by Jools Louise
“That’s absofuckinglutely so,” Vince agreed. “If you want Flashpoint gone, take out the lynchpin.”
“What is he planning?” Drew asked, looking pale.
Vince met his gaze. “To burn down your home, with you and your family inside, for starters, after taking back that money,” he said.
Sherman grabbed him in a headlock, squeezing hard until Vince began choking.
“And how does he plan to do that?”
“Bro, enough,” Drew protested, rising.
“Don’t feel sorry for him, Drew,” Cracker said harshly. “He held a Taser to your head. Bastard’s getting a little taste of feeling defenseless. He’d better start coming up with some better responses.”
“And Callahan planted him on the floor with one punch,” Drew retorted dryly. “Bastard’s not Superman, clearly.”
That earned him a chuckle from everyone in the viewing area.
Callahan brushed an imaginary medal. “Clearly I am Superman!” he said, grinning.
Sherman released his captive, then ruffled the man’s hair tauntingly. “Clearly you need a few lessons, douche,” he said. “Callahan’s half your size, numbnut, and he had you unconscious in seconds.”
“Clearly, you don’t have a brain,” Vince interjected, full of snark. “I gave you a hernia and could have taken him down as easily. Perhaps I wanted you to bring me in, to make it look as though I was unwilling to cooperate.”
“Which is it?” Drew asked harshly. “If you don’t quit playing games I’ll quit being so understanding and rip you a new airhole.”
Vince grinned mirthlessly. “Like to see you try.”
Drew leaped across the table, claws extended, ready to tear apart the man’s jugular.
“Er…dude,” Cullen said calmly, watching as Drew created a bloody trail down Vince’s throat, one claw dangerously close to Vince’s windpipe. “You see, this is why I don’t let you out much,” he said, rolling his eyes. “You shouldn’t play with the kitty until we have all our intel, sweetie. This moron’s playing your own game. He’s testing your buttons. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”
The fox shifter turned a page on the file as Drew sat back down, breathing heavily and glaring across at Vince, who smirked wickedly. The bastard didn’t seem phased that he had a nasty wound down his face, or that blood was beginning to drip onto his shirt.
“You see, Drew, Vince is telling the truth. Not the whole truth, mind you, but enough to be convincing.”
Cullen displayed a series of ten photographs of Drew in various poses. Callahan, too. “He’s been here for a little while. But this is the kicker. The dude in the background also works for Daniel.” He pointed to a figure almost hidden behind a vehicle in the college parking lot. The date on the photo showed it was taken the night that Drew had been attacked. Despite the darkness, the stalker’s face could be seen in the lights from Drew’s car as he left the lot.
“Recognize him, Vinnie?” Cullen asked.
“Yeah. Crash’s brother. Nicknamed Gopher. He worked for Daniel, too.”
“So it looks like you have an accomplice, but unlikely since he had a bead on you, Vinnie,” Cullen said. The stalker in the photo was aiming a high-powered rifle, with a sniper’s sight, right at Vince. “Or Daniel doesn’t trust you to finish the job.”
“I told Daniel that I would work at my own pace,” Vince said grimly. “He didn’t like my attitude. Clearly.” He mocked their earlier exchange.
“Drew, honey, why don’t you wait outside?” Cullen said, squeezing the younger man’s shoulder. “You’re looking a little pale. Sherman, Cracker, and I can continue this discussion.”
Vince snorted, but his gaze was on Drew as he stood up and left the room, not once looking at Vince. “Should I call my lawyer?” he drawled, then eyed Cullen warily as the man took Drew’s place.
“No, sweetcheeks,” he shot back, grinning wickedly. “Just make sure to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but, and we’ll leave your extremities intact. I have two extra-large mates who are quite happy to tear you in half if I ask them to.”
Vince rolled his eyes. “Those two powder puffs? I’ll take my chances, dickwad. More likely they’ll fall on me, and I’ll suffocate to death.” He smirked at Cullen’s laser-sharp look. “Now, where’s my espresso?” he said, leaning back in his chair. “Bring me coffee, and I’ll talk.”
“Where do you think you are, the Hilton?” Sherman growled.
“This isn’t the Hilton?” Vince gasped mockingly. “No wonder the service is so sloppy.”
Maizie laughed softly. Vince Smith was one to watch, for sure. The guy had gonads the size of boulders. Drew and Callahan were staring at Vince, apparently mesmerized. A moment later, seemingly drawn by an invisible thread, Vince looked straight at the mirrored glass, directly at Callahan and Drew as though he could see them clearly rather than looking at his own reflection. Maizie held her breath. The connection was almost tangible.
“Easy, tigers,” she whispered. “That boy’s a handful and a half…and he’s not playing it totally straight right now,” she added.
“What do you mean?” Callahan asked, flushing slightly.
“He’s still hurting,” Ryder cut in bluntly. “And if Crash’s brother is in town, that means another fucked-up psychopath to put down. Getting all gooey over Vince Smith probably wouldn’t be wise.”
Drew frowned, running a trembling hand over his face, looking startled when Callahan embraced him, hugging him, then snuggled closer. “He had a family,” he murmured. “Two beautiful sons. And Crash and his brother and uncle murdered them. At my father’s request. Why?”
“That’s the bit we need to find out from tall, blond, and dangerous,” Maizie quipped. “Perhaps a caffeine hit will jog his memory. Because he for sure isn’t afraid of any of you shaking it out of him.”
Ryder shot her a dry look. “Whose side are you on?”
“Vince has been in town for a while now. Keeping his head down, stalking Drew. Until the other night,” Maizie said, meeting Ryder’s look with a chiding one of her own. “He could have just dragged Drew with him. God knows he’s powerful enough, and Drew wouldn’t have stood a chance. Why leave Drew? Why not take him? It was easy enough for him to do. I wasn’t that close and wouldn’t have been able to stop him. And why didn’t Crash’s brother take the shot? Again, it wasn’t difficult. But both pulled their punches. Why? Why? Why?”
She cuffed Ryder upside the head, making him wince. “And don’t take that attitude with me, young man. I may be old, but this old gal has enough gumption to kick your skinny ass into touch. Question my loyalties again, and I’ll show you just how much.”
Drew and Callahan laughed at that one. “You got told!” Callahan chuckled.
Ryder rubbed his ear ruefully. “Yeah, really.”
They settled down to listen to Cullen and his enforcers question Vince some more…after Vince had been brought a cup of vending machine coffee, watery and looking a lot like thin mud.
* * * *
Drew visited the restroom just before he left Warrior HQ, still feeling shaky after confronting Vince, and rinsed his face, staring in the mirror. He was pale, his eyes haunted. Why was Daniel so intent on harming them? Especially the children. He remembered when Flint had been sent letters and been mean to little Moe, all because Daniel needed to control them all. Moe had been devastated by his brother’s attitude. It was another testament to Daniel’s evil nature. The fact that the man continued to ally himself with those who would harm all shifters told Drew that his sperm donor was a self-serving, soulless shell, devoid of any humanity or compassion.
“Are you okay?” Callahan asked softly, entering the restroom, looking concerned.
“I don’t know whether I’ll ever be okay,” Drew admitted, meeting Callahan’s gaze in the mirror, seeing the warmth of the man’s worry. It was a balm to his soul. “Daniel’s attitude hurts. I don’t understand why he keeps wanting to harm us.”
Cal
lahan wrapped his arms around Drew, resting his chin on Drew’s shoulder, hugging him tightly. “Baby, that guy is not somebody who you ever need to understand. He’s made his choices, for whatever reason. He’s an adult, and he knows the harm he’s causing. He behaves as though he’s a spoiled little kid who’s never really grown up. You know, the sort of kid in the school playground who bullies all the little kids, for spite and to make himself feel better. That’s Daniel. A bully boy thinking he’s a hard man.”
Drew closed his eyes and turned his face, seeking Callahan’s kisses, needing the connection to wash away the taint of evil and fear. Callahan eagerly complied, stroking Drew’s chest gently as they smooched. Drew’s toes curled in his Reeboks, and his dick throbbed impatiently, painfully. He groaned, feeling Callahan’s touch move south, brushing his jeans-covered crotch, then unbuttoned Drew’s fly.
“Let me help you forget, baby,” Callahan whispered against Drew’s lips, delving beneath Drew’s waistband and tunneling inside his briefs. “Watch, darling. See what I do to you,” Callahan urged. Drew viewed their reflection in the mirror, watching the show avidly.
Warm, damp flesh met Callahan’s fingers. Drew bucked against the skillful torment, then groaned again as his lover seduced his cock with firm strokes, fishing all eight inches from the confines of the soft material, pumping it steadily, their lips still locked. The sight was breathtaking.
“Callahan,” Drew choked out, losing it at the erotic show, jerking suddenly as he spattered cum all over the mirror, washstand, and Callahan’s magical fingers.
“So good,” Callahan said, his eyes sultry as he licked Drew’s cum off his hand, then proffered Drew a taste. Drew turned, grinding against his lover, sharing the taste of his passion, needing more. Much more.
“That was heavenly,” Drew sighed, cupping Callahan’s head and tilting his head to take Callahan’s mouth with almost brutal passion. He wanted to fuck the man right there. Lift him up onto the counter and plow him hard and fast until they were both screaming.
There was a knock on the door.
“Gentlemen, when you’re ready, I’ll escort you to the café again.” Maizie. A passion killer if ever there was one. Right on cue. Fuck it.
“Er…thanks,” Drew said, growling in frustration. Callahan grinned and helped him back into his pants, then wiped the evidence away with a wet paper towel.
“Hold that thought, baby,” Callahan murmured, kissing him again.
Drew took a deep breath as they left, but knew they’d been busted when he saw Maizie’s wicked smirk and raised eyebrows. Cockblocker!
Chapter Four
Vince lay with his eyes closed, feeling the sting of Drew’s claws on his throbbing cheek. He winced, seeing again the rage in the man’s eyes and felt annoyed that he’d reacted the way he had. Talk about jumping in with both feet. He’d meant to go in quietly, explain things calmly–and get another look at the two smokin’ hot guys who were pushing the libido he’d thought dead into zesty life.
“Hungry?” Ryder asked, tapping the bars.
Vince sent him an aggravated stare from the corner of his eye. “Trying to butter me up now?”
Ryder smirked. “Nah. Just don’t want you expiring before we’re done with you.”
“I’ll be out of here before then,” Vince shot back, with more confidence than he felt. He’d just confessed to being associated with Sage’s worst enemy, attacked one of Ryder’s own employees, and admitted to having an extremely personal vendetta, involving several of Sage’s own. He’d be lucky to escape before the next millennium.
“You wish,” Ryder said, confirming Vince’s suspicions. “Besides, if you have a sniper after you, this is probably the safest place for you.
Vince snorted dourly. “Sure. Whatever.” He closed his eyes again, shifting uncomfortably on the narrow bunk. At least he wasn’t freezing his nuts off outside. He hated the cold. Too many nights on surveillance in the dead of winter had given him a distaste of the season.
“Here’s your dinner. Courtesy of Callahan at Café Anglais,” Ryder told him, shoving a plate of food through the hatch.
“Callahan?” Vince asked, curious despite himself. “Why would he bother?”
Ryder chuckled with genuine amusement. “He reckons you’re too easy to put down, kitty. Said you needed building up since it was embarrassing how quickly you ended up on the floor. Like a twig.”
Vince felt a smile tug at his mouth. Callahan was a cutie. The guy had attitude, was feisty as fuck, and had a heart of gold. He was pretty, too.
“Remind him of that the next time he wants to square up to me,” he drawled. “I let him knock me out. To keep my cover intact.”
Ryder burst out laughing again, then departed, still chuckling merrily.
Vince flipped him off but grinned despite himself. He’d never admit that Callahan had totally surprised him and left him with his pants down, figuratively speaking. He rose from the bed and started to eat. He’d like to square up to the guy, all right. Him and Drew both. Which was a problem. He hadn’t come here to play snuggle bunnies. He was on a mission. Romance was out of the question.
* * * *
Drew couldn’t believe the fuss everyone was making. Even his own brothers were treating him…weird.
“You know, Moe, I can walk to the bathroom by myself,” he said grumpily, then winced at the hurt on his little brother’s face. “I’m sorry,” he added, more gently. “It’s just…this is…”
“Irritating? Frustrating? Feels as though you haven’t any privacy?” Moe patted his arm. “Welcome to my world, dude,” he said, smiling widely. “Now if you don’t need me to help you pee-pee, I’ll be off to my own room. By myself. Like I was about to do before you started getting all stressed.”
Drew flipped him off as the boy fled with a giggle, then grinned. Moe was asking for it.
He entered the bathroom, relieved himself, then stared in the mirror for a long moment, touching his bruised eye. Vince Smith. If that was even his real name. Mercenary. Bounty hunter. Ex-cop. And a widower. Drew remembered the shit surrounding Crash coming to town and shivered. The guy had been out of control. The fact that his own father had been involved in that told Drew that Daniel was the same way. And becoming a liability. He grimaced ruefully. Standing in bathrooms admiring his bruises was becoming a habit.
There was a knock on the door.
“Put down your pee-wee, dweeb!” Flint bellowed. “Got a visitor.”
Drew frowned, glancing at his watch.
“Who is it?”
“What am I? Your maid?” Flint cackled, followed by his departing footsteps thundering down the stairs.
Pee-wee? That’s a new one, Drew thought. Little fucker.
He trailed his brother and stopped abruptly at the sight of Callahan standing in the hallway.
“Hey,” he said softly. Callahan was a ray of sunshine.
“Sorry it’s late, but I wanted to check you were okay,” Callahan said, flushing slightly. He looked delightfully abashed and Drew wondered at his embarrassment, considering how touchy-feely he’d been earlier.
“I’m fine,” Drew replied, biting his lip. “Er…would you like coffee…or…” He laughed. “Probably not coffee! You’re better at it than me.”
Callahan stepped closer. His scent wafted into Drew’s nostrils, teasing Drew’s senses. He wore skinny jeans, black, and a tan leather jacket with a fleecy lining. His blond hair glinted in the artificial lighting, his green eyes flashing with awareness.
“I’d love a coffee,” he said, cupping Drew’s cheek gently. “I’m sure it’ll taste amazing.” Drew had the feeling he wasn’t talking about coffee. He licked his lips nervously, inhaling the scent of cinnamon and sugar that seemed to follow Callahan around.
“Drew and Callahan sitting in a tree, k.i.s.s.i.n.g.” Sniggers sounded from the front room at the end of the ditty, and the two grinned at one another. Then Callahan moved nearer.
“Great idea,” he said and pressed hi
s mouth to Drew’s. Opening, Drew gasped as he felt the slide of Callahan’s tongue, warm and tasty, gliding against his. The kiss deepened, the tang of arousal rising, and Callahan tugged Drew closer still. Strong arms wrapped around Drew, and one strong thigh slid between his. Drew clung on, losing his mind quickly, and struggling to hang on to reason.
“Drew, honey? Perhaps Callahan would like to join us in the front room? We’re watching Ice Age.” His mom, Kathleen’s voice sounded very far away.
“Yeah, Drew, we’re waiting to start the movie, so stop kissing,” Flint taunted, and giggled. “Eew! Gross!”
“Flint!” Kathleen scolded, sounding much closer. Then she giggled, too. “Later.”
Panting hard, Drew felt Callahan ease away and tried to focus on something beyond his pounding heart and throbbing dick.
“So good, baby,” Callahan said approvingly. He groaned and dove in again. Drew whimpered, clawing at Callahan’s back, grinding against the man, desperate for relief.
“Okay, guys, that’s more than enough,” a deeper voice said. Sherman. Sounding amused and uncomfortable at the same time. “Movie. Now.”
Drew growled softly, regaining some of his senses, and flipped his brother off. “Fuck off. Now.”
“They’re going for a new World Record,” Moe chimed in. “I wonder how long the longest smooch is? Ooh! Tongues.”
Groaning in dismay, Drew pulled back, glaring at his family balefully. “Do you mind?”
“Nope!” they chorused cheerfully, peering around the doorframe and observing him and Callahan with varying degrees of interest and revulsion.
“Shall we watch the movie?” Callahan chuckled, resting his forehead against Drew’s “The peanut gallery isn’t going anywhere.”
“Duh! You’re in our front hallway,” Flint said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. “At least go somewhere private if you hafta do all that moaning and groaning stuff.”
“I agree, pipsqueak. There are young children around. So cool your jets,” Sherman cut in, grabbing Drew in a headlock and tugging him away from Callahan, fixing the older guy with a warning stare as he dragged Drew into the living room. Callahan smirked back, arching one brow. Drew had to admire the man. Not many people could stare down Sherman and get away with it.