by Carol Lynne
Enapay glanced at Takoda and rolled his eyes. Takoda bit back a laugh and leaned in for a kiss. He lured Enapay’s tongue into his mouth and sucked. Takoda knew how horny the simple gesture made Enapay.
Within a matter of seconds, Takoda was hoisted up and repositioned to straddle Enapay’s lap. As good as Enapay’s hands felt on his bare ass, Takoda knew he needed to talk to his men. He broke the kiss and stared into Enapay’s black eyes. “I won’t be here when you wake up in the morning.”
“What?”
“I can’t watch the two of you leave me. It’ll be easier this way,” Takoda explained.
“You know it’s not too late to change your mind and go with us.” Gray said as he leaned in for a quick kiss.
“It’s not for me, but I will truly miss both of you. I’ll find you once you return home.” Takoda smoothed Enapay’s hair behind his ears. “We knew this had to happen.”
“I know,” Enapay mumbled. “Doesn’t make it any easier. I’ve gotten used to you flying overhead during the day and sleeping in my arms every night.”
Takoda didn’t know what to say. He would definitely miss the routine they’d established in the previous weeks, but he’d always known it was temporary. Takoda still wasn’t positive he’d be happy living as his crow and being away from his mates for long stretches of time, but there was no way to know for sure until he did it.
Enapay squeezed Takoda so hard it nearly knocked the breath out of him. “I love you.”
Takoda sighed. “We still have the rest of the day.”
Enapay’s hands returned to Takoda’s ass. “Guess we’d better make the most of it then.”
Gray’s hand joined Enapay’s as they began to make love to Takoda. Before he lost the ability to form a coherent sentence, Takoda had one last thing he needed to say.
He put one hand on Enapay’s cheek and one on Gray’s. “I want to thank you for allowing my crow the freedom it needs to be happy.”
Gray turned his face and kissed Takoda’s palm. “We love you, and we know we can’t cage you. We’ll miss you though.”
Takoda nodded, blinking back the tears. “I’ll miss you both.”
Epilogue
After giving a statement to the press outside the gates of Refuge, Gray turned and climbed back into the security truck. He glanced at Mica and sighed. “You think they’ll go away now?”
Mica grunted. “I doubt it. The recapture of Sparrol has just kicked up the shifter frenzy to a whole new level.”
Although Sam had been convicted in the United States years earlier for his part in the crimes against the shifters, he’d fooled prison officials into thinking he was ready to be transferred to a minimum-security prison. During his transfer, Sam had escaped and gone on the run for nearly a year before the authorities had finally captured him in Naples, Florida.
Mica was right. The public was in a frenzy to learn everything about the shifters. Gray rested his head against the passenger window. For more than five years, he’d traveled around the world trying to educate the people of the world about shifters. What they’d expected and what had actually happened were two entirely different things.
The whole purpose was to convince citizens that shifters weren’t a danger to them or their families. Never in a million years did they expect the shifters to become almost like rock stars in the eyes of teenagers, twenty-somethings and even a large number of thirty-somethings.
Mica and the rest of the guards at Refuge had their hands full trying to keep shifter-groupies out of the compound and away from the front gate. Gray’s job had gone from informing the public to begging them to leave the shifters in peace.
“I’m so tired of it,” Gray mumbled.
Mica reached over and squeezed Gray’s shoulder. “I know. We all are, but Ryker said he’s working on something that might help. He’s promised to tell us at dinner tonight.”
“Shit. I forgot about dinner.” Gray rubbed his eyes. All he wanted was to go back to his house and collapse on the couch. Maybe he’d get lucky and Enapay would offer him a massage.
Gray loved his friends, but he and Enapay had just arrived home after a three-month stay in Asia. The last thing he felt like doing was going to a dinner party. “You think Enapay and I can get out of it?”
Mica chuckled, his deep voice reverberating in the small confines of the truck cab. “I told them it would be hell getting you there.”
Confused, Gray lifted his head from the cold glass and glanced at the huge man beside him. “Told who?”
“Daniel, Jarek and Toby. You get the three of them together and you never know what they’re going to come up with. They insisted on welcoming you and Enapay back. They’ve been planning this for weeks.”
Gray groaned and rolled his eyes. “So in other words, if I don’t show up, I’ll have the three of them plotting my death.”
Mica laughed even louder. “Yeah. Something like that.”
Mica pulled the security truck to a stop in front of Gray’s house. Gray reached over and slapped Mica on the leg. “Don’t take so much pleasure out of my misery.”
“Right. I’ll remember that.” Mica gave Gray a big grin.
Shaking his head, Gray opened his door. “Thanks for the ride. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”
Gray felt like his legs were made of lead as he climbed the front porch steps. He still wasn’t sure what it was about a crowd of story-hungry reporters that exhausted him so much. After nearly five years of dealing with them, Gray knew he should be used to it.
He opened the front door and collapsed on the couch. “Enapay?”
“Be right there, sweetheart.” Several moments later, Enapay stepped into the room.
Though completely worn out, Gray’s cock took notice of the naked man who’d obviously just stepped from the shower. His gaze followed a drop of water as it slowly worked its way down Enapay’s chest, heading for the hairless groin he loved so much.
Gray licked his lips and glanced up to meet Enapay’s stare. “Why’re you torturing me? Do you have any idea how tired I am?”
Enapay bent over and kissed Gray. “Take a nap, honey. I promised Suni I’d help him fix one of the wind turbines before the dinner later.”
As much as Gray wanted to argue and pull his naked mate down on top of him, he knew he needed a nap. “If I go to sleep now, will you put that same outfit on for me later?”
Enapay looked down at his nude body. “I’m sure that can be arranged.”
Gray settled back into the deep couch and sighed. “Don’t suppose I could get you to bring me a blanket?”
Enapay grinned and disappeared. When he came back into the room a few minutes later, he not only had put his buckskin pants on, but also was carrying Gray’s favorite cashmere throw blanket they’d picked up in Ireland.
“Thank you, love.” Gray puckered his lips and waited for Enapay to kiss him. His lover didn’t make him wait long. “Have you heard from Takoda? I thought he’d be here by now.”
Enapay shook his head. “He’ll be here.” Enapay gave Gray another deep kiss. “Love you.”
“Love you.”
Gray’s eyes managed to stay open until Enapay walked out the front door. He settled into sleep, hoping Takoda would be with them soon.
* * * *
Gray glanced at the clock on the dash as he pulled up to Hakan’s house. He was thankful Enapay had called to tell him he was running late and he’d just meet Gray at the party. If it hadn’t been for the phone call, Gray knew he’d still be sound asleep.
From the number of vehicles in the driveway, it appeared Gray was the last to arrive. He climbed the porch steps and knocked on the door. The dreams he’d been plagued with lately had come back full force during his nap. He knew in his heart that it was time to take a step back from the life he’d been living for the past five years. Enapay never complained, but Gray could tell his mate would rather be home.
The door opened and Gray’s jaw dropped. “What’re you doing here
?”
Takoda grinned and pointed behind him. “Oh. Well, I guess I can go if you want.”
“Don’t be an ass,” Gray said and pulled his wayward mate into his arms. He didn’t give Takoda a chance to say another word as he kissed him. There was nothing he waited for more than the first kiss from Takoda after being separated for months at a time. His lover always smelled like the mountain air and tasted like the crystal clear streams he drank from.
Gray slid his tongue against Takoda’s, not caring who may be inside waiting for them. “I’ve missed you.”
Takoda’s tongue peeked out and rimmed Gray’s lips. “I’m home now. I plan to stick around as long as you and Enapay do.”
Gray grinned. “You may be here a while then. I don’t think I’m going on the road again anytime soon.”
Takoda’s features gentled. “Is something wrong?”
Gray stared into the eyes of the man he missed every moment of the day when they were apart. Their relationship may not have started off as a true love match, but it hadn’t taken long at all for Gray to fall completely head-over-heels in love with Takoda. “I’m just tired of being away from my family and friends.”
Takoda’s eyes narrowed. He led Gray over to the porch swing and sat him down. “There’s more to it and we both know it.”
Gray shrugged. “I don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere lately. I try to educate people, but all I really seem to be doing is feeding into the media frenzy. Maybe it’s time for us to take a step back. If we’re lucky, the shifter craze will die down.”
Takoda leaned in and kissed Gray again. “Is it really that bad out there?”
Gray nodded. “People around the world have formed clubs, fan websites…” Gray shook his head. “I wanted the shifters to be treated as equals in the eyes of the world. Instead, people are treating them like their favorite television show come to life.”
Enapay stuck his head out the front door. “You two coming in?”
“Gray’s sad,” Takoda informed Enapay.
“I’ll be okay.” Gray gave Takoda a hug and stood.
He gave a confused looking Enapay a quick kiss before entering the house.
“Surprise!” the crowd in the foyer yelled.
Gray stopped and stared at his friends. What the hell was going on? “Why’re you surprising me?”
Enapay’s arms wrapped around Gray’s waist as he pressed against Gray’s back. “Happy Birthday, sweetheart.”
“What? My birthday isn’t until the twenty-eighth,” Gray tried to argue.
Enapay kissed Gray’s neck and whispered in his ear. “It is the twenty-eighth.”
Gray closed his eyes and used Enapay’s powerful body to support him. His life had been so busy lately. He’d completely lost track of time, yet another reason for him to slow down. Something occurred to him. “Shifters don’t celebrate birthdays.”
“That’s just because we’ve had too many of them and most of us don’t know what day we were born. You’re a baby at only forty-two,” Daniel explained.
Gray chuckled. “Never thought forty-two would be considered as young, but I’ll take it.”
Gray broke away from Enapay and began hugging his friends. He knew Jarek, Daniel and Toby were the masterminds of the celebration and he gave them each a kiss on the cheek.
Once he’d worked his way around the circle of his friends, he turned and walked back to Enapay and Takoda’s arms. He honestly couldn’t remember a birthday that had meant more. Not only was it the first time in years since he’d been home for his birthday, but he had both the men he loved and the friends he respected all in one space.
“Let’s eat before my dinner gets cold,” Daniel announced.
For the first time, Gray noticed the heavy smell of home cooking in the air. “Fried chicken?”
Daniel nodded. “Takoda told us it was your favorite.”
Gray glanced at Takoda. “When did you tell them that?”
“A couple weeks ago. I stopped in to make sure you and Enapay were still coming in today.” Takoda gave Gray a quick kiss. “I’m glad you’re home.”
“And it’s where I plan to stay,” Gray announced.
“What?” Hakan questioned.
Gray gestured to the dining room. “I’ll tell you over dinner. I’m starved.”
* * * *
Gray sat between Enapay and Takoda. Enapay’s hand remained on Gray’s back, offering the support he obviously knew Gray needed.
After filling his plate, Gray addressed the table of friends. “I’m not going to accept anymore assignments, at least for a while.”
Hakan rested his elbows on the table and clasped his hands together. “We thought it might be time.”
“Time? Gray questioned.
“I’ve liquidated most of my assets and purchased a small island in the South Pacific. Some of the cat shifters have had a hard time adapting to the much colder climate here. They’ll be the first to be given a chance to relocate, but after we get them settled, the island will be open to any of the shifters who are interested,” Ryker said.
The idea of living out his days on a warm island appealed to Gray, but he knew his mates wouldn’t be happy. After sacrificing his time for five years to follow Gray around the world, Enapay deserved to live in the place he considered home.
Takoda loved to explore new things in his crow form. Gray knew an island wouldn’t offer him the same opportunity. Besides, winters had become Gray’s favorite time of year. It was a chance for him to lock himself inside his home and reconnect with his lovers.
Although Takoda and Enapay hadn’t said anything, Gray felt them both stiffen at the announcement. “This is our home and as long as Refuge is here, I vote to stay.”
Gray felt Takoda’s hand join Enapay’s as the two men rubbed his back. Gray looked at Enapay. “Does that sound okay to you?”
Enapay nodded with a smile plastered on his gorgeous face.
Gray then turned to Takoda and asked him the same question. “Yes. This is the only home I have. I’m not ready to leave it.”
Gray gave each man a quick kiss before addressing the rest of the table. “What about the rest of you? Will you be relocating?”
Jarek, Mica and Suni shook their heads. Toby and Jack followed suit. Once all eyes were on the threesome at the head of the table, Ryker cleared his throat. “We’ll be splitting our time between both locations.”
“We’ll miss you, but we understand,” Gray said. The Guardians were responsible for all shifters and it was only fair they divide their time in such a way. “Will you tell the press about the new acquisition?”
Ryker shook his head. “The island was purchased through a shadow company. My hope is that Newday Island will always be kept hidden from the media.”
The shifters had been through a lot, and Gray knew they deserved a haven. “I’m hoping if I stop touring, the hype will die off as well. It may take a few years, but hopefully Refuge will once again be what the name implies.”
“And until then, I intend to make sure everyone is safe,” Mica added.
“You’ve done a damn good job so far, babe,” Jarek said, rubbing against his mate.
“Yes, you have,” Gray agreed. Despite their need for additional security guards, the stone men had gotten together and begged Earth Mother not to create any more of them. Their transition had been far too painful and they didn’t wish learning to deal with human emotions on anyone. They had finally decided to recruit and train the other shifters on Refuge. Gray knew they’d lose many of the big cat shifters to Newday Island, but the wolves and cougars would more than likely stay put.
As the conversation died down, Gray began to work his way through his overly full plate. He was amazed at Jarek and Daniel’s cooking skills. “This is damn good.”
“Thanks,” Jarek answered.
By the time Gray finished his birthday dinner, he was more than full, he was revived. As he glanced around the table, he couldn’t keep the smile from his face.
Years spent isolated in a laboratory had given him the ability to appreciate friendship like nothing else ever could. He loved the men gathered around the table, and he knew no matter where they lived, nothing would ever change that.
* * * *
With his cock buried deep in Enapay’s ass, Takoda groaned as Gray worked his way inside Takoda’s hole. It had been months since he’d felt the touch of his lovers, and Takoda was more than hungry for it. “Yes.”
“Missed you,” Gray grunted as he seated himself to the hilt inside Takoda.
“I’m here now,” Takoda managed to reply. The conversation earlier in the evening had Takoda thinking. He knew Gray would enjoy the year round sunshine Newday would provide, but he’d agreed to stay at Refuge for his mates.
The gesture wasn’t lost on Takoda. Flying off to new places had lost some of its appeal in the last few years. If it hadn’t been for Enapay and Gray’s travels, Takoda knew he might have very well stuck closer to Refuge than he had.
With Gray’s announcement of taking himself off the road, Takoda knew it was time to adjust their lifestyle. He pistoned his hips faster, fucking Enapay with even more enthusiasm as he took pleasure in his mate’s gasps and moans.
“Love you,” he cried, spilling his seed.
Takoda’s hand continued to work Enapay’s cock until his lover, too, slipped over the edge. The squeeze of Enapay’s body as he came milked the remaining cum from Takoda’s body. The fat cock still hammering in and out of Takoda’s hole didn’t give him time to relax. The pleasures he’d found in his mates had far surpassed anything he’d experienced as his crow.
“Fuck me,” Takoda begged as his cock slipped from Enapay’s hole.
He felt Gray’s grip on his hip tighten as the gorgeous man cried Takoda’s name in release. Takoda squeezed his sphincter muscles as tight as he could to prolong Gray’s climax. He felt his lover collapse and released his hold.
“Damn,” Gray gasped.
Takoda grinned. He’d noticed something about Gray that he doubted Gray had noticed. Although it had been five years, Takoda didn’t think Gray had aged at all since they’d made love in the healing spring so long ago.