…
Cameron found the bathroom, but there was a line seven people deep waiting to use it. He took his place at the end of the line and leaned against the wall and waited. Several more filed in behind him as everyone waited for the person in the bathroom to finish. It became clear that what was going on in the bathroom was of a sexual nature and whoever they were, they enjoyed putting on a show.
The sounds that were coming from the bathroom were obscene, and Cameron started to question if he even wanted to use the facilities after they were finished. No telling what they might leave behind. His attention was drawn back to the bathroom door as it sounded as if someone was pushed hard against it. The loud moan followed by a scream followed by a litany of harder, harder, harder was more than Cameron wanted to hear.
Whoever was in there was getting thoroughly top to bottom fucked. The people in line began to cheer as the grunts and screams from within the room grew even louder. Cameron considered getting out of line and heading home when finally, the door opened.
A satisfied if not extremely disheveled little man exited with a huge smile on his face. He was small with bright yellow hair styled with gels and glitter. His body was lithe and tight like a tiny dancer. He was smug as hell as he pranced out of the room and took in the long line that had stood witness to his shamelessness. Cameron watched as the sexy little man practically danced away and then Cameron turned his gaze back to the bathroom door.
The man standing there was dark and tall like a mountain with a solid muscled form. He had black hair and flashing green eyes that seemed electric as he glanced at the line and then the room before moving forward with a bold confidence. He was dressed in leather and denim and looked to be one of the bikers that Dr. Malport had referred to. He was dangerous, his stance, his walk, and his expression held a power and a sureness that was tangible. Cameron would have considered him handsome if it weren’t for the previous spectacle. Right now all he saw was a disgusting example of gross immorality and a lack of manners.
He stopped and spoke to one of the men in line and the guy actually giggled. This was getting worse by the moment. The big guy leaned in and said something to him and then straightened and continued forward. Cameron averted his eyes as the man drew closer, not wanting to make eye contact with the rough biker. He wouldn’t be able to hide his contempt and didn’t want to offend him. Cameron wanted to go home in one piece.
…
Bryn had no issues with performing for the masses and having had very loud sex with that twink, while all these people waited and listened, didn't bother him. In fact, he found the audience factor rather exhilarating. He might try it again, maybe go to a club downtown that allows sex in the booths.
His mind was scanning all the possibilities for further exhibitionist activities when suddenly his world turned on its axis. All playful vulgarities fled as his mind became laser-focused on one man standing in line. The gorgeous man stared at the floor with his hands plunged deep into his pockets and his shoulders hunched. He was trying to be invisible by folding in on himself, and when Bryn took a step towards him, he abruptly turned his head to stare at the wall behind him.
This man was not cheering or clapping for him like the others; this man was disgusted, he found Bryn's presence revolting. He wanted nothing to do with Bryn, that was glaringly obvious by the fact he wouldn't even make eye contact and was trying to melt into the woodwork.
Everything Bryn had done in that room, everything that this man had heard came back at him like a kick in the face. He was no longer full of pride or excitement. A crawling sickness enveloped him as his eyes took in the shy, embarrassed man struggling to disappear as Bryn attempted to move closer.
This man, so turned off, so disgusted by what he'd been forced to listen to was Bryn's mate. This was the man he'd been so diligently searching for. His decision to live every day like his last had been the worst decision of his life. Calum's words of warning came rocketing back to torture him at that moment.
Bryn took another tentative step towards the freaked out human and held up his hand as if to show he meant no harm. "What's your name, beautiful?" He needed to know his name. He couldn't let him escape without learning his name, and the man looked ready to bolt.
The man took a sudden step backward that had him knocking into the man behind him. Bryn reached out to steady him, but the man recoiled from his touch. Nothing in Bryn's long life had ever felt as bad as that.
“I’m not interested.” The man mumbled, but still refused to look at him. “Please leave me alone.”
"I'm sorry," Bryn spoke, and his words were dripping with painful sadness and regret, but the man did not respond. "I'm sorry you had to hear all that. Please, I'm not the piece of shit that you think I am." The rest of the line started moving, but the man remained still, so the line moved around him.
"Talk to me, beautiful. Tell me your name." Bryn once again reached for his mate, but once again the man avoided his touch.
"I am not interested in anything you have to say, please leave me alone and go bother someone else." With that, the man turned and ran through the crowd intent on leaving but Bryn would not lose him. His words were blistering and stabbed at Bryn like a knife. He had to make this right; somehow, he had to fix this. He followed close behind but was suddenly thwarted when a young woman stepped in front of him.
"Bryn Keith, it's been over a week, and you have not called me back." The woman accused with a saccharine smile that did nothing to hide the anger in her eyes. She looked vaguely familiar, but he could not remember who she was.
Bryn tried to wave her off and kept his eyes on his mate, but she would not be put off. She looked at the man Bryn was chasing and then back at Bryn and snorted.
"You've got to be kidding me? You're chasing Cameron. Oh, my God, are you that desperate?" The words were coarse and hateful, and Bryn turned on her with fury flashing brightly in his vivid green stare.
“Fuck off.” The words were sharp and painful but effective. Bryn would not tolerate anyone speaking of his mate in such derisive tones. She looked around nervously as if expecting help and then took off in the opposite direction. He looked over the heads of everyone between him and the door and saw his mate ducking out.
Bryn hurried through the throngs of people and stepped out onto the sidewalk in front of the building. He saw his mate just ahead hurrying with his head down. He gave him plenty of space.
Cameron, his name was Cameron, and Bryn was grateful for even that much information. His scent was strong, and Bryn knew that he would be able to follow him anywhere. It was the sweet smell of Scottish thistle growing wild near the ocean and green hills, a scent he’d dearly missed the last hundred years.
He lost sight of Cameron, but his scent filled his mind and his heart. He didn't want to get to close because it would scare him unnecessarily to know that Bryn was following him. Bryn had no desire to upset his mate any more than his abhorrent behavior already had.
Cameron continued for three blocks and then turned up towards 9th street and stopped at a small apartment building near the University. Cameron took a quick glance around before entering. Bryn waited a few moments before approaching and stepped inside. The mailboxes were lined up on the wall, so he looked for Cameron and there it was loud and clear. Cameron Hayes apartment 2E, he was thrilled to finally have a full name and address for the man who was meant to be his.
CHAPTER TWO
Bryn felt compelled to stay outside his mate's apartment for the simple purpose of being near him. But he needed help in fixing this mess, and the only person he would ask was his brother Calum. Sure, the guy was going to bust his balls for doing exactly what he warned him not to do, but he would also give sound and practical advice.
With a heavy heart and feeling like the world’s biggest fool, Bryn walked back to the warehouse to pick up his bike and head home. His partying days were over, the only man for him was that shy man who smelled like home, no other man or woman would ever interest
or satisfy him.
…
Cameron let himself into his apartment and tossed his jacket on the bed which took up most of the room. It wasn't the best set up for guests with only one chair and a bed to sit on, but he didn't have guests anyway. Suddenly he was concerned about the condition of his apartment as if he were expecting someone. It was that sex-soaked biker god that had him feeling so outside himself, and he needed to calm down.
He would never be inside Cameron's space, so the layout of the place was not an issue. Shit, he rubbed his palms on his face and then through his hair before throwing himself onto his bed and kicking off his shoes. What the fuck was he thinking? That guy was making fun of him for the entertainment of the people in line. He could see Cameron was completely appalled by his public sex act, so the biker made an example of him.
For all the reasons Cameron never wanted to lay eyes on that guy again, he also felt a stirring of desire deep in his soul, and it was maddening. He was gross, and the sounds that came out of that bathroom would forever be branded on his eardrums. "His name was Bryn Keith; he told me his name was Bryn Keith," Cameron said as he stared at his cracked ceiling and a thought formed.
He was going to research the man, he never wanted to ever in his life see him again, but he wanted to know more about him. That made no sense, but he was hard-pressed to resist finding out all he could about the sexy biker in black leather.
…
Bryn pulled up in front of the Lodge and killed the engine on his bike but did not dismount. He sat there for a few minutes attempting to sort out the last couple of hours. His behavior had deteriorated over the past few months to the point he took no care or caution in how he treated people. He'd gotten upset because he hadn't found his mate so acted out like a damn child. Now he would pay, and he only had himself to blame. If only he'd scented his mate before taking that twink into the bathroom, it would have been so much easier.
He remembered the look on Cameron’s face when he attempted to touch him. You’d have thought his hands were covered in shit the way he avoided him. But, they were covered in shit, his whole being was covered in shit as far as Cameron was concerned.
Not the first impression he hoped to make when first meeting his mate, his forever lover, and friend. The one person he'd waited a lifetime to meet, and he managed to fuck it up so badly that the relationship may not be fixable. That thought brought with it pain so deep that it had Bryn groaning and leaning over the tank on his bike.
His dragon rumbled under the surface, not at all happy at having left their mate. His dragon had not been happy for months, but Bryn ignored him like he ignored every decent bit of advice he'd been given lately.
He finally got off his bike and headed for the front door. On his way, he pulled out his cell phone and called Kyle.
Kyle was living with his mate at the Chamberlin Coven north of them, but he was still family and acted as their tech specialist. He was only a few hours or so away by ground and minutes away by flight.
“Kyle, I need a favor.”
"What can I do for you?" Kyle was always ready with a helping hand. He wouldn't mind discussing his situation with Kyle, the guy always seemed to have good answers and could give good direction.
Kyle was sort of the Clan psychologist, but Bryn couldn't talk about this on the phone and not with anyone but Calum for now. It was too humiliating, and Bryn hoped as few as possible found out what happened. They wouldn't harass him or say anything about it but their pity would be deafening, and he just couldn't stand it.
“I need you to do a background check on Cameron Hayes, that’s H-A-Y-E-S. I think he attends the University and he looks to be in his early twenties or late teens.”
“You need it now or is morning okay?”
"Morning is good. Thanks, Kyle."
“No problem, Bryn.”
Bryn closed the call and slowly entered the Lodge. He saw his brother and his brother's mate, Chance, snuggled together on the large sofa in the great room near the fireplace. He walked over to one of the cushioned chairs near the sofa and sat down. He needed to talk to Calum, but he didn't know where to start.
After several minutes of silence, it was Calum who made the first comment.
“Alone tonight, that’s a surprise.”
Bryn threw his head back on the chair and stared up at the vaulted ceiling. “I may very well be alone forever, brother.” His words had the desired effect of garnering his brother’s complete attention. Calum turned to look at him with that familiar expression as of late of anger and concern.
“What did you do?” he asked, but Bryn did not respond immediately. Chance got up and with a thin excuse of checking on his friend Dane, Alrick’s mate, left the room. Calum gave him a loving and hungry kiss before he left. Bryn was pained to watch the interaction knowing that he may never know that kind of closeness with his mate.
When they were alone, Calum asked his question again but moved to the edge of the sofa as if ready to strike. Calum never liked repeating himself, so Bryn knew he was treading on dangerous ground with his silence, but he was at a loss for an explanation. Finally, he just said what he was feeling.
“I fucked up, Calum.” His voice was riddled with pain and regret. “I fucked up worse than anyone ever in the history of dragons. I’ve never heard of anyone being a bigger horse’s ass than me.” He flung himself forward and with his elbows on his knees, buried his face in his hands. “I was so stupid that I didn’t even listen to my dragon. What the hell is wrong with me?”
"You found your mate." It was a statement, not a question. Bryn didn't answer just nodded his head as he tunneled his fingers roughly through his long black hair.
"I'm guessing that it didn't go well." Calum picked up his glass of whiskey, sat back on the sofa and laid his arm on the back cushions as he studied Bryn with that dark green stare that demanded everything.
“I was fucking someone else at the time.” Bryn barely got the sentence out before he heard his brother nearly choke on the sip of whiskey he’d downed as he waited for Bryn to explain. He then heard the glass smash against the stone fireplace where Calum had thrown it.
"Oh my God, Bryn. What the fuck is wrong with you!" Calum yelled in a tone that was debilitating to Bryn's heart. He heard Calum take a deep breath and then release it over several seconds.
"Yeah, that was my question to you," Bryn answered but did not look at his brother. He understood his brother's reaction; mates were sacred and treasured. Mates were the bedrock of their existence and to debase them was tantamount to murder.
"Tell me everything that happened, start to finish." Calum was trying to be understanding, but Bryn still heard the disappointment in his voice and what hurt the most was that he knew he deserved it and more.
Bryn explained everything in grueling detail and watched his brother’s face for any reaction. Apart from that first outburst, he maintained an attentive yet stoic expression. Bryn ended with his following the man home and getting his name.
"I sent his information to Kyle, and he is doing a background check for me." Bryn ended there and waited for Calum to speak.
"Your mate, Cameron, was at this party so perhaps he is more used to this type of behavior than you think. He may have been upset at what he witnessed simply because he too would have felt an attraction to you, it goes both ways. So, in the long run, maybe he will let it go and give you a second chance." Calum's words were slow, direct and well thought out but Bryn was suddenly swamped with doubt.
"He was more than upset; he was repulsed, revolted, disgusted, I felt all of it even though he tried not to show too much of what he was feeling. I could sense that he was also afraid of me and didn’t want to run the risk of insulting someone who looked like me.” Bryn hung his head unable to continue eye contact with his brother.
"I don't know why Cameron was there; it obviously wasn't his scene. He looked so uncomfortable among the throngs of hedonists. You should have seen him; he was dressed like an uptight histo
ry professor from the nineties." Bryn smiled as he recalled the amazing man. "But he was the most handsome man I've ever encountered. His hair was unkempt, his clothes were dated and bland, but his eyes were so brilliant. They were a hazel color kind of like golden brown to go along with his wavy brown hair. His hair was long and everywhere, but all I wanted was to bury my hands in it and hold on."
"He sounds wonderful, Bryn," Calum commented softly. "Don't give up. Stay close and try to present yourself in a better light. Make small talk, ask him out for coffee, find out his friends and work on him from that angle. You made a few bad choices, but you are not a bad catch. You will make Cameron Hayes a wonderful mate. Don't undersell yourself." Calum sounded sure, and it gave Bryn the encouragement he needed.
“I handled this like a total shit head. Crying in my beer because I couldn’t locate a faint smell that I thought was my mate. It wasn’t, by the way. My mate’s smell is like heaven. I’ll do whatever I need to do to have Cameron by my side. I can’t go through this life knowing that I have a mate but he is not with me, my dragon would go insane.” Bryn knew he was totally to blame for the situation he was now in and it pained him to know that things could have been so different if he’d kept it in his pants. He sensed Cameron’s interest when they met even though it was slight, and he could have fanned that flame easily if he hadn’t been such a flagrant exhibitionist asshole.
“He was interested but fighting it. I think he was scared at being singled out but still interested. Hopefully I can get him beyond the manner of our first meeting.” Bryn’s attitude turned to hopeful and determined.
"If all else fails, shift and fly him to the mountains. It's extreme, but he would not be able to resist the call of your dragon." Calum stood and patted his brother on the shoulder. "I, and all of us here, will help you in any way that you need."
“Thanks, I’ll probably need all the help I can get.”
“Your mate sounds like a good man.”
“Better than a stupid wretch like me deserves.” Bryn broke eye contact with Calum and shifted his gaze to the floor.
The Bad Boy Page 2