by Tatum Throne
“What are you thinking about?” Mason asked.
“I was thinking about how much I love you holding me.”
“I love holding you close.”
Kyle loved their intense connection. He wanted to share everything with him. “Tell me about your life in Alaska.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Were you born and raised there?”
“Yeah, I was born there. I have an older brother, Bode. Most of my family still lives there. My mom was originally from New York, but my dad was from Alaska.”
“How did they meet?”
“My mom was a scientist and studying bears up in Alaska.”
“Nice. Do they still live there now?”
“Yeah. They retired a few years ago.”
“Do they know you’re gay?”
“They do. They accept me for who I am.”
“That’s nice.”
“Well, when you’re raised by two hippies, it is. What about you? What’s your family like?”
Kyle thought about the family he didn’t know. About how he was put up for adoption and a single mother had adopted him. And after she had died, he had nobody.
“It’s just me right now. I was adopted. My adoptive mother passed away when I was in high school. I was raised by my grandmother after that.”
“I’m sorry, babe. That has to be so hard on you.”
“I had my adoptive mother’s family that took care of me, but they were never really my family.”
“Have you ever thought about finding your birthmother?” Mason asked.
Kyle shook his head. “I just don’t want to open that door. I mean, she had her reasons and whatever those reasons are, I don’t need to question them now.”
“I understand, babe.”
Kyle thought about the way that Mason made him feel safe. He was so charismatic and beautiful. It was clear that he was well liked by everybody he was involved with. Kyle just didn’t understand why he wanted a guy like him. Doubt made him feel insecure. Maybe this was just a fling for him, and he would start over with someone else. A zip of jealousy went down his spine when he thought about how this thing might end. Would they have a future together? He wasn’t so sure as he thought about it now.
“Where did you go?” Mason asked.
“I don’t know. I was just trying to figure out how this thing is going to work out between us.”
“You don’t need to question and think about it. Just let it be what it is.”
“And what is this?” Kyle asked.
“You are my boyfriend.”
“I think I like the idea of being your boyfriend.”
“Good, I like being your boyfriend, too.”
They kissed in a sweet and unhurried way. When they broke their lips away, their eyes locked. Kyle saw that fleeting look of sadness in his eyes. He had to know what put that look in his eyes.
“Why did you leave Alaska?” Kyle asked.
There was a long pause and Kyle didn’t think that Mason was ever going to answer. “There was an incident with my partner.”
“Partner? As in work?”
“Yes. There was a shooting. He was killed on the job.”
“That must have been horrible for you.”
“It was. It tore the whole town apart. We were working an undercover case. We were tracking the drugs being flown into Kodiak. We pissed off the wrong people.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“It just sucks because he had a family, you know?”
“It’s the risk that comes with the job. We all know that when we go to work.”
“I know, but I feel responsible.”
“Why? Because you’re not God at work and you can’t always save a life?”
Their eyes met and something passed between them. He could see the pain, hurt, and uncertainty lingering in his eyes. “How long ago did this happen?”
“Two years ago,” Mason said.
“You need to let it go. You know your partner wouldn’t want you to carry this burden around with you.”
“I know. It’s just so hard.”
“What about his widow…was she blaming you?”
“She never did. In fact, she was hurt when I told her that I was leaving town. I just needed to get away and start fresh somewhere where no one knew me. It was hard seeing all the places that we used to go to.”
“It sounds like he was a really good friend to you.”
“We were friends.”
“Do you ever plan on returning to Alaska?”
“I don’t know. Maybe someday. Maybe for retirement. I do feel like my heart is there with my family, but I needed to get away.”
“I understand.”
Kyle smoothed his hands over his Dom’s chest. He loved the feel of his heart beating beneath his palm. He loved learning about each little contoured muscle and scar on his abdomen. Each one had something to tell him. Kyle knew that with time that Mason would open up about everything. Their hands joined. Kyle loved the fact that Mason enjoyed cuddling. With their legs twined together, Kyle felt himself drifting off to sleep. He didn’t ask his Dom if he could stay the night. Somehow he knew that he wouldn’t care if he did.
As Kyle drifted off to sleep, he mumbled. He was one to talk in his sleep, and he knew that he had no control over what he said.
“What’s that?” Mason asked.
“I love you.”
Kyle sighed. He fell into a light sleep with Mason holding him tight. Off in the distance, Kyle could hear Mason talking, but it wasn’t registering.
“You talk in your sleep, don’t you?”
Kyle mumbled, snuggling in closer. “Yeah, I talk in my sleep.”
“I think I like the sound of that. Your secrets will all be mine.”
Kyle fell into a deep sleep, listening to the beat of Mason’s heart. He couldn’t imagine being anywhere else in the world. He felt as though he was finally home and had the family he always dreamed about.
Chapter Nine
Mason had a hard time watching Kyle put himself in danger. Even though it was for a SWAT training exercise at Camp Tack, it still bothered the hell out of him. He thought back to the night on the bridge when he didn’t know who he was and that they would be working together. It still broke his heart to think that he almost lost him. As Mason watched the training activities unfold, he thought that TJ ran a tight machine. Everything ran smoothly and by the book. Mason didn’t think they needed to make any changes to the SWAT program at all. As chief, he was looking to see if anything needed updating or new training recommendations. It was nice to see an agency that was well equipped to handle any situation.
Hot rays of sunshine pushed through the trees. Mason adjusted his sunglasses as he circled around the edge of the group, watching as TJ worked with each member individually as they worked gun training. They were working on takedowns, too. Mason’s eyes locked with Kyle’s as the gun was pointed at his head, and he was grabbed from behind. Fear went through his eyes before he put it in check. He knew that the situation wasn’t the one on the bridge. It still sent a cold chill singing down Mason’s spine to see Kyle in that situation again. The need to protect Kyle was completely out of the norm for him. He wasn’t a man who normally held on so tight to his submissives.
For some reason when it came to Kyle, he couldn’t let go the way he normally did. It confused the hell out of him, too. Yes, normally he didn’t hang on so tight to his subs, but for some reason he was with Kyle. Perhaps it had everything to do with that night on the bridge and the fact that he had nearly missed and let him slip through his fingers. It wasn’t easy with Kyle for some reason. It wasn’t easy for Mason to watch him go to work. He wanted to be one of those guys who sat back, watched, and was really proud of Kyle, but he secretly was worried that another situation would get him hurt. He never felt that way about a man before. Mason watched as Kyle froze for just a moment. He grabbed TJ’s arm and spun him around, taking him down to the ground and pinning
him. Pride went through Mason’s heart. He was really proud of the fact that Kyle was able to get the upper hand. It was clear that TJ wasn’t holding anything back as he worked with Kyle.
After a long day of training and dinner, they headed out to sit around the campfire. Mason wasn’t used to so much camaraderie with other police officers. Coming from a small town in Alaska, he wasn’t used to having so many he was in charge of, but he was getting the hang of it. When Mason joined the group, it was as though all the talking had ceased.
“Don’t stop talking because I came here.”
“We’re not,” TJ said.
“So how are you settling in?” Adam asked.
“Good. What would you guys like to know about me?” Mason asked.
Mason sat down, looking at his men. Shadows and light played over this their faces from the fire pit.
“Are you married?” Adam asked.
“Nope. Not married yet. No kids. All my family is in Alaska.”
“What brings you down here?” TJ asked.
“You mean to the lower forty-eight?”
“Yeah, I heard that’s what you guys call it up there.”
Kyle’s eyes locked with his. Kyle knew the answer to this question but Mason wasn’t saying anything. “Adjusting to the change of scenery. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity at this job.”
As the night wore on, the group started to head off to bed. TJ, Mason, and Kyle were the only ones left around the fire. TJ got down on his haunches, stirring the fading embers.
“So, what’s going on?” TJ asked.
TJ looked between chief Rask and Kyle. Mason knew exactly what he was getting at.
“Nothing much,” Kyle said.
TJ looked from Kyle to the chief and back again. “Okay, if that’s how you want to play it. I just thought you should both be careful.”
“There’s nothing for you to worry about. You don’t need to be concerned,” Mason said.
TJ nodded. “It’s obvious. I thought you should both know. I don’t care either way.”
“Good to hear,” Mason said.
TJ stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Good night.”
Their eyes locked. Mason knew exactly what he was thinking. They were the only two remaining together. Mason had noticed, too, that Kyle’s things were in his cabin. To make sure that rumors didn’t happen, Mason knew that he shouldn’t bunk down with Kyle tonight.
“We should get to bed. We have to get up early,” Kyle said.
“I was thinking the same thing, too.”
Mason watched as Kyle walked away toward the cabin. He couldn’t follow him just yet. Crickets chirped around him. The moonlight was high above in the sky. Mason couldn’t remember the last time he was outside, listening to nature. Everything felt amplified out in the woods. It was as though he was a visitor and the woods were alive. Mason stomped out the fire in the pit and headed for the cabin. He did not want any talk going around the department. He knew he had to be careful. He had to find out what TJ was talking about first. He caught up to TJ before he went into his cabin.
“Hey, wait a second,” Mason said.
TJ turned. His long black hair shined brightly in the moonlight. “Sir?”
“Hey about what you said…”
“Nobody’s saying anything. I just noticed and it won’t go unnoticed by the other guys who are gay, too.”
“I get it. I just don’t want there to be any talk. Do you understand?”
“I understand perfectly. I won’t be saying another word, you can count on that.”
“I hope that I can trust you to make sure that if you hear anything, you will let me know.”
“I will,” TJ said.
Mason left TJ and headed to his bunk with Kyle. He felt as though he could trust TJ to let him know if there was going to be a problem with the other guys. His emotions were all over the board. He had hoped that they would be able to keep their relationship a secret for a little bit longer. Now he knew that that wasn’t an option. What was he going to do if it came out? Mason would think about that when the time came. Right now, he couldn’t wait to be alone with his sub. It was so wrong that he wanted a few minutes alone with him, even if it was a stolen moment. He found Kyle next to his bunk. He hadn’t changed for the night.
“Hey, come with me,” Mason said.
“Where are we going?”
“We’re going for a ride on my bike.”
Their eyes locked. There was something about the way Kyle was looking at him that made him want to get down on his knees and ask Kyle to marry him.
“I’ve never been on a bike before.”
“You haven’t?”
“Nope.”
“You’re in for a treat.”
They headed out to the parking lot, and Kyle got on the back of Mason’s bike. Mason offered him his helmet as he got on the back. When Kyle was situated and his arms came around his waist, he started the bike. They headed off into the night together. Mason wasn’t sure where he was going, but he had to find someplace, anyplace where they could be alone for a few minutes without the prying eyes of everyone in the department. He didn’t want to go back to the cabin until they were both satiated and ready to go to sleep.
Mason sped off into the night. The rural roads turned into more rural roads. There really wasn’t any place to go. It was only when he found the park entrance for Serpent Mound that he slowed down the bike. He drove all the way into the back and shut off the bike.
“What are we doing here?” Kyle asked.
“We’re just taking a few minutes alone.”
Mason came in close, giving him a light kiss on his lips as he nibbled around his jaw to his ear. “I wanted to kiss you all fucking day.”
Kyle sighed against his lips. “I was thinking the same thing.”
* * * *
Serpent Mound was completely isolated at night. It was one of the few Indian formations that survived. Kyle took Mason’s hand as he led him toward the forest. They were heading for the dock that surrounded the manmade lake. Kyle had never had sex outside before. He couldn’t believe he was going to have it now with his Dom. He felt so completely out of control and needy as he watched his Dom lead the way on to the path. When they got to a nice clearing out in the woods with the water flowing off in the distance, Mason stopped. He grabbed him, kissing him roughly.
Mason ran his hand over his jaw, angling their heads together. They kissed in a slow and unhurried way that made Kyle think of long walks together and romantic movies. He was finally finding his happily ever after with his hero in his arms. He wondered how this thing would end. All good things came to an end in his experiences. He knew that the chief would eventually tire of him and move on to someone else. That thought brought him up short. He was stunned that he was actually thinking that his Dom would want him forever.
When Mason pulled his lips away, Kyle opened his eyes, looking hard at his Dom. “Do you want me?”
Mason smiled. “I want you.”
“I’ve fallen hard for you.”
“Have you?” Mason asked.
“I just don’t know how this thing is going to work out for us. I don’t know how we can work together and be lovers at the same time.”
“You don’t need to worry about that. Okay? Trust me. Everything will work out.”
“Okay. I will.”
Very slowly, Mason pushed Kyle’s chest up against a tree. He slipped his handcuffs from his pocket and locked them around his right wrist and then his left. With Kyle’s wrists locked in bear hug around the tree, Kyle knew he was completely in his Dom’s control. Mason roughly pulled his pants down, exposing his ass. Mason started spanking Kyle. With each strike of his hand, his dick pushed roughly against the smooth bark of the sycamore tree. He loved it so fucking much. His moans of pleasure echoed within the night. Mason slid his lips over his ear.
“Quiet. You don’t want to be caught out here with me.”
Kyle groaned as Mason put his hand over
his mouth and started to spank him again. He loved the feel of his hand, hitting him hard. He whimpered against Mason’s hand as his fingers slid down over his rim, smoothing over it. He felt cool wetness spread over his rim. He felt Mason’s fingers push against his rim. Kyle groaned as Mason pushed and pulled his fingers in and out of his ass. Mason pushed three fingers into his ass, stretching him wide. He hoped that his Dom would fist him. He pulled his fingers out and pushed his lubed fist gently in. He loved the way Mason stretched his ass with his fist. It felt so fucking good.
Mason gently pulled his hand from his ass. Cool nighttime air slapped him in the ass. He heard the sound of Mason unzipping and the rustling of clothing. All of a sudden, Mason’s cockhead pressed between his ass cheeks and against his rim. There was hot skin on skin. It felt so fucking good to have his Dom taking him raw. When he pushed himself all the way in, Mason held on tightly from behind. Using his feet as leverage and anchoring himself against the tree, Mason reached up and gripped the short limbs above his head and held on tight as he took Kyle hard.
Their soft groans of pleasure echoed within the night. It wasn’t long before the soft friction of the tree against his dick reached a fever pitch. Mason reached his hand between him and the tree, slipping it over his cockhead. He gave his prick several hard jerks. Kyle cried out as he started to orgasm. Just as Kyle started to come, Mason stiffened up in his ass, coming hard.
They were both breathing hard as they came down from the wild ride. Mason continued to hold him, keeping him anchored against the tree. Kyle arched his head back and their mouths connected. It was a fiery, hot kiss that Kyle felt all the way down his dick. He didn’t know what was going to happen between them, and he really didn’t care at this point. As long as Mason was in his life, he knew he would have everything he wanted.
Mason broke his lips away. “We should get back before they come looking for us.”
“We probably should.”
They got dressed and headed back to Mason’s bike. Kyle loved riding a bike with his lover. He held on tight as the wind whipped him in the face and the vibration smoothed over his rim. It felt so good to have his lover sitting with him on his bike now, too. They headed back to Camp Tack and parked the bike. Both of them headed to the cabin and showered. They both maintained a professional distance when they got back to the room. Kyle was certain that Mason wanted to be sure that no rumors spread. Kyle appreciated that. He did not want to be the center of anyone else’s attention but Mason’s.