Jeremiah knew what they represented. His time hunting paranormals. Grateman should hate them. Instead, he acted as if he relished gliding his fingers over the puckered skin.
“Admiring your strength of will,” Grateman rumbled. “Your perseverance.” He lifted his gaze from where he touched and focused on Jeremiah’s face. At the same time, he skimmed his fingertips up his chest to grip his nipples. As he tweaked the bars embedded in them, he roughly added, “And I love this little enjoyment of pain, you have.”
Feeling Grateman twist the bars in his nipples, stinging fire erupted across his chest. The burn caused goose bumps to break out on his skin. His abs clenched with the painful pleasure and tingles traveled down his treasure trail to center in his groin.
When Grateman turned the bars the other way, Jeremiah felt his cock flex where it was embedded in the gargoyle. Sweat broke out on his skin as his balls tightened. Pre-cum oozed from his shaft and into Grateman’s channel.
“Oh, God!” Jeremiah cried. “Please!”
“More?” Grateman asked, scraping his claws around and around his nipples. “Or perhaps it is this you crave?” Lifting up slowly, he rose off Jeremiah’s groin. As he did so, he tightened his channel muscles, milking him. “Or maybe this.” Grateman lowered ever-so-slowly back down again.
“Yes,” Jeremiah pleaded. “All of it. All of it feels so fucking good! More!”
Never had he felt the like of being buried balls deep in the gargoyle. He wanted to pound into the creature. To feel his channel ripple along his shaft, to milk him and squeeze him, to hear his lover cry out his own pleasure.
“Anything you want, my mate,” Grateman growled, speeding up his movements. “One day, I will tie you to my bed, sink my cock deep inside you, and play with your nipples until you come,” he vowed. “I bet I could do it, too,” he continued, his voice turning to a rough growl as his hips began moving faster. “Couldn’t I, Jeremiah?”
“Oh, fuck!” Jeremiah cried, feeling the tingle at the base of his spine, heralding his impending orgasm.
“That’s what we’re doing, mate,” Grateman rumbled. “Fucking.”
Hearing that, Jeremiah ceased his attempts to thrust. He released his hold on one of Grateman’s thighs and grabbed the gargoyle’s massive rod. Feeling another male’s erection for the first time, he gave it a tentative stroke.
Even with his touch so light, Grateman still froze his hips. A shudder worked through his big body. His wings lifted from his shoulders, billowing behind him as he arched into Jeremiah’s hold. A ripple went through his chute muscles, giving his erection a massage.
“Sit on my lap,” Jeremiah ordered as he continued to jack the thick black cock. “Let me get you off first,” he whispered. “Let me prove this isn’t just fucking. Not to me.”
Jeremiah understood there was no going back from this. As he learned the heft and girth of his gargoyle lover, watched and felt him sink down again, accepting Jeremiah’s erection deep inside his body, he knew he never wanted to. The connection he felt with his gargoyle, he’d never felt it with anyone and knew he never would again.
“You are mine, Grateman,” Jeremiah claimed. “Just as I am yours. This might be fucking now, but it will not always be.”
Even now, Jeremiah knew he was coming to care for the gargoyle. Otherwise, he never would have returned. Jeremiah knew it was so damn worth it.
“Mine,” Grateman rumbled. “Yes, you are mine.”
“Show me,” Jeremiah urged, tightening his fist further. He reveled upon seeing the stark pleasure etched across his almost alien features. “You’re beautiful in your pleasure,” he whispered. “I want to see it. Show me everything.”
Jeremiah sped up his strokes. He massaged the wrinkled flesh under the head and, after pushing the foreskin all the way back, scraped his thumbnail across the head. He did everything he liked done to his own cock, all the while doing his best to ignore the tightening of his own balls.
“J-Jeremiah,” Grateman stuttered. “My mate.”
“Your mate,” Jeremiah instantly responded. At the same time, he dipped his nail into Grateman’s piss-slit. His intuition paid off. His gargoyle’s eyes snapped open as a moan tore from his throat. Jeremiah did it a second time as he ordered, “Come for me, mate.”
Grateman let out a roar as he obeyed. Pearly-white seed burst from his head in thick, ropy spurts. The warm cum landed on Jeremiah’s chest, stomach, and hand.
Jeremiah continued working him, reveling in the pained expression on the gargoyle’s face. Stunning! Unable to hold off his own pleasure any longer, he let go. His orgasm instantly swamped him and his balls unloaded, flooding Grateman’s channel with his cum.
“Yesss,” Grateman rumbled, clearly pleased. “So good.”
When Jeremiah had enough sense in his brain to untangle his tongue, he grinned and muttered, “Shouldn’t that be my line?”
Grateman hummed, his eyes narrowing. “Are you ready for your second orgasm?”
Jeremiah felt his shaft softening and shook his head. “Gonna need a few minutes first, lover.”
“No, you won’t.”
Before Jeremiah could utter another warning, Grateman leaned down, opened his mouth, and latched onto his shoulder. He sank his teeth into Jeremiah’s flesh, piercing his skin. Jeremiah gaped at the sudden pain, then heat unlike anything he’d felt before spread from the bite. It traveled down his chest, made his nipples burn, and his cock stiffen. True to Grateman’s claim, Jeremiah felt his balls tighten once more and a second orgasm swamped his system. Moaning, Jeremiah convulsed as bliss pinged through him.
“There you go,” Grateman growled, sounding so very smug. He leaned close, grinning down at him. “Told you.”
Jeremiah chuckled roughly. “S-So that’s the claiming bite?”
“It is.”
“Does that always happen?”
Grateman lowered his head and licked at the mark on his shoulder. Tingles spread up Jeremiah’s neck, making the hairs at the nape of his neck stand on end. “Yes,” the gargoyle whispered. “Always.”
“What about on you?” Jeremiah asked.
Without waiting for an answer, Jeremiah tilted his head and wrapped his jaw around the tendon of Grateman’s neck and bit... hard. It took some doing with his blunt teeth, but he managed to break skin. He tasted the iron base, but under that... it seemed almost sweet.
Jeremiah heard Grateman’s roar, the sound one of intense pleasure. More warm seed spattered across his abs, filling the space between them. The sound, smell, and feeling caused his own softening shaft to twitch where it was still encased in his lover’s body.
Easing his teeth from Grateman’s flesh, Jeremiah licked his lips. He swallowed down the remaining traces of his lover’s blood, realizing he didn’t mind the taste at all. In fact, he figured he’d be more than happy to do that again... especially with a result like that.
Relaxing back on the comforter, Jeremiah grinned up at his gargoyle. “Guess you like that,” he stated, knowing he sounded smug.
Grateman chuckled roughly from where he rested his forehead on Jeremiah’s shoulder. “Yeah,” he murmured. “You can bite me any damn time you want.”
Jeremiah chuckled. He pressed a kiss to Grateman’s temple, sampling the taste of his skin. “Is that so?” he teased, unable to remember when he’d felt so relaxed or had so much fun with a sexual partner.
“Absolutely,” Grateman responded, lifting his head to meet Jeremiah’s next kiss. After lapping and nipping at each other’s lips for a few minutes, Grateman groaned and levered up. “Do you want a bath? I want to wash you.”
“What about if we are sitting in Maelgwn’s office?” Jeremiah asked. “And I don’t remember the last time I’ve actually taken a bath. I’m kind of a shower man.”
Grateman chuckled. “You’re completely missing out.” He eased up and off of Jeremiah’s prick, pulling a hiss from Jeremiah’s throat. Grinning, Grateman winked. “D
on’t worry. I’ll let your cock in me again. Oh, and I’m going to change your mind about baths. Starting now.”
Easing off the bed, Grateman slid his arms under Jeremiah’s thighs and torso. Jeremiah chuckled, but he didn’t fight his lover. If anyone else had tried this, he probably would have felt unmanned, but this was his gargoyle.
“And what do you mean?” Grateman asked, making his way into a massive bathroom with a huge corner jetted tub. “What’s that about Maelgwn’s office?”
Jeremiah winked at his lover, then answered, “I mean, you said I could bite you whenever. What if we were in Maelgwn’s office? Could I bite you then?”
Grateman gaped at him. His eyes widened in obvious surprise. “What?” He grinned back as he barked a laugh. “Gods can you imagine the look on his face if that happened?” He eased Jeremiah down on the side of the tub. Running his clawed forefingers over his brow, he winked and whispered, “Maybe only if no one else is in the room and we’re really, really bored.”
Barking a laugh, Jeremiah nodded. “Right. Got it.” He watched as Grateman leaned over and turned on the water. Sweeping his gaze over the large tub, he noted the multiple jets. “I can see the allure.”
“You haven’t, yet, Jeremiah,” Grateman rumbled, winking at him. “But you will.”
Jeremiah watched the water rise, feeling the warmth tickle his toes, then flow over them. He lifted a brow when Grateman grabbed a bottle out of the cupboard. Trying to read the bottle around the gargoyle’s fingers, he only made out the word oil.
“What is that?” Jeremiah asked as Grateman screwed the cap back on and set it aside. Winking, he teased, “Bubble bath?”
Grateman chuckled, then stepped into the tub. “Even better,” he told him. “It’s a soothing bath oil. It’ll help ease the aches from your injuries.” Settling his bulk into the large tub, he reached up and pulled Jeremiah to him. Once he had him positioned with his back to Grateman’s chest, seated between his thighs, Grateman whispered into his ear, “Plus, it will help ease the way as I prepare you for my taking... and our next couple of orgasms.”
Jeremiah groaned, shocked to actually feel his dick responding. “How the hell is that possible?”
Grateman just chuckled. “Because I am a paranormal, and we are mates,” he rumbled, pressing kisses to Jeremiah’s neck. His hands skimmed over his chest, relaxing and stirring all at the same time. “We will always want to touch, to feel, to stroke each other.” Nipping Jeremiah’s neck, he added, “Although once we’re bonded, we will have a little more self-control.”
“Self-control is overrated,” Jeremiah whispered, feeling his skin tingle in response to Grateman’s touches.
He reveled in the light scrape of his nails over his scars, which often transmitted so little sensation. When Grateman flicked his claws over his pierced nipples, it caused his chest to heat. The best, although odd, was the feel of Grateman’s wings. The gargoyle wrapped them around both of them, and the leathery appendages scraped over his thighs and already hardening dick.
“You’re so responsive,” Grateman rumbled. “I love touching your skin, mapping your chest, your legs and body, and seeing what happens.”
Jeremiah groaned, resting his head against Grateman’s shoulder. “Yeah,” he whispered. “I, uh, I like that.” He sighed, allowing his eyes to close. He nuzzled his temple into Grateman’s neck. “I want to be bonded with you. Does it hurt?”
When Grateman had ridden him, he had sure seemed to be enjoying himself.
“It does if it’s not done correctly,” Grateman warned. “Or if it’s rushed.” He sighed softly, blowing a warm stream along Jeremiah’s neck. “And the first time can be rough if you don’t know how to relax.” Then he licked a stripe up Jeremiah’s neck before whispering hotly, “But I will make sure you’re plenty prepared and very relaxed, my mate,” he vowed. “Because we will be sharing our bodies for centuries. I won’t have you fearing giving your body to me whenever I wish to take you. I want you looking forward to it.”
Jeremiah sighed, relaxing against his lover’s chest. Oddly enough, he found it damn comforting being the smaller of the pair. He’d never had that before. Of course, he’d never had a steady lover, either.
Happy with the sudden changes, and knowing his sister would be just as damn happy for him—hell, she’d harped on him to get a life enough times—he tilted his head back and peered up at his gargoyle.
“Are you going to show me?”
Chapter Eleven
Grateman practically vibrated with need. His cock rode the cleft of Jeremiah’s ass, and he wanted to do exactly as his lover asked. Still, he had to remind him of one thing.
Gently cupping Jeremiah’s jaw, Grateman held his human’s face steady. He pressed a light kiss to his man’s lips. Smiling down at the hunter who’d come to mean everything to him, he held the man’s gaze.
“If you give yourself to me now,” Grateman warned. “I’ll never be able to leave you... or you me.” His voice deepened to a growl as he warned, “I won’t let you.”
Jeremiah eased from his grip. For an instant, Grateman thought he was rejecting him, especially when he rocked forward and began maneuvering around the tub. He wanted to say something, but he wasn’t certain what.
To Grateman’s surprise, Jeremiah pivoted on his knees, then swung a leg over. He crawled forward until he settled on Grateman’s thighs, facing him. Jeremiah rested his forearms on his shoulders and cupped his neck.
“I already came back to you once,” Jeremiah murmured, smirking. “And that was before we were bonded. Do you really think I won’t always do everything in my power to return to you should anything happen?” Then, he scoffed. “We’re in a war, Grateman,” he whispered. “It’s up to you to keep me from getting kidnapped again.”
Grateman growled softly. “No bloody chance in hell,” he snarled. “You won’t be leaving my side.” Realizing what he claimed and seeing Jeremiah’s amused smile, he amended, “At least not for a while, anyway. Once things get back to normal around here, maybe I’ll let you walk the grounds alone.”
Jeremiah hummed, his eyes narrowed. “Hmm, life outside these walls. I wonder what that’s like.”
Grinning, Grateman murmured, “Boring. After all, there aren’t massive garden mazes with lover’s nooks designed for private interludes out in the real world.” He winked, warming to the subject. “Or a pond with private camping spots for mates to get some time alone. Or daycare. Or a paranormal infirmary. Or even the beautiful hiking trails that have more picnic stops than, well—” He waggled his brow ridges. “I’m sure you can figure that out.”
Jeremiah chuckled low in his throat. His green eyes sparkled as he shook his head. “Damn. That all sounds fantastic. I can’t remember—” He stopped and sighed, his gaze lowering to Grateman’s chin. “Anyway, I look forward to exploring all that with you.”
Realizing where his mate’s thoughts had turned—his sister—Grateman rested one hand on his hip and the other on his jaw. “I’d love to hear about your sister some day. She must have been an extraordinary woman.”
“You would?” Jeremiah sounded surprised. “Why?”
Grateman shrugged. “She was your family. You were obviously very close. If I weren’t an only hatchling, I’d probably want to tell you about my family, too.”
“Only child?”
Nodding in response to Jeremiah’s question, Grateman rubbed his hands up and down his human’s back. “Yes, however, that was a hell of a long time ago. My clutch is my family now, but I don’t want to talk about them, either.” As he spoke, he lowered one hand to Jeremiah’s hip and urged him forward, rocking his hard erection against his human’s own semi-hard shaft.
Jeremiah chuckled. “Really?” he murmured, moving with Grateman’s urgings. “What would you like to discuss, then?”
Grateman kept up the movement as he used his other hand to reach for the oil. He held it up. “I want to tell you how versatile this s
hit is.”
Grinning, Jeremiah grabbed it from his hands. “Bath oil? Really?” He smirked. “And just how versatile is this stuff?”
“Open the bottle, Jeremiah,” Grateman ordered gruffly. With his shaft rubbing against his human’s, he could tell how excited his mate had become... plus, it was also given away by the smell. It was going straight to his head. “Pour some onto my fingers,” he ordered, holding up his now-free hand, wiggling them. “All over.”
Jeremiah started pouring... and kept pouring.
“Whoa,” Grateman rumbled, biting back a chuckle. “That’s good. I think that’ll work.”
Tipping the bottle back, Jeremiah snickered. “Didn’t you say always use plenty of lube?” He smirked, his expression turning almost feral. “That is what you had in mind, wasn’t it? You gonna open me up and stick your dick in me? Gonna fill me with your seed and seal our bond?”
Grateman groaned upon hearing those words from his human’s throat. Gods above, never would he have imagined this man’s confidence when he’d chased him down on a dirt bike. Now, though, all he could do was nod.
“Yes,” Grateman whispered. “I thought this position would give you plenty of control, as well as not strain your healing injuries.” He met his human’s eyes, turning serious as he whispered, “I don’t ever want to hurt you.”
Jeremiah’s expression sobered. He reached over and set down the bottle before returning his gaze to Grateman. A reassuring smile curved his lips as he stated, “I know, Grateman. I know. I want the same for you, ya know.”
Grateman chuckled softly. “I get it,” he rumbled. “You and I will work through all our differences. I want to help you, so you don’t feel like this is all one-sided.”
Scoffing, Jeremiah smirked as he rocked against him. “Not one-sided. You please me, make me happier than I ever thought possible.” He rolled his eyes as he shook his head. “Hell, you want to hear about my scars and the reason I tracked shifters even though we both know what I was doing was wrong.”
Claiming the Hunter Page 9