by Jools Louise
His steps quickened, and his cock hardened…he needed to get naked and very personal with his lover, wash away the taint of grief with the love he felt for his mate. His mate was going to be fucked hard tonight.
* * * *
Deep in the night, Thomas let out a husky, breathless laugh, watching in the moonlight as his lover rode him hard. Thomas’s thick, engorged dick spread the man’s cheeks wide, piercing his fragrant, musky hole over and over as he bucked up inside his lover again and again, with Cody assisting by grinding down with each upstroke.
“I love you, baby,” Thomas said, clutching at Cody’s sweet ass, massaging the rounded muscular globes firmly, his nostrils quivering with the pungent odors of sex and sweat permeating the room.
“I love you, too, beautiful man,” Cody replied with a deep growl of pleasure. “Now quit talking and fuck me. I want your dark chocolate cream deep inside me.”
Thomas grunted out a laugh, then reared up, gripping Cody’s shoulder, one arm going behind him as he began to piston up into Cody again and again, his lover bouncing with each hard thrust, throwing his head back as his ass was pounded into submission.
“Yeah, baby,” Cody cried out, grabbing his cock and fisting himself in time to the hard fuck. “Fuuuck,” he yelled, his body convulsing and his dick spurting as he came. Thomas felt the man’s ass clench around his cock, the grip so tight it set off an explosion in his cock, and he came hard, spewing cum deep inside his lover’s ass, anointing him with the dark chocolate cream Cody craved.
“Fuck is right,” Thomas growled, dragging Cody in for a sexy kiss, spreading warm cum over both of them as they writhed together, breathing hard. “I won’t ever stop loving you,” he promised, rolling Cody under him in a swift show of pure power, then lifted the man’s legs, draping them over his arms, and began to fuck his lover a new asshole.
Cody cried out again, writhing beneath his big lover, letting Thomas go primal on his ass. Thomas slammed into Cody, wanting to claim him, wanting the world to know this man belonged to him. He may not have the fangs and claws that Cody had, but he was damn sure man enough to show this beautiful mate of his just what being claimed was all about. Their flesh slapped together, Thomas thrusting hard and fast, his strokes almost brutal as he power-fucked his lover and then came with a roar of triumph, lunging at the last second and biting Cody’s shoulder with his blunt teeth, drawing blood and relishing the taste.
“Fuuuck,” Cody screamed out, his fangs descending, then lashing out, sinking them deep into Thomas’s neck, claiming him as well. They both came again, feeling that eternal bond lock into place as their breathing slowed, their sweat cooled, and they fell asleep still locked together, big arms around each other.
This was a legacy of souls that had been lost, but were now found. Nobody was going to part them ever again.
Chapter Ten:
Whole Again
Two Weeks Later
Cody sat on the porch of his new home, the property secured from an elderly couple who wanted to move to Florida to be with their grandchildren. Situated on the outskirts of Sage, it was handy enough for work, but far enough that he could escape home after a hard day and not feel like he was still in the middle of everything, with no way to unwind.
The past few days had been manic, what with the new intake of patients into the clinic, breaking ground on the gymnasium, garage, another new apartment block, a bookstore, a gift store, a jeweler and the office block-cum-mini mall, which would house the lawyer’s, doctor’s, and dentist’s premises. The grocery store was already started at the end of that block, and still fairly central to everything. The land had been purchased by a family who had emigrated from the East Coast to Wyoming, a mixed group of shifters and humans, who hadn’t liked the hustle and bustle of city life, and decided to up-stakes and locate to “the country”.
“Hey, Dad,” Douglas said, walking up the steps, smiling as he came to sit on a chair next to the porch swing where Cody was perched.
“Hey, bud,” Cody replied, smiling at his son, who looked healthy and happy now, his frame filling out from all the free food he ate at the bakery. The kid was a walking food disposal unit, he just never stopped.
“They started on the interior of the grocery store today,” Douglas said, sipping from a cup that smelled of strawberry smoothie. “John was going a little demented…more so than usual, since everyone’s been piling in there. Even with the restaurant now open, we’re still full every morning at breakfast, lunch, and he’s having to open for early evening snacks and coffees as well to accommodate everyone.” Douglas giggled, nearly choking on his straw. “I think he’s beginning to wish he’d chosen a different line of work.”
Cody grinned at his son’s amusement. “Son, that man needs to be kept extra busy, to make sure he keeps out of mischief as often as possible.”
“Boss man,” came a familiar British accent from down the street as the man they were dissing came wandering up the sidewalk. “I happen to believe you. I’ve never felt so completely frazzled in my life, and I’ve only been open about a month.”
Cody laughed aloud, watching John, Zack, Pace, and Cameron come closer, the streetlamps glowing as night closed around them. Crickets set up their evening chirping, and he heard the screech of an owl somewhere overhead.
“Stirring a bunch of ingredients in a bowl a little too much for you?” he drawled, smirking. “Maybe you should let my boy here take over, he seems to be getting the hang of it better than you,” he chuckled, laughing louder when John flipped him off.
“I am as well,” Douglas giggled, ignoring John’s mock scowl. “He said he needs me full time, and the Young Guns, too. We need another baker, I think, ’cause Cameron is considering working part-time at the grocery store once it opens.”
“Scotty can bake,” Cody said, nodding when John sent him a hopeful look. “He needs the work, since he just left that job near Landers. He was taking culinary classes in the evenings, said he’s been hoping to get hired somewhere, but has been taking care of his brother first.”
“I’ll go see him tomorrow,” John said gratefully. “I could speak to the others, too. I expected to have a steady flow of traffic, not a tsunami.”
“Tsunami is right,” Douglas said, letting out a long breath. “The place is popping morning, noon, and early evening. We only just shut half an hour ago, and it’s already seven thirty.”
“How’s the restaurant doing?” Cody asked Pace, who’d been there a couple of times with his husband.
“Pretty good,” Pace answered, holding Zack’s hand loosely in his, leaning on the porch frame as Zack leaned on him, Zack’s back to his front. “Mick’s a pretty good line cook and grills a mean burger and fries. He’s got skills with fried chicken, too.” He licked his lips. “They have a pretty good menu, a lot of variety, from the standard fast food fare to steak and seafood, pasta, pizza.”
“They’re buzzing right now.” Zack laughed. “The place was full when we left. They got some helpers from the ranch, and everyone’s run off their feet.”
“I’m glad,” Cody replied. “I always liked that place. I may stop by one evening…to eat and give Mick grief.” He and John bumped fists and laughed to each other.
“Let me know, and I’ll join you,” John said, grinning wickedly. “That boy’s been giving me a lot of trouble about being so busy and stressed. It might be time to give him some of the same attention.”
They heard the light shuffle of slippers on wood and watched as Ethan came around the side of the house, using a walker since he was still pretty weak, but he was walking, which was a feat in itself. He grew stronger daily, the slow and agonizing process to get back to health becoming easier. Cody made room for him on the bench seat and stayed silent as his son made his way slowly toward him, then sat down with a whoosh of breath.
“Good job, bud,” Cody commented, fist bumping the man with a grin.
“Yeah, I’m a regular Speedy Gonzalez,” Ethan retorted drily. “Pretty
soon, I’ll be passing grannies on the street.”
Thomas came outside, through the front door, sliding the screen door shut to keep out moths. “Ethan, honey, you’re faster than a one-legged, middle-aged ex-police detective…and I’m not in the least bit offended at that,” he said, tongue in cheek, generating a round of laughter at the sortie.
Ethan grinned at the big man, relaxing against the back of the seat. “You need to get a blade, Tommy, that’ll make you go faster.”
Thomas shook his head. “I saw those things. They look a little modern to me. Give me a good old-fashioned boot every time.” He tapped his false leg with a knuckle, then shot Ethan a grin. “Of course, if you get too fast on your feet, I may just change my mind and get a blade anyway. Don’t want to be the oldest chick in town.”
“I’m older than you,” Cody said. “Don’t sweat it.”
“Yeah, three months older is a lot at your age,” Douglas quipped, laughing when Cody grabbed for him, darting away just in time.
“How are you doing, Ethan?” Zack asked, smiling. “I bet you’re glad to be out of the medical center.”
Ethan nodded, then sighed. “I like being out and having a nice bed rather than a cot. I miss the others, though.”
“There’s plenty of room here, for anyone who wants it,” Cody said, having already discussed the option with Thomas. They both thought Ethan would need the comfort of his friends nearby, and they him. “This place is huge, three stories, with three bedrooms on each floor. The couple who owned it had a large family who all moved away or were killed when the town was destroyed. They didn’t want such a large place. If your friends want to stay here, until they find somewhere else, we don’t have a problem.”
Ethan looked emotional, eyes wide as he stared at his father, then at Thomas, who smiled and nodded.
“Really? Are they well enough to stay here?” he asked.
“I checked with Lex earlier,” Thomas answered. “He said your buddies were good to go, as long as they were somewhere close. I reckon this will give them a quiet place among friends.” He tilted his head, as though listening. “In fact, I do believe I hear them coming right now,” he said.
An engine was heard, and they all observed two minivans converted for medical use rolling up to the curb, Lex driving one and Leo the other.
“Special delivery,” Lex called out as he exited the truck. “Eight homeless patients to be delivered to Cody and Thomas Horton’s house,” he teased, opening the rear door. “Bart, Zion, Shelby, Sammy, Billy, Ricky, Hal, and Jimmy, welcome to your new home.” A familiar old pickup truck pulled up behind the vans, and Scotty stepped out, coming over to assist with the move.
Cody and the others all stepped over to help the eight young men step down onto the sidewalk, walking slowly and carefully up the porch steps, leading them inside the big house.
Ethan followed once everyone was situated on comfortable couches inside the front room, closing the front door behind him.
“I’m so glad you’re all feeling so much better,” he said, going to sit next to Zion and Shelby.
“We’re fairly glad to be out of the clinic,” Bart said, then sent an apologetic look at Lex and Leo. “Sorry,” he added, flushing, his thin cheeks red.
Lex grinned at him, not fazed by the comment. “I can understand your sentiments,” he replied, then sighed, putting a melodramatic hand to his forehead. “It’s just so hurtful that no one wants to stay at my little medical hotel…they all want to leave.”
“Baby, I’m your biggest fan,” Leo growled, kissing his husband and grabbing him around the waist. “And to be honest, I was beginning to think we’d end up with this lot for much longer…so glad they decided to check out.”
There was a round of laughing protests at that, with Ethan laughing along with them. Leo was a pistol. He was dry and droll and a little grumpy, but he worshipped his husband and was a fantastic nursing assistant. He had a knack for lightening a mood, or knowing when someone just wanted to be quiet. He’d had a reputation for being lazy, but he worked smart, not hard, and got things done efficiently and balanced that with plenty of downtime once the chores were done. Ethan admired him a lot. He wasn’t afraid that his husband was so qualified and seemed to genuinely enjoy helping out at the medical center. Soon, he and Lex would have to make a decision whether to move to town permanently or remain at the ranch. Leo liked to run, so perhaps the ranch would suit them better. Unless they found a place like Cody’s with plenty of land behind to roam in, but close enough to town to take advantage of all the amenities.
“Has anyone eaten, yet?” Thomas asked. Everyone nodded. “When you’re ready I’ll get you to choose which room you each want. There’s nine bedrooms in total, which leaves plenty for you reprobates,” he grinned, getting various hand gestures in reply.
“I’d like to head upstairs, if that’s okay,” Zion said, looking tired. “It’ll take me all night just to get to the next floor.”
“Nah,” Thomas said, gesturing to the hallway leading to the back of the house. “We installed a granny lift, for people like me and you who struggle with stairs sometimes.” He smiled gently, seeing the gratitude in Zion’s face, then went to help the man up, leading him to the small lift they’d installed in preparation for the move.
Behind them, others began to make a move, too, most still tiring easily and eager to see where they would sleep.
The lift fit four people, and the ones who felt fittest took the stairs. For the next hour or so, the rooms were all filled and everyone situated to their satisfaction. Douglas had chosen the top floor and shared it with his brother. Sammy and Scotty took the second room on that level, Jimmy and Bart in the third. Thomas and Cody had a bedroom at the back of the house, on the floor below, with Shelby in a single, as was Zion. Bill, Ricky and Hal had singles on the ground floor at the back and were the ones worst affected by their ordeal. They had only just woken from their deep, healing sleep. Each of their rooms was fitted with a baby monitor if they needed help, linked to Cody and Thomas’s room.
Cody came downstairs, letting his house guests settle down, hearing the chatter going on as people used the bathrooms and got ready for bed. It was still early, but they were all so excited to have their own rooms, in a proper house, they were ready to get into the comfy beds Thomas and Cody had bought them.
Lex and Leo sat on a sofa, feet up, with Zack and Pace, John and Cameron sprawled on the other sofas, leaving an armchair for Cody. Thomas was making sure everyone was okay upstairs before heading back down.
“From zero to hero in sixty minutes,” John drawled, cuddling with Cameron on the couch. “I can’t actually believe you opened your home to all those people. What happened to living the quiet life with Thomas?” He sounded genuinely impressed.
Cody shrugged. “They don’t have anywhere to go. None have families, or we haven’t found them yet. We have the room. Thomas and I wanted to help them. I still feel kind of responsible, since Rafe and I missed them when we were mapping those tunnels. I’m still angry we didn’t get to them sooner. Besides,” he smiled, shrugging again. “This is a family home, we’re a family.”
“You’re doing a good thing,” Cameron said, sounding sleepy as he snuggled against John. “I remember being rescued and being at the ranch. It was such a relief to be safe and know I never had to go back down in that tunnel again.”
John hugged him, kissing his husband tenderly. “Baby, I’m glad we found you,” he said huskily. “What the cult did to you and Emily was just nasty, leaving you to “guard” those people, threatening a little girl, then beating up people right in front of her.” He gave a low growl.
“How is Emily?” Zack asked. “Is she staying at the res still?”
Cameron nodded. “Yeah, she likes it there, helping at the school. She says she fits in better there. Aaron’s family has welcomed her, allowing her to be herself. Having Down Syndrome, she always felt a little out of place in town, like people were staring at her. On the reser
vation, nobody cares, they just love her anyway.”
“I’m glad,” Pace said, smiling. “My brother Adam takes care of his own. Now that he’s back on the res, with his people, he’s enjoying being an honorary uncle to Emily. He said she’s really doing well.”
“What’s going to happen with the Young Guns at the bakery?” Cody asked John, knowing Cameron and David would soon be moving along to do their own thing.
“David wants Chaz to help at the garage, but I think Chaz wants to do something different, he’s not saying what just yet. They’re arguing a lot, when they think nobody’s listening.” John shrugged, nuzzling against Cameron’s neck. “Cal may join David at the garage, but I’ll need staff when they all decide on where they want to work. Kevin and Kieran are happy where they are. I’ll ask around.” He looked at the stairs and smiled. “I asked Scotty and he wants to come work as a baker, and Douglas likes being there. I only need about three more to help wait tables and do food prep.”
Douglas came downstairs just then, heading for the kitchen. He came back with a fistful of cookies, munching away happily as he came to sit on the floor in front of Cody. “Mable told Murphy she wouldn’t mind a job there,” he said, around a mouthful of food. “What about Kylie? Blue and Honey may be a little young yet,” he said, smirking at John.
John gave him a warning look, then grinned, spoiling the effect. “I’ll ask Mable. Kylie says she’d like to work with Zack when his offices are up and running. She said she’d like to learn legalese. Maybe Olivia or Kristoff want to earn some pocket money.”
Cameron snorted, then laughed. “Olivia, maybe. Kristoff likes the ranch too much. He won’t want to move to town.”
John sighed and nodded. “You’re right, he’s an independent young soul. Murphy said he’s getting on well with Freddy, so has moved in there for now. With me being so busy with the bakery, I think he decided it was best, otherwise he might even have to cook for himself.” He ended on a note of mock horror.