Healing Minds (The Shifter Chronicles 5)

by M. D. Grimm

  Xavier would never have thought he could turn something so ugly and horrible into something positive and useful. He’d been wondering how he would make up for the horrors he’d committed, and this seemed right. It felt right. With Josh by his side, he could set his plan into motion. He could accomplish anything with his mate by his side.

  A fierce grin spread across Xavier’s face. Mate. His mate.

  Hot damn.

  In a few short hours they reached the outskirts of Las Vegas. He saw the bright lights, the tall, obnoxious buildings. He used the truck’s GPS system and found a small motel near the desert and away from the city center. He turned down side streets, anticipation racing through him. He was going to make love to Josh tonight. He had to. His wolf heartily agreed.

  Night was falling. Josh stirred beside him, and Xavier glanced down into that lovely face, those lovely eyes. Josh blinked rapidly and yawned.

  “I’m hungry,” he said.

  “So am I,” Xavier growled.

  He parked the truck in the lot in front of the motel. He would have to get rid of it sooner rather than later. They got out, and Xavier went through the squeaky door to the front desk. No one was there, so he tapped the small table bell. He glanced over his shoulder. Josh stood by the truck, watching him. His mate smiled, those pale blue eyes bright.

  Where was the fucking motel owner?

  He tapped the bell again.

  “I’m comin’, I’m comin’,” called a grouchy voice. Xavier fidgeted with impatience.

  A heavyset man in his golden years came through the door behind the counter. He was balding and stank. Xavier struggled not to cough or gag. He hoped this boozer kept the rooms in a better state than he kept himself.

  “Whatya want?” the man asked, starting up his computer.

  “Two nights. One bed.” No way in hell were he and Josh sleeping in different beds. Not now. Two days would give them enough time to gather the needed supplies before hiking into the desert. It would also give them some time in a bed. He knew Josh greatly enjoyed sleeping in a bed. Maybe he could get an air mattress….

  “One hundred,” the man said.

  Xavier raised an eyebrow. They still had a fair amount in their funds, despite the gas and food they needed to buy, but he didn’t want to get ripped off.

  “The room better be worth a hundred.”

  The man glared beadily at him. “My rooms are top-notch. Never had a complaint.”

  Xavier found that hard to believe, but he left it alone. He forked over the money and took the key. Walking outside, he gestured to Josh. He opened the door to their room and inhaled deeply. Not bad. He sniffed at the bathroom and the bed. The usual scents, but the heaviest was detergent. Good. At least they cleaned the damned things.

  “Let’s unpack,” Josh said. “I really need to eat something.”

  “Me too.” Xavier smiled suggestively and winged an eyebrow. Josh blushed. He muttered something before stumbling out of the room. Xavier chuckled. His mate was certainly entertaining.

  They ate at a small table near a window that looked out on the large Mojave Desert. Xavier found it beautiful. He’d lived in Australia until he was ten. His pack moved a lot, and they’d decided the States were better than the outback. Xavier didn’t know if he entirely agreed. He’d enjoyed the heat, the landscape, of that country. Sitting here, staring out the window, he remembered his time of happiness. He should take Josh there before they started their counseling center. Josh might not like the heat or the sun, but he was sure Josh could see the outback’s beauty.

  “I feel better,” Josh said. He leaned back in his chair and sighed. Xavier smiled. Josh’s own smile was shy and nervous. His cheeks flushed a little as he looked away, out the window. It was full night. The stars glittered, and the moon was a crescent, giving just enough light to see by. Xavier got an idea.

  “What would you say about going outside in the pitch black and running?”

  “Huh?”

  “Running.” Amused, Xavier stood and pulled Josh to his feet. “It’s been too long since I and my wolf ran as one, under the stars, relishing being alive. Will you join me?”

  Josh looked down at his legs. “I won’t be able to keep up.”

  “Don’t worry about that.” Xavier pulled Josh close, wrapping his arms around his mate’s waist. “I won’t leave you behind.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Josh didn’t need a flashlight. The stars and moon were bright enough to light his way. They were a mile or two away from the city. He brought water and blankets with him. He didn’t know if Xavier wanted to spend the night out here. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to, but he always believed in being prepared.

  Xavier stripped and unwrapped the bandages around his biceps. The cuts weren’t deep and already began to scar over. Thank goodness for accelerated shifter healing. Then Xavier shifted before Josh’s eyes. The air shimmered, and Josh crossed his fingers that everything would be all right. Bright gold eyes stared at him. Then that furry tail wagged, and a large pink tongue lulled out. Josh grinned and clapped his hands.

  “You did it. You’re all right.”

  Xavier howled. It was a joyous sound that washed over Josh’s ears and his heart. The wolf ran circles around Josh as he laughed like a child on Christmas day. Then the wolf bounded away. Josh ran after him, feeling oddly free and uninhibited. There was no one watching him. There was no one judging him. He leapt into the air as he followed Xavier. The wolf suddenly turned and raced back to Josh. Josh swerved to his right and ran, knowing Xavier would chase him. He glanced over his shoulder to see that lithe, furry body close on his heels. He laughed again.

  It felt so good to run! To move! After a week stuck in cars and trucks, driving through three states, Josh wanted to move. He needed to move.

  Josh suddenly spun around and stopped. Xavier pounced into his arms, and they both toppled over. Josh landed hard, knocking most of the air out of him, though he still managed to laugh.

  “You big lug! Get off.” He shoved at the muscled body. Xavier rolled off and then stood on his four legs. He barked. It was a strange sound coming from a wolf. Josh sat up as Xavier bowed his upper half down and shot his butt into the air. That tail was wagging like a propeller. He barked again.

  He looked absolutely ridiculous.

  Josh rolled to his own feet and crouched. “Let’s see what you’ve got, wolf.”

  Xavier panted, his body trembling with the need to play. He was acting like a puppy. Josh watched Xavier’s eyes before moving. He dodged to one side as a fake. Xavier fell for it. Josh tackled the wolf shifter, and Xavier yelped. He wiggled playfully out of Josh’s grasp. Josh could barely stand, he was laughing so hard.

  “What kind of sound was that?”

  Xavier gave a playful growl and chased after Josh, who ran and dodged. He trusted Xavier not to harm him. The shifter swatted at his legs but never made contact with those sharp claws. Josh suddenly turned around again and Xavier pounced into his arms once more. Josh couldn’t keep his footing, and they both fell to the ground again. He wrestled with Xavier over the hard ground, momentarily pinning the shifter. But it was inevitable that Xavier would win. Josh was soon on his back with Xavier’s paws on his shoulders. They were both panting by this point, and Josh was certainly exhausted.

  Josh closed his eyes and gulped in air, still letting out small laughs. He’d never played with a shifter like this—and realized he’d been missing a lot. The Agency might protect shifters, but their contact with shifters was limited and distant, professional. There was no intimacy between them, no true friendship. They were allies but estranged.

  The agents were missing something special. Josh wanted to know more shifters. He wanted to create friendships. He wanted that counseling center. It was a beautiful idea, and he was excited to see it become real.

  The air suddenly shimmered around him. Josh opened his eyes with delight and love as the wolf disappeared. A rangy, naked man replaced the wolf. Xavier’s warm brea
th fanned Josh’s face. He reached up and touched Xavier’s wounded biceps before sliding his hands down to his forearms. Xavier watched him with bright eyes, his body tight, his muscles trembling.

  “Josh,” he whispered. Josh knew what Xavier wanted. He wanted it as well. And there was no reason, none whatsoever, he couldn’t have it. Not anymore. He touched Xavier’s face and knew he was gaining something more worth having than what he was giving up. The Agency paled in comparison to the life he could have with Xavier.

  Xavier laid his forehead against Josh’s for a moment. Then he moved his head and kissed Josh with firm lips. Josh let his eyes close. He let himself be kissed with expert precision and slow seduction. He moved his legs, bent his knees. Xavier lay between them, pushing his body down on top of Josh. Strong fingers ran through Josh’s hair, massaged his scalp. The kiss deepened. Josh stroked his hands over Xavier’s back, digging his fingers into taut skin. He was conscious of the bruise on Xavier’s ribs, the one he’d given him. He made sure not to put too much pressure on it.

  Xavier moved slightly, and Josh shuddered. The friction was delicious and exactly what he wanted. The pressure on his growing erection, the sensation of Xavier’s cock against his inner thigh; he wanted more of that. He wanted more of Xavier.

  The stubble around Xavier’s mouth scratched his skin, and Josh shuddered. His skin felt supersensitive and any slight touch or pressure sent pleasure coursing through his veins. His breathing became uneven, and his body trembled. Xavier kept changing the angle of the kiss, keeping Josh curious about what he would do next. Xavier’s kisses held such promise, potential. True desire. Josh didn’t think he would ever get used to someone desiring him this much.

  Xavier pressed his tongue against Josh’s lips, and Josh instantly opened his mouth, allowing Xavier’s tongue to invade. Sparks of sensation raced down to Josh’s groin as Xavier’s tongue flicked around inside his mouth. It stroked Josh’s tongue before sliding over his teeth. Josh surrendered to the kiss—which was too mild a word for the act—before using his own tongue.

  Then Xavier raised his head, breaking the connection. Josh grunted in annoyance. Xavier’s eyes were bright, glowing actually, with desire, and his own breath was uneven.

  “You taste really good,” Xavier murmured, sliding his lips over Josh’s cheek.

  “Yeah,” Josh said breathlessly. “You too.”

  Xavier moved his hips, and Josh let out a shaky moan as his sensitized prick pulsed with need. Xavier did it again, and Josh hissed.

  “Damn you,” Josh grunted. Xavier chuckled. “Again.”

  Xavier did it again. Josh moaned. His head fell back, and Xavier attacked his throat, sucking and licking. Josh dragged his fingers through Xavier’s silky hair. Every sensation was building, and Josh wondered if he could survive the climax.

  “Come on,” Xavier said. He stood and pulled Josh with him. Josh wondered if his legs would hold him. Xavier dragged him along, and Josh followed willingly, not really caring where they had sex, just that they did have sex.

  Xavier found his way back to where Josh had left their things. As the cool wind kissed their skin, Josh barely felt it. He was boiling inside, and his clothes felt itchy, heavy. He wanted them off. He began to strip, and Xavier helped, yanking off his shirt and tugging at his jeans. Josh grabbed his face, kissing him again, truly loving that sensation. His jeans fell around his ankles, and Xavier pulled back. Josh’s face burned as the wolf shifter stared at him. He never thought much of his body, and even his training with the Agency hadn’t gained him much in the way of muscle. He was skinny and that was it. But it almost embarrassed him more to see pleasure in Xavier’s eyes, to watch that heated gaze sweep over him with evident delight. Apparently, Xavier liked what he saw.

  Xavier met his gaze before grinning and gesturing to the thatch of ginger curls around Josh’s cock. “Fire crotch.”

  Josh sputtered out a laugh and lightly punched Xavier’s chest. “Pervert.”

  Xavier chuckled and yanked Josh against him. Devouring his mouth once more, Xavier lowered both of them to the ground. He paused only to unfold the blanket and spread it out. It didn’t offer much in the way of comfort, but Josh was too lost in the overwhelming sexual haze to notice the dirt and rocks that dug into his back.

  Xavier pulled away again to finish tugging off Josh’s shoes and jeans. Then he came back. Josh gripped Xavier’s hair and pushed into the kiss, eager and willing. Xavier’s hands were all over him, gripping and stroking, rubbing and exploring. Not one part of him went untouched, and Josh had never felt so wanted or so desired by another person.

  Xavier lowered his head, sliding his tongue down the center of Josh’s chest before continuing down to his erection. Xavier’s stubble scraped deliciously over Josh’s skin, giving him goosebumps. Josh panted as Xavier nuzzled his crotch, taking a deep breath. Josh threaded his fingers through Xavier’s soft hair, panting. Xavier pressed his hands against Josh’s inner thighs, spreading his legs slightly before his mouth finally made contact with Josh’s heated flesh. Josh shuddered as those smooth lips traveled up and down his shaft, caressing him.

  Those strong and slightly rough hands began to fondle Josh’s balls, and the calluses scrapped against Josh’s sac, making his body tremble and become heavy. Josh realized he was having a hard time moving his limbs, but he didn’t just want to get pleasure, he wanted to give it.

  “X,” Josh said, panting. “Get—get your ass up here.”

  Xavier chuckled and did what he was told. They were soon on their sides in the sixty-nine position, and Josh latched onto Xavier’s cock, eager to taste and to give.

  The first thing Xavier noticed about Josh was that he’d been right about the freckles. Josh was covered with them, and Xavier found them extremely arousing. He took another deep breath of Josh’s scent as he took more of his mate’s erection into his mouth. Hot and slender, Josh’s cock was cute and delectable—much like the rest of him.

  As they’d wrestled, Xavier had smelled the sunscreen on Josh’s skin, and it irritated him. He knew Josh needed it, but it interrupted his mate’s natural scent. And it tasted strange on his tongue. He much preferred Josh unscented and unlotioned, as he was at his crotch.

  Xavier nuzzled Josh’s curly red hairs before slipping his mouth over to Josh’s balls, stroking them with his tongue, feeling his mate shiver. Xavier was having a hard time concentrating because of Josh’s own hidden talents. His mate was doing something to the tip of Xavier’s cock that was driving him insane. That tongue was quick and eager, and Xavier was forced to keep taking deep breaths to stay in control. His own body was shivering.

  Being with Josh like this made Xavier remember things before his capture, especially sex. The sheer pleasure and joy of it—the abandon and lack of inhibitions. The connection to another being in the only way he had allowed himself before now. Now he was connected to Josh mind, heart, and soul. The bodily connection was just delicious, mouth-watering icing on that big, fat cake.

  After mouthing Josh’s balls for several pleasurable moments, he slipped farther back, licking the section of skin that separated Josh’s balls from his ass. Josh groaned, and his suction on Xavier’s cock slackened momentarily. Xavier chuckled. Josh was so sensitive. Xavier gripped Josh’s leg and pushed it up toward his chest, exposing him to Xavier’s gaze. He caressed Josh’s small hole briefly before replacing his fingers with his mouth and tongue.

  Josh gasped, and his entire body jerked.

  “Xavier—?” Josh tried to pull away but Xavier held him firm, his inner wolf growling in pleasure and need. He and his wolf hadn’t seen eye to eye for over a year, but now he felt his two halves coming together once again in unity. His wolf growled in possession and paced, wanting more, wanting to dominate. Wanting to claim Josh completely as his own.

  Xavier would make sure that happened. Josh had chosen him over the Agency, over his original goals in life. That knowledge humbled Xavier like nothing ever could. He wanted to show Josh, in all t
he ways possible, just how much that meant to him. Just how much his mate meant to him. The more his mouth filled with Josh’s sweet taste and the more his nose filled with Josh’s enticing scent, the more he wanted to claim Josh completely and irrevocably as his mate. Cherish him. Protect him. He’d never wanted a mate. Not before this. Not before Josh.

  Josh vigorously stroking Xavier’s cock made him come back to his present situation. He gasped as his body clenched, and his inner wolf howled as Josh brought him to his climax. Not to be outdone, Xavier gave Josh’s hole one last firm lick before focusing on his mate’s cock and sucking hard. Josh gave a strange little mewl as he came. Xavier continued to lick, letting nothing go to waste.

  They both rolled onto their backs, panting and staring up at the clear sky. The moon beamed down at them, solemn and bright. He sat up and stared down at Josh, who had his eyes closed. His lips were swollen, and there was a pleased smile on his face. Josh’s body seemed to glow under the moon’s light, and he looked almost ethereal. Unwilling to break their connection, Xavier lifted Josh into his lap. Josh blushed and smiled at him, his long legs on either side of Xavier’s body. Xavier held his slender mate and kissed him again, unable to get enough of his taste.