Diving with a Hammerhead

by Charlie Richards

  After that odd comment, Kaiser disappeared down the hall. William offered a thumbs up to Anthony and followed him.

  Solomon turned his attention to Anthony. “What the hell is going on?” He did his best not to become distracted by the doc’s beautifully tanned body. “What did William mean by the rabbit hole?”

  Is something illegal going on at this Marine Park?

  He never would have thought Braylon would ever get involved in anything underhanded. The man had always seemed so reserved and cowed. When he’d heard that Braylon had tweaked his classes so his marine biology studies would actually come out as the major and the electrical science degree the minor, he’d gotten a hell of a laugh.

  Unfortunately, that had seemed to be the final straw for Armando. He’d begun having men tail his son after that. Solomon had even heard that Armando had paid off one of Braylon’s friends to make certain he got into trouble.

  Of course, that certainly hadn’t worked out quite how anyone had intended.

  “Okay, so... uh, this is probably going to sound a little crazy.”

  Solomon swept his gaze over Anthony again and saw the look of apprehension on the man’s face. “Is it really that bad?”

  Anthony scoffed and shook his head. “No, you just won’t believe me at first. Sometimes the humans told react... badly.”

  “Humans?” Solomon fixated on that one word. “What do you mean?” From the odd expression on Anthony’s face, Solomon couldn’t help but grin and ask, “Are you saying you’re not human?”

  His expression extremely serious, Anthony nodded his head.

  Solomon had never been one for conspiracy theories, things like aliens are real, so couldn’t think up a response. Hell, he didn’t even believe in Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster. His mouth opened and closed as he struggled to come up with something. He really needed Anthony to explain.

  It seemed Anthony was having trouble finding his tongue, too.

  Clearing his throat, Solomon managed to come up with, “Uh, do you, do you think you’re an alien?” Just saying the words made him grin. A chuckle escaped him as he swept his gaze over the doc’s handsome form. “‘Cause you’re way better looking than any little green man I’ve ever heard of.”

  Anthony’s lips curved into a wry smile. “Not an alien.” After clearing his throat, he inhaled deeply, then let it out through pursed lips. “I don’t know if they’re real or not, but I am what is called a shifter, a type of paranormal.”

  Solomon’s jaw sagged open. His mind reeled. That certainly hadn’t been what he’d expected, but it seemed that Anthony wasn’t done.

  “I share my spirit with a hammerhead shark. That’s how I found you in the middle of the ocean. I was swimming in shark form. I scented your blood while you were floating on the waves.”

  “Uhhhh—” Solomon cocked his head and eyed the man, waiting for the punch line. “Huh?”

  Oh, very eloquent, Solomon.

  “This is the sort of thing that I’d need proof of to accept,” Solomon blurted. “No way does anyone believe they can actually turn into an animal. That’s make believe shit.”

  “You don’t believe me.”

  While Anthony didn’t ask it as a question, Solomon still shook his head. The doc shrugged. “Not surprising. Are you feeling up for a walk? I can prove it.”

  “Prove that you’re not human?” Solomon scoffed. So much for sex with the handsome man. The dude was crazy! “Sure, man. If that’s what you want to believe.”

  Why are all the hot ones insane?

  “I’m going to make you believe it, too, handsome,” Anthony claimed calmly as he rose to his feet. “I’m going to get a picnic lunch together. Weird explanations are always better over a meal.” He started out of the room, mumbling, “Or so I’ve heard.”

  Pausing in the doorway, Anthony turned back to face him. “Uh, there’s sweatpants in the drawers. Just find something comfortable. Most of us aren’t too shy, but if you insist on covering up that amazing chest, t-shirts are in there, too.” He pointed toward another door and said, “There’s a small bathroom through there if you’d like to wash up. I’ll be back in ten.”

  Solomon watched Anthony disappear out the door. Oddly enough, his heart clenched in his chest. He had to actually fight the urge to call him back.

  Shaking his head at his odd reaction to the sexy, crazy man, Solomon swung his legs over the side of the bed. He realized he’d been stripped to his underwear, but that was understandable. Seeing as he had a number of cuts on his limbs and torso and sides, he figured his clothes had been ruined anyway.

  While sitting on the side of the bed, those thoughts gave Solomon pause. He shouldn’t be disparaging his rescuer even if he was a little screwy. The doctor had pulled him from the ocean... right?

  Of all the odd things the guy had said, that at least felt true.

  Solomon had always prided himself on his uncanny ability to know when someone was telling the truth. It was what had made him such a fantastic interrogator while in the military. He could get information out of captured hostiles faster than anyone else in his unit.

  Too bad he hadn’t liked that work. It’d left a knot in his belly at some of the methods he and others had been encouraged to use. It was why he’d left for private work.

  So what do I do now?

  Solomon’s bladder twinged.

  Get up, piss, wash my hands, and maybe throw some water on my face.

  With that simple course of action settled, Solomon limped to the bathroom. Pain rolled through his body, and not just from the stinging cuts. His muscles ached from overuse, similar to what happened after a hard workout or physical sports activity.

  Solomon ought to know. He’d been big into sports growing up.

  Then my parents had died, and I had to grow up fast.

  The military had been the answer.

  Reaching the bathroom, Solomon did as he’d been thinking. He took a leak, then washed his hands. After splashing water on his face, he rested his hands on either side of the sink. Allowing his face to drip into the basin, he let his mind drift.

  Solomon immediately thought of Anthony.

  A hammerhead shark? Really? How could someone believe such a thing?

  What did it matter in the grand scheme of things? After all, he had his own issues. He had a vindictive rich guy after him.

  So what’s the right course of action now?

  * * * *

  Anthony figured he shouldn’t have dropped that bomb on Solomon, then taken off. He should have stayed, explained... or something. Instead, he’d run like a scared rabbit... too afraid his mate might reject him.

  Placing several sandwiches into the small tote bag, he shook his head at his foolishness. He had to explain. After placing a couple bags of chips on top of the sandwiches, he finished packing. Under the sandwiches were a couple of bananas and beneath them, since he didn’t know what his mate preferred, a couple bottles of juice and soda.

  Time to get back to him.

  Anthony prayed to whatever god cared to listen that, one, Solomon was still where he’d left him. Two, he hoped that his mate would listen with an open mind. By Solomon’s own admission, he wasn’t prone to flights of fancy or imagination.

  Carrying his bag, Anthony left his condo and returned to his attached infirmary. As the community’s main doctor, his home had been constructed next door for convenience.

  He’d never appreciated that more than he did right then.

  Striding through the connecting door, Anthony headed past the reception area and down the hall to the room where he’d had Solomon placed. He paused in the doorway, his mouth watering at the sight of his mate’s broad, pale back. His fingers clenched around the strap of his bag as he fought his need to cross the room and trace all those muscles.

  One thing could be said for his tall, broad human—he sure kept himself in good shape.

  Solomon stood in just a pair of navy bl
ue lounging pants, which rode low on his hips, showing off the swell of his ass to perfection. His focus seemed to be out the window, but it was tough to tell with the way his head was tipped down. With one knee cocked, Solomon appeared to be in a sort of brooding stance.

  It also set Solomon’s neck on display beautifully, making Anthony’s mouth water with his desire to sink his teeth into it.

  Clearing his throat, Anthony tried to get his thoughts in order. The noise must have alerted Solomon that he was there, for his mate turned and lifted one brow. He offered him a small smile, appearing a little uncertain himself.

  Anthony felt his body heat from that look alone.

  Damn!

  “Come on,” Anthony urged, beckoning with one hand. “I have somewhere special to take you.” Realizing the importance of the moment, he added, “Uh, you just have to promise never to tell a soul, uh, family, friends, that kind of thing, about what you’re about to see.”

  Solomon scoffed softly as he crossed the room. “Don’t have any family. Was an only kid, and my parents died when I was eighteen. Enlisted as soon as I could.” He stopped before Anthony and shrugged his wide shoulders. “Got a few military buddies, but I sure wouldn’t try to tell them about shapeshifters... for several reasons.” His pale blue eyes sparkled as he grinned widely, showing off front teeth that were a smidge crooked. “Is there food in that bag? ‘Cause I’m actually a little hungry.” Solomon rubbed a hand over his stomach, scratching around one of his cuts. “Can’t remember the last time I ate. In fact, have I been out long?”

  Realizing they had far more to talk about than just Anthony’s revelation about shifters and paranormals, he nodded. “Yeah. Food. And I swam you to shore at about midnight.” He stepped backward and beckoned to Solomon, leading the way toward the front of the infirmary and the exit. Watching over his shoulder, Anthony noticed his mate’s uneven, limping gait, and slowed his pace. “You slept through the night and morning. It’s around two-thirty.”

  Solomon nodded, his brows furrowing. “I don’t suppose you found a wallet in my jeans, did you?”

  Anthony shook his head. “Afraid not. The goons who dumped you must have taken it.”

  “Damn,” Solomon muttered. “Can I borrow your phone? I’d like to cancel my debit and credit card.”

  “Of course.” Anthony reached into his pocket, then realized he didn’t have it on him. “Uh, there’s a phone in the lobby here.” He pointed at a handset resting on the reception desk. “Or would it be easier to do it online?”

  Anthony finished the offer by pulling open the main center drawer and revealing a laptop.

  “Oh, that’s awesome, thanks,” Solomon said, limping behind the desk and settling in the chair. “This’ll just take five minutes. I only have those two cards, and they’re both through the same provider.”

  As Solomon spoke, he opened the laptop and began typing.

  Anthony perched on the edge of the desk, placing the bag upon it, and watched, amazement filling him. He’d told Solomon that shifters were real, and this was how he reacted—by focusing on his accounts? While it was a very pragmatic approach, it showed Anthony just how much Solomon didn’t believe him.

  Well, he’ll believe soon enough.

  Waiting patiently, Anthony thought about how he’d break it to him. He’d definitely have to demonstrate the ability... after laying out all the facts. Anthony figured he should be as blunt and straightforward as possible.

  Anthony kept that thought in mind as he waited patiently for Solomon to finish with his task. He admired his human’s thick blunt fingers and the way they danced across the keys. Smiling, he wondered how those hands would feel gliding over his skin in the same way.

  Did Solomon have callouses? Was he a passionate lover? Did he prefer to top or bottom?

  His blood heated, predictably flowing south. Shifting where he rested against the side of the desk, he attempted to give his cock more room behind the fly of his shorts. It didn’t work, but it did draw Solomon’s attention.

  Solomon took in Anthony’s tented shorts for a few seconds, then lifted his gaze to his face. A smirk curved the human’s wide lips, and mirth danced in his pale blue eyes. He slowly rose, closing the laptop as he did so, and took a step sideways, so he stood before Anthony.

  Brazenly, Solomon cupped Anthony’s erection through his shorts.

  Anthony gasped, a shudder racking through him. His jaw sagged open, and he groaned. Feeling Solomon squeeze him lightly with his fingers while rubbing his thumb over his crown, Anthony could only stare into his human’s heated gaze.

  “We have some serious talking to do,” Solomon began slowly, his voice deep and rough. “But I got one of these, too”—he squeezed Anthony’s prick once more, emphasizing his point—”so how about we rut one out, then worry about the rest of your crazy shit.” Solomon waggled his brows as he smiled wryly, obviously attempting to soften his comment.

  Not at all surprised that Solomon thought him crazy, Anthony nodded. “Y-Yeah.” He groaned at the pleasure coursing through his groin. “That sounds damn fantastic.”

  Chapter Four

  Solomon figured he probably shouldn’t be thinking with his dick, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. Sitting at the desk and freezing his accounts, he’d been acutely aware of how close Anthony was. The man had on some kind of musky cologne that was playing havoc with Solomon’s senses.

  He couldn’t remember the last time he’d wanted to touch, to fuck... hell, he was almost to the point where he’d welcome being fucked.

  That’s damn rare.

  Solomon had always been a toppy fellow, but seeing the outline of Anthony’s prick behind his board shorts, feeling and squeezing it with his hand, bending over for the man definitely held some appeal.

  When Anthony agreed to a rub off, Solomon let out a harsh sigh of relief.

  Yes!

  Releasing Anthony’s prick through his shorts, Solomon slid his hand down and inserted it between the doc’s thighs. He exerted a little pressure, and Anthony immediately shifted his weight, spreading his legs. Solomon stepped between his legs and pushed his swollen, cloth-covered cock against his new lover’s.

  Delicious pressure against his shaft had a grunt of pleasure escaping from him. Goose bumps broke out on his groin as his prick twitched. Even his balls felt as if they tingled.

  Rocking against Anthony, Solomon groaned as he held Anthony’s gaze. He gripped the smaller, leaner man’s neck with his right hand as he reached between them with the other. As Solomon shoved down the front of his pants, freeing himself, he pressed his forehead against Anthony’s.

  The urge to kiss the man hit him like a punch to the gut. Solomon hadn’t kissed anyone in years, not since he’d admitted to himself that he was gay when he was twenty-three. He’d stopped bothering, since men in bars, tricks, didn’t expect it.

  Solomon licked his lips as he gripped the waist of Anthony’s board shorts. Working by feel, he pulled the elastic band forward and down. A second later, the slender length of Anthony’s hot flesh pressed against his own.

  Listening to Anthony moan, Solomon found his focus riveted to his mouth. He rutted slowly, sliding his own throbbing prick against the doc’s. The pressure and friction caused his blood to fire in his veins and his cock to leak.

  “Do you kiss?”

  The words were out of Solomon’s mouth before he even realized he’d thought them. Rubbing his thumb along Anthony’s jawline, he wrapped his other arm around the man’s waist, pressing them together from groin to nipples.

  Anthony’s nipple bars rubbed against Solomon’s chest, sliding over his flesh as they rocked together, a fascinating stimulus. The doc gasped softly, returning Solomon’s focus to his lips. His mouth watered.

  “Want to taste you.”

  “Yes,” Anthony murmured huskily. He wrapped his arms around Solomon’s torso, returning his embrace. “Kiss me.”

  A shudder went through Solo
mon’s body upon hearing the harsh demand. He nodded and obeyed. Dipping his head, he sealed his lips over Anthony’s.

  Solomon didn’t wait for permission. He thrust his tongue out and pressed it against the seam of Anthony’s lips. To his pleasure, his new lover opened to him, and he plunged his tongue inside.

  When Anthony’s masculine flavor hit his tongue, Solomon groaned. He didn’t know what the man had eaten, but the dark flavor made him think of the best scotch mixed with black licorice. Solomon’s taste buds sang, and he wanted more.

  Tipping his head, Solomon plundered Anthony’s mouth. He rocked his hips, rutting steadily. Groaning under his breath, he tightened his hold on the doc’s neck and mapped his lips, teeth, and gums.

  Solomon couldn’t manage to pull his mouth away until breathing became a necessity. Gasping, he stared down at Anthony, taking in his swollen lips and glazed expression. A swell of pride flooded him.

  I put that look on Anthony’s face.

  Anthony with his blue-gray eyes dark with arousal, his chest flushed with his need, and his hands clutching at him—Solomon had never seen anything so ball-tingling in his life.

  Feeling his testicles roll, Solomon didn’t even try to stop his approaching orgasm. He needed release so bad he could practically taste it. Except, no, it was Anthony’s flavor still causing his taste buds to sing.

  One more rut against Anthony’s own leaking prick had Solomon’s release crashing over him. His senses sang as his eyes practically rolled back in his head. His body jolted as bliss pinged through him.

  Continuing to rock his hips, Solomon focused on Anthony just in time to see his eyes go heavy-lidded and his jaw to slacken. His body jerked in Solomon’s hold, and the heat of more cum registered against his stomach. Inhaling deeply, Solomon moaned appreciatively.

  Nothing beats the smell of spent seed.

  Easing back a little, Solomon relaxed his hold on Anthony’s waist so he could slip his hand between them. He swiped his fingertips through their combined seed and brought it to his lips. Humming, Solomon licked the salty mixture from his hand, enjoying their flavors.