by Jools Louise
“She had a reputation,” Thomas said, his tone hard but sympathetic to Cody’s feelings. “She saw that you were earning decent money, while everybody else in the neighborhood was collecting welfare and producing kids left, right, and center without two cents to rub together. She wanted more, and she wasn’t particularly bothered who she hurt to get it. “I’m so sorry about your son,” he said, and Cody choked a little.
“He wasn’t mine,” he replied bitterly. “I don’t think she knew whose he was. She was sleeping with so many men.”
“Baby, you have a whole ranch full of kids,” Thomas said huskily, his hands smoothing comfortingly over Cody’s back. “You make a great dad. You’re caring and gentle and loving. She was stupid to throw that away for a life at the bottom of a bottle.” He paused, then delivered a bombshell. “She had a second son, under a year after you left. I saw him a couple of times—he had your eyes. She had him adopted out, didn’t want anything to do with him.”
Cody froze for a second, doing the math. He’d had sex with Marissa, one last time when he was trying to patch things up with her, make it work out. The timing would be right.
“Do you know…?” he asked hesitantly, lifting his head to meet sympathetic dark eyes.
“He’d be about twenty or so now. But I have no idea what happened, all his records were sealed to protect him—from her, I think. She went a little crazy, got onto drugs—crack cocaine, heroin, whatever she could get her hands on. I moved to Chicago soon after you left. New York wasn’t the same without my buddy. But I heard she got herself arrested a bunch of times. I’d feel sorry for her, but she just doesn’t want to change, sees herself as the victim. She decided the life she wanted, to be somebody’s trophy wife, but it hasn’t worked out because you wanted someone to love, not have an object to parade around. Now her looks have faded, at forty-three she looks a decade older. She doesn’t want to face reality—that if she doesn’t get help, she’ll wind up in the gutter, dead.” He sighed heavily, looking sad. “What makes a young girl think she has nothing more to give than her pretty face?” he asked, almost to himself. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything before, it didn’t occur to me, really, that the child would be yours…you left so quickly, and you’d gone through such heartache after she admitted sleeping around, I figured you would have washed your hands of any intimacy after that.”
Cody rested his head again, closing his eyes, feeling secure in Thomas’s embrace, feeling those big hands on his back, his warmth soothing. For several minutes they just stood there, then Cody sighed.
“I’ll ask Pace if he can do some digging,” he said. “If I have a son, and he’s in a good place, happy and loved, then I won’t interfere. I just want to know he’s okay.”
Thomas nodded, pressing a light kiss on Cody’s lips, nuzzling his cheek with his nose. Cody half sobbed, turning his head to follow the caress as Thomas eased back. “Don’t stop,” he begged. “I want you, Tommy. So fucking much. Don’t stop. Love me—I don’t want to be alone anymore.”
Thomas’s hold tightened, his hands moving south, cupping Cody’s hard, rounded buttocks and squeezing gently. Cody gasped, feeling his cock go from semi-plump to raging horndog in an instant. He’d calmed down a little, so his dick had softened. Now it came back to life with a vengeance. “Baby, whatever happens, I’ll be here for you.” Then his lips covered Cody’s his tongue pushing for entry.
Cody bucked against his friend, opening wide and tilting his head to the side, the kiss turning sloppy as they devoured each other greedily. He felt his shirt dragged down and off, felt thick fingers pinching his nipples sharply, and bucked again, breathless and so hot he was about to self-combust. He’d never felt this way with anyone else. Lovemaking with Marissa had been vanilla to the extreme, lights out and missionary position all the way. This was explosive and sexy and hot as fuck. Thomas kissed like a dream, his mouth spicy, his scent musky, his arousal an aphrodisiac that kept Cody’s libido buzzing and his cock ready to fuck.
Thomas began to pepper kisses all over Cody’s face. Trailing up the bridge of his nose, his cheekbones, and then both eyelids before moving south again. Avoiding Cody’s gasping mouth, he followed a scorching path across his jaw, rasping against whiskery skin, then on down, lapping at damp throat muscles before finding the broad, hairy chest. Dark brown nipples pebbled under his sexy explorations, Thomas licking and biting and kissing the little nubs until they were aching, each caress sending a shock wave straight to Cody’s swollen dick.
His chest heaved with each hard gasp of breath, and he whimpered as he watched Thomas’s dark head lower even more, carefully sinking to his good knee as he delved in between each ripped ab, into Cody’s belly button, then swirled just above the waistband of Cody’s sweats.
“Now, baby, what do we have here?” Thomas growled, mouthing the thickness bulging against soft fabric. “This is a beautiful fucking thing,” he said, pulling at the sweats, then tugging them down to Cody’s ankles.
Hard and dripping, Cody’s cock slapped Thomas’s chin as it bounced upward as soon as it was freed, spraying pre-cum across Thomas’s cheek. Thomas gave Cody an upward glance through silken dark lashes, locking his eyes on to Cody’s, then nuzzling at the hard, moist length that swayed enticingly in front of his face. “So fucking beautiful,” Thomas grunted, mouth opening wide. Cody yelped and jumped when his cock was swallowed in one. Thomas deep-throated him on the first try, and Cody lost it right there, his spunk shooting out as Thomas’s throat muscles massaged the spongy head of his cock.
“Fuuuck!” Cody whimpered, bucking his hips, fucking Thomas’s mouth gently. He began babbling when Thomas eased off, then lapped at him, enveloping Cody’s sac between moist lips as he nibbled his way down Cody’s plump, veiny cock, rolling his balls around with a talented tongue. “Oh, God,” he groaned, feeling Thomas’s hand on his ass, sliding down his sweaty crease, brushing against his virgin hole.
“So fucking tasty,” Thomas approved, turning Cody to face the sink. “I love how responsive you are. I love how I made you come so fast.” Cody yelled out when he felt his cheeks parted, then Thomas began licking at Cody’s clean, moist hole. Cody felt light-headed, his head falling back on his shoulders, spreading his legs even wider. Thomas was driving him insane. The man’s agile tongue was everywhere, licking at him, loosening the tight ring of muscle guarding his shy little chute, then going in for the kill and punching through, fucking him like his tongue was a mini penis.
“Oh. My. Fucking. God!” Cody snarled the words, grabbing his cock, which was at full attention again, and jacking himself off urgently.
“Allow me,” Thomas said, nipping Cody’s cheeks one by one with his blunt teeth. Cody shuddered, eyes closed in tortured bliss as Thomas gripped his cock and began pumping him firmly, both their hands traveling together, bringing him to the brink of orgasm. With a deep chuckle, Thomas dove for Cody’s hole again, driving deep with his tongue until Cody emitted a loud, shrill scream and came for a second time. Hot spunk sprayed the cabinets, pearly white ropes lashing the varnished wood until he thought he’d pass out.
With a final lick, Thomas rose onto his one good leg, parking his cock at Cody’s crease, sliding it up and down. “Lube?” he asked, nipping Cody’s neck lightly. Cody waved vaguely with his hand, and Thomas gave a deep, amused chuckle. “Never been rimmed before?” he asked, turning Cody’s head as he reached for a bottle of vegetable oil on one shelf. Cody shook his head, eyes still closed tight. He heard the snap of the top, the sound of oil being slicked onto something, then felt greasy fingers playing at his loosened hole.
“Never been fucked before either,” he confessed, barely able to breathe. Right now he wanted to melt into the carpet since his legs were struggling to hold him upright.
Thomas gave a low growl of approval, his thick fingers exquisitely gentle, his lips trailing tenderly over Cody’s, sharing the taste of his lover’s musty rosebud. “Good,” he replied, kissing Cody with such sensuous skill that Cody�
��s toes curled up and his heart clenched at the loving caress. “You’ve always been mine, you know that, don’t you? Body and soul.” He pushed one finger past Cody’s sphincter, swallowing the shifter’s gasp, then the groan of pleasure. Using Cody’s body for balance, Thomas rested his weight on the big man’s back, allowing room for his ministrations.
“Yours,” Cody sighed softly, barely audible.
A second finger joined the first, Thomas’s touch so gentle, so smooth and tender, Cody felt the burn but relaxed into it, welcoming it. He’d had a glimpse of the monster Thomas was hiding in his pants and wanted to be ready for it. He was looking forward to feeling that thick dick splitting him in two, wanted to be fucked in the worst way. “Does that hurt?” Thomas asked, one hand stroking Cody’s hip gently, and Cody shook his head, his mouth searching for more of those drugging kisses.
“It feels wonderful, Tommy.” Cody began to push back against those fingers, fucking himself gently on them, enjoying the burn. “I’ll be getting a taste of your dark chocolate later,” he continued, his large canines descending when a third finger spread his chute even wider. “Fuck if I don’t want to take that sexy black ass,” he said, fucking harder on Thomas’s fingers. “There’s a few positions I’d like to try out. I have a few years’ abstinence to catch up on. My hand was getting calluses,” he added, laughing against Thomas’s marauding mouth, sucking on his tongue, then groaning as the broad, spongy head of the big guy’s fat dick pushed at his hole, the three fingers exiting to make room.
“I’m going to pop your sexy cherry,” Thomas whispered, sounding wickedly amused. “Then we’ll see just how creative you can be during round two.” He pushed his hips forward, his cock sliding in inch by inch. “You’re so fucking tight,” he rasped, one arm going around Cody’s big chest, holding him in place. “So fucking hot and tight.”
“You don’t need to butter me up, you already got my ass,” Cody taunted. “Now shut up and fuck me.” The invitation was accepted with a snarl of lusty amusement. Thomas went from tender lover to sex-starved power top in a second. His cock slid deep, the thick wedge searing Cody’s chute until he gasped out at the pleasure/pain.
“Your wish is my pleasure,” Thomas replied, withdrawing a little, then slamming back in. Picking up the tempo, he was soon fucking with gusto, his balls slapping at Cody’s ass with each thrust. Being one legged didn’t seem to be impeding him any, balancing against Cody and letting rip with every bit of power he had. Cody leaned forward over the sink, gripping the sides with his fists, allowing Thomas to release the throttle and pound at him with renewed vigor. Cody groaned with each punishing stroke, grinding back, wanting Thomas so deep he’d feel him for the next month. “Fuuck,” Thomas grunted a few seconds later, pistoning into Cody now, then roared in pleasure, his blunt teeth biting into Cody’s taut neck muscles, breaking the skin. Thomas may not be shifter, but he had the right mating instincts. Cody felt the lash of warm cum inside, felt his ass clench as he let loose his own, smaller load. Thomas kept on coming, shooting load after load until he gave a final gasp and collapsed against Cody’s back, head draped on Cody’s shoulder.
“We didn’t use protection,” Thomas said a few moments later, his breathing raspy, his big body slick with sweat, pressing warm kisses along Cody’s collarbone.
“Sweetheart, I’m an anal-virgin shifter so I got nothing to be worried about,” Cody replied drily. “And since I’m fairly sure detectives get tested every few months, I feel sure you’re safe, too.” He paused and then gave a low chuckle. “The only thing left to concern us is me getting pregnant, and while I have many skills and have a jaguar living inside me, I have every confidence I won’t be procreating kittens through my ass.” He laughed louder when Thomas snorted, then bellowed out the deep laugh that always made Cody smile.
“This is going to sting,” Thomas said, the only warning Cody got before Thomas unplugged his dick from Cody’s chute. The pain that followed had Cody groaning, then laughing.
“Thanks, stud.”
Suddenly Thomas gave a pained moan and collapsed to the floor, clutching his good leg. Cody fell to his knees in an instant. “What’s wrong, honey?” he asked, frowning worriedly.
“It’s the first time I’ve used those muscles in a while,” he said, gasping out a laugh. “I got cramps. Maybe I’ll let you do the honors next time.”
Cody chuckled, helping Thomas massage his thigh, then slid between his thick legs, kissing him hungrily as their slick cocks slid together sensually. “Baby, I’m gonna fuck you so good,” he said as they parted. Then he got to his feet, lifting his lover in one powerful surge of muscle, and placed him gently on the bed.
Thomas stared at him in amazement. “How the fuck did you just lift me?” he asked. “I weigh about two-ninety-five,” he said. “I couldn’t even lift me.”
Cody moved back, focused on his cat, then shifted into his jaguar, raising one brow mockingly when Thomas fell back in surprise.
“Well, that answers that question.” He studied Cody intently, then smiled widely. “Holy crap, my boyfriend is a fucking jaguar shifter.” He belted out a laugh again, lying back as he let loose a second and then a third. “My mom said I was a pussy for being gay…I never thought I’d end up fucking one.” He yelped when Cody leapt onto the bed, four paws straddling Thomas’s chest and a soft nose sniffed at his throat, big canines uncomfortably close to his jugular. “Of course, that was when I was young and really stupid. I really love cats, jaguars are my absolute favorites,” he said quickly, grunting when Cody sat on him, long tail twitching, hazel eyes amused at Thomas’s babbling excuses. With a soft snarl and a lick of his rough tongue over Thomas’s cheek, Cody leapt down, then shifted back.
“And that’s how I shift,” he said, smirking.
Thomas fell back again, grinning widely, then began to laugh helplessly. “A fucking jaguar,” he repeated. “Who knew?”
Chapter Three:
Moving to Sage
“This is amazing!” David cried out, dragging Chaz through the front door to the largest apartment in the complex. The rest of the Young Guns followed, Kevin and Kieran and Archie and Lucas. Archie and Lucas weren’t staying, but had wanted to check the place out, excited for their friends. The group was minus Alfie who was helping fix up the bed-and-breakfast with Mason.
The apartment had three bedrooms plus a fourth, smaller room that could be converted into a study room or office, or even a small bedroom in a pinch. The place was open plan, with the front room divided from the kitchen by a breakfast bar, a dining table at one end. A large sofa and three big armchairs, all covered in dark brown leather were grouped together around a large surround sound television and entertainment center. The bedrooms had been furnished and decorated, the main color scheme shades of mushroom and fawn and slashes of gold, with flashes of darker browns for the skirting. The bathroom was plumbed in, its fixtures gleaming with newness. White tiles inlaid with seafoam green flecks adorned the walls and floor of the bathroom, a large shower stall in one corner and a claw-footed tub next to it in its own alcove. The double sink would be useful when having five or six young men all sharing the apartment, the bedrooms having twin beds, just as they did at the ranch.
Cody grunted when David suddenly grabbed him, hugging him so tightly the bigger man reckoned he’d need CPR if the hug continued much longer. Despite the thought, he hugged the young man back, smiling at his enthusiasm.
“Glad you like it,” Cody grunted. “Now get the fuck off me, kid, before you break a rib.” David laughed heartily.
“Sorry, Uncle Cody,” he said, kissing the big man hard on the lips, which had Cody blushing and sputtering. “I just can’t believe this place. It’s amazing.”
“You’re repeating yourself, kid,” Cody drawled, his arm going around David’s waist as they both looked at the plush new apartment. “I figured you’d have more room up here, in the penthouse.” He shot his young friend a hard look. “Are you sure this is what you want?” he
asked, lowering his voice.
David returned the look with one of amusement, nodding. “Yes, I’m sure. I know you all worry about me, about the rest of us, but we’re ready to be independent.” He smiled widely. “Besides, with you, Zack, Pace, and your new boyfriend living in town, I don’t suppose we’ll be totally free.”
Cody rolled his eyes, feeling a spark of pleasure at David’s reference to Thomas, who was resting today. The big guy had outdone himself last night, going to sleep before Cody had finished washing the dishes, his body sprawled out temptingly, like some African god come to life, his thick cock nearly a foot long and draped wantonly along his thigh. Cody had nearly given in to the temptation to play with that luxurious body, wanting to make love again, but had taken pity. Lifting the covers over Thomas’s beautiful body reluctantly, he slid in beside his lover, cuddling close. Half-asleep, Thomas had managed a few drowsy kisses before sleep took him under, the pair sleeping together peacefully as though they’d done it all their lives. It had felt…comfortable.
The morning had arrived far too early, and Cody had left his lover to sleep in, kissing him tenderly good-bye and then heading off to meet the young shifters. He’d teased them the day before, making them believe the apartment wasn’t quite ready, but it had been fully furnished, courtesy of the crew. They wanted the boys to be able to move right in, as soon as they wanted. The penthouse was the biggest of the apartments, spanning one half of the top floor. The other side was a slightly smaller apartment, with only two bedrooms. Beneath, the rest of the dwellings were a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, totaling eight in all. Only three stories high, the complex took up half the block it was on. The bed-and-breakfast inn was located next to it, separated by the café/coffee shop. The café was a three-story structure with living accommodation and offices plus an extra dining area above, the shop at street level, and below that and underground, room for four vehicles in a garage accessed from the rear.