A long sigh escaped him and ruffled the back of Alden’s hair. It was black as pitch but very fine and light textured. It was longer on top and yet shaved upward in the back, exposing his neck, which was probably the appeal of the haircut. Alden certainly had a long, fine neck. Just looking caused McBride’s teeth to tingle. He would never bite him, but as a blood drinker, McBride could appreciate the aesthetics of a fine neck. The yellow collar didn’t match his skin tone, but rather clashed with it. That was okay. Whichever brother McBride gave him to would put a new collar on him to show ownership.
Sadly, that only reminded McBride that he would have to explain to another one of the Morgan brothers that he wouldn’t be allowed to go into town to outfit his new mate. Until he figured out what had happened at the Larsden place, he wasn’t going to be letting anyone go into the heart of Woven Spire and possibly bring back a blood-borne disease. Although, to be fair, he had no idea if that was what they were dealing with or not, but until he had a handle on what was going on, no one was going anywhere. The only reason he’d bought a thrall was because there was simply no way an untouched blood bearer could carry any disease. McBride had checked Alden thoroughly for marks, including indications that he’d been fed from. Just as the merchant had promised, young Alden was clean.
As they came down the main road into the farm, the street split, with one side heading toward the big house where McBride lived, and the other side leading into a cul-de-sac where the seven brothers’ houses were arranged. Around in a semicircle the houses went in order of age with Bailey, the youngest, at one end and Caleb, the oldest, at the other.
And that gave McBride his answer to who would get Alden. Since he had no control over whether the thrall and his slammer would get along, he decided that he would simply let fate make the choice. Since the first thrall yesterday had gone to Bailey, McBride would give Alden to the second brother and continue on up until he got one for Caleb.
Again, the idea of Caleb with another man caused a tight feeling across McBride’s belly. Before, he’d been concerned about Caleb injuring the thrall he picked out for him, but that wasn’t his issue now. No, McBride had a whole new problem when it came to Caleb and the notion of pairing him with a mate.
As if he’d summoned him, Caleb stepped out from the path between two of the houses, clearly intent on going to his own house at the far end of the circle. He stopped when he saw McBride.
For once, Caleb didn’t smirk or make a rude hand gesture or do anything that McBride could consider an affront. Instead, he simply nodded his head and moved over to his home. Stunned by his sharp change in behavior, McBride wasn’t too sure what to make of his far more submissive ways. It wasn’t like Caleb at all. Resistant, angry, aggressive—those were all the hallmarks of Caleb’s behavior. This new and far more subservient man was somewhat annoying. McBride felt like slapping himself. He didn’t like Caleb when he bucked his authority, but he didn’t like him kowtowing to it, either. Frankly, McBride just didn’t think he was ever going to be happy with Caleb.
“Unless I can have him all to myself.”
As soon as the words slipped out of his mouth, McBride felt a surge of adrenalin rush over his body. A landed gentryman did not fall for a slammer. Worse, he certainly didn’t admit it to anyone. And then he remembered that Alden was deaf. Relief made him sag in the saddle. But his slip showed him that he simply couldn’t trust himself anywhere near Caleb. Even thinking about him was dangerous.
Again, Caleb appeared as if summoned.
Caleb had unzipped his tallos-picking jumpsuit and bunched the upper portion around his waist. His bronzed chest was lightly sweaty, making him gleam under the late-morning sun. He’d pulled his hair back off his face, which harshened his features, but then he flashed the smallest smile at McBride.
Used to his smirks and derision, McBride found this secretive smile was both alluring and infuriating. What they’d done together yesterday morning was wrong. There simply wasn’t another word for it. Mixing blood and sex was a dangerous combination. The fact that both of them had gotten off in spectacular eruptions didn’t lessen the shame that clung to McBride. Yes, the release had felt incredible, but as soon as he’d stopped spurting and his heart rate began to fall back to normal, the guilt had settled in. Caleb’s shyly sweet grin only reminded McBride that the man now had a powerful secret over him. It was unlikely anyone would believe Caleb, but McBride knew the truth and that was bad enough.
“Who’s he for?” Caleb asked, nodding to Alden.
“Gannon.” McBride stopped the dressiter and then watched as Caleb extended his hand to help Alden down.
Rather than strain forward as he had the entire way, Alden now retreated from Caleb by pressing himself forcefully into McBride. His tiny body only highlighted how good Caleb’s massive form had felt when they’d been close.
“I’m only trying to help you down.” Caleb thrust his hand a little closer, but this only made Alden retreat more fully.
“He’s deaf.”
“Oh.” Caleb withdrew his hand. “How about I help you down?” Now Caleb offered his hand out to McBride. It was the same hand that had been wrapped around McBride’s cock only twenty-four hours ago.
What would stay in McBride’s mind and drive him to total distraction was the luscious taste of Caleb’s blood. Long before he realized he had issues with him, McBride had always favored the eldest Morgan. There was something so rich about his flavor. Moreover, when McBride drank from him, Caleb often masturbated. Since McBride preferred drinking from his neck as he stood behind the seated Caleb, he’d been able to watch his massive hand fisting his thick prick. Seeing his release while drinking his blood cemented his unnatural lust. It hadn’t happened with any of the other brothers, but it was the only thing that McBride could latch on to and blame.
But I will find a way to be free of him. McBride was determined to keep his own life within the limits of the law. He had recently found out his father and his father’s companion had indulged in forbidden acts. McBride vowed not to follow in those particular footsteps. The best way to do so was to find himself a companion. But that was easier said than done. As a member of the upper class, he could only align himself with men of his same status. Given how small the population of Woven Spire was, he didn’t have a lot to choose from.
“I’m fine.” McBride slid from the beast. He wasn’t sure, but he thought Caleb said that he was indeed fine, but McBride chose to ignore him if he had spoken. Once on the ground, he extended his hand to Alden, who shook his head and clung to the saddle. “You’re not for him.”
Alden looked at Caleb then back at McBride.
“Not him. Another brother.”
“Yeah, you’re too scrawny for me.” Caleb focused his dangerous green eyes on McBride. “I like them big, hairy, and hung.”
“Go away, Caleb. Or better yet, be of use and go get Gannon.”
“Yes, master.” Caleb spun on his heel and walked back into the field. As he moved to where the other brothers were picking, he pulled the top half of his jumpsuit back up. Even a man as strong as Caleb couldn’t pick tallos without the suit. The bulbs of the plant had a tough outer shell covered in barbs. Ironically, the fibers inside the bulb were extremely delicate. It took a gentle touch to grasp and twist the bulb off the plant without damaging the interior. Once they were picked, the bulbs were stripped in a machine, but they had to be delivered in the full, puffy state. Despite his brutish appearance, Caleb was one of the best and fastest pickers.
While they waited for Gannon to reach them, McBride pointed to each house and named the brother who owned it. When he got to Gannon’s, he said, “He’s who you’ll belong to.”
Alden tensed up and shook his head.
“I’m sorry, but that’s how it is.” McBride didn’t want to be cruel, but Alden had to go to someone. Even if McBride allowed him to choose, it was unlikely he’d like any brother more than any other. They were all big, burly, and yet oddly beautiful men. The brot
hers looked like brothers because of their similar facial features and the fact they all had dark hair. Although, Gannon’s dark brown locks were sun bleached on the top, highlighting his golden-brown eyes.
Alden turned and saw Gannon approaching. He moved closer to McBride, tucking himself behind his bulk and peeking around his arm. How quickly the thrall went from fearing him to trusting him. Or, McBride realized, he could just see McBride as the lesser of two evils.
When Gannon realized why he’d been called from the field, his step picked up appreciably. When he got within a few dozen yards, he frowned and slowed down. “What’s wrong with him?”
“He’s just a little nervous.” McBride reached back and pulled Alden up beside him. When he tried to slip back behind McBride, he placed his arm around his shoulder and stopped him from ducking away.
“Caleb said I got the defective one.” Gannon frowned as he looked Alden over from head to toe. The scar that ran down the left side of Gannon’s face looked far more menacing when he was glaring.
After tossing a silent curse at Caleb, McBride assured Gannon that Alden was perfectly healthy and would be a good mate. “The only thing that will be a bit of work getting used to is the fact that he can’t hear.”
“He’s deaf?” Gannon looked at Alden’s ears as if he’d be able to see the defect.
“He is, but Alden can read lips. Believe me, he knows what you’re saying, so don’t be cruel.”
Gannon continued to frown, but at least he didn’t say what he was thinking. Still, it didn’t take a mind reader to know that he wasn’t pleased. As the second to youngest, Gannon often felt slighted because everyone lavished attention on Bailey. Or that was what Gannon thought at any rate. Whenever Bailey got something, Gannon looked around and thought he was getting less. It was clear to McBride that Gannon was comparing his thrall to Bailey’s and he saw himself coming up short yet again. Ferris was an absolutely stunning young man. In many ways, he was perfect, but there had been issues between Ferris and Bailey. McBride thought they’d worked everything out now, but the sailing hadn’t been all that smooth.
“If you want, I can give him to someone else and you can go without.” McBride had been extremely generous with his slammers, so having his generosity questioned on top of his other problems put him in a foul mood. “What’s it going to be, Gannon? Do you want him, or do you wish to be alone?”
Chapter 2
Gannon considered. He was sick and tired of being by himself, but he wasn’t so sure he wanted to get stuck with a thrall who would be more hassle than he was worth. Still, from the way McBride made it sound, if Gannon didn’t take Alden, he wasn’t ever going to get a thrall. That made him consider that a broken mate was better than no mate at all.
“I’ll take him.”
“Try to look happy about it so you don’t completely hurt his feelings.” McBride patted Alden’s shoulder. “He might be deaf, but I’m pretty sure he can read exactly how you feel. Disliking your mate right off the cuff isn’t going to endear you to him in the least.” McBride leaned close and looked right in Gannon’s eyes. “Put yourself in his shoes. Maybe he doesn’t think you’re any prize, either.”
Stung, Gannon straightened up, but he didn’t glare at McBride. A long time ago he’d been very self-conscious about the scar that ran down the left side of his face. After living out on the tallos farm with only his brothers around, Gannon often forgot it was even there. It was easy to forget when he had no mirrors in his house. Besides, if Gannon wanted to know what he looked like, all he had to do was look at his twin brother, Ollie.
“Offer out your hand and introduce yourself.” McBride looked exhausted, prompting Gannon to wonder if he’d had yet another run-in with Caleb. Since Caleb had told him to come in from the field, he probably had. Caleb had a way of getting under everyone’s skin. He could be nice sometimes, but mostly he was just mean.
“I’m Gannon Morgan.” Gannon lifted his hand to Alden, who shrank away. “I know I might look scary.” He pointed to his scar. “But I’m not. I’m just surprised that he found me a mate so fast.”
Alden tilted his head, but Gannon couldn’t tell if he was curious, or if maybe he was wondering if what Gannon said was true. Eventually, with some prompting from McBride, Alden lifted his hand. Being as gentle as he could, Gannon shook Alden’s hand. His skin was so smooth and soft it was shockingly arousing. Gannon wondered what Alden had made of his callused grip.
“Your hand is very hard.”
Gannon nodded and tried not to gape, but he couldn’t help himself. Alden had a voice that was so beautiful he could barely restrain himself from trying to get him to say a dozen other things. Gannon couldn’t recall ever hearing such a melodious voice. It was more like Alden sang the words than spoke them. When Gannon realized that McBride was looking at Alden with surprise, he realized he hadn’t heard him speak until now.
“He might not be able to hear, but his voice more than makes up for that.” McBride grinned at Gannon then pointed toward Gannon’s house. “Let’s take him in, get him comfortable, and then you can get back to work.”
“Bailey didn’t have to go back to the fields on the day he got a mate.” Yet again, Gannon was getting a raw deal.
“The day was over, Gannon. Don’t quibble when I’ve given you a generous gift.”
Reminded, Gannon ducked his head. “Thank you, master McBride.”
“You’re welcome.” McBride took up Alden’s hand, which caused him to look up at him. “We’re going to show you your new home.”
Alden nodded. “With Gannon?”
“Yes.” After a brief hesitation, McBride asked, “Is that okay?”
Alden looked over at Gannon. His gaze went from his feet up to his face. “What happened to you?”
“I was injured.” Gannon wasn’t too keen on explaining the scar. Maybe after they were better acquainted he would tell that tale. “Do you want to see my home?”
“Yes.” Alden looked up to McBride, who nodded.
Their little group moved toward the house, but when Gannon realized Alden didn’t have shoes, he stopped him. “Let me carry you.” Before he could protest, Gannon had him up in his arms. He was heavier than he thought, but not so weighty he was difficult to carry. Holding him close allowed Gannon to smell him, but he didn’t smell like much of anything. Not sweat, dust, grime—just nothing, really. Disappointed, because Bailey had said his mate had the sweetest scent, Gannon kept carrying him inside the house once McBride opened the door.
Once they were inside, Gannon set him down in the center of the living room. There was only one big chair that Gannon sat in when he was playing with his gaming unit. He’d saved up for over a year to buy it, but now he realized he would need to buy another chair for Alden. Sadly, his account was pretty low since he’d been spending all his income on games for the unit.
“This is where I play—” Gannon cut himself off when he realized Alden wasn’t looking at him.
“Tap him on the shoulder to get his attention.”
Gannon tapped Alden, causing him to jump and spin around so fast he almost knocked himself over.
Lifting his hand, Gannon said, “Sorry. I was just—never mind. The kitchen is over there.” He pointed, and after a moment, Alden looked that way. As soon as Alden’s back was turned, Gannon looked at McBride. “Why is he so jumpy?”
McBride shrugged. “I don’t know. I think he’s just afraid. This is all new to him.”
When Alden went into the kitchen, Gannon followed. He made sure Alden was looking at him before he pointed to the cookbot and explained what it was. Alden nodded and then moved down the hall toward the bathroom.
“Can I use this?”
“Sure.” Gannon was wondering if Alden didn’t realize that he was going to be living here with him. At that precise moment, Gannon realized this was a forever kind of thing whether he liked it or not. If he said no to Alden, he would be alone, but if he said yes, he was stuck with him until the day he died
. Torn, Gannon realized he would just have to hope they could figure out a way to get along. Having someone to fuck and feed from was good, but not if he hated him.
When Alden closed the door, Gannon realized he meant to use the facilities now. Somewhat embarrassed and unsure why, Gannon turned away and went into the bedroom. A blast of shame made him hastily clean up. The room wasn’t filthy, but his clothing was strewn around in various piles and he hadn’t made the bed. Ever. Gannon didn’t see why he should neaten up the bedclothes when he was just going to turn around and mess them right back up. But now that he had a mate, he would probably have to stop being such a slob.
“What if we hate each other?” Gannon turned to face McBride. “He doesn’t seem happy, and I don’t know if I’ll be happy and—”
“You’ll make it work.”
Gannon nodded, but he was doubtful. Eventually, Alden emerged from the bathroom and joined them in the bedroom. He looked at the mound of clothing in Gannon’s hands. “I was trying to clean up for you.”
“For me?”
Gannon nodded.
“That’s very sweet.”
Alden smiled, and Gannon changed his mind yet again. When Alden smiled, his entire face transformed. The worry lines disappeared, and his big eyes weren’t so wide or filled with fear. He was very pretty. And then Gannon looked at his neck. Soon, McBride would remove that collar and Gannon would draw his first taste of blood. All his life he’d wondered what it would be like and if he’d ever have the chance to find out. His previous owner, Jonas, hadn’t bought any of the Morgan brothers a thrall. He’d given them a mechanical man, but Caleb fucked the thing to death. That thought made Gannon drop his gaze to Alden’s prick.
Gannon Morgan [Seven Brothers for McBride 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) Page 2