Possessed by Him

by Jacey Holbrand

  Under Inferno’s scrutiny, Kane shifted from foot to foot. Preach was the only Mongrels member who could essentially talk back to and question Inferno, but if another member seemed to look at the president the wrong way, Great Spirit help him or her.

  With a sigh, Inferno rapped his knuckles on the desk. “It’s been years since we’ve all seen each other. Perhaps they won’t recognize him.” He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “But, to be on the safe side… Kane, get with the club bitches and see if they can disguise you up a bit. Cut your hair. Maybe even get you some of those blond spiky tips. See if they can lighten your skin somehow. And for fuck’s sake, get a tattoo, or even a white tat so it looks like a scar, or something that’s visible.”

  “But—” Kane wanted to protest, but remembering who he was speaking to, snapped his mouth closed. He liked his Native American looks, especially his long coal black hair and reddish-tan skin tone. It gave his wolf an interesting fur color in that it was black but shone with a chestnut red sheen in certain lights. If the club whores messed with him, would they inadvertently change his wolf as well?

  “I know. I know,” Inferno said. “You don’t like to screw with your prettiness. Get. The fuck. Over it. Be happy I’m letting you out of the ’pound. You have a fucking job to do.” He slammed a fist onto the desk, making everyone jump. “Get the pup here. Gabe will come after him. I’ll take care of the rest with those two. Then we’ll do something really special for Emma. I’m tired of failing, of missing our opportunities to make their lives hell.” A sinister laugh escaped him. “I need to watch those Tabu fucks up close and personal as they experience pain and look straight on at their demise, hopefully shitting in their pants as they do so.”

  * * * *

  At the bottom of a hill, Jarrod turned and drove along a dirt drive. “The area hasn’t changed a bit.”

  The excitement in Jarrod’s voice snapped Cameron from his thoughts and rankled him. Bad enough his recall of that trip was razor sharp, he didn’t need his brother acting like their current trip was Christmas morning on top of it. He grunted in reply.

  “You’re not going to be mad at me the whole time we’re out here, are you?” Jarrod directed the truck into a spot in the stone-packed parking lot near a building that resembled a turn of the nineteenth century general store.

  Same building from years ago. Same desolate area with broken and abandoned antique vehicles. Same river flowing south down at the bottom of the canyon. Hopefully we won’t have a reprise of the strange stuff that had occurred then. Cameron shrugged. “Probably not. Just need time to wrap my head around all this.”

  “Good.” Jarrod opened his door, hopped out, looked around then stuck his head back in the cab. “Seems that the tour guide is gathering those in the group who are already present. Put a smile on your face and get out here.”

  Cameron dragged himself out of the vehicle, trying to dredge up a smidgen of joy within him for the unexpected side trip. He came up empty.

  Hot air gusted over the area, kicking up a cloud of dust. Cameron yawned as the debris-filled breeze hit him and ended up coughing. He spit out the gritty particles that had invaded his mouth.

  What I wouldn’t give to be back in the city, at the spa, on a cute massage therapist’s table having him work my muscles.

  He shuffled over to his brother and the small group that’d gathered.

  A perky, petite blonde woman flitted around making introductions. She moved from one couple, who looked like they hiked and camped on a regular basis—that or they shopped for their wardrobe at REI—to him and his brother.

  “Hi you two. Welcome to Golden Canyon. My name is Emma. Y’all can call me Em or Emma. I’ll answer to either of them. Just don’t call me late for dinner.” She giggled and bounced on her heels as if she had too much energy. Her ponytail bobbed in relation to her movements. “So you two must be the Russell brothers. Cameron and Jarrod, right?”

  “I’m Jarrod Russell. This is my brother, Cameron.”

  “Awesome. Hi Jarrod. Hi Cameron. We’re happy to have you join us.”

  “Thanks.” Jarrod nudged Cameron with his elbow.

  “Yeah, thanks,” Cameron added. The athletic gear Emma wore made him think she’d shopped at the same place as the other couple.

  Shoving his hands into his cargo shorts, Cameron glanced around. The “REI couple” spoke with another middle-aged pair, who sported extra bulk on their frames. The latter two seemed better suited to attend an afternoon show on the strip instead of being out in the wild and doing strenuous activities.

  Beyond the four people stood a solitary man next to a beat up motorcycle. The guy removed his helmet and placed it on the seat of the bike. He appeared to be someone who was currently in the military and on leave or had been recently discharged. Having been in the service himself, he recognized the short haircut, stance and the military issued combat pants. The stern set of his face didn’t detract from the man’s handsome features, making his bad boy vibe even stronger. Coal black hair spiked with blonde tips, dark eyes, tall and built like a sturdy fortress, Cameron just about over heated from the utter maleness the lone man exuded. He hoped the guy was gay, though the guy would most likely pale in comparison to a man Cameron had never met and had only dreamt about over the years. Real or imagined, Dyson had become Cameron’s ideal of what he sought in a significant other, someone he knew he was destined for, and with whom Cameron based all his romantic interests. So far no one had matched Dyson’s qualities.

  “Is this your first time visiting the southwest?”

  “Nope. We’ve been to the canyon before.”

  Cameron couldn’t stand the enthusiasm in his brother’s voice. Emma looked his way. He nodded in agreement, glad Jarrod didn’t go into details about their last trip.

  “Awesome. We’re just about ready to go out to the campsite and get settled. My co-tour guide, Gabe, will join us later to go over the itinerary for the next few days.”

  “Few days?” None too happy about the news, Cameron glared at his brother. “Jarrod, we need to talk.”

  “Is everything all right?” Emma’s gaze bounced between Cameron and his brother.

  “Yes, yes. No worries. I surprised Cameron with this trip. He’s still overwhelmed about my generous gift.” With a hearty chuckle, Jarrod slapped Cameron on his back.

  “Okay.” Emma raised a brow.

  The skeptical expression on the woman’s face mirrored Cameron’s thoughts. His brother was full of bull. His back stung where Jarrod’s hand had hit. He’d have to return the favor. Maybe with a good right hook to the jaw.

  The chipper woman stepped away from them and clapped her hands. “Everyone, your attention, please. Grab your gear and load up in the van. We’re leaving in five.” She scampered off toward the store.

  Cameron and his brother gathered their bags, locked up the truck and found a couple of seats in the vehicle.

  “They’re gonna supply us with tents and stuff, right, Jarrod?”

  “Yeah, I rented everything we need. It’s probably part of the stuff tied to the top of the van hiding under the tarp.”

  The chatter between everyone quieted when Emma climbed in behind the steering wheel and started the vehicle. “Everyone ready?”

  A loud chorus of ‘Yes!’ filled the interior and the steady conversation amongst the inhabitants resumed.

  Cameron didn’t join in. Once they got on their way, he tilted his head back and looked out the window.

  The van bounced along a dirt road that rounded a bend and sloped up a slow growing incline. Behind them, the town—if it could be called that—faded from view. Various shades of brown land with scrub bush scattered about stretched all around. With every yard they traveled, it was more of the same.

  Wanting to see the bright colorful lights of the Vegas strip rather than the wasteland surrounding him, and not being able to, Cameron closed his eyes. The motorcycle group, the trip, thoughts about his dream man, all combined in his mind, dr
edging up memories and feelings he really wasn’t in the mood to explore. He fell into a restless nap.

  * * * *

  The recurring dream about vacationing with his special man, as always, started off disjointed. Flashes of a beach, a rope hammock strung between two trees. Thatched roofed huts hovering on polls and support beams over turquoise blue water. In the hut, part of the floor was made of glass. Through it he could see the brightly colored fish native to the area swimming about.

  I should learn how to dive.

  From behind, his man, Dyson, wrapped his arms around him, gripping Cameron’s topless sides with his long, strong fingers that never failed to make his stomach quiver and his heart beat quickly in excitement. Dyson placed his mouth near his ear. “I found a pamphlet about an aquabike adventure nearby. People can explore the waters around the islands on a personal submarine scooter. Think you’ll want to check it out, Mate? It looks like fun.”

  Dyson’s soft voice sent an arousing shiver up Cameron’s spine. He turned in Dyson’s arms, sliding his hands to Dyson’s ass and leaning back so he could look into Dyson’s eyes. The green of his gaze reminded him of the dark part of a palm tree leaf. Sometimes he could see streaks of gold and amber in them, but the lighting was a bit too dim inside to bring out those aspects at the moment. “How is it you always seem to know what I’m thinking?”

  “Perhaps we have that connection that some couples have.”

  He molded himself to Dyson. Wrapping his arms around the man, he savored the first caress of his bare chest meeting Dyson’s and then rested his head on Dyson’s shoulder. “Perhaps.” If only this wasn’t a dream and we were an actual couple.

  Strange thing was being with Dyson felt so real, like they were actually in the South Pacific, holding each other. Being a couple.

  If only I could have this in my waking life.

  “Well, Mate,” Dyson said, “if the underwater scooter isn’t of interest, I know something else we can do.” The evidence of Dyson’s thought process pressed against Cameron.

  The arousing shiver Cameron had felt turned into a hot, bubbling simmer. His cock rose to attention and butted against the inside of his board shorts which tapped Dyson’s hidden erection.

  He loved when he got to this part of the dreams he had of Dyson. When he was in high school and the visions first started, all they did was talk and sometimes share chaste kisses. It wasn’t that he disliked those dreams. In them he began to know the man who called himself Dyson. He learned his sister called him Dice because he loved all kinds of dice and board games. Dyson also liked a lot of the same things he did, such as camping, wildlife, and the military. Though Dyson could be headstrong, he had a way of keeping Cameron grounded. They complemented each other perfectly in his opinion.

  After a horrendous car accident Cameron was involved in during his first year of college that he somehow survived, he and Dyson started visiting the islands and staying in the hut. The dynamic between them changed … became sexually charged.

  He’d begun having the best wet dreams of his life.

  Dyson slanted his mouth over Cameron’s. Lips soft and gentle, with a brushing of tongue, as Dyson led him over to the bed.

  Before he knew it, Cameron’s back was on top of the Egyptian cotton sheets, his legs bent over the edge, and Dyson was pulling off his shorts. Shucked of his own bathing suit, Dyson stretched his body over Cameron’s and resumed the kiss. Hot and hungry, they made out like they hadn’t seen each other in weeks and never wanted to be separated again.

  It wasn’t as if Cameron didn’t already know Dyson’s body. They’d been together hundreds of times over the years. Yet he smoothed his hand over the man’s skin, pretending it was the first time he had a chance to discover Dyson, never wanting to forget any nuances of the man. He stroked down his neck to the dips and curves of his powerful shoulders. Traced a path to Dyson’s pectorals. The muscles shuddered. He teased the nipple, bringing it to a hard nub. It amazed him how easily and quickly he could make Dyson respond.

  The kiss deepened. Dyson reached down and grasped Cameron’s cock.

  Talk about a fast response. Cameron broke the kiss and drew in a long, thin breath as the warmth of Dyson’s stroking palm engulfed him. He had to keep himself in check or else he’d come all over them before they’d have a chance to blow each other.

  The pressure of Dyson’s hard shaft pressed into Cameron’s hip. Cameron slipped his hand down Dyson’s side and encompassed his dick. “Feels like you’re ready for some action, too, Dyson.”

  “It would seem so.” Dyson grinned then inched his way down Cameron’s body, kissing his torso along the way. He spent a few extra seconds on each of his nipples, licking and nipping them before moving down to his cock and taking it into his mouth.

  Cameron’s mind almost went blank. The only thoughts left were those of how good Dyson was. The way he used his velvety tongue to lap and swirl along the length and head, paying attention to the slit at the top and the root and his balls at the bottom.

  No other man he’d ever dated blew him with such loving attention to detail, like he knew exactly what Cameron desired. He wanted to give Dyson the same treatment. “Dyson, come up on the bed. Let’s sixty-nine.”

  Dyson dragged his tongue up the hard length and gave the tip a quick kiss. “With pleasure. We’re going to have such fun today. We’re at—”

  * * * *

  “We’re at the campground.”

  Cameron jolted out of the dream, feeling like his arm was in an earthquake. “Okay, okay, quit shaking me, Jarrod. I’m up.” He ran his fingers through his hair and hoped no one would notice the boner he sported.

  Sparing a quick glance at his brother and finding Jarrod wasn’t paying him any attention, Cameron let go a quiet sigh of relief. Even though he’d been dreaming of Dyson for years, he’d never told his brother about it or about the man who called him Mate. Cameron wasn’t about to reveal his secret now.

  Mate. He loved that nickname. Dyson had started calling him that after the first few times they were hanging out together. When Cameron asked him about it, Dyson had said, “It’s a term of endearment to signify my affinity for you and mark our companionable friendship.”

  “Good. I hope that short cat nap improved your disposition. I’m really not enjoying having to compensate for your surly attitude.”

  “Whatever.” Cameron jumped out of the van and crossed to the other side to assist Emma with the camping equipment.

  Physical activity would help him burn off the energy created by the dream of him and Dyson. Once again, he wished they had stayed in the city. Now he really needed to find someone for a weekend fling.

  Jarrod joined them along with the military man whom Emma called Ken. They made short work of removing everything from the van and separating it into piles.

  “And these will be yours, Jarrod and Cameron.” The blonde pointed to two oversized backpacks with attached bedrolls and a long nylon bag which Cameron assumed housed the tent. “You guys can claim a spot on the western side of the gathering area which is the large circle of log benches and tree stumps around the fire pit.”

  The two of them slung their bag straps over their shoulders. Then each grabbed a backpack in one hand and shared the duty of carrying the tent in the other.

  The tent Jarrod rented happened to be nothing like the small pup tent they had shared as boys. This one could sleep up to four men and even had a center barrier creating two rooms.

  At least something is different on this trip.

  Cameron and Jarrod stowed their gear then stepped out of their home away from home for the next few days.

  “Oh, and before I forget, Emma gave this to me.” Jarrod showed Cameron an itinerary for the night and the next couple of days.

  He took the sheet of paper, and as he did, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. A cool whisper of unseen fingertips slid down his back to his ass. His instincts, which he’d honed and relied on during assignments in the milit
ary before he became deskbound, screamed that he was being targeted. “Is someone behind me?”

  Jarrod looked around. “I don’t see anyone or anything paying attention to you. Why? What’s up?”

  “I get the distinct feeling that I’m in someone’s sights.”

  Cameron turned and stood next to his brother. He held up the paper, pretending to read it while he scanned his surroundings. Same as Jarrod, he didn’t observe anything out of the ordinary, but he knew someone, or thing, was out there.

  Chapter Four

  Gabriel Dyson altered his position on the hard ground just enough to bring his binoculars up to his eyes. Staying concealed up on the ridge gave him a chance to observe the group he was about to take camping and get an idea of how the people related to each other. There really wasn’t a good reason he did the recon, except that he’d happened to do it by accident several tours ago and discovered it made him more comfortable with the groups.

  Three couples. One younger and more athletic looking than the older pair, and two males similar in appearance. Probably brothers. Typical tourists from the looks of all of them.

  A light breeze blew up the mountainside, carrying with it a familiar scent. One he’d come to know well over the centuries. A beautiful fragrance of mountain pines and spring water fed waterfalls that had compelled him to follow and rescue a boy in the mine years ago from some biker gang shifter dogs who loved to prank people. The same aroma that had him tracking, then saving, the grown boy from an accident five years later. The essence that helped him to find his human counterpart in each of his lifetimes.

  Mate. My other half.

  The desire to kiss him, mark him and make him his in all ways raged through him. It’d almost been too much having to wait so long to claim him. Always being in situations where he couldn’t do anything. First his mate was too young. Then when the youth had reached the age of consent, he couldn’t extract him from the accident scene to do what he needed to. Had he tried, people would have called over the authorities, saying the young man was being kidnapped. And if he’d been caught trying to take his mate and thrown in jail? He didn’t want to contemplate what the consequences would have been during the next super moon.