by Lynn Hagen
Mercy watched as Lloyd got into his car and used the lawn to turn around before cruising down the driveway. His taillights beamed bright red, and then he turned onto the main road and was gone.
Coldness crept into Mercy. He rubbed his arms as he stared at the empty road. In their relationship, Lloyd had done plenty of bad things, including being a stalker. Lloyd could do what he wanted, with whomever he wanted, but he was insane enough to follow Mercy around, making sure Mercy wasn’t cheating or doing anything Lloyd disapproved of.
How could such a monster exist?
And now he had his sights set back on Mercy.
“You okay?”
Mercy shouted and spun so fast he knocked into a tree.
Not a tree. His heart raced as he stared at Lincoln, his hand over his thumping heart. “Don’t ever sneak up on me like that again!”
“Well, you were just standing there staring at the road,” Lincoln said. “Like you were zoned out.”
If he told his brother about Lloyd’s visit, Lincoln would hunt him down and kill him. Although Mercy hated his ex-boyfriend, he didn’t want his brother going to prison. Mercy couldn’t let Lincoln ruin his life for a piece of shit.
Lincoln had found his mate, and they were happy. No, Mercy couldn’t ruin that. “I was just enjoying the evening.”
Lincoln’s brows furrowed. “You’re shaking.”
“Duh, you just scared me.” Mercy headed back toward the house, his mood soured. “I’m going to take a hot bubble bath. Stop creeping up on people.”
He walked away, still as cold as ever, wishing Lloyd had never returned to Fever’s Edge. His gut told him that Lloyd was far from finished with him, but Mercy had survived the guy once, and he would do it again.
Even if he had to duck and dodge Lloyd for the rest of his life.
* * * *
“You seem distracted.” Ford had spent most of the day with the contractors outfitting the back half of the building, transforming it into a space that could be used as a kitchen. They’d installed gas lines for the stove and converted the outlets to handle the industrial equipment.
Ford had watched them, learning new skills. Not that he planned on doing that sort of work, but having that basic knowledge couldn’t hurt.
Now he stood next to Mercy in the front area of the shop where the counter was being installed by a local company that specialized in such things.
Mercy had shown up an hour ago and seemed lost in his own thoughts the entire time. Was he still having doubts about starting his own business or letting Ford pay for all of it? If so, Ford wasn’t sure how else to convince his mate that this was truly happening, that Mercy’s dream was coming true.
“There’s just so much to get done.” Mercy’s hand fluttered to his throat as he gave Ford a tight smile.
Ford was still learning his mate, but it didn’t take a genius to know the guy was lying to him. He touched the tips of his fingers against Mercy’s cheek. “I got your back. You know that, right?”
Mercy looked away. “You’ve been a great help. More than I could have asked for.” He wandered to the large glass window that showed the shops across the street, the trees at the curb, and people walking or driving past.
Ford had been all over the United States with his work. Small towns had blended into one another after so many years. Blue-collar workers just trying to make a living. Poor folks struggling to stay afloat. Different festivals for different occasions. The poor side of town and the well-to-do side. Petty crimes and town gossip.
He had no doubt Fever’s Edge was just the same. But there was also something different about this town. Ford couldn’t put his finger on what that was, though.
He walked up behind Mercy and looked out the window. People were seated on the outdoor patio of Cresting Moon, eating, talking, laughing, as if life in the small town was perfect.
Ford had come from a place that hadn’t been this picturesque. His upbringing had entailed going hungry to bed on some nights, shivering in his room in winters because the potbelly stove’s heat hadn’t reached the back of the house. Drafts through the floorboards. Sharing a room with three other siblings. Getting a job at the age of twelve just so he could help support their family.
There were other memories from his youth that he didn’t care to think about, so he shoved those thoughts aside.
Mercy turned and smiled up at him. That tentative smile melted Ford’s heart. “I think the bakery is going to be a success. At least, that’s what I’m hoping.”
“I don’t have any doubts.” Ford slid his hand over Mercy’s cheek. He couldn’t stop himself from touching his mate. Mercy’s lips parted, and Ford went in for a kiss.
Their very first kiss, which ignited a fire inside Ford.
He wasn’t sure what had drawn Mercy away from him, why his mate had moved to the other side of the room. But now that he had Mercy in his arms, all Ford wanted to do was carry Mercy to the apartment upstairs and take things further.
To explore the deep connection that had already formed between them. To claim what was his.
The tension in Mercy melted away as he leaned farther into Ford. He rested his palms against Ford’s chest, sighing into Ford’s mouth. It was comfort Mercy was looking for, so Ford tamped down his desires. But he wasn’t a saint, and kissing Mercy was playing havoc with his body.
“If we don’t stop, the workers are gonna get an eyeful,” Ford teased.
The guy who had been working at installing the counter pretended he was busy, but Ford saw how he kept glancing their way.
“Crap.” Mercy pulled away, his sinful blush creeping along his cheeks. “How did I forget he was in the room?”
Ford chuckled. “I guess I have that effect on you.”
Mercy’s mood lightened, and the rest of the day seemed brighter, but Ford knew something was bothering Mercy, and sooner or later he would find out what was going on with his mate.
Chapter Six
“I’m too tired to drive back to the ranch.” Mercy was totally making that up and wasn’t sure why he was giving Ford an excuse to stay overnight at the apartment.
“Then I guess we’ll crash here for the night.” Ford locked up the shop and grabbed Mercy’s hand, leading him up the stairs located in the back of the bakery.
Mercy was behind Ford as they walked upstairs, and he couldn’t stop staring at the guy’s butt. He also wasn’t naïve. He knew damn well what would happen now that the two of them were alone.
Sex. Hot and horny sex, which Mercy had been lacking for the past three years. Sex that would hopefully leave him sweaty and sated and begging for more. Mercy felt intoxicated as they entered the apartment and Ford closed the door behind him.
“Hungry?”
Nervous was more like it. “Sure.”
Food was the last thing on Mercy’s sex-deprived mind.
“We can order from Cresting Moon,” Ford said.
The sexual tension between them was palpable, like a lightning storm that charged the air. Mercy’s breathing trembled as he nodded. “Sounds good. I’ll see what’s on the TV.”
Neither moved. They stood there staring at one another, caught in some kind of trance. Some magical moment that Mercy never wanted to end.
Slowly Ford cocked his head to the side, focused on Mercy, silent, assessing.
“What?” Mercy bit his lip, taking quick breaths as he crossed and uncrossed his arms. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
Ford touched Mercy’s face with the back of his hand and then drew it downward. Mercy’s eyes fluttered closed as he focused on the sensation.
“You’re so beautiful,” Ford whispered.
Mercy opened his eyes, and his gaze was drawn to Ford’s lips. His own lips parted as he panted. “Thank you.”
Ford’s smile was breathtaking and downright sinful. “Let me go make that call for food.”
Mercy’s breathing still hadn’t gone back to normal as he watched Ford walk down the hallway. He press
ed his palm into his erection, praying he didn’t come in his jeans.
He was flushed and felt a fluttering sensation in his stomach as he waited for Ford to return.
“Why don’t we go over there instead?” Ford sauntered back down the hallway but stopped at the door. Mercy didn’t tell Ford that he wasn’t hungry. What if his mate was?
Mate. Mercy felt lightheaded as they exited the apartment, then the building, and walked across the street. People were seated on the outside patio, and the street seemed to bustle as they made their way inside.
It was Friday night, and the place was packed. Men and woman were gathered at the bar, while a television mounted on the wall played some game show. The tables and booths were full, and Mercy had to stick close to Ford to get through the crowd.
Ford slid his arm around Mercy’s waist and guided him to the end of the bar. He felt dwarfed standing next to the mountainous bear shifter.
“What’ll you guys have?” the bartender asked. He was cute, with dark hair and sparking blue eyes. His smile was gorgeous. Mercy was mated, not blind. He could still appreciate hotness when he saw it.
At the table closest to the bar were four men in dark blue T-shirts with Fever’s Edge Fire Department logos on the left breast. They laughed and talked, and Mercy was so glad he was in town tonight.
God how he’d missed all of this.
He recognized Fire Chief Dalton Knowles as one of the firefighters at the table, but Mercy didn’t know the others.
“Wings and fries?” Ford glanced down at him.
“Sounds good.” Mercy didn’t have to raise his voice to be heard over the noise. Ford was a shifter and would be able to hear him just fine. “Some sodas, too.”
Mercy wondered if the drugstore would still be open. They might not need condoms because nonhumans couldn’t contract diseases, but they would need some lube.
Right there in the crowded restaurant Mercy felt his face catch fire.
Ford leaned down and pressed his lips to Mercy’s ear. “What has you blushing so badly?”
“It’s hot in here.” Mercy fanned his face. “I’ll wait outside.”
Ford shook his head as he slid his arm back around Mercy. “Not letting you out of my sight. You’re too handsome to trust around these single men.”
“Twenty minutes,” the bartender said.
“We’ll be outside,” Ford said the guy before he guided Mercy toward the exit.
Something caught Mercy’s attention. A guy with black hair and dark eyes was seated at one of the booths by himself. All that was in front of him was a glass of water.
The way his gaze followed Mercy and Ford gave Mercy the chills. It was the same expression Lloyd had had right before he flew into a rage.
Dark and malevolent.
Ford guided them onto the street, where Mercy took a deep breath, thankful for the fresh air. When he looked back to where the stranger had been seated, the booth was empty.
“Drugstore,” Mercy said as he tried to forget the stranger. For all he knew, the guy was pissed about something and hadn’t really been paying them any attention, just lost in his own thoughts.
“Toothbrushes.” Ford nodded. “Good idea.”
Mercy didn’t bother to correct Ford, and his mate was right. It wasn’t as though Mercy had brought his toothbrush with him.
He was caught off guard when Ford took his hand as they walked. Lloyd had never showed any public displays of affection, so Mercy wasn’t used to it.
But he liked it.
A lot.
“I think you picked the perfect location for your bakery,” Ford said. “This street seems to have a lot of traffic.”
“Lander Avenue has a lot of businesses and the park, which everyone loves to visit.” Mercy also felt as if he’d picked the right place for his bakery. He was surprised the building hadn’t been snatched up before now. It was a prime location.
“That’s right,” Ford said as if he’d just remembered. “You’re supposed to be my tour guide.”
“Maybe some other time.” Mercy was too anxious to get their food and go back to their apartment to take his time and show Ford around.
They entered the drugstore, and Mercy felt no shame in purchasing a bottle of lube as Ford grabbed toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash. When they met at the counter, his mate arched a brow but didn’t say anything.
They made it back to Cresting Moon, grabbed their food, and went back to the bakery.
“So, I was thinking…” Ford said as he laid the containers on the coffee table. “We should move in here tomorrow. I’m here already during the day, and to be honest, it makes more sense that you move into town sooner rather than later.”
Mercy sat on the couch and flipped open the lid to his container. Fuck, the smell of the wings had his stomach growling. He hadn’t been hungry before, but now he was starving.
“I was thinking the same thing.” Mercy shoved a fry into his mouth. “I just didn’t want to rush things.”
When Ford sat, their legs touched. He grabbed the remote off the table and turned the television on. Mercy was thankful the place had already been furnished. It was one less thing he’d have to worry about.
“I’ll work off your timeline, Mercy. Whatever you want to do.” Ford took a sip of his drink.
Ford knew of Mercy’s past, of his hesitation when it came to relationships. His mate was being accommodating, and damn it, Mercy had already been catching feelings for the guy. But when Ford said things like that, he endeared himself to Mercy even more.
“I’m just nervous,” Mercy admitted.
“I know.” Ford leaned over and kissed Mercy’s cheek. “Like I said, this is your timeline.”
Mercy turned his head, catching Ford’s lips before his mate could turn away. It had been an impulsive move, but Mercy refused to back away.
The kiss started off slow, simmering, making Mercy’s body come alive.
Ford laughed as he gripped Mercy’s sides. He tugged, and Mercy landed on the man’s lap.
“Someone is pretty impatient.” A growl sounded at the back of Ford’s throat, but Mercy was too needy to care. “I love it.”
Talking wasn’t something Mercy wanted. Naked. He wanted them both naked, sweaty, and covered in each other’s cum. “I can’t think right now. Not enough to hold an intelligent conversation.”
Mercy had lost the ability to talk, or even function. Sex was the only thing his brain could comprehend right now, and if Ford didn’t show him some action soon, Mercy just might attack the man.
Ford had Mercy flipped and stripped in a matter of seconds. The guy was good. Mercy had never gotten out of his clothing that fast before. Now he sat there on his butt, waiting to see what Ford would do.
Gone was his fear of dominant males. Gone was Mercy’s hesitation when it came to trusting Ford.
“We’re going to slow down,” Ford said. The guy stood by the couch and rid himself of his clothing. Mercy’s eyes bulged at the revealed muscles. Ford was nothing short of a chiseled statue, a god, someone to be worshipped and be licked from head to toe.
Mercy blinked a few times, trying his best to get his brain to reboot. His gaze traveled from the top of Ford’s head down his torso, fixated on his fine-ass cock, and then down his sculpted thighs. “There’s no way you’re real.”
“I’m real, sweetheart.” The man flexed, and Mercy felt drool pooling in his mouth.
Ford bent to retrieve the bag with the lube inside. Mercy gazed at the man’s nicely rounded ass and had to squeeze the base of his cock in order not to explode. When Ford stood, Mercy’s gaze zeroed in on his mate’s long, thick erection. His mouth watered for a taste, but that would have to wait. Either he was about to get fucked or Ford was going to be murdered.
Mercy was too wound up for full-blown intercourse not to happen.
“On your hands and knees.” Ford spun Mercy on the couch, making Mercy grip the back as his knees sank into the cushion.
“What d
o you want me to do?” Mercy asked. He was a bit lost just sitting there.
Ford pressed his hands flat against the back of the couch, fencing Mercy in. “Grip the edge and spread ’em, hon.”
Mercy hadn’t turned yet. He was too busy staring at Ford’s broad chest and large biceps. He pressed his palms against the man’s heated skin, rubbing the pads of both thumbs over the peaked nipples.
“Damn it, Mercy.” Ford hissed and moaned. He leaned forward and licked a path up Mercy’s lobe. “Turn your body around so I can fuck you.”
Mercy wasn’t able to move until Ford eased the crush of their bodies. They’d been perfectly aligned, and Mercy hated when the mountainous man moved back an inch.
Ford nipped Mercy’s earlobe. “Tell me, sweetheart, do you like it rough and messy or slow and steady?”
Mercy’s pulse skyrocketed. His breathing became erratic as he tried to decide how he wanted to get fucked.
“What are you in the mood for?” It had been three years. Mercy would take it any way he could get it. If Ford wanted to go slow, that was fine with him. If his mate wanted to split Mercy in half, that was even better.
“Hon, either way is fine with me. We can go slow, or I can fuck you to the other side of this couch.”
“Oh hell.” Mercy’s mouth went dry as his cock became impossibly hard. “I think I like the second choice better.”
Two wet fingers worked inside of his aching hole. Mercy hissed and fought against the hard burn. Ford’s fingers were thick as hell.
“Tell me if you need me to slow down,” Ford said against the shell of Mercy’s ear. “I know it’s been a while for you.”
How did Ford know that? He looked over his shoulder and gave his mate the best sensual smile he could muster. “Unleash yourself on me.”
Mercy winced and tried to relax, tried not to think too hard about the pain. He wiggled around as Ford stretched him, adding a third finger.
“Be careful what you ask for.” Ford nipped his shoulder.
Mercy shivered and bucked. “I know exactly what I want,” he said.
Ford latched his mouth onto the nape of Mercy’s neck. He sucked hard, using his tongue to lash the skin as his teeth brought Mercy a different kind of pleasurable pain.