by Sydney Lain
“You’d do the same thing.” His eyes closed and Gunner didn’t think they’d reopen, but they did.
“Gunner won’t be able to live with that guilt. You need to shift for us.”
Shea looked at him. He sighed. Then bones snapped. Hair grew over his body and slowly his mate turned into a beautiful gray wolf with bright yellow eyes. The wound got worse as blood oozed from the hole in Shea’s shoulder. Then the bullet fell from the wound. It clanked against the ground.
The wolf lay in a heap on the ground. His chest moved up and down, but the shift had been painful. Then he lowered his head and closed his eyes.
“He’s unconscious,” Gunner said.
Viktor nodded. He turned toward Craig.
“Craig saved us.” The last thing he wanted was for another death, especially of a man that had saved his life.
Viktor nodded. “Craig, where’s the other shifter? Shea’s brother.”
“He got away. A man that controlled the wind took him before we got him into the warehouse. His eyes glowed like yours, but they were a deep forest green.”
“Are you sure his eyes weren’t red or blue?” Viktor asked.
“Why does that matter?” Gunner asked. Someone had their mate’s brother. Shea was on the floor passed out from a bullet wound and Viktor wanted to know about the kidnapper’s eye color.
“Vampires eyes turn red. Half-demons have blue eyes. I’ve never met someone with glowing green eyes that controlled the wind.”
Gunner remained silent. He was supposed to be the expert, but right now he had no answers.
“I have no idea who took his brother. Shea’s going to want answers.”
That not only made sense, but Viktor’s clear thinking got Shea to shift and now he tried to find answers for their mate. Gunner felt like more of a failure than before. Viktor didn’t need him. The night would’ve gone better if they’d waited outside and let Viktor charge in. The half-demon didn’t have a scratch on him. Instead, Gunner had led Shea into a room with men holding guns and then stared at his hurt body, unable to save him. Gunner felt utterly useless.
* * * *
Viktor patted the wolf’s sleeping head. The entry wound closed but the skin was an angry red. They carried the wolf up the stairs and Gunner gently wiped the blood off before putting Shea to bed. The wolf slept as his body finished the slow healing process.
“If he didn’t shift, then the results would’ve been disastrous.” Viktor couldn’t let that go. “The hospital would’ve run tests and discovered Shea wasn’t human.” Then they’d try to lock him up, but before the cuffs were snapped into place, Shea would’ve shifted and killed everyone that was nearby, while Gunner and he tried to stop the wolf and keep those threatening him away.
“He doesn’t accept what he is.” Gunner said. “He hates it.”
Viktor looked at his other mate. The man was speaking from experience. “Yes, for some of us, it’s hard to accept what we are.” His eyes never left Gunner. “Shea wants to be human, but he’s not. His wolf part gets angry. Soon, he won’t tolerate Shea’s resistance. If they start to fight for control, then it’ll be bad. You’re like him,” Viktor paused. When Gunner tensed, he continued, “You want to be labeled something clean and easy rather than accept that you’re here.”
“Shea needs to embrace the wolf.” Gunner looked at him. Rather than address his observation, he just continued to stare at him. “How do you do it? You hate demons, but you’re part of one.”
Viktor thought about that. “I don’t hate who I am. Demons are pure evil and a part of me was created from that, but it doesn’t define me. With my abilities, I can protect you and Shea.” He wrapped an arm around Gunner. “That makes it worth it.”
“We let him down. Henry’s gone.”
Gunner had a way of looking at the worst. He wanted to please them so much that he saw the problems before the good parts.
“We need to tell him the truth. Henry might be in a worse place. I don’t know. But he deserves answers, not lies.”
“We have to look for him.”
“I’ve already contacted Devin Security. They’re looking. Craig and Tom have arrived in the mountains. Both expressed an interest in working for me. You want to as well?” He already knew the answer, but he wanted to hear it.
Gunner nodded. “I can’t sit around and do nothing. I’m used to this kind of work.”
“Together, we’ll look for Henry.” They didn’t have to ask the wolf shifter. Both of them knew he’d be by their side.
Gunner lowered his head, like telling Shea might destroy him. Viktor didn’t see the catastrophic event that Gunner prepared for. The former hunter paced back and forth. Henry was gone, but Shea wasn’t that close to his brother.
Viktor reached for the bond and tried to read Gunner, but he met a hard, impenetrable wall. It was more than failing to find Henry. Maybe even more than being created in a lab. Before Viktor could ask, Shea stirred. The wolf moaned and then lifted his head. He blinked as his yellow wolf eyes scanned the room.
Viktor patted the animal’s head. The wolf leaned closer and licked his hand. Then he shook his head and tried to stand. The bed was too soft and the wolf fell back down. He growled and started to shift.
It wasn’t the first time Viktor had seen a man shift from animal into human form. The process always made him wince when joints snapped apart and reformed. The change wasn’t an easy one. For Shea, it looked ten times worse. The shifter hadn’t accepted the wolf and he hadn’t been born as a nonhuman. Both factors made the process more painful. After a minute, his mate lay on his side, breathing heavily and curled into a ball. Gunner grabbed the blanket to cover a shivering Shea. Viktor examined the shoulder wound. It was completely healed, but Shea’s warm complexion looked a lot paler.
“Are you both okay?” Shea asked, as if they were the ones with the bullet holes in their bodies.
“We’re fine,” Viktor said. Gunner remained silent behind him before he bowed his head.
“Sorry,” Shea said.
“For what?” He had nothing to apologize for.
“Getting hair all over the bed.” He turned his cute little nose up as if the wolf’s fur was as disgusting as stepping in dog crap.
“The wolf saved your life,” Gunner said. “He’s the reason you’re healed.”
Something was wrong, but Viktor couldn’t place it. He knew that Shea couldn’t keep denying his other half, but Gunner’s voice was colder and more distant.
“I’d rather live with the pain than accept the wolf.”
Gunner stepped closer. “Stop whining,” the hunter said. “Your wolf is beautiful. Anyone would be proud to be part of that beautiful creature.”
Viktor moved away. Gunner never spoke with anger but now it was bubbling out. Something that was long overdue.
“What do you know? I never wanted to be a shifter,” Shea admitted, but they all knew that.
“No matter how many times you say that, the situation won’t change. You’re a shifter,” Gunner said as if he was trying to convince himself along with Shea.
“What’s your problem? You’re supposed to be on my side.” Shea glared at Gunner.
“You could’ve died because you refused to let the wolf out.”
Shea shrugged. “I’d rather be a dead human than a wolf.”
Anger boiled up in Viktor. No one threatened Shea’s life, not even Shea. “You don’t get to make that choice. We’re mates. That means you live for us and we live for you.”
“I’ll live as a human. That’s all I ever agreed to do.” Shea balled his fist.
“You’re a wolf shifter. I’m a half-demon. Gunner’s a former hunter.” Viktor paused. “That’s what we are. That’s what we need to accept.”
“I was human,” Shea’s voice cracked.
“Does that make you better than us? You were born as a human. Now you’re a nonhuman. Get over it,” Viktor said.
“I can’t. The wolf wants out. It wants things from me.”
Gunner sat beside Shea. “Human. Nonhuman. I’m neither of those things. Viktor can exist with his demon half and his human half. I wouldn’t change that about him. You have to learn to live with the wolf. He’s a part of you and I love him because of that. He saved your life, and he let us help him. He understood us. He’s not just a wolf. And you’re not just a human. Shea, both of you are so beautiful.”
“Gunner you’re you. I love you, too. It doesn’t matter what went into creating you. If I’m beautiful, then you’re perfect.”
Viktor moved closer. “The dark hole inside of me has been filled with your light. I love both of you. Not just parts but all of you. It hurts to watch the men I love hate what I love about you. Gunner, you’re different and unique. Shea, you’re persistent and strong. Those aren’t bad things.”
* * * *
Shea’s heart thumped louder. Viktor and Gunner loved him and they loved the wolf. There was still sadness in Gunner’s face. Maybe it was him. He searched Viktor’s face but only saw happiness and joy.
“What’s wrong?” Shea laid a hand on Gunner’s wrist.
“Hunters tried to kill you. One of them shot you.”
The pieces clicked. Gunner blamed himself. “I love you, Gunner and I love Viktor. I don’t care if you were a hunter. Just because hunters shot me doesn’t mean you’re to blame for their actions.”
The dark look remained. “Henry’s missing.”
The night clicked into place. They were in the warehouse trying to save Henry. He must be the worst brother in the world. Not once did he ask about Henry. “What do you mean by missing?”
“I—” Gunner said, but was interrupted by Viktor.
“Someone took him before he arrived at the warehouse. We don’t know who it was?”
“Hunters?” Could Henry still be with the hunters? “We have to find him.”
Viktor wrapped an arm around Shea. “I have all my people looking for him. We’ll find him, but there’s nothing we can do right now. We have to wait for more information.”
Gunner looked more lost that before. Shea wrapped his arms around Gunner as Viktor placed his hand against the small of Shea’s back. “It’s not your fault. They took Henry and whatever took my brother had nothing to do with you. I trust Viktor. He might be bossy, but together we’ll find him.”
“You’re not blaming me?” Gunner asked. “I’ve only brought pain into your life.”
Shea shook his head. “No. You saved me by giving me something to focus on.” The first time Gunner walked into his life gave him a purpose, a reason to live. Words weren’t going to be enough. Shea had to show him. He took Gunner’s hand and pressed light kisses along the palm and the back of his hand.
“I love your touches, Gunner. These hands are so powerful, but they only touch me with gentleness.”
Gunner pulled him up and their lips met. Viktor sat back and watched. Shea met the half-demon’s lust-filled blue eyes. Viktor’s eyes glowed with understanding. The bond opened up. He felt resistance from Gunner but didn’t push against it. Then it opened and a rush of love pushed through the bond. There was no doubt that both men loved him. They loved each other. No matter what problems they faced, they’d face them together.
Shea reached out and ripped open Gunner’s shirt. Viktor moved in behind Gunner and slid off his shirt, while Shea opened his pants. He reached inside and pulled out Gunner’s half hard cock. He licked his lips and couldn’t wait to taste it. His mouth hovered over it and just when he was about to lean down, Gunner stopped him.
“Don’t,” Viktor said. “Let him love you.”
The resistance disappeared and Gunner didn’t try to stop him. He’d ask about it later, but right now, Shea wanted to show his love. He took Gunner’s cock into his mouth. The salty taste of pre-cum showed Gunner’s excitement. He sucked on the tip before lifting off his cock. Shea’s tongue darted out and playfully pushed into the tip.
Gunner hissed. His eyes were closed as he let the pleasure move through him.
Shea swirled his tongue around the head. He watched as Viktor’s hand moved like a sensual snake down Gunner’s chest. Their lips met and Shea enjoyed the show as he played with Gunner’s balls, nipping and gently taking them between his teeth. Gunner looked so close to release that Shea found it hard to keep from smiling. Then Viktor took over.
The half-demon pulled at Gunner. Reluctantly, Shea released his cock and watched as his two strong mates undressed, exposing inches of skin. After their clothes landed on the floor, they rejoined him on the bed.
Naked bodies rubbed against each other as if they needed to prove the other man was real. Shea’s senses were about to overload. Nothing felt better than the hands on his skin while his fingertips roamed his mates’ bodies. Then a whoosh of air and Viktor disappeared. Before he could ask the question, the half-demon reappeared holding a bottle of lube. Gunner’s lust-filled eyes met the half-demon’s gaze.
“Get him ready, while I work on your ass,” Viktor ordered.
Shea wanted to groan at the order, but instead he nodded in agreement. He was still so needy and raw. He wanted to be filled.
Gunner’s fingers pushed into him. He threw back his head and relished the feel of those fingers inside. It had been less than twenty-four hours since they’d been together, but to Shea, it felt like months. He needed to connect with them and know they were still with him.
The gentle movements were torturous. He wanted more and he wanted it now, but Gunner treated him with such gentleness that it was sweet, addicting, and maddening.
Shea pulled Gunner down into a kiss. Their tongues rubbed together and then Gunner pulled away. He threw back his head. Viktor smirked behind him. The half-demon leaned forward and they kissed. Gunner let out another hiss. Viktor wasn’t as gentle as Gunner in his preparation.
Gunner pushed Shea’s thighs further apart and moved in between the shifter’s legs. Viktor spread the lube on his mate’s cock and helped guide Gunner inside. Shea was pretty sure that Gunner could find his own way into him, but he just threw back his head as the warmth pierced him. He knew the exact moment Viktor entered Gunner because the ex-hunter tensed as his eyes changed. He loved being filled while impaling Shea on his impressive cock.
The half-demon started to slap his hips against Gunner and Shea knew what was next. Gunner tried to keep his hip movement slow, but that didn’t work. Their bodies slapped together as Viktor fucked him through Gunner. Moans filled the room and it took a minute to realize that most of them were coming from him. Shea was in heaven. Never before had he felt this complete.
Gunner leaned down and sucked on his neck, leaving small bites along his skin. Viktor’s eyes glowed as he plowed away. Shea couldn’t look away. Those eyes looked deep inside of him. His cock twitched. The bed moved underneath them. Shea opened his legs more. Gunner lay on him, slamming into him. He reached for his cock between their bodies and started to stroke it. He was so close. Then his toes curled as cum shot from his shaft.
Then the fucking really started as Viktor used his speed to nail Gunner, who looked like he was in the middle of a dream that he never wanted to wake up from. Warmth filled him and Gunner threw back his head. He’d never looked so magnificent and satisfied. Viktor’s cocky smile told Shea that the half-demon knew he was a good lover and relished being inside of his mates. With one final grunt, Viktor threw back his head. The room was filled with heavy breathing. He winced as Gunner slowly pulled out of him. Viktor lay on one side while Gunner lay on the other. He closed his eyes and relaxed in the warm and safe presence of his mates.
They curled together on the bed. The lonely nights were gone. Only warmth would fill their days. He thought about Henry. His brother was out there somewhere. Together they’d search for him. That was the thing with being with someone. He had support, someone to lean on. The bond sizzled with agreeme
nt. He followed the string back and smiled. There was something else inside. It nudged at him. The wolf lingered below the surface. It snorted at his thoughts and Shea smiled.
His hand hovered over the cage door. It wasn’t a real prison, just one he created with his mind. He opened it. The wolf cocked his head and then disappeared. He felt the joining. His senses were enhanced. The scent of his mates meshed together and he breathed them in. His ears picked up the sound of their hearts beating. He listened and heard faint noises from outside. Suddenly, he was alive. They were no longer man and wolf, but a wolf shifter. He felt his wolf. It wanted to protect him and keep him safe. It only thought of him. It would protect Gunner and Viktor. They were his and they were Shea’s. Then he understood. All this time, Shea had been running from himself. Now with Viktor and Gunner, he’d stop running.
There was a longing to feel the earth under its feet. Maybe tomorrow, he’d run on four legs with his mates by his side. He closed his eyes and nuzzled into their warmth. One arm wrapped around his waist and a hand rubbed his back. For the first time since the change, Shea felt whole, wanted, and loved and he had time to explore the warmth. They meshed together and supported each other. Love filled him and for the first time in a long time, Shea knew he’d made it home. Home wasn’t a mansion. This place could burn down, but they’d move on. From now until their last days, home was in the arms of his two mates.
THE END
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sydney was born and raised in the Northeast of the United States. She loves to read fantasy, contemporary, and paranormal romance novels. After years of devouring book after book, Sydney started writing her own stories. She enjoys creating complex characters and throwing them together and letting the story write itself.
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