Bailey Bradford - Southwestern Shifters 08 - Revenge (5 page)

Nathan tugged at the hair around Marcus’ opening then laved the sting away before driving his tongue as deep into Marcus as he could go. It was times like this he wished he could do a partial shift and use his wolf’s tongue to truly penetrate Marcus. Nathan ground his cock against the mattress, so hard he ached from it. He hadn’t removed his clothes, knowing he’d have to take the time to cool off and strip this way. Marcus was still injured, still healing, and Nathan didn’t want to lose control and fuck him as rough as he had at other times. While Marcus wasn’t fragile, he was precious to Nathan. Nathan wouldn’t hurt him for the world.

Marcus’ ring clenched around his tongue and Nathan took that for the warning it was. He licked over the slick opening then knelt between Marcus’ legs as best he could without forcing Marcus to release his hair. Marcus was stroking himself, Nathan’s hair between his fist and cock. It was erotic as hell, and Nathan needed to come before he lost his mind.

He kept himself hunched awkwardly as he kicked off his shoes. His pants were trickier, and he settled for having them shoved down past his ass, fuck removing them completely. Marcus’ hole was wet, gaping, waiting for him. Nathan contemplated using more spit to slick up his cock, but in the end, he knew Marcus was going to have to let go of him for a second.

“Lube,” he muttered, crawling over Marcus to jab a hand under the pillows. They always kept it there, somewhere. He found the tube and realised Marcus hadn’t had to let go of his hair. Nathan tended to forget how long it was now, well past his ass, almost to the backs of his knees.

“Love you, so much,” he said as Marcus opened lust-dulled eyes. “So much.” “Me too,” Marcus got out in a rough voice. “Couldn’t live without you.” Marcus could, but like Nathan if he lost Marcus, he wouldn’t want to. Their souls were

so tangled together. Nathan didn’t doubt one would follow the other immediately into the next life, as long as neither had to seek revenge first. Nathan kissed Marcus’ brow, his cheeks, his nose, then he brushed a kiss over Marcus’ lips.

“Please,” Marcus whispered, bringing his legs up, cradling Nathan between them. “I have you.” Nathan sat back and opened the lube, his view of Marcus’ face obstructed by the thick hair between them as Marcus went back to working it over his cock. Nathan poured lube over his length and spread it quickly, his balls drawing tight with the touch. He positioned himself at Marcus’ hole then slowly began pushing into the welcoming heat.
“Aw, gods,” Marcus moaned, digging his heels into the mattress. “Yes, please, come on, Nathan. Fuck me!” He left off masturbating with Nathan’s hair and grabbed his biceps.
Nathan flipped his head with enough force to send his hair flying all over, but mostly it was out of his face and he could see Marcus’. He thrust, a sharp, firm move that had his cock fully seated in Marcus’ ass.
Marcus loosed a hungry, needy sound as he bowed his back and clenched his hands around Nathan’s arms. “Yes,” he hissed, “God, yes, Nathan…”
Nathan withdrew until the broadest part of his cock stretched Marcus’ hole wide, then he pushed back in. He canted his hips, his shaft rubbing Marcus’ gland, making him keen. It was one of Nathan’s favourite noises to hear from Marcus, that and the panting and groaning, cussing and moaning. He sped up his thrusts, trying not to be too rough as he didn’t want to hurt Marcus.
Marcus, however, had other plans, growling and grabbing two fistfuls of Nathan’s hair. “Fuck me,” he demanded. “Stop holding back.”
Nathan respected Marcus enough to know his own boundaries, so he pounded into Marcus, his hips slapping Marcus’ ass, jostling Marcus’ balls and cock.
Marcus howled and fisted his dick, jerking it rough and fast. He yelled as he arched, cum shooting from his slit. Nathan’s mind blanked as Marcus’ inner walls clamped down around his shaft, milking his climax out of him. He drove in deeper, wanting to be closer to Marcus as another joining bound them even closer together.
Nothing would ever break it, not anything in this lifetime, or anything in death. Nathan would always find Marcus. Always.

There’d been an almost electric current between Nathan and Marcus when Ryder had left them alone. It’d been impossible to miss, and Ryder was pretty sure he knew what those two were doing. Chances were good that he wouldn’t be meeting Maarten Visser tonight. Nathan and Marcus probably wouldn’t surface until morning. He wondered if it was the mate thing he’d heard about, that Harley had with his partner, Val. Those two were tighter than binder twine.

What would it be like, to have someone he wanted to fuck more than once? Ryder snorted. He didn’t really remember what it was like to fuck someone when he was sober, coherent. Drugs dulled a lot of things, even if he’d thought they were enhancing sensations at the time. What difference did that make when he couldn’t remember most of what had happened?

It didn’t. Maybe it would be best if he put off thinking about getting laid until he was ready to actually do it. He wasn’t scared, but he was a little anxious, and honestly, he wanted to wander around the compound and grounds first.

Ryder was still learning—and he had a lot to take in. He was aware of that. Part of the problem was finding someone to sit down and explain things to him. Marcus and Nathan couldn’t babysit him all the time, and Harley didn’t know much about shifters, either. Asking Val was out of the question. He always had Harley wrapped around him. As happy as Ryder was that Harley had someone so devoted to him, it often made Ryder feel like the odd man out.

Nothing new about that. Not fitting in had been one of the reasons he’d turned to drugs. Other people had better coping skills than he did back then. Ryder intended to develop healthy ones.

The compound itself was a complex, large structure with more hallways and doors than anywhere Ryder had ever seen. He supposed considering the number of shifters that lived there, it had to be huge. Asking the total number of occupants was probably a smart thing to do. He’d need to know the same information if he were to take up the position that he and Marcus had discussed. It only seemed prudent to know who was living with him.

For all that the compound was so big, it still felt like a communal home. There were kids running and playing, being scolded by parents and doing things Ryder figured normal kids did. His own childhood had been a disaster of worry and fear, of finding his mother unconscious from whatever drugs she’d used and having to dig through trash bins for food for him and Harley.

Ryder had hated his life then, and yet he’d turned around and done the same thing as his mom. Possibly because he’d felt doomed to repeat her mistakes, and after a childhood of misery, Ryder hadn’t had a clue how to be happy or normal.

Now he had a chance to be better, and he wasn’t going to waste it. He smiled at one of the kids who ran by laughing as if she’d never had a care in the world. It was a beautiful sound of pure joy that made him feel kind of sappy.

Usually he stayed in his rooms or went to the dining hall. Not today. He was finally going to start making a place for himself, here and with other shifters in general. It would make his move to take over the South American packs easier if he wasn’t uncomfortable in his own skin and ignorant of what he was.

The large common area was occupied by about thirty people, he guessed. Teenagers flirted, adults chatted and little kids clung to their parents. Everyone seemed happy, and when he walked into the area, several shifters waved at him or greeted him. Ryder didn’t know anyone’s name, but he did his best to learn them if they were offered.

At first he felt awkward, but soon he was chatting with the others like he’d known them for years. He listened as Kathy and Arnie told him about how they’d met, and even though they weren’t mates, they still loved each other a great deal. Ryder was confused by that, but he nodded and tucked it away to ask Marcus about later. Mates, lovers, he wasn’t sure of the difference as he’d never had either. Fucking and having a lover were two different things to him, as having a mate obviously meant something else entirely to the shifters, too.

After excusing himself, Ryder was feeling much more confident while he strode down another hall. He didn’t know where he was going, but he’d remember the way and map it all out in his mind. After a few minutes of nothing but golden-blonde wood and door after door on either side, Ryder thought he must be in one of the dorm areas. The doors were only separated by about ten feet. Sounds of TV shows and people talking could be heard.

Another hallway had the doors farther apart, but still they were evenly spaced out. Couples or families he supposed. There were five halls like that, along with two more of the possibly singles halls.

There were three gyms and two pools along with hot tubs and a sauna. All of those were occupied as far as he could tell. No surprise since shifters seemed to have a lot of energy. A door marked Training Room was locked. There were no windows to look in, but Ryder pressed his ear to the door and could hear soft pants as people fought each other, the smack of fists on skin.

That would be him tomorrow, getting beat on and trying to give as good as he got. Ryder had no illusions about what would happen. He was going to get his ass handed to him, probably several times. As he continued to listen, he had to admit he was excited about learning to fight, although getting hurt would suck.

When he heard the voices grow louder and could make out the words of praise, Ryder left off eavesdropping. There were more halls and rooms to check out, and the outside grounds themselves. Plus, he was getting hungry—for food and sex.

Probably should check on that Maarten guy, too. Get it over with and see how obnoxious he’s gonna be.
Before or after dinner, though? Considering his hopes for the night, he supposed it’d be best to meet Maarten sooner than later. The problem was, Ryder didn’t know where to find Maarten. He obviously wasn’t in any of the living quarters.

“Well, duh,” he muttered. Ryder’s rooms were in a different wing, and he’d bet Maarten’s were near his. It only made sense to have the guest quarters in the same area. Plus, it put the guests closer to Marcus and Nathan.

Ryder blinked, wondering why she’d asked until it dawned on him he was standing in the middle of a busy hallway. He hoped his smile wasn’t creepy. It felt too big, but his embarrassment at standing there like an idiot was undeniable. “Uh, no. I just kind of got lost in my thoughts.” He held out his hand. “I’m Ryder Johansen.”

She smiled, her pert face lighting up with good humour when she shook his hand. “I’m Sissy Dee—Dee’s my last name, not like Bobby Jo or anything like that.” She released his hand. “I knew who you were, though. Pack gossip spreads quicker than wildfire.”

Sissy had dark brown eyes and a smile that promised mischief. She bounced up onto her toes and leaned in to him. She was almost as tall as he was. “So, rumour is you’re single, too. Interested?” She waggled her eyebrows at him.

“I know some guys are intimidated by a strong woman.” She backed up and flexed her very impressive biceps.
Jesus, she could take most men that I know.
“A lot of women are, too, but there’s some who aren’t.” She winked at him. “I like women better, but if you’re open minded and interested in having an experienced woman peg you, I’m your chick.”
Ryder was fascinated and fearful—fascinated by the openness and security Sissy exuded, and fearful of pissing her off. She changed her position and flexed for him again. Ryder was beginning to feel under-muscled in comparison. Sissy really was very striking.
“What do you say?” she asked, straightening up and running a red-painted fingernail down his chest. “Feel like experimenting?”
That shook Ryder out of his stupor, and he caught her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I did my experimenting years ago, Sissy, but thank you. If I had even the least bit of attraction to a woman, I’d take you up on your offer. As it is, females, even ones who’d fuck me, just don’t flip my switch.”
Sissy pouted, but her eyes were lit with amusement. She poked her bottom lip out for a second then laughed and Ryder found himself the recipient of a potentially bone-crushing hug. “Aw, man, you’re okay. That was the sweetest rejection I’ve ever gotten.”
“Bet you don’t get rejections often at all,” Ryder muttered when she grabbed his butt.
“Nope, I sure don’t.” She squeezed his ass then let go of him with a saucy grin. “You’d be surprised at how many straight guys want to try prostate stimulation. I’ve probably had more ass than you.”
Ryder snorted in surprised laughter as Sissy nodded. “What? It’s true,” she said. “If I could only find willing women as easily as I find horny guys.” She sighed dramatically and nudged him. “Where are ya headed?”
“Dinner,” Ryder got out before he could do any more chuckling. “I’ve been wandering, touring the place, I guess. Hadn’t gotten out much.”
“Right, the mysterious stranger,” Sissy said in a mock-male voice. “Hearts will be broken when the women find out you don’t like their wet and smooshy parts.”
Ryder was going to end up sick, he was laughing so hard. He wheezed and tried to get it together while Sissy watched him.
“I could have used the proper terms, but those always get such a funnier response,” she said after he gasped and started getting himself under control. “Come on, we can eat together and you can tell me about your goals in life. Not really,” she added before he could reply. “We’ll talk about sex, of course.”
“Have you seen someone new here today?” he thought to ask as they headed towards the dining hall.
Sissy rolled her eyes. “Oh, gawd. There was this guy, all right. I didn’t have to ask him if he was interested since he was fucking Casey up the ass beside one of the sheds.”
“He could be bi—” Ryder started.
“He obviously was getting it from someone else already, or giving it to someone else.” Sissy shrugged. “I’m not interested in having a dick in me, anywhere, so I don’t see the point in even bothering. Plus, dude had some atrocious blue trousers down around his knees, and this bright yellow shirt.” She shuddered. “That right there is a libido killer for me.”
“Bright clothes?” Ryder asked.
“Ugly clothes,” she corrected. “Give me a guy or gal in jeans and a T-shirt, and I’ll be a happy woman.” Sissy paused them by a closed door that Ryder knew was the security offices. “Hm, I have to wonder what’ll happen to Casey. I’m pretty sure he was still on duty since I’ve worked his shift before.”
“You’re a guard,” Ryder blurted, feeling dense. “I should have known by the way you carry yourself.” Sissy walked with an assurance that Ryder had seen only in guards and shifters like Marcus and his family and friends.
“Yes, sir, that I am. Guess I’ll find out what happens with Casey soon enough since I’m on nights this month. Probably sooner, once he’s been confronted over his lack of judgement.” Sissy hitched one shoulder up and rolled it. “Don’t get me wrong, Casey’s a nice guy. We’ve hooked up once or twice. He’s eager to bottom for anyone. Still shoulda known better than to be fucking around on the clock.”
“I agree, but isn’t Maarten the brother of an Alpha Anax? Shouldn’t he know not to distract one of Marcus’ guards like that?”
Sissy snorted so loud it sounded painful. “Please. Maarten didn’t do any distracting, or if he did, it was all on Casey to keep it professional. Trust me, I saw it. Maarten wasn’t forcing anything on Casey. I’m sure Maarten knew Casey shouldn’t be doing it, but it really is only Casey’s place to draw the lines in such a situation. He didn’t just not draw them, he squirted spunk all over them.”
“That’s kind of gross, Sissy,” Ryder told her, wincing at the image.
“Don’t be a wuss. It’s the truth.” She started them walking again, only to whisper so softly he barely heard it. “Oh, look. Here comes Casey now, heading from Keegan’s office. He looks really upset, so I’m going to bet the Head Guard just relieved Casey of his position on the guard unit. Easy to deduce when Casey’s coming out of there in nothing but his briefs. He’s been stripped of his uniform.”
Ryder hadn’t looked until then, because seeing another man’s shame wasn’t something he wanted to be a part of. But there was a tug to his gut, something making him seek out Casey. He saw part of Casey’s face. He was a plain-looking man, his build slight but decent enough. The guy was obviously upset, his head down and something suspiciously like sniffles coming from him. What surprised Ryder, as Casey got closer to him, was the weird arousal he began to feel and the urge to tear Casey into shreds.
“What the hell,” Sissy muttered, tugging him back several feet. “I can smell the anger coming off of you.”
Ryder curled his hands into fists and tried his best not to lunge at Casey and hurt him. Fear coalesced with the anger, making him nauseous. Was he like Drake after all, evil inside? He had no reason to want to harm Casey, yet it was all he could do to keep himself from attacking the man.
“Dude, you are shaking with anger.” Sissy clucked and turned him around so that he wasn’t looking at Casey, but was instead staring into her eyes. “Tell me what you’re feeling.”
“I don’t know,” Ryder ground out. “I saw him, it was fine, then—” It was the scent, he realised. As Casey had got close enough for Ryder to smell him, he’d become horny and enraged at the same time. “Something about the way he smells…”
“Makes you want to kill him and fuck him at the same time?” she asked.
Ryder tried to look away, but she caught his chin, holding him there as she waited. Ryder huffed, “Yes. No. I don’t know, I don’t—”
Think
, he ordered himself. “I don’t want to fuck him, no. I just want to kill him, and I don’t have any reason for that. I don’t even know the man.”
“So what made you hard?” Sissy touched his cock through his jeans and Ryder shoved her hand aside.
“Don’t.” The idea of anyone touching him just then made him want to howl. “I don’t know, but not him.”
Sissy rolled her lips in and glanced down the hall. “You’ve met Keegan.”
“Yes.” Several times.
“So it isn’t him, then,” she said more to herself, Ryder thought. “Hm. Interesting. I wonder… Come with me.” Sissy took him by the wrist.
“Where are we going?” he asked as Sissy began walking. He had to move to keep up or possibly lose his arm.
“Guest rooms,” she said succinctly.
Ryder didn’t even ask why, because the more they walked, the harder his dick got. His pulse raced, and his heart fluttered and slammed alternatively. His wolf prowled in him, need bringing the beast to the surface. Shifting—it was what he wanted to do then, let his wolf free and follow the scent that was heating his blood.
“Oh my, maybe I should get Keegan first.”
Ryder didn’t know why Sissy would say that. His body was hot, inside and out, his nerve endings singing with joy because he knew once he found the owner of that tantalising aroma, ecstasy would follow.
“Ryder—”
Ryder growled and pulled his arm free of Sissy’s hold. He couldn’t make sense of the anger he still felt, any more than he could comprehend the all-consuming lust that was powering him.
“Shit,” he heard Sissy say.
Ryder quit paying her any attention. Ahead and to his right was what he needed. Who he needed. Ryder’s rational human side tried to question it, but his animal instincts were driving him forward and wouldn’t be denied.