by DJ Bryce
“It was a mistake,” I managed, watching warily as his hand came up and around my neck to cup the back of my head.
“It was my first kiss,” Brick admitted, his tone vulnerable.
“What?” I asked, truly shocked. There was no way Brick had never been with another man before. He was gorgeous. I’d always assumed he’d meet guys while away at school. I’d tried not to think about it, because the thought brought me actual physical pain, but I thought it’d be naïve to think anything different.
“It’s always been you, Mateo,” Brick said softly, so close now that our chests touched. “I’ve never wanted anyone else… they could never measure up to my mate, so what was the point?”
My mind reeled at this new information.
I’d kissed Gilly of course, for the sake of the pack and to carry on our farce, but that is as far as things had gone. I was a virgin, and had never been touched by another person anywhere other than my lips.
To find out the same was true for Brick had my wolf roaring within me, eager to take over and claim what was ours. To claim my mate.
Although I knew I couldn’t let that happen, it was impossible to keep my head from lowering, and my lips from brushing across Bricks. My hands moved of their own accord, moving to Brick’s biceps, then around to his back, pressing him closer.
Brick parted his lips beneath mine, a rough groan emitting as he thrust his hips against mine.
My brain grew fuzzy and I felt dizzy at the shock of pleasure that rushed through me.
The next thing I knew, his hands were unbuttoning my pants, unzipping my fly, and delving inside.
At the first touch of his palm on my hard, naked cock, my body jolted, and my wolf growled. The feel of someone else’s warm hand, Brick’s warm hand, against my straining cock was the most amazing thing I’d ever felt. I could do nothing but close my eyes and wait, eager for more… desperate for it, but afraid to move and break this dangerous spell we were under.
His large hand surrounded my shaft and stroked.
“Fuck,” I muttered, my hand going to his shoulder for balance.
I pressed my other hand to his fly, shaking as I undid his jeans, but needing to feel him. To make him understand what he was doing to me. To experience it for himself.
His cock was hard as stone and silky smooth. We groaned into each other’s mouths as I ran my thumb over his swollen head, then fisted his cock in my hand and began pumping. Brick quickened his pace to match mine, then knocked my hand out of the way and grabbed both of our dicks and began jacking us both off.
My ass clenched and the base of my spine tingled. I thrust my hips, reveling in the friction of our dicks rubbing against each other as Brick palmed us both. I felt my orgasm coming, and shoved my hand under his shirt to tweak his nipple as I bit down on his lower lip and came.
“God, Mateo,” he groaned as he came as well, stroking us as we both rode out our pleasure.
I looked down, shocked. Not only at the mess we’d made on each other, but the mess I’d made of this situation. I turned my attention to Brick who was watching me warily, all signs of the gratification we’d just experienced gone.
“I’ll clean up and get out of your hair,” he said, and did exactly that. While through it all, I could only stand there and wonder, what the hell had just happened.
And what were we going to do now?
Chapter 4
Brick
“He’s so fucking hard-headed,” I muttered to myself as I drove to Howlers. “He should be the one named Brick, not me.”
I turned up the radio, hoping to drown out my thoughts, but it was no use. Mateo was driving me crazy. How could we go from sharing something amazing, to him looking at me like I’d kicked his wolf?
I parked, slamming the breaks a little harder than necessary, and went inside to see if Natasha needed help with cleanup. She’d bolted from Mateo’s right after meeting Logan, and I was curious to hear what that was all about.
And, if she didn’t want to talk, I was staying upstairs at Gilly’s apartment, which I’d have all to myself, since our oldest sister had gone to stay with Max for the night.
I called her name, but she didn’t hear me. She was wiping the bar so furiously, that I wondered if she was punishing it, or herself.
Once I reached her, I put a hand out and touched her shoulder, causing her to turn around, scream, and throw the rag in my face.
“Jesus,” I cried, pulling the rag off with one hand, while clutching my chest with the other. “Are you trying to kill me?”
“With a rag?” Tasha asked dryly. “You’re such a drama queen.”
“No shit,” I replied with a wry grin. “I called your name three times when I walked in, so there was no reason for you to attack me with cleaning supplies.”
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
“You should’ve seen your face,” I said, starting to laugh at the way she’d freaked.
We laughed harder than the situation needed, but I had a feeling it was something we both needed.
“What’s up, Tash? Why’d you run out of the party like that? Logan?” I asked.
She let out a deep sigh and let her head fall forward onto my chest.
“Yes,” she whispered, and I waited patiently for her to continue. Finally, she admitted, “He’s the one.”
I dipped my chin to let her know I heard her, and waited for her to get it all out.
“I had no idea it would be that way… I mean, we grew up hearing the stories and all, but nothing prepared me for the jolt. The absolute certainty,” she took a deep breath, and I did too, my heart swelling at the realization that my sister had found her mate. “The second my eyes landed on his face, I knew. I didn’t know what I knew, not yet, just that he was someone very special… Then he touched me, and it was unlike anything I’d ever felt. An electric current, and at the same time, a sense of calm. Of rightness. I didn’t know what to do, or how to handle it, so I ran.”
I watched her closely, wanting to come clean and tell her about me and Mateo, but knowing how upset he’d be if I did, so I simply said, “I know.”
“How, do you know?” Natasha asked, suspicious.
“I know what you felt, what Gilly feels with Maximus, because I’ve felt it too. The stories are all true… maybe not in the way mom and dad made us believe, and probably believed themselves, but true all the same.”
“What? When? Who?” she stuttered.
I shook my head sadly, hoping one day I’d get to tell her.
“Let’s just focus on you tonight, huh? Save mine for another day.”
She nodded, and I sighed with relief, “Thanks, Tash, how about a beer?”
“Sounds perfect,” she said, turning to grab two cold ones out of the fridge.
I went and sat down at the closest table, and watched her as I said, “I actually talked to Logan for a while tonight.”
“Oh, yeah?” Tasha asked nonchalantly, but she wasn’t fooling me.
I grinned and said vaguely, “Yeah.”
Natasha sat down with a thud, took a long drink of her beer then let out a long sigh before saying, “Fine, tell me.”
“Well, you already know he’s F-I-N-E fine,” I began, because damn, Logan was fine. “But he’s also a really good dude. Yes, he’s humongous, and carries himself in that self-assured cocky way that Alpha’s are known to do, but let’s face it, we totally dig that… But, underneath all that surface shit, he seems kind, smart and funny. He obviously cares for his pack, or clan, or whatever they call it in the bear world, and he’s very open-minded. I have to say, even after just talking to him for a little while, I really like him. And, Tash, I think I really like him for you.”
“Really,” she asked hopefully.
“Yeah,” I replied, and we both sat back and drank our beers, our minds on our unclaimed mates.
Once we were done, Natasha said, “Well, I’m about done here. I have to come back early to meet Heidi and take the welcome meals over to th
e Threehorn Pack, so I’m gonna head home and get some shut eye.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, rising. “I’d better hit the hay as well. Night, sis.”
Chapter 5
Mateo
“So, how are you doing with everything… really?” Logan asked, and I whipped my head toward him.
Had he heard what happened between me and Brick in the bedroom?
“What do you mean? Max and Gilly?” I asked, hopefully, trying to keep the panic out of my voice.
Everyone else was gone and we were kicked back on the couch, drinking beer.
He nodded, and my panic eased.
I thought about Logan’s question, then sighed, and leaned back against the cushions, stretching my legs out.
Finally, I answered truthfully, “I’m happy for them, truly, I am, but…”
“But?” Logan prompted.
“Well, it’s just that Gilly and I have been together for so long, it almost feels like losing a member of the family. Yes, we were only pretending to be mates, and of course, I’m ecstatic that two of my best friends in the world have found love and happiness with each other. But… I don’t know what to do without her.”
This was the truth. Gilly and Max were both my best friends, and not that they’re together, it almost felt like I’d lost them both. Not like I could talk to them about what was really on my mind anyway… Brick.
“Well, it’s not like she’s going anywhere,” Logan said, pulling me from my thoughts. “And, you’re right, it’s great that Max and Gilly have claimed each other. I understand what you’re saying about having that companion, that person who is there for you no matter what, and I believe you’ll get that back, tenfold, when you find your mate.”
My heart fell. “I don’t think that’s in the cards for me.”
Before Logan could ask me something I wouldn’t be able to answer, I was saved by my phone ringing on the table. I leaned over to pick it up and answered.
Before I could even say hello, Gregory’s distraught voice came through the phone.
“The crops are on fire, Mateo… And, the combine is missing. There’s also damage to the silo.”
I sprang to my feet, my wolf fighting to break free as my adrenalin started pumping.
“What? Can you tell how bad?” I asked, rushing to grab my keys. “I’m on my way.”
I’d had hung up and was crossing to the door when I heard Logan following behind me.
“What’s going on?” he asked, keys in hand.
I relayed what Gregory had said.
“Fuck,” Logan muttered as he headed toward his truck. “I’ll follow you.”
I didn’t bother to respond, just hopped in my own truck and peeled off toward the field. I skidded to a halt, the truck barely off before I’d hopped out and joined my men.
“Let’s go,” I ordered, and we all shifted.
I took the lead, immediately catching the scent of the shifters who’d set fire to our crops and fucked with our equipment. I knew they were shifters because they had the distinct scent of human men mixed with wolf, and the fact that they were shifters, fueled my rage.
I caught sight of Logan’s bear, and kept my pack a good distance away. Logan’s bear knew my wolf, and was normally an ally, but when he was tracking with his own adrenaline pumping, I didn’t want to hazard his bear getting confused and taking a swipe at one of my pack.
Five miles in, I heard the rumble of vehicles and stopped, my pack stopping with me. I was shifting when I saw the big black truck in front pause and turn, then a man stand up and pull a gun. My pack was in various stages of shifting when I shouted out the warning, then got pissed when they started to try and shield me.
I pushed myself to the front, shouting for the man to put his gun down, when he fired, and the vehicles sped off.
My head swung around as I tried to determine if anyone was hurt, and my stomach clenched when I saw Kevin’s wolf on the ground, bleeding as he shifted back to human form.
Before I could get to him, Logan was lifting him from the ground and took off running.
“Follow the scent and see if you can find out who those bastards are,” I ordered, then shifted and took off after Logan.
After about two miles, I caught up with them when we got back to the vehicles, I shifted and we put Kevin gently in the back of my truck. I winced at his low moan, then rushed to the driver’s side and took off for the doctor.
Thirty minutes later, we were at Docs, dressed and pacing the waiting room.
“Any idea who did this?” Logan asked.
I was so furious, it took me a moment to respond.
“No,” I spat, honestly stunned by the events that night. “I can’t imagine anyone knowingly doing such damage, and Kevin…”
I ran my hand over my head as I thought of my youngest council member back there fighting for his life.
“Looks like you have an enemy,” Logan stated.
“Yes, we do,” I bit out in reply. “I’m going to tell Max and the guys to head back to the office and put coffee on. Once we know Kevin is in the clear, we’ll head that way and discuss the plan. I can’t thank you enough for your help, Logan, you’ve gone above and beyond for my pack. You should go back to my place, get some rest.”
“I’ll make sure he’s good first,” Logan replied. “Then I’ll head out. But, Mateo, I’m just a phone call away if anything comes up and you need my help. I’ll let you and your pack handle business, but I’ll be happy to help you pay back the fuckers who did this.”
“Thanks, brother, I know you will, and I appreciate it,” I said, clapping my hand on his back.
The door to the back opened, and we both turned expectantly to the doctor, who said, “Kevin’s going to be okay.”
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding and shot a relieved smile his way.
“Thank, God.”
Chapter 6
Brick
Mateo’s eyes were closed, his lips parted, as he moaned in ecstasy while I worked his cock with my mouth…
“Brick,” I heard whispered from somewhere just outside of my conscious. Mateo started to flicker and I fought to hold onto the dream.
“Brick.” The annoying voice persisted.
“Hnnwhama huh?” I moaned, trying to fight my way back into the delicious dream I’d been having.
“Brick, wake up, Tasha’s in trouble.”
That did it. I finally registered Gilly’s voice, her tone, and what she’d said. My eyes flew open and I struggled to sit up, but my dick was painfully hard.
“I’m up,” I said roughly, rubbing my eyes and moving to try and conceal my erection from my sister. “What’d you say about Tash?”
Gilly opened her mouth and let out, “Last night, there was a fire, and the guys all ran out to figure out what was going on. While they were searching for the arsonist, some trucks came rolling into the field and opened fire. Kevin was shot.” Gilly took a gulp of breath and continued, “This morning, Tasha and Heidi went to take food to the Threehorn Pack, to welcome them to the area, then, Max and Mateo came in to eat, when they were almost done, Calin came running in and said it was the Threehorn Pack that did the damage to the fields. When we tried to get ahold of Tasha, there was no answer, so the guys all left to go to Threehorn land to try and find them… I’m so worried, Brick.”
“Holy shit,” I exclaimed when she finished, jumping out of the bed, my heart pounding with fear at the thought of our sister in trouble.
“Jesus, Brick,” Gilly cried, and I looked over to see her covering her eyes.
I looked down and realized I was naked, then rolled my eyes and said, “Please, I know you’ve seen a penis before.”
“Ewe, gross, you’re my brother,” she squeaked.
“Yeah, and we used to take baths together, get over it,” I said, then asked as nonchalantly as possible, “So, Mateo went after them?”
“Yeah, him, Max, and Calin all left to go out to the Threehorn Pack property. I trie
d calling both Natasha and Heidi, but neither answered.”
“Fuck,” I muttered as I pulled a shirt over my head.
Although I was worried about my sister, and Mateo, I knew there was nothing we could do but wait, and that Gilly was just as worried about Tasha and Max. I decided distraction was in order, while we waited for news.
“What do you saw we go down, make me some coffee, then put together a big lunch for when everyone returns safely. I’m sure they’ll be hungry after being up half the night, and dealing with the pack from hell this morning.”
“Okay,” Gilly said, her voice thin,
“Come here,” I said, crossing to her and pulling her in for a hug. “Everything’s going to be fine. Tash is going to be fine.”
“How do you know?”
“Because we have a pack of bad-ass wolves, and a freaking bear, on their way to regulate and get our sister back.”
Gilly nodded, but held on for a few more seconds before pulling back and saying, “Let’s go get you that coffee.”
“That’s my girl,” I said, kissing the top of her head, and then letting her go.
Once we were downstairs and I had coffee in hand, I turned to Gilly and let her know what had been on my mind.
“I’ve been thinking about sticking around,” I said softly, watching her closely for a response.
Gilly’s head whipped toward me, her excitement apparent by the grin on her face.
“Really?” she asked, then tempered her enthusiasm and asked, “What about school?”
I shrugged. I’d looked into it a little bit last night before I’d fallen asleep.
“It looks like the last few classes I need are also offered as online courses, so I could still finish up, but wouldn’t have to leave.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah… I miss you guys,” I admitted. It was the truth, even if it wasn’t the whole truth. I figured it would be harder for Mateo to deny me if I was right under his nose all the time. “Plus, with everything going on with Mom and Dad, and now this business with the pack from hell, maybe it’s better if I stay close to you guys. That way, if you need me, I’m here.”