A Growl, a Roar, and a Purr

by K. C. Wells

  Horvan snickered. Guess who forgot to add lube to the shopping list.

  Crank looked from Horvan to Rael to Dellan. He groaned. “I don’t need to ask what that was about, do I? That’s it. I’m wearing earplugs tonight.”

  Vic coughed. “Guys? I think it’s time I was out of here. I just want to say… if you ever need an extra body, I’m your man.” He handed Horvan a card. “Here’s my number.” Then he handed out cards to all of them. “So any of you can call me.” Crank was the last to receive one, and Vic looked him in the eye. “Any of you,” he stressed.

  Whatever smartass reply Crank was probably about to make was lost when a phone rang. Doc blinked in obvious surprise as he pulled it from his jacket pocket. “Hello?”

  They left him to his call. Vic came over to where Hashtag was working and nodded in approval. “I was going to ask if someone was dealing with this.” He smiled. “You make a good team.”

  Hashtag shook his hand. “It was good to meet you. And if we need you, we will call.”

  “Boys?” Doc pocketed his phone. “I need to leave too. I’m needed to deal with an emergency.”

  Dellan was struck by Doc’s grave expression. “Is it bad?”

  Doc regarded him sadly. “It’s something I can’t discuss. I need to be on the first available flight out of here.”

  Roadkill grabbed his keys. “Okay. Both of you go get your stuff. I’ll drive you to the airport.” Vic gave a nod and headed downstairs. Roadkill addressed Hashtag. “Can you book a flight for Doc, once he gives you the destination? You can message him the details.”

  Hashtag nodded. “I’m on it.” He tapped on the keyboard.

  “I’ll make you guys some snacks for the trip,” Crank said. “It’ll be better than anything you’ll get at the airport.”

  Doc gave them a grateful smile. “Thank you. Sorry to have to leave like this.”

  Horvan patted his arm. “Hey, no need to apologize. You need to go.” He clasped Doc’s hand. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

  Doc pulled him into a hug. “Take care of your mates. I have a feeling your adventures are only beginning.”

  Dellan didn’t contradict him. He had the same feeling.

  HORVAN’S PHONE warbled, and he peered at the screen. “The doc’s just touched down.” He gazed at Dellan. I wonder what kind of emergency he had to deal with?

  Dellan had been wondering the same thing.

  “Have you guys thought about where you’re gonna live?” Roadkill inquired. “I mean, once Dellan goes back to Chicago.”

  To Dellan’s mind, it felt like reality was making an unwelcome intrusion. “I haven’t given it much thought,” he confessed.

  “Why would you have?” Rael said quietly. “Think about it. I met you for the first time a mere thirteen days ago. I met Horvan twelve days ago.” He smiled. “And we all met—in the flesh, as it were—in the early hours of Saturday. All of two days ago.”

  Dellan expelled a long breath. “Wow. When you put it like that….” It felt like he’d known them for… well, forever.

  Horvan sipped his whiskey. “It’s not like we don’t have options. Rael has a house in Salmon, and I—”

  “A tiny house,” Rael added quickly.

  Horvan nodded. “And I have my place in Indiana.”

  “I like the sound of your place,” Rael admitted. “With all those forests on your doorstep. I couldn’t survive without this forest.” He gestured to the landscape beyond the window.

  “Whereas I have a large house in Chicago Anson and I inherited from Tom.” He shuddered. “Which reminds me. When we go to Chicago, I’m staying in a hotel. I don’t even want to share the same air as Anson.”

  “Don’t worry,” Horvan told him. “You can stay with me. I have an apartment there.”

  Rael narrowed his gaze. “That bed will not take three.”

  “Then I’ll buy a bigger bed,” he replied practically. Rael laughed.

  “Trust me, if it wasn’t for Anson living there, I’d invite you all to stay at my place.”

  “Would there be room for all of us?” Roadkill inquired.

  It was all Dellan could do to keep a straight face. “Oh, I think so.”

  Rael gazed at him quizzically. What’s so funny?

  Dellan smiled. Tell you later.

  Rael shrugged and turned his attention to Crank. “And what’s next for you guys?”

  Crank laced his fingers behind his head. “We wait for the next call. There’s never a shortage of work, right, boys?” He peered at Horvan. “Though Doc was right. You’ll obviously be taking fewer of the dangerous ops.”

  Horvan blinked. “Next thing you’ll be saying I should retire.” Everyone laughed, except Rael and Dellan.

  “Why not?” Dellan asked softly. “We won’t want for money. You can start up any business you want. Rael can keep doing what he’s doing.” His stomach churned at the thought of Horvan going off on some mission and never coming back.

  “About that….” Rael coughed. “I’ve been thinking. Doc was right about a few things. I mean, hanging upside down off a cliff isn’t exactly a safe occupation, right? Maybe it’s time I considered a different career. One that keeps me home. After all, I have to be there when you come home, right?”

  Horvan’s hand covered Dellan’s. Let’s wait and see, okay? We’re not at the stage where we can plan our future yet.

  Dellan knew he was right, but it didn’t quiet his fears. Remember what else Doc said? We have to be open and honest with each other if this is going to work.

  Horvan leaned in kissed him. No if, baby. This will work. We’re meant to be together, right? He looked into Dellan’s eyes. How can it not work when we love each other? Another gentle kiss, then Horvan took a deep breath. “I love you.”

  Dellan’s heart almost stopped. “How did you know I needed to hear that?” There had never been sweeter words.

  Horvan’s smile lit up his face. “Mates, remember?”

  Rael’s lips were soft against Dellan’s cheek. “Love you.”

  Dellan opened his heart and his mind to them. “I love you. Both of you.”

  They sat together, leaning into one another, bodies and minds connected, those precious words still in Dellan’s head. You love me. It was one thing to know they were mates, fated to be together—it was another to acknowledge they were joined by love.

  Always. Rael kissed him.

  Forever. Horvan locked gazes with him.

  The magical moment was broken by the hitch in Crank’s breathing, and they glanced across at him. Crank was staring at them, his expression so unexpectedly serious that Dellan was concerned.

  “You guys are fucking beautiful together. Gives a man hope, y’know? That maybe there’s someone out there who’s as fucking perfect for me as you three are for one another.”

  No one said a word, but Roadkill put his arm around Crank’s shoulders and squeezed.

  By the time they climbed the ladder to their lofty bedroom, however, Dellan’s initial bloom of panic had blossomed into deeper anxiety. They undressed in silence, and Horvan got into bed, his arms wide to envelop him and Rael.

  “You got the all clear,” Horvan reminded him.

  Dellan stilled. Sex was the last thing on his mind.

  It’s okay. Horvan kissed his forehead tenderly. We don’t have to do anything. We have the rest of our lives for that. How about tonight, we just curl up together?

  Rael’s lips twitched. Okay, where is the real Horvan? What have you done with him?

  Dellan said nothing, but rested his head on Horvan’s broad chest, his mind easing a little. “About what we said downstairs. The thought of Rael off on some dangerous assignment…. Does it make me nervous? I’d be lying if I said no. But the thing is, I don’t want you to change, either of you.” He covered Rael’s hand with his. “Horvan is the one you called when you needed help. You were the one I called out to when I was in trouble. That tells me what you do—what we all do—is importan
t. It’ll take work and patience—and a whole lot of love—but we will figure it all out, like Horvan says.” After all, whoever had decided to put the three of them together obviously knew what they were doing.

  Horvan sighed. “The problem is that right now all our lives are in upheaval. We all appear to want to change for one another. Why? It seems to me what matters here, what is truly important, is to accept each other for who we are… who we’re falling in love with.”

  Horvan’s quiet words were a balm for Dellan’s soul. He closed his eyes and drank in his mates’ presence. His newfound peace was shattered by a single thought.

  Anson. I have to see him at some point.

  Despite the love they shared, there were metaphorical gray clouds on the horizon, and the threat of a storm looming. Let’s hope someone is still watching out for us.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  DELLAN OPENED his eyes. Sunlight had begun to creep into the cabin. At his back, Horvan was asleep, his arm stretched over Dellan, his hand on Rael’s hip.

  Even when he’s asleep, he has to be touching both of us.

  Horvan stirred, and Dellan stifled a moan at the feeling of a hard cock rocking against his ass.

  No noise. We don’t want to wake them up, right? Horvan slid his hand between Dellan’s asscheeks, ghosting over his hole.

  Anticipation trickled through him. That will depend on what we’re doing.

  Rael stirred and turned over, sleepy blue eyes peering at Dellan from beneath a shaggy mop of hair. Good morning. He let out a happy sigh. I feel great.

  Dellan kissed his forehead. Last night was amazing. I had no idea simply cuddling could feel so good.

  Me neither. Horvan kissed Dellan’s shoulder, then leaned over to kiss Rael. I could get to like this mates business. He sighed happily. And while I have nothing against cuddles, there’s no better way to start the day than with a good-morning fuck. There were Horvan’s fingers again, this time gently probing his hole.

  Okay, I’m sold. Like he needed much persuasion. He yearned to feel Horvan inside him. Then he heard voices below. Dellan sighed. Talk about bad timing.

  Possibly. Or maybe they’re doing it on purpose. Horvan withdrew his fingers, and Dellan’s tiger growled.

  Rael glared. What the hell are they doing awake at this hour?

  Horvan chuckled. Spoiling our fun, that’s what. I told you. They’re evil.

  Evil or not, despite his friends’ teasing and sexual innuendos, they clearly respected him. Dellan had to admit, they were an awesome bunch.

  It was this knowledge that settled him. I can do this, with their help. A night of sleep in his mates’ arms had worked its magic too.

  “Do what?” Rael was instantly more alert.

  Dellan sighed. “I think I’m ready.” He inhaled deeply. “I want my company back. And I want to make sure Anson pays for what he did to me. And those women. If he drugged them, that means they were victims too. I can’t let that go unanswered.”

  Horvan rolled him onto his back and peered into his eyes. “You’re sure about this?” he said quietly.

  Dellan nodded. “But we do it my way.”

  “And what does that mean?” Rael narrowed his gaze. “You’re not thinking of going there alone, are you?”

  Dellan laughed. “Do I look stupid? Why would I do that when I can walk in there with my mates and those three awesome guys downstairs?”

  “Then what did you have in mind?” Horvan inquired.

  Dellan’s stomach growled. “I’ll tell you all over breakfast.” He sniffed the air. “After I’ve had a shower.”

  “Uh-uh. I want to know now.” Horvan cocked his head. “Why can’t I read your thoughts?”

  That made Dellan laugh. “Because I’m not ready to—wait. You mean you and Rael can read each other’s thoughts all the time?”

  A slight flush stained Horvan’s cheeks. “Yes. It’s a little maddening at times. I mean, it’s nice, don’t get me wrong, but think about Christmas. How can I surprise you two?”

  “Oh. Well, um… if you have something you don’t want to share, file it away in a lock box in your brain.”

  “A… what?”

  Rael nodded. “What he said.”

  “When I was a kid, I made little boxes in my head,” Dellan explained. “When I was angry or horny or whatever, and those thoughts were overwhelming me, I pushed them into one of my boxes. It allowed me to let them go so I could focus on other things.”

  Horvan gaped. “That must have taken years to learn.”

  Dellan shrugged. “Not really. Just a determination to get things done. Try it. Make a mental box.”

  Horvan frowned. “Easy to say, but how do you do that?”

  “Think of it like a safety deposit box. Only you have the key. It can be whatever size you want, but make it strong, able to withstand someone trying to get into it.”

  “Like a nosy mate?” Horvan asked with a chuckle.

  Rael reached over and whacked him on the arm. “Hey! I heard that.”

  Horvan’s eyes twinkled. “Good. Wasn’t sure I said it loud enough. Now hush, I’m learning.”

  Dellan ignored the banter. This was important. “Imagine it in your head, and once you have it, call up the memory you want to stuff in there. Once you’ve got it where you want it, lock the box and put it away with the others.”

  Horvan closed his eyes for a moment. “Okay, I’ve made my box.”

  “Now pull up something you don’t want me to know about, shove it in your box, and lock it away.”

  Horvan stilled, and Rael peered at him. “I’m curious to know what you come up with.”

  “Like I’m gonna tell you.” Horvan’s brows knitted in an expression of intense concentration. After a moment, he relaxed. “Done. What am I thinking?”

  Dellan stared at him for several moments, then smiled. “I can only read the things you want me to know. Like you want us to hurry up because you’re hungry.”

  “Seriously?” It’s that simple?

  Dellan laughed. Yes, it is.

  Horvan narrowed his gaze. “What if I think about it now?”

  Dellan focused on Horvan again. “You want bacon.”

  “So you can’t see the thoughts? Really?”

  “Nope. You’ve got a tight lock on the thoughts, so even if they’re in your mind, you’ve still got them put away enough where they’re not surface thoughts.”

  Horvan wiped his forehead dramatically. “That’s good, because some of them would make most people blush.”

  Rael pouted. “No fair. I want to see them.”

  Horvan’s eyes glittered in the filtered light. You don’t need to, sweetheart. You get to live them.

  Heat coiled inside Dellan, and his already stiff dick twitched. Maybe a good-morning fuck was a great idea, and to hell with the fallout.

  “Guys? We know you’re awake.” Crank snickered.

  Then again…. Dellan looked at his mates. Later?

  Horvan’s slow smile did nothing to wilt his erection. Later.

  DELLAN DRAINED the last of his coffee, then peered around the table. “Hashtag, how’s that ID coming along?”

  “It’s done and already on its way. I’m having it couriered to the main post office in Salmon. It’ll be there by this afternoon.” Hashtag grinned. “You can all call me Mr. Miracle Worker.”

  “Okay, Mr. Miracle Worker, you need to get working on organizing flights for all of us.”

  Roadkill frowned. “Are we going somewhere? Not that I’m not having a good time here, you understand. I’m kinda getting used to the peace and quiet. I mean, I’m not a fan of the snow, but I was thinking how amazing this place would look in spring.” When Crank stared at him, Roadkill grinned. “Just kidding.”

  “We are going to Chicago,” Dellan announced.

  Around the table, everyone sat up straight.

  “You sure?”

  “You feel ready?”

  “We’re gonna pay Anson a visit?”

&
nbsp; Dellan smiled. “Yes, I’m sure. Yes, I feel ready, and as for paying Anson a visit… I want to give him a little shock first.”

  “What did you have in mind?” Horvan regarded him thoughtfully.

  “A Skype video call.” Dellan’s heartbeat raced. “I want him to know I’m alive and kicking. Oh, and human again.”

  “Is that such a good idea?” Hashtag’s brow furrowed. “Won’t that put him on his guard?”

  “What’s he going to do—have a load of armed heavies waiting for us? He’s running a business, for God’s sake. My business. He won’t want to attract attention.” Dellan had put a lot of thought into this. “Remember, when they brought shifters to my cage, it was always at night when no one else was around, right? And he’s twenty-two—wait, now he’s twenty-three. I repeat, what’s he going to do?”

  “Okay, two things,” Crank said suddenly. “One, what the fuck does his age have to do with anything? He has money, he runs a huge corporation so he has plenty of assets at his disposal to secure the place, and he’s already managed to drug and keep Dellan shifted in a cage for a year.”

  “And what’s the second thing?” Rael asked.

  “Two… maybe it’s not him we should be worried about,” Crank observed. “We think he’s not working alone, remember?”

  “It’s not like I’ll be telling him when we’re arriving,” Dellan remonstrated. “I just want him panicking a little. He won’t have a clue when we’re going to walk into that building. Anticipation is everything.”

  Horvan sighed. “You’re not gonna be dissuaded from this, are you?”

  Dellan shook his head slowly. “Sorry, but no. I have to do this.”

  Rael cleared his throat. “Dellan was the one in that cage for all that time. Dellan was the one drugged and locked up. And Anson did it. So I say, whatever Dellan wants, he gets. He’s earned it.”

  From around the table came slow grudging nods.

  “You did say ‘we,’ right?” Crank peered at him. “I mean, we’re all gonna march in there, right?”

  “We are,” Dellan confirmed. “I wouldn’t dream of doing this without you guys.”

  “Do you remember Anson’s Skype address?” Hashtag asked. He rolled his eyes before Dellan could reply. “Look who I’m talking to. Mr. I Can Recite My Credit Card Details By Heart.” That brought out a ripple of laughter. “Fine, but let me set things up first before you call him. I know Skype calls are encrypted, but I don’t want him to trace the call back to here. Let me bounce it around a few satellites first.”