My Second Chance

by Shelley Munro

  Panic—fear, it nipped him, fueling every insecurity. “What if I lose control and bite?”

  The stricken expression on Leticia’s face made him want to eat his words. Idiot. She thought he meant the disease.

  “I don’t mean I’m frightened of the disease. I mean I don’t want to hurt anyone.” The last thing he wanted was to hurt either Charlie or Leticia. They meant everything to him.

  “You will not lose control,” Charlie said. “And the only one you will bite is me. It’s hot. I like it,” Charlie whispered, brushing his lips over Gavin’s neck and mouth. “I have something for you. No biting until later though.” He moved closer and pressed his cock to Gavin’s mouth. “Open wide.”

  “No biting, huh?”

  “That’s right.” Charlie leaned closer to Leticia and Gavin watched them kiss. It was a thorough kiss yet unhurried. Hot. A jolt of sensation struck his groin and settled in his balls. He sensed it then—the connection between the three of them. It throbbed through his body, through the air. He traced his tongue over the crown of Charlie’s cock, sucked lightly, savored the hint of pre-cum.

  Tension built in him with each unhurried move by Leticia. Hands touched and teased. Charlie caressed both of them, and he returned the favor, stroking everywhere he could while continuing to suck on Charlie. Like a rogue wave, the pressure built inside him, inside the bedroom. Soft moans and sighs of pleasure fueled the magic, each sensation layering on top of another until all he could do was float in satisfaction. Gavin held on for as long as he could, but without warning, the tension became too much. He exploded, spurts of semen blasting from his cock. A groan roared up his throat, vibrating around Charlie’s cock. At least he had the presence of mind not to bite. He felt the tight, rhythmic clasp of Leticia’s pussy and relief sizzled through him. He hadn’t stuffed things up.

  “Come on, Gavin,” Charlie murmured. “My turn.”

  He applied himself, wanting to please his mate, sucking and licking until Charlie’s guttural groans filled the room. When he glanced up, he noticed Leticia was kissing Charlie, and this time instead of jealousy, relief spread through him. Charlie rocked, pushing his cock deeper into his mouth. His dick seemed to lengthen even more, then he pulsed, climaxing. Semen shot down Gavin’s throat and he swallowed, drawing back once Charlie softened in his mouth.

  Leticia lifted off him and he rolled off the bed, removing the spent condom. Tossing it into a trash bin, he turned back to the couple sprawled on the bed.

  “Thanks, Charlie.”

  Charlie nodded and Gavin rejoined them, his throat tight with emotion. Thanks to Charlie, they’d worked out things—the three of them. Charlie was the glue that would hold them together.

  Chapter Nine

  Two weeks later

  “How’s Leticia?” Laura asked.

  “About the same. Not getting better or worse.” A pang of anxiety darted to Charlie’s heart, the ever-present worry gripping him, stirring his fears. He knew Gavin had tried everything and hated his lack of progress. It ate at him. Although they maintained a cheerful, positive attitude around Leticia, they both worried about her. The knowledge she could die and they’d lose her hovered in the background like a resident ghost.

  Their lovemaking had taken on a sense of urgency. None of them had spoken of it, but stress rode them all. He’d moved in with Gavin and Leticia, bringing most of his clothes and personal gear, and they tried to work it so one of them was with her most of the time.

  The phone went and Charlie picked it up, pleased for an interruption to halt his thoughts of Leticia. “Middlemarch police.” He listened before saying, “I’ll be right there.”

  “Problem?”

  “Yeah, Mrs. Barry crashed her car through the camping ground fence. She says a sheep ran in front of her car. The camping ground manager says she’s been drinking.”

  “Do you need me?”

  “Nah, I can cope,” Charlie said.

  “Why don’t you head home once you’re done with Mrs. Barry?” Laura asked. “I’m on call tonight.”

  “Yeah. I think I might. It’s been a long day.”

  A real long day, he thought two hours later as he opened the door and toed off his black boots. To top that off, Mrs. Barry had been drinking—any idiot could identify the fumes—and when he mentioned it, she’d lost her temper and decked him. The woman threw a mean right hook. His jaw still ached.

  “Anyone home?” he called. His shoulders slumped when no one replied. Damn, if ever he needed a hug and a kiss, it was now. Charlie trudged into the kitchen and opened Gavin’s fridge to grab a beer. With a sigh, he pulled back the tab and took a sip, enjoying the crisp rush of hops running over his taste buds.

  With calving and lambing season underway, Charlie presumed Gavin was out on a call. Sometimes Leticia went with him.

  Charlie headed down the hall to the bedroom, intending to change out of his uniform and do laundry. Unfortunately, his clothes didn’t wash themselves, and although Leticia sometimes did the chore, he didn’t like to impose when she wasn’t well and tired so easily. She still slept a lot.

  Before he reached the bedroom, a soft sound told him he wasn’t alone. Pausing, he cocked his head to listen. Leticia. Damn, she was crying. He hesitated, took a deep breath and pushed the bedroom door open to slip inside. The bedroom was dark, the blinds drawn to keep out the approaching night. Charlie stumbled his way to the bed and flicked on the bedside lamp. On seeing Leticia, curled into a light ball with only her head visible, he sucked in a harsh breath. A huge knot formed to block his throat, and he gulped, schooling his face to impassive.

  “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” He set his can of beer on the bedside table and slid onto the bed, wrapping his arm around her waist.

  “Go away.”

  “You can’t make me,” he said, keeping his tone light. “Where’s Gavin?”

  “He had a call-out. He didn’t know how long he’d be.” Leticia sniffed and turned to face him. Her eyes were red and her face tear-stained. The pillow looked damp, which showed she’d been crying for a while.

  “Are you gonna tell me what’s wrong?” Charlie grimaced inside. After a quick glance, he was certain he had a good idea of the problem. His stomach clenched while he fought to maintain a cheerful exterior. “Did Gavin do something?”

  “We made love. Gavin and I.”

  Charlie sucked in a hasty breath. Maybe he was wrong. “Did he hurt you? Did either of you bite?”

  “No, it was fine. Perfect. I don’t want to die, Charlie.” The tears trickled down her cheeks, and he tugged her against his chest, comforting in the only way he could. He held her, smoothing his hands down her slender back. When he touched her hair, a long lock came free. Bloody hell. Horrified, he swept it aside. No wonder she’d been upset.

  “You’re not gonna die, babe.”

  “I’m not getting any better. I have to sleep all the time, and now my hair is falling out in hunks.” A sob broke free. “I’m going bald.”

  “Babe, you’re gonna be okay. Gavin and I are here for you. We both love you.”

  “For how long? I’m getting weaker. I used to think I’d find a mate and have offspring, that I’d live a happy life. You’ll never believe this, but I used to pity Lucas. I knew he was gay, and I thought I was so much better. Talk about a fool. I concentrated on my career when I should have grasped all the other opportunities that came my way.” She looked him straight in the eye then. “At least you and Gavin will have each other once I’m gone.”

  What the hell could he say to that?

  He’d tried to offer hope—both he and Gavin had tried to make the best of a bad situation. Hoped for the best. The only thing he could do was continue. He pressed her against his chest and held her while she cried again. Gradually she relaxed, no longer holding her body so tense. Her sobs faded, her breathing became more even.

  Charlie stayed where he was for another half-hour. When he heard the faint rumble of a car, Charlie slid from her grasp
and stood. After switching off the bedside lamp, he paused, but her breathing remained steady. Good. She needed her sleep.

  Gavin looked tired when he entered the kitchen.

  “Tough day?”

  “Yeah. I had two ewes with trouble lambing and some idiot hit one of Jacob Foley’s stud rams.”

  “Near the campground?”

  “Yeah, how did you know?” Gavin grabbed a beer and handed one to him.

  Charlie accepted the beer. “That idiot would be Mrs. Barry. Drunk in charge. She took out a fence at the camping ground with her car and belted me in the jaw when I asked if she’d been drinking. You made love with Leticia.”

  Gavin pulled out a chair and sat at the table. “Yeah, I did. Where is she?”

  “In the bedroom. She’s asleep.”

  “She okay?” Gavin picked up on the undercurrents. “Did I hurt her or something?”

  “She was crying. Her hair has started to drop out in big handfuls.”

  “Shit. I’ll go to her.”

  Charlie stayed him with a raised hand. “Nah, let her sleep. Besides, it looks like you need to chill. We can watch television and afterward you can shave my head for me.”

  “What?” Gavin’s gaze snapped away from his beer to Charlie’s face. “What the hell do you want me to do that for? I like your hair.”

  “I figured if Leticia was losing her hair, I’d lose mine.”

  Gavin buried his face in his hands before glancing up at Charlie. “Damn, I knew there was a reason I hooked up with you. I think I need a haircut too.”

  “My sexy bod?” Happiness swelled inside Charlie and a goofy grin formed.

  “You have a good heart. I can’t imagine being without you. It’s bad enough—”

  “Don’t say it. I feel the same way.”

  “Did she say anything else? Anything about us making love?”

  “Other than it was good—no. Did you want to bite her?”

  Gavin snorted. “Oh yeah. I made a hole in the pillowcase. It was good between us, although not as good as it is with the three of us together. Are you okay with us doing that?”

  “Of course I am. Come here.” Charlie stood and hauled Gavin to his feet when he dawdled. He pulled his mate close and hugged him.

  “I’m so glad you’re here with me, Charlie. I don’t think I could get through this if it weren’t for you.”

  Their lips slid together. The need for comfort and reassurance filled Charlie, and judging by the desperate grip Gavin had on his shoulders, he figured the same feelings coursed through his mate. Their mouths met with clear desperation, an erotic assault on the senses. When they parted, they were both breathing hard.

  Gavin’s eyes glittered. He pressed his forehead to Charlie’s. “Thanks, I needed that.”

  Charlie cupped his jaw, his fingers rasping across the stubble covering Gavin’s jaw. “We’re in this together, man. I care for Leticia too.”

  Gavin swallowed audibly. “I don’t know what else to do. I’ve tried everything I know, everything I’ve read. She’s still losing weight.”

  “I know you’ve done your best. You’ve done everything possible.” He rubbed his thumb over Gavin’s bottom lip and stepped away. “Stop beating yourself up about it. I don’t want to lose you too. Have you eaten?”

  “I wasn’t hungry.”

  “I’ll cook something.”

  They prepared a meal together, cooking extra for Leticia in case she woke. Once the dinner was ready, Gavin went to see if she was awake, returning a few minutes later.

  “Her hair. Hell, she has huge bald spots. This afternoon it was fine.”

  Charlie squeezed his shoulder, not attempting to speak because he knew his voice would break.

  “I should ring Lucas and Saul. Let them know things aren’t too good.”

  “Do you want me to do it?” Charlie asked.

  “Nah, I’ll talk to them. It’s my job.”

  But this was more than a job for both of them. Leticia was their mate. “How long…” Charlie trailed off, unable to say the words. It was hard enough thinking them. Stating them made the situation seem all too real.

  Gavin cleared his throat. “I don’t know.” The shiny glint in his eyes hinted how close he was to losing control.

  “Eat first. We’ll ring Lucas after we’ve eaten.” Charlie served the steak, potatoes and salad, forcing himself to eat. Everything lacked flavor, reminded him of cardboard, but he kept eating. He noticed Gavin was playing with his food and coughed, a significant jerk of his head indicating he should eat. Gavin finally ate, although with little enthusiasm. Charlie set his knife and fork down and pushed his plate away. “You finished?”

  “Yeah. Sorry. I guess I’d better ring Lucas.” Gavin disappeared into his surgery.

  Part of Charlie wanted to offer support, to hold his lover while he passed on the bad news. Instead, he cleaned the kitchen and went to the bathroom to get his hair trimmer, shaving cream and a handful of razors.

  Back in the kitchen, he fidgeted while he waited for Gavin to return, arranging and rearranging the items he’d retrieved from the bathroom. He sank onto a chair only to spring to his feet again when he heard footsteps coming from the surgery.

  “Gavin?”

  “Yeah.” Gavin walked straight into his arms, his eyes damp with unshed tears. Burying his face against Charlie’s shoulder, he shuddered. “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

  “You okay?”

  “Not really. Damn, I feel so bloody helpless.”

  “Are Lucas and Saul coming?”

  “Yeah. They’re driving to Middlemarch tomorrow. They will stay with Saber and Emily for the night so they don’t have to worry about driving back to Alexandra late.”

  “Help me with my hair,” Charlie said.

  “You sure you trust me?” Gavin held up his hands to demonstrate the faint tremor.

  Charlie winked, wanting to lighten the heavy atmosphere, even though he couldn’t erase the problem. “Don’t worry. If you cut me, I know the local doctor. We can call him to fix me up.”

  A snort erupted from Gavin. “You’ve been warned.” He gestured at a chair. “Take a seat. The barber shop is open for business.” When Charlie sat, Gavin ran his fingers through the blond locks. They’d grown since Charlie first arrived, and Gavin liked the longer length. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  “It’s only hair. It will grow back. Besides, I figure Leticia could do with the show of support. This loss of hair upset her. I don’t care if my head has weird bumps or my ears stick out. I’m doing it for Leticia. She needs us in her corner right now.”

  The heavy weight of emotion clawed at Gavin’s chest. Damn, he loved his mate. He hadn’t told him yet because everything was happening so fast between them. With Leticia. He swallowed and switched on the clippers. “Don’t make a sudden move.”

  “I know I’m safe with you.”

  “Jeez, don’t ramp the pressure up too much. I might not handle it.”

  Charlie smirked and some of the burden on Gavin’s shoulders lifted. Thank God for Charlie. He didn’t think he’d have made it this far if it weren’t for his mate. He ran the clippers over Charlie’s head and the short blond locks fell to the floor.

  “I was glad to come home today. Apart from dealing with Mrs. Barry, I had a call-out to investigate missing apples.”

  Gavin picked up the can of shaving cream and squirted some on his hand, smoothing it over the short stubble on Charlie’s head. He picked up one of the disposable razors and shaved off the last of his mate’s hair. Five minutes later, he patted away the remnants of the shaving cream with a towel.

  Charlie’s blue eyes twinkled up at him. “So how do I look?”

  “You look sexy.”

  He batted his lashes. “Yeah, but do you want to jump me?”

  “Anytime.” Gavin fought a smile. “My turn. Is your hand steady or do I need to call the local doctor?”

  Charlie stood, brushed a quick kiss o
ver Gavin’s lips and nudged him toward the chair. “You’ll have to wait and find out.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Gavin handed a broom to Charlie. He swept up the hair while Gavin checked on Leticia.

  “Is that you, Gavin?” Leticia’s voice was thick with sleep.

  “Yeah. You want something to eat?”

  “I’m not hungry.”

  Gavin frowned, concern prodding him into doctor mode. “You need to eat.”

  “I’ve been eating. I had sandwiches after you left for work.” She leaned over to switch on the bedside lamp. “What the fuck have you done with your hair?”

  Charlie came up behind him, slinging an arm around his shoulders. “We decided on a change. I think we look sexy.”

  “You look…pale. Shiny.” Her mouth clamped shut as if she thought she’d said too much.

  “I like it.” Charlie winked at him. “Gavin looks so damn sexy I made him shave my head too.”

  Not true. A glance at Leticia told him she didn’t look so sure. While Gavin struggled for something to say, Charlie squeezed his shoulders. He kissed him, and as usual, Gavin’s feline stirred, a purr rumbling through his head when their lips caressed and tongues tangled. The agitation in his mind faded a fraction, his arms tightened around his lover. When they pulled apart, they were both breathing hard. Charlie leaned in, pressing his forehead against his. His mate’s musky scent wound through his senses, his presence calming and centering him.

  “Hey, what about me?” Leticia asked. “I could do with a few kisses and cuddles.”

  “Are you up to taking on both of us, babe?”

  Gavin turned to study Leticia, taking in the pale cheeks and sparse hair. An invisible fist clenched around his heart, the beat stalling before kicking into a rapid thump again. She shouldn’t exert herself, but he didn’t tell her that, not if it was what she wanted. He wasn’t about to issue orders and restrictions. Leticia had enough to deal with now.