by Lee Colgin
Heat crept along Toby’s cheeks. “I do enjoy that smell.”
“Me too.” Arlo took another whiff. “It will be my honor to guard this fine bridge, Toby. Thank you very much.”
“And you must thank Timothy too. I couldn’t have done it without him.”
“Perhaps I will thank him with less kisses.”
Toby sputtered a laugh. “With no kisses at all!”
“If you say so, absolutely no kisses then.” Arlo shrugged playfully. “They’re all for you anyway.”
Toby launched himself at the troll. “Then give me more of them.”
Arlo caught him and kissed him again. “Don’t be greedy, we have all night.”
“All night here at my cottage for a change. I’m so happy.”
“Let’s go in. I have something for you as well.”
Toby led them to his front door and threw it open, letting Arlo inside first. “Is it in that mysterious bag of yours?”
Arlo arched his brows. “How did you ever guess?”
“I knew it! What is it? Let me see.” In his sudden eagerness, Toby overlooked his manners. He didn’t offer Arlo tea, or a place to sit down because curiosity had gotten the better of him. Luckily, Arlo didn’t seem to mind.
Though larger than Arlo’s den, Toby’s one room home was pleasantly crowded with the both of them hovering at the entryway. Inside a worn couch sat under the front window with two brown leather chairs opposite. A small kitchen dominated the other half of the room, with a rickety table at the center. A sturdy ladder led to the loft that held Toby’s bed, which was bigger than Arlo’s and fluffier too. He couldn’t wait to get Arlo into it. But first, he was dying to know whatever was in that bag.
Arlo lumbered over to the couch and plopped down, dragging the rucksack into his lap. “I’m afraid none of it will make sense without an explanation. And if you don’t like my idea, just say so. I promise I’ll understand.”
Toby sat next to him without the faintest idea of what could possibly be contained in the big, brown sack. “I’m sure I’ll love it, whatever it is. Now, will you show me?”
Arlo blew a long puff of air through his lips and unlatched the flap holding the bag closed. He pulled out a large, thick woolen blanket and handed it over.
Toby took the scratchy, grey blanket into his lap with a smile. “What in the world would make you think I wouldn’t like this? I’m sure it will keep us toasty warm,” Toby assured him. “We can find out tonight,” he added with a wink.
Arlo shook his head. “It’s not really for you. It’s for me. I’ll explain, but first, there’s more.”
Next from the sack came a brown tarpaulin made of heavy canvas material nearly as big as the blanket and layered with oil to keep out water. A length of rope accompanied the strange gift.
Curious as ever, Toby looked from the gifts to Arlo, but the troll wouldn’t meet his eyes.
Arlo stared at his own feet and grunted. “Uh, so, I thought maybe you might like some company next time the moon is full, and you turn into a wolf? But if we’re to be in the woods for three nights, me without a fur coat and all, I thought we’d need a tent and something to sleep in, plus,” Arlo lifted the rucksack, “something to carry it all. So I traded some tributes in order to have everything I’d need to come along.” Arlo glanced up, his cheeks blazing purple. “If you want.”
Toby opened his mouth. Closed it, then stuttered, “You…you traded your tributes for me?” This was the most thoughtful gift Toby had ever received. “You were already planning to spend the night away from your bridge? Just to stay with me when I shift?”
“Of course I was,” said Arlo, as if such a thing should have been obvious.
“Before you even had a bridge here?” Toby couldn’t bring himself to believe it. Someone who didn’t care that he couldn’t control his shift. Someone to be there with him in spite of it. Arlo was a dream come true.
Arlo nodded. “Well, yes.”
“I had no idea!” Toby felt his smile from the inside out, as if his whole body were smiling.
“If you want me to that is,” mumbled Arlo. “You still haven’t answered whether or not you’d like my company when you’re stuck in your wolf form. I could understand if you don’t.”
“I always want your company, Arlo. Spending the full moon with you will be a dream come true.”
Arlo’s smile finally matched Toby’s. “Even if I can’t keep up with you? Wolves must be very fast.”
“Where would I run to but your side?” Toby reached for him.
Arlo held him in his arms, kissed his hair, and murmured into his ear, “Love you. I always want you by my side.”
“Then that is where I’ll be.” Toby returned the kisses. “I can’t wait for the next full moon.”
“You could catch me dinner,” Arlo suggested. “There isn’t much room left in my pack for provisions. I’ll be counting on you.”
“Gladly. I’m particularly fond of rabbit.”
“I’m particularly fond of you.” Arlo leaned in for another kiss.
Toby framed Arlo’s face with his hands, admiring the lovely freckles. “Time to sleep in my bed for a change.”
Arlo grinned. “Gladly.”
Chapter Thirteen
CHRISTMAS MORNING
Arlo
Arlo would never tire of waking with Toby in his arms each morning. This one was all the better because it was their first Christmas together—and a white one at that. Cuddled snug in Toby’s loft bed with a view of the snow-covered pines outside their window, they were warm under a mountain of fluffy covers. The air around them had turned frosty, so cold Arlo could see his breath puffing into the rafters. Toby’s soft ebony hair tickled Arlo’s chin from where the wolf shifter lay, still heavy with sleep, upon his chest.
Christmas Eve had outshone his wildest dreams. First Gran’s sweet gift, then a bridge Toby had built, and finally the anticipation of joining him under the next full moon. His heart full to bursting, Arlo had scurried up the ladder behind Toby, eager to show him his appreciation.
Arlo closed his eyes, held Toby even tighter, and relived their night.
Flashes of skin, panting breaths hot on his neck, hands caressing every sensitive inch of flesh. Arlo knew himself best when he got lost in Toby. To please Toby was to live in a dream where each touch felt better than the last, each kiss brought them closer, and each moment gave pleasure he hadn’t known possible.
Toby had been wild beneath him, over him, next to him as they rolled around on the overstuffed mattress, eager to rid each other of clothing.
“Naked, Arlo,” Toby demanded, eyes sparkling. “I want to see you.”
Arlo was happy to comply. His nerves tingled with excitement at Toby’s every whim. Eager for the next command, Arlo tore open the column of buttons on his shirt. Somehow, Toby always knew what Arlo wanted without Arlo having to say anything. Like magic, only better, because magic didn’t have the soft trail of black hair that disappeared into Toby’s waistband.
Making short work of their clothes, Arlo uncovered the smooth skin beneath. He dropped a kiss to that lovely trail of hair, then took in the beautiful sight of the treasure it led to. Toby was gorgeous all over. Arlo could admire him for hours, but the wolf shifter wouldn’t have it.
Toby leaned in, catching Arlo’s lips in a quick, delicious peck. “Touch me.”
Running fingers teasingly over Toby’s shoulder blades, Arlo watched the gooseflesh rise in their wake. He blew lightly over the raised bumps on the back of Toby’s neck before kissing him there.
Toby moaned. Arlo knew he loved that spot, just below the hairline where the skin was sensitive and thin enough Arlo could see the elegant blue veins beneath. He ran his tongue along them, to hear Toby moan again, to feel him dig fingers against Arlo’s backside.
“What would you like?” asked Arlo, his lips moving over Toby’s skin.
“Your weight on me,” Toby sighed out, already giddy with pleasure. “Let me feel you.”
Arlo pressed him flat on his back, straddling his thighs and lining them body to body. This much skin, so warm and supple, sent a rush of heat between his legs. Toby was already hard.
Hands roamed Arlo’s skin, exploring. Arlo relished Toby’s tender caresses, the smell of his hair, the sound of his whimpers as his breath ghosted over Arlo’s earlobe.
Toby rose up under him, strong and steady despite Arlo’s greater weight. Arlo shifted to allow his movement. Toby flipped over, turning to his stomach. He pressed his back to Arlo’s chest and drew his knees beneath him.
“Mate me, Arlo, please.” Toby’s voice came out strained and breathy. He pushed his bottom against Arlo’s length. “Hold me and mate me.”
Toby’s pleas sparked fire in Arlo. He wrapped his arm around Toby’s chest and held him tight, mouthing more kisses to his throat, then along the ridges of his spine. Toby squirmed for him, arching and writhing into every caress. The indulgent press of skin on skin sent sizzling energy to Arlo’s toes, making them curl.
Whispered words stoked their desire as he moved over Toby. Limbs tangled and clung. Every touch lit Arlo’s senses; every moan urged him forward.
“Yes, Arlo, more.” Toby propped on his elbows and turned his head, searching for a kiss.
Arlo met his lips with passion, their tongues sliding together. Toby whimpered into his mouth, a little sound of desire that Arlo could never get enough of. Arlo was so far gone, he could only watch as Toby slicked his fingers with oil and prepared himself. He caught Toby’s gaze, lids heavy at half-mast, irises dark with desire.
“Now,” Toby murmured, his voice low and urgent.
They moved together like the rapids of the river, rippling and flowing, bodies united. Bliss rolled through them in waves. Arlo gave Toby everything he had. The wolf shifter quaked under each thrust, rocking back, demanding it all. Each push, every bit of stretch, the growing pressure all came together to lift them to the pinnacle.
Need howled in Arlo’s veins.
“Touch me,” Toby panted. “Come with me.”
Arlo reached for him, took his hard, pulsing length in hand and stroked. Working in rhythm, both of them bucking and groaning, Arlo claimed his mouth. As the hot, wet slick covered his palm, Arlo followed Toby over the edge. He’d follow Toby always. They shook with pleasure against each other, bodies vibrating.
Holding Toby as they returned to themselves, their breath slowing, pounding hearts settling into a steady pace, Arlo basked in the warm, contented happiness Toby’s presence evoked. He closed his eyes and drifted in sensation.
They cuddled together after, under piles of blankets, naked and sweaty. Toby kissed his freckles, his nose, his eyelids. He fluttered his eyelashes against Arlo’s cheek, making them both laugh.
When Toby finally drifted off to sleep, Arlo had lain awake, grateful. He hadn’t wanted to miss a moment of Christmas Eve together and had fought to stay conscious, so he could enjoy the warmth of Toby pressed against him for a bit longer. At some point, sleep had come for him, and night had turned into morning. Nights had a way of doing that.
*
As the first to wake on Christmas day, Arlo reveled in the quiet comfort of their bed, Toby snuffling gently against his chest, the sun just beginning to stream through the little circular window in their loft.
Arlo had everything his heart had ever wished for. Though he’d strayed from his bridge, he missed it not one whit when his precious Toby lay in his arms. His soul was complete, his mind joyful, and on top of all of it, today there would be peppermint cakes and hot chocolate. His mouth watered at the thought.
Toby stirred in his embrace. Arlo massaged the smooth skin of his back with soothing strokes, welcoming him to their first Christmas morning together. The first of many.
Toby’s eyelids fluttered open, revealing sleepy green irises shining with love. “Good morning, my mate.” His fingers stroked the chest hair beneath them.
A pleasant shiver raced across Arlo’s skin. Just when he thought things couldn’t possibly get any better, Toby inched his way up to plant a sweet kiss on Arlo’s lips.
And wouldn’t you know, things could get even better after all.
Dear Reader, I assure you, Arlo and Toby lived sappily ever after for the rest of their days. If you’d like a glimpse of the two of them during the full moon, a free bonus chapter is available by joining my newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/d04e03b10ccf/leecolgin
Thank you for reading. ~Lee Colgin
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Dextre for understanding why my nose is always buried in my computer when I have a book to write.
About the Author
Lee Colgin, author of Slay My Love, Feral Dawn, and Beneath the Opal Arc, has adored vampires since she read Dracula on a hot sunny beach at thirteen years old. She lives in North Carolina with lots of dogs and her husband. No, he’s not a vampire, but she loves him anyway. Lee likes to work out so she can eat the maximum amount of cookies with her pizza. Ask her how much she can bench-press.
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Other NineStar books by this author
They Bite Series
Forbidden Bond
Forbidden Love
Forbidden Need
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