Acceptance

by Grace R. Duncan

  “My turn,” he whispered when Miles raised his eyebrows.

  Miles smiled and dropped his hands as Quincy slid his jacket off now. Just as Miles had done, as each cuff link came off, he brushed his lips over Miles’s wrist. And he chased each button on the shirt with a kiss to Miles’s chest. He paused to take in Miles’s lean, defined chest, running his hands over it, then kissing his way over one pectoral to the other. Eventually Quincy worked back up to Miles’s neck and caught his lips again. He poured everything he couldn’t possibly articulate in that moment into the kiss—every promise, every emotion, everything.

  Miles returned it, then pulled back and guided Quincy to the bed. Quincy sat on the edge, smiling when Miles knelt, taking off each shoe and sock before running his hands along Quincy’s thighs. Quincy lay back, eyes glued to his mate as Miles opened his pants.

  The moan Quincy let out could not have been contained for anything because Miles decided to kiss Quincy’s cock over the very brief black briefs he’d put on under the tux. Miles eased Quincy’s pants off him, grinning when he saw the rest of the briefs.

  “I approve,” he murmured, making Quincy grin.

  “Glad you like them—Miles.” Quincy was interrupted when Miles turned his attention to Quincy’s inner thighs, brushing his lips over the sensitive skin there, slowly making his way from groin to knee. The sounds only got louder when Miles turned and gave the same attention to the other thigh. By the time he got back to hover over Quincy’s cock, Quincy was damned near incoherent.

  With a grin Miles eased Quincy’s briefs off next and tossed them aside. He licked a long line from the base of Quincy’s cock to the tip, then back down again, but before he could do more, Quincy tugged on his hand. Miles looked up, raising his eyebrows.

  “You’re wearing too many clothes,” Quincy managed, making Miles smile.

  “Perhaps you should fix that oversight.”

  Quincy grinned, sitting up and sliding to the floor as Miles stood. He kissed a line slowly across Miles’s stomach, just above the waistband, his hand cupping and rubbing the lump under the zipper. Miles moaned and Quincy’s cock jumped in reaction. He loved hearing the evidence of Miles’s pleasure. Finally he let himself open Miles’s pants. He couldn’t quite take it slow on the shoes and socks like Miles had, and instead let Miles dispense with them quickly. As soon as Miles finished, Quincy was back, leaving more kisses over his stomach, then outside the briefs before slowly pulling those down as well.

  Quincy would never get enough of his mate’s cock. Thick and slightly longer than his, it was perfect in his not-so-humble opinion. He copied Miles again, dragging his tongue along the length to the tip, then back, but he didn’t stop there. Instead, he closed his eyes, forced his teeth to retract, then used his tongue to tease each ball. He pulled one in, sucking it lightly, then moved to the other to do the same.

  “Gods, Quince, your mouth is too talented,” Miles groaned. If Quincy’s mouth hadn’t been full of a ball, he might have grinned. As it was, he sucked lightly, teased a bit more, then let go and turned back to Miles’s dick. One more trail, this time of light nips with his lips along the length, and then, eyes locked to Miles’s, he opened his mouth and swallowed as much at once as he could.

  Miles gritted his teeth, but a moan still escaped. His hand went to Quincy’s head, and Quincy loved seeing the involuntary touch. He ignored his own need, focusing on Miles’s cock, bobbing his head shallowly, then taking it all in again and sucking before doing it all again.

  In only a few moments, though, Miles tugged on him, groaning again. “Gonna have to stop that or we’ll have to put off the claiming,” he muttered.

  Since it was the ultimate goal of the evening, Quincy—reluctantly—let go and stood. Miles kissed him again as he guided Quincy back. When he felt the bed against his legs, he broke the kiss and scrambled to settle in the middle.

  Miles followed him down, kissing his way up one leg, then, with a grin, turning his attention to Quincy’s balls. Quincy groaned at the feel of the tongue running over them. Miles didn’t stop there and sucked on each lightly just like Quincy had done to him, then before Quincy could so much as blink, Miles took Quincy’s cock into his mouth in one move.

  “Ohgodsyes,” Quincy moaned. He gripped the comforter in one hand and his other landed in Miles’s hair, unable to not touch. It took all he had to keep from thrusting in need, but he managed. Miles took no mercy on him, moving his mouth in long bobs.

  Quincy was so aroused, though, after tasting and touching so much of his mate, he had to stop Miles after a short time, just like Miles had with him. “Cat’s pushing me. Need to claim you….”

  Miles pulled off and sat up, reaching for the bedside table. He dug into the drawer and pulled out the lube, then handed it to Quincy.

  Quincy tilted his head and they switched places, Quincy kneeling between Miles’s legs. He paused briefly, staring at the vision before him. “Even in grays, you’re the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.”

  Miles beamed at that. “I’d argue, but I’ll save it for later.”

  Ignoring that, Quincy focused on opening the lube and coating a finger. He was grateful to find Miles already somewhat relaxed. The first finger quickly became two, and then he was coating a third.

  “Really, don’t need all that. You were just inside me last night.” Miles grunted, pulling his legs back. “Need you inside me, baby.”

  Quincy couldn’t really argue and gave up, coating his cock liberally, then crawling into place. Gaze locked to Miles’s, he pushed slowly against the muscle. Thankfully it was stretched enough, and with just a little effort, the tip popped in.

  Even as he started thrusting, he knew in short order he wasn’t going to last long. There was too much build up, too much emotion, too much everything. He pulled out again and tilted his head.

  Miles didn’t say anything, simply rolled over. Quincy worked his way back into Miles’s tight heat, pausing when he was fully buried, his balls against Miles’s ass. He closed his eyes, dropping random kisses over Miles’s back as the import, the enormity of what they were about to do, filled him. There would be no going back. Once he’d claimed Miles and Miles had claimed him, they’d forever be linked.

  He eased out slowly, then thrust back in at the same pace, wanting to build the pleasure up. Miles turned his head, and Quincy leaned in for a sloppy but oh so good kiss. Then he moved a little faster, thrusting a little harder. This earned him a moan, and Miles reaching back to touch, hand resting on one of Quincy’s hips.

  Quincy rested his head on Miles’s back, groaning himself. “So good. So tight, baby….”

  Miles rolled his hips, rocking to meet each of Quincy’s thrusts. The pleasure built quickly, and Quincy did everything he could to fight to hold back, but it wasn’t working.

  “Stroke yourself. Can’t hold back much longer,” Quincy murmured, kissing Miles’s back again.

  Miles did, moaning Quincy’s name. “Not… can’t, oh gods, I’m close, baby.”

  “Me too.” Quincy leaned forward, brushing the long red hair away from Miles’s neck. Quincy’s cat pushed harder, but Quincy paused one more time. “You sure, Miles? You want me as your mate?”

  “Fuck yes,” Miles said without the slightest hesitation. He shifted, taking one of Quincy’s arms.

  “Oh gods…. Then, now, Miles,” Quincy managed, then sank his teeth into the back of Miles’s neck.

  A second behind that, Miles shouted, then bit into Quincy’s wrist. The climax slammed into Quincy, forcing him to let go of Miles’s neck. As he did, something drew his gaze up, and he gasped at what he saw.

  A spirit form of his cat and a spirit form of Miles’s wolf rose above them, swirling around each other. So beautiful, it stole Quincy’s breath. They danced briefly, then merged before fading.

  The invisible something that pulled them together when they’d strengthened their bond drew them in once more. At the same time, the link between them snapped into place, thicker and
more secure than anything before. His pleasure amplified, and he realized he was feeling the echo of Miles’s orgasm too. It sent another shockwave through him, and he gasped again.

  Quince!

  Miles?

  Miles laughed. Yes!

  I didn’t know we could talk telepathically! Quincy grinned into Miles’s back, not wanting to lose the physical connection just yet.

  Claimed mates, baby. That’s it. You’re stuck with me now.

  Just don’t chew on my slippers. Quincy chuckled as Miles laughed.

  I will make no promises of the sort.

  Quincy chuckled again and wrapped his arms tight around Miles, kissing his back one more time before slowly pulling out. They lay together, facing each other, huge grins on both their faces. This might take some getting used to. Did you know about the spirit animals?

  Miles shook his head. No. I once observed a claiming, but all we saw was sort of sparks of light. I guess only we get to see our wolves—or cat.

  Do I want to know why you were watching someone fuck? Quincy raised an eyebrow.

  Tanner, as future alpha of the pack, had to claim his mate publicly. The wolves are very sexual and open about it, and watching gives the observers proof that they’re really mated. Shows the pack the leadership will be held by a strong, bound couple.

  Quincy blinked. Can I just say I’m glad we didn’t have to do that publicly?

  Miles grinned. Yeah, no way I’m sharing you. Though, it’s so amazing when it happens, I’m not sure I’d even notice.

  It was beautiful. Quincy swallowed, his throat suddenly tight. He ran his fingers over Miles’s face, brushing at a bit of hair. “I can’t believe we did it. My cat is insanely happy right now.”

  “So is my wolf. I’m… gods, Quince, I don’t know what to even say. Thank you? For not pushing me away. For not rejecting me when you came to see me.”

  Quincy shook his head. “I… I don’t know if I really could have.” He gave a wry smile. “You fascinated me. And cats and fascination are a bad combination.”

  Miles laughed. “Duly noted.”

  “So, no…. Thank you for waiting. I know you didn’t expect a cat, but I’m infinitely grateful you didn’t push me away either.” He chuckled. “Even if I didn’t want a mate at all to begin with.”

  Well, we’re mated now, for good or ill.

  Good thing I’m mated to a doctor, then, eh?

  Miles laughed. “Indeed.” He sobered, swallowing. “Let’s hope this is over soon, yeah?”

  Quincy nodded. “Yeah. I can’t wait to start our life together.”

  That put a huge grin on Miles’s face. “Me either, baby.”

  He kissed Quincy’s forehead, and Quincy burrowed into his arms. They lay in silence for a long time, and Quincy simply savored the feel of their new, stronger bond, the arms around him, the love he felt from his mate. Despite the rest of the hell going on around them, he’d never been happier in his life. He just hoped it didn’t come crashing down on him.

  Chapter 17

  CHAD WOKE them at four, and Miles and Quincy went out to the living room to give them time to sleep. Miles didn’t get a lot of sleep himself, but he wouldn’t trade what had happened for anything. Despite the solid feeling of their completed bond, he still had trouble believing they’d done it.

  Quincy was working on coffee, and Miles just took a moment to enjoy the freedom to watch. The first two months had just about done him in, always worried—despite the messages from Quincy—about where he was or if he was safe. He really hoped he wouldn’t have to worry about that anymore, but there were still a hundred different ways this all could go wrong.

  Miles crossed the room, stepped up behind Quincy, and put his arms around his mate.

  You okay?

  Miles nodded. Yeah. Just… absorbing everything.

  Quincy hit the start button on the coffeemaker and turned around. “It’s a lot to accept, isn’t it? That we’re really mated now?”

  Brushing some of Quincy’s hair back, Miles sighed. “Yeah. And….”

  “Still worried.” Quincy smiled. “But I just don’t see the iret letting this go completely. Especially with the picture evidence of the human servants in the house. We’ll get out from under this, somehow, soon.”

  “I know. I guess I’m just a little impatient.” He smiled sheepishly.

  Quincy laughed. “I’d hardly call this impatient. I’ve been running for too long. You’ve been hiding for too fucking long.” He shook his head, then frowned. “What did you tell the hospital?”

  “Just that I needed to take a leave of absence. They always need ER docs, so if I want to go back, I can.”

  “If?” Quincy tilted his head.

  Miles took a deep breath and let it out. “I’ve been thinking about starting a small private practice. Out near pack lands.”

  The smile spread slowly, but was no less wide for that. “Yeah? Like… where we could maybe have a house?”

  The relief made him almost giddy. “Yeah. I was thinking maybe we could find a spot, kind of like Tanner and Finley’s, and build something… Japanese in style.”

  Miles loved that he could still feel their emotions. The happiness he got across their bond thrilled him. “Oh, that would be gorgeous. I never thought about that, but then again, I never expected to really own my own house.”

  Miles grinned. “We can certainly afford one.”

  Quincy laughed. “Well, yeah. Just… by myself, you know?”

  “Yeah, I know. Same reason I didn’t. But that’s not the case anymore.”

  Quincy shook his head. “No. And… as weird as it sounds, I’m glad for that.”

  “Yeah, silly solitary cats,” Miles teased.

  This got him more laughter. “Goofy puppy. Go lay down. I’ll take the first watch and wake you in a couple of hours. I’m sure you’re used to sleeping in snatches.”

  Miles chuckled. “Oh yeah.” He kissed Quincy softly. “No heroics,” he warned, then took one of the couches.

  “I promise,” Quincy said, then, to Miles’s surprise, threw a blanket over him. “Sleep, baby.”

  Miles didn’t remember so much as closing his eyes.

  QUINCY LET him sleep too long—more than three hours—but when Miles woke, it was to daylight, and he sent Quincy back to bed instead of him sleeping on the couch. He ordered fresh coffee from room service, then picked up the living area a bit. They’d been keeping housekeeping out because they didn’t want to give anyone the chance to get to them. He was sure they’d been in when they weren’t there, but at least while they were in the room, they’d kept up the Do Not Disturb sign.

  Three wolves and a jaguar could sure make a mess. Shoes, socks, electronics of every variety, printouts, and more were scattered across the coffee table, dining table, the wet bar counter, and even stacked on the side tables. He even found one of Chad’s shoes on the console table under the TV. He had no idea what had caused that and decided he didn’t want to know.

  By the time the coffee and breakfast was delivered, the room was more or less presentable. Just as he was sitting down, he noticed something poking out from under one of the couches. He dug it out to discover it was Quincy’s sketchbook.

  And on the top page, a drawing of him asleep. Miles stared at it for several long moments, stunned. His long hair had fallen down over his chest, and Quincy had made him look… seriously sexy. He blinked and his cheeks got hot. Clearing his throat, he closed the sketchpad and set it aside for later.

  One by one the others got up for the day. Chad was first, sheepishly collecting his shoe, then hitting the coffee. He carried a second mug into the bedroom, then came back out. Clearly not quite awake yet, he sat at the table to sip from his own cup.

  Miles pushed a covered plate over to him. “Get some protein into you.”

  “Thanks,” Chad said with a smile. “Always taking care of us.”

  Miles flashed a grin. “That’s what I do.”

  “I thought you were
supposed to put Band-Aids on us, then tell us to shift.”

  With a laugh, Miles shook his head. “Naw… I’ll actually clean the wound first.”

  Chad laughed and picked up another piece of bacon. Jamie stumbled out then, plopping down next to Chad and stealing a slice of bacon. “Hey! Get your own. You’re not allowed to steal it in this form.”

  Miles raised his eyebrows. “There’s something there?”

  Chad grinned. “When he was stuck in wolf form—before I knew what he was—he was having a bit of a freak out about being mates. But he couldn’t tell me what was wrong. I sensed it, but, of course, had no idea what it was. So, I just did my best to calm ‘Murray’ down. Well, to try to cover it up, he stole a piece of bacon.”

  Miles chuckled. “That sounds like him.”

  Jamie rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll go order my own,” he grumbled, but Miles was a step ahead of him and got another plate from the cart.

  “I already ordered for everyone. Figured we’d want to have time to talk.”

  You all up already? Quincy asked.

  Yup. And have breakfast and coffee out here, if the lazy cat wants to join us.

  Ha. Ha. A moment later, though, Quincy emerged and collected a coffee cup, then sat next to him.

  Chad and Jamie stared at them for a moment, noses twitching, then they both grinned. “You claimed each other?” Chad asked.

  Miles blushed but nodded. “Yeah. Decided not to wait any longer.”

  Quincy leaned over and rubbed his face across Miles’s shoulder. “Yup. I don’t think my cat’s ever been this happy. I’d swear if I was in cat form, he’d be purring… even though he can’t physically.”

  “You purr,” Miles said, looking over at Quincy. “And… why are you marking me?”

  Quincy smirked. “Mated doesn’t mean I’m not going to make sure everyone knows you’re mine.”

  Miles laughed and shook his head. He leaned in and kissed Quincy’s temple, then turned back to his plate.