Mark's Not Gay [Brac Pack 11] (2 page)

“This is the infamous Mark?” Cody quirked a brow at him.

“I don’t know about infamous, but the name’s Mark.” He held his hand out.

Cody shook it, “Nice to meet you, Mark. Name’s Cody, and this is my ma—boyfriend, Keata.”

“I don’t poach, and I’m not gay, so you can stand down.” Mark glanced back at Keata. He never would have guessed him to be a man.

He was way off on that one. He scratched his jaw as he turned back around, accepting the tea as it was handed to him.

“How long you planning on staying?” Loco asked him as he drank down the cool drink.

His shoulders lifted in a shrug as he downed the drink. That hit the spot. He sat the glass down, wiping the moisture from his top lip. “For a few days.”

“Well, come on. Let’s get you settled in.” Loco stood and walked over to Tangee, leaning in to whisper something in his ear.

Mark stood, grabbing his leather as he nodded at Cody. “Nice meeting you.”

“Yeah, you, too.”

Mark had a feeling he and this guy weren’t going to get along.

Best to stay away from him while he was here. He didn’t want to bring bullshit to Loco’s hometown.

“See you at the house, Tang,” Mark called out.

“Okay, Mark,” Tangee yelled back as Mark followed Loco out.

He glanced back to see Cody watching him. His lip lifted in a sneer
12

Lynn Hagen

before he could stop it. Turning around, he opened the door and headed toward his bike.

* * * *

Mark followed behind Loco’s truck on his motorcycle. The country scene passed him by, and he inhaled the fresh air, loving the fact he wasn’t in the city right now with the exhaust fumes, loud noises, and traffic jams. This was peaceful. A guy could get used to this.

His jaw tightened when Loco pulled onto a gravel drive. The house was huge, a mansion. He knew Loco had money. The guy never needed for anything when he came to visit almost daily a while ago when he was courting Tangee, but this…well, damn. Why was Tangee working in a diner if Loco was loaded?

He pushed his kickstand down, swinging his leg from over his bike, laying his helmet on the seat. A nice hog sat at the end of the drive amongst a row of trucks and SUVs. How many vehicles did this guy own? “Nice place you got.”

“This estate isn’t mine.” Loco smiled as he led him up the front steps. “Belongs to Maverick, we all just live here and drive him crazy.”

Mark felt better. Loco was cool and down-to-earth. If he had owned all this, it would have made their friendship a little uncomfortable. Mark liked the place instantly, not because it was a mansion, but because of the rock music blaring from one of the rooms. “Sounds like a party.”

“Nah, that’s just the mates doing their usual.” Mark followed Loco into what his friend had referred to as the den. Now, this room was jumping. A big screen television sat up on one wall, video games racing across the screen, pool table, card table, and even a bar. Seems Tangee did all right for himself. Mark was happy for his friend.

Mark’s Not Gay

13

He chuckled as a little dude ran up to him, his blonde curls bouncing off of his shoulders. “Whose mate is he?” Mark caught the slight nod Loco gave to a large guy standing at the pool table. The man by the pool table moved across the room to stand next to the little dude.

“Come on, pretty baby. You can beat me at pool.” The guy shook Mark’s hand. “I’m Hawk, Loco’s boss, if you will.”

“Mark. Nice to meet you.”

“And this is my pretty baby, Johnny.” Hawk introduced his boyfriend. Mark shook his hand as well. Looking around the place, he noticed there wasn’t a female in sight. No problem. He didn’t have a hang-up about gay men. As long as they didn’t take it upon themselves to get frisky with him, it was all good.

Loco introduced him to everyone in the room, and they all seemed nice enough. He even had a controller shoved in his hand, trying his best to learn the game. He was actually having fun.

“Who’s your friend?”

Mark turned to see the biggest man he had ever laid eyes on.

Damn, the man nearly touched the archway into the den. As tough as Mark considered himself, he wouldn’t want to tangle with this guy if he didn’t have to.

“Maverick, this is my friend, Mark. The one I told you about.” Loco introduced them.

“Nice to meet you, Mark. Thank you for saving Tangee.” Maverick shook his hand, his eyes were sharp and assessing. The tall man gave Mark the willies. It was as if he could see right through him. Maverick bent over, pulling a toddler into his arms, one Mark knew to be a girl.

“Say hi to Mark, Melonee,” Maverick encouraged her.

The little one shook his index finger. “I know you, beautiful.” Mark smiled at her.

“You know her?” Maverick asked.

14

Lynn Hagen

“Yeah, Tangee brought her to the shop sometimes. Cute as a button.” Mark extended his arms, and Maverick reluctantly handed her over.

“Hi, Uncle Mark.” She wrapped her little arms around his neck then started patting his cheeks. “Did you bring me some?”

“Sorry, honey, all out of candy.” Mark sat her on her feet, and she ran off to make a menace of herself with the other men.

“Enjoy your stay.” Maverick dipped his head slightly at Mark, and then left.

“Grab your saddlebag, and I’ll show you to a guestroom, let you get settled in.” Loco led him upstairs.

Mark wasn’t really impressed with the grandeur of the place. He wasn’t a materialistic guy, and fancy things didn’t float his boat. But what guy wouldn’t be envious of that den? He hitched the saddlebag higher onto his shoulder as he followed Loco, his eyes scanning his surroundings and taking everything in.

Loco led him into a large bedroom. Mark looked around. It was nice and comfortable looking. He sat his bag on the bed, smiling at Loco. “Things have been kinda boring without you two around,” he admitted.

“You’re welcome to move to this town, out of the city, although I don’t know how much of a tattoo artist is in demand around here.” Mark began digging through his bag. “Don’t own the shop anymore.”

“What the hell happened?” Loco looked stunned at the news. He walked over and sat on the bed to listen.

“Granddad passed away and left me his garage. I work on motorcycles and trucks now, custom work. Always liked inking better though.” Mark pulled a pair of jeans and a fresh white shirt from his bag, tossing them onto the bed. Mark dug a little deeper into his bag and found a pair of socks.

“Then what did you give up your shop for?” Loco asked as he leaned back on one elbow, threading his fingers together.

Mark’s Not Gay

15

Mark smiled. “Can’t run both. I have to be where I work. I don’t trust anyone to run something for me.” Mark grabbed his clothes from the bed. “Mind if I take a shower?”

“Nah, go ahead. I have to go get Tangee anyway. Make yourself at home. No one will bother you if you wander around. You’re kinda a hero around here for saving Tangee.” Mark stopped in midstride and turned, frowning at Loco’s words.

“Wasn’t doing it to gain fame. Did it because a friend was in need.”

“And
that
is why you are welcome here.” Loco smiled as he left Mark to his shower.

Mark scrubbed the towel over his brown tendrils and then pulled his jeans and T-shirt on. He sat on the bed and pulled his boots on, raising one leg at a time to tie them.

After getting dressed, he jogged down the stairs. He headed into the chaos. “So who is who here?” he asked all the short men that were jumping around. He had been introduced to some of them, but it seemed more had cropped up.

Johnny ran up to him. “You already know me.” Mark smiled down at the exuberant man. “Yes, I remember you.” Johnny began to point at the people in the room. “That’s Drew over there.” Johnny leaned in closer. “He used to do drugs. Not anymore, though.” He straightened and pointed at a pair of men.

“That’s Blair and Oliver.” Lowering his voice, he said, “Their daddy used to molest them. Not anymore, though.” Mark had a feeling he was about to get all the dirty laundry.

“That’s Kyoshi. His cousin Keata is at the diner with his mate, Cody.”

“I met him.”

Johnny leaned in. “They were kidnapped from Japan. They were gonna be used for sex, but Storm saved them.” Yep, all the dirty underwear was being shown.

16

Lynn Hagen

“That’s Cecil. His old boyfriend used to beat him up.” Johnny turned. “And that’s Lewis. He’s a detective, used to drink a lot. Not anymore, though.”

Well, now that he knew everyone’s skeletons. “And what’s your story, Johnny?”

“My mother did drugs, the courts gave me to my brother, and he beat me up a lot. Not anymore, though. Hawk loves me now. He does this thing—”

“What have I told you, pretty baby?” Hawk chuckled when Johnny licked his hand to uncover his mouth.

“Sorry you got the sordid details introduction.” Hawk smiled at Mark.

“Not a biggie. Everyone has issues.” Johnny beamed up at him. “What’s your story?” Mark thought about it. “I guess I’m a boring guy, really don’t have one.”

“We could make one up for you.” Johnny giggled. “Hey, Drew.

This is Mark. He’s running from the coppers. He robbed a bank

’cause his mamma is poor.” Johnny winked at him.

Mark liked the man instantly. “I had a shoot ’em out with them, too.” Mark pointed his fingers as guns and popped his lips for sound effect.

“Oh, yeah, that’s real good.” Johnny agreed. “I like the way you go along with me even though it’s all made up. You’re fun.” Johnny smiled up at Mark.

“What’s his story?” Mark pointed over to a guy who looked like he breathed pain.

“That’s Evan. He is Lewis’s mate. Those two didn’t like each other when they first met. They tried to beat each other up.” Johnny pulled Mark further into the room. “Want something to drink? We don’t have alcohol on account of Lewis, but we have juice.” Mark chuckled. “I don’t drink anyway. Juice is good.”
Mark’s Not Gay

17

Johnny got the blender going, tossing in bananas and strawberries, ice cubes, and a little orange juice.

“You’re pretty good at that.” Mark was impressed. For some reason Johnny reminded him of a small child who needed to be watched around sharp objects.

“Me and Keata love smoothies. George showed me how to make them.” Johnny’s little pink tongue stuck out as he concentrated on the clock.

“And who is George?” Just how many people lived there?

“He’s another mate. The cook at the diner. He used to live in Wyoming, but they kicked him out for being gay.” Johnny’s eyes went from the clock to him. “You gay?”

“No, but I don’t have a problem with gay people.” This seemed to perplex the man. He scrunched his face up as if trying to figure out a problem. “How can you be a mate if you aren’t gay?”

Mark had figured out Loco and Tangee’s secret a while ago. He knew they were some kind of shifter creatures, and he had even seen Tangee’s small canines come out when he became agitated, though he never commented on them. Something warned him against revealing his knowledge to the men. Some instinct told him it wouldn’t be welcomed.

“Who says I’m a mate?”

Johnny looked even more bewildered. “If you aren’t a mate, why are you here?”

Mark grinned, so innocent. “Just visiting my friends Loco and Tangee.”

“Oh, okay then.” He leaned forward, going back into whisper mode. “Don’t tell anyone I told you about the mates then. Okay?” Mark zipped his lips. “Not a word.”

Johnny giggled. “I like you. You’re funny.”
18

Lynn Hagen

Chapter Two

Mark walked the halls, sleep eluding him. His growling stomach leading him from his bedroom and on a hunt for food. He found the kitchen and made himself a sandwich, Loco did say to make himself at home. Mark began to think of the things he needed to get done as he put the finishing touches on his sandwich.

A call to the shop today was in order. Mark hated to leave it to the head mechanic, Leo. Although the guy had worked for his grandfather for forty years, Mark still liked to keep an eye on things.

A ride out seemed like the right thing to do after the funeral. He was going to miss his granddad. He was the coolest around. Charlie showed Mark everything he knew about how to get around, over, and through an engine. There wasn’t much on a bike or truck he couldn’t fix.

“I wasn’t aware we had a guest.”

Mark glanced up his engrossed thoughts. He hadn’t heard anyone approach. There was a guy standing there with shoulder-length sandy blond hair and big brown eyes. He was two inches shorter than Mark and was long and lean. “Mark Forester.” He inclined his head.

The man crossed the room and shook his hand. “Caden McQueen.”

“I’m Loco and Tangee’s friend. Just visiting.” Mark bit into his sandwich, wiping it with the paper towel as he chewed.

“Ah, the man who saved Tangee.”

Mark rolled his eyes as he swallowed his food. “Does everyone know about that?”

Caden chuckled. “Not much is unknown around here.”
Mark’s Not Gay

19

“Yeah, I got the extended version of introductions from Johnny.” Caden winced. “Sorry about that. Johnny gets a little excited when meeting new people. He’s come a long way from his former self. He’s a good man though.”

Mark waved his hand at Caden in a dismissive gesture. “I figured as much. No big deal.” He wondered what Caden’s story was, who his mate was. Why the hell did that thought bother him?

“How long are you here for?” Caden asked.

Mark tossed out his food, no longer interested in eating, an uneasy feeling creeping inside of him. He’d never been drawn to a man before, so why was he experiencing unfamiliar feelings right now? “A few days. I have to head back to the city, start working at my shop.” Mark shifted to his other leg, studying the man closely. There was something about him that made Mark want to pull him in his arms.

He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to figure out what was going on inside of him. There was some kind of pull making him take a step toward Caden.