by Alexis Woods
The rising sun streamed in through the window, throwing long slits of bright light across the room. Eli took the pants and tee from Ryan and gave them to Kev while Jon guided him to the now empty stool. Seated, Ryan had unfettered access to appraise his new friend.
Storm’s straggly mop of straw-blonde hair fell into his eyes as he ate. Sharp, ivory cheekbones and his slender frame begged the question of malnutrition, especially the way he savored each slow bite of food. His earlier unanswered question of why the wolverines were here rose unbidden in his mind. Ryan bet they were all thinking the same thing.
When Storm swallowed his last bite, Eli slid onto the bench seat across from him. “Storm, I won’t keep you long. I know Kev and Jack want to take you home.” He threw his security personnel a fond smirk, missing Storm’s wide-eyed fear. Ryan gripped his thighs, realizing he might need to step in. “But I would like some answers.”
Storm ducked his head, hiding his face, and his voice faltered. “I… I know, and I’ll tell you what I can, which isn’t a lot. I was just a kid when we left here ten years ago. There was a falling out between the two lead families. My parents were part of the half that wanted to stay but couldn’t afford to. We’ve moved a bunch of times since, maybe every one or two years.” Storm sighed. “The constant moving took a toll on our alpha. The stress, I think, killed him.”
Kev and Jack pushed closer to Storm to comfort him.
“Thank you,” Storm said to them, “but I’m okay. He was a nice alpha and did the best he could. The problems started when his son took over. Alpha Fang blames the skulk for killing his father. He wants the land back, and he’s determined to get it anyway, anyhow. That’s pretty much all I can tell you, because I’m not privy to any of the inner workings. I don’t know what they have planned, or even what they may have already done, other than what I’ve heard them bragging about.”
“That’s fine,” Eli said, nodding. “I can tell you’re holding back something, but you’ve at least confirmed what we’ve suspected. Kev, Jack, take Storm home…” This time there was no hiding the way Storm swayed and went even whiter. “Storm?”
Ryan stood. “I think it might be best if Storm stayed here tonight.” He took an involuntary step back under the onslaught of pointed glares he received from Jack and Kev. Plus, Kev’s rumbly growl was a little scary.
Jon and Eli were in front of Ryan before he could even speak another word. He pushed them apart. “I can see Storm is worried, but he’ll be safe here. Alpha Eli won’t let anything happen to my new friend.”
Storm’s wet gaze blinked at him, and he mouthed, “Thank you.”
“Ryan’s right, Kev. It’s not what you want, I get that, but let’s let your mate settle in. Go home, get some sleep, and come over for lunch tomorrow.”
“We’ll do that,” Jack agreed, reaching around Kev and giving his shoulder a shove to get him to move.
Kev stood, insisting on helping both Storm and Jack out of the booth seat before he pulled Storm to him. “This is what you want?”
Storm nodded. “Please. This—you, both of you—is unexpected, and I need to wrap my head around it. Okay?”
Kev sighed and hugged Storm. “Okay. We’ll see you at lunch.” He pressed a swift kiss to Storm’s cheek and headed for the front door. Sweet Mother, Ryan hated to see the single tear on Kev’s cheek.
Jack followed Kev’s example, giving Storm a hug and kiss before leaving.
Storm sank to the booth’s bench. “I hope I did the right thing.”
Ryan quickly knelt in front of him. “You did. You take all the time you need. You’re safe here.” Ryan touched Storm’s knee. “I bet you’re tired. How about I show you where you can take a nap? Alpha Eli has the most awesomely, comfortable couch in his office.”
Storm sniffled, bobbing his head. Ryan rose and extended his hand, and together they left the kitchen.
Chapter 22
Dylan
Over the next few days, there was something big going on inside Forest Edge. Dylan tried to get the information out of Ryan over the phone, but the jerk refused to tell him! Whatever it was, Christian insisted on staying home. He even contacted Eli and finagled getting Brian out of work at both the alpha’s home and at the coffee shop. He then called his office manager and had him cancel all of his appointments. Daddy swore it was so the three of them would have the time to focus on getting to know each other intimately and otherwise, but Dylan suspected it had to do with whatever was happening.
He couldn’t really complain. Three days and nights of cuddles and kisses, making out on the couch, in the kitchen, the living room. The bedroom saw a lot of them, and Brian started not one, but two loads of laundry, most of it sheets from their bed.
Definitely their bed. Dylan and Daddy helped Brian move his belongings and clothes from upstairs to the main floor. Along the way, Dylan asked Brian and Daddy question after question to get to know them better.
Dylan was more than ready to escape the house once things seemed to settle down, fleeing with glee to see his brother. Okay, not so much on the fleeing, but since Christian had an emergency meeting that couldn’t wait, Brian offered to walk Dylan over. It pleased Dylan to learn how close his brother and Brian had become.
Ryan and Alpha Eli were waiting for them on the front porch. Eli read from his tablet while Ryan sat on the steps, his attention on the flower in his hand as he pulled the petals from a plucked Black-eyed Susan. Around his feet were the sad remains of many victims.
“Hi, Ryan!” Dylan yelled, waving his arms madly.
Ryan jumped up and shouted back. “Dyl! Bri! I didn’t think you’d ever get here.” He did a crazy dance, spun around, and clapped.
Dylan grinned at Ryan’s little persona. His brother was a ham. When Ryan left home, Dylan missed the way his brother could turn a phrase and make him laugh at the drop of a hat.
Ryan looked like he was about to hop off the steps to reach them but stopped cold when Eli called to him. “You know the rules, little one.” He stood and came to stand behind Ryan, gripped his shoulder, and held him in place.
“Sorry, Daddy, I’m just so excited.” Ryan twisted to look at Alpha Eli, who leaned down and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips.
Eli glanced at his watch. “It’s almost lunchtime. I’ll have Miss Jen bring it out here to you. Don’t leave the porch, please. Brian?”
“Yes, Alpha?”
“You’re in charge of these kiddos. Ryan’s grounded, but I’m allowing your visit because he behaved himself this morning. He’s not to leave the house proper. I trust you’ll keep them out of trouble.”
Dylan liked the way Brian straightened with Alpha Eli’s words of confidence in him.
“I understand, Alpha. Thank you for trusting me to watch them.”
Dylan rocked back on his heels. Now if only Daddy and I can do the same, permanently. They were patiently working on gaining Brian’s trust. His gentle soul required them to proceed slowly and carefully, and each day brought them a little closer. Dylan loved when they could catch Brian with his guard down and he’d tell them a funny story about growing up or relate a sad tale of bullying or belittlement. Sometimes, Brian would clam up afterwards, but more often, he’d seek comfort in their arms.
Dylan adored Daddy and Brian, and he often thought about admitting how much he cared for them. If he wasn’t already in love, he just needed a nudge. The words had bubbled to the tip of his tongue recently as they lay in bed after an intense session of sex, but it seemed too quick to say anything. He’d decided to wait until either Daddy or Brian said it first.
Eli left them, and the three young men settled into the rocking chairs, Dylan perched sideways on Brian’s lap. They’d done a lot of snuggling and cuddling over the last few days, and this position was Dylan’s favorite. He’d take residence on Christian’s or Brian’s thighs, enjoying the way their hands would always sneak under whatever skirt or dress or shirt he’d chosen. Dylan nixed wearing stockings or leggings, so he could fee
l them skin to skin. Christian’s hands were smooth, owing to his legal profession. The most arduous work he did was pencil pushing and keyboard typing. Brian, however, had scads of jobs outdoors in lawn maintenance and construction after he left home. Plus several stints in kitchens and restaurants: cooking, cleaning and busing tables. Scars littered his hands from burns and cuts, some from blisters worsening because he continued to work when he should have stopped but wouldn’t. Or maybe couldn’t. Brian had a lot of secrets he kept close to his heart. They’d only touched the surface during their discussions.
Once Dylan was situated on Brian’s lap, the not-so-stealthy fox snuck a few fingers beneath the fabric of the skorts he wore, per usual. They were perfect for visiting because then he didn’t have to worry about accidentally flashing his brother. He’d paired the deep green skort with a sunny yellow camisole, covered by one of Christian’s plain white button-downs, open with the sleeves rolled to his elbows.
Dylan leaned against Brian’s broad chest and sighed. “We’ve only heard rumors about your new friend. Is it true, you have a wolverine shifter living with you?”
Ryan sat forward, planting his feet on the deck. “Not quite, but he did stay one night. He’s cute, both as a man and wolverine. His name is Storm. I wanted him to come over and meet you, but he’s a little overwhelmed at the moment. His pack didn’t treat him very well.”
“That’s terrible,” Dylan bemoaned, “and sad that you know how he feels.” Ryan had been shunned by their own flock for being a half-breed and not being able to shift.
His brother nodded. “I can sympathize with him for sure, but his situation is different from mine.” Ryan leaned closer and dropped his voice to a sharp whisper. “Storm said wolverines have something like harems. One male to three or more females.”
Dylan’s eyes rounded. “No way!”
“Yes, way. He’s gay, and his alpha made his life hell just because he refused to mate with a female.” Ryan’s clipped tone made Dylan’s heart sink, and he grabbed his brother’s wrist and squeezed, almost falling off Brian’s lap when he leaned over. Brian’s strong grip saved him from face-planting on the deck.
Dylan thanked Brian then said to his brother. “I’m glad he found you.”
Ryan’s lips twitched into a stunted smile. “Me, too, but he also found something else here.” He paused. “His mates.”
“Really? Who?”
“Kev and…” —Ryan peered at Dylan— “Jack.”
Brian gripped Dylan’s waist. “Seriously? Kev and Jack?”
“I know, right? It’s crazy, but it’s like Mr. Charles told me, some shifters can tell just by scent. Kev and Jack knew they were supposed to be together, but Kev explained or, at least, tried to explain bear tradition. He said something about brown bears usually have multiple mates, and I guess when all three of them finally came together… Poof!” Ryan mimed explosions.
Stunned, Dylan let go of Ryan. Jack? Little Jackey and Kev? The bear shifter he’d been living with was his mate?
“I wish our cranes could tell by scent,” Dylan remarked, “but then again, I’ve heard bears are true believers of fated mates, not like us.” It explained why Jack hadn’t been mated before, and why little Jackey seemed so lost when he’d visited Scion House. That must have sucked donkey-balls for him to know who his mate was but not be with them.
“Foxes aren’t either.” Brian stuck his nose into the crock of Dylan’s neck and took a big sniff. The inhale raised goose bumps on Dylan’s skin, and he shivered. “Scents draw us in, attract those who complement us, but we establish a bond with our mates without the fates interference. I have heard, though, that bears mate forever.”
Dylan sighed, leaning heavily into Brian. “That’s so romantic.”
Brian leaned back in his chair, securing Dylan to his chest with both arms wrapped around his sweet monkey-crane. “You want a forever mate, Dyl?”
“More than anything. My goals in life were simple: find Ryan, find my mate, live happily ever after.”
“Your wish is my command, little bird.” Brian teased and tickled Dylan’s waist, his fingers dancing beneath the camisole he wore.
Dylan screeched and squirmed. Ryan laughed so hard he actually fell out of his chair, making them all roar. Eli stepped onto the porch with a stack of colorful plastic glasses and a pitcher of lemonade. He shook his head which set the young men off on another round of cackles but left them to their antics.
When they’d finally calmed down, caught their breath, and resumed their seats, Ryan poured them each a glass of lemonade.
“Did Storm tell you why his pack vandalized our community center?” Brian asked, reeling them into a more serious topic. Dylan wondered if Brian’s question was more to move them away from the topic of mates than because he was worried about their security. He’d only met Kev once when he’d come to Christian’s house to introduce himself to Dylan, but he’d seemed like a highly capable security expert when he’d explained all their measures to keep the Forest Edge community safe.
Ryan dangled the glass between his legs. “Nothing more than we already suspected.”
“So you know why they did it?” Dylan shifted to face his brother, spreading his legs, one to each side of Brian’s thighs, and pushing the front of the skort down for modesty.
“They want the land and the houses back. This—” he waved his hands around, glass included “—was theirs until they had a falling out internally within the pack. One half wanted to move north, the other half wanted to stay, but couldn’t afford to and had to sell. The one piece of new information we didn’t have was that the original leader of the half that wanted to stay passed away, and it’s his son who’s been directing all the mischief.”
“Mischief,” Brian spat. “They’ve done more than that.”
Ryan nodded, and with a tiny sneer and lowered voice said, “True. I’ve tried to find out more, but Eli says it’s not my place to do more than support him and be a good little and obey the rules for Daddy. If he doesn’t have to worry about me, then he can focus on the skulk.”
Dylan and Brian grimaced as they comissearated with Ryan.
They sat silently drinking their lemonade for a few minutes until Ryan broke their silence. “So… The three of you, huh?” He snickered and winked.
Dylan twisted his upper body and planted a kiss to Brian’s jaw. His heart skipped a beat. “Yeah. Lucky me, I got myself two sexy foxes. The Mother Goddess has blessed us, Ry.”
“She sure has,” Ryan agreed.
Miss Jen brought out sandwiches and chips, and they ate and talked. Dylan caught Ryan up on people they knew from home, the new businesses, and the latest crane scandals. Ryan mentioned a couple of littles he’d befriended, and they made more concrete plans to host a teddy bear picnic. His brother insisted Dylan bring Rihanna to hang out with Tanner next time he came to visit. Brian interjected their family stories with questions for clarification, but mostly he stayed quiet and let the brothers talk.
Miss Jen took away their plates, leaving brownies, cookies, and tall glasses of milk for dessert.
“I miss your triple chocolate brownies,” Dylan groaned theatrically.
“I’ll have Miss Jen buy me the ingredients, and I’ll make them for you. Brian makes fantastic chocolate chip cookies, and I love those cut out sugar cookies with the sugar icing. Have you made those with him yet?”
Dylan pouted. “No.” He poked Brian in the chest. “I wanna make cookies with you.”
Brian grabbed Dylan’s finger and kissed the tip. “Anytime, my little monkey-crane.”
“Monkey-crane?” Ryan laughed. “Spill!”
Dylan rolled his eyes. He froze, spying Daddy Christian walking up the driveway. “Hi, Daddy!” he shouted, wriggling off of Brian’s lap. He skipped to the top of the steps and then leapt into Daddy’s arms when he reached the porch stairs. Dylan wrapped his arms and legs around Daddy and clung tightly.
“Ah-hahaha!” Ryan giggle-snorted. “Now I get it. Monk
ey-crane. That’s awesome.”
“Hey, Christian,” Alpha Eli called from the doorway. “Good to see you.”
“Same.” He carried Dylan up the stairs, letting go with one hand to greet Eli. “I’ve come to take my boys home. Thank you for allowing them to visit.”
“My pleasure. They’re welcome anytime.”
Brian hugged Ryan goodbye and thanked Alpha Eli. He stroked Dylan’s back. “Go hug your brother, and then I’ll carry you to the car.”
“Okay.” Dylan wiggled to be let down, gave Ryan a tight hug, then yelled, “Later, gator!” as he hopped into Brian’s arms.
“Don’t forget to tell your Daddy about the picnic,” Ryan shouted when they were halfway to the car.
Dylan gave Ryan a thumbs up.
“What’s this about a picnic?” Daddy asked once they were all buckled in and on the road. The trip would only take a few minutes, so Dylan talked fast.
“I told you all about Rhianna and Tanner, well Ryan wants to have a teddy bear picnic, and we can invite all the other littles, and have a big party. Isn’t that great?”
“That’s a wonderful idea. Have you picked out a date?”
“Nooo. Ryan has to ask his Daddy and then his Daddy will probably call you.”
“Alright, darling.” Daddy parked the car and got out. He opened Dylan’s door, unbuckled him, and lifted him from the backseat. “Monkey-crane, indeed,” he laughed, carrying Dylan into the house while Brian closed up behind them.
In the living room, Daddy lowered Dylan to the floor. “Did you have a good time?”
“We did.” Dylan bounced for emphasis. He stopped and peered at Daddy. “Did you get all your work done?”
Brian stifled a laugh behind his hand.
“I did,” Daddy replied, a smile growing across his face. “Why?”
Dylan looked from Daddy to Brian, standing side by side. He dropped to his knees between them and walked his fingers up their legs. “Well, this little monkey-crane wants his bananas.”