To Touch the Sky
Chapter Ten:“Shit.”Somehow Hawk knew if he didn’t stop Simon, he’d regret it for the rest of his life. Not bothering to find someone to cover for him, he ran out from behind the bar. At the rate Simon was moving, he’d be half way down the road before Hawk could get out of the door.Hawk came hurried out the door right behind Simon. “Simon? Hey, slow down, man.”Simon jerked around. They were right under the outside lights. “Glory be, you remember my name, huh? What do you want? I paid my bill, even left a damn good tip. If that waitress said otherwise, then she’s—”Hawk threw up his hands. “Easy there. That’s not why I followed you.”Simon crossed his arms over his chest. “No? Well, that’s good to know. But I have to say I’m surprised you’re out here. Usually you’re so busy you don’t have to time to talk.”Hawk let that pass, because really, what could he say? Simon was right. “Are you okay?”Simon rolled his eyes. “Why? Worried I got food poisoning or something?”“Damn, you sure are pissy.” Hawk watched as all paleness fled as a wave of ugly red washed over Simon’s face. “Well, at least you got some color now.”“You… you…” Simon buried his hands in his hair, threw his head back, and gave a short, sharp scream.Impressive. He’s almost as shrill as me. But I’m not sure I’d tell him that. He looks like he’s ready to punch you as it is.Hawk let the image of rusty pliers flash through his head.You do realize your ass would be sore too, right?Hawk was tempted to yell right along with Simon.Simon pointed a finger at Hawk. “Go. Away. You’re good at that.”Hawk saw the quiver Simon couldn’t control. Emotions—regret, worry, concern, desire, need, and so many more he couldn’t even separate them—crashed over him and bubbled up in his throat. He didn’t stop to think. Reaching out, he grabbed Simon. With a sexy little squeak, Simon was in his arms.He smoothed his hands up and down Simon’s back, feeling the muscles tense. Patting lightly, he murmured soft sounds of comfort. Contentment spread through him. Then Simon wiggled, his groin brushing against Hawk. Need ate up contentment quickly. Now burning desire pierced him and he pulled Simon closer, one hand pressed against Simon’s ass.“W-what are you doing?” Simon gasped, looking up.“Shhh,” Hawk whispered, letting himself drown in those deep brown pools. “It’s okay.” He lowered his head, his lips gently touching Simon’s. Simon whimpered as he closed those sexy eyes and opened—opened and gave everything.Hawk’s world exploded. He tasted sweetness, a gentleness that offered comfort and an acceptance that promised to bathe his needful, tattered soul. But there was also an overlay of spice. A fire burned hotly in Simon. He tasted longing, a yearning seething just below the surface that begged for control, to be able to let go and trust someone else to take over. Him. He was the one, the ‘someone’ Simon’s spirit longed to give itself over to and let go.The wind whispered happily, trees moaned blissfully, the grass murmured ecstatically. The world tilted. The living spirits around them spoke of mates, love, and pleasure. This was perfection and unrivaled joy. Their spirits spoke to each other.This was a simple kiss.How in the world would he survive making love to Simon, of taking on responsibility for a mate? The pleasure slid away as his mind turned back to the past. He’d failed once, hadn’t he? He couldn’t survive losing his mate.Simon ended the kiss, slowly opening his eyes. “Hawk?”He stepped back, running his hand over his short hair. “I, ah, sorry about that. I, ah, got carried away. You looked so… And I thought that you… I shouldn’t have done—”Simon scowled, crossing his arms over his chest again. “Finish that thought, and I just may knock you on your ass.”Hawk barely stopped the snort threatening to escape. His mate had spunk. “I am really mucking this up.”Up went one of Simon’s eyebrows. “I’ll say.”Hawk needed to get back on track. “Look, are you okay? What happened in there?”Simon stiffed. “What?”Hawk watched Simon pull back and shut down. Simon’s face was a blank. “I asked if you were okay? You seemed a little freaked.”Simon didn’t answer. “I’m okay. It’s nothing. I just made up mind up on something and saw no reason to stay. Or come back. Ever.”Hawk swore mentally, rocking from foot to foot. “Unmake your mind.”“I… Hawk?”“Yes?”“Do you kiss all your customers who suddenly run out of your bar?”Hawk froze. “No, never. Until now there was no reason to.”A small smile touched Simon’s lips. “I see. Okay then, see you later.”Hawk watched Simon get in his car. He wasn’t sure what just happened. He hadn’t meant to kiss Simon, then he hadn’t wanted to stop kissing Simon.The door the opened again and this time Jason stood there, the light from the bar backlighting him. “Your manager is cussing you and looking at steak knives, man. You better come on.”“Shit.” He walked to the front door, but stopped to look back as Simon’s car pulled out of its parking spot and drove toward him. Just as it passed him, Simon laid on the horn, making Hawk jump. Stunned, he watched Simon drive off. “The little shit.”Jason clasped him on the back as they headed inside. “That little shit is going to lead you a merry chase, my friend.”
“You don’t have to sound so damn happy about it. Ah jeez, there’s Kaitlyn. Hold that thought.” Hawk went back behind the bar.
Chapter ElevenSimon managed to get home without wrapping his car around a telephone pole. Did this mean Hawk had feelings for him? If so, why did he act like an ass at first? Simon ran his finger across his lips. He certainly hadn’t acted like an ass in the parking lot. Hawk kissed him like a man desperate for something. Huh. Or desperate to hide from something.People acted like that when they had baggage, and baggage was never a fun thing to deal with, especially when you were the one dealing with the damn stuff. Simon watched the light from the TV play across the ceiling.“Decision time, then. Is the man worth it?”He pictured Hawk behind the bar, serving drinks. Then he saw Hawk sitting at one of the booths at his bar, a slight smile tilting his lips—those lush, full lips. He’d like to see those lips wrapped around his cock. And speaking of cock, his was standing at attention.He rubbed his palm over his dick. “That didn’t take long.”Getting hard was never a problem. The ache that filled him was new, though. He wanted the man, craved him in a way he’d never felt before. He didn’t understand this need, only knew it was something new.“Alright, guess he’s worth it, baggage and all.” It was time to de-baggage the man, and that was going to be so much fun. Not.“I hate drama,” he sighed. Well, he couldn’t very well complain since he just voluntarily waded knee deep into the stuff. Without shoes. In his best jeans, no less.Why did Hawk’s bar have to be out in the middle of nowhere? Anyway, it’d give him plenty of time to plot as he drove out there and back. He’d made up his mind. He wanted Hawk, and when Simon made his mind up about something, he let nothing get in his way. He wanted Hawk. He blew out a deep breath. It looked like he was going to be spending a lot of time behind the wheel.
The next few weeks he spent with Hawk at his bar. They talked often, slowly getting to know one another. Kisses were exchanged. Skin was touched. But they hadn’t done much more. They’d even gone to the movies and bowling, but most weekends they were at the bar. Tonight, Simon was determined there was going to be more, dammit. Right now, he was trying to keep up with Hawk.Holy hell, the man could dance. Hawk slipped behind him as soon as they hit the dance floor, the bass pounding through their bodies. He held Simon close, and Hawk’s body heat sank into him. Simon relaxed, his body undulating with the music. For several minutes they swayed to the beat, both lost to the rhythm and crush of bodies. Hawk’s hands fleetingly touched him as they moved, never staying in one place long and slowly building his desire up again.“Hawk…” Simon’s words trailed off to a soft moan, his eyes fluttering closed.Hawk’s hands grasped his hips and pulled Simon back against him, his hard-on nestled against a firm ass. Simon enjoyed the feel of Hawk’s hot breath on his neck.Simon eye’s snapped open. “Oh, yeah.”Simon moved, his body swaying. Need once again built as he rubbed against Hawk. He reached his arm behind Hawk’s head, his hand threading through Hawk’s thick black hair. He pulled Hawk closer. Simon shivered when Hawk buried his nose against the skin of his neck and sniffed. The hot exhalation of breath across his skin caused another shiver.“My office,” Hawk whispered. “Now.”“Fucking-A.” Simon couldn’t get there fast enough. Looked like he wasn’t have to drag Hawk to his office after all.They entered, and Simon heard the door slam shut, his back pressed against a wall. Hawk’s agile fingers tugged at the hem of his shirt. He gasped when Hawk’s fingers across his taunt stomach, then stopped, almost as if waiting to see what would happen. Simon let a helpless little whimper escape.“Shh,” Hawk whispered against Simon’s ear.Simon nearly moaned aloud when Hawk’s hand slid up his chest, hunting for…. Oh God, yes. Hawk nibbled on Simon’s neck as he stroked a hard nipple.“Like that?” Hawk barely spoken words caressed Simon’s ear.“More than you know.” Simon leaned his head back against Hawk’s shoulder, moving with the man holding him close.He was one of those lucky ones whose nips were hardwired to his dick. He loved how Hawk stroked his hard nubs, keeping his touch light, dragging out the pleasure. It was just enough to make him crazy with need, but not hard enough to come. Hawk’s other hand landed at the base of Simon’s throat, tilting his head back slightly.Simon groaned, and he strained back against Hawk. “Kiss me?”“Say please.”“Please, Hawk.” He ground his ass into Hawk’s groin. “Please. I want to feel your hands on me.”“Damn, Simon, you’re so fucking hot. You make me need so badly.” Hawk pulled Simon’s mouth to his.Hawk wasn’t the only one needing. Shit, he just came and here he was struggling not to pull Hawk back to his office. Hawk tilted Simon’s head back and brushed his lips over Simon’s. Another moan broke loose from him. God, Hawk’s lips were soft, so plump. Simon nipped those tender lips pressed to his in warning. He wanted inside this time, dammit. He wanted to explore. He tugged hard on Hawk’s hair trying to express what he needed.He thought he felt Hawk’s chest vibrated against his back in laughter, but Hawk finally opened up. Simon eagerly thrust in, exploring. Hawk tasted so good, just a hint of something spicy and sharp. Suddenly, his tongue was trapped in Hawk’s mouth, Hawk sucking hard as he twisted Simon’s nipple. Pain and pleasure slammed him, need lit him up. Holy shit, he was rock hard. And so was Hawk, if the hard-on stabbing his was any indication. Hawk released his nipple, then gently brushed his fingers against the sore nub.Hawk broke the kiss, then licked a path down Simon’s neck. “My way, Simon. Always my way. Understand?”“Always?”“Concerning sex, yes.” Hawk flicked a hard nip.Simon shuddered. He did understand. “Concerning sex, then okay. Your way.” Didn’t mean he wouldn’t test Hawk on occasion.
Chapter TwelveHawk stepped back, then glanced down Simon. “You need to know that I’ve been running for a long, long time.”“I kind of got that.”Hawk rubbed his thumb over the soft skin of Simon’s jaw. Was the rest of him this soft? His totem furiously flapped his wings in his mind. “I had my reasons, though.”“We all do.”“But it didn’t do me any good. Running didn’t do me any good.” His totem was all for finding out how soft Simon’s skin was. Right now. He reminded his spirit they were in a bar, dammit. Not exactly the best place for licking his mate from head to heel.“Some things you just can’t run from, Hawk.” Simon stepped closer, laying his palm on Hawk’s chest. “Or maybe it’s just time you stopped running from whatever it is chasing you.”He wondered if Simon could feel how frantically his heart beat. “You’re right. You’re exactly right. I’m done running, Simon. May the Great Spirit help us both.”He leaned into Simon, letting the other man feel his weight, but still careful not to cause harm. Simon’s eyes drifted closed. Hawk braced his other arm against the wall and leaned closer, their lips just a hair’s breadth apart. He nipped at Simon’s lips, but didn’t tarry. Instead, he sniffed at Simon’s throat, then mouthed along the edge of Simon’s jaw focusing on Simon’s pulse throbbing just below his skin. Pressing his lips there, he sucked, drawing the blood to the surface. Satisfied with the mark he’d left on his mate, he soothed the spot with his tongue.“Oh God,” Simon’s body stiffened, then a wonderfully debauched groan slipped out.Hawk wanted more. He tightened his grip slightly on Simon’s throat, tilting Simon’s head. He pressed his mouth to the side of Simon’s neck, sucking blood to the surface in a new place. He mouthed the length of Simon’s jaw, brushing their cheeks together, then nipped the muscle in the side of Simon’s neck. He drew hard on the flesh, feeling the blood rise to the surface.He rubbed his lower body against Simon, excited to feel an answering hardness. He could stand here all night, touching all this smooth, satiny skin. Simon’s hand suddenly landed on Hawk’s shoulders, gripping handfuls of his shirt. Another breathless moan struggled free as Simon pulled Hawk closer.Hawk nosed at Simon’s throat, then meandered up to his ear, dragging his teeth along the sensitive lobe. Simon shuddered again, tugging slightly at Hawk’s hair. With a grin, he lowered his head and took Simon’s mouth. Simon opened eagerly. Hawk chased Simon’s tongue, both dueling for dominance, a sensual battle. Simon’s scent swirled around him, urging him on as his tongue licked at Simon, demanding submission.Hawk’s heavy breathing echoed around them. Simon lifted one leg and hooked around Hawk’s hips. He pressed his hard cock against his mate, rubbing frantically as Simon rocked against him. He broke the kiss, then nipped Simon’s tender bottom lip again.Desire washed over him, but so did peace, something he would’ve thought completely at odds with the need riding him. Something he damn sure never felt before. Peace, and a sense of home, of belonging. He ended the kiss, his eyes roaming over Simon’s throat.“Hawk, please?”Hawk’s eyes lingered over each bruise darkening Simon’s pale skin before returning to those hungry brown eyes. “Please what?”Simon strained against Hawk’s thigh. “Make me come.”Hawk dropped his hand from Simon’s throat and grabbed that tight ass. “Make you, or let you? Think carefully about how you answer that. Make sure you know what it is you’re asking for.”Simon’s dropped his leg, his eyes widening. His throat worked as he swallowed, then he licked his lips. “Let me, please.”Electricity lit up Hawk’s body and his cock throbbed. Every breathe he took filled him with his mate. Nothing made him harder than the word please. “Say it again and add my name too.”“Let me come, please, Hawk.”“Fuck, that’s the sexiest thing I’ve heard in a long, long time.” Hawk unzipped Simon’s jeans and pulled his cock out.The head was already wet. Simon was hot, so hot, in Hawk’s hand. Hot, but hard as steel covered in silk. He worked Simon’s shaft, his grip tight. He needed slick, but damn if he was letting go of Simon long enough to hunt some down. Hell, he wasn’t sure he even had some in his office. He’d be taking care of that oversight first thing. He spit in his hand—best he could do for now—and stoked Simon harder.Simon’s head fell back, banging against the wall even as his hips thrust. “Aw God, just like that. Yeah, nice and firm on me. Shit, that’s good.”Hawk flicked his thumb over the head of Simon’s dick. He’d worry about finesse later, Right now he had one thing in mind and that was to make his mate come for the first time. The scent of nutmeg and vanilla strengthened. Simon thrust his hips desperately. Both of them watched the glistering head of Simon’s cock poke out of Hawk’s fist, then disappear.Simon’s breathe heaved, his mouth open. “I’m close, Hawk. Can I? Please?”“And if I say no?”Simon whined. “Oh God, please don’t say no. Please? Hawk, I don’t know if I can… Please, please let me come.”Hawk waited until Simon’s voice warbled before speaking. “Come, Simon.”“Awwww, God!” Simon’s eyes rolled back as he thrust madly into Hawk’s fist. “Yes, oh yes, thank you. I… so good, so good. I, oh boy. Dammit. Gahk.” Simon reached for Hawk’s wrist. “It’s… it’s… too much, Hawk.”“I say when, remember?”Simon’s gave jerked up to Hawk’s. “Oh, oh, God.” But he dropped his hand.“Good.”Hawk stoked Simon’s length a few more time before he stopped. He held his hand up. “Lick.” Seeing Simon cleaning his hand was almost enough to make him come. Almost. He pulled his hand away and finished cleaning it himself. The taste of his mate exploded on his tongue.“Can I help you out?”“No. This time was for you.” Hawk placed a gentle kiss on Simon’s red, swollen lips.“Are you sure?” He was sure. That didn’t mean his cock necessity agreed. “Next time.”
Chapter ThirteenTwo weeks later they were back at the bar. It was Saturday night and a live band was playing. They spent most of the night visiting with friends, playing pool, or dancing. The dancing ended up leading them back to Hawk’s office and some heavy-duty petting.Hawk moved closer to Simon. “Sounds like the band’s taking a break.”“Yup.”“What did you think about Tripping Panic?” Hawk asked.“Is that their name?”“It is. The head’s singer name is Trip.”“I like them, a lot. They have a good beat, and can do the slower stuff too. But…” Simon pulled Hawk flush against him and bucked his hips. “While I like them, and I’d like to hear them again, what I’d really like is head back to your place. Can we leave now?”Hawk pinned Simon against the desk and ground his erection into Simon. “If it wasn’t for the fact the first time I make love to you will be in a bed, I’d bend you over the desk.”“I’m good either way.” Simon brushed his lips over Hawk. “But I really like your bedroom.”“We’re out of here, then.” One last kiss, then Hawk shooed Simon out of the office.The sexual tension hung in the air—an invisible cloud that hung over them. Hawk helped Simon in the truck. Simon trembled when Hawk’s hands ghosted over his ass. Then he jumped when his ass was pinched. He threw a smirk over his shoulder at man behind him. Hawk’s dark eyes burned into him. Fuck, the guy was a combination of chivalry and hotness. Hawk touched him, and Simon motor hit overdrive.No one had ever affected him that way. He liked the kinkiness, the compassion, and the loyalty he’d seen from Hawk. They got along well and could talk about everything. And thank God, Hawk had never said anything about his height. He was one of the few men who hadn’t made a comment about his twinkiness. He’d hate to have to punch the guy when there were other more fun things they could be doing.Hawk got in and started the truck. “Do you have plans for tomorrow?”“No. Well, outside of some laundry.”Hawk steered the truck toward his home. “How about after breakfast we do a little fishing at my pond.”“I’d like that.” Simon looked out the passenger window. There weren’t many clouds and moonlight draped the landscape. “Have you ever noticed how many stars there are? You can’t see them in the city, but out here in the middle of nowhere, you can. Of courses, we’re missing all the buildings, traffic, noise, people, and lights out here too. I never really noticed how bright the city is, you know? But out here? The landscape is so untouched, so other-worldly.”“There’s nothing wrong with modern convinces. I’m all for electricity, cable, in-door plumbing, and so on,” Hawk said. “But, I need nature—I long for the rich smell of pine on the breeze, not smog. I crave the freedom to walk outside without bumping into my neighbors. I like looking out of my door and seeing rabbits in the yard, or foxes running past.” “I get that, I do. Try living in an apartment. I’m not sure man was meant to live one on top of other. God knows, my neighbor above me walks like a herd of buffalo.”Hawk snorted. “And how many times have you heard, or even seen, a herd of buffalo?”“Does seeing them on the Outdoor Channel count?”“Hardly.” Hawk shook his head. “Speaking of rabbits, foxes, and buffalo… Did you know my people once believe our children were born with a totem spirit? They believe that spirit bonded with the child at birth. It could have been an animal, or something else entirely.”Simon turned to Hawk. “That is so cool! An animal, huh? Wait. You said bond. What do you mean by bonding with the child?”“The spirit shared the child’s body. Eventually, the child grew and was able to shift into that animal.” “So, if the if the totem was a tiger, the child when he got older could shift into a tiger? How fucking cool would that be. What else, Hawk? You said there were other things.”“The spirit could be a water spirit and could control water. Or it could be one that controlled the weather.”“Wow. Huh.” Simon pursed his lips. “Guess we know now were the idea for shifters came from.”Hawk rolled his eyes. “I’m sure some of the Native American folklore fed into the craze, but it didn’t strictly come from us.”“True, but it’s still cool.”Hawk briefly looked at Simon, surprise on his face. “You think so?”“Hell yeah, man. But then, I think breathing under water would be cool too. So would being able to walk through walls. Or make several copies of yourself to do the crap that needs to be done around the house.” Simon sighed. “That reminds me, I need to be leave by noon so I can get to that laundry I mentioned.”“Would that happen to include picking up, then maybe some vacuuming? And oh, maybe some dusting too?”Hawk’s arm rested on the console between them, so Simon wound their fingers together. “Oh ha-ha.”“Ha-ha? Are you under the impression I’m kidding?”“I’m sorry, all I’m hearing is blah, blah, blah.”Hawk squeezed Simon’s fingers. “Can’t hear me, huh? Well, I’ll remind you of that when I get you in my bed later. I just might have a hearing problem myself.”Simon glanced at Hawk. “Is that a threat? That sounded like a threat.”“No. A promise.”“Ohhhh, a promise. Now I like the sound of—Shit!” Something caught his eye—something leaping out at them from the side of the road. Simon turned his head toward the passenger window. “Fuck! Hawk…look—”
Chapter FourteenHawk slammed on the brakes, the screeched of tires locking up a snarling whine as the vehicle shuddered. He clenched the wheel, fighting for control. Simon screamed, adding to the chaos. A deer leaped in front of them and hit the truck hood, the sound of the body a horrifying thump on metal, as the animal slid backward toward the windshield. Its body slammed into the glass, cracking the windshield.Hawk’s truck fishtailed as he heard the sharp cracking sound of something penetrating the windshield. Simon screamed again. Hawk fought the wheel, trying to see as the truck careened out of control. Screams and smoke fill the inside of the truck as they veered off the road. His headlight lit up the forest, the trees nothing more than a ghostly reflection. Until he hit one. The hard hit bounced them off the tree. Metal screeched as they spun around and hit yet another tree. Simon slammed into him, then fell back into his seat.The truck rocked, groaning at the stain of staying on its wheels. The momentum knocked his head into the driver’s window. Pain exploded across his mind. They came to a halt with the passenger side of the vehicle mashed up against the side of a large Oak.“Shit!” Reality snapped back.Hawk moved and pain sliced into him. He looked down. The driver’s side door was smashed in, and the brake pedal had his ankle trapped. Hawk couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He was trapped. Every time he moved his ankle, pain shot up his leg. It didn’t feel broken, but how was he going to get out? He put the truck in park and shut it off.He turned to Simon. “Simon? Hey babe, I need you to open those big, brown eyes and look at me. Come on now.”Simon moaned, but he opened his eyes and glanced around. “Wha… what…” Then he did a double take, mouth gaping. “Holy shit, is that…?” He glanced at Hawk. “Hawk?”“Oh, thank Wha-tay.”“Who?” Simon coughed, then cleared his throat. “Um, Hawk?”“Yes?”“There’s a deer in the windshield.”“I know.”“A deer. A deer is stuck in the windshield, Hawk.” Simon’s voice rose. “Dude, it’s kicking. And um, it’s bleeding. Like all over me.” Simon screeched, one arm waving at the grisly scene in front of him. “It’s alive and kicking and bleeding and it’s all over me, and oh my God, is that it’s ribs I see? And what’s that smell?” Simon suddenly gagged, still staring at the animal in the windshield that was still thrashing desperately. “Hawk, that’s… that’s—”“Simon!” Hawk grabbed at the man next to him. “Look at me instead. Breathe and try to calm down.”“Oh fuck me, that’s its guts I see hanging out, and whoo boy, now I don’t feel so good.” Simon placed his hand on this stomach. “I gotta get out of here. Like now, Hawk. Seriously, I’m about to hurl. This is kinda freaking me out, and oh fuck me running, did it just look at me? Did I just hear the window groan? If that son of a bitch ends up in my lap… Okay, out! Dammit, Hawk, get a move on.”“Simon, stop yelling and maybe it will stop thrashing so much. We really don’t want that thing in here with us.”“You’re fucking right I don’t want it in here. Didn’t I just say that?” Simon grabbed at his door handle. “Fucking door can’t open ‘cause of the fucking tree against it. And are we leaning against the fucking tree too? And why the fuck are you just sitting there, man?”“Okay, listen, Simon, I… it’s my left ankle. It’s trapped or something. I tried to move my foot and the pain… I’m trapped.”“Trapped. Oh God. And I hurt everything now. I’m cold too. Aren’t you cold?”“No. Damn, you may be going into shock. Fuck.” Hawk laid his head back against the headrest. “Just fuck. This was not how I wanted to do this. Not at all.”“What are you talking about? Do what?”Hawk faced Simon. “Do you trust me? Absolutely trust me? Do you know I would never hurt you, no matter what? You are mine, and I’ll protect you, always.”“I do.”“Remember me telling you about how my people believed we’re born with a totem spirit? Well, children from my tribe are. That was all truth.” Hawk took a long breath. “I’m a shifter.”“A shifter.”“I’m going to shift into my animal form. My totem is a red-tailed hawk, and I can understand you in that form. I’m rational, okay, so don’t freak out. After I shift, I’m going to fly out and go get help. The last thing, the very last thing, I want to do is leave you here, but you can’t get out, and I can. Well, once I shift I can. And I can cover more miles flying than you can by walking. And… shit Simon, stop looking at me like that. I’m not crazy.”“How hard did you hit your head?”“This isn’t a joke, dammit,” Hawk groused, then stopped. He took a calming breathe. “I’m sorry, babe. Please, just don’t start yelling when I shift, okay? It sounds kind of bad, but I’m used to it. Just keep that in mind. Remember, no yelling. We really don’t want that deer to get to kicking again and maybe end up in our laps.”“Right.” Simon needed. “Don’t upset the deer. Got it. Is it still even alive?”“Yes, I can hear its heart beating.”“You can hear…. Maybe I’m the one who hit my head.”“Simon, remember that I care of you and won’t hurt you.” Hawk turned the truck on and rolled down his window.“Okay, I…. Hawk? Why are your eyes...” Simon trailed off. Hawk’s eyes were suddenly glowing and an odd golden color.That… that had to be a trick of the moonlight. Simon moaned pitifully. Even he didn’t believe that. Next came chanting that filled the truck cab. Simon had never heard the language Hawk used, but it sounded musical. Otherworldly. He cringed at the word choice. Of all the things he could have come up with, he had to… He barely swallowed the yelp that threatened to explode from his mouth when he heard the first bone break.“Oh, shit,” Simon breathed.Bones continued to break and realign. The man next to him shuddered, then shrunk. Next feathers sprouted. Feathers. When Hawk’s hands started rearranging themselves, Simon shut his eyes. He didn’t want to see what else was going to twist or morph, or fucking bend in ways that wasn’t human... Wasn’t human. Hawk wasn’t human.Simon opened his eyes to see a rather large hawk trying to free itself from the black T-shirt Hawk had worn. Damn thing turned its feather-covered head and shot him the most piteous look he’d ever seen. A surprised laugh escaped Simon. Instead of hysterical, calm enveloped him. Simon eased the T-shirt off the animal. It let loose a small, soft little chirp and ruffled its feathers into place. Then, it just looked at him, head cocked.“Wow,” Simon muttered. “Look at you. A hawk. You are beautiful, and bigger than I thought.” He glanced at the deer. “You didn’t make enough noise to disturbed our unexpected passenger, thank God.”The hawk tilted its head, then glanced at the deer.“Can you understand me?” Simon gulped when the bird nodded. “Well, I’ll be damned. Was that a yes?”It nodded again.“That’s the wildest thing ever. Okay, now what? I guess you’re going for help. You better go. The sooner the better, and all that.” Simon reached his hand out and gently touched one of the hawk’s feathers. “You have a lot of explaining to do tonight, by the way.”One more nod and the hawk was gone. Simon gave it a second, then started trying to climb out of the truck. No way was he sitting in there with a dying animal. It hurt, and he had to stop a time or two and just breathe, but he made it out.He stood by the driver’s door, looking at the windshield. Suddenly Simon choked. Oh fucking hell, was that deer a shifter too? Was someone dying even as he stood there? He turned, bent over, and vomited. That was more than he could stand. But, on the other hand, Hawk hadn’t acted as if a human was stuck there bleeding out before his eyes. He had to believe that was just an animal.“Just an animal,” he mumbled. “Funny how that takes on a whole new meaning.”Simon edged away from here he was sick, but stayed near the truck. He was out in the middle of the woods, and as he’d just learned, not everything out there was what it appeared.
Chapter Fifteen
He soared toward the outskirts of town where Larry lived. Being a married man, Hawk was sure Larry would be home. After he dealt with rescuing his mate, he’d worry about how calmly Simon handled finding out Hawk was a shifter. Simon was much too composed for someone who just found out humans weren’t the only thing that walked the Earth. He flew straight down and landed on Larry’s bedroom windowsill. Using his beak, he tapped on the window… and continued tapping until a face appeared in the window.“By the Great Spirit, Hawk, is that you? What’s going on?” Larry’s muffled voice carried through the window.“Kee-eeeee-ar!”“Okay, okay, obviously you wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important. Meet me around back. I’ll bring some sweat pants for you.”Hawk launched from the sill and flew to the back porch. He landed on a deck post, waiting for Larry.Larry flipped on the kitchen light and opened the door. “Come on, then.”Hawk darted inside, and he shifted. “Sorry, Larry. I hope I didn’t startle you, but I had no other way… Look, I had a wreck on the way home from the bar. I hit a deer, and my truck ended up off-road and in the woods.” Hawk pulled on the sweats. “I bounced off a couple of trees.”“Good grief! What can I do to help?”“Oh, it gets better. I was pinned. Simon was with me. He wasn’t buckled up and was thrown around the cab. He may have buried ribs. Hell, he’s probably bruised all over. Larry, I had to shift in form of him so I could get loose.”“Oh, Hawk. I’m assuming you hadn’t told him yet?”“No. None of it. We’ve just started dating and—”“Dating? How does one date his mate?” Larry waved his hand. “Never mind. Is he hurt? Do we need to call an ambulance?”“I don’t think so, but I had to leave him stranded. I hated doing that, but I had to. Can you drive me back out there? I really want to get back to him. Um, and can I borrow your trailer to haul my truck to a shop?”Larry picked up the landline in the kitchen. “Tell you what. You calm down, and I’ll take of this.”
Hawk paced. He hated someone else doing things for him, but at the same time, he was glad. He just wanted to get back to Simon. Larry arranged everything, got him some clothes, and they were on their way. They slowed down where Hawk thought he’d hit the deer. There was no problem seeing the tire marks where Hawk had went off the highway. Larry parked his fancy car on the side of the road and called Jesse, updating the other man to exactly where they were.“Simon?” Hawk called as they walked through the woods.The path his truck left behind was easy to follow, especially since Larry had brought a flashlight. He didn’t need it, but Simon couldn’t see as well in the dark.“Simon!” Hawk yelled again, his heart starting to beat a frantic tattoo. The woods were too silent.“Hawk? Hawk, is that you?”“Oh, thank all the spirits! Hang on, Simon, I’m coming.” Hawk hurried ahead of Larry, crashing through the mangled trees and undergrowth.“I’m over here!”Hawk followed Simon’s voice and the light from the truck’s headlight. Simon was out of the truck, which he’d already figured out from how well Simon’s voice carried. He pushed a tree limb out of the way, and there his mate was.“Hawk,” Simon whispered, opening his arms.Hawk couldn’t get there fast enough. “Are you okay?”Simon flinched slightly. “I’m fine, really. Just be careful of the ribs, would you? They’re a little sore.”“Oh, Simon, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”“You didn’t. God, I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you. It’s kind of creepy out here all alone.”“I can imagine.” Hawk stood there, holding his mate. “I was so worried.” He heard Larry arrive, but he didn’t let go of the man in his arms.“Hawk? The tow truck is here.” Larry stood off to the side.Hawk slowly released Simon. “Simon, do you remember Larry? He brought me back, arranged for a tow, and basically took care of everything.”“I do, yes.” Simon held out his hand. “Thanks. Seriously.”Larry shook his hand. “My pleasure, Simon. I’m happy to help my friend and his mate. Hawk and I have known each other for a very long time.”“Un-huh. I noticed you said ‘mate’. That’s what Hawk called me too. So, you are also, um…” Simon trailed off.“A child of Wha-tay? A shifter?” Larry grinned. “Yes.”“As am I.” Jesse, the tow truck owner, joined the group, a thick chain held in his hand. “Nice to meet you, Simon. I’m Jesse. Manny, Hawk’s bouncer, is my brother.” Jesse turned to Hawk. “Hawk? Larry told me what happened when he called. He also said you found your mate. Congratulations, man.”“Thanks.” Hawk shook Jesse’s hand. “Why doesn’t we go walk back to the road with Larry? You can sit with him in his car or in Jesse’s truck and warm up.”“Yeah, that’s good. I’m freezing.” Simon leaned against Hawk. “If I never see a deer again, it’ll be too soon.”“Then you might want to wait awhile to meet some of other children of Wha-tay.”Simon groaned. “Great.”
Almost two hours later, Hawk and Simon stumbled to Hawk’s bedroom. His truck was now at a fellow shifters garage waiting to be fixed. Larry had dropped them off at Simon’s house and Hawk had drove Simon’s car back to his house. Now Simon had a way home. No sooner than they walked in, Mapiya and Shelly, who was a doctor, arrived. After a quick check, Shelly said Simon was fine. He had bruised ribs. His right hip was already blooming with bruises too.Hawk tucked Simon in bed and crawled in after him. “How do you feel?”“I’m okay, Hawk. Just tired and sore. We have to talk.” Simon squirmed until he faced Hawk. “So, spill it.”“Spirits, I don’t know where to start.”“Easy. First off: Are you human?”“Am I human? Well, yes and no.” Hawk saw the flash of confusion on Simon’s face. “Let me give you a short history of my people. The Great Spirit, who we call Wha-tay, created Mother Earth. Then her children, The People, were created and inhabit the land. Each child born to The People is bound with a spirit, what we call a totem, and once bound we have the ability to use the gifts the spirit has.”“You were bound with a red-tail hawk.”“Yes. Understand, Simon, the totem spirit is a separate entity. He speaks to me often. He thinks and feels too. I share this body with him, and in return, I have the gift of shifting.”Simon picked at the sheet. “Wow. So you two can talk to each other?”“Yes.”“Huh. Bet that can be a pain at times.”Hawk laughed as he remembered all the times he argued with his totem. “It can be, yes.”“Okay, so that’s how shifters came to be.” Simon crunched his eyes at Hawk. “Now, explain this mate thing. Am I supposed to be the perfect guy for you?”“A mate is a partner. Yes, Wha-tay picked the one who would be a perfect fit for me, and I for him. That’s not to say we don’t have to work at a relationship. It’s a give and take, of course. But a mate is compatible. They like the same activities. Their interests are the same. Mates are forever, Simon. I’ll mate you by giving you the mating bite.”“Um, whoa. Hold the horses. What’s a mating bite? And, um, why do I get the feeling you really mean bite?”“When I mate you, I’ll bite you, during sex, at the base of your neck near your shoulder. There will a scar.”Simon’s hand went to his throat. He remembered Hawk liked to nibble on his neck. “God.”“When I bite you, the saliva in the bite transfers a virus. It’ll make you very sick for a twelve hour period. It’s like having a bad case of the flu packed into a short time frame, or so I’ve been told. Then, after roughly twelve hours, you’ll transform for the first time. You become whatever your mate’s spirit is. In other words, you won’t be human anymore. You won’t be a true shifter like us either. You’ll be a hybrid.”“Mind”—Simon blew out a breath—“blown. Can you die?”“Oh, I damn well can. I can hurt and bleed just like any other living being. I may heal a little faster than normal, but I will die one day. My people exist much longer than humans do, and we age much slower, but we do pass on and join with the Great Spirit. After I mate you, your life span will extend to match mine.”“Which means at some point I’m going to have to disappear, right? I’ll have to leave my friends behind.” Simon leaned his head back against the headboard and closed his eyes.Neither man said anything, Seconds turned into minutes. Finally Hawk clasped Simon’s hand. “Can I ask you something?”Simon opened his eyes. “Sure.”“Why aren’t you totally freaked out? I thought, especially after what happened in my bar, I’d be peeling you off the ceiling.”
Chapter SixteenSimon’s abrupt laugh echoed through the bedroom. “I’m not going to lie, it gives me chill bumps, but not in a bad way. The biting and changing thing? Okay, yeah, I may need to sleep on that. I’m not saying no, Hawk,” Simon stated when he saw the look of panic on Hawk’s face. “I need time to let that sink in. But the other stuff? Well, I seen a shifter before.”“What!”“Long story short is one night at a bar I saw something. I was walking to my car and as I passed an alley, I heard sounds. At first I ignored them. It was a gay bar, after all. Thing was, this cry wasn’t one of pleasure. Then I heard what sounded like a fist hitting skin, so I went to investigate.”“Fuck. Simon, what were you thinking? Did it occur to you to call the police?”“Did it occur to you that by the time they got there, dude being attacked could be dead?” Simon shrugged. “I went to help. And here is where things got freaky. There were three guys in the alley. Two were beating up a smaller guy. I saw one guy swing a something that looked like a bat, then there was a ‘crack’ and a scream from the smaller guy. I yelled for them to stop and started running toward the fight.”Hawk shuddered.“Suddenly one guy went flying into the brick wall. He didn’t get back up. The other attacker hit the smaller guy, and he scream again. I heard popping and cracking sounds. I have to tell you, it was one of the most horrible things I’d ever heard. Then… then there was a huge ass wolf where the smaller guy stood. One second there was a guy, then there was a wolf. A huge snarling wolf.” Simon shook his head. “It slammed the remaining guy into the dumpster. And oh God, then it saw me. I couldn’t move as it stalked closer, still snarling. I thought it was going to attack, so I dropped to my knees and covered my head.”“Fuck me, oh fuck me. You had no idea the danger you were in.”“Oh yeah, I did.” Simon stared at Hawk, that night replaying in his mind. “I thought for sure I was fucked. But, when it got to me, Hawk, but all it did was sniff. I so was scared I couldn’t breathe. Then it nudged me. When I didn’t look up right away, it nudged me again, harder that time.”“What did you do?”Simon suddenly grinned. “Well, the damndest thing happened. It whimpered. Well, how could I not look up then? I did. It licked my cheek, then flopped down beside me. It made sure I was okay, then ran out of the alley. I thought that was a good idea and did the same. I got my car, got out of there, and never told anyone I was a man shift into a wolf. Until now.”“By the Great Spirit.”“I saw a shifter, didn’t I?”Hawk ran a hand over his face. “Yes, you did. We live all over the world. I’m so thankful he didn’t hurt you. You saw something you weren’t supposed to see. And babe? Please don’t call us ‘it’ when we’re in shifted form. It’s rude.”Simon cringed. “Gotcha. Thanks for the heads up.”“No problem. I’m sure there will be other things along the way.” Hawk studied Simon. “I’m curious. Did you never question what you saw?”“No, as hard as it was to believe, I never questioned it. Kind of hard to when the proof came right up and licked me.” Simon laughed. “I couldn’t even claim I was drunk. But, I’ve never been one to deny what’s staring me in the face either.”“That explains why you didn’t run screaming at the idea of shifters.”“It’s still a rather large pill to swallow.”“Why didn’t you say something when I was telling you about the totem spirit and our beliefs?”“Well hell, Hawk. How was I supposed to know you were trying to tell me you were a shifter? I knew they existed, but I didn’t know you knew. And I damn sure wasn’t going to say anything. I’ve kept that secret for years.”“Thank you for that. I guess I can see why you didn’t say anything.” Hawk ran his finger up Simon’s bare arm. “So, you know about shifters. I’ve told you about mates. And as far as the mating bite goes, the twelve hours is all there is to that, then you transform.”“Yeah. Hawk, it’s the whole transforming thing that you might need to peel me off the ceiling over. I’m not sure—”“Do you care for me?”Simon stumbled to a halt. Talk about bringing the conversation to a standstill. “Yes, Hawk, but we’ve only been seeing each other for a short time.”“True. But have you ever felt someone else like you do for me?”“Okay, no.”“Do you like spending time with me?’“Well, of course.”“Have I got on your nerves any?”Simon glared at Hawk. “What is this? Twenty questions? Because including now, there’s been a time or two, yes.”“Do you think you could grow to love me?”Simon froze. He could see that. Oh God, he so could.“Simon? Come on, don’t leave me hanging here.”Simon lunged across the small space separating them, plastering his lips to Hawk’s.“Oomph.” Hawk lacked on to Simon, quickly taking over the kiss. Finally he gently eased Simon back and looked at him. “Simon?”
Simon traced Hawk’s jaw line. “I’m already half way in love with you. I think I have been from the moment you stopped that guy from hitting me. I want you, Hawk. I want the whole shebang. Fuck me, bite me, change me.”
I'm ending this here. It's been subbed to DsP and I should hear something from them soon. If a few names seemed familiar, that’s because some of the characters are from Shadows in the Night. This is the next book in the series. J
~M
“You don’t have to sound so damn happy about it. Ah jeez, there’s Kaitlyn. Hold that thought.” Hawk went back behind the bar.
Chapter ElevenSimon managed to get home without wrapping his car around a telephone pole. Did this mean Hawk had feelings for him? If so, why did he act like an ass at first? Simon ran his finger across his lips. He certainly hadn’t acted like an ass in the parking lot. Hawk kissed him like a man desperate for something. Huh. Or desperate to hide from something.People acted like that when they had baggage, and baggage was never a fun thing to deal with, especially when you were the one dealing with the damn stuff. Simon watched the light from the TV play across the ceiling.“Decision time, then. Is the man worth it?”He pictured Hawk behind the bar, serving drinks. Then he saw Hawk sitting at one of the booths at his bar, a slight smile tilting his lips—those lush, full lips. He’d like to see those lips wrapped around his cock. And speaking of cock, his was standing at attention.He rubbed his palm over his dick. “That didn’t take long.”Getting hard was never a problem. The ache that filled him was new, though. He wanted the man, craved him in a way he’d never felt before. He didn’t understand this need, only knew it was something new.“Alright, guess he’s worth it, baggage and all.” It was time to de-baggage the man, and that was going to be so much fun. Not.“I hate drama,” he sighed. Well, he couldn’t very well complain since he just voluntarily waded knee deep into the stuff. Without shoes. In his best jeans, no less.Why did Hawk’s bar have to be out in the middle of nowhere? Anyway, it’d give him plenty of time to plot as he drove out there and back. He’d made up his mind. He wanted Hawk, and when Simon made his mind up about something, he let nothing get in his way. He wanted Hawk. He blew out a deep breath. It looked like he was going to be spending a lot of time behind the wheel.
The next few weeks he spent with Hawk at his bar. They talked often, slowly getting to know one another. Kisses were exchanged. Skin was touched. But they hadn’t done much more. They’d even gone to the movies and bowling, but most weekends they were at the bar. Tonight, Simon was determined there was going to be more, dammit. Right now, he was trying to keep up with Hawk.Holy hell, the man could dance. Hawk slipped behind him as soon as they hit the dance floor, the bass pounding through their bodies. He held Simon close, and Hawk’s body heat sank into him. Simon relaxed, his body undulating with the music. For several minutes they swayed to the beat, both lost to the rhythm and crush of bodies. Hawk’s hands fleetingly touched him as they moved, never staying in one place long and slowly building his desire up again.“Hawk…” Simon’s words trailed off to a soft moan, his eyes fluttering closed.Hawk’s hands grasped his hips and pulled Simon back against him, his hard-on nestled against a firm ass. Simon enjoyed the feel of Hawk’s hot breath on his neck.Simon eye’s snapped open. “Oh, yeah.”Simon moved, his body swaying. Need once again built as he rubbed against Hawk. He reached his arm behind Hawk’s head, his hand threading through Hawk’s thick black hair. He pulled Hawk closer. Simon shivered when Hawk buried his nose against the skin of his neck and sniffed. The hot exhalation of breath across his skin caused another shiver.“My office,” Hawk whispered. “Now.”“Fucking-A.” Simon couldn’t get there fast enough. Looked like he wasn’t have to drag Hawk to his office after all.They entered, and Simon heard the door slam shut, his back pressed against a wall. Hawk’s agile fingers tugged at the hem of his shirt. He gasped when Hawk’s fingers across his taunt stomach, then stopped, almost as if waiting to see what would happen. Simon let a helpless little whimper escape.“Shh,” Hawk whispered against Simon’s ear.Simon nearly moaned aloud when Hawk’s hand slid up his chest, hunting for…. Oh God, yes. Hawk nibbled on Simon’s neck as he stroked a hard nipple.“Like that?” Hawk barely spoken words caressed Simon’s ear.“More than you know.” Simon leaned his head back against Hawk’s shoulder, moving with the man holding him close.He was one of those lucky ones whose nips were hardwired to his dick. He loved how Hawk stroked his hard nubs, keeping his touch light, dragging out the pleasure. It was just enough to make him crazy with need, but not hard enough to come. Hawk’s other hand landed at the base of Simon’s throat, tilting his head back slightly.Simon groaned, and he strained back against Hawk. “Kiss me?”“Say please.”“Please, Hawk.” He ground his ass into Hawk’s groin. “Please. I want to feel your hands on me.”“Damn, Simon, you’re so fucking hot. You make me need so badly.” Hawk pulled Simon’s mouth to his.Hawk wasn’t the only one needing. Shit, he just came and here he was struggling not to pull Hawk back to his office. Hawk tilted Simon’s head back and brushed his lips over Simon’s. Another moan broke loose from him. God, Hawk’s lips were soft, so plump. Simon nipped those tender lips pressed to his in warning. He wanted inside this time, dammit. He wanted to explore. He tugged hard on Hawk’s hair trying to express what he needed.He thought he felt Hawk’s chest vibrated against his back in laughter, but Hawk finally opened up. Simon eagerly thrust in, exploring. Hawk tasted so good, just a hint of something spicy and sharp. Suddenly, his tongue was trapped in Hawk’s mouth, Hawk sucking hard as he twisted Simon’s nipple. Pain and pleasure slammed him, need lit him up. Holy shit, he was rock hard. And so was Hawk, if the hard-on stabbing his was any indication. Hawk released his nipple, then gently brushed his fingers against the sore nub.Hawk broke the kiss, then licked a path down Simon’s neck. “My way, Simon. Always my way. Understand?”“Always?”“Concerning sex, yes.” Hawk flicked a hard nip.Simon shuddered. He did understand. “Concerning sex, then okay. Your way.” Didn’t mean he wouldn’t test Hawk on occasion.
Chapter TwelveHawk stepped back, then glanced down Simon. “You need to know that I’ve been running for a long, long time.”“I kind of got that.”Hawk rubbed his thumb over the soft skin of Simon’s jaw. Was the rest of him this soft? His totem furiously flapped his wings in his mind. “I had my reasons, though.”“We all do.”“But it didn’t do me any good. Running didn’t do me any good.” His totem was all for finding out how soft Simon’s skin was. Right now. He reminded his spirit they were in a bar, dammit. Not exactly the best place for licking his mate from head to heel.“Some things you just can’t run from, Hawk.” Simon stepped closer, laying his palm on Hawk’s chest. “Or maybe it’s just time you stopped running from whatever it is chasing you.”He wondered if Simon could feel how frantically his heart beat. “You’re right. You’re exactly right. I’m done running, Simon. May the Great Spirit help us both.”He leaned into Simon, letting the other man feel his weight, but still careful not to cause harm. Simon’s eyes drifted closed. Hawk braced his other arm against the wall and leaned closer, their lips just a hair’s breadth apart. He nipped at Simon’s lips, but didn’t tarry. Instead, he sniffed at Simon’s throat, then mouthed along the edge of Simon’s jaw focusing on Simon’s pulse throbbing just below his skin. Pressing his lips there, he sucked, drawing the blood to the surface. Satisfied with the mark he’d left on his mate, he soothed the spot with his tongue.“Oh God,” Simon’s body stiffened, then a wonderfully debauched groan slipped out.Hawk wanted more. He tightened his grip slightly on Simon’s throat, tilting Simon’s head. He pressed his mouth to the side of Simon’s neck, sucking blood to the surface in a new place. He mouthed the length of Simon’s jaw, brushing their cheeks together, then nipped the muscle in the side of Simon’s neck. He drew hard on the flesh, feeling the blood rise to the surface.He rubbed his lower body against Simon, excited to feel an answering hardness. He could stand here all night, touching all this smooth, satiny skin. Simon’s hand suddenly landed on Hawk’s shoulders, gripping handfuls of his shirt. Another breathless moan struggled free as Simon pulled Hawk closer.Hawk nosed at Simon’s throat, then meandered up to his ear, dragging his teeth along the sensitive lobe. Simon shuddered again, tugging slightly at Hawk’s hair. With a grin, he lowered his head and took Simon’s mouth. Simon opened eagerly. Hawk chased Simon’s tongue, both dueling for dominance, a sensual battle. Simon’s scent swirled around him, urging him on as his tongue licked at Simon, demanding submission.Hawk’s heavy breathing echoed around them. Simon lifted one leg and hooked around Hawk’s hips. He pressed his hard cock against his mate, rubbing frantically as Simon rocked against him. He broke the kiss, then nipped Simon’s tender bottom lip again.Desire washed over him, but so did peace, something he would’ve thought completely at odds with the need riding him. Something he damn sure never felt before. Peace, and a sense of home, of belonging. He ended the kiss, his eyes roaming over Simon’s throat.“Hawk, please?”Hawk’s eyes lingered over each bruise darkening Simon’s pale skin before returning to those hungry brown eyes. “Please what?”Simon strained against Hawk’s thigh. “Make me come.”Hawk dropped his hand from Simon’s throat and grabbed that tight ass. “Make you, or let you? Think carefully about how you answer that. Make sure you know what it is you’re asking for.”Simon’s dropped his leg, his eyes widening. His throat worked as he swallowed, then he licked his lips. “Let me, please.”Electricity lit up Hawk’s body and his cock throbbed. Every breathe he took filled him with his mate. Nothing made him harder than the word please. “Say it again and add my name too.”“Let me come, please, Hawk.”“Fuck, that’s the sexiest thing I’ve heard in a long, long time.” Hawk unzipped Simon’s jeans and pulled his cock out.The head was already wet. Simon was hot, so hot, in Hawk’s hand. Hot, but hard as steel covered in silk. He worked Simon’s shaft, his grip tight. He needed slick, but damn if he was letting go of Simon long enough to hunt some down. Hell, he wasn’t sure he even had some in his office. He’d be taking care of that oversight first thing. He spit in his hand—best he could do for now—and stoked Simon harder.Simon’s head fell back, banging against the wall even as his hips thrust. “Aw God, just like that. Yeah, nice and firm on me. Shit, that’s good.”Hawk flicked his thumb over the head of Simon’s dick. He’d worry about finesse later, Right now he had one thing in mind and that was to make his mate come for the first time. The scent of nutmeg and vanilla strengthened. Simon thrust his hips desperately. Both of them watched the glistering head of Simon’s cock poke out of Hawk’s fist, then disappear.Simon’s breathe heaved, his mouth open. “I’m close, Hawk. Can I? Please?”“And if I say no?”Simon whined. “Oh God, please don’t say no. Please? Hawk, I don’t know if I can… Please, please let me come.”Hawk waited until Simon’s voice warbled before speaking. “Come, Simon.”“Awwww, God!” Simon’s eyes rolled back as he thrust madly into Hawk’s fist. “Yes, oh yes, thank you. I… so good, so good. I, oh boy. Dammit. Gahk.” Simon reached for Hawk’s wrist. “It’s… it’s… too much, Hawk.”“I say when, remember?”Simon’s gave jerked up to Hawk’s. “Oh, oh, God.” But he dropped his hand.“Good.”Hawk stoked Simon’s length a few more time before he stopped. He held his hand up. “Lick.” Seeing Simon cleaning his hand was almost enough to make him come. Almost. He pulled his hand away and finished cleaning it himself. The taste of his mate exploded on his tongue.“Can I help you out?”“No. This time was for you.” Hawk placed a gentle kiss on Simon’s red, swollen lips.“Are you sure?” He was sure. That didn’t mean his cock necessity agreed. “Next time.”
Chapter ThirteenTwo weeks later they were back at the bar. It was Saturday night and a live band was playing. They spent most of the night visiting with friends, playing pool, or dancing. The dancing ended up leading them back to Hawk’s office and some heavy-duty petting.Hawk moved closer to Simon. “Sounds like the band’s taking a break.”“Yup.”“What did you think about Tripping Panic?” Hawk asked.“Is that their name?”“It is. The head’s singer name is Trip.”“I like them, a lot. They have a good beat, and can do the slower stuff too. But…” Simon pulled Hawk flush against him and bucked his hips. “While I like them, and I’d like to hear them again, what I’d really like is head back to your place. Can we leave now?”Hawk pinned Simon against the desk and ground his erection into Simon. “If it wasn’t for the fact the first time I make love to you will be in a bed, I’d bend you over the desk.”“I’m good either way.” Simon brushed his lips over Hawk. “But I really like your bedroom.”“We’re out of here, then.” One last kiss, then Hawk shooed Simon out of the office.The sexual tension hung in the air—an invisible cloud that hung over them. Hawk helped Simon in the truck. Simon trembled when Hawk’s hands ghosted over his ass. Then he jumped when his ass was pinched. He threw a smirk over his shoulder at man behind him. Hawk’s dark eyes burned into him. Fuck, the guy was a combination of chivalry and hotness. Hawk touched him, and Simon motor hit overdrive.No one had ever affected him that way. He liked the kinkiness, the compassion, and the loyalty he’d seen from Hawk. They got along well and could talk about everything. And thank God, Hawk had never said anything about his height. He was one of the few men who hadn’t made a comment about his twinkiness. He’d hate to have to punch the guy when there were other more fun things they could be doing.Hawk got in and started the truck. “Do you have plans for tomorrow?”“No. Well, outside of some laundry.”Hawk steered the truck toward his home. “How about after breakfast we do a little fishing at my pond.”“I’d like that.” Simon looked out the passenger window. There weren’t many clouds and moonlight draped the landscape. “Have you ever noticed how many stars there are? You can’t see them in the city, but out here in the middle of nowhere, you can. Of courses, we’re missing all the buildings, traffic, noise, people, and lights out here too. I never really noticed how bright the city is, you know? But out here? The landscape is so untouched, so other-worldly.”“There’s nothing wrong with modern convinces. I’m all for electricity, cable, in-door plumbing, and so on,” Hawk said. “But, I need nature—I long for the rich smell of pine on the breeze, not smog. I crave the freedom to walk outside without bumping into my neighbors. I like looking out of my door and seeing rabbits in the yard, or foxes running past.” “I get that, I do. Try living in an apartment. I’m not sure man was meant to live one on top of other. God knows, my neighbor above me walks like a herd of buffalo.”Hawk snorted. “And how many times have you heard, or even seen, a herd of buffalo?”“Does seeing them on the Outdoor Channel count?”“Hardly.” Hawk shook his head. “Speaking of rabbits, foxes, and buffalo… Did you know my people once believe our children were born with a totem spirit? They believe that spirit bonded with the child at birth. It could have been an animal, or something else entirely.”Simon turned to Hawk. “That is so cool! An animal, huh? Wait. You said bond. What do you mean by bonding with the child?”“The spirit shared the child’s body. Eventually, the child grew and was able to shift into that animal.” “So, if the if the totem was a tiger, the child when he got older could shift into a tiger? How fucking cool would that be. What else, Hawk? You said there were other things.”“The spirit could be a water spirit and could control water. Or it could be one that controlled the weather.”“Wow. Huh.” Simon pursed his lips. “Guess we know now were the idea for shifters came from.”Hawk rolled his eyes. “I’m sure some of the Native American folklore fed into the craze, but it didn’t strictly come from us.”“True, but it’s still cool.”Hawk briefly looked at Simon, surprise on his face. “You think so?”“Hell yeah, man. But then, I think breathing under water would be cool too. So would being able to walk through walls. Or make several copies of yourself to do the crap that needs to be done around the house.” Simon sighed. “That reminds me, I need to be leave by noon so I can get to that laundry I mentioned.”“Would that happen to include picking up, then maybe some vacuuming? And oh, maybe some dusting too?”Hawk’s arm rested on the console between them, so Simon wound their fingers together. “Oh ha-ha.”“Ha-ha? Are you under the impression I’m kidding?”“I’m sorry, all I’m hearing is blah, blah, blah.”Hawk squeezed Simon’s fingers. “Can’t hear me, huh? Well, I’ll remind you of that when I get you in my bed later. I just might have a hearing problem myself.”Simon glanced at Hawk. “Is that a threat? That sounded like a threat.”“No. A promise.”“Ohhhh, a promise. Now I like the sound of—Shit!” Something caught his eye—something leaping out at them from the side of the road. Simon turned his head toward the passenger window. “Fuck! Hawk…look—”
Chapter FourteenHawk slammed on the brakes, the screeched of tires locking up a snarling whine as the vehicle shuddered. He clenched the wheel, fighting for control. Simon screamed, adding to the chaos. A deer leaped in front of them and hit the truck hood, the sound of the body a horrifying thump on metal, as the animal slid backward toward the windshield. Its body slammed into the glass, cracking the windshield.Hawk’s truck fishtailed as he heard the sharp cracking sound of something penetrating the windshield. Simon screamed again. Hawk fought the wheel, trying to see as the truck careened out of control. Screams and smoke fill the inside of the truck as they veered off the road. His headlight lit up the forest, the trees nothing more than a ghostly reflection. Until he hit one. The hard hit bounced them off the tree. Metal screeched as they spun around and hit yet another tree. Simon slammed into him, then fell back into his seat.The truck rocked, groaning at the stain of staying on its wheels. The momentum knocked his head into the driver’s window. Pain exploded across his mind. They came to a halt with the passenger side of the vehicle mashed up against the side of a large Oak.“Shit!” Reality snapped back.Hawk moved and pain sliced into him. He looked down. The driver’s side door was smashed in, and the brake pedal had his ankle trapped. Hawk couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He was trapped. Every time he moved his ankle, pain shot up his leg. It didn’t feel broken, but how was he going to get out? He put the truck in park and shut it off.He turned to Simon. “Simon? Hey babe, I need you to open those big, brown eyes and look at me. Come on now.”Simon moaned, but he opened his eyes and glanced around. “Wha… what…” Then he did a double take, mouth gaping. “Holy shit, is that…?” He glanced at Hawk. “Hawk?”“Oh, thank Wha-tay.”“Who?” Simon coughed, then cleared his throat. “Um, Hawk?”“Yes?”“There’s a deer in the windshield.”“I know.”“A deer. A deer is stuck in the windshield, Hawk.” Simon’s voice rose. “Dude, it’s kicking. And um, it’s bleeding. Like all over me.” Simon screeched, one arm waving at the grisly scene in front of him. “It’s alive and kicking and bleeding and it’s all over me, and oh my God, is that it’s ribs I see? And what’s that smell?” Simon suddenly gagged, still staring at the animal in the windshield that was still thrashing desperately. “Hawk, that’s… that’s—”“Simon!” Hawk grabbed at the man next to him. “Look at me instead. Breathe and try to calm down.”“Oh fuck me, that’s its guts I see hanging out, and whoo boy, now I don’t feel so good.” Simon placed his hand on this stomach. “I gotta get out of here. Like now, Hawk. Seriously, I’m about to hurl. This is kinda freaking me out, and oh fuck me running, did it just look at me? Did I just hear the window groan? If that son of a bitch ends up in my lap… Okay, out! Dammit, Hawk, get a move on.”“Simon, stop yelling and maybe it will stop thrashing so much. We really don’t want that thing in here with us.”“You’re fucking right I don’t want it in here. Didn’t I just say that?” Simon grabbed at his door handle. “Fucking door can’t open ‘cause of the fucking tree against it. And are we leaning against the fucking tree too? And why the fuck are you just sitting there, man?”“Okay, listen, Simon, I… it’s my left ankle. It’s trapped or something. I tried to move my foot and the pain… I’m trapped.”“Trapped. Oh God. And I hurt everything now. I’m cold too. Aren’t you cold?”“No. Damn, you may be going into shock. Fuck.” Hawk laid his head back against the headrest. “Just fuck. This was not how I wanted to do this. Not at all.”“What are you talking about? Do what?”Hawk faced Simon. “Do you trust me? Absolutely trust me? Do you know I would never hurt you, no matter what? You are mine, and I’ll protect you, always.”“I do.”“Remember me telling you about how my people believed we’re born with a totem spirit? Well, children from my tribe are. That was all truth.” Hawk took a long breath. “I’m a shifter.”“A shifter.”“I’m going to shift into my animal form. My totem is a red-tailed hawk, and I can understand you in that form. I’m rational, okay, so don’t freak out. After I shift, I’m going to fly out and go get help. The last thing, the very last thing, I want to do is leave you here, but you can’t get out, and I can. Well, once I shift I can. And I can cover more miles flying than you can by walking. And… shit Simon, stop looking at me like that. I’m not crazy.”“How hard did you hit your head?”“This isn’t a joke, dammit,” Hawk groused, then stopped. He took a calming breathe. “I’m sorry, babe. Please, just don’t start yelling when I shift, okay? It sounds kind of bad, but I’m used to it. Just keep that in mind. Remember, no yelling. We really don’t want that deer to get to kicking again and maybe end up in our laps.”“Right.” Simon needed. “Don’t upset the deer. Got it. Is it still even alive?”“Yes, I can hear its heart beating.”“You can hear…. Maybe I’m the one who hit my head.”“Simon, remember that I care of you and won’t hurt you.” Hawk turned the truck on and rolled down his window.“Okay, I…. Hawk? Why are your eyes...” Simon trailed off. Hawk’s eyes were suddenly glowing and an odd golden color.That… that had to be a trick of the moonlight. Simon moaned pitifully. Even he didn’t believe that. Next came chanting that filled the truck cab. Simon had never heard the language Hawk used, but it sounded musical. Otherworldly. He cringed at the word choice. Of all the things he could have come up with, he had to… He barely swallowed the yelp that threatened to explode from his mouth when he heard the first bone break.“Oh, shit,” Simon breathed.Bones continued to break and realign. The man next to him shuddered, then shrunk. Next feathers sprouted. Feathers. When Hawk’s hands started rearranging themselves, Simon shut his eyes. He didn’t want to see what else was going to twist or morph, or fucking bend in ways that wasn’t human... Wasn’t human. Hawk wasn’t human.Simon opened his eyes to see a rather large hawk trying to free itself from the black T-shirt Hawk had worn. Damn thing turned its feather-covered head and shot him the most piteous look he’d ever seen. A surprised laugh escaped Simon. Instead of hysterical, calm enveloped him. Simon eased the T-shirt off the animal. It let loose a small, soft little chirp and ruffled its feathers into place. Then, it just looked at him, head cocked.“Wow,” Simon muttered. “Look at you. A hawk. You are beautiful, and bigger than I thought.” He glanced at the deer. “You didn’t make enough noise to disturbed our unexpected passenger, thank God.”The hawk tilted its head, then glanced at the deer.“Can you understand me?” Simon gulped when the bird nodded. “Well, I’ll be damned. Was that a yes?”It nodded again.“That’s the wildest thing ever. Okay, now what? I guess you’re going for help. You better go. The sooner the better, and all that.” Simon reached his hand out and gently touched one of the hawk’s feathers. “You have a lot of explaining to do tonight, by the way.”One more nod and the hawk was gone. Simon gave it a second, then started trying to climb out of the truck. No way was he sitting in there with a dying animal. It hurt, and he had to stop a time or two and just breathe, but he made it out.He stood by the driver’s door, looking at the windshield. Suddenly Simon choked. Oh fucking hell, was that deer a shifter too? Was someone dying even as he stood there? He turned, bent over, and vomited. That was more than he could stand. But, on the other hand, Hawk hadn’t acted as if a human was stuck there bleeding out before his eyes. He had to believe that was just an animal.“Just an animal,” he mumbled. “Funny how that takes on a whole new meaning.”Simon edged away from here he was sick, but stayed near the truck. He was out in the middle of the woods, and as he’d just learned, not everything out there was what it appeared.
Chapter Fifteen
He soared toward the outskirts of town where Larry lived. Being a married man, Hawk was sure Larry would be home. After he dealt with rescuing his mate, he’d worry about how calmly Simon handled finding out Hawk was a shifter. Simon was much too composed for someone who just found out humans weren’t the only thing that walked the Earth. He flew straight down and landed on Larry’s bedroom windowsill. Using his beak, he tapped on the window… and continued tapping until a face appeared in the window.“By the Great Spirit, Hawk, is that you? What’s going on?” Larry’s muffled voice carried through the window.“Kee-eeeee-ar!”“Okay, okay, obviously you wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important. Meet me around back. I’ll bring some sweat pants for you.”Hawk launched from the sill and flew to the back porch. He landed on a deck post, waiting for Larry.Larry flipped on the kitchen light and opened the door. “Come on, then.”Hawk darted inside, and he shifted. “Sorry, Larry. I hope I didn’t startle you, but I had no other way… Look, I had a wreck on the way home from the bar. I hit a deer, and my truck ended up off-road and in the woods.” Hawk pulled on the sweats. “I bounced off a couple of trees.”“Good grief! What can I do to help?”“Oh, it gets better. I was pinned. Simon was with me. He wasn’t buckled up and was thrown around the cab. He may have buried ribs. Hell, he’s probably bruised all over. Larry, I had to shift in form of him so I could get loose.”“Oh, Hawk. I’m assuming you hadn’t told him yet?”“No. None of it. We’ve just started dating and—”“Dating? How does one date his mate?” Larry waved his hand. “Never mind. Is he hurt? Do we need to call an ambulance?”“I don’t think so, but I had to leave him stranded. I hated doing that, but I had to. Can you drive me back out there? I really want to get back to him. Um, and can I borrow your trailer to haul my truck to a shop?”Larry picked up the landline in the kitchen. “Tell you what. You calm down, and I’ll take of this.”
Hawk paced. He hated someone else doing things for him, but at the same time, he was glad. He just wanted to get back to Simon. Larry arranged everything, got him some clothes, and they were on their way. They slowed down where Hawk thought he’d hit the deer. There was no problem seeing the tire marks where Hawk had went off the highway. Larry parked his fancy car on the side of the road and called Jesse, updating the other man to exactly where they were.“Simon?” Hawk called as they walked through the woods.The path his truck left behind was easy to follow, especially since Larry had brought a flashlight. He didn’t need it, but Simon couldn’t see as well in the dark.“Simon!” Hawk yelled again, his heart starting to beat a frantic tattoo. The woods were too silent.“Hawk? Hawk, is that you?”“Oh, thank all the spirits! Hang on, Simon, I’m coming.” Hawk hurried ahead of Larry, crashing through the mangled trees and undergrowth.“I’m over here!”Hawk followed Simon’s voice and the light from the truck’s headlight. Simon was out of the truck, which he’d already figured out from how well Simon’s voice carried. He pushed a tree limb out of the way, and there his mate was.“Hawk,” Simon whispered, opening his arms.Hawk couldn’t get there fast enough. “Are you okay?”Simon flinched slightly. “I’m fine, really. Just be careful of the ribs, would you? They’re a little sore.”“Oh, Simon, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”“You didn’t. God, I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you. It’s kind of creepy out here all alone.”“I can imagine.” Hawk stood there, holding his mate. “I was so worried.” He heard Larry arrive, but he didn’t let go of the man in his arms.“Hawk? The tow truck is here.” Larry stood off to the side.Hawk slowly released Simon. “Simon, do you remember Larry? He brought me back, arranged for a tow, and basically took care of everything.”“I do, yes.” Simon held out his hand. “Thanks. Seriously.”Larry shook his hand. “My pleasure, Simon. I’m happy to help my friend and his mate. Hawk and I have known each other for a very long time.”“Un-huh. I noticed you said ‘mate’. That’s what Hawk called me too. So, you are also, um…” Simon trailed off.“A child of Wha-tay? A shifter?” Larry grinned. “Yes.”“As am I.” Jesse, the tow truck owner, joined the group, a thick chain held in his hand. “Nice to meet you, Simon. I’m Jesse. Manny, Hawk’s bouncer, is my brother.” Jesse turned to Hawk. “Hawk? Larry told me what happened when he called. He also said you found your mate. Congratulations, man.”“Thanks.” Hawk shook Jesse’s hand. “Why doesn’t we go walk back to the road with Larry? You can sit with him in his car or in Jesse’s truck and warm up.”“Yeah, that’s good. I’m freezing.” Simon leaned against Hawk. “If I never see a deer again, it’ll be too soon.”“Then you might want to wait awhile to meet some of other children of Wha-tay.”Simon groaned. “Great.”
Almost two hours later, Hawk and Simon stumbled to Hawk’s bedroom. His truck was now at a fellow shifters garage waiting to be fixed. Larry had dropped them off at Simon’s house and Hawk had drove Simon’s car back to his house. Now Simon had a way home. No sooner than they walked in, Mapiya and Shelly, who was a doctor, arrived. After a quick check, Shelly said Simon was fine. He had bruised ribs. His right hip was already blooming with bruises too.Hawk tucked Simon in bed and crawled in after him. “How do you feel?”“I’m okay, Hawk. Just tired and sore. We have to talk.” Simon squirmed until he faced Hawk. “So, spill it.”“Spirits, I don’t know where to start.”“Easy. First off: Are you human?”“Am I human? Well, yes and no.” Hawk saw the flash of confusion on Simon’s face. “Let me give you a short history of my people. The Great Spirit, who we call Wha-tay, created Mother Earth. Then her children, The People, were created and inhabit the land. Each child born to The People is bound with a spirit, what we call a totem, and once bound we have the ability to use the gifts the spirit has.”“You were bound with a red-tail hawk.”“Yes. Understand, Simon, the totem spirit is a separate entity. He speaks to me often. He thinks and feels too. I share this body with him, and in return, I have the gift of shifting.”Simon picked at the sheet. “Wow. So you two can talk to each other?”“Yes.”“Huh. Bet that can be a pain at times.”Hawk laughed as he remembered all the times he argued with his totem. “It can be, yes.”“Okay, so that’s how shifters came to be.” Simon crunched his eyes at Hawk. “Now, explain this mate thing. Am I supposed to be the perfect guy for you?”“A mate is a partner. Yes, Wha-tay picked the one who would be a perfect fit for me, and I for him. That’s not to say we don’t have to work at a relationship. It’s a give and take, of course. But a mate is compatible. They like the same activities. Their interests are the same. Mates are forever, Simon. I’ll mate you by giving you the mating bite.”“Um, whoa. Hold the horses. What’s a mating bite? And, um, why do I get the feeling you really mean bite?”“When I mate you, I’ll bite you, during sex, at the base of your neck near your shoulder. There will a scar.”Simon’s hand went to his throat. He remembered Hawk liked to nibble on his neck. “God.”“When I bite you, the saliva in the bite transfers a virus. It’ll make you very sick for a twelve hour period. It’s like having a bad case of the flu packed into a short time frame, or so I’ve been told. Then, after roughly twelve hours, you’ll transform for the first time. You become whatever your mate’s spirit is. In other words, you won’t be human anymore. You won’t be a true shifter like us either. You’ll be a hybrid.”“Mind”—Simon blew out a breath—“blown. Can you die?”“Oh, I damn well can. I can hurt and bleed just like any other living being. I may heal a little faster than normal, but I will die one day. My people exist much longer than humans do, and we age much slower, but we do pass on and join with the Great Spirit. After I mate you, your life span will extend to match mine.”“Which means at some point I’m going to have to disappear, right? I’ll have to leave my friends behind.” Simon leaned his head back against the headboard and closed his eyes.Neither man said anything, Seconds turned into minutes. Finally Hawk clasped Simon’s hand. “Can I ask you something?”Simon opened his eyes. “Sure.”“Why aren’t you totally freaked out? I thought, especially after what happened in my bar, I’d be peeling you off the ceiling.”
Chapter SixteenSimon’s abrupt laugh echoed through the bedroom. “I’m not going to lie, it gives me chill bumps, but not in a bad way. The biting and changing thing? Okay, yeah, I may need to sleep on that. I’m not saying no, Hawk,” Simon stated when he saw the look of panic on Hawk’s face. “I need time to let that sink in. But the other stuff? Well, I seen a shifter before.”“What!”“Long story short is one night at a bar I saw something. I was walking to my car and as I passed an alley, I heard sounds. At first I ignored them. It was a gay bar, after all. Thing was, this cry wasn’t one of pleasure. Then I heard what sounded like a fist hitting skin, so I went to investigate.”“Fuck. Simon, what were you thinking? Did it occur to you to call the police?”“Did it occur to you that by the time they got there, dude being attacked could be dead?” Simon shrugged. “I went to help. And here is where things got freaky. There were three guys in the alley. Two were beating up a smaller guy. I saw one guy swing a something that looked like a bat, then there was a ‘crack’ and a scream from the smaller guy. I yelled for them to stop and started running toward the fight.”Hawk shuddered.“Suddenly one guy went flying into the brick wall. He didn’t get back up. The other attacker hit the smaller guy, and he scream again. I heard popping and cracking sounds. I have to tell you, it was one of the most horrible things I’d ever heard. Then… then there was a huge ass wolf where the smaller guy stood. One second there was a guy, then there was a wolf. A huge snarling wolf.” Simon shook his head. “It slammed the remaining guy into the dumpster. And oh God, then it saw me. I couldn’t move as it stalked closer, still snarling. I thought it was going to attack, so I dropped to my knees and covered my head.”“Fuck me, oh fuck me. You had no idea the danger you were in.”“Oh yeah, I did.” Simon stared at Hawk, that night replaying in his mind. “I thought for sure I was fucked. But, when it got to me, Hawk, but all it did was sniff. I so was scared I couldn’t breathe. Then it nudged me. When I didn’t look up right away, it nudged me again, harder that time.”“What did you do?”Simon suddenly grinned. “Well, the damndest thing happened. It whimpered. Well, how could I not look up then? I did. It licked my cheek, then flopped down beside me. It made sure I was okay, then ran out of the alley. I thought that was a good idea and did the same. I got my car, got out of there, and never told anyone I was a man shift into a wolf. Until now.”“By the Great Spirit.”“I saw a shifter, didn’t I?”Hawk ran a hand over his face. “Yes, you did. We live all over the world. I’m so thankful he didn’t hurt you. You saw something you weren’t supposed to see. And babe? Please don’t call us ‘it’ when we’re in shifted form. It’s rude.”Simon cringed. “Gotcha. Thanks for the heads up.”“No problem. I’m sure there will be other things along the way.” Hawk studied Simon. “I’m curious. Did you never question what you saw?”“No, as hard as it was to believe, I never questioned it. Kind of hard to when the proof came right up and licked me.” Simon laughed. “I couldn’t even claim I was drunk. But, I’ve never been one to deny what’s staring me in the face either.”“That explains why you didn’t run screaming at the idea of shifters.”“It’s still a rather large pill to swallow.”“Why didn’t you say something when I was telling you about the totem spirit and our beliefs?”“Well hell, Hawk. How was I supposed to know you were trying to tell me you were a shifter? I knew they existed, but I didn’t know you knew. And I damn sure wasn’t going to say anything. I’ve kept that secret for years.”“Thank you for that. I guess I can see why you didn’t say anything.” Hawk ran his finger up Simon’s bare arm. “So, you know about shifters. I’ve told you about mates. And as far as the mating bite goes, the twelve hours is all there is to that, then you transform.”“Yeah. Hawk, it’s the whole transforming thing that you might need to peel me off the ceiling over. I’m not sure—”“Do you care for me?”Simon stumbled to a halt. Talk about bringing the conversation to a standstill. “Yes, Hawk, but we’ve only been seeing each other for a short time.”“True. But have you ever felt someone else like you do for me?”“Okay, no.”“Do you like spending time with me?’“Well, of course.”“Have I got on your nerves any?”Simon glared at Hawk. “What is this? Twenty questions? Because including now, there’s been a time or two, yes.”“Do you think you could grow to love me?”Simon froze. He could see that. Oh God, he so could.“Simon? Come on, don’t leave me hanging here.”Simon lunged across the small space separating them, plastering his lips to Hawk’s.“Oomph.” Hawk lacked on to Simon, quickly taking over the kiss. Finally he gently eased Simon back and looked at him. “Simon?”
Simon traced Hawk’s jaw line. “I’m already half way in love with you. I think I have been from the moment you stopped that guy from hitting me. I want you, Hawk. I want the whole shebang. Fuck me, bite me, change me.”
I'm ending this here. It's been subbed to DsP and I should hear something from them soon. If a few names seemed familiar, that’s because some of the characters are from Shadows in the Night. This is the next book in the series. J
~M
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