Torem

Zeus’s Pack 4 

Torem Dino Triziano is the foreman in charge of building the new home for Zeus's pack. When he discovers there are more than humans inhabiting the planet, he runs in panic. Sidney Porter is a shifter from another pack. He’s addicted to Red Bull and Bingo, and he is upset when he thinks his mate, Torem, is cheating on him with the foreman of the construction crew—until he gets a whiff of Dino. Torem takes a journey to cleanse the betrayal and pain Jackson has left behind while trying to keep his mate safe from the wolves coming after him from Sidney's pack. Can Torem, Beta of the pack, keep his mates safe while fighting for his sanity? Will Dino come to terms with the fact that there are shifters in the world, and can Sidney find his bingo hall while trying to kick the sugar drink?

Note: Each book in Lynn Hagen's Zeus's Pack collection features a different romantic trio. Each title stands alone and can be read in any order. However, we recommend reading the series in sequential order. Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Vampires/Werewolves Length: 34,698 words 

TOREM Zeus’s Pack 4

Lynn Hagen

MENAGE EVERLASTING MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting ManLove

TOREM Copyright © 2011 by Lynn Hagen E-book ISBN: 1-61034-561-4 First E-book Publication: August 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All 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 Torem by Lynn Hagen 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 Lynn Hagen’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Hagen’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

TOREM Zeus’s Pack 4 LYNN HAGEN Copyright © 2011

Chapter One “Why do I get the feeling you really don’t want to be here?” Bryck asked Torem as he sipped his beer. “You really haven’t spoken a word all night.” Torem rubbed his five o’clock shadow as he thought about the question the soldier asked and how best to answer it. “I’m contemplating life.” “Yeah, and I’m Gandhi.” Bryck looked over his shoulder and grinned. “There’s your hot foreman.” Torem’s fingers gripped the beer cap hard. He could feel the ridges around the circular disc biting into his skin. “Why do you call him mine?” Bryck snorted and shook his head. “Deny it all you want, bro. You got the hots for him.” It was more than the hots. Dino, foreman of the new house being built for Zeus’s pack, was his mate. Torem had tried to approach him once already, but Dino wasn’t too receptive. Oh, he had been polite when first introduced, but after that the foreman was aloof. “You’ve been sniffing that model glue of yours again.” Torem nonchalantly looked around Theo’s Bar and Grill. It was the only place for people to kick back in this town. His gaze avoided the

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foreman as he scanned the place. He knew one look at Dino and his cock would come fully to life. That wasn’t something he wanted when he knew it was one-sided. “Say what you want, the eyes don’t lie.” Bryck wiggled his fingers in front of his own eyes. “I see what is unseen,” he said in a simulated mad scientist sort of way. “Vent your room when you put those toy cars together. I think half your brain is dead.” “They aren’t toys, and besides, it relaxes me.” Bryck turned back around and raised his hand for Theo to bring him another drink. The Alpha had suggested they all try to find hobbies to help with their issues. Torem didn’t think drag racing was acceptable. Not after borrowing Deputy Craig’s GTO and racing it through the back roads over one hundred miles an hour. Craig’s mate, and town sheriff, Jesse, had given him a heavy fine for it. Wasn’t he supposed to be immune if he lived in the same damn house? “I wasn’t picking on your choice of relaxation time. I’m just noting the dead cells in your brain from closed windows,” Torem said. He took a small sip of his beer and noticed Dino was watching him from the pool table. Damn it, why did he have to make eye contact? Torem could feel his cock filling in. “I think he wants you to play with his pool balls.” Bryck snorted with laughter. “I think you shouldn’t be watching him.” Torem growled. Brick grabbed a handful of salty nuts from the bowl and popped a few in his mouth. “Go see, you might get lucky.” Torem laid the beer cap on the bar and glanced once more at his mate from under his eyelashes, trying his best to be inconspicuous. Dino was still staring at him. The foreman gestured with a nod at the pool table. “Told ya.” Brick tossed a few more nuts in his mouth. “Stop watching him,” Torem’s annoyed voice hissed.

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“What the fuck else is there to do around here? Either go over to him so I can watch both of you, or sit here and listen to my commentary.” Torem mulled it over and decided he didn’t want to listen to Bryck’s play-by-play. He grabbed his Corona and slid from the bar stool, pushing through the crowd as he made his way over to his mate. “You wanted something?” “A round of pool?” Dino asked casually. Torem studied him for a moment and then a grin pulled at the side of his mouth. “We can do that.” He set his beer on the small table by the pool table and grabbed two pool sticks, tossing one to Dino. “You break.” The human snagged it in midair. “Mighty kind of you.” Dino chuckled, and Torem was lost in those straight, pearly white teeth. The smile was a little crooked, as if Dino wasn’t giving him the full tour of paradise, just yet. He watched the confident strides of his mate and the self-assured posture as he bent over to take his shot, his ass displayed nicely for Torem’s perusal. Torem missed the bottle, his hand grabbing air as he looked at Dino’s ass. He tried again and managed to grab his beer this time. Shoving the neck to his mouth, he looked around to see if anyone noticed how inept he was acting. Dino lined up and took his shot, making the array of pool balls fly across the table. They made a cracking sound as they knocked into one another, with a few dropping into various pockets. That was a sweet-ass move. Was Dino hustling him? “I guess I have solids.” He grinned, and this time it was paradise. “Don’t look at me like that. It was a lucky shot.” “Sure it was.” Torem moved around the table very slowly, not wanting to seem obvious that he was checking out Dino’s ass again. He watched with saliva building up in his mouth as Dino stretched

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over to take another shot, his arms flexing and his sculpted back twisting as his right arm came back. “I have next game.” Two of Dino’s workers joined them at the table. “I’m not sure if I’ll be playing another round, Mickey.” Dino glanced at Torem and then back at the pool table. Torem wasn’t sure if that was a signal or not. He leaned against the wall and watched Dino take his next shot. He wanted to ask his mate, but he wasn’t too sure about the men standing there joking with each other. Would Dino talk in front of them? He grinned and tilted his bottle at Dino when he missed his shot and growled, looking up at Torem as if he somehow made it happen. “Guess your lucky streak is gone.” “I hope not,” Dino teased, and Torem knew this time it was a come-on. What had happened to change Dino’s mind? Torem grabbed his pool stick that he had laid against the wall and took his shot, sinking the nine ball. “Fuck, that was your first shot,” Dino said in amazement. “You invited me over here, so you can’t say I was hustling you.” Torem chuckled at the slack-jawed Dino. He laid his stick on the table and took a step toward Dino. If his mate was being receptive, then maybe… “Fuck.” He groaned. Torem spotted Zeus coming through the door. That could only mean one thing, pack business. Why did fate show him Dino and then do everything in its powers to keep them apart? Zeus jerked his head, telling Torem without words to get his ass over there. “Excuse me,” he told his mate and then sidestepped around the people in the tavern to see what Zeus wanted. “I got a letter for you.” Zeus handed him a plain white envelope. Who the hell would be writing him? There was no address on it, and that made Torem very suspicious. He took a seat on one of the empty bar stools and tore the end off, fishing out the single piece of notebook paper.

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The letter was handwritten. Torem read through it, and his chest tightened with disbelief. It couldn’t be. Not after all these years. He was just a baby. How could he remember Torem? “Bad news?” Zeus asked. Torem turned his head up and to his left, staring at his Alpha. “This letter says my younger brother is trying to find me. He’s in serious trouble and needs me to come get him.” How did he even know where to find Torem? “You know we’ll do whatever it takes to get him here.” Torem dropped his head and reread the letter. He folded the piece of paper and shoved it into his front pocket, tossing the envelope onto the bar. “This is my responsibility. I’ll go get him.” Zeus nodded. “I’ll send Bryck with you.” “I don’t need—” Zeus’s fist pounded the bar, glasses and bottles jumping at the action. “Damn it, Torem. I know you have this thing about not needing anyone’s help, but you said it yourself, you haven’t seen him since he was a baby. You have no idea what you’re walking into. Take backup.” Torem knew it wasn’t a request but an order from his Alpha. “Tell him I’m leaving right away.” “You can tell him. He’s sitting right over there.” Zeus pointed to the right of the horseshoe-shaped bar. “Call if you need more help.” Torem watched his Alpha walked out of the tavern. He stood there for a moment, hands on hips, thoughts in a whirl. The last time he saw Cheyenne was in the crib. He had thought his entire family was wiped out when Jackson came and took him from his home. To hear his brother had survived was shocking to say the least. Torem walked over to Bryck in a daze, tapping him on his shoulder. “Come on, man, you gotta ride with me.”

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Bryck dusted the salt from his hands and turned with a smile. “And where, might I ask, are we going? I’m always up for fun and adventure.” “I’m afraid this trip is nothing fun or adventurous. It’s a rescue mission. Are you with me?” Torem turned and walked toward the door, not waiting for an answer. He pushed from the tavern and headed for his truck, digging his keys from his pocket. His fingers touched the letter, and Torem had an overwhelming need to find his brother, the last of his family. Bryck joined him and slid into the passenger side. Torem pulled from the spot and headed out of town with the small map drawn on the piece of paper as the only clue to where he was going. **** Torem’s eyes burned from driving for so long as the sign ahead read “Welcome to Fisher Valley.” This was the town Cheyenne had written on the map as his location. He pulled off of the road into the one-island gas station, needing to fuel up for the long trip home. There was no way he would stop with Cheyenne in the truck if trouble was on their heels. Bryck yawned and stretched, blinking his eyes open as he looked around. “Are we here already?” “Almost, we’re just stopping for gas.” Torem fueled his truck up, topping it off, and then pulled back onto the highway. He finally entered the town, noticing how eerily quiet it was. The fact that it was close to ten p.m. might have been the reason, but something just didn’t feel right. His gut was telling him to keep both eyes open and to watch his back. He stopped at a red light and pulled the piece of paper out of his pocket, checking the hand-drawn map one more time before making a left when the light turned green.

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Torem pulled in front of the house that Cheyenne had written as the address. He and Bryck got out of the truck, both quietly closing the door. So Bryck could feel it, too. Torem’s eyes scanned the neighborhood, looking for what, he wasn’t sure. But that niggling in the back of his mind wouldn’t cease. The only thing Torem could hear at the moment was the crickets, but that did not mean someone couldn’t be watching them. His gut had never steered him wrong before, and it was telling him to get his brother and get out. They walked up the stone pathway, stepping onto the porch. Bryck turned his back to the door as he watched the darkness while Torem gently knocked. He was beginning to think no one was home when he saw the curtain pull an inch away from the window. Someone was looking out. Torem took a step back to reveal himself and pulled the letter from his pocket, holding it up. The curtains fell back into place, and in the next moment he could hear the rattling of a chain hitting the wooden door and the lock disengaging. The door inched open. Torem tapped Bryck’s shoulder, nodding for the soldier to follow him. He opened the screen door and pushed the heavy wooden one away from his body. Bryck quickly closed it behind them. Torem looked down at the man he assumed was his brother. “Are you Cheyenne?” he asked. “That’s me, little ole Cheyenne.” His brother laughed nervously. His eyes darted over to Bryck, his brows pulling together. “I’m Torem, and that’s a friend, not a danger to you.” Torem nodded at Bryck. “Let me get my things then.” “Make it quick.” Torem watched as his short brother walked to the back room. He followed Cheyenne into the bedroom, making sure that his brother was alone. Technically, he didn’t know the man from Adam. All he knew was that he had a brother named Cheyenne when

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he was younger and this man claimed to be him. Torem didn’t know this man’s character, and he was taking every precaution. Cheyenne pointed to a bag on the floor by the closet and then one on his bed. “I only have two. As you can see, I haven’t lived the life of luxury.” Torem walked over and snatched the one bag from the floor, tossing it over his shoulder. “Let’s go.” He pointed towards the door. Cheyenne grabbed the other bag from the bed and ran back into the living room. “We’re ready,” Torem said to Bryck. Bryck turned and opened the door. Torem pushed Cheyenne back when he spotted a man standing on the front porch. His canines emerged and his eyes shifted, ready to defend the man claiming to be his brother. “No, no, no. Don’t hurt him. That’s my best friend, Sidney. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Torem open the door and pulled Sidney inside the house. Every muscle in Torem locked into place. His heart hammered behind his ribs and his palms became sweaty. Cheyenne’s best friend was Torem’s second mate. As the realization hit him, all hell broke loose. Two large men emerged from the kitchen as one came down the hall. Torem acted on instinct. He grabbed Cheyenne and Sidney, shoving them toward Bryck as he turned and snarled. When the three cleared the door, Torem took off through it as well. They raced across the lawn, running for his truck. Torem glanced to his side to make sure his brother and his mate were right next to him. All four clambered into the truck as the three men ran across the lawn after them. Torem tore from the curb, racing down a street he was unfamiliar with. He spotted a black truck in the rearview mirror, following close behind, matching his law-breaking speed.

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“Who the hell are they?” Torem shouted at Cheyenne. “Pack members who want me dead!” Cheyenne screamed in fear as he looked out of the back window. “How the hell did I end up in this?” Sidney squealed. “Get down,” Bryck shouted into the backseat. The truck tires squealed as Torem busted a left and then a quick right, trying his best to shake the tail on him and outrun the wolf shifters that were chasing them. Normally he would have stayed and fought, but with Cheyenne and Sidney with him, he didn’t want to take any chances. Torem had no clue where he was going, but the need to get the two in the backseat to safety made his foot press heavier on the gas. “Get those damn seat belts on,” Torem yelled into the backseat. The two scrambled to buckle themselves in while trying to stay low. Bryck reached down and grabbed the bottles of Coke he had emptied on his trip here, lowered his window, and leaned out, chucking the glass at the truck’s windshield behind them. “What the hell are you doing?” Torem shouted. “What the hell does it look like I’m doing?” Bryck shouted back. “I’m trying to make those fuckers wreck so they can get off our ass.” “Hang on,” Torem yelled and cut another right. He spotted the highway ahead and knew that if he could just get there, he could outrun them. Bryck fell into his seat and ducked down. “They got a fucking gun, the dumbasses.” Torem didn’t have time to think as the back window shattered and rained tiny pieces of blocked glass all over them. The two in the backseat screamed. “I thought you said they were shifters,” he yelled at the screaming pair. “How was I supposed to know that they would have guns?” Cheyenne shouted back.

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Torem’s truck ate up the road, a cloud of dust behind him as he cut the wheel, taking a chance on the maneuver he was about to attempt. The truck did a one-eighty spin and shot past the vehicle chasing them. A bullet shot into the driver’s door as Torem drove past them, but he kept going, praying that his brother, his mate, and even the soldier sitting next to him would get out of this unscathed. “Fuck you.” Bryck shot his middle finger up at them as they passed. “Where in the hell is the highway in this direction?” Torem had no choice but to ditch the plan he had. The other vehicle had gained too much speed and was tailgating them. Now he had to quickly think of another plan, and at the moment, that trick back there was the only one that ran through his mind. “I. Don’t. Know. Your friend up there told me to stay down, so how can I see where we are?” Cheyenne yelled. Torem grunted in frustration, yanking the wheel to the left as he shot down another street. He spotted an alley and jerked the wheel to race down it. He pulled the truck into a parking lot behind a closed diner and cut the motor, shut the lights off, and told everyone to shut up and stay down. The move was cliché, but he prayed that it worked and whoever it was that was out to kill his brother wouldn’t spot them. The black truck roared past the alley. Torem waited…and waited. Finally hearing nothing, he pulled the truck out and headed back in the direction of the highway. **** Two hours into the ride, Torem pulled over. He looked back at Sidney and Cheyenne. “Okay, I want an explanation.” Cheyenne scooted closer to Sidney, his eyes darting between Torem and Bryck. “How do I know you are really my brother, Torem?” Cheyenne narrowed his eyes.

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“And how do I know you are really my brother, Cheyenne? Torem shot back. “Some part of you must know because you came with me pretty easily,” he added. “Well, duh, it was a choice between you two and the lug heads back there.” “Oh, so I was just a convenient out?” The idea that Cheyenne only wanted him in his life to get him out of trouble hurt Torem to his core. When Zeus gave him that letter and Torem realized he had family out there, some part of him delighted in the knowledge, but he remained wary. With Cheyenne’s confession, he wanted to break something. “No, that’s not it at all.” His brother defended himself. “I have been looking for you for a very long time. It’s just a coincidence that I found you at the same time that my Beta decided he wanted me dead.” Torem wasn’t sure if he believed Cheyenne, but without family for so long, he was willing to. “How did you find out the Beta wanted you dead?” Torem asked. Cheyenne pointed to Sidney. “He told me, and I guess it’s true after what just happened.” Torem glanced over at his mate who sat in the backseat quietly. “And how did you find out, Sidney?” Torem asked his mate gently. His mate glanced at all three of them before chewing on his lower lip. Finally Sidney released his lower lips and answered. “Because the Beta is my sister-in-law’s brother.” “He’s family to you?” Oh, this was getting better and better. Torem wasn’t sure if he wanted to know any more. “Yep, ’fraid so.” Sidney nodded, looking down at his hands in his lap. Torem shifted his gaze to his brother. “And why it the Beta after you, little brother?” He wasn’t too sure he wanted to hear this, but Torem needed answers.

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Cheyenne covered his face with one hand and shook his head, as if embarrassed to give Torem a reply. “Because I was dumb enough to tell him I was an Omega when we were fucking.”

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Chapter Two Sidney shrank back when Torem and his friend cursed loudly in the front seat. The sound of their deep voices rumbled through the truck, making Sidney wonder why he was dumb enough to get into the truck. “I think I would have known if my brother was an Omega,” Torem said in disbelief. “Not if you were taken when I was a cub,” Cheyenne answered defensively. “This is some fucked-up shit,” Torem’s friend grumbled and sat back, running both of his hands over his head and exhaling loudly. Sidney was drawn to the man in the driver’s seat. He felt an overpowering urge to submit to the man. Sidney was easygoing despite his in-laws, but the idea of him submitting was ridiculous. He didn’t even know the guy, for goodness’ sake. He sat there bouncing his leg, trying to fight the need to reach his hands out and run them over Torem’s short black hair. His fingers itched to see if the man’s hair was as soft as it looked. Man, those energy bars and Red Bulls must be corroding his brain cells. But even with that thought Sidney knew there was a connection between the two of them. He just didn’t know what that connection was. He wondered if Torem was his mate. Just because he was a shifter didn’t mean he automatically knew. A lot of shifters were clueless, and he was one of them. “Can we talk about this after we get the hell out of Dodge?” Cheyenne asked Torem.

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“One more question.” Torem’s brows pulled together as he looked back at Cheyenne. “Why would a Beta want an Omega dead? They are rare and valuable.” “Because he wanted me to use my gift against the pack.” “But—” Cheyenne held his hand up, cutting his brother off. “You said one more question. Can we get out of here and I’ll answer anything you want?” Cheyenne looked through the broken window behind them, his eyes darting around nervously. Sidney turned to look and saw nothing but a deserted, dark highway. He agreed with his best friend, though. They needed to get away from Farmer’s Valley as soon as possible. If he knew the Beta, which he did, Remus wasn’t going to give up easily. Sidney sat back and noticed Torem staring at him in the rearview mirror. Those big brown eyes locked onto his, and Sidney was transfixed. He could feel his stomach coiling, as Torem’s eyes seemed to bore into his. “Can we go?” Cheyenne asked impatiently as he glanced once again out of the shattered window. Torem looked back at the road, taking his beautiful eyes with him. Sidney had an urge to tell Torem to look at him again. Which was insane, but he missed seeing the beautiful brown eyes staring at him already. “Is there a gas station nearby?” he asked, hoping Torem would look at him again. “I don’t know, Sid. Why?” Torem asked, gifting him with those gorgeous orbs. Sid, Sidney liked the nickname. No one had ever called him that. It made the name seem intimate, just between the two of them. “I need a Red Bull.” “Oh, no you don’t,” Cheyenne protested as he wiggled a finger at Sidney. “He’s addicted to those damn things. If you give him one, he’s wound up for hours.”

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“No, I’m not.” Sidney smacked Cheyenne’s thigh, giving him the evil eye. “Can we stop, please?” “As soon as I see one.” Torem spoke to him gently as he started the truck and then pulled off of the soft shoulder, heading in the opposite direction of Farmer’s Valley. Sidney was beginning to think that maybe they were mates. He decided to test his theory. Sidney shoved his hand between the driver’s seat and door, letting his fingers caress Torem’s cheek. The large man instantly nuzzled his fingers. Sidney’s hand shot back. Oh, fuck. They were! His mate was his best friend’s brother. Cheyenne punched his arm, tilting his head and looking at Sidney questioningly. “He had a piece of lint in his hair,” Sidney whispered to his friend, pointing to his own ear. Cheyenne rolled his eyes. “Don’t start. I swear I’ll roll your ass in duct tape if you do,” he warned. Sidney crossed his arms over his chest, pouting. “Start what? I don’t know what you’re talking about, Chey.” “Here we are,” Torem announced from the front seat. They pulled into an all-night store, and Sidney practically hopped over Torem to get out. “In a hurry?” “Yeah, butt’s numb.” Sidney rubbed it on his way in. He immediately went to the cooler section and grabbed six cans of Red Bull, wondering if he should get a few more for their road trip back to Torem’s. Torem and Chey walked into the store, standing over by the counter. “Don’t let him, Torem,” Chey warned as he pointed at Sidney. “Believe me when I say you’ll regret it.” Sidney watched as Torem pulled Chey to the side. “How did you survive?” Chey worried his hands as he glanced at Torem. “I was told that a nice couple found me. I guess Mom knew the men from Jackson’s pack were coming and hid me.”

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Sidney watched as Torem’s face shifted from suspicion to tenderness, his voice dropping to a softer tone. “How was your life?” Sidney felt terrible for listening in, but couldn’t pull himself away. He had grown up with Chey, but the guy never talked about his parents and hardly talked about his big, brave brother. Sidney was five when his mom and dad took Chey in. They were practically inseparable, and he considered the Omega his brother. “Good. The family treated me well. It was Sidney’s family who raised me. I honestly didn’t contact you to get me out of this.” A tear slid down Chey’s face. “Well, not just for that.” Sidney swallowed past the lump as Torem pulled his baby brother into his arms and held him. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to find out a dead brother was alive. The feelings Torem must be battling. And Chey, his best friend, looked the happiest Sidney had ever seen him. “You’ll stay with me. I want to get to know you.” Torem chucked Chey under his chin. “I’ll protect you, I promise.” “Thanks.” Chey wiped his eyes with the palms of his hands and laughed. “Enough of this emotional stuff.” “I got everything I need.” Sidney held up the cans. He felt compelled to bail Chey out of the emotional situation. Chey smiled and shook his head. “Red Bull junkie,” he teased. Sidney held his breath when Torem approached him. The large man leaned toward him and whispered in his ear, his breath tickling his skin and making Sidney shiver. “I know you have figured it out…mate.” His lips grazed Sidney’s lobe, and he wanted to drop his cans and jump on Torem’s body. “I wasn’t sure,” he whispered back. “So we are mates?” “Yes.” Torem brushed his lips over Sidney’s and then backed away, leaving him feeling the empty space immediately. “Uh, okay. I um, you know.” Sidney felt like the world’s biggest gobber as he stood in the middle of the store begging his brain to get back online. This was so damn embarrassing.

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“Enough with the uh-umings. Pay for your drug so we can go.” Chey pushed Sidney toward the counter. “We can’t stay in one spot for too long. We’re not far enough away yet.” Torem pulled out his wallet and paid for Sidney’s purchase. He thanked Torem and grabbed the bag from the counter, snagging one of the cans and popping the lid. Sidney guzzled it down. He handed the empty can to the cashier. “Could you please throw this away for me?” The cashier grabbed the can and tossed it in the trash. “No problem and y’all have a nice trip.” Sidney waved and walked out of the store, feeling Torem’s hand on the small of his back. He climbed behind the driver’s seat and laid the bag on the floor between his feet. Sidney looked out of the broken window to make sure they weren’t being followed as everyone else got in. “Just exactly what is your friend’s name?” Chey asked. Torem chuckled. “His name is Bryck.” “No shit.” Sidney laughed, bouncing in his seat. Chey shot a warning glare at him, but Sidney, as usual, ignored him. Torem pulled out of the lot and back onto the highway. Sidney began to beat out a rhythm on the back of Torem’s seat with his hands. “I warned you,” Chey said to Torem. “It’s only going to get worse if you don’t take those cans from him.” Bryck reached behind the seat to grab his bag, and Sidney growled. “It’s that serious?” Bryck asked as he pulled his arm back, looking from Sidney to Torem. “Yeah, it is. So back off,” Sidney warned. After an hour of total boredom, Sidney removed his seat belt and leaned between the two front seats. Bryck and Chey were fast asleep. So Sidney took the opportunity to talk to his mate.

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“You need to put your seatbelt on, Sid,” Torem gently reprimanded him. “It’s not like it can keep me safe with a missing window back here.” Sidney sang and bounced around some more. “Yes, it can,” Torem argued. “Well then pull over and make Bryck switch seats. I want to sit up front. It’s stifling back here.” Torem pulled the truck over and tapped Bryck’s arm, waking him up. “Backseat, my man.” Bryck grumbled, opened his door, and switched seats with Sidney, falling right back to sleep. Sidney snapped his seat belt on and then beat out a rhythm on the dashboard, popping his lips to his own melody banging around in his head. “I see my brother wasn’t joking about the Red Bull,” Torem commented. Sidney snorted. “Chey overreacts about everything, blows things way out of proportion. Don’t pay him any attention.” He reached back and grabbed his bag, placing it once again on the floor between his feet. He snagged another can, but Torem stopped him. “I don’t think you’re supposed to drink them an hour apart.” “It’s cool. It’s cool. I know what I’m doing.” Sidney popped the top and chugged it down. His hands started patting his pockets, front and back. “I think that’s my phone. I can hear it ringing, but I can’t find it.” He looked down on the floor, in between his seat and the console, but couldn’t find it. “Sid, I don’t hear a phone ringing.” Torem glanced at him with a brow raised as his mate gave him a questioning look. “No, there’s a phone definitely ringing.” He twisted his body, looking into the backseat, and started patting Chey’s pockets. “Sid, turn around and have a seat. There is no phone ringing.”

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Sidney tilted his head and listened. When he didn’t hear anything, he shrugged his shoulders. “I guess you’re right. I don’t hear it anymore.” Sidney reached forward and turned the stereo on, music flooded the interior of the truck, so loudly that it was ear piercing. His fingers flew over the dials trying to figure out how to cut it off. Sidney could see the volume button, but his fingers were moving faster than his brain as he fumbled to get them to work in unison. Torem pushed his hands away and cut it off. “I’m starting to see what Chey was talking about.” Torem chuckled. “You called him Chey.” “So did you.” “I have no clue what you mean.” Sidney opened the glove box and started rummaging around. He pulled the visor down, flipped it back up, and then opened the center console and dug through the contents. “What are you looking for?” Torem asked. “I have no clue, but when I find it, I’ll let you know.” Sidney dropped the napkins he had been taking out and started pointing with both hands at headlights coming in their direction on the opposite side of the road. “Is that them? Is that them?” he squealed. Torem gently pushed Sidney’s hands down. “Calm down, Sidney. I doubt they’re coming from the opposite direction.” Sidney went back to slapping his hands on the dashboard, using it as a makeshift drum as he made noises with his mouth. “Biddy dim dow, biddy dim dow.” “Do I need to put you in the back of the truck, or maybe let you run alongside it?” Torem asked. “No, I’m good.” Sidney chewed on his bottom lip, shoving his hands under his thighs to stop them from roaming around sporadically. “Why don’t you try and get some rest?” Torem suggested. “I can take over driving if you’re tired,” Sidney offered.

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“Somehow I have a feeling that wouldn’t be one of my wisest moves.” Torem reached over and tugged Sidney’s left hand from under his thigh and held it, entwining their fingers and then squeezing it lightly. “But you can keep me company.” Sidney bounced around for the next two hours. He could tell he was irritating Torem, but his mate took it in stride. Wow I have a mate. Holy schizophrenics! I really, really have a mate. “Do you have a bingo hall?” Sidney asked. Torem looked over at him as if he had lost his mind. “Bingo?” That was the reaction he always got when he mentioned the word bingo. He couldn’t help it. Sidney enjoyed the game. “Yes, bingo.” “I’m not sure. There’s a bunch of old ladies that hang out in the grocery store. I could ask them,” Torem offered with a slight smile pulling at his lips. After what felt like forever, they passed a sign welcoming them to Pride Pack Valley. “Is this where you live?” Sidney asked, sitting forward and looking out of the window. It didn’t help. All he saw was the dark of night. “Home, sweet home,” Torem grumbled. **** Torem pulled the truck to the side of the house and parked it. “We’re here.” Sidney was bouncing like a Ping-Pong ball inside. He’d never seen anyone that high-strung. Not even the young pups in town with their parents had acted this hyper. He was going to have to wean his mate off of the sugary drink. He’d have to get that bag of condensed sugar out of Sid’s hands. Sidney’s mouth fell open as Torem pulled up to the house. “Holy, shit cans Batman, look at that place.” Torem looked up at the expansive house, unable to see what his mate saw. The only thing that house represented to him was bad

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memories. He couldn’t wait for the new one to be built and this one to be destroyed. That thought lead to Dino. Oh, fuck. What was he going to do now? Although Sidney was a shifter, Dino was human. How did you explain to a human that you were a wolf? Avanti, another soldier who lived here, had a human mate, as well as a shifter. The human mate, Craig, didn’t seem to freak out when he was told, so maybe Torem would get lucky as well. Torem also had the job of explaining to Sidney about Dino. He wasn’t sure now would be a good time considering Sid was bouncing around from the Red Bull. Later—he’d already had too much excitement for one day. Torem showed Sidney and Chey into the house. He took his brother to the bedroom across the hall from his. Torem pointed to the door as he turned to his brother. “My room is right there. If you need anything, just knock.” “Gotcha.” Chey yawned and waved, walking through and closing his bedroom door. Torem led his mate into his bedroom. “It’s been a long night. Why don’t you go ahead and get some sleep?” Torem could see the dusting of pink in the sky from the sun rising. He hadn’t had sleep in twentyfour hours and could feel the lack of sleep taking its toll. “Are you kidding?” Sidney asked as he waved his hands in a frantic motion in front of his body. “I want to have mind-boggling sex. I thought mates were supposed to do that?” He bounced around. Torem ran his hand over the stubble on his jaw. “I think if we had sex right now, I’d have to peel you off of the ceiling. Go take a hot shower. It might help relax you.” Torem stood in the middle of the bedroom and watched Sid open every drawer, rummaging through them and then walking to the closet and searching through that as well. He still couldn’t figure out what the hell his mate was looking for. Sidney had done the same thing in the truck. Instead of questioning

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him this time, Torem let it go. He allowed his mate to explore his new home. Sidney, finally, after twenty minutes of going through his personal items, wandered into the bathroom. Torem heard the shower start and shook his head, shoving the clothes back into the drawers, and closing them. He closed the closet, telling himself he’d deal with the mess in there after he’d gotten a good night’s sleep. Or day, seeing how it was early morning now. Torem stripped down to his boxer briefs and crawled into bed, luxuriating at the feel of the soft mattress beneath his weary bones, as his eyes started to close. His eyes immediately popped open when his mate jumped on the bed. “I’m not in the least bit tired. What is there to do around here?” Torem growled and pulled Sid down and shoved the blanket over his exuberant mate. “Sleeping, that’s what there is to do. Try it, you just might like it.” Sidney fidgeted around for at least ten minutes. Finally Torem gave up and removed his arm from around his mate. “Go explore, just remember which bedroom is ours. And be careful of the vampire.” Sidney whipped his head around, his eyes wide. “Is there really a vampire here?” his mate asked with excitement lacing his voice. “Yes, and he’s a really nice guy,” Torem mumbled tiredly. Sidney pumped his arm in the air. “That is so damn cool.” “There are humans, too. They already know we’re shifters. I’m just making you aware of it.” He yawned again. “No biggie, no biggie. I have no problems with humans. They’re cool.” Torem’s eyes followed Sidney as his mate walked out of the bedroom door. “Lord help everyone in this house. Here comes Sidney on a sugar rush.” ****

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Jasper, Toby, Minsheng, Yasuko, and Craig watched an extremely hyper man practically race into the living room, bouncing around, and chatting away to himself. “So, which one of you is the vampire?” Jasper had no clue who the hell this quirky man was. “We buried him in the backyard before sunrise. Who the hell are you?” The guy laughed. “My name is Sidney, but Torem likes to call me Sid. Chey calls me Sidney though. I’m Torem’s mate.” Toby pulled from Jasper’s arms and greeted Sid. “I’m Toby, Jasper’s mate, and Zeus’s.” Sid looked at Toby, astonished. “No fricken’ way, man. You have two mates? That rocks.” Toby looked bewildered at Sid. “Yeah, so do you. Don’t you?” Sidney bounced around in place as he shook his head. “Nope, all I have is Torem.” Minsheng groaned next to Jasper. “More mates. How many going to come?” Sidney grinned and walked over to Minsheng. Jasper had an urge to warn the new guy…but didn’t. “You are a cute little human.” Minsheng growled and hopped up from the couch, kicking Sid in his shin. “I not cute and I not little. Take words back.” Jasper jumped up and grabbed Minsheng, pushing him toward the door. “Why don’t you go find Rave? You seem to like to harass him the most.” Minsheng glared at Jasper and then stomped away, Yasuko following quickly behind him. “What the heck is wrong with that little dude?” Sid asked as he rubbed his abused leg. “He missed his Flintstone vitamin this morning.” Jasper walked closer to Sid. “You’re a shifter, aren’t you?”

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Sid began to bounce around again, looking around the living room. “This is so cool. It’s a nice setup you got here.” Jasper noticed how Torem’s mate dodged the question. If he didn’t want to answer, Jasper wasn’t going to press him. “Yeah, it’s cool here,” Craig said. “But we mostly hang out down at Theo’s. There are more people to mingle with and the music’s pretty cool. And Theo makes the best food. Okay, maybe not Theo, but it’s still good.” Craig chuckled. Jasper watched Torem’s mate closely. There was something very different about him. He just couldn’t put his finger on it. “So, you’re mated to the sour mood Torem?” “I don’t know about sour. He seemed pretty nice the whole trip here, especially when we were getting shot at.” “Shot at!” Craig gasped. “How the hell were you getting shot at?” “Looong story,” Sid said. “Anyone want to shoot some pool? Does anyone know where at bingo hall is? I’m hungry. Is there a kitchen here?” Jasper’s head spun at the rapidly fired questions. Did the guy focus on one subject for more than a millisecond? “The kitchen is down the hall. You’re welcomed to anything in there. I’m really not sure about a bingo hall. I haven’t heard of one around here, and maybe later we can shoot a game. Toby and I have things to do in town.” “Speaking of which,” Craig piped up. “I need to get to work.” Jasper watched as Craig left the living room. “Well, welcome to your new home, enjoy exploring it.” Jasper grabbed Toby’s hand, getting as quickly away from the hyper man as possible. There was just something about Sidney that niggled at him, and Jasper would figure it out.

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Chapter Three Sidney couldn’t believe how quickly he cleared the room. He placed his hand in front of his mouth and blew out his breath. His breath didn’t stink, so that wasn’t it. Sidney couldn’t understand what he had said or done to make everybody run. He decided to take Jasper up on his offer and go find the kitchen. His feet skidded to a halt on the wood floors when Sidney saw the largest man he’d ever laid eyes on sitting at the kitchen table eating the biggest bowl of cereal he had ever seen. The man’s spoon stopped midway between bowl and mouth and stared at him. Sidney felt like a deer caught in headlights and too afraid to move. No sudden movements, his brain warned him. Maybe the giant hasn’t seen you yet. The guy set his spoon back into the bowl and sat back, watching him intently. “Are you Torem’s brother?” “Uh, nooo, I’m Torem’s mate, Sidney.” The brown skin around the man’s eyes crinkled as he smiled and then began to chuckle. “No shit, my Beta has mated. Go figure.” Sidney walked into the room, feeling a little more comfortable, and sat down at the table with the man. “Why does everyone seem so surprised about Torem finding his mate?” “It’s a long story.” The guy chuckled again. Gee, those words sounded familiar to Sidney. “I’ve got all day.” “I’m Zeus, the Alpha of the house.” Sidney smiled. “I’m Sidney, mate to the Beta of the house.” “That you are.” The Alpha grinned.

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Sidney had no clue what to say, so he got up and started opening drawers and cabinets, the fridge and freezer was next. He had no clue what he was looking for, but he’d know when he’d found it. Zeus stood, taking his bowl to the sink and rinsing it out, placing it in the dishwasher. Sidney thought his neck would snap as he tilted his head back to look up at the Alpha. He thought he was tall at six one, but the man had him beat hands down. And good lord, could the guy be any more massive? Sidney had an urge to grab a chair and pull it up to the guy and pat him on his bald head. That wouldn’t be one of the sanest things to do, Sidney thought. Feeling the need to get away before he did something stupid, Sidney walked across the room, ready to get back to Torem, when the Alpha stopped him. “Did you forget something?” Sidney looked at him and wondered what he could have forgotten. The Alpha chucked a thumb over his shoulder. “All the drawers and cabinets, the fridge and freezer are still hanging open. Maybe it would be a good idea to close them all before you left.” Sidney looked around the massive guy to see he was right. He crossed the room and closed everything up and then went back to Torem’s bedroom. Counting bedroom doors on his way back to Torem’s room—that was the only way he remembered—Sidney pushed open the sixth door on the right side of the hall. The room was pitch black. Sidney knew this couldn’t be right. It was light from the early morning in Torem’s room when he had left, now there was none? Sidney had to have the wrong room. Sidney gulped when he heard a hiss. He spun around to run from the room but slammed into the door, accidently shutting it closed instead. A small light glowed, and Sidney spun around to see someone had turned a lamp on. That’s when he saw a tall man with dark hair roll over on top of a shorter one, a protective move. The largest of the

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three swung out of bed with agility. He had black hair to his shoulders and very green eyes that narrowed on him. Sidney saw that the man was naked seconds before the guy shifted into a wolf, advancing menacingly toward him. Oh shit, this was not Torem’s bedroom. “I’m Sidney, Torem’s mate. I’m in the wrong room,” he threw out, hoping that saved his ass. He wasn’t sure it would work though. The way everyone acted about Torem mating, that may have been the wrong thing to say. Maybe Sidney should have introduced himself as Torem’s brother’s best friend. The wolf shifted back to his human form, and Sidney’s balls unclenched. The man standing in front of him didn’t look like he played around and Sidney wasn’t into having his ass handed to him. The guy grabbed a pillow from the bed and covered it over his groin. “His bedroom is the next on down on the right,” he growled. Sidney nodded absently, his eyes darting over to the man with long black hair that still lay on the bed, looking at him with narrowed black eyes. That must be the vampire, or it might be the one tucked under him. Sidney reached behind him and turned the handle, quickly scrambling from the room. Once he cleared the door, he leaned against the hallway wall with his hand over his erratically beating heart. “That was too damn close. I need a Red Bull.” Sidney panted as he walked one more door down and then turned around, opening Chey’s door, peeking in on him. Sidney found his best friend sleeping like the dead. Closing the door quietly, he crept back across the hall. This time, Sidney opened the door and popped his head in. When he saw Torem fast asleep, he breathed a sigh of relief and walked into the bedroom, closing the door behind him. Sidney stopped when he got to the end of the bed and watched his mate sleep. His fingers ran over the smooth wood of the footboard, as

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he finally got a good look at his handsome mate. That five o’clock shadow was a big turn-on, and Sidney wondered how it would feel scraping across his skin. Just the thought of Torem touching him had Sidney’s cock jerking. Sidney pushed his shirt aside and skimmed his fingers across his erect nipple. Oh hell, he was standing here touching himself while he watched his mate sleep. How perverted was that? His other hand snaked down and unsnapped his jeans as he slid the zipper down. Sidney pushed his jeans down his legs, toed his shoes off, and kicked the denim the rest of the way off. He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Okay, now he was really a pervert because he was standing there naked and watching his mate sleep. He eased his way onto the bed and crawled up to where Torem lay. Sidney pulled the covers aside and then pulled them over his body as he snuggled close to Torem’s warm skin. Sidney knew Torem was tired but couldn’t help it. He was hornier than hell and wanted his mate. Torem lay on his back, one hand over his chest. The other rested above his head. Sidney leaned forward, and with the tip of his tongue, he caressed the peak that sat on top of the brown disc. Sidney sucked it into his mouth and felt the excitement build in him at the taste of his mate. Sidney blew a puff of breath out and over the wet skin and watched it pebble, grinning at his masterful work. He glanced up at his mate to be sure Torem was still sleeping before Sidney situated his body between Torem’s legs. His mate instinctively, even in his sleep, spread his legs apart. Sidney groaned when he saw Torem wearing underwear. His mate wasn’t supposed to be wearing underwear to bed. His gaze dropped further as he looked over Torem’s inner thighs, noting the black

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dusting of hair that covered Torem’s legs. That was a very sexy sight indeed. He leaned forward and shoved his nose into his mate’s crotch and inhaled deeply, his body coming alive at the masculine and musky scent between Torem’s legs. Sidney propped one arm on his elbow and reached with the other hand and peeled back the fabric around Torem’s thigh, revealing a gloriously flaccid cock. His tongue flicked out, batting back and forth across the crown, and then he began to gently suckle it. Torem moaned and shifted around, his cock starting to harden. Sidney groaned when he felt Torem’s hands brush through his hair. He pushed the material back further as he took more of his mate’s cock into his mouth. “Take them off,” Torem commanded. A pulse of lust shot through Sidney at the command. He leaned back and grabbed the waistband as Torem lifted his hips and then his legs. Sidney tossed the material aside and then lay back down between Torem’s legs. Now that he had a full view, he marveled at the sight of the cut cock. His thumb chased around the head and then massaged the bundle of nerves just below the cockhead. Sidney licked the skin and then traced his tongue down the multitude of veins. Torem groaned and wrapped his hand around the base. Sidney inhaled the scent of his mate’s fingers and then licked each one. He couldn’t seem to get enough of his mate’s scent. It hit his system quicker than any energy drink could, and the buzz was a thousand times better than any sugar rush he had experienced. “Suck it, baby.” Torem’s voice was strained, and Sidney decided to have mercy on his mate. His tongue followed the large vein back up to the flared head, and then Sidney parted his lips, taking Torem’s cock into his mouth.

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Sidney’s eyes closed at the salty taste of skin and pre-cum. He pushed to his knees, his fingers digging into Torem’s thighs, as he worked his mate’s cock down his throat. “That’s it, baby, take all of me.” Torem encouraged him. Sidney’s cheeks concaved as he rode Torem’s cock with his mouth. Torem’s hips joined in and soon began a seductive dance with mouth and hardened shaft. Sidney’s tongue decided to get in on the play and skated over and around Torem’s dick. He lowered his head, the skin silky and smooth under his tongue. Sidney could taste pre-cum dripping down the back of his throat as he took pleasure in pleasing Torem. Sidney had to reluctantly back off, his jaws were beginning to ache. His eyes darted down at the wondrous sight of Torem’s sac drawn close to his body. Torem’s hand began to stroke his salivasoaked cock as Sidney lapped at the wrinkled skin, sucking one side into his mouth. Torem’s hand started moving faster, but Sidney didn’t want him to come that way. He wanted to feel those hot jets of sperm deep in his ass, not watching them hit Torem’s belly and chest. Sidney’s hole clenched at the thought of that large cock filling him. He looked up at Torem and saw his mate staring down at him with hooded eyes. “God, you look so fucking good down there on your hands and knees.” Sidney shivered at the deep and guttural tone. “Will you fuck me?” Sidney asked him. He knew Torem had said no earlier, but he was praying now that he had changed his mind. Torem let go of his cock and his fingers waved inward toward his palms, telling Sidney to come here. Sidney crawled up Torem’s body, feeling his mate’s cock slide against his body as he made the journey. He lay over Torem’s broad chest, feeling both cocks between them, and ground his hips, taking pleasure in the friction.

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Sidney clenched his ass, wanting desperately for Torem to fill it. Torem reached out and cupped his face and gave Sidney his first kiss from his mate. Sidney laid his weight on Torem, his hands coming off of the mattress as he ran them over Torem’s short hair. It was as soft as it looked. He opened wide as Torem’s tongue plunged in and dueled with his own. Sidney was right. The stubble was exquisite against his skin. The rasping of hair on his skin made his jaw tingle. Even though Sidney had a small goatee of his own, this was the first time he had ever kissed somebody with facial hair…and he loved it. Torem’s fingers snaked through Sidney’s blond hair and gave a small tug as he devoured Sidney’s mouth. His mate’s hips hitched up, telling Sidney he was just as excited. Sidney’s tongue ran along every tooth in Torem’s mouth, desperately needing the taste of his mate. Torem growled and rolled, Sidney ending up on the bottom. He could feel his cock crying at the want and need that his body was craving as pre-cum leaked onto his abdomen. Sidney wasn’t sure if it was his, Torem’s, or both, and at this moment in time, he didn’t care. All he knew was that he wanted Torem buried deep inside of him. “Please,” he begged. His hands landed on Torem’s muscled ass, digging in as he crushed their groins together. “Holy mother of vinegar.” Torem kissed his way from one side of Sidney’s jaw to the other and then reached over and grabbed the lube from the nightstand. Sidney’s heart gave an extra beat at the sight of the bottle, knowing what was to come. He spread his legs wide as Torem snapped the cap open and poured a small amount onto his fingers, and then his hand disappeared down between their bodies. “Hell yes.” Sidney’s toes curled as Torem’s fingers breached his ass. Sidney’s body hummed with want as Torem’s fingers moved in and out of him, grazing over his prostate, making Sidney mewl with

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pleasure. The smile that tugged at Torem’s mouth told Sidney the evil bastard knew he had hit Sidney’s sweet spot. Sidney groaned and rode Torem’s fingers as he was driven wild. Soon, it wasn’t enough, and he needed more. Sidney planted the heels of his feet on Torem’s back and climbed his way up until his ass was fully in the air. His fingers wrapped around the wooden headboard as he rode his mate’s fingers in frenzy. “I need more,” he whimpered. Torem leaned back, and Sidney’s legs fell to the side. Torem’s fingers slowly exited his body, and then the slick hand massaged his balls for a moment while the dry one stroked Sidney’s cock. “No, not that more. Your cock in my ass, more,” Sidney cried in frustration. Torem leaned to his right and grabbed the bottle, an evil and knowing grin on his face as he held his cock in his hand and lathered the lube over it. Sidney’s breath came out in quick bursts as Torem slowly stroked his lubed cock. The sight almost made Sidney come. “Now, damn it.” “How much do you want this?” Torem teased. Sidney hooked his hands under his knees and pulled his legs tight to his body, displaying his goodies to his mate. “Now that is a delicious sight.” Torem smiled. Sidney bit his bottom lip when the head of Torem’s cock entered him. Torem stilled and grabbed Sidney’s ankles, pulling his legs back, and then apart, slowly working his cock into Sidney’s body. Torem pushed in inch by excruciating inch. Sidney felt the burn traveling all the way up his spine. Torem’s balls finally settled against Sidney’s ass. “Don’t stop, baby, pop those hips.” Sidney groaned. Torem moved slowly back, and Sidney could feel his mate’s cock slowly leaving him. He clenched his ass, desperately trying to stop Torem from fully leaving his channel.

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When Torem was almost free of his body, he slammed back in. Sidney’s body exploded with electrifying currents that rattled his senses. He writhed around, feeling like he was losing his mind as the pleasure barraged his body. Sidney started pulling at his own hair as Torem took him deep and hard. “Fuck me, mighty man.” Sidney felt like he was dying a slow death of pleasure as he stared at Torem’s sexual face. His mate’s eyes were locked to where their bodies joined. “Does it look as good as it feels?” “Better.” Torem’s canines slowly grew from his mouth and his eyes shifted a brilliant yellow as he pushed Sidney’s legs back, battering his hole with the hard cock. Sidney could feel every damn inch of that cock pushing in and pulling out, grazing his prostate on the downstroke. His legs began to kick back and forth, but Torem held them tight as he fucked Sidney down and dirty. Sidney raised his lower body, meeting Torem thrust for thrust, chasing after that pot of gold. Sidney’s cock was bouncing everywhere. He grabbed it and gave it a hard squeeze and a few pumps before his back arched. “Fuck, Torem, hell,” he cried out. Torem dropped Sidney’s legs and fell to his arms, brushing Sidney’s hair aside. Sidney instinctively tilted his head as Torem’s teeth embedded into his flesh. Torem thrust so hard into Sidney that his ass came off of the bed. “Work that cock,” Sidney yelled. His hands landed on the back of Torem’s head as he felt his mate’s seed fill him. Sidney lay there breathing heavily as he blinked up at the ceiling. “You can eat crackers in my bed any time.” Torem chuckled and pulled free. “Noisy little wolf.” He kissed Sidney’s nose and pulled him to Torem’s chest. Damn, he was going to have to tell Torem…eventually. ****

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Torem sat in Zeus’s office, perplexed. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing as Chey sat in front of Zeus’s desk and retold of his time with Remus. He could see the anger playing across Chey’s face, and Torem couldn’t blame his brother one bit. It seemed that the Beta, Remus, had told the entire pack that he and Cheyenne were mates. According to his brother, this wasn’t true. “That’s how he explained away my combative nature. He told everyone I was fighting it because I was a virgin.” Chey snorted. “Can you believe that?” He sat there with his hands fisted in his lap, unblinking. Torem could see emotions flickering in the back of his brother’s eyes. “Is one of the men who broke into your house the Beta?” he asked. Chey’s lips pressed flat, as he shook his head. “No, he would never do the dirty work himself. I snuck out while Remus was throwing a cocktail party. God forbid he be absent to come looking for me.” Chey curled his lip up. “I prayed that you had received my letter and would be there soon because I knew Remus’s patience was running out.” Chey’s expression changed, his features taking on a frightened and desperate look. “Honestly, I didn’t send that letter just for you to pull my ass out of the fire.” He begged Torem to believe him with his eyes. They became somber as his brother continued. “Though I grew up with a nice family, knowing you were out there somewhere had always eaten away at me.” Torem nodded, telling Chey without words that he understood and believed him. “What is your gift?” Zeus asked, leaning closer from behind his desk. Chey swung his eyes around to look at the Alpha, and Torem could actually see the sweat popping out onto Chey’s forehead.

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“Nobody here would use it against you, I promise.” Torem reassured his brother. Although Chey looked scared, his eyes told Torem that he trusted him. Chey got to his feet and walked over to Torem. “Can I see your arm?” Torem gave his brother his arm and watched as Chey’s claw extended from his finger, cutting a gash across his hand. “Fuck.” Torem tried to pull back, but Chey had a tight grip on it. Zeus had come around his desk and watched. Chey’s claw receded, and he rubbed his fingers over the cut, healing it instantly. “Although shifters can heal pretty quickly, children can’t. We all know that until they hit puberty, they can’t shift. Remus refused to let me help the pack. He wanted to use my gift for his men only.” Chey dropped down next to Torem. “He even tried to make me bring back one of his men that had died recently.” “Reanimation?” Zeus gasped. “Yeah, but my gift doesn’t work that way. He became angry and said I was just being stubborn. I’m still learning what my gift can do, but even I know that bringing back the dead is impossible.” Chey jumped up and started pacing. “I can do one more thing with it.” “And that is?” Torem asked. “Heal from the inside.” Chey placed his hand over his heart. Torem looked down at his own hands, remembering how calm and docile he felt after hugging his brother in the store when they first stopped on their way out of Farmer’s Valley. “I want you to keep your gift and your status as an Omega to yourself,” Zeus warned. “Not that I think anyone here would use you, I just want you to have as much as a normal life here as possible.” Chey’s eyes became misty as they darted over to Zeus. “Thank you.” He swallowed a few times, and Torem was hard-pressed to keep his own tears at bay. He stood and grabbed his brother in a hug, patting his back. “You’re safe here.”

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Chey pulled free. “I need to go find Sid and make sure he isn’t hoarding Red Bulls somewhere.” Torem laughed as he released his brother. “I apologize for not believing you. He’s something else when sugared up.” “Is that what was wrong with him in the kitchen earlier?” Zeus asked. “I thought he was a little imbalanced.” “He’s that, too.” Chey grinned. “But I love him.” Torem growled, but Chey ignored him. “I know he’s your mate. I suspected in the truck, and Sidney confirmed it while I was getting ready to come down here.” Torem looked at Zeus and then back at Chey. “How angry does he get when riled?” “Very, why?” This did not bode well for Torem. He cringed inwardly as the words left his lips. “Because I need to tell Sid about Dino.” Chey’s brows pulled together as he looked at Torem. “Who’s Dino?” “My other mate.”

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Chapter Four Dino brushed the sawdust off of the makeshift worktable as he spread the blueprints out. “Here’s where the gym will be added.” He pointed to the addition Zeus had asked him to make. “I want Quinn and Mickey to get started on it.” The two workers nodded and grabbed their hardhats. Dino handed them their specs and trusted them to get the job done. Of course they would enlist the help of others, but Dino was confident in his men. He grabbed his thermos, unscrewed the cap, and poured coffee into the lid. The rich aroma wafted past his nose as Dino took a sip, enjoying his morning cup of java. He loved early mornings. There was just something about the morning dew and the sounds of the birds in the overhead trees that helped to relax Dino. Dino leaned against the wooden table and stared out over the jobsite. He was proud to see that it was coming along pretty nicely, and they were on schedule. As Dino took a sip of his coffee, he wondered where Torem had run off to and if he would be back. Dino had kind of gotten used to the guy hanging around. It didn’t feel the same without the handsome man around. Dino sighed as he dumped out the rest of his coffee and replaced the lid on his thermos. The time for his relaxation was over. Dino set the thermos aside and began his day. The morning quickly turned to afternoon, and Dino was ready to go grab some lunch. “Hey, Quinn, ride with me into town.” “You got it, Dino.” The guy tossed his hardhat on the makeshift table and jogged over to him. “Where we going?”

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“I was thinking of trying Harold’s Deli,” Dino said over his shoulder as he headed toward his truck. He grabbed the handle and opened the driver’s door, as Quinn jumped into the passenger side. Dino drove the few miles into town, parking in front of the deli. “I’m starving.” Quinn hopped out and raced into the building. Dino chuckled and shook his head. The guy could eat twenty-four-seven with his metabolism. “Dino.” Dino turned to see Torem approaching. Fuck if that wasn’t one fine-looking man. “’Sup?” Torem grinned at him, and his pearly whites set Dino’s heart to racing. “I wanted to talk with you.” “You want to meet at Theo’s after work?” He didn’t have that much time for lunch, and by the look on Torem’s face, this would take awhile. “Sure, I’ll meet you there.” Torem leaned in and whispered into Dino’s ear. “It’s about time you stopped fighting me on this.” His lips pressed to Dino’s ear and then he pulled away. Dino licked his dry lips as he watched Torem’s nicely muscled ass cross the street and get into his truck. Great, now he was going to have lunch with Quinn sporting a hard-on. Dino spun on his heel and entered the deli. He found Quinn already seated and eating. Dino grabbed a sandwich and joined him. “What did Torem want?” Quinn asked around a mouthful of deli meat. “To talk.” Dino spread open the paper his food was wrapped in and grabbed the delicious-looking sandwich and took a bite. “More additions?” Quinn asked and then shoved a handful of chips into his mouth. “I don’t think so.” Dino feigned ignorance as he continued to eat. He was thankful Quinn left it alone and didn’t ask any more about Torem.

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He was almost finished with his sandwich when a blond man came into the deli, catching Dino’s attention. He had to admit, the blond was hot. The guy stood there by the door as he scanned the lunch crowd. Dino knew something was wrong when the blond’s eyes locked onto Dino, and then he stormed over. He didn’t like the look on the guy’s face. “Who are you?” the man demanded as he stopped in front of Dino’s table, placing his hands on his hips. Dino casually sat back, throwing one arm over the back of the chair and grinning at the handsome man. Damn if he wasn’t hot. “Depends on who wants to know.” He heard a snicker from Quinn’s direction but kept his eyes on the glaring man standing in front of him. “Sidney Porter. Now tell me who you are and why you were all cozy with my Torem outside?” My Torem? Was Torem already in a relationship and looking to cheat with Dino? He didn’t fucking think so. Dino watched the man spring back and forth from foot to foot as if he had to use the restroom. The blond looked jittery and nervous as he glared at Dino. What the hell was wrong with the guy? “My name is Dino Tiziano and I had no clue Torem was already seeing someone.” Sidney stomped his foot as he pointed a finger at Dino. “Well, he is. He’s my mate, and I am warning you to stay away from him.” “Mate?” The guy’s eyes widened and then his hand slapped over his mouth. “Shit,” he cursed under his hand. Sidney sputtered before finding his voice. “Yeah, my guy, you know.” He smiled nervously, his eyes darting around. “I have no intention of breaking up a couple. Thanks for the warning.” Dino was furious. How could Torem do that to him?

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Sidney bent at the waist and leaned in, sniffing at Dino. “Oh my fucking god,” the blond shouted and then curled his lips in. The people in the deli stopped and quieted, watching the table where Dino sat. “Can we take this outside?” Dino felt his face heat as he stood and looked back at Quinn who was trying to hide a smile. “I’ll be right back.” “Sure thing, boss.” Dino ignored the stares from the customers in the place. He walked a stunned Sidney outside for a bit more privacy. Once they reached the sidewalk, Dino released him. “Mind telling me what the hell is going on?” “Besides the fact that Torem is going to kill me?” Dino wasn’t sure if the guy was joking or not. He was starting to get a massive headache. “Yes, besides that.” “Not on your life, Rumpelstiltskin. I like my ass in the shape that it’s in. Torem is already going to bite a chunk off.” Dino noticed Sidney was still jumping from foot to foot. He nodded at Sidney’s feet. “Do you do that all the time?” “Do you know where a bingo hall is around here?” Sidney countered. Dino scratched his jaw, wondering if the man was off his meds. He was going to confront Torem at Theo’s this evening, but maybe he needed to ask him about Sidney’s mental health instead. “Haven’t heard of one.” “Damn it. I need to find one before I go crazy.” That was too easy, so Dino left it alone. He pointed to the door instead. “I’m going to head back inside now.” Dino used slow movements, trying not to startle the man. “No.” Sidney reached out and grabbed his arm. “You must promise me you won’t tell Torem that I confronted you.” Dino pulled his arm free as he curled his lip at Sidney. “He just tried to cheat on you. Why shouldn’t I?”

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“No he didn’t,” Sidney said a little too quickly. “But you just said—” “No I didn’t,” the guy cut him off. Dino noticed a can sticking out of the guy’s pocket and wondered if he wasn’t some delusional alcoholic. Was Torem even his boyfriend? Dino wasn’t in the mood to dig any deeper. He wanted to go finish his lunch and get back to work. And if he was lucky, forget about this whole ordeal with Sidney. “Look, I don’t have time for this.” “Good, that’s right, we never even met.” Sidney winked at him and then took off, running down the sidewalk. “What kind of fucking town is this?” Dino wondered as he walked back into the deli. **** “You fucking fell over the damn thing like a greenhorn.” Mickey chuckled and tossed a beer cap at Quinn. “Only because you left the damn thing lying out.” Dino chuckled as the men who worked for him bantered back and forth. He loved his life and the men he employed. Not everyone on the site worked for him. When a job was this big, he contracted a lot of the work out, but he did have six men who worked for Tiziano’s Contracting. “There he is,” Quinn teased and nodded toward the door. Dino twisted around and saw Torem walk into the tavern. For some reason, every time Dino looked at the guy, his mouth started salivating. He felt like Pavlov’s dog, only Torem was the bell. Dino turned back around. He knew Torem would find him and he didn’t want to look desperate. Mickey whistled low. “He is one good-looking guy, if I swung that way.”

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Quinn cuffed Mickey on the back of the head. “He’s Dino’s, back off.” Dino ignored the two. He was too busy concentrating on not turning around as he felt Torem’s presence behind him. “Can I speak with you?” Torem’s deep voice vibrated down Dino’s spine and straight to his cock. He nodded as he slid from the booth and followed the guy out to the sidewalk right outside the tavern. “Okay, talk.” Dino waited to hear what Torem had to say and wondered if he would mention Sidney. Torem smoothed his hand over his head and Dino’s eyes followed the action. “Can we go for a ride? I have a lot of explaining to do, and I would prefer not to do it in front of the tavern.” “Sure,” Dino said as he followed Torem to his truck. They headed down Route 22 as Dino sat in the passenger’s seat, stealing glances at the handsome man. “How did your back window get busted out?” Dino asked after fifteen minutes of silent driving. “There is no easy way to say this,” Torem said. Dino noticed how the guy ignored his question. “That you’re a cheating bastard?” Dino had tried to hold it in, but the thought that Torem was stringing him along pissed Dino off. He wasn’t going to end up another notch in the guy’s bedpost. “What the hell are you talking about?” Torem asked in shock. His eyes left the road for a moment to stare at Dino in utter confusion. “I met Sidney.” The truck jerked, but Torem quickly righted it. “When?” “So he is your boyfriend,” Dino snarled darkly. “Pull the fucking truck over now.” Torem shook his head as he continued to drive. “No, not until you tell me what he said.” Dino couldn’t take it anymore. His anger hit the roof as he snapped his head around to glare at Torem. “If you think for one

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fucking second I’m going to help you cheat on your partner, you have balls the size of Texas. I met Sidney. He’s a little off, but he seems like a nice guy. How the hell can you do that to him?” Torem slammed on the brakes. When the truck stopped, the large man spun in his seat to face Dino. “I’m not cheating on him. I would never do that to either of my mates.” Some of the wind left Dino’s sail as he studied the man sitting next to him. He was slightly confused now. “Sidney used that word, too. What the hell does it mean?” “I’m a fucking werewolf. You and Sidney are my mates.” And Dino thought Sidney needed medication? He casually unsnapped his seat belt and shoved the truck door open. Dino had had enough of the crazy-ass people in this town. Why did all the hot guys have to be nuts? Or straight? He gave up on trying to gain a sane explanation from Torem as he headed back in the direction of town. It would take him awhile, but he was going to foot it. To hell with Torem and to hell with Sidney, they deserved each other. “Not so fast.” Torem closed the distance, grabbing Dino’s upper arm. Dino swung around, his fist balled up ready to knock Torem on his ass. The guy was faster and ducked as Dino swung on him. “I will fucking hurt you if you don’t leave me alone,” he warned. “There is nothing going to happen between us…ever!” The look on Torem’s face said, wanna bet me? Dino was ready to pound Torem into the ground when he noticed Torem’s face turn ashen. “Get into the truck,” Torem said in a warning tone. “Who the hell do you think you are?” Dino growled. Enough with this macho shit and enough with the insane crap, he just wanted to get away. Dino was way too attracted to the guy and couldn’t condone having sex with him. None of this made sense and Dino needed to remove himself from Torem’s presence since he couldn’t think straight.

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“Now.” Torem grabbed him and used strength Dino wouldn’t have thought the guy possessed. Dino’s eyes were drawn to where Torem was looking, and he saw a large black truck coming slowly down the road, a little too slowly. Dino didn’t waste time asking questions. He jumped into the passenger’s seat as Torem got in on the driver’s side. Torem put the truck in drive and spun the truck around, hitting the gas, almost giving Dino whiplash. “What the hell is going on?” “Those men want to kill my baby brother, and I’m not going to let that happen.” Dino looked into his side mirror and saw the other truck giving chase as Torem picked up speed. “Why don’t we just kick their asses?” “Because they’re shifters, and you can’t just kick their asses.” Well, that just cleared everything up, now didn’t it? Torem pulled his cell phone out and dialed someone as Dino grew more confused and frustrated by the moment. “Eagle, those men that want to kill Chey are here. I’m heading toward the police station now.” He hung up and tossed the phone on the dashboard. “Did you just get me involved in some kind of gang war?” Dino snarled. If Torem had, he would have to call his cousin Romano. No one called Romano unless they meant business, and Dino meant business. He was five seconds away from telling Zeus to kiss his ass and pulling his men out of there. Dino shoved his feet onto the dash as Torem cut a hard right into the police parking lot. His jaw dropped when he spotted at least half a dozen wolves emerging from the forest behind the building. Was this Torem’s backup, fucking dogs? “Get out and go into the station,” Torem ordered him as he unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the driver door. “Fuck you, I don’t take orders from nobody. I’m getting my men and getting the hell out of this town. Tell Zeus to find someone else.”

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Dino climbed out and slammed the door. He started across the lot when Torem tackled him. “Are you fucking crazy?” he argued as he fought to get the man off of him. “Stop,” Torem commanded, and for some damn reason, Dino listened. He heard low growls and snarls getting closer. “Your dogs gonna attack me?” he asked in amazement. “No, they’re going to defend you.” Dino turned his head when he heard truck doors slamming shut. The men in the black truck were here and they were large as hell. Dino pushed to get Torem off of him when he saw…he blinked, making sure his eyes weren’t out of focus as he stared at the impossible. “They changed into wolves,” Dino said in a panic. “Lie still. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” Torem blanketed Dino’s body as Torem’s pack drew the others behind the building. Once they were out of sight, Torem got up and pulled Dino to his feet. “Let’s go.” Dino was too stunned to argue. He ran for the truck just as one of the wolves came back around the corner. Skidding to a stop, Dino wasn’t sure what he should do. “Holy Mother Mary,” he yelled when Torem shifted right in front of him. This couldn’t be real. It couldn’t be happening. “I’m getting the hell outta here.” Dino turned to run but was trapped between the truck and the two fighting wolves. He reached into the truck, looking for something to beat the crap out of the other wolf with. Fuck it, he wasn’t one to run anyway. And besides, Torem was defending him after all…even if he just changed into a dog right in front of him. Dino found a four-way and figured it was his best bet as he curled his fingers around it and pulled it from the backseat of the truck. “You want a piece of this, you dumb mutt,” Dino waved the fourway around as he shouted. The wolf snapped and lunged, but Torem

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cut the wolf off. Dino swung, hitting the offending wolf dead on. The wolf stumbled and then shook the blow off. He began to growl at Dino as he moved closer. Dino backed away when Torem spun around and got between them. He didn’t want to accidentally hit Torem, although the guy deserved it right about now. Torem finally took the wolf down. “About fucking time.” Dino growled and tossed the four-way into the bed of the truck. “Can we get out of here?” Was he seriously standing here talking to a wolf? “Let’s go.” Dino’s head spun when Torem became human again. His eyes darted down Torem’s naked flesh to the well-hung cock between the man’s legs. He almost drooled at Torem’s naked and tanned flesh. Dino found it difficult to think with all that skin exposed. Once seated in the passenger side, Dino kept taking quick peeks at Torem. The man may be off-limits, but damn he had a hard-ass body. The ridged planes and taut muscles made Dino want to reach out and touch him. The idea that Torem was a wolf wasn’t freaking him out like he thought it would. Maybe it was Torem’s naked state that was distracting Dino from flipping the hell out. Dino shook his head to clear it and then looked out of the passenger window. “Just take me home.” “I am,” Torem said as he drove in the opposite direction from the rental Dino currently occupied. When they pulled into the driveway that Dino knew for a fact belonged to Zeus, he began to wonder what the hell was going on. “This isn’t where I was talking about.” “Come on, you’ll be safe here.” Torem got out of the truck and left Dino sitting there. “I guess that means I should follow,” he said sarcastically. ****

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Sidney jogged down the steps and spotted Torem coming through the front door. He did a one-eighty, hoping to get away before his mate spotted him. Fuck, what was Dino doing here? This was bad, real bad. “Sid, come here.” Crap, he knew that tone. It was universal. Sidney was in deep trouble. He walked backward, afraid to see the hard look on Torem’s face. “You rang?” If Torem was upset, then Dino ratted him out. The snitch. “Turn around, Sid,” Torem’s tone brooked no argument. The first person Sidney saw as he began to turn was Dino. He narrowed his eyes at him before facing Torem. Sidney was expecting to see disapproval in his mate’s eyes, not a gentle smile. “I was going to tell you about Dino.” Both men stared at Torem. “So you knew?” Sidney asked incredulously. “I knew from the moment I was introduced to him,” Torem confessed. “Oh.” That took a load off of his…wait a minute. “And you didn’t tell me? I made a fool of myself in that deli.” Sidney growled indignantly. “Actually I thought it was kinda cute.” Dino chuckled. “Now does someone want to tell me what the hell is going on?” Sidney stared wide-eyed at Dino. “He didn’t tell you?” “He told me about you guys being wolves, but what’s this mate thing?” Sidney was stunned that Torem hadn’t told Dino what was going on. There was no way in hell Torem was leaving the explanation up to him. No way. “Can we talk about this upstairs?” Torem asked. “He’s trying to lure you into his Batcave. Don’t let him tempt you, Robin,” Sidney whispered as he wiggled his brows, trying to make Dino laugh.

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“Err, right.” Dino looked at him strangely and then followed Torem. Sidney sighed. Dino was a tough sell. He felt better knowing Dino was their mate and not a side lover of Torem’s, but something told him life just got a little more interesting with this hot construction man around. “Did you tell them?” Sidney damn near jumped out of his skin. “Fuck, Chey, you scared me half to death. Don’t creep up on a guy like that. I could have hurt you by passing out and crushing your toes or something.” “Answer me, Sidney.” Chey gave him that familiar look. The one that said he knew Sidney was avoiding the subject. He snapped his head around, making sure no one was around before leaning closer to Chey. “No, I’m waiting for the right time.” Like June of never. “Tell them,” Chey warned. Sidney leaned past Chey and looked up the steps. He really did need to get up there. If Torem or even Dino had to come looking for him, they would ask questions. “I will. I was right in the middle of devising a plan to do just that when you interrupted me.” “You’ve never been a good liar, so stop trying to pull the wool over my eyes.” Chey huffed. “Tell them.” When Chey got his teeth into something he felt adamant about, the guy wouldn’t let it go. “I will.” “Soon.” Damn, the man knew him too well. Sidney’s hand ran over the can in his pocket. “Okay, I will. Now I have to go before they come looking for me.” Sidney sidestepped Chey and headed for the stairs. “And Sidney?” Oh man, he had almost escaped. “Yes?” He didn’t bother turning around. Sidney knew what was coming. “Lay off the energy drinks.”

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Sidney mouthed his best friend’s predictable words the same time Chey said them. The man had been a broken record for the last six months since Sidney tasted his first Red Bull and became instantly addicted to the things. He walked up the steps and down the hallway slowly, counting each door as he went along. When he reached the sixth door, Sidney poked his head in. Torem and Dino were standing in the middle of the bedroom talking. Dino looked relaxed enough in Sidney’s opinion. Shit, he was going to have to tell them…later. Much, much later.

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Chapter Five Torem watched Sidney slide into the room and shut the door quietly. His eyes zeroed in on the can protruding from his mate’s pocket. “Let me have it.” He waved his hand at Sidney to give him the can. Sidney turned sideways, blocking any view of the can. “Have what?” “What’s in your pocket, Sid?” Sidney dug into his pocket and produced what looked to be a receipt from a store. “Here you go.” He took one step toward Torem and held out the piece of paper between his fingers. Torem snagged his mate’s hand and pulled him into his arms. “You know that’s not what I was talking about.” The little devil’s face flushed, and Torem could scent his arousal growing stronger. He slid his hands over Sid’s back, leaning in to kiss him. “Hey.” Sidney looked up at Torem with a pout when Torem’s hand came away with the can, handing it over to Dino. “Red Bull? I thought it was beer.” Dino smirked. “That explains his edginess.” “Get rid of it, please. Sid gets too hyper when he drinks it.” Torem could see his mate wanted to argue but twisted his lips up in disapproval instead. Dino took the can to the bathroom as Torem cupped Sidney’s face, leaning down to kiss him. Sidney closed his eyes and pulled Torem the rest of the way down, smashing their lips together. He ran his fingers through his mate’s hair and tugged, breaking their lips apart. “We have to explain the concept of mates to Dino.”

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“Later.” Sidney panted and tried to lock his lips onto Torem’s again. Sidney’s right leg came up and wrapped over Torem’s hip. “I want more of that cock you hide behind your jeans.” Torem felt the lust double in the room and saw Dino standing by the bathroom door, watching the two. The front of the construction worker’s pants were straining. Torem pulled his mate off of him and spun him around, pressing Sidney’s back to his chest and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. That should hold him still, for five seconds. “Mates are people fate thought would be perfect for one another.” Dino held his hand up. “I watch enough animal channels to know what a mate is in the wild kingdom. Is it the same for you two? That’s all I really want to know.” “Yes, all three of us are mates,” Torem confirmed for Dino. Dino leaned against the doorframe of the bathroom. He studied both of them intently. “So we have a ménage mating?” Torem proceeded with caution. He wasn’t sure what that look on Dino’s face meant. Sidney fidgeted around, and Torem held him tightly. If this wasn’t what the guy wanted, he didn’t want Sidney running to Dino to try and convince him. Too many things were forced upon him throughout his life to do the same to anyone else. “Yes, we do.” Sidney tapped his nose. “It’s all in the scent. I knew as soon as I smelled you. It was like jellybeans and hot chocolate for me.” Torem chuckled. Leave it to Sidney to describe it that way. He kissed his mate’s hair and smiled at Dino. “We Grey wolves can scent our mates.” “And I stunk, huh?” A small smile pulled at Dino’s lips. “Oh, hell no, you smell better than fresh laundry.” Sidney pulled, but Torem held. He was waiting for Dino to give the green light, to accept what was being explained to him. “So you two are it for me?” Dino asked.

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Torem growled. “There will be no one else.” He had to take a deep breath. His eyes were shifting at the thought of another man touching Dino. “If you thought the scene in the deli was cute, then you’ll think I’m sexy as hell if I catch you with another man.” Torem could feel the hairs on Sidney bristle as he growled out his threat. “What about a woman?” Torem caught the teasing gleam in Dino’s eyes, but obviously Sidney hadn’t. “Ew, you’re kidding right? I’ll bitch slap her with my claws if you even think about it.” Sidney stomped his foot and pointed his finger at Dino. Torem rocked as his emphatic mate tried to take a step forward. “You are sexy when you’re pissed.” Dino chuckled, and then his eyes rose to Torem questioningly. Torem gave a slight nod and Dino pushed away from the doorframe. His swagger was enticing as hell. Torem scented Sidney’s arousal as it spiked higher, his chest expanding and contracting at a higher rate. Torem didn’t let Sidney go. The idea of holding Sidney in place while Dino explored their mate had him hard as hell. If Sidney asked, he would release him. But Sidney’s hands curled around Torem’s arms instead, as if holding Torem in place. “Let me get this straight.” Dino’s hand cradled Sidney’s face. “I get to have both of you all to myself?” Dino’s lips were mere inches from Sidney’s as he asked the question. “Uh-huh.” Sid’s body leaned forward, puckering his lips for Dino’s. Dino quickly glanced up at Torem, as if asking permission to move forward with Sidney. “You don’t need my permission. You need his.” Dino’s nostrils flared, his eyes churning with lust as he closed the gap and kissed Sidney.

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This would be so much better if they were naked. Sidney moaned and gripped Torem’s arms tighter, his ass pressing into Torem’s erection. Dino broke the kiss and stepped back, licking his moist lips. “That was real nice.” A crooked smile displayed sexy-ass dimples, and Torem’s cock leapt at the sight. “I’ll let you guys know.” Torem stood there stunned as Dino walked out of the bedroom. What the fuck just happened? “Wait.” Dino stopped at the door and shoved his hands into his front pockets, his tongue running along his inner bottom lip. “Look, this is a lot to take in. First I find out we got more than humans living here, which by the way, my brain hasn’t worked that out yet. And second, you tell me we got this cosmic thing between the three of us.” Dino pulled one hand free, running it over his head as he exhaled. “Give me time to think about this. That’s all I’m asking.” “How will we know what you decide?” Torem asked. “I’ll come to you.” Dino walked out of the bedroom, the door shutting behind him. “I feel like I’ve just been slapped, flipped off, and kicked in the balls and all the guy did was kiss me.” Sidney’s voice trembled. “Give him time. He’s right. That was a lot to take in.” Torem held on to his mate, wondering if Dino would accept what had happened and what they were to each other, or if the man was going to decide this was too much and walk away. Torem released Sidney and dropped to his knees as his head exploded in pain. He gripped his temples as images shattered through his mind. He was no longer standing in his bedroom with Sidney but in the backyard of the mansion, staring down at a man that Jackson said tried to kill him. “I beg you. I didn’t try to kill your Alpha. He’s lying.” “You’re calling me a liar?” Jackson snarled. “Kill him, Torem.” Jackson turned his head and glared at him. Torem could see the

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madness in his Alpha’s eyes. He couldn’t do it. This wasn’t who he was. His hand trembled as he raised it to run through his hair. There had to be a way out of this place. Torem cried out as Jackson backhanded him. He was caught off guard, or he would have never uttered a sound. Jackson extended his claws and laid it at the man’s throat. He slowly turned back to Torem, insanity clear in his eyes. “This is what will happen to you if you disobey a direct order again.” He pressed the tip of his claw into the man’s throat. The man cried out and begged Torem with his eyes to save him. The Alpha snapped his fingers, and a few of his radical followers forced Torem to the ground. His jaw clenched and his stomach twisted as they cut off all of his hair. A painful knee dug into his back as Torem braced his hands on the hard earth and tried to dislodge the shifters, but there were too many. “Kill for me, or be killed, your choice.” Jackson snapped his fingers again, and Bald Eagle was forced to the Alpha’s side. “Better yet.” Jackson looked around at all the soldiers, his eyes landing on every one of them. “Disobey a direct order again and Eagle will pay the price.” Jackson removed his claw from the man’s throat and laid it against Eagle’s flesh. “Now, do as I have commanded.” The knee lifted from Torem’s back, and he stood. His eyes glanced up from the man on his knees to Eagle’s. What the fuck should he do? The soldiers were outnumbered three to one. Torem would go down fighting, but Eagle’s throat would be torn out before he had a chance to make a move. Torem stared into Eagle’s terrified gaze and extended his claws, swiping his arm out as he heard the gurgling sounds of death from a man he had never even met before. ****

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Sidney watched the horror play across Torem’s face. What was happening to him? His mate was on his hands and knees, as if someone was holding him down. Torem cried out, and Sidney freaked out. He ran across the hall and banged on Chey’s bedroom door. “Chey, get your ass out here now.” “What’s wrong?” Chey came into the hallway and looked around. “Have you been drinking those Red Bulls again?” Sidney didn’t have time for this. He grabbed Chey’s arm and pulled him into Torem’s bedroom. “He just collapsed and started doing that.” Sidney pointed to Torem who was standing now, his claws extended. “He touched me, hugged me tight. The healing has begun.” “That doesn’t look like healing to me,” Sidney argued. “He has to relive his past in order to heal from it. Whatever he has gone through, he’s reliving it.” “Oh, that’s just great. Did you tell him the side effects of your drug?” Sidney wanted to grab tight to Torem and hold him while he relived whatever torture he was going through, but the claws made him stay back. “I was so lost in being reunited with Torem, I forgot. He hugged me in the store.” Chey pulled Sidney back when Torem’s head snapped around, his eyes boring into them. “Uh, I think we should get Zeus.” “Good idea.” Sidney hauled ass out of the room and down the hall, Torem close on their heels. “You could have warned him, me, anybody. How the hell do you forget something like that?” “Just find Zeus. He’s probably the only one who can help Torem now,” Chey yelled as they flew down the stairs. “Normally I guide a person through the process, but Torem is too far gone for that.” “Fuck,” Sidney groaned when he saw Dino talking with Zeus by the front door. Now his mate would never want to be with them once he saw the state Torem was in.

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“Zeus!” Chey yelled as they ran across the foyer. “Contain Torem. He’s having flashbacks.” The Alpha stepped forward, shoving Dino behind him. “How?” Zeus thundered over Torem’s unearthly screams. “He touched me. Now he’s reliving his pain in order to heal,” Chey shouted back as he ran behind the large shifter. All four watched as Torem shifted into his wolf form and ran through the open door. This was a nightmare! “Come on, Dino. We have to catch him.” Sidney didn’t care what was going on. That was his mate and he was in pain. Neither heaven nor hell was going to stop him from helping Torem. Zeus tossed his keys at Sidney. “Go after him. I’ll gather the men and follow. We’ll find him and bring him home, but think of your safety if he becomes a threat to you or Dino.” All Sidney heard was blah, blah, blah. His vision had narrowed to Torem and finding him. “Did you see which way he took off?” he asked Dino as he ran around the trucks, hitting the fob to see which one was Zeus’s. “Give me those.” Dino grabbed the ring of keys from Sidney’s hand and found the truck. Holy shit, it had to be specially made for the Alpha. The damn thing was a monster truck. “Get in.” Sidney was grateful for Dino taking charge. His brain was scattered, and he couldn’t think. He climbed up and nearly had to jump from the running board to get in. Dino started the thing and soon they were ripping down the back roads. “What happened?” Dino asked as he picked up speed. “You’re already wigging out about everything else. If I tell you, you’ll never want to be with us.” The thought of this construction worker sitting next to him and not being in his life physically hurt Sidney. “I didn’t say I wasn’t going to be with you two. I said I need time to absorb all of this. Now tell me what happened, Sidney.”

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Oh god, Sidney had to focus. Hearing his name on Dino’s lips made him forget what they were doing. He needed a fucking Red Bull. They always cleared his mind and helped him focus. “Sidney, will you tell me what happened?” Dino asked in a gentler voice. “My best friend Chey has this thing he can do. Well, he’s my brother technically since he was raised with my family. He’s Torem’s real brother though. I was kinda jealous when I found out—” “Sidney, what happened tonight?” “Chey touched Torem. Torem began to heal from the inside, started having flashbacks, and turned into a raving maniac. He chased us down the steps, and by the way, that was Chey screaming like a girl, not me—” “Sidney,” Dino said in warning. “Well, you know the rest. You were standing right there.” Geez, what did Dino want, a play-by-play account? “What do you mean Chey had this thing? What thing?” “You have to promise not to tell anyone.” Dino gaped at him. Why did Sidney think the look was sexy? Now is not the time, focus. “Promise me.” “Hell, I promise. Now tell me.” “Chey is an Omega and can heal superficial wounds and deeper ones, the ones that affect your soul.” “A spiritual healer?” Dino snorted, letting Sidney know he was a big nonbeliever. This was not going well. “I guess you could say that. I never thought of it that way. He found out he could do it when—” “Focus, Sidney. What did he do to Torem?” “He hugged Chey, and now he’s reliving his past in order to heal from it.” “Sounds like voodoo shit to me.”

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“You can say what you want, but you saw him. He…Hey, is that him?” Sidney pointed to the field to their left. A Grey wolf was limping only ten feet from the road. Had Torem hurt himself? Dino pulled the truck over and put it in park. “I want you to stay in the truck. If it isn’t him, then I don’t want you getting hurt.” “And what are you, Superman? You’re human. That wolf will tear you to pieces if it isn’t Torem. I should go.” Sidney grabbed the door handle, not believing that Dino thought he could take on a shifter. The guy had to be nuts. “No. You’re not going out there.” Dino grabbed Sidney and pulled him back. “I can handle him.” **** Dino got out of the truck and slowly approached the wolf, his hands down at his sides. He cautioned Sidney to stay back when the hardheaded man walked closer. If this wasn’t Torem, he didn’t want Sidney to get hurt. A ripple of unease ran down Dino’s spine when the wolf gave no acknowledgement. He started backing away, his arms held out to stop the wolf from advancing toward Sidney. A whine broke from the wolf, and Dino lowered his body, getting to his knees as he held one hand out. “Come here, Torem.” Relief washed over him when the wolf lowered his head. The wolf limped to him, and Dino folded his arms around Torem. “Are you okay?” He rolled his eyes. Did you think he would answer you? “Why isn’t he shifting back?” Sidney asked as he approached the two. “I don’t know anything about shifters, but we need to get him back to my place.” Dino used every ounce of strength in him to lift Torem in his arms and carry him back to his truck. Torem lay there limp, almost as if he had given up.

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He wondered what Torem was reliving. It had to be pretty painful to send the guy running off the way he did. And that soul-wrenching scream? Dino would remember that sound for years to come if not the rest of his life. Even though he was confused as hell about what was going on, no one should be left alone to deal with something that was obviously painful. Dino didn’t have it in him to do that. “I wasn’t going to leave.” Dino tried to set Torem’s mind at rest. He gently settled Torem on the seat and got in, Sidney jumping in on the other side. “You are beautiful, Torem.” Sidney brushed the fur along Torem’s back with his hand. “Can you fetch?” he teased. Torem lifted his head and laid it on Sidney’s lap, staring up at him. “I don’t think he’s in the mood to play, Sidney.” Dino pulled the truck off the shoulder and turned it around, heading back to his rental. Now how the hell was he going to get a Grey wolf into his house without anyone noticing? “He smells off. Do you think it’s because of his flashbacks? He doesn’t smell like Torem.” “I have no clue what a wolf is supposed to smell like. Maybe he fell in something.” Dino was good when it came to the bedroom. He was good when it came to leadership on the job. He sucked when it came to his personal life. After everything that had taken place, he still wanted the two men. Maybe he was nuts. And why did Sidney keep asking him questions about shifters, like he fucking knew? “I’ll run in and grab a blanket to wrap around him.” Sidney jumped out when Dino pulled into the drive. “Just grab the one off of the couch,” Dino called out to Sidney. He prayed Mickey and Quinn were asleep. That’s all he needed was his friends to see this.

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“Here we go.” Sidney ran back to the truck with the throw blanket. He grabbed it from Sidney and tucked it around Torem. Sidney opened the truck door as Dino slid out, pulling Torem along with him gently. How the hell did he get caught up in this? Dino carried his load into the house and straight to his bedroom. Thank fuck Mickey’s loud mouth wasn’t around. “The second door on the left,” he instructed. Sidney opened the bedroom door as Dino carried Torem over to the bed and laid him down. “Do you think he’ll be okay?” Sidney asked as he paced around Dino’s bed. “Let him get some rest. We can go grab a bite to eat in the kitchen.” Dino reached down and petted Torem’s soft fur. He was amazed how small Torem was in wolf form when he was so tall and massive as a human. “We won’t be far,” he reassured the wolf. “Get some rest, Torem. Howl if you need me,” Sidney said through tears. “No howling. I don’t want Mickey or Quinn to wake up.” He wrapped his arm around Sidney’s shoulder and gave a light squeeze. “Come on.” Dino led Sidney from the room, closing the door quietly as Torem slept. The wolf looked exhausted. He would be, too, if he ran that far. Torem was fucking fast. **** Tristan looked around the room and wondered who those two men were. It really didn’t matter. His deranged boyfriend was no longer chasing him and he had a warm place to sleep. It sucked for whoever Torem was. The guy was probably still out there looking for these two. Maybe he should tell them he wasn’t Torem.

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Chapter Six Zeus didn’t like the fact that no one could find his Beta. They had searched half the night, but there was no sign of Torem anywhere. Eagle, Taz, and Sully were still out looking, but so far there was no word from them. “I need to discuss something with you guys that’s highly sensitive and I would prefer it stay in this room.” Zeus watched Chey shift around in his chair uncomfortably. He really hated to do this to the guy, but after what just happened to Torem, he felt obligated to at least warn the other shifters in his household. “If you haven’t met Chey, he’s Torem’s younger brother.” Zeus splayed his hand toward the nervous-looking man. “No shit.” Jaxxon sat forward. “I thought Jackson killed our families when he took us from our homes.” “I was hidden away.” Chey spoke softly. “Are you sure that’s his brother?” Memphis asked. “Enough, I didn’t ask you in here to interrogate him.” Zeus knew these men would be suspicious. It was their nature after their life under Jackson’s thumb. “He has a gift I want you to be aware of.” “What kind of gift?” Caymen slowly asked. “What exactly is wrong with Torem?” “Yeah, you never did say why we were looking for him. If he’s gone rogue, I think we have the right to know.” Ian looked around the room at the rest of the soldiers, his stance uneasy. “I’m not going to hunt him just so you can kill him, Zeus. He’s our brother.” Zeus knew all the men felt kinship toward each other, and this was not how he wanted the discussion to unfold. He needed to get them

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quiet. “I don’t want another word out of any of you until I have said what needs to be said and you hear Chey’s side of this,” he commanded. The room became silent, and Zeus continued. “Chey is Torem’s real brother. He has a gift of healing. Chey can heal superficial wounds and wounds that go much deeper, the kind that eat away at your soul.” Gasps sounded through the room, but Zeus pressed on. “I am only telling you this because if Chey comes in contact with you physically, the healing begins. You start to relive your past in order to mend.” “That’s what’s wrong with Torem right now,” Chey added. “He hugged me when he came to rescue me, and now he’s reliving his past. I’m sorry, I had no idea how painful it would be, although I don’t have a clue what took place here. I just wanted to make everyone aware.” Zeus felt for the wolf. It must be a lonely existence to have people fear your touch. “Wait, why didn’t the Beta from the other pack go through this? You said that you and him…you know.” “You have to want to heal in order for it to happen. Remus is pure hatred, so that’s how he was able to touch me and remain unaffected.” Chey blushed, and Zeus was sure it was from having fucked the guy in the first place. Everyone used bad judgment once in awhile. Chey was no different. “May I ask a question?” Caymen raised his hand, and Zeus nodded. “Are you an Omega?” the shifter asked Chey. The Alpha left that up to Chey to answer. If he didn’t want them to know, Zeus would back him on it. “Yes.” “Shit,” a few wolves cursed. “Do you know the trouble that will be at our door if any other pack finds out he’s here? They’re rare and valuable. Any pack would kill to have one.” Ian voiced his fear.

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“That’s why this knowledge doesn’t leave this room,” Zeus commanded. “I have given him a safe haven here, and he will be treated normally. Do I make myself clear?” “Yes, Alpha,” the wolves said, but Zeus could see the fear in their eyes. They feared Chey and what the wolf could do to them with one touch. “Thank you. Now we need to find Torem. I’ll let Taz, Eagle, and Sully know about Chey when they return.” Memphis got to his feet, rage and panic pulling his face tight. “Stay away from Eagle. He doesn’t need to relive a fucking thing. He’s been through enough.” Chey stepped back toward Zeus, and the Alpha bared his fangs at the soldier. “I said I would tell them. Take a threatening step toward Chey again and it’ll be you and me, are we clear?” Memphis nodded and swung the door open, making it crash into the wall as he stormed from the office. “Not exactly how you planned this, is it?” Chey looked up at Zeus with sorrow in his eyes. “They’ll be all right. Just let them absorb what we talked about.” Zeus prayed his house wasn’t about to draw a line down the center and choose sides. There was no need for that, and he wouldn’t stand for it. **** Sidney walked around Dino’s kitchen, opening drawers and cabinets, taking a peek in the fridge. There had to be a Red Bull around here somewhere. He’d settle for an energy bar right now. “What are you looking for?” Dino asked as he hefted himself up onto the counter. “Milk Duds.” Sidney knew if he told Dino what he really wanted, the guy wouldn’t allow him to leave the house to go get it. Why did

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Torem have to tell him? It’s not like it was a drug. It was an energy drink for fuck’s sake. “Sorry, I don’t have any candy here.” Sidney tried his best to ignore that deep and alluring voice. He was on a mission, and he would find something to get his focus back. “Come here, Sidney.” Dino crooked a finger at him. “Uh-uh, you want to tempt me with your candy. Not going to happen.” He wasn’t stupid enough to be rejected twice. Sidney grabbed a fruit drink out of the fridge and ran his finger down the nutritional chart on the back. It had high contents of sugar, but not enough for him. He set it back on the shelf and continued to move things aside. “Ow.” He bumped his head when he felt Dino’s hands on his hips. “I said no.” The hands immediately disappeared. Why did that grind his buttons? Sidney wanted the hands back and wanted to cuss at Dino for rejecting him in the first place. “Do you really mean no?” Dino asked in a husky voice. Oh man, he was such a goner. As much as Dino, Sidney wasn’t playing the fool, twice. “Yes, I can only be refused so many times before my ego starts taking offense.” “I won’t reject you.” Dino tugged at his shirt. “I need another taste.” “Of what?” He gulped. “Your lips.” Sidney closed the fridge and stood, staring into his mate’s beautiful crystal blue eyes. Fuck, he was hot. Dino ran his hand over the large swell in the front of his jeans, leaving no doubt how aroused he was. Like I couldn’t smell it. Sidney licked his lips, his eyes darting between Dino’s hand and his eyes. “Whatcha got there.” He jerked his head toward Dino’s crotch. Dino chuckled. “Why don’t you come find out?”

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Sidney backed up for a second and reevaluated the situation. “What’s with the change of heart? Do dangerous situations turn you on?” Dino grinned and took a step in his direction. “Maybe, or maybe I thought about being with both of you and found it…intriguing.” “I don’t want intriguing. I want you to say you’re our mate and that you want to be with us…permanently.” “How about I show you?” Dino unsnapped his jeans and freed his cock. Sidney almost swallowed his tongue. The angry flared head was weeping with want. And Sidney wanted. “What about Torem?” “Torem is resting. When he awakens, we’ll help him however we can. I won’t leave him to suffer alone. But until then…” Dino grabbed Sidney around the waist and pulled him close, kissing him soundly. Sidney shoved his tongue into Dino’s mouth, reveling in the feel of Dino trying to suck it down his throat. Oh heavenly hotdogs, the man tasted divine. He needed a psychiatrist when he said, “I can’t.” Sidney took a deep breath, stilling his raging hormones. “Torem is in the next room suffering. I need to go to him.” “I can respect that.” Dino backed away and readjusted himself. He waved his hand, his face pinched. Sidney knew Dino was fighting his lust. That didn’t matter right now. Torem’s pain did. It’s not that he wouldn’t jump at the chance to be with Dino. It just didn’t seem right. Both of them crept down the hall to check in on Torem when they saw the wolf still lying on the bed. “I’m going to call Zeus and let him know we found him.” Sidney pulled his cell phone from his pocket and cursed. “What’s wrong?” “I have one of those prepaid phones, and I’m out of minutes.” “Here.” Dino slipped his phone from his case and handed it to Sidney. “Use mine.” Sidney scrolled through his phone book until the

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very end. Torem had given him everyone’s number in the house in case of emergency. “Zeus.” “Hi, it’s Sidney. Torem’s mate.” There was a deep chuckle on the other end that sounded more like thunder. “I know who you are. Is there a problem?” “Dino and I found Torem. We’re at Dino’s house now.” Zeus grunted. “I’m on my way.” Sidney pulled the phone back and looked at it. The dude just hung up on him. Well. And how did he know where Dino lived? The man was creepy with a capital C.R.E.E.P.Y. “What’d he say?” Dino asked as Sidney handed him his phone back. “He’s on his way.” He walked into the bedroom and sat on the bed, running his hands along Torem’s fur. “Something still seems off.” “Maybe you just need some rest.” Dino brushed the hair from Sidney’s face, his fingers stroking Sidney’s ear as he tucked the hair behind it. “You look like a fallen angel.” Sidney felt his face color. He wasn’t used to compliments and didn’t know how to respond. “Thanks, you look like a hard-core porn star.” Dino’s head fell back as he laughed, the dimples making him look rugged and edible. “I doubt anyone wants to see my ass on the big screen but thanks, I think.” “I would.” Sidney chuckled. “I still haven’t seen it yet.” “You will.” Dino leaned down and kissed Sidney tenderly before standing straight again. “First we need to take care of our…mate.” “That word wasn’t so hard, now was it?” Sidney was enjoying this playful Dino. He liked him. Torem whimpered in his sleep, and Sidney leaned down and kissed his nose, nestling his face into Torem’s fur.

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Sidney jumped when someone banged loudly on the front door. “I think that’s his quiet knock.” Dino chuckled. “I’ll get it. You stay with Torem.” Sidney ran his hands over Torem’s head. “Don’t worry, baby, we’ll put a big booboo bandage on you and make it all better.” He kissed his nose again as Zeus walked into the bedroom. “Get away from him, Sidney.” Zeus took two steps and was at Sidney’s side, pulling him from the bed. “Get your fucking hands off of him.” Dino growled and pulled Sidney from the Alpha’s grasp. “Don’t ever touch him like that again.” Sidney was impressed with Dino’s show of protectiveness. As much as the guy tried to deny, he felt the bond or he wouldn’t have acted so he-man. Zeus snarled and grabbed the wolf by his scruff. “This is not Torem.” **** Torem stumbled into the backyard. He was dirty, thirsty, and his whole body ached. Whatever had happened to him had taken its toll. Every single minute he had spent under Jackson’s rule had plagued him. It was as if someone hit the play button and then fast forward. Some things came to him that he hadn’t thought about since it happened. It was painful, humiliating, and threatened his sanity. What the hell was wrong with him? “There you are.” Chey ran to Torem and pulled him into his arms, petting his fur as he spoke softly to him. “You shouldn’t have run. I need to hold you while you go through this for the healing to finish.” Torem winced at the contact. His skin felt like it was on fire and his head was ready to explode from the killer migraine. Everything started to slow down and the memory of the day Zeus challenged Jackson played through Torem’s mind.

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“I am issuing you a challenge. Your people should not be suffering like this while you sit on your ass and reap from their hard labors.” Zeus stood in the front yard of Jackson’s home, no one to back him up. Torem thought he was either the bravest man he’d ever seen or the dumbest. Didn’t the man see all those who stood behind the Alpha? “Kill him,” Jackson ordered Torem and his men. Something inside Torem broke. This had to end, and if they attacked the man challenging their Alpha and killed him, who would protect them against the real bad guy? Torem was willing to take his chances with a stranger rather than continue under Jackson. “No.” Torem stood tall and proud, something he should have done decades ago. But when you are taken from your home at the tender shifter age of thirty, you believe what the man who wields the claws and has the goons to back him up says. “Bring me Eagle, now.” Torem felt a laugh tear from his chest. It sounded evil and maniacal. “He’s been hidden away. You won’t be using him for leverage today. This fight is all yours.” Torem and his men stepped back and took a stance behind the stranger. “What does that tell you, Jackson, when your men stand behind a stranger instead of their Alpha? Are you going to agree to the challenge, or do I have to take you down without your acceptance? It doesn’t matter either way. Your days of terror are over.” Torem mentally cheered, and was terrified at the same time because he had no clue who this man was or how he would treat the pack. Torem and his men were willing to risk it to rid themselves and the pack of the devil. Zeus shifted. He was the largest Grey wolf Torem had ever seen. Within seconds the soldiers were protecting Zeus, fighting Jackson’s followers to keep them from interfering in the challenge.

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“No!” Torem shouted when Eagle charged from behind the house and leapt onto one of the followers’ back. He shouldn’t be here. Jackson could use him against them. Zeus tore fur from Jackson’s body as they tumbled and tussled, clawed and bit. Torem kept one eye on the Alpha as he fought to stay alive, fought for what he felt was right, and most of all, fought to kill these sadistic bastards. Zeus pinned Jackson down and growled loudly, the Alpha rolling and exposing his belly. Torem wanted to shout that Jackson couldn’t be trusted, but at that moment, canines tore into his flank. By the time he had dislodged the wolf and killed him, Jackson and Zeus were already gone. “Where did they go?” Torem asked Bryck. “I don’t know.” The wolves shifted back, the remaining followers fleeing after witnessing Jackson’s downfall. “They headed to the back of the house,” Ian shouted. The soldiers took off, all running to see what was going on, but by the time they reached the back, Zeus was coming from inside of the house. His rigid body and collection of muscles made them all take a step back. “I am a fair and just man. I will not make you do anything you are not comfortable with. This is your home, your life, and your voluntary will to stay here. Those who wish to part company may do so, though I wish all would stay. I owe you a debt for fighting for me.” Torem came back to the present. He was lying on Chey’s lap in human form, his body shaking. “I have you, brother mine. I will not allow you to walk through this alone. Release the guilt, release the pain, accept what has happened, and rejoice that you have lived through it.” Chey massaged his temples, repeating the same thing over and over again. He could feel his body draining of all the tension, his muscles slowly relaxing. His heart that always hurt seemed to beat a different rhythm now.

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“Sidney, Dino.” Torem’s voice cracked. He swallowed a few times. The pain from screaming had strained it. “Shh, they’re safe. How do you feel?” “Tired.” “Then sleep, I’ll have one of the men take you to your room.” Torem closed his eyes, and for the first time in a very long time, dreams were absent. **** “Ew, ew, ew, I kissed your nose…twice.” Sidney ran his hands over his tongue as if to wipe away the taste. “Who are you?” Zeus asked again. Dino could tell the Alpha, as he learned Zeus was referred to, was using restraint. It didn’t take much either considering the man being cuffed by Zeus was only five four, maybe five foot five, one hundred twenty pounds soaking wet with rocks in his pockets. “I think you can let him go.” Dino pulled the guy from Zeus’s grasp. “I don’t like to be deceived,” Zeus snarled. “Me either,” Sidney added with an indignant sniff. “Give the guy a break. Look at him. He’s scared shitless.” Dino reached down and cupped the guy’s jaw, tilting his head back to meet his eyes. “Who are you?” “Tristan, sir.” “No need to call me sir. I’m Dino, and that’s my mate Sidney and the Alpha Zeus.” Dino let the guy go as he fell to the floor at Zeus’s feet. “I am sorry for deceiving you and looking you in your eyes.” Dino hissed when he saw the scars across Tristan’s back. What the fuck was going on? “Get up, Tristan, bow to nobody.” Dino grabbed Tristan under his arm and pulled him to his feet. “Sir, I’m sorry,” Tristan begged Zeus. “No need to apologize, and Dino is right, never bow to anyone.”

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“What the hell is going on in…holy shit.” Quinn stepped into the room. “Why are you guys staring at a naked man?” Quinn grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around Tristan’s shoulders. “Come on. Let’s get you something to wear.” Dino watched Quinn walk the short man out. “Did that just happen?” Sidney wrapped his arms around Dino’s waist, resting his head on his shoulders. “Where is Torem?” Dino pulled Sidney into his arms. “We’ll find him.” For some reason, having Sidney and Torem for a mate wasn’t such a bad idea to him. Although Torem drove him nuts with his commands, he felt a connection with the guys that he never felt with anyone else. “We need to let the pack know he hasn’t been found yet.” They walked out of the bedroom with Zeus. Dino saw Quinn sitting on the couch with Tristan wrapped tight in the blanket on his lap and talking softly with him. He’d never seen Quinn act this way before. They guy never took anything seriously, but now he was acting like a mama bear with her cub? Dino groaned. Enough with the animal analogies. The three rode in Zeus’s monster truck back to their house, Dino praying Torem was unharmed and that they would find him soon. “Can we stop at a store? I need to pick something up,” Sidney asked. “Sure,” Zeus said. Dino’s mind was a thousand miles away, wondering where Torem was.

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Chapter Seven Sidney cried as he ran into Torem’s arms. “I was so scared.” He buried his face in his mate’s shoulder. “I’m okay, Sid.” Torem wobbled a little but stayed upright. What had his mate gone through? “I need to sit down, baby.” Sidney wiped his face with his sleeve and nodded, his hands hovering as Torem sat on his bed. “You look a little peaked.” Dino walked up behind Sidney. Torem winced and then lay back. “I had a trip down memory lane that had roadblocks all over the place, blew out a few tires, and then wrecked at the end.” “What can I do for you? I know how to boil water, and I’m pretty good at fluffing pillows.” Sidney ran over to the dresser and started opening all the drawers, getting frustrated when he couldn’t figure out what he was looking for. “Did you get into the Red Bull again? I’m not having a baby. I’m just sore.” “Maybe, why?” Sidney raced across the room and grabbed the pillows from behind Torem’s head and fluffed them, then tossed them on the floor and ran his hands over it like he was kneading dough. “Dino, help him out please.” Torem smiled down at him. Sidney tried to make his hands stop moving around, but they wouldn’t listen. He picked the pillow up and tossed it on the bed, crawled over Torem, and lay down next to him. “Are you sure I can’t do anything for you?” Torem pulled Sidney in his arms. “No, babe, but thanks, I just need rest. Why don’t you spend some time with Dino?”

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“I have been spending time with him.” Torem winked at him, and Sidney blushed. “I was waiting for you,” he whispered. “Don’t wait on me. He’s your mate, too.” Torem kissed Sidney’s forehead and yawned. “I need some rest.” Sidney lay there and cuddled for a moment until Torem was sound asleep. It felt so good in his arms. “Come on, Sidney, let him rest.” Dino tapped Sidney’s leg. “Take a walk with me.” Sidney pulled from Torem’s warmth and let Dino lead him outside and to the backyard. “It’s beautiful out here.” “It is.” Dino held his hand as they walked a path from the house to the forest. Sidney could hear the birds chirping and the leaves swaying in the wind. He tried his best not to shoot around like a rocket. Maybe he did need to leave the energy drinks alone. His feet kept trying to walk faster than his body, and Dino had to keep pulling him back. “No more Red Bull for you, understand?” “Yes, sir. Do you want to take away my toys, too?” Sidney grumbled sarcastically. “You have toys? This could be interesting.” Dino growled and pulled Sidney’s arm. Their chests bumped together. “I want to see you use them on yourself.” Sidney turned ten shades of red. “I wasn’t talking about that kind of toy.” “I was.” Dino backed Sidney into a tree and pinned him in place. “I’ll even buy you some.” He kissed his way down Sidney’s neck and bit his chin. Goose bumps broke out all over Sidney’s body. Dino’s touch was electrifying. Sidney’s vision blurred, his eyes shifting as Dino’s arousal heightened his own. “I want you,” Sidney said as his teeth elongated. Dino grabbed Sidney’s wrists and put them behind Sidney’s back. Cocks rubbed against one another as Dino licked and sucked Sidney’s lips.

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“Take your pants off.” Dino released Sidney and stood back. “What if someone sees me?” “I won’t let them.” Dino slid his fingers into Sidney’s waistband and lowered his jeans, bending down with them. “Fallen angel.” Dino kissed the head of Sidney’s cock as it sprang free. He pulled Sidney’s shoes off and then pulled his jeans free. Dino stayed on his knees as he took Sidney’s cock into his mouth. “Oh hell.” Sidney ran his hands over Dino’s short hair, his knees bending further out as Dino worked his cock. Sidney’s back scratched against the tree as he rocked up and down, feeding his prick to his mate. A warm tongue slid across his balls, and Sidney could feel them drawing up tight to his body. Oh god, Dino was a sight on his knees. Sidney whimpered. Yes, he was almost there, all Dino had to do was… “Fuck.” Dino removed his mouth and chuckled. “Oh no, angelo, when you come, I am going to be buried balls deep.” Dino spat on his fingers and wrapped his arm around Sidney’s waist, his hand dipping down and running through Sidney’s crease. Dino’s fingers circled his hole and then the tips of his fingers pressed in. Sidney’s breath caught as Dino stood, working his fingers all the way into Sidney’s ass. “Your body is so warm.” Dino kissed him, not caring that Sidney’s teeth were extended. “Wrap your legs around me.” Sidney complied. He could feel Dino moving around and then the head of his cock was stretching Sidney’s skin wide. “Oh butterscotch.” Sidney grabbed fists full of shirt as he clung to Dino. His mate had woven a spell around him, and Sidney was helpless to break it. “You feel so good wrapped around my cock.” Dino plunged deeper, pressing Sidney’s back against the tree as he made love to him. Sidney licked at his neck, tracing the pulsing vein with his tongue. “Do you bite?”

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“Yes, if you let me.” Please let me. Sidney groaned when Dino nipped his neck. He wished Dino could bite him. Sidney shouted when his mate’s blunt teeth dug into his skin, locking down hard on his shoulder. “Fuck me harder, Dino.” Dino pulled him from the tree and laid him on the grass, his hands planting on either side of Sidney’s head. Sidney’s head swam as Dino took him on the floor of the forest. His head rocked back and forth, his back arched. Sidney’s cock was engorged and throbbing as it bobbed around freely. He reached his hand down and smeared the pre-cum around the head with his fingers. “Feed it to me.” Sidney lifted his fingers, and Dino sucked them in, his mouth licking them clean. “Oh hell,” Sidney shouted as he came. Dino stroked in and out of him, bathing his hole with his seed as he cried out Sidney’s name. Sidney pulled Dino down and bit into his shoulder, whining as his cock gave another jerk. “Shit, angelo.” Dino jetted into him. His cum seemed to be in endless supply. Sidney licked the wound and fell to his back, feeling exhaustion overcome him. Dino kissed him tenderly, brushing Sidney’s damp hair from his face. “You are truly beautiful when I take you.” Sidney traced the small line of beard that trailed along Dino’s jaw. “I don’t really know what to say to compliments, so don’t think I’m ungrateful if I don’t say anything.” Dino grinned and kissed him. “Come on, let’s go check on our wolf.” Dino righted his clothes and then retrieved Sidney’s pants and shoes. Sidney shoved his legs in his jeans and pulled them on, tucking his feet into his sneakers, and tied the laces. His ass and his back were sore as hell, and Sidney grinned. Dino was a beast. “Come on, babe.” Dino held his hand out and pulled Sidney to his side. They walked back together, Sidney grinning like the cat who ate

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the canary. He’d had sex now with the two most handsome men in the world. “I think I know why Torem sent us out here.” “Why?” Sidney asked. “He wanted you to get comfortable with both of us before all three of us fell into bed together.” That sneak. Sidney had to admit, he was comfortable with both of them now and the thought of having Torem and Dino at the same time thrilled him. Sidney’s thoughts switched to another subject that was weighing heavy on his mind. “Are you hiring?” Dino stopped walking and smiled. “What do you know how to do?” “I don’t know, but I need a job.” His funds were getting low. He had to leave the last job in a hurry considering he was running for his life at the time. Oh well, it wasn’t like the supermarket was paying much anyway. “I’ll take you with me in the morning.” Dino tugged his hand and Sidney walked with him into the house. **** Dino sat quietly in the chair, watching Torem sleep. Sidney had run off with the guy named Sammy who begged for Sidney to go down to Theo’s with him. The shifter Knox had gone with them. Dino had promised to let Sidney know as soon as Torem woke. “I can feel you watching me.” Torem turned over and smiled. “Just wanted to make sure someone was here in case you needed anything.” Dino slid from the chair and sat on the bed. “How’re you feeling?” “Much better. I don’t feel like an orange road barrel needs to be put over me anymore.” Taking a deep breath, he said, “I wasn’t trying to come off like a prick earlier. I’ve just had one too many bad relationships and didn’t

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want to jump into this one feetfirst. Although after chasing your ass down only to find out it wasn’t you, it made me think that maybe you two were telling the truth about mates. I felt this ache in my chest worrying about where you were.” “Thanks. I thought you weren’t going to come back.” Torem pulled him close, the instant arousal washing over him as Torem kissed him. Torem broke the kiss. “Where’s Sid?” “Down at Theo’s with the fellas. He should be back soon.” Dino pulled Torem into his arms. That kiss had ignited something in him, and he wasn’t going to let go unless Torem told him to stop. Torem moaned when Dino thrust his tongue into his mouth. Dino ran his hand up over Torem’s hair and then pulled back, breaking the kiss. “I want you,” he growled. Torem didn’t say a word. He pulled his head forward against Dino’s hold and ravaged his mouth. For Dino, that was a yes. “Holy hell.” Dino looked over his shoulder to see Sidney standing there with his mouth hanging open. “That looks so fucking hot. Please, don’t stop just because I’m standing here talking my ass off and killing the mood.” Dino grinned and kissed Torem. “Shall we let him play?” “Wouldn’t play without him.” Torem laughed as Dino stood and pulled Sidney to the bed. Torem had sat up, the sheets falling away to reveal tanned and succulent skin. His mate was naked. Dino grinned. He was getting used to that word. He walked Sidney backward, bringing him to Torem. His chest rumbled with pleasure when Torem reached up and pulled Sidney onto his lap. Dino stood before both of them, hard as steel and wanting to dominate. He pulled Sidney’s shirt off to reveal succulent skin that begged to be tasted.

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Dino tossed the shirt to the floor and gloried at Sidney’s pebbled nipples. He pulled Sidney up as Torem reached around Sidney and began to unsnap Sidney’s jeans. Dino looked down to see Torem pulling Sidney’s jeans down to his knees. Dino pressed his hands into Sidney’s chest until he landed on Torem’s lap. Dino knelt before Sidney and slid his shoes off, peeled away his socks, and then finished removing his pants. Dino stood and pulled Sidney up, Torem standing as well. Their hands praised Sidney’s body while kissing every inch of exposed flesh. Dino admired Sidney’s pretty cock once again, rubbing the back of his hand up and down the swollen shaft. He approved of the complete abandon Sidney was displaying. Torem pulled Sidney’s hand behind Torem’s neck, running his hands down Sidney’s sides. Sidney’s hips gyrated around as he moaned. Dino lowered himself and took Sidney’s cock into his mouth. “Oh my fuck,” Sidney gasped. Dino could hear Torem chuckling, and then Torem spoke in a velvet voice to Sidney, praising his body. Dino listened, but the voice became distant as he lost himself in the luxury of teasing Sidney’s cock with his tongue. **** Sidney couldn’t believe what was happening. He finally was going to be with Dino and Torem, together. Excitement crackled through his body as Dino sucked his cock. The all-powerful man was sucking his cock and making him fly again. His naked flesh buzzed as it rubbed against Torem’s body. Sidney moaned as Torem’s hands sought out pleasure on his skin. It was a powerful feeling being idolized in this manner by two strong and confident men, a feeling he had never experienced before. “Sid, my god, you’re so beautiful.” Torem’s dark voice vibrated through him.

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Sidney’s hands scraped the nape of hairs on Torem’s neck. The feeling of such utter helplessness took over as Dino worked his cock down his throat and Torem worked his callused fingers over his sensitized skin. He was being mastered, and Sidney found the experience exhilarating. Two slicked fingers probed at his hole, and Sidney’s body shuddered at the thought of having a hard, thick, and heavy cock filling his hole. His knees shook, threatening to give out as Dino massaged and caressed his balls. Dino’s tongue was working magic on his engorged shaft. Sidney began writhing as he stood there, an uncontrollable movement of his body in its most primal and most basic need. A cry escaped his lips when Dino’s hot and moist mouth pulled away and left his cock mourning the loss. Cool air mixed with Dino’s saliva shot tingles around his groin and his balls drew tight from the sensation. Dino stared at him with those hazel eyes, eyes that were so close that he could see the fine black rings around them. For the first time Sidney noticed Dino had flecks of gold shattering through the hazel. He hadn’t paid attention before, but now Sidney noticed them and what a sight they were. They were hot and smoldering, demanding he obey. Sidney’s lips parted, and he began to pant at what was to come. “Get on the bed, Sidney.” Dino issued the command with a deep and penetrating tone that made Sidney want to obey instantly. The fingers left his hole, and Sidney spun around, crawling to the center of the bed. He watched in awe as Dino stripped his clothes off right before his eyes. Sidney was hypnotized by the sight as Dino’s hands ran over Torem’s back and buttocks. They snaked around to grab Torem’s jutting cock and a slow stroke began. Sidney’s eyes were glued to the lazy jackoff. Dino nipped Torem’s neck and Sidney’s breath hitched. He watched two very masculine men enjoy each other’s touch. It was the most erotic scene he’d ever witnessed. His fingers itched to join in the

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play, but he couldn’t move. The beauty of the two men touching one another had him lost in his own little world. When Dino bent Torem over and pressed two lubed fingers into Torem’s anus, Sidney crawled to the edge to watch. Dino’s dry hand cupped Sidney’s jaw, his fingers gliding over his skin as Dino’s eyes locked with his. Sidney lowered his. He wanted to watch, but Dino’s gaze was too much, too intense. Sidney reached a hand out but pulled back. He wanted to touch but was unsure if he was allowed. “You can touch him, love.” Sidney glanced up at Dino, and the amusement in his eyes relaxed Sidney. His hand reached out and ghosted over Torem’s ass, and down his crack, to feel Dino’s slick fingers stretching Torem. “Fuck,” Torem moaned when Sidney reached around and squeezed Torem’s balls. “Do that again.” Sidney gave another light squeeze, and Torem groaned. To hear the pleasure escaping Torem’s lips made Sidney feel powerful in a small way. Sidney scooted back when Torem crawled to him like a predator. His eyes locked onto Sidney like he was the prize and Torem was going to swallow him whole. Torem’s hands pressed deep into the mattress as he made his way up Sidney’s body. His eyes darted up at Dino, who stood there watching closely, then Sidney looked back at Torem. The man’s teeth had begun to grow. Torem’s eyes shifted into a beautiful glowing yellow. Sidney began to tremble with the thought that Torem was about to take him. He was about to be taken by both his mates. “Torem.” Sidney lay back and spread his legs wide, inviting his mate to take what he wanted. Torem’s body pushed Sidney’s legs to his chest as firm lips whispered over his own. Torem looked almost as unsure as Sidney felt. Could this strong man feel as weak as Sidney did? Sidney’s palms touched Torem’s

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face as he drew Torem’s head closer, bridging the gap and thrusting his tongue inside Torem’s mouth. Torem’s hands dragged across the muscled planes of Sidney’s abdomen, making them quiver with want. Sidney’s hand slowly descended until he could feel Torem’s hard shaft against his own. He wrapped his hand around both, beginning a slow and methodical rub. Sidney’s heart gave an extra beat when the bed dipped and Dino stretched out beside him, Dino’s hand joining his, clamping around both cocks and taking over the movement. When Torem broke the kiss and panted with closed eyes, Dino growled softly. “You two look good together.” “He’s beautiful, isn’t he?” Sidney’s own canines emerged at the sight of Torem over him and Dino beside him. “You both are.” Dino crawled over Torem’s back and began to kiss his way down his spine. **** Torem was so fucking close. To have Dino’s dominant presence behind him and Sidney’s submissiveness below him was a combination that blew his mind away. “You are a beautiful man.” Dino crooned behind him. “He is a beautiful man.” Sidney grinned up at Torem. Torem wasn’t too sure about that, but Dino’s deep and flawless accent was intoxicating. “Fuck me, Torem,” Sidney begged into his mouth as he pulled him down for another searing kiss. Torem reached between them and grabbed his cock, lining it up to Sidney’s tight muscle. He took his lips back, latching them onto Sidney’s neck and sucking at his Adam’s apple. His tongue traced down and lapped at the small dip at the center of Sidney’s collarbone as he breached his mate. “Fuck, I forgot how huge you were,” Sidney gasped.

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Torem moved slowly, pulling his hand away and resting on both arms as he gazed into Sidney’s mossy green eyes. Dino’s hands stilled his movements, and then Torem’s world tilted sideways. The heavily veined cock filled him to capacity and then some. The bit of pain tore at Torem’s senses. It was what he had been wanting. The dual sensation of pleasure and pain took him quickly to the edge, making him fight not to spill into Sidney. When Dino’s cock began to move over his prostate, Torem lost all control and bit into Sidney’s shoulder, pinning him down as he matched Dino thrust for thrust. Dino’s physical strength behind him held him prisoner as Torem took Sidney with him to the peak of perfection. “Oh god, fuck me, fuck me hard, Torem,” Sidney yelled. Torem snapped his hips harder, feeling Dino quicken as well without missing a beat. Dino’s fat, flared cockhead pulled all the way back and then slammed into him. He could feel the muscled thighs tight against his own. Torem wanted Dino to consume him. Torem whined as he felt Dino’s balls slapping his and his own slapping Sidney’s ass. The combination was his undoing. Torem growled around the flesh his canines were still locked into, his seed erupting into Sidney’s tight channel. “I’m coming,” Sidney shouted and dug his nails into Torem’s back as hot seed painted their abdomens. Dino dug his fingers into Torem’s hips and pistoned into his ass, roaring out his release. Torem felt Dino’s cum fill him, and the sensation was wonderful. Torem’s body racked with aftershocks as he fought for air. He licked the wound closed at Sidney’s neck and nuzzled his mate. Dino’s hands were dancing over his back, his fingertips tracing each vertebra of his spine. “Così bello.” Dino kissed his back. “So beautiful.”

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Torem pulled his face away from Sidney’s neck, kissing his mate on the tip of his nose. “Così bello,” he repeated to Sidney, although he didn’t have the thick accent Dino had used. “Ah, shucks.” Sidney blushed and laughed. “You’re not so badlooking yourself, buddy.” “Buddy?” Torem chuckled. “Yeah, buddy.” Sidney grinned. Sidney’s fingers slipped down Torem’s canines that hadn’t receded yet, and Torem shuddered. “You two are going to kill me.” Dino panted as he slid from Torem’s hole. Torem groaned at the loss. Dino stretched out beside them and ran a fingertip down one tooth. “I like it.” Torem lay over Sidney, still buried inside of him. He didn’t want to leave the warmth of his mate’s body just yet. Torem laid his cheek on Sidney’s chest and smiled over at Dino, listening to Sidney’s heart slowing to take on its natural rhythm. The fast pace was slowing as Sidney sighed and ran his hands over Torem’s head.

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Chapter Eight “So who was the guy?” Torem asked as he helped Sidney toss the scrap material into the wheelbarrow. “I don’t know. He said his name was Tristan, but then Quinn whisked him away.” “Quinn?” “Yeah, tossed a blanket over his head and carried him out caveman style.” Torem saw the distraught look in Sidney’s eyes. His mate wasn’t telling him all of it. “What else, Sid?” He tossed the used caulk tubes in the wheelbarrow and pulled Sidney close. “He had scars all over his back, like someone had been whipping him for a long time. They were horrible.” Torem pulled his mate into his arms, not caring who was around. Sidney shook his head back and forth, his fingers curling into Torem’s T-shirt. “If Quinn has him, I have a feeling he’s safe. That guy may be human, but I have a feeling Quinn is a force to be reckoned with.” “He is,” Dino said as he sauntered over. “What’s wrong, angelo?” “I was just telling Torem about Tristan.” Sidney released his shirt. Torem kissed his temple and then went back to picking up the clutter on the jobsite. Dino had invited him to come along this morning, and Torem had agreed. It felt good to get out and be productive. Maybe he’d help until his new home was complete. “He’ll be fine. Quinn won’t let anything happen to him. I just talked to him this morning. He’s staying home to take care of Tristan right now.”

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“Dino, what are you going to do when this job is done?” Torem asked. He had thought about it last night and still couldn’t think of a way to keep Dino in Pride Pack Valley after the job was complete. There just wasn’t much rebuilding to do here. Torem had always been a little insecure, but the thought of Dino leaving them had his stomach in knots. Dino must have read his unease because he moved closer to Torem, his hand running down Torem’s arm. “I was already thinking of getting out of this business. My men and I were talking about it before this job even came up.” “Then what will you do?” Dino smiled, and his hazel eyes sparkled. “We’ll think of something.” That still didn’t tell Torem if Dino was staying, and he didn’t want to sound clingy and needy. He dropped it for now. “Come on, Sid, we wouldn’t want the boss to catch us goofing around.” “Yeah, I hear he can be a real prick.” Dino chuckled as he left the two to do their work. **** Sidney sat at Theo’s Bar and Grill, staring at the man he was told was the vampire residing at the house. Trevor didn’t look like one. Okay, so he was pale, but that didn’t automatically make him one. “Are you expecting me to start running around here and biting necks?” Trevor asked. “Maybe. You, uh, ever do that before?” Sidney gulped. He’d never met a vampire and wasn’t sure how they behaved in public places. Trevor took it in good stride, laughing at Sidney’s question. “No, I haven’t gone on a bloodlust before. But I could be persuaded if you joined me.”

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Sidney’s grin split his face as he rubbed his hands together conspiratorially. “We could start with that annoying barmaid that keeps hitting on our men.” Sidney grabbed his beer from the table and pointed with the neck of his bottle at the woman who was being overfriendly with Dino, Torem, and Knox. “She is a bit too friendly. You knock her out and I’ll do the rest.” Sidney laughed, holding his side as a tear rolled down his cheek. “You can suck on her all you want. I’ll pass.” “I’ve never sucked on a woman. Think she’ll taste like chicken? I hear everything tastes like chicken.” He laughed as well. “What’s so funny?” Sammy, Trevor and Knox’s mate, asked as he climbed up onto a stool. “Nothing, beautiful.” Trevor cupped Sammy’s chin and kissed him. Sidney smiled when strong arms circled around his shoulders. Dino, he’d know those arms anywhere. “I see you two are having fun over here.” Sidney leaned his head to the side for a kiss. “Trevor and I were just discussing how chicken tastes.” Trevor grinned. “Yeah, although I hear there is a wide variety to choose from.” Sidney lifted his bottle and took a drink, enjoying his time here. The people that lived with Torem all seemed pretty nice. It would be prefect if Jasper would stop following behind him and sniffing. Sidney knew he had to tell his mates. The Alpha’s mate already suspected something wasn’t right with him. “You ready to go?” Dino tightened his arms around Sidney’s shoulders and then let go. “We have to start early tomorrow. We have a lot of drywall coming in.” Sidney nodded and finished his beer, setting the bottle on the counter as he turned and slid off of the stool. “I’m ready.” Torem joined them, and they left Theo’s. Sidney inhaled the night air as they walked from the tavern. It was warm and fragrant, the

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smell of the forest and Theo’s tangled together to give off an intoxicating scent. Torem walked around to the driver’s side as Dino and Sidney went around to the passenger’s. Sidney was knocked into the truck as Dino was pulled away from him. He had no clue what was going on until he saw Dino on the ground with two wolves pinning him down. Sidney shifted without thought and attacked. “Shit,” Dino shouted as he got to his feet and opened the truck door. Sidney could see him searching for something, but he pulled his attention back to the wolves. A warning growl ripped from Sidney’s chest as he circled the two wolves. He could hear Torem fighting on the other side of the truck. Were these wolves crazy? This wasn’t like his hometown. There were humans here that weren’t aware that were-creatures existed and they were fighting right in the middle of the street. Trevor and Knox came out of the tavern just then. Trevor hissed as Knox ran to help Torem. Sidney crouched down, ready to spring as Trevor came to his side. “Nice look.” He chuckled. Sidney chanced a glance over his shoulder to see Dino standing there with a heavy jack in his hand. What the hell was he going to do with that? There was no way Sidney was going to allow his mate to fight these wolves. His front paws pushed back, moving closer to Dino. “Hell of a revelation,” Dino said as he gripped the jack. “We’ll talk about keeping secrets later.” Sidney wasn’t looking forward to that conversation. One of the wolves was stupid enough to lunge forward, and Sidney attacked. His powerful jaws opened, and he locked them onto the wolf’s head. With two thousand pounds of force, he crushed the wolf’s skull. Sidney dropped the dead were-shifter and roared so loud, Dino dropped the jack and clamped his hands over his ears, as did Trevor. The second wolf took off, Sidney giving chase.

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“Sidney!” he heard Dino call, but Sidney needed to take care of the threat to Chey and this pack. His pack. Sidney no longer felt like he was an outsider. The entire pack of Grey wolves had made him feel welcomed, and Sidney was going to defend them. His front legs stretched and then hit the ground, his speed eating up the distance as he grew closer to the wolf. Sidney skidded to a halt when he scented more wolves in the night air. He wasn’t familiar with his new pack’s scent yet, and he was taking every precaution. Sidney watched as the offending wolf got away, cursing in his mind. The threat would continue as long as Remus’s men continued to live. “Shift back now!” Torem commanded as the other wolves stalked out of the forest. Sidney was too frightened to do as Torem demanded. The furious look on his mate’s face had him trembling. He was warned growing up to hide who he was for fear that the wolves would perceive him as a threat and kill him. “Sidney, shift back.” Torem’s tone softened. “No one is going to harm you.” Sidney yowled and then took off. He couldn’t chance it. They wouldn’t accept who he was, not after discovering his shifter form. He shot up a tree and climbed along the branches, praying he was out of sight. “Get your ass down here,” Torem shouted from below. Sidney yowled. “Don’t you dare get lippy with me.” Sidney’s tail swished back and forth. There was no way he was coming down. Torem was too angry with him, and he had heard the growls from the other wolves. Mate or no mate, they would tear him apart. His adoptive mother had warned him not to expose himself, and stupid him did it anyway.

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“Why didn’t you tell me you were a jaguar?” Torem shouted up. Because I knew this would be the reaction, duh. “Come down, angelo,” Dino shouted as he joined Torem. “No one here will harm you,” his mate said with conviction. As much as Sidney wanted to believe him, he knew Dino couldn’t take on an entire pack of wolves to defend him. It warmed his heart to know that if he did survive this, he still had one mate that would stand by him. “Sid, come on down. I promise I’m not that angry,” Torem shouted up. “I’ll go get a harness and climb this fucking tree to get you,” Dino warned. Hell fucking no. Sidney watched as the rest of the pack joined his mates below. They were all in human form, but a mob was a mob, no matter what form they took. “We accepted a vampire. Do you think we wouldn’t accept you?” Zeus spoke. He didn’t need to yell, his deep voice carried up to Sidney. None of them needed to shout, his hearing in shifter form was perfect. Maybe they did it out of habit? Sidney watched Torem try to climb the tree. Was he crazy? He could fall and hurt himself. Sidney yowled at his mate. “Then come down. I’m not going to allow you to stay up there.” Torem grunted and pulled at the bark as his feet sought for leverage. The man was going to fall! Sidney hesitated, afraid this was a trick. “Are you out of your mind, Sidney? Get your ass down here,” Chey said from below. “I’ll give you a Red Bull.” Sidney yowled. “Yes, I promise, I’ll buy you one right now if you come down. These men aren’t like our pack. Mom warned you not to show your true self to them. Not to your mates, dumbass. Now get down.”

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He was going to eat Chey. The guy always made him feel shameful when he was doing something irrational. Sidney mentally sighed and then began his descent. If these wolves attacked, he was going to smack Chey. “Wow, a jaguar.” Bryck chuckled. “He looks cool.” Trevor grinned at him. “Now we can go get that barmaid.” “What?” Knox and Sammy asked. “Inside joke.” Trevor laughed. “Shit, baby.” Torem knelt in front of him, cupping his furry face. “You should have told me.” A purr rumbled through Sidney when Dino began to stroke his spine. Man that felt good. His cat had been dying to get out. Being in the closet, so to speak, had been suffocating to his jaguar. Sidney didn’t want to shift back yet. He felt free for the first time in eons. He rubbed his body against Torem’s legs, begging his forgiveness. “We’re okay. Just promise you won’t hide any more secrets from your mates.” Sidney licked his mate’s hand and then started walking toward the house. “Do we need a leash?” Dino teased. Sidney batted a large paw at him. “Let’s get him and Chey home. I don’t want the other wolves discovering the jaguar or the Omega among us.” Zeus led the pack back to the house. “Shit, I’ll need a ride in the morning to get my truck,” Torem said to Dino. “You got it.” Sidney padded into the house with the rest of the men. Minsheng and Yasuko stood in the foyer gaping at Sidney. “We have pet now?” Minsheng asked. “It’s Sidney,” Dino informed him.

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“Cats, dogs, vampires, mates, what crazy world I come to live in?” Minsheng rolled his eyes and grabbed Yasuko’s hand, pulling him away. Yasuko pulled his hand from Minsheng’s. “I like it.” He knelt down and ran his small hands over Sidney’s head. “Is beautiful.” Sidney ate up the attention. He nuzzled his head into Yasuko’s hand. The small man giggled and scratched behind Sidney’s ears. Oh man, that feels sooo good. “I think he likes you.” Dino chuckled. Sidney rolled to his side and exposed his belly. Yasuko scratched him there, too. He liked this guy. Sidney got to his feet and roared, running up the steps and down the hall. He head butted the bedroom door he heard the voices behind. Something was compelling him to react this way, and he couldn’t figure out what. All he knew was that he needed to get inside. “Back up.” Torem pulled Sidney back and swung the door open. Sidney bounded in and crouched, giving off a warning growl. “Kamiko, come here.” Torem held his hand out. Sidney kept his eyes on the large man crouched in a protective stance in front of Kamiko. He didn’t smell like any creature he had ever come across before. Sidney had met everyone in the house. He knew who Kamiko was, but the man in front of him was a stranger. “Yeah, about him.” Zeus ran his hand over his bald head. “Men, this is Takeo.” **** Dino’s head was spinning. He wasn’t sure how normal all of this was to the shifters, but to find out demons existed, really existed, was a bit much to absorb right now. He had adjusted to wolves being in the world, his brain worked out that there were vampires, and he even accepted that Sidney was a jaguar. But fucking demons?

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Too much was coming at him too fast. He needed time to sort all of this out. Within a week his world went from humans only to all kinds of paranormal bullshit. Dino feared his brain was going to overload with all of this information and he would be left a vegetable. He needed a damn drink and he needed to be around his men right now. “I’m heading home.” “Wait, Dino.” Torem and Sidney were hot on his heels. “It’s not like we knew. This is a shock to us as well,” Sidney pleaded. Dino spun around. “Shock, you want a fucking shock? Try being in my shoes. You grew up in this world. I didn’t. My brain is fucking hurting right now.” “Are you leaving us, or do you just need time?” Torem asked solemnly. “I don’t know. I need time, I guess. I’ll be at home.” Dino spun back around and jogged down the steps. He made it home after getting a ride from one of the shifters and walked through his front door. Dino stood on the threshold, feeling weary. Why did his home feel so alien to him? He dropped his keys on the kitchen counter and leaned against the fridge, his forehead rocking back and forth on the freezer. His hands gripped the top of the appliance as he exhaled. “Fucking demons.” “You okay, boss?” Mickey asked as he walked into the kitchen. “No.” Dino didn’t want to talk about it and had a feeling he couldn’t even if he wanted to. He walked over to the table and sat down, wondering if he could cope with all of this. “Catch.” Dino looked up too late. The beer bottle hit his chest and then hit the floor, shattering. “I meant right now, not tomorrow.” Mickey grabbed a towel and the trash can, bending down to clean the mess up. The smell of hops stung Dino’s nose.

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“I can get that.” He grabbed the broom and dustpan and helped Mickey clean up the broken glass. You accepted everything else, what’s one more thing? Dino emptied the dustpan and stored it back in the small closet. “Where’s Quinn?” “He’s been barricaded in his room all day with some little twink. I only saw him come out once. Must be some good ass.” Mickey grinned. Although it irritated the shit out of him for Mickey to talk that way about Tristan, especially after seeing his scars, he wasn’t going to correct the guy. Mickey was straight and wouldn’t be a part of the shifter world, so there was no sense in telling him about it. Dino left Mickey to put the trash can away and clean the towel out as he made his way to Quinn’s bedroom door. He knocked, hoping he wasn’t disturbing them. “Yeah?” Quinn asked when he cracked the door open. “Oh, hey, Dino.” He opened it wide and allowed Dino entrance. Tristan was fast asleep on the bed, curled up in a blanket. “How is he?” Quinn sighed and walked over to the bed, Dino shut the door. “He’s been sleeping a lot, and I can’t get him to stop calling me sir. He’s like this scared little deer that won’t look you in your eyes or make his own decisions. I asked if he wanted soup, and he told me he would eat whatever I gave him. It’s frustrating as hell. He waits for me to tell him what to do. Fuck, I even had to tell him to use the bathroom when he stood there squirming around.” Dino wanted to question why Quinn cared so much. Although the man was a nice guy, this was above and beyond, but he kept it to himself. “Give him time. It looks like he’s been through the wringer. Did he say where he was from?” “No, I asked him, but he starts shaking anytime I bring up anything about him.”

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Dino felt for the guy. Even though Tristan wasn’t his mate, he wanted to protect him. Mate? Could Quinn be Tristan’s? Is that why he was being so protective of the man? Dino needed to get Mickey out of here, house him with Jake and Steven. There was too much beyond worldly things going on, and Mickey didn’t need to witness it. Everything around Dino was becoming more and more complicated. “I’m heading to my room. Take tomorrow off, and call me if you or Tristan needs anything.” “Thanks, Dino.” Quinn walked him to the bedroom door and closed it behind him. Dino could hear Quinn engaging the lock. Yeah, he needed to get Mickey out of here. Dino showered and crawled into bed, tossing and turning. His mind kept going to his mates and wondering what they were doing. “I have got to stop walking out on them.” Dino exhaled. How were they going to trust him if he kept walking away? He groaned and rolled to his back, his arm slung over his eyes. “Just get over the shit and be with them.” Dino felt his prick grow as he thought of the two sexy men. That’s not helping! He pushed the sheet down and spread his legs, grabbing his erection with his hand. His abdominal muscles tightened as Dino’s thumb glided over the head, thinking first of plunging into Sidney’s tight ass and then Torem’s. They were two totally different men, but two exceptionally fine asses. His eyes closed, feeling every single sensation course through him as his head rolled back, his breath coming out in hitches. He licked his lips at the remembrance of having Sidney’s hard shaft in his mouth. Dino reached up and pinched his nipple, stroking his cock harder, as his tongue licked across his bottom lip, imagining Sidney’s cock was still in his mouth. The all-familiar tingling sensation crept up Dino’s spine as he pulled his legs further apart.

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He stroked faster, pinched harder, and licked the air as his hips hitched off of the bed. “Fuck.” He hissed as pearls of seed shot out of his cock and hit his belly. Dino panted, holding his softening cock as he lay their staring at the ceiling. Groaning and rolling over, Dino got up and went to his bathroom, turned the water on, and grabbed a towel. He cleaned himself up and looked at his reflection in the mirror. He knew that no matter what creature showed up at his mates’ home, he wasn’t going anywhere.

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Chapter Nine Torem was tired and cranky when he pulled onto the jobsite. Sidney had lain in his arms last night and cried himself to sleep. They both feared Dino would get fed up with dealing with everything and leave them. But Torem was more angry than afraid. They were going to have a talk, and Torem wasn’t going to back down. This was affecting all three of them, and Dino needed to step up to the plate or go home. “I’m scared.” Sidney bit his thumbnail, his eyes darting around the jobsite. “Come, on. There’s nothing to be frightened of. He’s our mate.” Torem cupped Sidney’s jaw and kissed him before getting out of the truck. His stomach muscles tightened when he saw Dino talking with a few of the men over by his makeshift table. “I’m going to go—” “No, you’re not. We need to find out what he intends to do.” Torem grabbed his fleeing mate and pulled him along. He waited patiently as Dino finished up his conversation before speaking to him. “Good morning.” Dino kissed Torem and then pulled Sidney into his arms, giving him an equally searing kiss. Sidney melted like butter. Traitor. Torem was a little thrown off by Dino’s mood this morning, but he wasn’t going to be swayed. “About last night.” “I wanted to apologize for that. You have to admit it was a lot to take in,” Dino interrupted.

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“It was. But Sidney and I got through it. You, on the other hand, ran. We need to know what you plan on doing. This is taking a toll on both of us.” Torem crossed his arms over his chest and glared at his mate. “I know. I thought about it last night after seeing Quinn with Tristan.” “How is he?” Sidney asked. “No, Sid, we aren’t going to get derailed from the real topic here.” Torem pulled Sidney to his side. Torem sighed. “Okay, how is he?” “Not good from what Quinn tells me.” “The poor guy.” Torem knew Sidney had a compassionate heart, but once again they were getting off topic. “Look, I’m sorry. I realized last night that I want this to work between us,” Dino said. “Then you can’t keep running every time something happens. We need to work it out, together,” Torem said adamantly. “How can we build something together if you leave us in the dust when something is too much for you to handle?” Dino held his hands up in surrender. “You’re right. I promise not to run again. Can we talk about this at home? I need to get these men organized.” “You said home. Do you mean that?” Torem’s hopes skyrocketed at Dino’s use of the word. He beat down his insecurities and listened to Dino. After what happened to him with Chey, he was finding out who he really was. Most of what he discovered, he liked, but this insecure shit was driving Torem nuts. He thought about it and came to the conclusion that he never really had anything as his own, and now that he had Sidney and Dino, he was holding on with both hands. “Yes, I mean our home. That is if I’m allowed to move in there.” Sidney began to jump in place, his hands in the air. “Hell yes, I can help you pack right now.” He laughed.

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“Slow down, tiger.” Dino chuckled. “We have work to do. The packing can wait until tonight.” “Jaguar, not tiger,” Sidney corrected him with a pout. Torem wasn’t celebrating just yet. He grabbed Dino and turned him so that they were eye to eye. “Swear to me you’re not going to run anymore. I’m in love with both of you, and my heart won’t be able to take it if you run again.” “Oh my god,” Sidney gasped. “I love you, too.” He hugged Torem’s back. Torem slung his arm around Sid, but his eyes never left Dino’s. “I swear. If I wig out, just give me time to deal with it, but I won’t run.” Torem nodded and then kissed Dino. “I’m going to hold you to that.” “Uh, guys, we have an audience.” Sidney tapped Torem’s chest and pointed. Some of the workers were standing there staring at them. “Get the fuck back to work,” Dino shouted, and the workers scrambled to look busy. “You’re sexy when you’re all foreman and shit.” Sidney laughed. “Just wait until tonight.” Dino smiled and patted Sidney’s ass. “I like this Dino.” Sidney purred in Torem’s ear. Fuck, it was going to be one long day. Torem groaned and followed Sidney to their assigned area, beginning their workday. **** Sidney sighed as he laid his head on Torem’s shoulder. They were dancing in Theo’s. Dino needed to stop by before they took his belongings to the house. He said he needed to get Mickey out of the rental and moved into another. Torem held his hands as they slow danced to Rob Thomas’s “Ever the Same.”

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“This is nice.” Sidney rubbed his cheek over Torem’s chest, the masculine scent arousing him. Torem’s warmth made him feel safe. “It is, Sid. I love you.” Torem wrapped his arms around him and kissed his head, laying his cheek on Sidney’s head. He loved the fact he was two inches shorter than his men. It allowed Sidney to tuck his head under their chins. “I love you, too.” Sidney never wanted to leave his arms. Now all he needed was his other mate’s arms around him and he would be in heaven. Oh goodness, and there those arms were. Sidney shivered as Dino’s chest pressed against his back. “I’m done, any time you guys want to leave.” “Not now,” Sidney pleaded. Dino swayed behind him, caressing his sides as the three danced. Sidney leaned his head back and kissed Dino, feeling cocooned in his men’s embrace. “I knew this was a fag bar.” A burly man growled from the door. “Is that little fag still around here?” “I thought I told you about that, Clancy.” Jesse, the sheriff, stood from a booth he was sitting at with his mates, Craig and Avanti. This did not look good, half the men in the bar stood, glaring at the loudmouth man. Trevor pulled Sammy in his arms, Knox blocking both of them. “I’m giving you one warning, leave.” Jesse stood there with his arms crossed over his chest. “You ain’t got no uniform on. What can you do?” the man asked challengingly. “Exactly, so if the men in this tavern decide to tear you to pieces, I can turn my head with a clear conscience.” Sidney saw that the man was just now registering that there were more people here than just him and Jesse. Dino pressed his chest into Sidney’s back, Torem wrapping his arms tight around them. He felt smashed in between the two but knew his mates were only trying to

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protect him. As if I need it. Sidney mentally rolled his eyes but allowed them to do what they thought was in his best interest. “This whole town is turning into one big homo central,” Clancy snarled and walked out of the bar. “And that, my friends, is our friendly neighborhood bigot. Please pay him no mind and go back to what you were doing.” Jesse spoke above the music. Sidney wanted to beat Clancy over the head when his men moved away from him, stealing his warmth. “We should go.” Dino slid his hands in Sidney’s and Torem’s, pulling them along. “Night, Sid.” Sammy and Trevor waved. “Night, guys.” He liked the family feeling he felt around these men. Sidney never had that in his hometown. Everyone was too afraid of Remus and stayed to themselves. “You guys take it easy.” Theo waved as they exited the tavern. “Will do.” Torem waved goodnight. “It’s so nice out tonight. I wish you could shift, Dino. It’s the perfect night for it.” Sidney squeezed his human mate’s hand. “No biggie, why don’t you two go for a run while I unpack.” “Are you sure?” “Yep, I’ll be waiting for you guys when you get back.” Dino chuckled and wiggled his brows. “Oh, I like that plan. Hot, sweaty men and sex, yummy.” Sidney gasped when Dino pressed him into the side of the truck, kissing him like nobody’s business. “Come on, fellas. Dino has unpacking to do and we have a run to take,” Torem said as he got into the truck. “Hells bells,” Sidney grumbled as he climbed in, Dino smacking his ass as he made his way to the middle of the bench seat. “Can’t we have sex first?” “No,” Dino and Torem said at the same time. “We won’t get anything done.” Dino looped his arm around Sidney and pulled him close. “Besides, think of the anticipation.”

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“I anticipate my bingo card when the numbers are called, not sex.” Sidney pouted. “I think we have a spoiled baby on our hands.” Torem chuckled. “Maybe we should make him watch with no participation.” “Maybe you two will be attacked by a jaguar if you try it,” Sidney countered. “Calm down, hellcat. You’ll get some cock, after you run.” Torem grabbed Sidney’s hand and twined their fingers together. Darn it, they were proving to be more complicated than Sidney thought. **** Chey pulled his clothes from the drawer, laying them on the bed for his shower when he heard a soft knock on his door. He laid his shirt down and crossed the room, hoping it wasn’t someone else warning him to stay away from Eagle. He got the picture. They didn’t need to keep telling him. Chey would never force his healing powers on someone, and they had to be willing. Didn’t they get that part? There was one more reason Chey wouldn’t go near Eagle, the most significant reason of all. Eagle was his mate. To touch the wolf, be claimed by him, would send Eagle into the healing that—if everyone’s warning was anything to go by—would tear them both apart mentally. Chey omitted the part when he told of his gift. In order for him to heal, he had to take in the pain, relive the tormenting memories with the person he was healing, and it drained him physically. The memories, however brief, he had witnessed with Torem, told him that this pack needed Chey more than they realized. He only prayed he survived it. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

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“May I enter?” “Sure, what can I do for you?” Chey had wondered if he would get a visit from one of these men. The Alpha had told him what all three men had gone through at the hands of human smugglers. Well, as much as he knew. No one had a clue about the depth at which they had suffered. “I don’t want the hurt.” The young man struggled to communicate his thoughts. “Are you sure? It’s very painful. You will relive every moment.” He wanted it to be perfectly clear what the man was getting himself into. “I am.” He nodded. “Then come lie on the bed, make yourself comfortable.” Chey crawled onto the bed and held his arms out. The man settled down and laid his head on Chey’s lap. “Let it begin.” Chey ran his hands up and down Kamiko’s back, and then massaged his temples as the heart-piercing wailing filled the bedroom. Chey jumped out of his skin when eyes, blazing with fire, appeared from his darkened corner, and then a body emerged. Rage filled the man’s face as he pulled Kamiko into his arms. “No, if you take him now, he will suffer greatly.” Chey held his arms out. “He is willingly cleansing himself of his pain. Please, let me help him.” The man glared at Chey. “If you harm him, I will kill you.” “I won’t harm him. Stay, you can help him, too.” Kamiko cried out and pulled at his clothes, the torment on his face was killing Chey. “Please,” he begged. The man reluctantly lowered Kamiko back onto Chey’s lap and knelt at the bedside. “I am Takeo.” “I am Chey.” Chey began to massage Kamiko’s temples again. The young man calmed somewhat.

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Kamiko cried out once more and ripped his shirt from his body, his fingers clawing at his skin. Takeo reached out and held Kamiko’s hands as a tear slid down the large man’s cheek. **** Torem and Sidney brought the last of the boxes into his bedroom and sat them by the dresser. “You don’t have much,” Torem commented. “I don’t need much, just my clothes and a few personal items.” Torem pulled his shoes off and then his socks. The less he had to take off outside, the better. Sidney did the same but didn’t stop at his socks. “You are not walking through the house naked, Sid, so put your pants back on.” Sidney grinned and bounced around the room. “I wasn’t planning to.” He giggled and grabbed his cock. “Anyone want to play golf?” “I think he got into the Red Bull,” Dino said to Torem from the side of his mouth. “I can hear you.” Sidney tsked. “It’s not nice to talk about a guy when he’s in the same room. You have to do it when he’s in the bathroom.” Their mate sprang from foot to foot as if playing double Dutch. Dino moved around to get behind Sidney as Torem moved sideways to stand in front. “Oh, predators, I like this game already.” Sidney held onto his cock but moved his back to face the wall. “Come eat me.” He shook his cock. “I think he needs to be spanked for not listening.” Dino looked over at Torem. “What do you think?” Torem could feel his body breaking out in a sweat from the image of Sidney laid out across the bed with a red ass. “Get him,” Torem growled.

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Sidney’s eyes grew wide as he jumped up onto the bed and shot across the room. His gums itched as his canines dropped and his eyes shifted. The chase was on. His jaguar seemed more difficult to catch then he first thought. Sidney’s sinewy muscles flexed as he leapt over both their outstretched arms and ran toward the bathroom. Oh, he was such a naughty kitty. Torem put on a burst of speed and dove for Sidney, grabbing him around his waist as they hit the floor. “Now that was fucking hot.” Dino began to strip out of his clothes. “Come here, you two.” Torem pulled Sidney from the floor, walking backward and grinning at his mate. “You may be all sinewy and flexible, but I’m primed for the chase.” “I’ll have to remember that.” Sidney grinned. Torem had to blink to focus. Sidney was so damn breathtaking. He would give all that he was to keep his mate forever in his arms, both of them. His chest constricted, making breathing difficult at the thought of loving these two men forever. Torem’s back bumped into Dino, but he didn’t turn around, he was too lost in Sidney’s mossy green eyes. They captivated him. “God, I fucking love you.” He grabbed Sidney by the back of his neck and pulled him until their lips met. Dino’s hands ran up and down Torem’s back, a crooked smile on his face. Torem tore his lips from Sidney’s and then grabbed Dino. His hazel eyes changed from merriment to vulnerability. “Don’t ever leave me again. I love the very ground you walk on.” Their chests collided as Dino took possession of the kiss and then dropped Torem to the bed. Their bodies tangled together as Dino tried to suck his very soul from Torem’s mouth. Sidney began to grab at their clothes and pull them off as Torem and Dino rolled over one another. Torem broke the kiss and looked down at his mate, and his insides quivered. The moon broke through

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the clouds and bathed the room in an iridescent glow, making Dino look surreal. He’d be whatever he had to be to make these two happy and kill whoever he had to in order to keep them safe. “Come here, Sid.” Torem reached behind him and pulled his smaller mate onto the bed. He looked between the two and smiled. “My world.” Torem stood and finished undressing as Dino pulled Sidney into his arms, stroking Sidney’s skin as they kissed. Torem reached down and pulled Dino’s pants the rest of the way off, his mate’s cock smacking his lower abdomen, looking heavenly as it called to Torem. He settled between Dino’s legs and sucked in the head of his cock. Dino shivered when Torem pulled back and rasped his shadowed face over Dino’s cock. His tongue ran the long length, marveling at how large Dino’s cock was. Torem pushed Dino’s legs apart and nipped at his balls with his lips. His tongue peeked out and tasted all man. Dino’s ass began to gyrate, and his hand snaked down to feed Torem his balls. Torem opened and took them into his mouth, wetting them with his tongue. He sucked at the thick piece of skin that separated the sacs, sucking each orb and rolling it around. Dino’s hand ran over his hair as Dino kept on kissing Sidney. Torem reached out his left hand and pulled on Sidney’s cock, stroking it as he sucked Dino’s wrinkly sac. He could hear Sidney and Dino moaning. Torem gave one more lick before taking Dino’s cock back into his mouth. He sucked the head, sticking his tongue into the slit, and drank the pre-cum that leaked out. Dino’s fingers became rough on Torem’s head, signaling Torem that he was close. He pulled back, not wanting his mate to come this way, not tonight. “Fuck me.” Torem grabbed the lube from the drawer and tossed it on the bed, crawling over Sidney as Dino began to prepare him. “Hey, beautiful.” Torem sucked at Sidney’s neck, giving his mate a love bite. Sidney moaned and squirmed under him, begging with his

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body for Torem to fuck him. Torem reached his hand back and waited for Dino to lube it. Once he felt the cool liquid pour over his fingers, Torem slid his hand under Sidney and circled his hole. “Yes, Torem, do it,” Sidney cried softly. Torem pushed his fingers past the ring and began to scissor them. His free hand cupped Sidney’s jaw, his fingers whispering over the smooth skin. Torem pulled his fingers free, pushing his cock in to fill the void. Torem stilled when he was all the way in, waiting for Dino to take him. His eyes closed briefly when he felt his mate’s large prick slide in. Torem kissed Sidney’s shoulder and down his arm as he began to move. Dino’s hand ran over his hair as he slowly rocked in and out of Torem. It was a slow and seductive dance of making love with each other. Dino reached down and grabbed Sidney’s legs, pulling them up and laying them on Torem’s back. “My men.” Dino crooned as he laid his hands on Torem’s shoulders and thrust his cock deep. He drove faster and then stiffened, crying out both their names. He pulled free and then pulled Torem back, placing a hot and sensual kiss on his lips. Dino dropped to all fours and swallowed Sidney’s cock as Torem pulled Sidney’s hips up higher, fucking him faster. Watching Dino suck Sidney’s cock was erotic and mindblowing. Sidney arched his back, crying out as he came down Dino’s throat. Sidney’s tight muscle contracted and milked Torem’s cock, sending him over the edge quickly. Torem pistoned into him as he came, flooding Sidney’s channel with his seed. He fell onto Dino’s back, trying to catch his breath. Torem kissed Dino’s spine and then sat back. “Come on, Sid, you owe me a run.” “You have got to be kidding me. There is no way I’m running.”

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“Yes, you are. I told you sex wasn’t going to be first, but you had to tempt us with that sexy-ass body.” Torem climbed from the bed and grabbed a pair of sweats from the drawer, tossing a pair to his arguing mate. “Dino, tell him I’m not going,” Sidney pled. “You’re going, angelo. I told you to wait.” He chuckled. “Now go, have fun while I unpack.” Sidney pouted the whole way downstairs but followed Torem nonetheless. Torem opened the back door and waited for his mate to go outside. “It’ll be fun.” Torem pulled Sidney’s pants off, his nostrils flaring as he saw his seed leaking from his mate. Fuck if that wasn’t a beautiful sight. “Fine, but I’m not staying out long.” “You don’t have—” A shot echoed through the night, ricocheting off of the trees. Sidney spun in a slow-motion pirouette as his hands clutched his side, and then he fell to the ground.

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Chapter Ten Torem stayed low as he dragged Sidney over the threshold and back into the house. The gunfire continued, hitting Torem in his shoulder. He grunted but didn’t stop. “What the hell is going on?” Zeus’s voice boomed through the kitchen. His eyes locked on to Sidney, and he cursed. “Go get Chey,” he ordered Ian. Zeus and four other wolves tore from the house, going after the culprit. “It’s silver. I can feel the poison.” Torem pulled Sidney into his arms and tried to dig the bullet out of his hip with his finger, but touching the silver made him vomit. Sidney was out cold, unable to shift with the silver slowly killing him. “I need Dino. He can get this out without it affecting him,” Torem yelled at the men standing there. Jaxxon nodded and took off. Torem tried one more time to dig the bullet out. A wave of nausea and dizziness overtook him, but he kept digging. He could feel the bullet. He just couldn’t get a good grip on it. Torem ran across the kitchen, pulling a drawer out, grabbing a knife and running back to Sidney. “What the fuck happened?” Dino shouted as he ran into the room, dropping next to Sidney. “He’s got a silver bullet in him. You have to dig it out.” Torem thrust the knife into Dino’s hand. “Now.” “I can’t.” Dino looked from the knife to Sidney, terror pulling his face tight.

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Torem grabbed Dino’s jaw roughly, jerking his head around as his shoulder throbbed in pain, reminding him that he had his own to remove. “If you don’t, he. Will. Die.” Dino nodded, dangling the knife over Sidney’s hip. His hand shook so much that the knife waved all around. “You can do this.” Torem laid his hand over Dino’s. “Just concentrate.” Dino took a deep breath and pressed the blade of the knife into Sidney’s hip, digging it around until he dug the bullet close to the surface. He reached with his other hand and worked until the bullet was free. Sidney shifted immediately. “Good work,” Torem praised his brave mate and then passed out. **** “Shit.” Dino saw the blood seeping from under Torem’s shirtsleeve. He had thought it was Sidney’s blood splattered all over him. Dino used the knife to cut away Torem’s shirt, and that’s when he saw the bleeding hole. “Get the silver out and I can help him. Shifting may not heal him,” Chey said as he crouched down next to Dino. “Why has he passed out?” Chey looked at Dino and then at the other men. “He was trying to dig Sidney’s out by hand,” Taz offered. “Hurry, Dino,” Chey said worriedly. Dino pressed the blade once more to flesh as he dug around for the bullet. This one was lodged. He couldn’t seem to get it out. “You’ll have to cut him open to get at it,” Chey directed him. “I can do it, but you’ll have to remove the silver.” Dino hated himself, but he handed the knife over. There was no way he could cut Torem. Chey took the knife and sliced through his skin like butter. Dino winced, knowing if it were him, he’d be screaming his head off right about now. “Okay, now get it out.” Chey handed him back the knife.

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Dino took it and separated the skin, wanting to throw up when he saw muscle. The bullet sat right there, wedged into Torem’s tendons. Dino pressed the knife in and worked the bullet out, grabbing it with his free hand. Torem shifted, and Chey immediately laid his hands on his mate’s wound. Dino scooted over to Sidney, running his hands over his mate’s fur. The jaguar’s breathing seemed steady, and he couldn’t find a wound. “Is Sidney going to be okay?” Dino asked. Chey looked up at Dino, sympathy in his eyes. “Yes, my best friend will be fine. It’s Torem I’m worried about. He’s had an overdose of silver by touching Sidney’s and leaving his in too long.” Dino nodded. “Get better, fallen angel.” Dino kissed the jaguar’s head and then moved back over to Torem. The wolf was panting, as if he were having a difficult time breathing. “Can you fix him?” Dino asked, wiping away the tears in his eyes. “I’m trying, Dino, I’m trying,” Chey said softly. “I’m still pretty new at this.” Dino fell on his ass and began to pray. There was no way he could lose Torem. The man had just gotten his life back not too long ago and hadn’t even learned how to really have fun yet. Torem was solemn most of the time. The guy just sat back and observed life. Dino, with the help of Sidney, wanted to change that. Please don’t let me lose him. “His breathing is slowing down to normal,” Chey reported. “His pulse is slowing as well. I think he’s going to be okay. We need to get them to their room.” As much as he wanted to, there was no way Dino could carry Sidney, not in cat form. He hefted Torem up, thanking Rave when he pulled Sidney from the floor. The two men managed to get Sidney and Torem up to their bedroom and onto the bed. “What can I do for them?” Dino asked Rave.

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“Just stroke them and be there when they wake up. Their shifter form will heal them.” Rave squeezed his shoulder and left Dino with his mates. He collapsed in the chair and buried his face in his hands. He wasn’t sure if he could withstand another scare like that. **** Sidney woke with a killer headache. His hands massaged his temples as he blinked his eyes open. “Let me get that for you.” Dino removed Sidney’s hands and began a slow circular pattern. “How do you feel, besides the headache?” “My butt hurts. Did you and Torem play with me while I was asleep?” Man, his own voice was too loud. Dino laughed softly. “No, you were shot close to it though.” Sidney stared at Dino as it all came back to him. “Torem, where is he?” He tried to sit up, but his mate held him down. “Right next to you, fast asleep.” Sidney slowly turned his head. It hurt to even blink. Torem was in wolf form. “Why is he in his shifter form?” “He was shot, too. The bullets were silver, and he took more poison into his body by trying to get the bullet out of you with his hands.” Sidney tried once again to get up. How could Torem do something so reckless? “Lie down. Chey healed him. All he needs is sleep now.” “I need a Red Bull.” Sidney groaned as he lay back. “This actionpacked life is hard on the nerves.” “No Red Bull.” Torem spoke from under the covers. “Mwahahaha. The dead has arisen.” Sidney pulled the covers back and rolled over on top of Torem. “Don’t you ever do something as

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stupid as touching silver again. I don’t care if it was lodged in my ass. I can take care of myself. You big goof.” “Are you sure you didn’t give him a sip?” Torem asked Dino. “No, but right about now, I’d gladly buy him a case.” Dino chuckled. Sidney was relieved to see his mate was all right. He curled up in Torem’s arms and thanked his lucky stars they both survived. Dino toed his shoes off and climbed next to them, kissing each man. “Don’t you two ever scare me like that again.” **** Sidney laughed as Torem and Dino shot pool at Theo’s. He had never seen two more competitive men. They both growled and snapped at one another as they took their turns. “Looks like feeding time at the zoo.” Trevor chuckled. “They always this snarly?” “Nah, they’re great. Usually.” “Sorry to hear the pack didn’t catch the culprit who shot you and Torem.” “I know. They’ll reveal who they are sooner or later.” “I got something for you from Chey.” Trevor slipped a Red Bull out of his pocket and handed it to Sidney. “He says he promised you one. Why the hell do I feel like I’m slipping you drugs?” Sidney laughed and took it. “Because the sugar whacks me out.” “Then give it back.” Trevor held his hand out. “Not on your life.” Sidney cracked open the can and chugged as Trevor chased him around the tavern to get the can out of his hands. He belched and wiped his mouth, smiling as he stopped running and handed the empty can to Trevor. “Thanks.” “Don’t thank me. I have a feeling Torem and Dino are going to try to stick me out in the sun for this,” Trevor grumbled. “Next time buy your own sugar fix.”

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“Aye, aye, captain and tally-ho.” Sidney saluted him. “Where’s that damn barmaid?” Trevor and Sidney looked around until they spotted her over by the pool table. “I’ve had it with her lecherous ways.” Sidney hiked up his pants and stomped over there, tapping the woman on her shoulder. When she turned around, he snarled. “Listen, you harlot, stay away from my men.” He shoved his thumb into his chest. “And Trevor’s, too.” “What are you talking about?” she asked. “I see the way you stare at them and flaunt yourself.” Sidney growled. She leaned in closer, whispering in Sidney’s ear. “Honey, I’m just as gay as you. I hang out with your men to attract the chicks.” Sidney felt his face flush from total embarrassment. Torem and Dino stood on the other side of the pool table with knowing smirks on their faces. Crap, he had gone and done it again. Only this time he was busted right from the get-go. “Well, all righty then. Would you happen to know where a bingo hall is?” She grinned and winked at Sidney. “I go all the time. The hot babes hang out there. I can take you with me if you want.” Sidney glanced at his mates with a pleading look, excited that he had finally found someone who knew how to have real fun. Torem seemed to be the one who took mercy on him. “You can go, on one condition. We go with you.” He pointed between himself and Dino. “As long as you don’t try and pick up the hot babes,” Sidney countered. “Not a chance when we have a fallen angel,” Dino said as he walked around the pool table and pulled Sidney into his arms. “Aw, geez, I am hot, aren’t I?” “Hotter than summer in Brazil, baby.” Sidney melted like butter at Dino’s words. The romantic fool had him grinning from ear to ear. “Rack those balls up and I’ll show you

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how a real man plays.” Sidney pulled from Dino’s arms and bounced around the table. “Winner gets an all-expenses-paid trip to my bed.” “Dude, we sleep in the same bed,” Dino reminded him. “Don’t complicate the rules here,” Sidney warned his mate. “I’ll draw a line down the center of it, and you won’t be able to touch me.” Dino and Torem surrounded Sidney, their hands all over him like an octopus. “Okay, you can touch me.” He giggled. Sidney held on to his men, praying they never let him go. **** Chey fell back, exhausted from healing Kamiko. He felt like his insides were boiling from the man’s memories. It was abhorrent how one human being could do that to another. The only thing he wanted to do was sleep for the next ten years. “Is he well now?” Takeo asked, petting the sleeping man’s back. “He’ll always have the memories. He’ll just be more at peace with them now. Better able to handle them. Take him to his bedroom, please. Kamiko needs rest. Stay with him, he shouldn’t wake alone.” Takeo gently lifted the small man into his arms and bowed to Chey. “Thank you.” He turned, walking into the shadows and disappearing. “You could have used the door,” Chey mumbled as he closed his eyes. He would see Kamiko’s memories until his body absorbed the energy and dispersed them, and then they would fade away, as if he never saw them in the first place. Why did there have to be a ying and yang to his gift? Chey wanted to scrub the images from his brain with a Brillo pad. He prayed sleep took him soon so the sight of Kamiko being violated again and again would stop tormenting him. ****

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Dino looked over the plans on the makeshift table. Zeus had added a few more rooms, one being a small chapel. Dino would gladly build that room himself. He scratched his thumbnail over his chin, wondering how Quinn was doing with Tristan. Mickey had agreed to move, but he wasn’t too happy about it. “You look like you’re thinking too hard.” Torem kissed his temple as he and Sidney approached. “Just thinking about Quinn and Tristan,” he admitted as he rolled up the prints. “You think maybe we should move them into the house where Tristan can be around other shifters?” “I think that’s a great idea. But Tristan has to agree.” Sidney beamed at Dino. “Look at my man, all considerate and shit. You make me the happiest burrito around.” “Has he been in those damn drinks again?” Dino asked Torem. “Been dry for a few days now. That’s the real him. Scary, isn’t it?” Torem laughed as Sidney smacked his arm. “I’m not an alcoholic, you know. It was a damn energy drink. Besides, I get to play bingo tonight.” Sidney pumped both arms in the air. Dino would never figure out how a grown man could love the game so much. Sidney was definitely unique, in his own quirky sort of way. Dino wouldn’t change him or Torem. He loved his men and the new life they gave to him, to his human world and his heart. **** Torem slipped through the bedroom door, balancing the tray of breakfast food in one hand and the steaming mug of coffee he was sipping on in the other. He sat the tray on the dresser and walked over to the bed, pulling the blanket back. “Fuck.”

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Sidney was lying between Dino’s legs, a large cock stuck in his mouth. He grinned up at Torem and shrugged. “Breakfast,” he said around Dino’s shaft. “I brought you some, but that looks much better.” Torem tossed his robe onto the chair and pulled his underwear off. “So much better.” He knelt behind Sidney and grabbed the lube that was conveniently lying on the mattress. “Had this planned, did ya?” “Maybe.” Sidney slurped around Dino’s cock. Torem’s dick jerked at the sound. “Little devil.” Torem slid his slicked fingers into Sidney’s ass. “Fallen angel,” Dino corrected with a moan. Fuck if his mates weren’t a balm to his soul. Chey may have taken the pain of the memories away, but his mates were the ones who were healing him. “Ready, babe?” Sidney stuck his ass in the air and wiggled it back and forth. Torem took a moment to stare down at his men. His insecurities vanished, and his heart swelled with love for the first time in his life. These two completed him, and Torem would forever be grateful that fate had given them to him. **** Zeus hung up the phone. “He wasn’t even aware his Beta was doing all of this.” Sully and Eagle shook their heads. “How can an Alpha not know what his Beta is doing?” Eagle asked. “Who knows? But he said he’s sending some of his men here to collect Remus’s thugs. They better catch them before we do. I’ll fucking kill them for what they did to Torem and Sidney.” “Look on the bright side,” Sully said.

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When he didn’t finish his thought, Zeus sat back in his chair and smiled. “And the bright side would be?” Sully smiled and winked at Zeus. “I don’t have to wear a wig this time.”

THE END WWW.LYNNHAGEN.COM HTTP://FACEBOOK.COM/LYNNHAGEN.MANLOVE HTTP://LYNNHAGEN.BLOGSPOT.COM HTTP://GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/GROUP/LYNNHAGEN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lynn Hagen loves writing about the somewhat flawed, but lovable. She also loves a hero who can see past all the rough edges to find the shining diamond of a beautiful heart. You can find her on any given day curled up with her laptop and a cup of hot java, letting the next set of characters tell their story.

Also by Lynn Hagen Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 1: Maverick’s Mate Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 2: Hawk’s Pretty Baby Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 3: Sunshine’s Savior Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 4: Remi’s Pup Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 5: Stormy Eyes Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 6: Oliver’s Heart Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 7: Keata’s Promise Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 8: George’s Turn Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 9: Loco’s Love Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 10: Lewis’s Dream Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 11: Mark’s Not Gay Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 12: Nutter Nero Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 13: Heaven’s Hell Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 14: Nicholas’s Wolf Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 15: Murphy’s Madness Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 16: Montana’s Vamp Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 17: Carter’s Tryck Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 18: Joshua’s Law Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 19: Dagon’s Ride Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 20: Steven’s Journey Ménage Everlasting ManLove: Zeus’s Pack 1: Jasper Ménage Everlasting ManLove: Zeus’s Pack 2: Avanti Ménage Everlasting ManLove: Zeus’s Pack 3: Knox Everlasting Classic ManLove: Demon Warriors 1: Hondo Everlasting Classic ManLove: Demon Warriors 2: Snooke

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