Diving with a Hammerhead

by Charlie Richards

  Feeling his balls tighten just from listening to Anthony share his thoughts, his desires, Solomon felt his nipples bead. Goose bumps broke out on his groin, and it wasn’t from the cold. His chute muscles clenched as he peered down at Anthony’s shaft.

  “Y-Yeah.” Solomon swallowed hard. “Yeah, let’s do that.”

  * * * *

  Anthony couldn’t believe his ears. Surely it couldn’t be so easy. He feared it was Solomon’s arousal talking, the pheromones pouring off them both messing with his human’s thought processes.

  If Anthony took him up on it, if he mated Solomon, would his mate regret it later?

  Even as Anthony guided Solomon toward the shallower water, just as he’d stated, he tried to find out. “Are you thinking with your dick, Solomon? Because if we do this, there will be no going back,” he warned. “I’m going to bite your neck, claim you.” Seeing the way Solomon’s brows lifted in obvious surprise, Anthony quickly explained, “A mating bite is extremely pleasurable, Solomon. You will come from it.”

  Solomon groaned. “Are you trying to warn me away or encourage me?”

  “A bit of both,” Anthony admitted, offering his human a wry smile. “I don’t want you to second guess your decision later, because there’s no way I’ll be able to let you go.”

  Standing in water that lapped around their ankles, Solomon focused an intense gaze on Anthony. “Mating, claiming, that’s like marriage, isn’t it?”

  Anthony met Solomon’s pale blue eyes, reading the serious expression there. He nodded once. “Yes, and in the shifter world, after a mate has been claimed, there’s no divorce.” He scoffed softly, adding, “I will destroy anyone who tries to take you away from me, and those rich buddies you met? They’ll help. They’re my family. All the shifters and mates living and working at World of Aquatica are my family.”

  Solomon scoffed softly, his lips curving into an amused smile. “You have a lot of family, then.”

  “They’ll be yours, too, ya know.” Anthony winked, offering a hungry smile as he waggled his brows. “Well, if you treat me right, anyway.”

  Licking his lips, Solomon cocked his head. His eyes narrowed. “So, you claim me through sex and biting, right?”

  Uncertain where Solomon was headed with his question, Anthony nodded slowly. “Yes.”

  “Does the human get to claim the shifter?”

  Suddenly understanding Solomon’s fears, Anthony grinned. “While I enjoy topping, and I know I’ll want to do it more than this one time, I love to bottom, too.” Immediately scenting Solomon’s relief, Anthony added, “I would love to accept your dick over and over, my mate.”

  Solomon continued to stare at him, his expression unreadable. Finally, he jerked a nod. “Then let’s do this, although I think you’re getting the bitter end of the deal.”

  “Not from where I’m standing.”

  Anthony had no idea where that idea had come from.

  Shaking his head, Solomon sank to his knees in the shallow water. “I’m an out of work soldier, who has a rich asshole after his life.” Leaning forward, he pressed his nose to Anthony’s groin, nuzzling his cock as he muttered, “And you’re a rich doctor with plenty of support. I have nothing to offer you.”

  Groaning, Anthony shivered at the feel of Solomon’s mouth on him. “I don’t want or need anything but you,” he told his mate, his voice turning gruff as pre-cum oozed from his slit. “Spend time with you, please you, touch you... be considered your partner.” He rubbed his fingertips through Solomon’s short, white-blond hair, wrapping his hands around his skull and rocking his hips gently. “You’re not in the closet, are you?”

  Had they talked about that? With his mind clouded by lust, Anthony couldn’t remember.

  “I’m not,” Solomon replied before sticking out his tongue and licking up his shaft. “Not since getting out of the military.” He opened his mouth and suckled on Anthony’s crown, swiping his tongue back and forth, massaging him, and teasing under his foreskin.

  Anthony groaned roughly. Tipping his head back, he stared vacantly at the roof. He shuddered as Solomon worked over his knob, then sank down on his erection.

  “Solomon,” Anthony cried when Solomon cradled his balls and massaged his sensitive orbs through the thin skin of his sack. “Oh, gods!” Anthony gasped, returning his focus to Solomon. His mate looked so fucking sexy on his knees before him, his full lips wrapped around his erection. “You gotta stop, or I’m gonna come.”

  Solomon eased off his prick with an obscene pop. He grinned widely up at him. “Not bad for a guy who’s never sucked dick before, then?”

  That revelation tore a moan from Anthony’s chest. He quickly nodded, wanting to erase the slight hint of uncertainty in Solomon’s scent. “Gods, if that was your first time, I can’t imagine how it will feel when you get good at it.”

  Chuckling, Solomon rumbled, “Well, you’ll have to let me know then.”

  Anthony swiftly nodded. “I will always praise your talented mouth.” He slid his fingertips over Solomon’s full bottom lip. “But since I don’t want to spill until I get in your ass, I can only say that was the best damn blowjob of my life.”

  It was the truth, too. Feeling his mate’s lips around his shaft had been nearly heart-stopping. He couldn’t wait to get the opportunity to watch his human drink his seed.

  Solomon nipped at the pad of his finger, then suckled it.

  Groaning, Anthony pulled away from him. “Lube,” he said, gasping, trying to gain control of himself. “Need lube and you on your knees.” As he started up the beach to his bag, he paused and looked back at Solomon. “Unless you prefer I take you on your back?” Seeing Solomon hesitate, he realized just how big a deal this was for his big human. “However you prefer, my mate. I just want you comfortable.”

  And naked. Still gotta get rid of those boxer-briefs.

  “Back, if you don’t mind.”

  Anthony instantly nodded. “Of course. Be just a second.” He winked. “Always use plenty of lube.”

  After watching Solomon nod for a second, Anthony turned and crossed the last few steps to his bag. He knelt and rummaged through it, finding the tube of lubricant underneath the soda cans. Pulling it out, he rose and pivoted... and froze.

  Moaning, Anthony felt his mouth water and his stomach clench in anticipation. His balls rolled and tingled. Even his pierced nipples ached.

  Reaching down, Anthony gripped the base of his prick, just managing to stay his orgasm.

  Solomon lay sprawled on the beach. He’d removed his underwear and spread his legs wide. He had one hand cradling his balls, and two fingers of his other hand were buried in his ass.

  It was the sexiest fucking thing Anthony had ever seen.

  Chapter Six

  Solomon wasn’t an idiot. He knew he was thinking with his dick. For once in his life, however, he couldn’t come up with one damn reason why that was a bad thing.

  Sure, he was essentially about to marry some doctor that he’d just met, but the man was sexy as fuck. On top of that, he was kind, straightforward, and wanted to share his life and family with him. Solomon hadn’t had a family in a very long time.

  It helps that I really like the man—shifter. I can live with his oddness. As Solomon pegged his prostate and he let out a low grunt, another thought hit him. He’ll be damn fun to go diving with.

  “Oh, Solomon,” Anthony rumbled huskily, drawing Solomon’s attention. “I have no words to describe—”

  Anthony dropped to his knees between Solomon’s spread thighs. His focus remained riveted to where Solomon had his own fingers inside him. He didn’t stop opening himself, and Anthony used a thumb to pop the cap on the lube, then drizzled a liberal amount of the slick over Solomon’s fingers as he worked his channel.

  Solomon appreciated it and immediately shoved a third digit into himself.

  “Y-You look—gods!” Anthony spoke in a strained voice, and a tremble worked through h
im. His grin turned feral as he finally met Solomon’s gaze. “Watching you open yourself for me... so fucking sexy.”

  Anthony gripped the base of his prick with one hand while he poured lubricant on his shaft. Then he began slowly jacking himself, coating his erection with the gleaming slick. From the way his lips parted and his chest heaved, Solomon knew he was close.

  “Hurry up,” Solomon urged. He eased his fingers out of his chute. “I’m ready.”

  Nodding, Anthony levered over him. His blue-gray eyes had darkened to the color of slate, and he held Solomon’s gaze. “Last chance,” he whispered.

  Solomon felt pressure against his anus. Doing something he’d never done before, he spread his legs wider. He reached up and grabbed his lover, cradling his jaw in one hand and his upper arm with the other.

  “I accept your offer,” Solomon told Anthony, pulling him down so he could press a gentle kiss to his lips. Putting a hairsbreadth between them, he held his lover’s gaze as he insisted, “Do it now.”

  Anthony’s smile turned hungry, feral, and he nodded.

  Solomon felt the pressure against his muscle increase. Fighting his instinct to clench, he pushed out instead. Feeling the stretch, the sting, to his chute, a shudder worked through him. His fingers tightened where he gripped Anthony, and he took a deep breath, then let it out slowly, working hard to relax again.

  “Easy,” Anthony crooned. He lowered his head and pressed a light kiss to Solomon’s mouth. Turning his head, he nuzzled his cheek as he murmured, “Just keep breathing for me. I got you. The pain will pass.”

  Grunting, Solomon nodded once. He slid his hand up Anthony’s chest, allowing the feel of the warm skin under his palm to distract himself. Using his hold on Anthony’s neck and jaw, he pulled him closer so he could nibble a line of kisses along his collarbone.

  Solomon’s groin warmed as he felt his lover push into him further, rocking steadily deeper. When Anthony’s prick slid across his prostate, sparks danced along his nerve endings. His prick twitched, and a bead of pre-cum oozed from him.

  Moaning gruffly, Solomon shuddered. Before he managed to catch his breath, Anthony had eased partway out, then thrust back into him. Fire shot through his rectum as his lover stimulated his prostate again.

  “Oh, fuck,” Solomon rumbled, shivering. He pressed his heels into the sand and rocked up to meet Anthony’s next thrust. “Anthony!”

  Somehow, his lover managed to peg his prostate with every rut. The bliss-inducing movements caused his blood to fire and his cock to throb. Even his balls ached, and Solomon realized he was actually struggling not to come.

  Anthony must have realized it.

  “Don’t fight it,” Anthony whispered into his ear. “Come for me. Squeeze my cock. Show me how good it feels.” He licked along the curve of Solomon’s ear, then suckled the lobe for a few seconds. “Coat my belly with your seed.”

  The onslaught of sensations was too much. Plus, Solomon didn’t truly want to fight it. He groaned and shuddered, bucking and jerking, as his orgasm swelled through his system.

  “Anthony!” Solomon tightened his grip and growled his pleasure.

  Squeezing Anthony’s erection in time with the bursts of his release, Solomon heard his lover moan, the sound one of bliss. Wanting to hear more, to feel him tremble in his grip while warming his channel with his fluids, Solomon slid his left hand down Anthony’s chest, searching... searching.

  Solomon’s fingertips skimmed across Anthony’s pierced nipple. Gripping the barbell, he tugged gently. He heard Anthony moan and felt his lover’s mouth at his neck.

  In the next instant, pain stabbed into Solomon’s flesh. He opened his mouth to cry out, but sucked in a harsh gasp instead as the pain morphed into the oddest feeling he’d ever experienced. Tingles zinged down his chest, causing his nipples to bead and ache pleasantly. It felt as if it continued down his treasure trail straight to his groin.

  His cock swelled so fast that if he hadn’t been lying down, he was certain he would have dropped. A second orgasm in mere minutes blindsided him, and he floated on the headiest clouds of endorphins. Mumbling Anthony’s name, he reveled in the delightful feelings.

  Solomon wasn’t certain how long he’d been riding the waves of ecstasy, but he eventually began to regain his senses. Feeling Anthony’s heavy weight on his chest, he slid his arms around him. He rubbed up and down his lover’s back, just relishing the chance to hold him.

  Even the weird sensation of having Anthony’s softened prick still partway in his chute felt... good. Nice. It took Solomon a second to recognize another feeling.

  Contentment.

  Yeah, I can definitely get used to this.

  * * * *

  Anthony eased his teeth from Solomon’s flesh where his neck met his shoulder. Licking over the mark, he sealed the wound, enjoying the last couple beads of blood. The flavor of his mate’s life fluid was just too good to miss even a drop.

  Feeling Solomon’s hands sliding up his spine, Anthony lifted his head. He met Solomon’s gaze, relieved to see a relaxed, satiated smile curving his lips. Dipping his head, he pressed a light peck to his human’s mouth.

  Solomon immediately took over, threading his fingers through Anthony’s hair and nipping his bottom lip. He immediately opened, and Solomon slipped his tongue into his mouth. Anthony slid his own against Solomon’s, teasing and playing, giving as good as he got.

  When Solomon broke the kiss, he grinned broadly as he relaxed on the sand. With a pull and a twist, he moved Anthony to his side, tucking him against him with his head on his shoulder. Solomon threaded his fingers through his hair in an almost absent, rhythmic motion that Anthony found extremely soothing.

  Anthony hummed and tilted his head, meeting Solomon’s gaze. He saw his human’s heavy-lidded expression and slight smile. Holding Anthony’s focus, Solomon leaned forward and pecked a light kiss on his lips.

  “I’ve heard this is pillow talk time,” Solomon rumbled softly, his voice deep and lethargic. “Shall I start?”

  Grinning, Anthony asked, “Pillow talk? What’s that?”

  His brows furrowing, Solomon replied, “I’ve never been in a relationship, but that’s what I’d heard comes next.” His expression turned serious. “Two compatible people have amazing sex, then cuddle together and share a little about themselves.”

  Anthony smiled, pleasure filling him. His mate thought they’d had amazing sex. Nice! Anthony hoped they could top it soon enough.

  “I’d like that.” Before Solomon could say more, Anthony added, “And I’ve never been in a relationship, either. Just didn’t see the point if it wasn’t my mate.”

  Solomon nodded once, his brows easing as he again seemed to relax. “I had a good childhood. Played sports. Had friends. Liked the outdoors.” His lips curved into a sad smile. “I was gonna go to college, but my parents died in a fire. Our house burned down. I was off camping with a bunch of buddies. My phone rang at two-seventeen in the morning.” His lips pinched as he turned his head and met Anthony’s gaze. “A call in the middle of the night is rarely good news unless you know someone who’s about to have a baby.”

  Anthony nodded, hoping to encourage him to continue. Concerned about the slightly bitter, sad scent coming from Solomon, he rubbed his mate’s chest in a soothing manner. To Anthony’s relief, his human let out a deep sigh.

  “It was my neighbor, a guy named Mister Rathford,” Solomon continued, his voice soft as he obviously relived the memory. “He told me my home was on fire and my parents—” Solomon sucked in a deep breath, the memory obviously painful. “Our home was old, and there was a gas leak. I was told my parents died in their sleep, so at least it was peaceful.” He cleared his throat. “I couldn’t afford college on my own, so I decided to join the military to pay for it.” Shrugging, jostling Anthony’s head, he finished, “I have a business degree, but never thought about using it.”

  Appreciating Solomon’s story, Anthony felt d
eeply moved that his mate would tell him something so personal. He continued to rub his fingertips lightly over the man’s chest. “Thank you for telling me,” he murmured, moving his head and nuzzling his cheek against him. “I’m afraid I don’t have anything as epic to share.”

  Solomon chuckled softly as he turned his head to meet his gaze. His expression was warm, relaxed, no tension showing at all. Even the man’s scent only carried pleasure.

  “It’s not a competition, doc,” Solomon stated, his tone one of fondness. “Just sharing about my past.” His blue eyes twinkling, he added, “As far as hobbies go, I love surfing, wind sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving.” He scoffed. “Hell, if you can do it in the water, I’ve probably given it a go.”

  “You like water?” Anthony grinned, remembering how Solomon had said something along those lines once before. He sobered as a thought occurred to him. “Don’t think almost drowning might have changed that, do you?”

  “Naw, not a chance.”

  Relief filled Anthony. “Good. We’ll go swimming together sometime.”

  “Sounds like fun.”

  Anthony hummed softly before deciding to say, “I spent the first century of my life moving from boating town to boating town, earning a living as a sailor on merchant ships and fishing boats.” He winked as he added, “Even spent about fifteen years as a pirate.”

  Solomon barked a laugh, a grin splitting his wide lips. “Really? Were you ever caught?”

  “Naw, our captain had a knack for staying under the radar.” Anthony waggled his brows. “Made a shit-ton of money, and since I knew I was gonna live a long damn time, I was good at hoarding.” Thinking back to those days, he recalled the bad food, the unsanitary conditions, and the rowdy dangerous crowd. “Eventually I realized how good I was at caring for the sick sailors, so when I got tired of it all and medicine was starting to modernize, I enrolled in medical school.” Anthony chuckled. “That was back in the nineteen twenties. A lot has changed since then.”