and slammed into the wall opposite. Frankie gasped, and Jay’s jaw dropped. “Son of a bitch!” Bert screamed, leaping to his feet and running back into the room. Frankie bolted after him, stopping again in the doorway. He watched in sheer amazement as Bert leapt toward Zacky, and Tyler grabbed him midair. There was a blur, and suddenly, Tyler had Bert in a tight hold, hand grasping the rogue’s neck. Bert roared, struggling hard, and Tyler clenched his fist, ripping through Bert’s throat with his fingers. There was a horrible, gurgling noise, and Tyler let the rogue drop to the ground, blood pooling on the floor. “Oh my God,” Jay gasped from behind Frankie. “Tyler,” Zacky whispered. “Are you okay, baby?” Tyler asked. “I feel a little sick actually.” Zacky grimaced at his mate. “What on earth was that?” “He ripped his throat out,” Jay whispered. Zacky looked over Frankie’s shoulder with an expression of amusement. “I know that. I just meant was it really necessary?” “Hey, he went too far going after you,” Tyler said firmly. He still looked furious, and Frankie shivered. While he knew Tyler was ancient and strong, the strongest in fact, it was moments like these that actually brought it home to Frankie. “Oh God,” Jay breathed, falling against the doorframe next to him. “He’s dead. He’s really dead.”

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“Jay?” Frankie whispered. Jay sounded upset, and it filled him with worry. Why would his mate be upset over the rogue dying? “It’s over,” Jay said, his breath hitching as tears started to spill over onto his cheeks. “I’m…free.” Frankie wrapped his arms round his mate and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “Yes. You are.” “Frankie, take Jay home. Security will be on its way,” Tyler said. “I don’t want you two here when they arrive.” “But, security cameras…” “Go home,” Tyler said firmly. “We’ll deal with it.” “Okay.” Frankie drew his sobbing mate away from the room and slowly led him down the corridor to the elevators. He pulled Jay out of the way as two security guards ran past, holding his breath until they’d gone, barely sparing them a glance. “Come on, caro. Let’s get you home.” At the car, he put his lover in the passenger seat and hurried round to get behind the wheel. He leaned over his mate to buckle him up. Suddenly Jay grabbed him, both hands grasping his hair to haul him into a kiss, crushing their lips together, tongue pushing into his mouth hard. He was still crying, and Frankie tried to ease back a little so he could kiss Jay back, soften the kiss so he could soothe and comfort. But Jay wouldn’t let him go, kissing him harder, desperately pulling him over the stick shift and into his lap. Frankie groaned. Desire for his mate was all-consuming despite everything that had happened. His stomach tightened as Jay slid one hand down to his ass, rocking him into the hard length of Jay’s erection. Frankie’s cock hardened quickly, rubbing against his mate’s, as Jay kissed him, biting his lip and tugging him even closer. Pain and pleasure streaked through him. Pre-cum leaked into his shorts, easing the slide of his dick against the fabric. Finally, Jay yanked himself back, panting for breath as he stared, eyes dark and desperate. “I need to fuck you,” Jay whispered. “I need to be inside you, right now, please.”

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Breath leaving his body in a rush, Frankie looked round worriedly. They were in a busy parking lot, in broad daylight, with the police probably on their way. It wasn’t the best idea, even without having to worry about his mate’s state of mind. “Caro, don’t you want to go home? I thought you wanted to make love.” Jay started to cry again. “I do, but I need to feel, Frankie. Right now, I just need something to make me feel real.” “Okay,” Frankie whispered. “But not like this. We’re not fucking in a car like this.” He shifted back onto the driver’s seat as Jay stared at him in confusion. “You can be inside me, just in my mouth, okay?” he said softly, leaning over to unbutton and unzip his lover, easing his pants down and licking his lips as Jay groaned, and his cock pushed out, hard, the tip shining temptingly with pre-cum. “And then,” he whispered, “we’ll go home and make love like you really want.” “Thank you,” Jay breathed, staring down at him with wide, wet eyes. Frankie bent over and licked slowly up the length of his lover’s cock and over the tip to taste him. “Ah, Frankie.” Moaning softly, Frankie dipped his tongue into the slit to taste more, then parted his lips over the head to slide slowly down the solid length. He took his lover as deep as he could, swallowing him into his throat, then sucking all the way back up. He loved the taste of his mate, the solid heat of his cock in his mouth, the satin-soft skin against his tongue. Even better was the way his mate writhed helplessly under him, hips rocking as Jay moaned and whimpered and clutched at Frankie’s hair. Frankie sucked and swallowed urgently. While he would have liked to have taken his time, that was a luxury he didn’t have. He needed Jay to come so he could get him home and take care of him properly. “Frankie, God, please harder,” Jay gasped, fingers tightening in Frankie’s hair as he thrust up harder into his mouth. Frankie sucked

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harder, working his mouth faster over his lover’s cock, swallowing quickly as he cupped Jay’s balls and slid a finger underneath to rub over the entrance to his body. “Fuck,” Jay groaned, slamming deep into Frankie’s mouth, jerking as he came. Frankie swallowed and eased back, kissing Jay’s stomach gently before tucking him away and zipping him up. Leaning up, he nipped his lip and kissed Jay, letting him taste blood and cum briefly before sitting back. “Love you, caro,” he said, putting on his seat belt and starting the engine. Jay put on his own seat belt and held out his hand. Putting the car into drive, Frankie drove out of the parking lot before reaching out to take Jay’s hand. He squeezed gently, glancing over to smile at his mate. “I love you, too,” Jay whispered. Heart tightening with happiness, Frankie smiled wider and speeded up, anxious to get home. Now Bert and the others were dead, and everyone was safe. He knew that Tyler would fix everything. It was all over now, and he just wanted to start the rest of his life with Jay, looking after him and making sure he knew he was loved unconditionally.

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Epilogue Jay straightened his tie, staring into the mirror to watch his mate coming out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped tightly round his hips. His mate’s beautiful brown eyes were dull, his face too pale, and he didn’t even look up to meet his gaze. Sighing sadly, Jay turned, continuing to watch as Frankie sat on the bed and stared blankly at the floor. He didn’t know what to do. Frankie was so withdrawn, the ache of sorrow in his mind was unbearable, and Jay was at a loss. They’d only been together for a couple of months, and Jay still felt uncertain of his place despite being completely certain of Frankie’s love for him. Since Bert, Will, and the others had died, he’d never been so happy. Somehow, Tyler had fixed everything. Jay still wasn’t sure how, but it was a lot to do with what Detective Brown had seen and Tyler’s surprising ability as a hacker. Whatever it was, Jay was free and slowly but surely learning to stop feeling guilty for the things he’d done while he was with the rogues. Swallowing back worry, Jay walked slowly over to the bed and sat next to his mate. “Baby,” he started softly, touching his lover’s shoulder. Frankie didn’t quite flinch, but it hurt nonetheless, and Jay’s eyes burned with tears. “Sorry, Jay,” Frankie sighed. “I was miles away. What is it?” He smiled, but it was so forced, it hurt Jay’s heart even more. “Are you getting dressed?” “Oh, yeah.” Frankie laughed self-deprecatingly and stood up. He dropped his towel and walked to the closet and drawers for his clothes. They were both dressing formally, suit and tie, and Frankie

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looked as uncomfortable as Jay felt. Frankie stared in the mirror while he tied his tie, and Jay watched silently, barely holding back tears. Nothing had been quite right since Marie had died two weeks before, and he’d buried his own grief for the woman who’d accepted him and loved him as soon as he’d met her, to try and take care of his mate. Only Frankie hadn’t let him, hadn’t grieved, hadn’t cried. He’d just gone quiet. He fed when reminded to, and while they still made love every day, it felt like Frankie wasn’t really there, and it was breaking Jay’s heart. He couldn’t stop the tears anymore, and he got up, hurrying to the bathroom so Frankie wouldn’t see. Leaning over the sink, Jay sobbed quietly, trying not to draw attention to himself, trying to get himself under control so he could go back to supporting his mate. As much as Frankie would allow anyway. Suddenly, arms slipped round his waist, and Frankie rested his head between Jay’s shoulder blades. “Why are you crying?” “It’s nothing,” Jay said, hurriedly wiping his eyes and straightening with a sniff. “I’m fine. Are you ready to go?” “No. Come on.” Frankie took his hand and led him back to the bedroom, sitting with him on the bed. It was the first time in two weeks that Frankie had really looked at him, really seen him, and Jay couldn’t stop himself from dissolving into tears again. “Oh, Jay, caro, what is it? What’s wrong?” Frankie whispered, holding Jay close, his voice full of concern. “I, I can’t…” Jay trailed off. He didn’t want to upset his mate, but he couldn’t hold it in any longer. “What, Jay?” “I can’t bear it, Frankie. Please don’t shut me out any more, please?” Frankie clasped Jay’s face gently and tipped his head up, wiping at his tears. “I haven’t, I…” He stopped and frowned in distress. “Oh, Jay, oh

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I’m so sorry, caro.” Frankie kissed him, and Jay’s breath caught as he kissed back for a moment. “Why didn’t you say anything?” Jay shrugged, mouth twisting ruefully. “I wanted to be here for you, look after you. Not burden you.” Frankie sighed, lips pressing together thinly. “We’re mates, Jay. We’re supposed to share everything.” “Like you shared with me?” Jay snapped a little angrily, his mate’s tone making him feel defensive and even more upset. “My grandmother died, Jay!” “I know, and you’ve shut me out ever since,” Jay whispered. “I loved her, you know, and I love you. Every time you’ve stared through me over the last two weeks, looked at me and not even seen me, had sex with me without feeling it, has broken a piece of my heart.” Frankie’s expression of utter devastation just made him feel worse. “Baby, I’m sorry,” Jay said. “This is why I didn’t say anything before. I made you feel bad, and I’d do anything to stop you from feeling bad.” “Anything?” Frankie asked, stroking back Jay’s hair as tears trickled silently down his cheeks. “Please don’t cry, Frankie.” Jay caught Frankie’s hand and brought it down to his mouth to kiss his palm gently. “I’m sorry,” Frankie gasped, falling against him and burying his face in his neck. Tears soaked Jay’s collar, but he didn’t care, wrapping his arms round his smaller mate and holding him carefully. He stroked Frankie’s hair and murmured soothingly. Sniffing, Frankie pulled back and stared at him. “You’ll do anything?” “Anything, baby,” Jay said with a nod, willing his lover to believe him. “I want to be inside you. I need to feel real,” Frankie whispered, repeating Jay’s own sentiments from only a few weeks before. And as

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much as Jay felt like he probably should answer Frankie the same way he had, Jay didn’t want to. He wanted his mate to be inside him. He wanted Frankie to make love to him and actually be present, even if that made him selfish. “We don’t have…” “Don’t say no, Jay, please,” Frankie begged, interrupting him. “I’m not. We just haven’t got much time.” Jay bit his lip, thinking for a moment. They really didn’t have much time, and Jay made a quick decision to do something he hadn’t yet been able to let Frankie do. Kissing his lover urgently first, Jay stood and opened his pants, pushing them down to the middle of his thighs. “Jay?” “I want you inside me, too, baby. I need you as much as you need me,” he whispered, bending over the edge of the bed. “Oh, Jay,” Frankie gasped, his voice thick with tears. “Are you sure? You don’t need to see my face?” “I’m sure. Please, Frankie.” “Oh God,” Frankie breathed. He stood and moved behind Jay, hands sliding almost tentatively over his skin. “So beautiful, Jay,” he whispered. Jay shivered, looking back over his shoulder to watch his lover unzip his pants and hitch them down, his hard cock pushing out, already dripping. Frankie’s eyes were darkened and fixed on his ass, and Jay couldn’t help arching his back, pushing his ass out in invitation. His own cock was starting to harden against the bed covers just from the intensity of the way Frankie was looking at him. Frankie leaned up, chest resting on Jay’s back, his cock sliding into the crease of Jay’s ass to tease him. Frankie nuzzled into his neck, licking the rim of his ear. “You feel so good, caro.” Tears stung Jay’s eyes again, and he reached back to take his mate’s hand. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered. “Oh, Jay, oh my love. I’m so sorry.” Frankie squeezed his hand,

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then let go to slick his cock with lube. The scent of arousal filled Jay’s nostrils, and he groaned again as his mouth watered and his groin ached. “Please,” he whispered. “I’m here, Jay. Don’t ever doubt that,” Frankie said, kissing his neck as he pushed into his body. Jay gasped quietly, the initial burn of being stretched wide taking his breath away. Frankie filled him up, one long stroke possessing him completely. It still amazed Jay how different it felt with someone who cared, someone who loved him and whom he loved just as much. Instead of the possession being use and abuse, it was love given and taken, and he couldn’t get enough. He arched back into the strokes and reached back blindly for his mate’s hand. Frankie took it, interlinking their fingers, and buried his face in Jay’s neck again. “I wish we had more time, caro.” “I know, baby, me, too,” Jay gasped. He jerked against the bed as his lover eased out of his body almost all the way, then plunged back inside him, hard and deep. “Oh God, yes,” he moaned. “Just do it, my love, fuck me. We can take our time later.” “I love you,” Frankie said with a groan. He kissed Jay’s neck as he thrust into him again and then again, harder and deeper with each stroke, rubbing his prostate and suffusing every cell with heated pleasure. Jay clutched his mate’s hand and the bedclothes tightly, grunting and groaning, rocking back into every stroke desperately as Frankie said, “I love you,” over and over. “Come for me,” Frankie murmured against his neck, before biting down and sucking hard. The pain shot through Jay, and he cried out as pleasure exploded throughout his body, and he came with a shudder of pure happiness, squeezing down around his mate’s cock. “Come in me,” he gasped. “Fill me up. I love you.” “Yes, caro!” Frankie jerked hard into him, the heat of his cum

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filling Jay as Frankie collapsed onto his back. “Thank you, Jay. I’m sorry I was such a dick.” “You weren’t a dick, Frankie.” Jay sighed, squeezing his mate’s hand again. “You were grieving.” “No. I was ignoring my grief, and that made me ignore yours, too, and I’m truly sorry for that.” “I know,” Jay whispered. He groaned quietly as his lover lifted himself up and out of his body. He tried to roll over, but Frankie stopped him. “Just let me clean you up, caro.” “Frankie…” “Hush,” Frankie whispered. He leaned up to grab some wipes from the side and carefully wiped Jay clean. Then he rolled Jay over, smiling softly at him as he leaned down again, this time using his tongue to clean him, licking over belly and groin until he was clean and half-hard again. “I love you,” Frankie whispered, doing up his pants for him and tucking his shirt back in. Frankie cleaned himself up quickly and did up his own pants before holding out his hand. Jay took it and let himself be pulled to his feet. “Let’s get this over with, and then we can talk properly, okay, caro?” “Of course, my love,” Jay said with a smile. “But your graduation isn’t something to just get over with, Frankie. I want to see you in your cap and gown getting your diploma.” Frankie’s smile faltered. “I wish…” “I know,” Jay whispered. “I wish she was here, too.” He put his arms round his mate and kissed his forehead. “Guys?” There was a quiet knock. “I’m sorry. We can’t delay much longer.” “It’s okay, Zacky. We’re coming,” Jay said quietly. “We’ll see you downstairs, then.” “Ready?” Jay asked.

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Frankie shrugged. “I guess, yeah.” “She’s proud of you, you know. Wherever she is.” Frankie slipped an arm round his waist and squeezed gently. “Thanks, caro.” “Let’s go.” Jay kissed his mate again and led him down to where the others were waiting. “Okay?” Tyler asked, a touch of concern in his expression. “Yes,” Frankie said firmly, smiling at their alpha. “So let’s go!” Matt snapped impatiently. Jay flinched, then caught himself, grimacing apologetically at the large alpha. “Sorry, dude,” Matt said with a sigh. “It’s okay, force of habit,” Jay said with a small huff of selfdeprecating laughter as he leaned against his mate. He was almost used to the big, brash alpha, but every so often, Matt did still startle him, albeit unintentionally. “You ready, Billy?” Frankie asked. The tiny Pack smiled and nodded, holding up his cap. “Okay, let’s go, boys.”

THE END HTTP://FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/TEYAMARTINBOOKS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Teya Martin lives in Leeds in the UK. Currently single, she is holding out for a Tyler or Matt of her very own. If she had her way, she would have three cats but has adopted three leopards with the WWF instead and encourages everyone she knows to do the same. You can find out more at the Facebook group, teyamartinbooks, where you can get updates and the occasional free short story.

Also by Teya Martin Siren Allure ManLove: The Pack 1: Pack

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com