Hoosier Werewolf 1: Midnight Howl

by Kate Steele

Ethan rolled his eyes. “You know that’s not what this is about.” He walked in front of Crewe, leading the way to the front door.

  “I know you’re pissed at me for bringing you here.”

  “That’s not it either,” Ethan answered, glancing back at Crewe.

  “Then what?”

  They walked out and Ethan turned to Crewe. “You’re making me look helpless.”

  “You were hurt. I saw the tears in your eyes!”

  “That doesn’t mean I’m helpless!”

  “I never said you were!”

  “You’re just like Nick and Dustin! You treat me like a baby!”

  “You know perfectly well I don’t think you’re a baby!”

  “That’s what you call me!”

  “That’s because I love you!”

  Ethan stared at Crewe. Both of them were flushed and breathing hard. “You love me?”

  Crewe swallowed and nodded. Ethan could see the movement of his Adam’s apple. “I do.”

  Ethan felt as though his heart would burst out of his chest. He shook with the joy winging through his veins. “I love you too.”

  Crewe closed his eyes and dropped his head. When he raised it again, his lips had curved into a smile. He opened his eyes and gazed at Ethan. Ethan could see the love and relief that filled them. “Can we stop yelling at each other now?”

  “I think that would be a good idea,” Ethan admitted, returning his smile before launching himself into Crewe’s arms.

  Crewe picked him up, swinging him around and around until the two of them were laughing and dizzy. “Let’s go home. I need to make love to my baby.”

  Ethan kissed him silly. “Take me home, lover.”

  * * *

  The next day Ethan was exhausted. Crewe had been insatiable and, truth be told, Ethan hadn’t been that far behind. Being able to tell the man you were making love with just how much you loved him had inspired both of them to new heights. Crewe had gone chuckling off to work. He’d left a rumpled and sated Ethan, grumbling about being awakened by shower damp hair sliding across his skin as Crewe kissed him goodbye.

  A couple of hours later, Ethan was up, savoring a second cup of coffee and contemplating the business card in his hand. Chad Sutter, Attorney at Law. It seemed odd to think of Chad as an attorney. In Ethan’s mind, attorney implied staid and stuffy. Chad was anything but. He’d been articulate and friendly with a calm, solid demeanor, the kind of man you instinctively trusted. Last night he’d gone above and beyond being nice to his friend’s lover.

  Ethan looked out the window, thinking about what had happened last night at the club. It was just like when he’d been teased in school. And why? Because he was different. He didn’t blend in. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, although he hated the thought of completely losing his individuality. It was just that he wasn’t sure how to. His mind was so occupied with other things that activities like picking out trendy clothes or learning how to dance never made much of a dent in his thoughts.

  But things had changed. Now there was someone else he had to consider. Crewe. Ethan knew Crewe loved him just the way he was. It still amazed him when he thought about it. Crewe loved him even though he was a nerd. Ethan was determined to show Crewe just how much he loved him in return. He was resolutely committed to making sure Crewe was never embarrassed to be seen with him.

  He picked up the phone and dialed the number on Chad’s card. “Mr. Sutter’s office. May I help you?”

  “Yes, please. I’d like to speak to Mr. Sutter. This is Ethan Parks.”

  “Please hold, Mr. Parks.”

  Ethan waited on the line. Only a few seconds went by before it was picked up. “Ethan! Hi, what can I do for you?”

  “Hi, Chad. You remember last night when you said if there’s anything you could do to help I should give you a call?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Um, where do you buy your clothes? The ones you were wearing last night?”

  “My clothes? Ethan, what are you up to?”

  “I think it’s time I had a makeover.”

  Chad laughed. “Does Crewe know about this?”

  “No. I’m going to surprise him.”

  “Oh, Lord, this should be interesting. Are you free tomorrow?”

  “Yeah, as a matter of fact, it’s my day off.”

  “Wonderful! I’ll tell Patricia to clear my schedule. Give me your address. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at ten. You and I are going to shop. Oh, and I know the best stylist. I’m calling to make you an appointment.”

  “Stylist?” Ethan squeaked.

  “For your hair. Oh, wait! I just had a brilliant idea! You, Ethan Parks, are going to learn how to dance.”

  “Dance!”

  “Dance. You have just become Eliza Doolittle and I am now Henry Higgins. The Rain In Spain Falls Mainly On The Plain. The clothes, the hair, the moves. We’re gonna knock Crewe’s socks off!”

  “Oh, God.” Ethan hung up to the sound of Chad’s laughter.

  Chapter Six

  Crewe got out of his truck and stalked up to the club entrance. He still couldn’t believe the fact that when he’d gotten home Ethan was gone. The only thing he’d found was a note telling him to meet Ethan at Midnight Howl and that he was with Chad. Chad!

  Crewe stifled the growl that was building in his chest. Chad was his friend and a member of Crewe’s pack but if he was putting moves on his baby, Crewe was going to tear him to shreds. And why the hell would they come here? After what had happened a couple of weeks ago, Crewe would have bet money on the fact that Ethan would never set foot in the place again.

  He entered the front door and took a deep breath. There! Ethan. He’d know that scent anywhere. Crewe followed his nose to the dance floor and looked around. Where the hell was Ethan? He had to have passed through the dancers. Crewe could smell him quite distinctly. His gaze wandered over the tables around the dance floor until it landed on Chad. Chad was sitting at a table talking to a couple of guys, his own gaze on the dancers.

  Putting on his best “I’m Pissed As Hell Don’t Mess With Me” face, Crewe marched over and confronted him. “Where the hell is Ethan?”

  Chad looked up and sent him a delighted grin. “Crewe! It’s about time you got here. I’ve been doing my best to keep these horny fuckers at bay. I was about to start looking for a stout stick. You better stake your claim before you lose out.”

  “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. All I want to know is where is Ethan?” At Crewe’s rolling growl, the two men Chad had been talking to slunk away.

  “Jeez, can’t you smell him? He’s right there.” Chad pointed toward the dance floor.

  With a frown, Crewe turned to look. Not six feet away a group comprised of a half dozen men moved and gyrated. They circled one slim figure who danced like he was one with the music. His body swayed and undulated, slender hips rocking to the bass beat. Crewe actually felt himself getting hard and was stunned. You fucking bastard! Betrayer! How can you get hard for anyone but Ethan! How can you…

  The man Crewe had been watching turned. He was Ethan!

  His Ethan.

  Eyes wide with shock, Crewe took in the sight from top to bottom and back again. Ethan’s feet were encased in black leather boots. He wore a pair of black jeans so tight they hugged his more than impressive package and that sweet, rounded ass, a sight that had Crewe close to growling again. Tucked into his jeans was a loose pearl-gray shirt that flowed over his upper body while giving teasing glimpses of the pale flesh of his chest and throat. His dark hair had been cut and styled into tousled waves.

  Mesmerized, Crewe pushed his way through the dancers until he was face to face with his baby. Ethan’s eyes opened. His smile when he saw Crewe was radiant. His eyes filled with so much love Crewe found it hard to breathe. Ethan reached up and wound his arms around Crewe’s neck. “Dance with me.”

  Crewe pulled Ethan close and did just that. Their dance became lovemaking set to music. After only a few seconds
Crewe’s body was on fire. Just as always, his proximity to his mate filled him with the urgent need to stake his claim once again. Crewe wanted to fill Ethan so full of his own desire, love and seed that he’d never question who he belonged to.

  Crewe slid one hand down Ethan’s back and cupped his ass, pulling them tightly together. His mouth found the hollow behind Ethan’s ear, teasing and laving the soft skin until Ethan was moaning and grinding against him. Leaving it with a stinging suck, Crewe took Ethan’s lips, his tongue plunging in like a marauding pirate. He searched out every bit of Ethan’s mouth, teasing and tasting and taking until both of them were gasping for air.

  Crewe pulled back. Breathing hard, he nodded with satisfaction at the stunned and helpless yet oh so needy look in Ethan’s eyes. “You’re mine. Don’t ever forget.”

  “I wouldn’t want to,” Ethan swore.

  Taking Ethan’s hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed his knuckles before pulling him off the dance floor. They joined Chad at his table. Crewe possessively pulled Ethan down on his lap. He was making damn sure everyone knew that Ethan was his.

  He nodded his head in thanks for the beer Chad pushed over to him. After taking a sip, he gave Ethan and Chad an equally measured stare. “What’s going on here?”

  “Ethan wanted to surprise you,” Chad answered.

  “I’m definitely surprised.”

  “And horny too. Thought I was going to have to hose you two off out there,” Chad teased with grin.

  Ethan’s blush was immediate. Crewe cupped his cheek. “It’s good to see some things never change. Baby, why did you do this? You know I love you. I didn’t care about what kind of clothes you wore or that you couldn’t dance.”

  “I know, but loving you made me care. You made me see that I deserved to be as happy as anyone else.” Ethan slipped his arms around Crewe’s neck, his lips next to Crewe’s ear. “I’ve been punishing myself for years because I always felt… just wrong. You made me right. You made me see that it’s okay to be me. I wanted you to be proud to be with me.”

  “Baby, I’ve always been proud of you. You’re everything to me.” Crewe took Ethan’s lips in a soft yet passion filled kiss.

  Across the table Chad cleared his throat. “Guys. If you don’t cut it out, I think I’m going to have my blood sugar tested. I may pass out from sugar overload.”

  “You’re just jealous,” Crewe teased.

  “You may be right.”

  “Can we go home? These pants feel like they’re getting tighter,” Ethan complained.

  “That’s probably because you’re…” Chad began with a twinkle in his eyes.

  “Chad,” Crewe growled, smiling at the renewed blush that heated Ethan’s cheeks.

  “I’m just saying.”

  “Don’t be looking at things you shouldn’t.”

  “You’ve gotten awfully possessive.”

  “Damn right.” Crewe stood and set Ethan on his feet. “Come on, baby. I know just what you need to loosen those pants.”

  Chad crowed with laughter as Crewe led a red-faced Ethan away.

  * * *

  Ethan and Crewe had just emerged from the basement and were about to go upstairs when there was the sound of a key in the front door. They’d been downstairs practicing some martial arts moves and had finished up with some Tai Chi. Crewe had brought mats to Ethan’s house and added them to the basement workout room so Ethan could practice whenever he wanted.

  They both turned at the sound of the key in the lock. “Oh, shit,” Ethan squeaked, scrambling for the towel that hung around his neck. He wrapped it around his hips just as the front door opened.

  Nick Parks did a double take then grinned. “Ethan, how you doing, bro? Crewe, I’d ask how it’s hanging but I can see for myself.”

  Crewe and Nick laughed while Ethan scrunched his eyes shut and shook his head. Ethan just hoped his head didn’t explode from embarrassment.

  Crewe reached out and shook Nick’s outstretched hand. “It’s good to see you, Nick.”

  “You too. Should I ask what you’ve been up to?”

  “Tai Chi,” Ethan answered quickly.

  “Naked Tai Chi,” Crewe elaborated with a wink.

  Ethan swatted him. “Shut up! And put on that towel!”

  “Now, baby, it’s just us guys,” Crewe soothed, but did as he was told.

  “I don’t care. Those are my goodies. Nobody else gets to look,” Ethan insisted boldly then turned back to Nick. He stuck out his hand. “Hi. I’m glad you’re back.”

  Nick grabbed Ethan’s hand and hauled him in for a hug. “Me too, Ethan. Me too. I guess I don’t need to ask if this guy’s treating you all right. You look happy.”

  Ethan grinned. “I am.”

  Before he could say another word, a second key slid into the front door lock. The door swung open. Another Parks brother stepped in, eyes widening before a big grin wreathed his face. “Nick! Ethan! Hey! Did I miss something interesting?” He walked up to Crewe held out his hand. “You must be Crewe. I’ve been hearing good things about you. I’m Dustin. Ethan, you got yourself a hunk. And oh, hey, I ran into this guy outside.”

  Everybody turned to find a smiling Chad in the doorway. “Surprise. You did say drop in anytime.”

  The hallway was filled with laughter and introductions, and Ethan stood on the first step watching his brothers welcome his lover and his friend. Aside from the time Crewe told him he loved him, Ethan had never felt so happy. His life finally made sense and for the first time in years he felt at ease in his own skin. His gaze drifted to Crewe. All because of you.

  As though sensing his thought, Crewe looked up and smiled at him. He walked back to Ethan and slid an arm around his waist. “Maybe we should go get dressed.”

  Ethan lifted a hand to Crewe’s hair and brushed it back. “That’s probably a good idea.”

  “Come on, you can give me some sugar in the shower.”

  “We heard that,” Nick crowed.

  Despite the heat blazing in his cheeks, Ethan raised his chin proudly. “So what?” He grabbed Crewe’s hand and pulled him upstairs.

  Epilogue

  A couple of hours later, everyone had settled in. Ethan and Crewe showered and returned downstairs without too much time passing by. Nick and Dustin had taken their bags to their rooms and now all three brothers were in the kitchen putting together dinner.

  Crewe and Chad stood in the doorway, watching. “Have you told Ethan that you’re a werewolf yet?”

  Crewe shook his head. “Not yet. I wanted to cement our relationship before I tell him.”

  “Too bad. I could use some pointers.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I found my mate. He’s human.”

  Crewe looked at his friend, his eyes filled with delight. “That’s great. Who is it? Anyone I know?”

  Chad nodded his head toward the brothers. “That guy right there.”

  “Nick?”

  “Dustin.”

  “Whoa. Oh, wow.”

  “You got that right,” Chad sighed ruefully.

  To Be Continued

  Kate Steele

  What is it they say? Watch out for the quiet ones? Kate Steele has found that writing is the ideal way to release all those wild inner urges and she’s just getting started. “I’m aging in reverse. With the help of lots of plastic surgery and vitamins I fully expect to have my own male harem by the time I hit 90.” For now she’s settling for the quiet life in rural Indiana with family and pets. Guilty pleasure: Singing in the car. “With the volume loud enough I sound just like Celine Dion!” You can contact Kate and sing-a-long at katesteele27@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.katesteele.com

 

 

 
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