Absentee Wolf

  “I know. It’s all right. I’m glad we’re both shifters. I figured it out pretty quick.” Kent stroked Toby’s arms that were wrapped across his chest. “I’m not leaving you, Toby. I love you. I want to make this work.”

  Toby said nothing but inhaled sharply at Kent’s declaration. He pressed his face into Kent’s shoulder and embraced him tighter. Kent lay in the arms of the man who waited so many years for him and thought about their relationship from Toby’s perspective.

  Toby wanted him to grow up safe and happy with no pressure. He wanted Kent to live his life the way he desired and make the choices each child does as they become an adult. The whole time he worried that Kent would choose to leave Kansas and never return or find someone and fall in love with him. To have the one person he had loved silently for eight years finally in his arms must have been surreal. Toby’s reaction was to be expected.

  Kent wasn’t able to assure Toby that things were right between them as the phone began ringing once more.

  “You’d better get that. It might be important.”

  Toby nodded and released Kent. “Got it!” Toby held the lost phone in the air, before swiping his code in to unlock it. “Tobias speaking.”

  A quick minute later, Toby pulled the phone away from his face. “He just hung up.”

  “Was it Ben? What did he want?”

  “He wants me at the preserve now. Something about stepping up the security plans.”

  Kent stood to his feet and grabbed their clothes from the floor, dropping them onto the bed. “Let’s get changed. I’m going with you to help.” Now that Toby was his, Kent wasn’t letting him out of his sight.

  Chapter 8

  Ben called Kent and Toby into his office. Deacon and several other members of the packs inner circle were present. They were already talking frantically, and each voice sounded tense and strained.

  “You wanted me, Alpha?” Toby looked toward Ben and waited.

  “You have to install some of the security immediately on the preserve. We looked into the kudzu plant that was lining the fence where Jase was shot. It’s not regular kudzu, and it’s destroying the fence.”

  “Destroying the fence? How so?”

  Connor stood and handed Toby a photo. “That’s a picture of the fence that Ben’s talking about. Kudzu grows fast, but this stuff is growing so quickly that it’s crushing the fence and completely obscuring it. And the fence is rusting. It’s like the plant is trapping moisture or eating the metal, maybe extracting minerals from it?” Connor pushed his hand into his hair and grabbed it while he scrutinized the picture. He straightened, his frustration evident as he pointed at the image. “I don’t really understand. I just know that’s not normal.”

  Toby looked at the photo and held it toward Kent. The chain link fence had several links completely missing, and the edges were rough. It couldn’t have been cut or the edges would’ve been smooth. The fence had other spots where the metal was corroded and rusting.

  Toby looked up when Ben spoke. “What’s worse is this isn’t the only place we found kudzu on the preserve. We assumed it was planted there to hide whatever was going on in that building just on the other side of the fence, but the birds swept the landscape and reported several other heavy patches.”

  Toby started talking while he dug through his messenger bag. “With what you’re saying, I think the best course of action would be to remove those sections and install virtual fence underground in combination with motion activated video surveillance cameras that I mentioned in the meeting.”

  “So we just let intruders walk into our preserve?” Noah’s voice reflected his negative opinion on the matter.

  “And what about the native wolves? No fences mean they can roam wherever they want?” Connor rolled his eyes before looking to Noah. “Maybe if he hadn’t been running around Colorado he’d remember how the preserve works.”

  “Shut your fucking mouth, Connor! Toby wasn’t running around Colorado. You have no idea what happened to make him leave, do you?” Kent rose from his seat, his finger pointed at Connor. When Connor didn’t reply, Kent continued. “That’s what I thought. Why don’t you keep your opinions to yourself, and if I ever hear you speak another bad word about Toby you’ll have to deal with me!”

  Kent dropped into his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. From what Toby saw, it looked more like he locked them into place to keep his fists down. Kent’s chest was heaving, and his jaw set. Toby reached out to Kent and placed his hand on Kent’s knee. He gently rubbed over the rough fabric, trying to soothe his livid mate. Kent snatched Toby’s hand and pulled it into the crook of his folded arms. His grip was bruising, but Toby didn’t mind. He looked to Ben, who was fighting a smirk.

  “Uh, I wasn’t really done with what I was saying, before you guys jumped to conclusions. I think we should install a new type of fence that even if cut, or in this case dissolved, will stay active and notify us immediately of the breech.”

  Ben nodded his head and flipped over some pages. “We have to handle that fence section immediately. There are five other sections of fence found so far. How much will the new fence set us back?” Ben looked up at Toby, his pencil poised to write down every detail.

  Toby huffed out a quick breath. “Depending on the ease of installation, how many cameras, and some other variables…we could be looking at a hundred grand every few yards.”

  “You can’t even cut your own pack a break?” Noah thrust his hand outward in a jab toward Toby. Kent growled and leapt to his feet, but Toby had his hand wrapped around Kent’s wrist just as quickly.

  “Noah, I know you want what’s best for the pack. It’s in your nature, but in this case you’re wrong.” Ben’s voice was loud and clear. Its timbre seemed to calm Kent as he resumed his seat.

  “I’m telling you the cost. I don’t install the fence or own it. We have to hire someone to do that. I know I own a security company, but I still have to pay my employees to install it. And this type of fencing and electronics aren’t cheap! This is going to be a really expensive conversion.”

  “I know.” Ben pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes. “I’ll put a call in to the pack accountant, James. Get some quotes. What should we do in the meantime about that one section?”

  “Ask Mr. Kudzu there what to do about removing it,” Kent quipped. Connor at least looked embarrassed when Toby glanced at him.

  Toby grabbed Kent’s hand and squeezed it. Kent was adamant about defending his mate, and Toby was elated, but he didn’t want Ben to get angry with Kent.

  “I’ll get some cameras set up. Those will be easy enough to get locally. Until the new fence comes in, I suggest we just replace the old chain link and kill off the kudzu so it doesn’t grow back and eat the new fence. Also, have enforcers and scouts run that area. Just keep them far enough back that they won’t get shot.”

  “Yeah, all right. Deacon, stay here with me. You can call your mate so she knows we’re pulling an extra-long shift.”

  “Can Jess come hang out here? Aiden’s probably with William, and I don’t want her home alone again.”

  Ben sighed, and Toby watched as Ben’s shoulders sagged. “Yeah, I’m sure that Leah would enjoy some company for a change.”

  Deacon stood and left the office with is his phone held to his ear. Toby sat in the chair waiting to be dismissed. He said nothing but watched Ben. The longer Ben sat silent, the more uncomfortable Toby became. He felt as though he were intruding on something deeply personal. Ben’s demeanor was sad and beaten down.

  Connor and Noah were also fidgeting where they sat. Toby couldn’t tell if it was from Ben’s behavior or their own conviction over their attitudes. Honestly, Toby wasn’t too concerned. The two were much younger than him, and they weren’t an active part of the pack before Toby left. He wasn’t interested in making new friends, only repairing the relationships with old friends and his mate. He may have to work with them, but that didn’t mean they had to be chummy.

 
Kent had relaxed marginally while everyone sat in quiet. His jaw was slack, and his arms were loose. But his death grip on Toby’s hand remained.

  Ben tilted his head up and widened his eyes. “Sorry, guys. I didn’t realize you were still here. You can all go. I only need to talk to Deacon.”

  Toby stood and pulled Kent with him from the room. The other two men had the good sense to stay in to let them leave first and not crowd into Kent. Toby rushed through the hall and into his office. With a yank and twirl, Toby had Kent up against the door, the force of his impact shoving it closed.

  Toby dropped to his knees in front of his mate.

  “What are you doing?” Kent’s face scrunched, and Toby thought to tell him some other time that the face he was making was one of the cutest things he had seen, but right now Toby simply reached to the side of Kent and locked the door.

  “You claimed me in front of everyone.”

  “They were running their mouths about something that didn’t concern them.” Kent’s statement was true, but not the reason Toby wanted him to admit.

  “They were insulting me and you stopped them. You didn’t have to.”

  “I know you can protect yourself, but you’re my mate. I won’t tolerate—”

  Kent’s voice died off as Toby popped the button on Kent’s jeans. “You defended your mate.” Toby lowered the zipped while he talked. “You claimed me as yours.”

  Toby pushed the jeans open and pulled them down enough that they gave him access to Kent’s cock. Toby looked up at Kent to watch his expression while he lowered his briefs. Kent’s hands were pressed flat against the door. His eyes were fixed on Toby’s motions. Toby rubbed his hand over the hot skin of Kent’s cock. The tip leaked pearls of fluid that Toby gathered and rubbed over the shaft.

  “I want to thank you, to make you feel how I felt.”

  Kent nodded as Toby pointed Kent’s cock toward his mouth. Toby didn’t want to rush this. He wanted to savor his mate and express how much his actions meant to him. He licked the head, and Kent shuddered.

  “Ticklish.”

  Toby smiled and lapped under the crown. He swirled his tongue up and down, slicking the skin so he could swallow Kent down. Kent’s head fell back with a dull thud, and Toby sucked the head and shaft into his mouth.

  Kent’s body slipped down the door a fraction, and Toby grabbed his hips, pressing him against the surface behind. Toby bobbed his head up and down, sucking hard and swirling his tongue. He smiled when Kent’s thighs trembled against his chest.

  Toby pulled off of Kent’s cock and dragged his nose down the crease on the side of Kent’s crotch. He inhaled deeply. Kent’s scent was strong, and the scent of his arousal was pouring off of him in waves. Kent’s balls hung low in his warm sac, and Toby couldn’t resist pulling one orb then the other into his mouth. His tongue played over the wrinkled, hairless skin. His face warmed with the heat of Kent’s flesh.

  Gripping the base of Kent’s cock with his hand, he moved his hand in tandem with his sucking mouth. Slowly, Kent’s body began to sway. His thrusts grew in forcefulness until he was fucking Toby’s willing mouth. Toby relished the pleasure he was giving the man who only moments earlier defended him.

  Kent reached down and joined Toby’s hand for a few strokes before fully taking over. Toby pulled off Kent’s dick and allowed Kent to finish himself. When Kent cried out, Toby turned his head. Kent’s release landed on Toby’s cheek, and Toby couldn’t have been happier.

  Gradually, Kent slid down the door. His shoes caught on the carpet and halted his progress. Several jilted moves later, Kent was sprawled on the ground. His legs were splayed as wide as his pants would allow. His cock was limp and resting to the side, drops of cum still on the tip. He reached forward toward Toby, but his hand fell back, and he chuckled.

  Toby smiled at the mess before him. His mate was too relaxed to lift his arm.

  “You come here since I can’t move.”

  Toby leaned forward, and Kent met him partway with a hot kiss. Toby followed Kent backward, their lips caressing and tongues mating. The kiss continued and heated until Kent reached for Toby’s pants.

  Toby held his hand. “No, this was for you. For sticking up for me.”

  Kent’s relaxed face hardened. “So you can one up me or are we even now?”

  “No. we’ll never be even.” Toby knew Kent would still have misgivings. He wasn’t surprised by it. He only hoped in time the snaps would fade.

  “Oh, you’re winning now?”

  “Never. I can’t win against the gift you gave me.” Toby stroked the tips of his fingers down Kent’s face even though he tried to turn away. “You. You’re trying to make this mating work when I screwed up so badly. There is no possible way I could ever put us on even footing. I only hope that someday you’ll love me as much as I love you.”

  They weren’t just words to Toby. They were truth. He loved Kent so much and was thankful for any time they had. That they were mated was beyond what he thought would happen. His words touched Kent as Kent’s expression changed, and his eyes grew round.

  “I do love you. I’m sorry I snapped again.” Kent dropped his stare to the ground. Toby didn’t want to make Kent feel badly, so he leaned toward his mate and nuzzled into his neck.

  “All’s forgiven.” Kent threw his arms around Toby and squeezed him tightly. “Come on. Let’s get put together and cleaned up. We have things to do.”

  Kent and Toby wiped themselves off and straightened their clothes. As newly mated wolves, it was just accepted that hormones would run hot, and the couples would disappear at times. For courtesy, the pack pretended not to notice, but given the circumstances of the attacks, Toby wasn’t willing to push pack courtesy.

  Once ready, he left Kent to handle his assistant duties and headed into town to purchase the cameras and electronic supplies he’d need. Toby knew where to shop, as he’d been going to the same supplier for years before he moved to Colorado and continued to purchase items there when he was in town on business. That the store was owned by a friend of the pack only made purchases that much easier.

  David, the shop owner, wasn’t a shifter but knew the pack’s secret and kept it. Years and years past, when he was young and first out of college, David had been engaged to a local shifter girl. They broke off the engagement when she met her mate. He had already learned all about the wolves and had been accepted into the pack as one of their own. When they broke off the engagement, he swore to keep the secret with the pack alpha, Ben’s father.

  David was behind the counter tinkering with something when Toby walked into the store. A familiar ding welcomed Toby into the free standing building when he opened the door.

  “Dave, long time, no see!”

  David spun on his chair and leapt to his feet when he saw Toby. He forewent Toby’s extended hand and came out from behind the glass cabinet to grab Toby into a hug.

  “Toby, how long are you in town?”

  “For life. I moved back rather suddenly.”

  David’s brows dropped to a confused V, but Toby waved off the question. “Long story. I do need goodies from you though.”

  David perked right up as Toby knew he would. David lived and breathed electronics. Toby had never seen him away from the store. For all he knew, David might have a cot in the back room. Only as head of security was Toby privy to why David knew about shifters. That knowledge allowed him to speak freely when outfitting the preserve with excellent security.

  “So what goodies can I get you?” David asked while rubbing his hands together.

  “I need cameras for outside. We need to keep eyes on the fence line.”

  “Solar powered?”

  Toby didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of that first. Sure, he thought about outfitting the cabins with panels, but he forgot that was an option for mounted cameras throughout the woods. That would eliminate all the wiring and digging. “That would be great. But what about the tree coverage and cloudy days?”

  �
�Nonissue. They store their energy and use next to nothing to operate.”

  “Do you have any on hand?” The grimace on Dave’s face told Toby he didn’t.

  “Well, I only have two on hand, but I know you’ll need a lot more. They’re encased in a box to keep them safe from the elements, motion detectors turn them on, and they can be rigged to transmit the data electronically, eliminating any wires.”

  “That’s exactly what we need.”

  “I hoped you’d like them.” David crossed his arms over his chest and looked away, suddenly disinterested.

  “It’s convenient that you have any on hand.”

  “Well, I might have bought them with the preserve in mind.” Toby cocked his brow in question at Dave. Dave held his hands up as he answered. “Don’t get mad but security is changing, and unless you’ve bought supplies from someone else, the preserve is sadly underprotected. I kind of hoped you’d be upgrading soon.”

  David’s defensive response rose Toby’s defenses. “Why? Have you heard some reason we would need upgrades.”

  “No!” Dave sputtered his answer and looked visibly shaken at Toby’s question.

  “David, if you know something, you’re under pack order to tell me.” David stepped backward and bumped into the work bench behind him. He looked to the right then left, appearing as though he might dart at any moment. Toby had tried to remain calm, but the more Dave dodged the question the more concerned Toby became that this wasn’t David trying for a big sale, but David holding out information. “You’re an ally, but if you’re now a threat, you will be removed.”

  Toby’s voice hissed low. His eyes changed as he spoke. He was not a true leader in the pack, but as head of security he was still in the inner circle. His authority was clear in his demeanor and projected like an aura. Even a human knew Toby was powerful. Toby growled and allowed his canines to show.

  David swooned and slid to the floor, unconscious.

  Toby walked behind the counter to check on David. He hadn’t hit his head since he slid down a closed cabinet door. Toby checked his pulse just in case it was a heart attack and not a fainting spell.