Evolution

by Carol Lynne

  “Sure,” Jarek answered. He glanced up at his big man. “You smell like Suni.”

  Mica chuckled. “I should. I still got his cum dripping down my legs. He’d barely finished when he sensed something was wrong up here.”

  Jarek caught sight of Suni walking toward them. “You could? How?”

  Suni stopped in front of Jarek and leaned in to kiss him. Jarek’s arms twined around his Alpha’s neck and took the kiss deeper, tasting Mica on Suni’s tongue.

  Suni broke the kiss and stared down at Jarek while reaching under the t-shirt to fondle Jarek’s hardening cock. “You’re my mate. I’ll always be able to tell when you’re distressed.”

  “Will I be able to do that?” Jarek asked. He could feel Mica behind him, pressing against his back.

  “Yes. If you opened yourself enough, you’d also be able to tell when I’m in a heightened state of any kind of emotion.”

  Mica reached down and pulled the t-shirt over Jarek’s head as Suni knelt. Jarek looked down as Suni swiped his tongue over the crown of his cock. Jarek had come to love this time of day. After their daily hunts, Mica and Suni always came back to the cave to pleasure him. Jarek thought it was the perfect way to spend the afternoon.

  Mica’s hands began pinching Jarek’s nipples as Suni took Jarek’s cock deep into his mouth. Despite his desire, Jarek still wasn’t able to deep-throat either of his men. It didn’t take long for Jarek to erupt, his body jerking with the intensity of his release.

  Suni pulled off and licked Jarek clean before leading him over to the pallet of furs. “We need to talk about going back.”

  It was a discussion they’d been putting off. He knew Suni didn’t want to live with the others, but Jarek had spent the majority of his life living in caves. Even though he’d be with the men he loved, his real dream involved being with them in a house with a wrap-around porch and dark green shutters.

  Jarek sat on the bed and waited for his men to settle beside him. Suni sat behind him, pulling Jarek between his legs. Jarek leaned back against the strong chest. “You’re coming with us, right?”

  “For the trial? Yes. But you need to understand that I still have no desire to be Alpha. Telling others how they can or can’t live isn’t something I’m comfortable with.”

  Jarek ran his fingertips up and down Suni’s legs. “I don’t think being Alpha means you have to do that. It’s more about settling disputes when they come up.”

  Suni ran his lips over Jarek’s cheek, kissing and licking the skin. “I can’t live in town, baby. I’m sorry.”

  Jarek felt his heart squeeze in his chest. He looked to Mica for help in convincing his mate. Mica gave Jarek an understanding smile, but shook his head.

  His feelings hurt, Jarek stood and picked the t-shirt up from the floor. “I’m going to burn my stew if I’m not careful.”

  “Jarek…” Suni started.

  Jarek shook his head. “I’ll be okay. Why don’t the two of you get another bucket of water? We’ll need to clean the dishes before we leave.”

  He heard movement behind him, but didn’t turn around. It wasn’t that he was angry with his lovers, but giving up his dream to live in a real house hurt. He knew he’d eventually get over it, but in the meantime, he needed some time alone.

  Bucket in hand, Suni stepped in front of Jarek. He reached out and cupped Jarek’s cheek before leaning in for a soft kiss. “Please don’t be upset.”

  “I told you I would be fine.”

  With a sigh, Suni turned and walked out of the cave. Mica stepped up and also gave Jarek a kiss. “He loves you more than anything, you know that, right?”

  “I know he loves me. I’m not so sure about the more than anything part, though.”

  * * * *

  Mica watched as Suni dipped the bucket into the clear creek water. He wanted to say something about what had happened earlier, but he wasn’t sure if it was his place.

  Suni set the bucket down and collapsed on the grass next to where Mica was sitting. “I’ve really messed things up.”

  Mica lay back and turned toward Suni, propping himself up on his elbow to face his lover. “His feelings are hurt, but he’ll get over it eventually.”

  Suni rubbed the heel of his hands against his eyes. “It’s not that I don’t want to give him the things he wants, it’s that I don’t think I can. I don’t know what it is, but the thought of living among so many shifters makes me feel sick. Even now, at the prospect of returning to town for the trial, my hands are wet with sweat.”

  “There’s a very nice psychiatrist in town. His name is Jon Whitehall. I’ve been seeing him for a while now, and he’s really helped me. Maybe you could talk to him about this?”

  Suni curled himself against Mica’s chest. It was the first time the man had shown any kind of vulnerability.

  Mica wrapped his arm around Suni and kissed his forehead. “We’ll figure it out, but I think you owe it to Jarek to tell him what you’ve just told me.”

  Suni snorted. “I’m supposed to be this big Alpha, King of the Cougars, yet the thought of being around my own people scares the shit out of me.”

  Mica rubbed the bronzed skin of Suni’s back. “You weren’t afraid of me, and I know my size can make me pretty damn intimidating to most.”

  “It’s not the one on one I have trouble with, it’s groups. I can’t explain it, but I feel like I’m trapped. Like everyone is watching me, and I can’t get away from the disapproving looks.” Suni shook his head. “I wasn’t always like this. Hell, I used to live in the city.”

  “When did it start?”

  “The night I was exiled. I ran to the mountains to heal. It took a long time, but eventually I regained my strength. But somewhere in that time, I lost my faith in people. I remember screaming, begging for someone to help me as I was tied up and branded with the hot piece of iron and gold dust. I knew others could hear my pleas, but no one tried to help.”

  “Maybe they were too afraid? I’m not excusing their actions, but it’s instinct to protect yourself.”

  Suni nodded. “I guess I decided it was easier to be alone, to only count on myself.”

  “But now you have two people who love you and want to be with you.”

  Suni gazed into Mica’s eyes. “You love me?”

  “I do.”

  One corner of Suni’s mouth tilted up. “Thank you. I love you, too.”

  “Come on. Let’s go up and explain things to Jarek. I promise you, he’ll understand.”

  “I hope so, because if it comes down to living in town or losing him, I’ll live in town. I can’t live without the two of you.”

  “You won’t.”

  Chapter Six

  Jarek followed Mica inside his small cabin. According to Mica, the cabin had once belonged to the forest service that patrolled the park. When the park was donated to the protection of the shifters, he’d been given the two-bedroom dwelling.

  “Like I told you, it’s nothing fancy.” Mica set down the backpack and strode through the small living room to the kitchen. “Anyone up for a beer?”

  “I’ll take one,” Jarek immediately said.

  Suni licked his lips. “I haven’t had a beer in almost ten years. I’d love one.”

  Jarek sat in the middle of the green and gold plaid sofa as Suni settled beside him. Mica came back into the room and handed a bottle each to Suni and Jarek. “Where’s yours?”

  Mica shook his head. “I’ve got to run and check in with the guard house.”

  “Now?”

  Mica nodded. “The sooner I find out what’s going on, the quicker I can get back to you two.”

  “Will you drop me off at the dorm? I’d really like to get my clothes.” Jarek looked down at the baggy pants he wore. He’d become so used to being nude, it felt strange.

  “You’re not going anywhere without me,” Suni declared.

  Although Jarek hadn’t told his partners about Ryker and Daniel’s warning for him to stay away, Suni seemed to pick up
on Jarek’s anxiety since they’d entered town. “I’d like that. Besides, it’ll be nice for you to see how the other cougar shifters have been forced to live with Maquay in charge.”

  “I need to change. Be right back.” Mica disappeared into the bedroom.

  Jarek snuggled against Suni’s side. “When are you going to tell Mica he’ll have to give up his job?”

  “What? Why would I tell him that? He seems to like his job.”

  “Yeah, he does, but it’s not like he’ll be able to commute from the cave to work every day.” He noticed the tensing of Suni’s jaws as the muscles began to move. Jarek ran his fingers over Suni’s face. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “Do you think you could call that doctor Mica was telling me about? Maybe it would help if I could talk to him.” Suni shook his head. “I hate that the two of you will have to give up everything to be with me.”

  “I know you do, but the most important thing is that we stick together.”

  Mica came out dressed in his security uniform.

  “Gods you’re hot,” Jarek sighed, reaching out to run a hand over the front of the uniform pants. He felt Mica’s cock begin to swell under his palm and grinned.

  Mica playfully slapped Jarek’s hand away. “Be good, and I’ll let you ride it all night long once I get off shift.”

  Jarek giggled. “You know you’d let me ride it all night long regardless. You’re as big a slut as I am.”

  Mica leaned over and kissed Jarek, his tongue delving deep. “You’re right, I am. I wonder which two men made me the cockhound I seem to have turned into?”

  Suni reached past Jarek and took his turn pulling Mica down for a kiss. “It had better be the two in front of you.”

  Jarek couldn’t get over the changes in Mica. No longer was he the stiff, formal man he was when they’d first met. There were times when Mica was the silliest one of all three of them, and Jarek couldn’t have been happier.

  He slapped Mica’s ass, giving it a little squeeze before letting go. “Let’s go before the two of you get carried away.”

  * * * *

  With his hands fisted at his sides, Suni exited the stairwell to the cougar floor. He felt a warm hand close over his and tried to relax. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

  “I’m sorry for putting you through this. Once I get my stuff, we’ll never have to come back. I promise.”

  As they made their way through the recreation room, the other cougar shifters stared at them. He felt the grip on his hand tighten. Confused, he glanced down at Jarek. His mate’s face had gone pale as several of the men narrowed their eyes at Jarek.

  Suni didn’t know exactly what was going on, but he felt the increase in his lover’s heartbeat. He spun around to regard one cougar in particular. “What’s your problem?”

  The shifter’s gaze switched from Jarek to Suni. The man’s expression changed as he stared into Suni’s blue eyes. The shifter’s jaw dropped. “You’re our king? I’d heard you’d been killed.”

  Suni broke eye contact and continued walking through the room with Jarek tucked under his arm. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”

  Once they were in Jarek’s room, it was Suni’s turn to be shocked. “This is it?”

  Jarek nodded. He walked over and began to gather the few personal items he owned. “They’re not all like this, only the cougar floor. Maquay had them redone. He said cougars weren’t meant for the luxuries humans required.”

  “Yet Maquay and Bly live in a house?” Suni snorted. He could see through Maquay in a heartbeat. It was all a power play. Give the cougars nothing and make them grateful for everything Maquay decided to toss their way.

  Jarek managed to gather everything he owned and stuff it into a single pillowcase. “I’m ready.”

  There was a knock on the door, making Jarek jump. “Yes?”

  “Phone,” an unidentified voice called through the door.

  Jarek turned and handed the pillowcase to Suni. “Stay here. I’ll be right back. It’s probably just Daniel or Toby. They’re both worrywarts.”

  “I’ve heard you speak of Toby before. Who is he?”

  “King of the Wolves, and a friend.” Jarek gave Suni a quick kiss before walking out of the room.

  Suni sat on the small bed. His thoughts kept going back to the challenging looks given to Jarek when they’d entered the recreation room. He knew he needed to talk to Jarek about it, but he had a feeling something else had happened since Jarek had been gone.

  Suni couldn’t help but think Jarek’s sexuality had something to do with the apparent animosity toward him. He knew it was uncommon for two male animals to mate, but it did happen and always had. Suni wondered how the other species looked upon the sexuality of their kings.

  Jarek came back into the room, his face as pale as the winter blanket that covered the mountains.

  Suni jumped up and went to his mate’s side. “What happened?”

  “Someone evidently told Maquay I was here. He’s ordered me to the house.”

  “That was him on the phone?” Rage swept through Suni at Jarek’s hesitant nod. His mate looked scared to death. “I’ll kill him.”

  He tried to step around Jarek, but his mate plastered himself to the door, blocking his exit. “Stop. I hung up on him. I’m not going to see him, and I don’t want you to either. Let’s just go back to Mica’s and forget about it.”

  As much as he hated the thought of stepping up to fulfill his obligation to his people, witnessing the absolute fear in Jarek’s face after merely talking to the current Alpha changed his mind. “Can you get me in to see Ryker?”

  Jarek nodded. “We don’t need an appointment or anything. They’re my friends.”

  Suni nodded. “We’ll walk back to Mica’s and store your stuff first.”

  “Okay.” Jarek started to move but stopped and narrowed his eyes. “You’re not going to try and get away from me, are you?”

  “No. You were right to stop me from finding Maquay. If you hadn’t, one of us would’ve ended up dead.”

  * * * *

  Running beside the sleek, black panther was exhilarating for Jarek. He still didn’t know why it was so important for Suni to speak with Ryker, but his mate was definitely intent on doing it as soon as possible.

  By the time they reached Daniel’s porch, Jarek was winded. He shifted and collapsed on the steps, panting. A nice bit of exercise was one thing, but running hell bent straight up the side of a mountain was a little more activity than he’d gotten used to.

  Suni shifted and stared down at Jarek. “You okay?”

  Jarek used Suni’s help to stand. “Yeah, I’m just getting soft, I guess.”

  Suni wrapped an arm around Jarek and helped him up the steps. “You’re sure they won’t get mad that we’re just showing up?”

  Jarek chuckled. “We should ring the bell and then take a seat on the swing. If they’re busy fucking or something, they’ll get to us eventually.”

  Suni walked over and sat down as Jarek rang the bell several times in succession. He turned and climbed in Suni’s lap, perfectly content to wait as long as needed. Suni pulled Jarek into a kiss. Jarek was so lost in sucking his lover’s tongue, he didn’t even hear the door open.

  “Did you need something, or was this just a handy place to make-out?” Daniel asked.

  Jarek broke the kiss and stood to give his friend a hug. “How’ve you been?”

  Daniel hugged him back. “Good. Tense, but good.”

  Jarek turned and held out a hand for Suni to join them. “Suni, I’d like to introduce you to Daniel.”

  After shaking hands, Daniel grinned at Jarek. “Leave it to you to find two gorgeous men.”

  “He is gorgeous, isn’t he?”

  Daniel nodded. “If my guys weren’t so hot, I might be jealous.”

  Daniel gestured toward the house. “Let’s go inside where it’s warm.”

  “Suni needs to speak to Ryker if he’s not too busy.” Jarek followed Daniel, with
Suni bringing up the rear.

  Daniel rubbed his chin. “Well, that depends on if he has the dishes done yet. I sent him and Hakan in to do them about fifteen minutes ago.”

  As they headed for the kitchen, laughter could be heard. Daniel glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. He opened the swinging door and put his hands on his hips. Both men were covered in water and suds.

  “Do I need to separate you two?” Daniel asked in a mock authoritarian voice.

  Still laughing, Ryker turned to face Daniel. “Sorry. We’ll clean it up.”

  “I know you will.” Daniel gestured to Suni. “Do you have a minute to talk to Suni?”

  Ryker picked up a dishcloth and dried his hands. “Good to see you again.”

  Suni nodded. “And you as well.”

  “Why don’t we go into the office,” Ryker said, tossing the towel at Hakan’s head.

  Hakan caught the towel and pointed at Ryker. “I’ll get you for that.”

  “Promises, promises.” Ryker stopped long enough to give Hakan and then Daniel a brief kiss.

  Suni gave Jarek a quick peck before following Ryker into the next room.

  “What’s up?” Daniel asked once Ryker and Suni were out of the room.

  “I don’t really know. We were at the dorm getting my things, and Maquay called me. He ordered me to his house. When I told Suni, he flipped. I calmed him down, but then he asked to speak to Ryker.”

  “Well, since you’re in town in the first place, I take it Enapay found you.” Hakan dried his face before kneeling down to clean up the mess on the floor.

  “Yeah. Mica’s already at work. What’s been going on?”

  Hakan shook his head. “I’m not real sure. I think the cougars know Maquay will be ousted. There have been many small squabbles between them, sizing each other up. If you ask me, I think they’re trying to figure out who’ll be the next Alpha.”

  “Has anyone been hurt?” Jarek asked, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

  “Not enough to knock some sense into them. Although Jack has instructed the guards to carry guns with them at all times. As we saw with Mica, the stone men aren’t equipped to deal with a pissed off animal. We’ve supplied them all with tranquilizer darts in case something like that happens again.” Hakan let the water out of the sink and sat next to Daniel.