“I wanted to deny it,” Wren admitted. He grimaced. “I hadn’t planned on telling you that.” Shaking his head where it rested on Perseus’ pectoral, he scoffed. “Penelope dropped by last night with Golren. He told me some of this stuff.” He sighed. “I never cared for werewolf or vampire stories, so this is a little overwhelming for me. I’m trying, Pers.”
Upon seeing Perseus’ understanding smile, Wren gaped. “God, I can’t believe I said that.” He scowled as he stared at the smooth, green skin of the gargoyle’s armpit. “I’ve not tried to have a relationship in over a decade.” Wren lifted his gaze and focused on Perseus. “I’m sure you can see how great I am at communicating.”
Perseus hummed, then asked, “How old are you, Wren?”
“Forty-two,” Wren told him without hesitation.
“I am three-hundred and twenty-seven and I have never had a relationship,” Perseus revealed. “Gargoyles accept their bisexuality easily, so while most of us have had many liaisons with both sexes by the time we hit a century, we don’t take a permanent lover until we find our mate. Our drive to find that special him or her keeps us searching.”
Wren scoffed softly as he lifted his head and gazed down at the man. Surprise filled him. “Wow, really? You bring me breakfast. You won’t let me run away. You force us to talk about our differences.” Shaking his head, he snorted and continued, “You even know how to use pleasure to seduce, soothe, and torment. I’d say you know all the tricks to keep a permanent lover coming back for more.”
Perseus sighed. He tightened his wings as he slid his arms around Wren’s torso and hugged him tightly. Turning his head, Perseus aligned his head with Wren’s, putting his mouth next to Wren’s ear.
“I don’t want any other permanent lover but you, Wren Cleaver,” Perseus whispered into his ear. “You are my mate. You are the one man Fate made just for me and I for you. I know it will take you time to realize that but—” He turned his head to peer at Wren and grimaced. “Shit.”
Wren watched Perseus lift his hand and touch his neck. When he felt the already scabbed over bite mark on his tendon, he gaped. His eyes widened and he snapped his gaze to Wren.
“You broke my skin!”
Grimacing, Wren nodded. “I did. Sorry about that.”
Wren licked his lips, remembering the iron taste of Perseus’ blood. To his surprise, he found he didn’t mind it. In fact, Wren thought he could get used to it if it meant seeing the bliss on Perseus’ face again and again.
“You spilled in me and drank my blood,” Perseus whispered. “Gods, I’m so sorry, Wren. I should have explained better.”
Confused, Wren shrugged. “You said you couldn’t get or give diseases,” he said. “What’s wrong?”
“To complete our bond we must exchange two things,” Perseus told him. “Blood and—”
“Semen. Fluids. Yeah. I get that,” Wren cut in. What was Perseus so concerned about? Then, it hit him. “Oh,” he whispered. “I started the bonding process, didn’t I?”
“Yes.”
Sighing, Wren licked his lips. He tried to decide how he felt about that. To his surprise...not too bad. Perseus seemed sincere and—
“Oh, shit,” Perseus hissed, cringing.
“What is it?” Wren asked. “What’s wrong now?”
“Fuck, what time is it?”
“Uh...” Wren twisted his head and looked toward the clock on his nightstand. “Damn, it’s nearly seven already. I gotta get ready for work.”
Turning and focusing back on Perseus, Wren noted the pinched look on his lover’s face. He lifted to his elbow and ran his hand over the gargoyle’s brow ridge. To his surprise, he found his lover surprisingly cool to the touch.
“Are you okay? What’s wrong?”
Pulling away from him, Perseus nearly sent Wren tumbling as he yanked his wing out from under him and rolled off the bed. He sat on the side, his wings tight around him. His head was bowed and his body actually shuddered.
Wren swung off the mattress and rounded the bed. Upon seeing his lover’s shallow breathing, he frowned and dropped to his knees before him. He rested his hands on Perseus’ knees, then slid them up his thighs. His fingers almost tingled at the chilly feel of his hide.
“What’s wrong, Perseus?” Wren demanded. “What’s going on?”
“The sun is rising,” Perseus whispered, his words slightly slurred. “I-I can’t stay awake.” He lifted his head, his expression anguished. “I didn’t want you to see this.”
“See what?”
“I’m about to turn to stone.”
Wren’s jaw sagged open, and he just kept himself from yanking his hands away. Instead, he tightened his grip just a bit. “You’re safe here,” he vowed. “Find a comfortable place and I’ll lock you in for the day.”
“Th-Thank you,” Perseus responded thickly.
Wren opened his mouth to say more, but the ring of his doorbell cut him off. “Shit,” he snarled. “Who the hell would be here at this hour?”
As Wren rose, Perseus grabbed at his wrist. “I’m sorry.”
Pausing, Wren reached down, cupped Perseus’ jaw and tilted his head back. “Don’t apologize for the way you are, Pers,” he urged. “Never do that.” Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to the gargoyle’s cool lips. “Curl up on the bed, if you like,” he offered. “I’ll see you this evening.”
Perseus slid his free hand through Wren’s hair as he rasped, “Thank you, my mate.”
“You’re welcome,” Wren soothed.
After another kiss to Perseus’ lips, Wren disentangled himself from the clearly sluggish gargoyle and stood. He rounded to the other side of the bed and yanked open the third drawer of his dresser. After pulling out a pair of jeans, he yanked them on.
Wren turned around and opened his mouth, intending to tell Perseus that he’d only be a moment. Fighting back a shocked gasp, he watched in awe as Perseus curled up on a corner of the mattress, wrapped his wings around himself, and turned to stone.
Unable to resist, Wren walked over and ran a hand over Perseus’ wing. It was so smooth, almost like a piece of petrified wood he’d once felt...or a fossilized bone. What surprised him even more was how warm it felt as if his body cooled, then turned to stone, only to become reasonably warm again.
A pounding on the door drew Wren’s attention again. Leaving the room, Wren headed to his front door to discover who the fuck would bother him at this hour.
By the time Wren reached his door and opened it, the sedan in his driveway was backing away. He saw the envelope taped to his door and yanked it off, taking a chunk or two of paint with it. Wren growled upon seeing that the printed return address was to City Hall.
Wren opened it and pulled out a piece of paper. Skimming the information, he hissed angrily. “That son of a bitch,” he snarled, slamming his door.
Reginald had followed through on his threat.
Wren had ten days to prove he’d gotten rid of the bat that was plaguing his pantry...except, there wasn’t any bat.
Chapter Ten
Perseus rolled to his knees, his wings spreading and his claws at the ready. Sweeping his gaze around the room warily, he tried to figure out where his was. The furniture was wood, sturdy, and masculine.
After a few seconds, it hit Perseus.
“I’m in Wren’s home,” he whispered.
Sighing, Perseus racked his brain. He dredged up his last memories of the day before and smiled. His mate had offered him the safety of his home. Perseus blew out a slow breath and eased off the bed.
He inhaled deeply and couldn’t deny that it still smelled of musk and cum. His morning wood thickened and Perseus groaned. Reaching down, he flicked the cap of his prick.
“Greedy dick,” he chastised the appendage. “You’re not getting any.”
Although, as he paused and looked at the bed, Perseus couldn’t help but wonder if it’d be rude to climb into his mate’s bed and use the scent on his pillow to rub one out. He shook his head at hims
elf and headed into the bathroom.
Hopping into the shower, Perseus jerked off under the hot spray of water, instead.
His loincloth in place, Perseus headed back to the bedroom and located his cell phone on the nightstand. He picked it up and realized he had three missed calls...one from Maelgwn and two from Tobias. Figuring the one from his leader had something to do with their impending egg, Perseus listened to that one first.
Yep. Maelgwn is freaking out.
Perseus smiled. He knew Maelgwn and Bobby would make exceptional parents. Then, his expression sobered. He really should have called his leader that morning before he’d changed into stone. He’d been having such a wonderful time with his mate, he’d completely lost track of time.
Listening to the second...and third message, Perseus cringed. Yep, he’d botched that up. Tobias was not at all pleased with him. Although, as Perseus listened to his second message, he had to admit that the gargoyle’s scolding wasn’t quite as blistering as it would have been a few months prior. The second’s little bobcat shifter was really mellowing him out...or sexing him up and relaxing him.
Perseus called Maelgwn first.
“Where the hell have you been?”
Cringing, Perseus prepared to do a little damage control.
It took almost half an hour, but Perseus finally finished calls to not only Maelgwn and Tobias, but also Cosmo. As it had turned out, Vaclar had come in with a cough and Gus and Tible—fairly new parents that they were—had been frantic. Fortunately, Cosmo had cleared it up with the aid of a little salt water to help him spit up. The tiny tyke had swallowed a feather and it had been stuck in his throat and tickling him.
Perseus made his way to the kitchen in search of coffee. After starting up the machine, he glanced around the space. It was small and comfortable, warm yet masculine. He could see how it fit his mate.
“Would Wren want to give up his home to live on the estate?” Perseus wondered as he leaned against the small island and waited for the coffee to brew.
Glancing down, some papers caught his attention. His curiosity getting the better of him, he reached out and used a claw to slide the papers toward him. When he noticed the official city seal at the top, he couldn’t help but read more.
Health Board Warning?
Ten days to correct?
What the fuck?
Perseus growled under his breath. His friends had had nothing but fantastic things to say about his mate’s restaurant. Surely this had to be some kind of mistake.
Just as he was taking a closer look at the health warning, Perseus heard the locks tumble in the front door’s locks. He hadn’t remembered his mate saying anyone else had a key. Still, better safe than sorry. Perseus slipped swiftly out of the kitchen and around the corner.
In the shadows of the bedroom door, Perseus waited and listened. He heard the scuff of boots and the clink of keys hitting a glass bowl. After a moment, the scent of his mate permeated his nostrils and tickled the receptors on his tongue.
After waiting a few seconds to confirm that his lover was alone, Perseus left his position where he’d been skulking just inside the bedroom doorway. He returned to the kitchen where he found Wren pulling a bottle of Snapple from the refrigerator.
Wren snorted at whatever was written underneath the lid. Then, he tossed the cap on the island before he chugged half of the beverage. He sighed and leaned against it. With eyes closed, he rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to ease some obvious discomfort.
“Hey,” Perseus murmured, drawing out the word.
Starting, Wren spun. His brows lifted and a smile creased his lips. After lowering his hand, only to run it over his beard, Wren set down his bottle of tea.
“Hi, Perseus,” Wren greeted. “I didn’t expect you to still be here.”
Perseus grimaced and glanced at the clock. It was nearly eight-thirty in the evening. Since he couldn’t remember what time Wren’s restaurant closed, Perseus didn’t know if this was his normal routine or not. Maybe his mate would have preferred to wind down alone.
“I apologize, bear,” Perseus murmured. “I made use of your shower, then made a few calls to let my clutch leaders know that I am safe and well,” he explained. “The night hours are getting shorter and it took longer than I’d planned.” Upon seeing Wren’s furrowed brows, Perseus added, “I can leave if you wish. I can come back in the morning again.”
“No, no, it’s fine,” Wren assured tiredly. He blew out a breath and rubbed his hand over his face. “I’m sorry to say that for a day that started so well, it ended up exhausting.”
Heartened by Wren’s words, Perseus smiled. His mate thought that him visiting with breakfast had been a good start to his day. Of course, he could also have meant the sex, too. Perseus mentally grinned. Definitely the sex.
Then, Perseus glanced toward the health notification letter. He waved toward the offending paper. “Is that what caused the day to go poorly? There is a problem at the restaurant?”
“Yes and no,” Wren replied. He moved around the island and groaned as he settled onto a chair at the small table. “There’s this health inspector that’s an asshole. He wants sex in exchange for clean health certificates.”
Growling, Perseus stalked forward. He rested his hand on the table and leaned toward Wren. “You will not have sex with this man,” he snarled. “You are mine!”
Wren scoffed lightly, but he did it with a smile, softening the noise. At the same time, he reached out and rested his palm on Perseus’ hand. “I know, Pers. I know.” He stroked his fingers over the back of Perseus’ clawed hand. “Even if I weren’t planning to dedicate myself to you, I wouldn’t touch that rat with a ten foot pole. He’s a no-good, black-mailing cheat.” Wren curled his lip and growled under his breath. “The bastard. I can’t figure out how he managed to find a woman who’d marry him. I really feel for the lady.”
Perseus grunted, soothed, excited, and irritated all at once. He appreciated that Wren took the time to reassure him. His words about twining their lives together caused his pulse to pound and his dick to thicken in anticipation of the act. Sadly, the irritation he felt at the rat of a human tapered his lust.
“Perhaps we should have my fellow gargoyles Raymond or Vane look into this human,” Perseus mused. “They are very good at digging up dirt on people and if this man is as disreputable as you believe, it should be a simple matter to find some small bit of ammunition to use to protect you and your business.”
Wren nodded slowly. “That may not be a bad idea, actually,” he responded slowly. “I suck when it comes to computers. I could use all the help I can get.”
Perseus beamed, pleased that his mate was willing to allow him to help. “I will call them immediately.”
“Okay,” Wren responded. “I’m going to make some supper. You hungry?”
“Yes, I am.” Perseus paused uncertainly. He didn’t want to put his mate out. “Maybe, I—”
Wren rose from his chair, glancing his way when he paused. “What?”
“Well, gargoyles eat a lot,” Perseus told him. “I don’t want to eat you out of house and home.” He tried to make it sound teasing, but with the amount of food he knew he could pack away, it was a possibility if Wren wasn’t forewarned.
Turning and taking the few steps back into his kitchen, Wren nodded. “I remember getting orders from Maelgwn and Einan. They always ordered two and three burgers. While they’re big guys, I could never figure out how they packed it away without being fat.” Wren chuckled as he shook his head. “Now I get it.”
Perseus snorted. “I’m half tempted to tell them you said that.”
Wren grinned at him. “Yeah, sure. Go ahead. What are they gonna do? Yell, at me?”
As they feasted upon leftover hash brown casserole and turkey burgers, Perseus couldn’t help continually glancing at his mate.
After a couple of moments, Wren put down his burger and wiped his hands on his napkin. “Do I have something in my beard?” Wren asked as he
wiped at his mouth.
Perseus shook his head. “No,” he assured. “I guess I’m just appreciating the novelty of sitting and eating a meal with my mate,” he admitted.
“Really?” Wren grinned, looking flattered.
“Yes,” Perseus confirmed. Licking his lips, he chose his words carefully as he continued, “You made it sound as if you were entertaining the idea of bonding with me.”
Wren put down his napkin on his plate and pushed the dish away. He folded his hands before him and stared down at them for a few seconds. Lifting his head, Wren sighed.
“In the kitchen, there are two kinds of times,” Wren told him. “I’m either so busy I can’t think of anything but how quickly I can get orders done. The other time is when the restaurant is slow. Then, all I think about is going home alone to an empty house.” He smiled and swept his gaze over the room. “As much as I love my home, I am alone.” Drawing his brows together in a scowl, Wren lifted one hand and rubbed the back of his neck. “While I find the idea that Fate or some unseen force decided on who is the perfect person for me a bit unsettling, I can’t deny that, well, I find you sexy as fuck. You’re also easy to talk to and I find I’m enjoying your company, which is something I haven’t experienced in quite a while.” He chuckled softly as he smiled at Perseus. “It’s been a long time since I’ve taken a leap of faith, but for you, for this—” he waved a hand vaguely between them “—I’m willing to do it.”
“If we complete our bond, if I fuck you, there will be no going back,” Perseus warned. While he wanted to drag Wren to the bedroom and take him up on his sudden change of heart, he had to be fair to his human. “You haven’t really asked many questions. Your life will change.”
“Is you moving in here an option? I have early hours and my place is only a five minute drive to my restaurant.”
Perseus gaped for an instant. His mate had just asked him to move in with him. Damn! He snapped his jaw shut just as quickly, racking his brain for a suitable answer.
Paranormal's Love 12 - Tempting the Bear Page 8