by Skyler Snow
Colten dug around in the fridge until he started to pull things out. Declan stared at him as he bent over and when he straightened up. The muscles in his body looked lickable. Oh my god, am I fucking horny? The realization hit him hard, and he knew he had to have Colt. Gods my emotions are all over the place.
“Can we have lunch in a little while?”
“Why? I thought you wanted salty and sweet.”
“It’s going to take a little while, right? It looks like you’re revving up for a whole thing. What are you making?”
“You’ll see. Yeah, it’ll take a little while.”
“I need help upstairs.”
Colten put down the things he’d collected. “Are you not feeling well?”
“I’m feeling like I need your help.”
Colten raised a brow. “This feels like a trap.”
“Help me,” Declan pouted.
He sighed and took Declan’s arm. The minute he did the omega shuddered in anticipation. They walked up the stairs and into the bathroom. Colten pulled Dec’s shirt over his head and worked on his pants. When Colt was on his knees, Declan’s fingers pushed into his hair.
“What are you doing?” Colten asked.
“I want you.”
“Sure you’re not just avoiding your problems?”
Oh, he was. Declan was a hundred percent sure that he was avoiding every problem that threatened to weigh him down, but he didn’t mind. Colten wasn’t going to be in his life forever if he planned on giving him his freedom, and he selfishly wanted to enjoy him while he still could.
His wolf laughed at the notion of him ever getting rid of Colten. He knew that if he even tried the alpha would probably never let him go. Why is that thought so satisfying? As much as he wanted the best for Colten it felt so good to have someone that cared about him the way that the alpha cared.
“Maybe,” Declan admitted. “I just want to feel good. Is that so wrong?”
Colten traced his fingers up and down Declan’s thick thighs. “It might not be a good deal. I’m feeling particularly irritated and possessive right now. It won’t be all sweet and soft.”
“I didn’t ask for that,” he breathed. “I just want you.”
Declan wanted one more time with him, one more day. No matter what he decided about the baby, he refused to drag Colt down with him. There were fourteen years between them. It was too much to overcome.
Colt jolted his brain from his melancholy as soon as his lips wrapped around his cock. Maybe Colt knew what he was thinking because he sucked his flesh like he wanted the taste of Declan imprinted on his tongue forever.
Declan expected him to go all out, but Colten actually took his time. He kissed up and down his length. The heat from his tongue dragged over his skin until Declan shivered underneath his tongue. His mouth wandered. Teeth nipped his inner thighs, his tongue explored every crevice and curve of his body until Declan shivered against him.
How am I supposed to give this up? Declan had never loved someone’s touch as much as he enjoyed Colten’s. Every drag of his fingers, every scrape of his nails, every bite against his flesh stole his logical brain and replaced it with a buzzing high that filled his head with hope and possibilities he could never speak out loud.
“Colten,” he whispered. “You’re driving me crazy.”
“Nothing wrong with taking my time to appreciate every inch of you,” he moaned against his skin. “Every scent, every taste, it’s like a drug.”
Declan shivered. “The things you say…”
“Are completely true,” he groaned. “Gods, I want to mark you so bad I can feel it in my guts.”
The omega swallowed thickly. He wants to mark me? No matter how much he tried to deny how serious things were heading with Colten, reality smacked him in the face. He wanted Declan, wanting to mark and claim him. That kind of bond, it would last a lifetime. It was enough to make the omega want to weep, the beauty in that simple statement from his lips.
“Start the shower,” Declan begged. “Let’s do that.”
Colten clung to his leg, and he didn’t doubt the alpha felt every wave of sadness that pulsed from him. He nodded and slowly stood up as his fingers trailed Declan’s skin. Once he was on his feet he worked on the shower and Declan quickly rinsed out his mouth and distracted himself.
Just one more time couldn’t hurt. He wanted to laugh at himself. It was true, but also incredibly stupid. On the one hand, he was already pregnant so nothing could happen again. On the other, he knew it would hurt like hell when he pulled away.
“Get in here,” Colten called from the shower stall.
Declan listened right away. His clothes were shed in record time, and he stepped inside with Colten. His lean, muscled body pressed up against Declan’s made him feel safe, secure, small. He craved that feeling.
Colten’s mouth claimed his. Every bit of sadness disappeared and was replaced with longing and need. Every swipe of Colten’s tongue erased doubt and his wolf approved of this man, this wolf, this alpha that had captured him in a way that he never thought possible.
His fingers pressed against Declan’s ass and kneaded his flesh. Dec moaned against his mouth, his fingers pushed up and tangled into his blond locks. A groan echoed from Colten’s lips and sent shivers down every inch of Declan’s body.
“Turn around,” Colten breathed.
Declan saw the lust in his eyes, but there was more behind it. A soft edge that spoke of much more than the physical. The bond between them grew and Declan desperately wanted to give in to it as he turned and pressed his palms to the blue tiled bathroom wall.
Colt’s fingers slipped through his slick before he prodded his entrance. Declan pushed back and allowed himself to be opened up. The deeper Colten’s fingers sank the more he arched his back and pushed against them. One of his hands floated down and wrapped around his cock as he stroked himself slowly, lightly. He wanted to enjoy every sensation that Colten had to give.
Without a word, Colten pressed his cock inside of him and Declan gasped. He pushed his head against the wall and breathed deep as Colten rocked back and forth. Once he was buried deep, his hands gripped Declan’s waist, his hips. Colt’s fingers brushed over his nipples, squeezed and rolled them until Declan panted and canted against him.
Colten was true to his word. Declan felt his desire, his will, his need as it poured into him in the form of powerful thrusts and a strong grip on his body. He pulled Declan’s arms back and the omega’s chest pressed against the wall as Colten bucked into his body powerfully.
Every slap of skin against skin gripped Declan’s balls until they were tight and ready to explode. He threw his head back and cried for more. Colten released his arms and pushed him against the wall completely. His tongue traced Declan’s ear.
“I love you.”
Declan’s head exploded. I love you. Why did Colten have to say something like that? It sank into his bones and gripped his heart in an icy clutch.
“I love you so much,” Colten said against his ear as he panted. “I don’t care if it’s fated or anything else. I love you, Declan. I love you so fucking much.”
Declan’s heart felt like it was going to implode. His words caught in his throat, and he couldn’t say the words that lingered on his tongue, that had danced inside of his head. Colten mumbled his declarations over and over until Declan’s head swam.
Pleasure built in his body and Declan exploded completely. His eyes rolled back as he cried out so loud it filled the small bathroom and spilled outside of its doors. When he could breathe again, he panted and realized Colten still held him in his strong arms.
It’s all going to go away, isn’t it?
Chapter 10
Colten
Every muscle in Colten’s body screamed. He never needed the touch of another omega, because he was damn sure that Declan’s body was the only one he’d ever crave. His lips caressed Dec’s skin while they dressed in his bedroom.
“About what you said…”
Col
ten glanced at Declan. He’d sat on the bed and stared at the floor in front of him. Those wide eyes were empty as he stared past any physical object. He was locked in that brain that thought way too much.
“What about it?” Colten asked as he grabbed his shirt and tugged it on.
“I-I don’t think this is smart. I know I’ve said it before, but we keep ignoring the truth. This can’t happen.”
“You love me too, you know.”
Declan tensed. “Whether I do or not isn’t the point, Colt. This is a bad idea. It can’t work.”
“That’s bullshit. You’re scared, but I’ll figure everything out. We’ll get there together.”
“Nothing’s changed,” Declan said as he glanced up at Colten with watery eyes. “Just because we had sex again doesn’t mean I’ve made up my mind. I still don’t know about this baby and even if I did there can’t be an us. You need to focus on school and your future. I told you before, I’m too old for you.”
“And I told you that you’re being ridiculous. I don’t care about your age. Do you care about me?”
Declan glanced away. “Yeah.”
“Then what else matters?” Colten walked over and tilted his head up by his chin. “As long as we have each other, what else do we need?”
“Everyone will talk,” Declan sighed.
“I don’t care about everyone. I care about you.”
“We haven’t even told your father.”
“So let’s tell him together.”
Declan’s eyes widened and he shook his head. He turned his head and pulled it from Colten’s hand. The alpha frowned. He felt the way Declan started to shut him out. His wolf growled in anxiousness and confusion. The final blow came just as he was about to speak.
“We can’t do this anymore. Please, leave.”
Colten blinked at Declan who refused to meet his gaze. When he reached for him the omega tensed and yanked himself away. He stepped away from him.
“I’m not just going to give up.”
“You have to. It’s the best thing for both of us.”
Colten scoffed. His heart felt scorched as he looked at Declan. It’s over just like that? After he’d only found out that they were fated? No, there was no way in hell he could stay away from Declan.
“You can’t mean that. You know if this bond is there and I feel it Declan there’s no running from it.”
“I know it’s going to hurt like a motherfucker,” Declan laughed dryly. “That doesn’t mean it’s not the best thing for us.”
Colten shook his head. The only omega that he’d wanted in his life wanted him out of his. The fire that burned in his heart died out, and he blocked out the pain. His wolf rebelled, tried to force him to feel, but he refused.
“Fine, if that’s your wish, I’ll grant it. You keep talking about your age like it’s some hindrance. The thing is you might be older, but you’re acting like a stubborn child.”
Declan stared up at him. His mouth opened but he snapped it shut. Colten didn’t need him to say another word. He turned on his heels and stormed out of the Burns house. The sound of footsteps followed him, but Colten was shifted and headed toward the trees in record time. Maybe if he ran far enough and fast enough he could shake off every idiotic notion that he had entertained in his head about the two of them and their future.
Chapter 11
Declan
Declan held onto the door as Colten shifted and disappeared into the trees. He walked on shaky legs and sank onto the white porch swing. Before he could even say another word, Colten was gone. What else is there to say? I blew it.
He buried his face in his hands. As soon as Colten had turned away from him he’d regretted every word out of his mouth. That disapproval, disappointment, anger. It permeated him in the worst ways. He’d been on his feet and after the alpha before he could even stop himself. What could he have said though? Declan knew all of it was the truth. He wanted the best for Colten even if that didn’t include him.
Declan’s wolf stalked back and forth. Pissed and saddened. I really fucked it all up, didn’t I? His wolf agreed that he was a moron, and he sighed. What was done was done. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the swing. He must have dozed off because he startled when Nathan shook him awake.
“How long you been out here?”
“Not too long, I think.” Declan shrugged. “No idea. When did you get home?”
“Just a little while ago. I did the chores and grabbed the groceries. Is Colten here?”
Declan’s lips pressed into a straight line. “No.”
“Scoot over.”
Declan shifted on the seat and allowed his brother to sit down beside him. He handed over the bag of popcorn he had and Declan dug in despite himself. I never even got to eat Colten’s lunch. It had looked promising, but he guessed it was better than getting used to it.
“What’s wrong?” Nathan asked.
“A lot,” Declan admitted as he slumped.
“I’ve got time.”
Declan chewed his lip. How much was he supposed to tell Nathan? The most feasible thing was as little as possible, but it all spilled out of him. Every bit of it.
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do,” Declan’s voice quivered as he ran a hand up and down his belly. “Pregnant? At my age? And I’m taking Colten down with me. Why the fuck am I the one that gets a fated mate that I can’t have?”
“Who says you can’t have him?” Nathan pushed gently. “If what you’re saying is true, then why would you ever want to turn that away? It’s a gift.”
“It’s not right. Frank will be pissed.”
“Frank will get over it.”
“Colten’s going to resent me.”
Nathan raised a brow. “For what? Having a happy mate and family?”
“No, because he can’t go to college and be here for me and the baby at the same time. And I can’t go there. We wouldn’t have the money to live.”
“Who says he even wants to leave? Why do you think you’re not good enough for him to stay for?”
Declan blinked at his brother. Was that the problem? He hadn’t given it thought in that direction before. For a pain in the ass, his brother had moments of complete clarity that still astounded him.
“I’m worried.”
“I know you are, but this is a decision that you’ll have to make. And he has every right to be in his pups life.” Nathan rubbed a hand over his head. “Still can’t believe you’re knocked up.”
Declan laughed. “I’m supposed to be more responsible than that.”
“Shit happens,” Nate shrugged. “I’ll be happy to have a little niece or nephew running around here. Just think about it. You could build another house like we always talked about and then when I have a few pups they could grow up together.”
“How long is that going to take?”
Nate scoffed. “Screw you, I’m trying to help asshole.”
Declan laughed as Nate grinned at him. Yeah, he was still a dick sometimes, but he knew how to make people feel better by being such a goof. Declan shook his head.
“I just don’t know.”
“What do you want to do about the baby? Don’t think, just go with what’s in your heart man.”
“I want to keep the baby.” Declan blinked. “How the hell did you make that so easy?”
“I didn’t. You already knew what you wanted deep down. And you already know what you want to do about Colten.”
“Of course I do. That doesn’t mean I should do it.”
“You can’t avoid it forever. You’ve got what, three good months maybe? Less than that probably and then that baby will be here. And you’re going to have to find someone to help deliver it. I’ll call mom, she knows a pack doctor.”
“I’ll call her,” Declan sighed. “They should hear it from me.”
“Well come on. Let’s go tell them together.”
Declan dusted his hands off on his pants and stood up. He swallowed thickly and
trailed into the house after his brother. Nathan was right about one thing. Declan wanted the baby, he wanted Colten. Now? He wasn’t so sure Colten would forgive him even if he did give in to every instinct that screamed through his brain.
Chapter 12
Colten
Two weeks. It had been a little over two weeks since he’d last heard from Declan. He’d texted him, but he didn’t get an answer. When he called, it went to voicemail.
He paced back and forth in his house. Every bone in his body ached without being able to touch Declan or even be near him. Without his scent, the sound of his voice, Colten felt like he was going crazy.
“You look like shit son,” Frank grunted as he crossed his arms over his chest. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine. Bags under your eyes, hair all over your head. When was the last time you shaved?”
Colt ran a hand over his rough cheeks and jaw. Yeah, he hadn’t done any of those things. The only things he had done were shift, run, crash. Repeat. Even then he barely slept before he was back awake. He’d barely eaten too.
“I’ll get to it today.”
“Son…”
Colten frowned. As much as he wanted to tell his father, what was there to tell? What if Declan already made a decision about the baby? If he wanted to get rid of it, Colt knew there would be nothing to tell. And his father didn’t believe in the whole fated mates thing. He never had.
All Colt knew was that it hurt to be without Declan. He had thought the bond would make things difficult, but it was damn near impossible to be without the man that he considered his mate. His pup. His family.
“I don’t know what you’re hiding from me, but it’s clearly biting you in the ass.”
“It’s just...this guy.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere,” Frank said as he smiled. “You’re having guy trouble?”
Colten nodded. “Yeah. He doesn’t want to see me anymore. I know he has feelings for me, but he’s scared, and he’s pushed me away.”