by Z. Allora
“Excuse me.” Jaz pulled his phone out. His fingers flew over the buttons. Once he sent the message, he got a buzz, indicating he’d gotten a text back. He placed his phone on the blanket and took a bite of his potato salad.
“What?” Kai was too curious not to ask.
“While you were gone this morning, I asked Beau to have someone do a visual check on Ulrich. The zombies looking out for your cousin will send information to Beau in a few hours. That way you’ll have an unbiased view of what’s going on with him.”
“Thanks.” From what Kai understood, Beau’s guys in the field were good, so if there was a problem… it would be addressed. Feeling a bit better, Kai focused on eating.
Jasper cleared his throat, a warning he was changing the subject. “Your riding is getting better. You seem more confident and relaxed.”
Kai chucked. “Yeah, compared to the first time.”
“Ha, ha. Seriously, though, you’ve made a marked improvement.” The grin deepened as Jasper tilted his face toward the sun peeking through the trees. His eyes closed.
Kai allowed himself the freedom to stare. The man could double as a dreamy Disney prince waiting in the perfect position for a big on-screen kiss. Would hearts pop out of Kai’s eye sockets if his lips brushed against Prince Jaz’s?
Kai fixated on his plate and shoveled food into his mouth. He shouldn’t be having these thoughts. Jasper had become a good friend, and one shouldn’t lust after one’s friends. It was close to the top of the list of things not to do.
Jasper opened his eyes. “Cake?”
“Yes, please. Did you bake it?”
“I did.” Jaz cut a healthy piece.
“Mmmmm,” Kai moaned as he tasted the piece of rich chocolate cake with thick fudge frosting Jasper set in front of him. It was almost as good as what his mother had made.
“Milk?”
Kai restrained his squeal of joy when Jasper took out the thermos of ice-cold milk.
“You’re a god among men.” Kai slurped the drink down. Milk. Cake. Milk. Cake. Alternating until not a crumb or sip remained. “Wow. Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome.” Jasper gathered the dirty dishes, containers of food, and glasses. He put the nonbreakables in a plastic bag, slipped the fragile glasses back into bubble wrap protectors, and fit it all back into his specialized picnic sack.
Kai fell back on the blanket. “That was so good.”
Jasper propped his head up on his elbow, and reclined next to him. “Glad you approved.”
“Now time for a nap,” Kai teased as he closed his eyes. A gentle breeze kissed past him.
Jasper jumped up and checked on the horses.
“Ha! Now who’s going to be out of sugar?”
“Here.” Jasper tossed a pillow onto Kai’s head.
Kai stuffed the soft cushion under him, making him even more comfortable.
“Now I’ve earned my god status.” Jasper chuckled.
Snorting, Kai then proclaimed, “I’ll worship at your hedonistic altar after a nap.”
Jasper’s chuckle trailed off. Was he blushing a little?
The tint of color made Kai want to get another reaction. Was this flirting? Whatever this was, it made him giddy. He fluffed the pillow and lay on half of the softness. “Don’t you want to share, Jasper?” His voice sounded all husky.
Jasper’s eyes went wide with confusion, and then something else came into them, making Kai hot and cold at the same time. “You want that?”
Kai heard the bigger question. But the answer happened to be the same for both of them. He closed his eyes and whispered, “Yeah, I do.”
The pillow shifted under the weight of Jasper’s head. A soft breath whispered across Kai’s face and made him too afraid to open his eyes.
Jasper would be right there… only a kiss away.
14
Coming to a Realization
A big gust of wind made Kai roll closer to the heat coming off Jasper.
“Are you cold?” Jasper asked softly.
“What?” Kai made the mistake of peeking. Jasper’s alluring eyes and kissable lips were well within distance.
Desire to kiss those sweet, plump lips just to see if they tasted as good as they appeared slashed through him. Kai held himself still so he didn’t act on this urgent need, which caused him to quake.
“Cold? You’re shivering.” Jasper rubbed his warm hands up and down Kai’s arm.
Oh God! Jasper’s touch had more effect than just raising Kai’s body temperature.
At least his trembling would be attributed to the weather, but his erection had no good justification. He tried to keep his hips away from Jasper’s body, but all attempts to will his erection away failed. And he throbbed harder.
“It’s all right. Come here.”
Kai wasn’t sure what Jasper referred to, but he shifted into Jasper’s arms, basking in the security. He couldn’t restrain the moan of delight even though he pressed his lips together.
“Shhh. It’s okay.” Jasper rubbed his hand in calming circles on Kai’s back.
Jasper had to feel the hard-on that tried to drill a hole into his thigh, but he said nothing.
Being brave, Kai opened his eyes.
Jasper stared right back at him. There was a tangible heat that flashed between them.
Kai didn’t know who moved first, but their mouths brushed. A soft press of lips gave way to the soft glide of Jasper’s tongue.
He’s kissing me!
His heart soared with joy as Kai reveled in the intimate act he’d never shared with any other… well, except that girl in third grade who kissed his cheek on a dare.
He might not have a clue on what he was doing, but he’d keep trying to figure it out.
The shy, almost-timid way Jasper returned the kisses confirmed he didn’t have much experience either, and that scorched Kai’s brain.
A stab of deep, possessive arousal thrust through Kai’s system. He brushed Jasper’s lips back chastely, and ever so slowly their kisses evolved into wet and openmouthed.
Kai’s heart raced as he licked his tongue over Jaz’s, and a jolt of arousal flooded him.
Jasper skimmed his hands over Kai’s shoulders and tugged him into an embrace.
The sense of security and protection fully encompassed Kai as he locked his arms around Jasper.
They deepened the kiss.
Jasper shifted against Kai, then rolled away as if he were burned. “Sorry.”
No! More. Kai pushed his lower body against Jasper’s.
Groaning, Jasper leaned back and traced his tongue over Kai’s lips and then took his mouth again.
Kai savored the glide of Jasper’s dominance and surrendered to him. Greediness and want took over his higher brain functions.
Jasper slid against Kai in an unhurried, sensual rub. The movements drove Kai insane with need. Not enough. He wanted so much more.
Pulling back, Kai tried to catch his breath. Could Jasper even enjoy what they were doing since he wouldn’t be able to ejaculate? Was this going to be a source of more frustration for Jasper? “But, you… we… I mean….” Kai hadn’t a clue what he wanted to say.
Groaning, Jasper captured his lips in another soul-blending kiss.
Kai trembled with anticipation of everything.
“Kissing you is better than anything… ever.” Jasper’s words came out hot and breathy and ignited wishes in Kai.
“Really?”
Jasper nuzzled Kai’s neck. “Best thing I’ve felt in my entire life. Don’t stop.”
“But—” Shit! Jasper cupped his hand over Kai’s erection. Further convincing wasn’t necessary. Stopping became the furthest thing from Kai’s mind.
Oh, yes! Jasper pressed his palm firmly and rubbed down Kai’s length. Kai pressed into the stunning caress, seeking more friction. Stars burst behind his eyelids as he willingly handed himself over to Jasper.
Jasper kneaded Kai’s shaft almost to the point of no return and whispered
, “Take it out for me, Kai. I want to see and touch you.”
Did Kai have the coordination to accomplish such a feat? He moaned and thrust his hips toward Jasper.
Kai’s mouth fell open as he gasped for air. He tipped his head back to give Jasper access to his neck.
Jasper ran his tongue along the column of Kai’s throat.
“Ohhhhh,” Kai cried out as Jaz’s mouth traced a trail of sensation on neck.
“Show me, Kai.” Jasper nipped his throat.
Kai’s hands were unsteady. He peeked at Jasper. Jaz’s pupils were blown, making him look aroused and excited….
“Don’t want to push you,” Jasper whispered.
Kai tried to focus on the words, but if they meant anything like stopping or waiting, he deemed it a terrible idea. However, there was an obstacle. “You’re not aroused. And I can’t….” He gestured to his pants with shaking hands.
Jasper’s soft laughter filled Kai with happiness. He rested his forehead on Kai’s. “Oh, I am. Trust me. Let me help you.”
Kai groaned, “Please.”
Jaz’s warm fingers traced his zipper and teased a circle around the button. He popped open the button and unzipped the fabric. Pushing Kai’s jeans down and his underwear out of the way, he released Kai’s cock from confinement.
Kai grunted when his cock got freedom.
Biting his lower lip, Jaz stared at Kai’s uncut cock.
Did he like it? Was this a good fascination? A bead dripped from the tip.
Kai waited—for what he wasn’t sure—but he didn’t move.
Jasper’s gaze traveled up his body until they reached his eyes. “You’re gorgeous.”
The words were said with such sincerity that Kai didn’t doubt Jasper’s belief in them.
“You’re so big and hard.” He licked Kai’s lips. “Will you let me hold you as you touch yourself for me?”
That sounded like the best idea the world had ever known. Kai breathed out, “Yes.”
Jasper turned and shifted Kai so he pressed up behind him, peering over Kai’s shoulder.
Kai trembled as he closed his fist around his shaft. He’d taken himself in hand plenty, but this time he touched himself at Jasper’s request. He used his thumb to roll his foreskin up and down over the tip, spreading the wetness.
“Yeah, more,” Jasper encouraged him.
He inhaled Jasper’s scent.
The gratification Kai usually found in this self-indulgent action multiplied by Jasper witnessing it.
“Yeah, just like that.” Jasper licked Kai’s neck.
Kai tugged himself harder, stroking his hand up and down his entire shaft. He was too close to ecstasy for this not to end quickly.
Jasper nipped at Kai’s neck. “Come for me.”
Kai stiffened and cried out. His climax ripped through him and seemed to go on forever as he tugged himself to the other side of the stratosphere.
Jaz embraced him tighter and inhaled deeply. He licked his lips and stared at Kai’s essence. “Your scent is exquisite. So perfectly you.”
Kai turned his head, and their gazes met, Jasper’s eyes revealing a desperate need to connect. He would sacrifice everything if he could satiate Jasper’s craving.
“May I?” Jasper took Kai’s hand, which was covered in stickiness.
The question Kai never had the courage to ask would be answered. Were they mates?
Fear of possible disappointment tried to steal Kai’s joy. Did he want to be bound to Jasper? Yes, but could he be what Jasper needed him to be?
A whispered “Yes” dropped from Kai’s lips. If they weren’t meant to be, he’d be devastated.
Jasper blinked, surprise replaced by eagerness as he inhaled again.
The anticipation grew too much to bear. Kai turned and dropped onto his back. He moved his fist toward Jasper’s open mouth.
Jasper flicked his tongue out to taste. Within an instant, his lashes fluttered and he squeezed his eyes shut. Intense convulsions racked his body, and cries of euphoria spilled from his lips.
Kai didn’t know what to do other than hold Jasper, who was breathless and writhing.
Jasper thrust against Kai’s thigh. Wetness seeped between them as pure joy licked through Kai.
Wanting to help intensify things, Kai pressed more of his essence onto Jasper’s waiting tongue. The sexy man licked at Kai’s hand greedily as the last of his erotic seizures wound down.
Silence.
Were they mates now? No, not yet. They hadn’t exchanged blood. But Kai had a mate, and he was right next to him.
He yearned for Jasper with scary intensity. During his mental gymnastics and musings, his body wasn’t paying much attention. He’d grown hard from Jaz’s arousing display.
Everything in his being needed everything Jasper had to give.
Jasper locked his arms around Kai and snuggled him. He murmured, “This is contentment.”
The words filled places Kai hadn’t known were empty.
Grateful when Jasper finally returned to earth, Kai’s attention was caught by the fact that their erections were in dire want of attention.
Jasper brushed his hips across Kai, dragging his wet, sticky fabric against Kai’s naked flesh.
Fuck! They moaned into each other’s mouths as they kissed.
Breathing heavily, Jasper pulled away from Kai’s wanton kisses to sit upright. “I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but I want you.”
Kai nodded and reached for the button on Jasper’s wet pants. “Before, you really never…?”
Jasper’s laugh barked out. “I was beaten because I touched, just touched, and kissed a stable boy’s chest.” He wiggled his fingers desperately over his pants, apparently trying to help Kai with the unbuttoning, but he only slowed the process. “In the seminary, when I went into transition, well, I told you that story.”
“Need you,” Kai insisted.
Jasper groaned when Kai finally succeeded in opening his pants. “Didn’t even touch myself.”
“What?” Kai croaked out as he released Jasper’s erection from its denim prison.
Jasper blushed and kissed him hard on the mouth. “I was going into the priesthood. The sacrifice was required. I remained as chaste as I could.”
No pleasure at all! That little tidbit took a lot to digest, so Kai tried to clarify. “But when Beau and Lafayette found you, you weren’t a priest.” He ran his fingers through Jasper’s long, shiny hair.
Jasper tilted his head into Kai’s fingers. “No. Keep in mind, I grew up in a very different time, and I hadn’t been in the habit.” He shoved his jeans to his knees.
Kai stared at Jasper’s thick, uncut cock. Maybe it was time to adopt a new custom! The shaft was about the same length as his but thicker. How was he going to…?
“I’m not sure what I’m doing, but let me love you. Please. Even if it’s just for now, I don’t care.” His voice broke when he added, “I want to experience what it’s like to have you.”
Kai didn’t know what to say. He wanted so much more than just today, but he didn’t comprehend all that being a mate would entail.
Jasper writhed next to him, trying to get closer to him.
Knowing this would wipe some of their inexperience away, he admitted, “I’m not certain what I’m doing either. I’ve never done any of this before.”
A possessive growl erupted from Jasper. “Good. We can figure it out together.” He shifted, making bare cock slide against bare cock, causing them both to become quiet.
Jasper pushed his pants and underwear all the way off, kicked them out of the way, and then straddled Kai’s thighs. He spit into his hand and wrapped his fist around both aroused shafts.
Kai nearly shouted as Jasper stroked them both in his big hand. He slammed his eyes shut. No one had ever touched him there. The friction of Jasper’s shaft against his was better than he’d ever imagined.
Jasper stalled the stroking.
Why did the magical sensation stop? Kai op
ened his eyes to figure out the cause. “What?”
“Mmmmm, yeah. There you are. I want to see your eyes,” Jasper purred as he ministered to both cocks.
Kai lay there, biting his bottom lip in an effort to stay silent. The vision over him stole his breath away. He bucked his hips, trying to finish. Jasper kept the same slow rhythm, repeating the process again and again, causing both their pricks to leak and to lubricate.
“Jaz!” Was the man trying to kill him?
Smiling at him, Jasper didn’t alter his pace. “You need to learn patience.”
Kai shoved his hips up, showing exactly what he thought about waiting. “Not right now.”
“Kai.” Jaz added a bit of sexy sternness to his voice.
“Mmmm, yeah.” Hearing his name on Jasper’s lips did things to Kai’s insides. He stilled and let Jasper take care of them at his own pace. Kai peered down at their erections and glanced back to Jasper, hoping for sympathy.
Jasper pumped his fist. Their gazes caught. He appeared even more handsome as he edged their pleasure.
“Kai. Close?” Jasper panted and his voice tensed.
“Jasper. Yes! Please faster!”
“Just a little more,” Jasper pleaded.
Kai wasn’t above begging. His orgasm was so close he could almost feel the pulses. “Jasper. Please!”
Jasper took pity on him and stroked faster while he squeezed tighter. “You going to come?”
“Yeah.” Kai’s voice sounded strangled. He couldn’t get enough air.
“Do it,” Jasper demanded.
Finally the ecstasy Kai had been coasting on broke through the surface. Pleasure radiated out from his core.
He tried to shout, but only a silent scream came out as intense bliss crashed over him. Kai bathed in his release, followed by Jasper’s after he stiffened and came on Kai.
Falling on his side next to Kai, Jasper gave him a smile with a contented sigh.
The happy sound made Kai grin. Damn, he’d done that!
Jasper ran his fingers through the sticky essence scattered on Kai’s torso and brought the essence to his lips.
A ravenous hunger whipped through Kai. Before Jasper could lick them, Kai did. When the essence hit his tongue, the world exploded into sunbursts of happiness.