Avanti

Zeus's Pack 2

Avanti Sheriff Jesse Dekalb has his work cut out for him when he discovers he has two mates with haunted pasts. Craig Hanes is running from a past he fears will leave him dead. Avanti, soldier to Zeus, isn’t ready for a mate, let alone two. While trying to keep Craig alive from the threat that has tracked him down and a plot to overthrow Zeus, the three mates try to accept the fact that fate has brought them together. Can they help each other heal, or will their pasts destroy the chance for them to finally be happy? Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Vampires/Werewolves Length: 31,765 words

AVANTI Zeus’s Pack 2

Lynn Hagen

MENAGE EVERLASTING MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting ManLove

AVANTI Copyright © 2011 by Lynn Hagen E-book ISBN: 1-61034-492-8 First E-book Publication: July 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Avanti by Lynn Hagen from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Lynn Hagen’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Hagen’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

AVANTI Zeus’s Pack 2 LYNN HAGEN Copyright © 2011

Chapter One Sheriff Jesse DeKalb pulled the cruiser onto the dirt road leading to Hank’s. He came to a stop before reaching the old farmhouse, studying the distressed and decaying place. A few shutters hung loosely from the window frames, and the front porch sagged dangerously low. The house needed to be bulldozed. The informant had told him that Hank was one of Jackson’s followers. Jesse hadn’t been in Pride Pack Valley during Jackson’s reign of terror but had heard all the horror stories. He and Alpha Zeus had agreed that they would get rid of all the fanatics and make their hometown a peaceful place to live and raise a family. Although Jesse just came onboard, the idea of living a peaceful life suited him just fine. He glanced over at his deputy, Craig, whose eyes were scanning the surrounding property. Craig was human, and the only reason he was on the police force here was because he was Jesse’s mate. Too bad he couldn’t figure out a way to tell the guy this. “You think he’s home?” Craig asked, his eyes darting around constantly at the lay of the land.

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“The tail end of his truck is sticking out from behind the house.” Jesse pointed toward the direction he was referring to. “Unless someone picked him up, he’s there.” Jesse looked up at the clouds moving in. The forecast called for heavy rain late in the evening, but it looked like it had a mind of its own and was coming in sooner. He strummed his fingers on the steering wheel, wondering if now was a good time to break the news of them being mates. Jesse wasn’t sure why he was having such a difficult time telling Craig, but whenever he thought about telling him, the time never seemed right. Craig was aware that shifters existed, had seen a few morph into their wolf form right in front of him. His mate had kept a cool head, accepted the fact that humans weren’t the only inhabitants of the planet with a level-mindedness. Jesse really liked that his mate was calm about it. But sometimes that calmness is what stopped Jesse from telling Craig about their being mates. Craig seemed a little too indifferent and that bothered Jesse. The wind picked up, and the dust from the road spun around and blew off into the fields. Jesse watched while deep in thought. “Do you know what mates are?” he finally got the nerve to ask. It wasn’t what he really wanted to say, but it was a start. “Are you asking from an animal’s perspective or the UK’s?” “An animal’s.” He wasn’t sure where he was going with this, maybe feeling the guy out and getting his take on the whole one mate for life deal. Now was a good a time as any to toss feelers out. Craig had never talked about his past or dated anyone since arriving here, not that Jesse would have stood for that, but it left him with no idea if Craig were straight or gay. He had to be gay if he was Jesse’s mate, but sometimes fate assigned a partner who wasn’t even aware there was a closet to come out of.

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If Craig was a closet case, Jesse was going to have a harder time convincing him about the whole mate thing. He prayed Craig wasn’t. “Depends on the species you’re referring to. What category of mates are you talking about, animal mating, animal mates, or just sex?” Jesse saw the slight pull of Craig’s lip as he tried to hide a smile. Okay, so the guy wasn’t taking this seriously. That didn’t give him much hope. “Never mind,” he said, feeling frustrated. Craig shrugged and looked back out of his window, Jesse glimpsing from the corner of his eye all of Craig’s features. He had sandy blond hair to his ears, a handsome face, and big gray eyes that made Jesse’s cock hard every time Craig turned them on him. He glanced down at his lap as he saw his cock filling out. The bulge was evident as it began to grow in size. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the run-down house to take his mind off his gorgeous mate, trying his best to get rid of his stiffened dick. It was ramrod-hard and making sitting next to Craig torturous. The wind howled, the thick and dark clouds growing closer. “I think we need to head in before the storm hits.” He hated to go back to the station. Being confined in the car with his mate was comforting, minus the stiffy. Reluctantly, he started the motor. “What about Hank?” “He isn’t going anywhere. Besides, do you want to wrestle around with him in the mud?” Craig chuckled, the sweet and musical sound sending shivers down Jesse’s spine. It was sweet and musical. Maybe being confined in the car with his mate wasn’t such a good idea after all. “It doesn’t matter to me one way or the other.” The image of Craig rolling around in the mud made his erection come back to life, harder than before. Jesse threw his arm over the seat and began to drive the car in reverse, ignoring the scent of morning dew and sunshine.

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“I could stake the place out, see if he is one of the radicals.” Jesse wouldn’t risk his mate’s life. He hated the fact that Craig was a deputy. He’d rather have him at home safe and sound but knew that would be a losing battle. “No, we can come back later.” He drove down the highway, watching the scene pass by while his thoughts wandered to the one man that had stayed on his mind day and night since Craig showed up applying for the position two weeks ago. His mate broke the silence, his voice welcoming. “What do you think about those vampires?” “I heard they existed, and that rogues moved in when the coven did. But I never thought they would show up here.” Craig nodded. No further conversation was forthcoming. That was how Craig was, quiet, a thinker. It drove Jesse nuts, considering he was trying to get to know the man better, but Craig never volunteered any personal information about himself or made small talk to allow this to happen. “You hungry?” he asked to break the silence. “No, I’ll get something after my shift to take home for dinner.” Craig fell silent again, staring out of that damn passenger window. Jesse gripped the wheel tighter, stopping his fingers from reaching out and touching his mate. Why was he so hesitant? Jesse couldn’t figure out for the life of him why he was such a chickenshit when it came to telling the guy they were mates. His cell phone rang, and he was grateful for the reprieve from his thoughts. “Sheriff DeKalb.” “I just wanted you to know Eagle spotted a few more vampires trying to come into our territory. They were taken care of, but keep your eyes open,” the Alpha informed him. “Will do, thanks.” He hit the end button, tapping his phone on the steering wheel. “We need to watch for vampires. There seems to be an outbreak of them lately.”

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Craig just nodded, staring out of his window at the town. Jesse tossed his phone on the dash, frustrated that his mate wasn’t more talkative. He pulled into the parking space in front of the station, cutting the motor, and Craig immediately got out. “What am I going to do with you?” Jesse muttered as he opened the driver door and climbed out. “Hey, Sheriff.” The owner of Theo’s Bar and Grill waved. The restaurant sat on the corner of Trenton and Route 22, catty-corner to the police station. His stomach always rumbled when he was coming to or going from the station. The delicious smells always filled the air and made his stomach rumble. “Hey, Theo.” He lifted a hand and waved but didn’t stop like he usually did for conversation. He had a mate to follow. Jesse found Craig sitting behind his desk, leaning back in his chair and gazing up at the ceiling. He wondered what his mate was thinking about and hoped it was about him. Something had to give soon. “You all right?” He sat on the edge of the deputy’s desk, staring at his mate’s handsome face. Craig was the epitome of handsome. Craig rolled his shoulders and sat forward, looking as though he hadn't just been lost in thought. “Yeah, just haven’t been getting much sleep lately.” He yawned to back his statement up. “Problems?” Jesse waited for Craig to reveal a little of his life, but his hopes were dashed when Craig shook his head. “No, just insomnia.” With a great deal of reluctance, Jesse moved off of Craig’s desk and headed into his office. He shut the door, needing a moment to compose his desires. Jesse took a seat behind his desk and turned his computer on, checking various things when a knock sounded on his door. He sat back and hollered, “Come in.” Craig walked through and shut it behind him, leaning against the door with his hands behind his back. “What’s bothering you?”

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Jesse’s brows pulled down into a frown. “What are you talking about?” Craig shook his head. “Don’t try that with me. I’ve gotten to know your moods and body language. Something’s wrong.” “You’ve been studying me?” he asked in surprise. “It’s a habit of mine.” Jesse felt disappointed. He didn’t want Craig to use habits on him. He wanted his mate to study him because he felt the pull, wanted to get to know him better, or even because he found Jesse interesting, not because of a habit. The laugh burst out of him, and Jesse had no idea where it came from. “I’m fine, go order us some lunch.” He waved toward the door in a dismissive gesture. It felt like he was losing his damn mind. Craig slowly stood, gave Jesse a look to let the sheriff know he didn’t believe him, and then let himself out. “Fuck.” Jesse leaned back in his chair as he blew out a long breath, studying the door his mate just left out of. “I’m going to have to tell him.” Jesse sat back up and began going through the reports his other deputies had typed up on third shift. With nothing out of the ordinary, Jesse shut his computer down and left his office. Four large pizzas were sitting on the table off to one corner where the coffee pot sat. Jesse helped himself to three slices, chewing on one as he scanned the room for Craig. “Where’s Officer Hanes?” he asked one of the other deputies. “He got a call and left.” The deputy grabbed another slice of pizza while Jesse tossed his in the trash. He walked swiftly to the front doors, scanning the parking spaces when he walked outside. Craig’s GTO was gone. He cursed. He didn’t like the fact that there were rogue vampires and shifters out there and he wasn’t near his mate to protect him. What could have made Craig take off like that? “I’m heading out, Connie,” he shouted over to the dispatcher. “You can reach me on my cell if you need me.”

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“Gotcha, sheriff.” He drove around until he spotted Craig pacing in front of his home, talking on his cell and biting his thumbnail. That wasn’t a good sign to Jesse. He looked distressed. When he exited the cruiser, he could smell anger and a hint of fear rolling off of his mate. His hackles rose as protectiveness seized him. Jesse trotted over to Craig. He didn’t speak but stayed close as Craig continued to pace and talk on his cell phone. When his mate saw him standing there, he ended the call quickly. “Trouble?” A weak smiled pulled at his lips. “Nothing I can’t handle. Sorry to take off like that.” Craig slid the phone into its case clipped to his hip and walked over to his car. “I’m heading back now.” “Craig, wait.” Jesse grabbed his mate’s upper arm and Craig winced. The action was brief before Craig masked his features and turned to look at him. “What?” Jesse had no clue what was going on, but he didn’t like it one bit. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing,” his mate snapped and pulled his arm free. “I’ll meet you back at the station.” Jesse let him go, watching as Craig climbed into his car and drove off. The first of the raindrops hit him on the face as Jesse climbed back into his car. He sat there, watching the heavy rain pour down. His windows began to fog, so he started his car and hit defrost, steering the cruiser back onto the street and following behind his mate. A sadness washed over him as the raindrops splattered onto his windshield. He felt so helpless when it came to Craig. What had him so angry and afraid? Jesse was even more determined now to find out what was in his mate’s past. He wouldn’t have pried, but Craig’s actions worried him.

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The GTO was back in its spot, the car empty. Jessed slammed the cruiser door shut and ran into the station as the rain fell in buckets. “It’s getting bad out there.” Connie nodded toward the door. “Forecaster says there might be power outages with this storm.” “I’ll make sure the generator is ready to go just in case.” Jesse headed to the basement, clicking on the light and crossing the room. He checked to make sure it was in proper working order. Satisfied that it was, he went back upstairs. Craig was sitting at his desk brooding. As much as Jesse wanted to pull the smaller man into his arms, he kept his distance. The lights flickered and Jesse moved closer, forgetting that he wanted to give Craig space. “The storm’s getting pretty bad.” Craig looked up at Jesse with saddened eyes, and Jesse’s heart broke. “I can help you.” He reached out, but his hand fell short when Craig stood. His fingers curled in at the distance that seemed to be wedging between them. He didn’t understand Craig’s mood change from easygoing the past two weeks, to this troubled man today. “I’m fine.” His deputy moved out of the way, putting a great amount of distance between them. Jesse was at a loss of what to do. Something was going on with his mate and Craig refused to let him in. “There’s a call from Theo’s Bar and Grill. Theo says two guys are over there fighting,” Connie yelled across the room. Jesse nodded and headed for the door, Craig close behind. They didn’t have to drive considering the tavern was right across the street. The rain had finally eased into a light mist. Jesse knew it was only a matter of minutes before it would start again. The clouds were too ominous for it to stop altogether. He hurried, trying to avoid the large puddles that were scattered everywhere. Jesse skipped around a few, wanting to help his mate over them but knew Craig would think him mad for even suggesting it.

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Jesse walked in and was immediately pushed back when one of the men fighting was shoved into Jesse’s chest. “What the hell is going on in here?” Jesse shouted, pissed that he was knocked back. Craig came to his side, grabbing the man from his chest and hauling the guy into a chair at the table closest to them. “I don’t appreciate him coming on to me,” the large and burly man growled at Jesse as his finger pointed to the now seated man. “I swear I wasn’t,” the smaller man protested, his voice shaky. “All I asked was if he knew a place I could find employment.” Jesse stared down at the small man, tears unshed but brimming in the man’s eyes. He looked up at the large man, pissed to have a homophobe in his town. Jesse had assessed the situation right away, seeing past the bullshit to the real core of the problem. It wasn’t the first time Jesse ran across this kind of behavior. It was typical in a small town and he was on a mission to wipe it out. “Who are you?” “I see. I’m the bad guy. Men like him,” the large man said, pointing at the smaller man, “need to all burn in hell where they belong.” Jesse could tell the larger man had drunk past his limits, his words a little slurred as he spouted them. “Men like what?” Jesse stepped a little closer to the homophobe. “Limp-wristed faggots.” “Those words can be considered a hate crime. I could haul you in for assaulting him and make the charges worse for the hate crime. I’d be real careful about what I said next if I were you. Now tell me your name before I take you in.” “Clancy Wright.” The man grunted and waved a hand at the three of them. “Little faggot ain’t worth going to jail for.” He sidled up to the bar, asking for another beer. “You’ve had enough. I suggest you go on home.” Jesse waited and watched as the man sneered at the smaller man and brushed past him on his way out of the tavern. Jesse let it go, for now.

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“Are you all right?” Craig squatted down in front of the little man, concern on his face. Jesse felt the jealousy rear up but tamped it down. Craig was only doing his job. The small man rubbed his arms as he looked from Jesse to Craig. “I think so. He didn’t really hurt me.” “What’s your name?” Craig asked softly, making Jesse’s heart take an extra beat at the tenderness laced in through his words. “Sammy.” Craig nodded and stood, giving Sammy a reassuring smile. “Where do you live, Sammy?” The smaller man looked from Craig to Jesse once again. “Am I under arrest?” He blushed while twisting his hands in the hem of his shirt. “No, but I want to make sure you make it home safely.” Craig moved aside as Sammy stood, looking around nervously. “You do have a home, right?” He shook his head, staring at his worn-out sneakers. Jesse stepped in, giving Sammy’s shoulder a light squeeze. “Where did you come from?” Sammy bit his bottom lip and then sighed. “My boyfriend tossed me out. I’ve been trying to find work.” Jesse turned his head and called Theo over to their group. “You still have that empty apartment upstairs?” he asked when the owner joined them. Theo nodded, looking curiously from Jesse to Sammy. “Yeah, you need it?” “Sammy needs a place to stay and some work if you have it.” Jesse saw the little man’s eyes widen and his lips part slightly. “I could always use another dishwasher. It doesn’t pay much but—” “I’ll take it!” Sammy shouted, cutting Theo off. The short man blushed as he bit his bottom lip again.

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Craig chuckled and Jesse melted. His mate’s smile was simply gorgeous. It was rare when Craig did laugh, but well worth the wait when he gifted Jesse with it. Theo chuckled and pointed over to the bar. “Go have a seat, Sammy. I’ll be with you in a moment.” Sammy nodded and scuttled across the room, climbing up onto the metal bar that ran the length of the lower half of the bar in order to get up on the stool. “Thanks.” Craig shook Theo’s hand. “I’m not sure what Clancy’s problem was, but I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of him.” Theo’s lip curled up as he snarled, “Let him try and mess with Sammy again. I’ll break the entire bar over his head.” Jesse smiled and thanked Theo, waving to Sammy, who was sitting there swinging his legs and smiling at them. He waved back at Jesse as he and Craig left the Bar and Grill. “That was good of you to do for him,” Craig commented on his way back over to the station. Jesse did feel good for helping Sammy out. No one should be homeless and penniless. The guy seemed genuinely sweet, too. “It’s part of the job.” When Craig’s lips pulled up into a small smile, Jesse wanted to throw him down and fuck him into the wet pavement. He cleared his throat and jogged up the steps past his mate and into the station, going straight to his office. “Damn it,” he cursed when he closed the door. He had to get up the nerve to tell his human mate that they were fated to be together. Jesse paced the small confines of his office, wishing the words would come to mind. He’d never been this unsure, and it goaded him. Pressing the palm of his hand into his erection, Jesse took a chance and freed his cock. He made sure the door was locked and the blinds pulled before going to his desk and pulling the top drawer open, extracting the in case of emergency lube.

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He squirted the cold liquid into the palm of his hand and tossed the bottle onto his desk, starting a slow rhythm as he leaned against his desk, his eyes closing as images of Craig on his knees in front of Jesse sucking him off came to life in his mind. His hand began to pick up in tempo, his lips parting as he felt the lightning slice through his spine and gather at his balls. Jesse panted as his mind took flight, thinking of fantasies involving his mate. Craig’s lips parted as he sucked in Jesse’s cock, licking around the helmet and cleaning all the pre-cum that was leaking out… Jesse grunted, spilling into his hand as he came. His breath came out in a rush as he stood there for a moment and basked in the afterglow. “Hey, Jesse,” Craig called from the other side of the door. “Shit.” Jesse jumped up and ran around his desk, pulling drawers open as he looked for something to clean himself up with. Where in the hell were the napkins he had laying in there from the Bar and Grill? “We got a call,” Craig shouted through the door, banging on it loudly. “Are you okay?” He was until Craig broke through his bliss and brought him back to reality. Finding nothing to clean the cum up with, Jesse shook his hand into the trash can and tossed the bottle of lube back in the drawer. He stuffed his cock back in his jeans and walked across the room. Jesse opened the door and smiled at his mate, his hand tucked behind his back. Craig’s brows pulled together, but Jesse ignored him, making a beeline straight for the men’s room. After washing his hands and coming out of the men’s room, Jesse grabbed a stack of napkins lying by the pizza boxes and walked back to his office, tossing them on his desk. “Let’s go,” he said as he turned to Craig, closing his office door. He was more relaxed now, able to rein in his lust, slightly, while being around his mate. Jesse watched Craig’s tight little ass sway

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back and forth as he walked out of the station and down the steps. His cock was trying its best to come back to life. He could imagine how it would feel to sink into the soft flesh of his mate’s ass. Fuck, he was hard all over again. “Hey, Sheriff.” Jesse glanced up from staring at paradise to see Jasper and Toby coming down the sidewalk. Where was the Alpha, and why were his mates on their own? Jesse noticed the man sauntering behind the pair, and his senses went nuts. His erection became harder, if that were possible. He knew this shifter to be one of Zeus’s soldiers by the tattoo on his neck with the pack emblem inked into his skin but had yet to meet him. The soldier stopped in his tracks, his head tilting as he stared from Jesse to Craig. “Mine!” the soldier barked.

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Chapter Two Avanti felt his cock harden as he stared at the two men standing in front of him. The smaller one was from the deli and the other was the town sheriff. If he was scenting the air correctly, they were both his mates. Fuck. Zeus had rubbed off on him. The Alpha had two mates and now it looked like Avanti had two as well. Avanti stood there stuck on stupid as the sheriff scented the air and then locked eyes on him. He felt like a bug under a microscope as the sheriff’s eyes openly perused his body from head to toe. Jasper reached up and closed Avanti’s mouth, chuckling at him. “What’s going on?” Toby, Jasper's mate, asked as he licked his ice cream. “Besides you making me horny by eating that?” Jasper teased. Toby rolled his eyes but continued to molest the cone. More so now that he knew Jasper was watching. Avanti turned his head away from the mates and once again stared at his own. The sheriff grinned widely, but the deputy stood there with a curious look on his face. “You’re the guy that works at the deli,” the smaller of the two stated. Avanti shook his head. “No, I was just helping Toby out.” He stepped closer, but Craig stepped back. He backed up, giving his mate the obvious space he needed, but Jesse moved closer. The ballet between the three was confusing the hell out of Avanti. “You’re one of Zeus’s soldiers, right?” the sheriff asked. Avanti nodded, taking a step back and almost knocking Toby over. He couldn’t understand why he was reacting this way. It was

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like all three of them were doing the two-step but only taking one step, an un-choreographed dance. Avanti turned and started down Trenton Street, in the opposite direction of his mates. “Hey, wait up.” Avanti looked over his shoulder to see Jesse racing to catch up with him. Oh, this wasn’t good. Not good at all. He wasn’t ready to have two mates. Hell, Avanti wasn’t ready to have one. “Will you wait a minute?” Jesse grabbed his arm and Avanti froze. “What’s wrong?” The soldier looked past the sheriff, seeing Jasper and Toby staring open-mouthed at him. Great, now they were going to tell everyone how the big, bad soldier ran like a girl. “Nothing, I just, uh…” Avanti rubbed the back of his neck, unsure how to complete the sentence. He didn’t want to lie to his mate, but he didn’t want to tell him his brain took a dump and left him empty. Jesse grinned and Avanti felt even more tongue-tied. It was absolutely stunning. The smile made Jesse’s face light up. “That’s okay. I know who you are now, and I’ll be paying you a visit. What’s your name?” “A–Avanti.” Damn it, will you snap out of it? You’re a damn soldier for fuck’s sake. “Okay, Avanti, see you around.” The sheriff touched the brim of his hat with his fingers, chuckling as he walked away. As soon as his mates were out of sight one brain cell nudged its neighbor, and then another, until finally his brain kicked back in. “Wow, talk about crash and burn.” Jasper laughed so hard he leaned against Toby, who was trying hard to suppress the giggles. He inwardly groaned, wondering what Jesse thought of him now. He probably thinks he got a reject for a mate. Fan-fucking-tabulous. Avanti kicked the lamppost and growled, wanting a do-over so he could prove he wasn’t a total loser. What a first impression he must

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have given. Frustrated as fuck, he marched over to his truck and swung the door open, pointing to the interior and looking at the Alpha’s mates, daring them with his eyes to disobey. They laughed as they climbed in, cuddling together in the backseat of the extended cab. “Put your seatbelts on,” he groused. “Don’t blame us because you turned into Freddy the Retarded Dinosaur back there,” Jasper snapped. “You needed a damn bib the way you were acting.” “My name is Avanti…I think.” Toby used a slurring voice, cracking up as he said it. Avanti yanked the truck into reverse, peeling out of the parking space. If he didn’t get these two home quickly, Zeus would have to go back to the blue light sale and get another pair to replace them. He parked his truck and jumped out, leaving the chuckling pair in the backseat. How was he going to fix this? He had to come off suave and debonair the next time he ran into them. And he would run into them. There was no way he was going back willingly, not after the idiot way he just acted. Knox was leaning against the counter watching him as he yanked the refrigerator door open and then slammed it shut, not getting a damn thing out of it. What was he going to do with two mates? Well, he knew, but it wasn’t about being afraid to have sex with two men. Jackson’s twisted ass used to make them perform in front of him. Avanti closed his eyes for a moment and tried to purge the exAlpha from his mind. He knew it wasn’t about sex. No, it was about dealing with two different personalities that worried him. What the fuck did he know about love? That bastard of an ex-Alpha had tried hard as hell to kill the humanity in the soldiers of the Eastern pack. Avanti was worried that Jackson had succeeded and he would treat his mates badly. He pulled a chair out from the table and dropped down into it, wondering what in the hell he was going to do. “What’s eating you?” Knox finally spoke.

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“Everything,” Avanti said, as he ground the palms of his hands into his eyes wishing he had an easy solution. “That narrows it down.” Knox pulled a chair out and took a seat across from him. Avanti looked up at the soldier that shared his shame. “What would you do if you found your mates?” “Mates, as in plural?” Knox slid down a little further in his chair as Avanti nodded. Knox shrugged as he ran his hand over his chin. “I’d be happy, I guess. Is that why you seem so frustrated?” Avanti let his hands hit the table, looking down at his fingers. They were the same fingers that had done Jackson’s bidding for him, even if it was against his will. “Yeah,” Avanti answered as he picked at his fingernails. Avanti glanced at his brethren as Knox strummed his fingers on the table, his face heavy in thought. “I’m not sure how to answer that. All I can tell you is that back then, that wasn’t who you were. It wasn’t who any of us were.” His mind told him that. It was his heart that refused to believe it. Avanti should have stood up for what he believed in instead of being a coward and doing what he was told. Yeah, and then all of Jackson’s followers would have beaten you until you took your last breath. Maybe that would have been better than the guilt he carried with him now. The guilt and the shame of days long ago that Avanti carried with him to this day. Avanti stood, tired of thinking about all of it. He wanted to escape, to be free from morbid thoughts. He went upstairs to his bedroom and took a nap. **** Craig jumped when Jesse walked up behind him. His thoughts had been a million miles away. Craig was thinking about what Avanti had

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said. What did he mean, mine? Craig couldn’t deny he felt a very strong attraction to the man, nor could he deny he felt one for Jesse. Was he losing his mind? “Penny for your thoughts.” Craig snorted. “More like an IOU in my case.” He stuck the file in the cabinet and closed the drawer, wondering what he was going to do about his dual attraction. This wasn’t like him to want two men. “Want to grab some lunch?” he asked to change the subject. Jesse stepped back and shrugged. “Sure, Theo’s or Harold’s?” He didn’t want to run into Avanti right now while he was so confused. “Theo’s.” “Theo’s it is. Come on, my treat.” The sheriff walked out the front door, and Craig watched Jesse’s ass closely until they walked into the tavern. His cock was rock hard by the time they cleared the doorway. Jesse led him to a small two-seater booth, thanking the waitress when she brought menus and two glasses of water. Craig was half reading his menu because his eyes kept wandering over to Jesse. Why was he always so tongue-tied around the guy? He was very interested in him but was too shy to say anything about it, so he opted to keep his trap shut. Craig sat his menu down, tapping out a rhythm on the table from his nerves. He looked around, seeing that the place was pretty busy with lunch. Craig smiled when he spotted Sammy running around clearing tables. He was happy things worked out for the small man. “Sammy seems to be doing a good job.” Jesse commented as if reading his mind. Craig nodded. “Yeah, I was just thinking that,” Craig said, and then excused himself, heading to the men’s room. He pushed open the door and let out a long held breath. “Why can’t I just come right out and tell him?” he asked his reflection in the mirror. Being so close to Jesse all day, every day, was playing havoc on his nerves, not to mention his cock.

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“You should tell him,” he demanded to his reflection. “Stop being such a coward, and just come right out and tell him you find him attractive.” He pointed accusingly at the mirror image of Craig. Craig groaned and shook his head, knowing he wouldn’t do something as bold as that. Not only was he a chickenshit, Jesse was a strong and confident man as well as a shifter. The man’s broad shoulders and strong jaw screamed masculinity, a masculinity that Craig was dying to wrap his body up in. The fact that the sheriff was a shifter didn’t freak him out as much as his instant attraction did. Craig didn’t believe in love at first sight—well, he didn’t used to. Now he wasn’t so sure. But two loves at first sight, now that was just being slutty. Craig ran his hands over his head, wondering what in the hell he was going to do. He wondered if Jesse even found him attractive. Sure the guy was around him all of the time, but that was because of work. Just one hint that the sheriff wanted him would help to settle his nerves, maybe. But it would be nice to know one way or the other. Was Jesse even gay? Craig groaned. It would be so like him to fall for a straight man. Craig threw his hands in the air, frustrated as hell at the whole situation. He used the bathroom, washed his hands, and took one last look in the mirror. “Chicken,” he snapped at his reflection before exiting the bathroom and taking a seat back in the booth with Jesse. “I ordered appetizers.” Jesse pointed to the stack of nachos and dip. Jesse seemed to always think of him. Craig tried not to read too much into that. He dug in, reasoning that if his mouth was full then he couldn’t say anything to embarrass the crap out of both of them. Craig chomped away, thinking of Avanti now. His fingers itched to touch that soft-looking black silk of Avanti’s hair. Craig’s lips tingled to taste that tanned skin…and then his mind slapped the hell out of him for acting this way.

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“You look constipated.” Jesse chuckled from across the booth. Craig watched as the sheriff dipped a nacho and then parted his sexy as sin lips to eat it. “No.” His voice broke as he licked his dry lips. “You ready to order?” The waitress walked up to the table and Craig had never felt more grateful in his life for the interruption. “I’ll just have a burger and fries.” Jesse handed his menu over, the waitress taking it and then turning her eyes on Craig. A smile pulled at her lips and her hip hitched a little as she waited for his order. She had a gleam in her eyes that told Craig what she really wanted. Great, now the waitress wanted to start in on him. “I’ll have the same.” He handed his menu over and quickly looked away, not wanting to lead her on when he knew for sure she didn’t have what he wanted. “I was thinking about going back over to Hank’s place since the weather will be clear later tonight,” Jesse commented from across the table. Craig nodded, shoving another nacho in his mouth. Maybe all this wanting two men was because he needed to get laid. He couldn’t remember the last time that was. Craig sat up straighter, feeling relief at figuring out his problem. Now all he had to do was find a willing partner to do the tango and his problems would be solved. Craig looked around the tavern, trying his best to spot someone that appealed to him. His eyes settled on Jesse and he groaned. **** Craig watched as Jesse drove away, thankful for the reprieve. He climbed into his own car and headed toward his house. “Why am I torturing myself?” No one answered, and he really didn’t expect anyone to. This was something he was going to have to figure out on his own.

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After seeing that no one interested him in the tavern, only Jesse catching his eye, he knew he was a goner. Craig gripped the steering wheel tightly, wondering if Jesse was even gay once again. He prayed to the gods he wasn’t lusting after a straight man. Oh hell. A thought struck him and his head began to pound. What if Avanti was straight as well? By the time he pulled in front of his house, Craig had a massive headache. He parked his car and rocked his forehead back and forth against the steering wheel, wanting to bang it on the damn thing. Why, oh why, oh why, did he have to pick a town to move to where he was sexually attracted to two men? Because it’s across the country from him. Craig shot up and pushed his car door open, slamming it shut and jogging up to the house, not even wanting to add to his headache. He inserted the key and opened the door, thankful that another day was over and he could relax without Jesse’s heavenly smell driving him mad. His phone chirped, telling him he had a text message. Fishing it out of its case on his hip, he flipped it open. It was from Jesse. Heading 2 Hank’s. Will let u know what happens. Fuck, he was supposed to go. If he wasn’t so busy trying to dodge the gorgeous man, he would have remembered. Telling Jesse he had a headache probably made the sheriff reluctant to bring him along for the stake-out. Craig felt like shit for telling the lie and leaving Jesse to deal with this on his own. His fingers began to manically move over the keypad. Wait until 2morrow. I’ll go with. He hit send and waited.

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Seconds later it chirped. Can handle alone. Take care of yr head. Yeah, he really needed to take care of his head, all right. Letting Jesse go out there alone wasn’t the brightest move Craig had made. He tossed the phone on his dresser and flopped on his bed. While staring at the ceiling he had an urge to see what Avanti was doing. He threw his arm over his face. “You are so fucking screwed up, my man.” **** Jasper watched Avanti shoot pool with Rave. The man was snipping and snapping at everyone. Jasper shook his head. Avanti had it bad. “Why doesn’t he just go claim them?” Toby asked from Jasper’s lap. Jasper lifted his shoulders in a shrug as he looked down at his mate. “I have no idea, but if he keeps snapping at everyone like that, someone is going to bite back.” “I give up. If I wanted to play angry pool, I would go find one of my ex-lovers.” Rave threw his stick up on the table and stormed out of the living room. “He so testy.” Minsheng shook his head and laughed. “Like watching mad puppy tear at toy.” “You wanna play?” Avanti asked Taz when he came into the living room. Jasper, Toby, Minsheng, and Yasuko watched as they started the game, got halfway through, and then Taz threw the stick onto the table and mumbled explicit things he was going to do to Avanti as he angrily walked out. “Hey, Mr. Sunshine, stop scaring the natives away.” Toby yelled across the room before Jasper could clamp a hand over his mouth.

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“You don’t poke a stick at an angry bear,” Jasper whispered into his mate’s ear, “or in this case, an angry wolf.” Avanti grunted, thrust his hands at them as if to wave them off, and then left the room. “Well, that sure was entertaining.” Jasper chuckled. **** Jesse sat watching the old farmhouse, his mind only half there. That was arousal he had scented back at the tavern, there was no doubt about that. He couldn’t figure out why he was so brave with Avanti and so tongue-tied with Craig. The shit didn’t make any sense. Jesse didn’t think he was a bad-looking guy. So why was one mate running from him and the other tight lipped? Craig’s headache must have rubbed off on him because his head was thumping now. He took his hat off and tossed it on the seat, glad in a way that Craig wasn’t with him because he needed time to think. How the hell did he end up with two mates? Jesse rubbed his temples in an effort to find some relief. To top things off he had two extremely hot mates and was unable to fuck either of them. Jesse was getting tired of jacking off. He wanted a nice, tight ass to sink into, not just anyone’s either, but one of his mates’, either one would do, both would do. Ah hell, he was sitting on watch with a boner now. Lowering his window, Jesse tried to suck in fresh air. It was stifling in the car with his lust thick in the air. The night air was cool on his skin and helped to clear his head. He had two mates and here he sat alone with a stiffy and no one to take care of it but his own damn hand. Jesse pushed the seat back and undid his pants, freeing his cock as he pulled out his cell phone. He really couldn’t believe he was doing this.

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He palmed his cock in his right hand and hit send with his left. Shouldering the phone, he began a slow stroke. After the third ring, Craig picked up. “Hello?” “Hey.” His voice dipped to a husky tone. “Hi, is something wrong?” Craig’s voice took on a slightly panicked note. “No.” He quickly reassured his mate as he bit back a groan. All he wanted was to hear his mate’s voice while he jacked off. Too bad he wasn’t brave enough to tell the guy that. “Then why are you calling me so late?” Craig’s sleepy voice shot straight to his cock, giving Jesse the fuel that he desperately needed. He could hear rustling now. Craig must be sitting up in bed. Was he naked? The thought kicked his arousal up a notch, taking him closer to the edge. “Bored.” Jesse slid his thumb over the head, spreading the precum around and then started pumping his fist again. “So you decide to call me in the middle of the night?” Craig chuckled softly. That’s what he needed, that sleepy voice that sounded deep and seductive without even trying. “Yep.” His hand moved faster. He was close. “What are you doing?” A slight suspicion crept into Craig’s voice. There was no way in hell he was telling Craig that he was giving himself a hand job to the sound of his mate’s seductive voice in the middle of the night. He’d never had phone sex before, and it was kind of embarrassing when it was one-sided. “Watching Hank’s house.” His hips hitched, almost sending the phone sliding when his head jerked. “I meant what are you doing in the car?” Was he that obvious? Jesse no longer had to ability to answer his mate, he bit back a shout as he came, his hand bathed in warm ooze as he panted quietly.

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“Did you just jack off?” Craig’s voice sounded shocked but with a touch of heat to it, as if he, too, were now horny. “No.” Jesse sat there with his softened cock in his hand and the phone in the other, feeling sleepy as hell now. “You there?” “Mmm, yeah.” Craig chuckled and Jesse smiled at the sound. “You did just get off, good to know.” Craig’s voice dipped low. “Night, Jesse.” Jesse could feel the blush creeping up his cheeks. He was busted and he knew it. “Night,” he replied as he leaned over and grabbed some napkins that he purposely put in the glove box for tonight. Cleaning his spunk up and tossing the tissue in a small trash bag, Jesse stuffed his cock back in his pants and leaned his head back, thinking of that sexy ass voice and how it brought him off so quickly. He couldn’t wait to hear it while he was fucking his smaller mate. His thoughts switched gears as he thought of Avanti. Who knew the big, bad soldier was so timid? Jesse never would have guessed it. His mind pulled up an image of the soldier. All that gorgeous black hair, big stunning eyes, and a body that just made him want to wipe the drool off of his chin. Jesse shook his head to clear the image. His cock was trying to come back to life. He wasn’t about to have another phone-sex, jackoff session, for one. And secondly, he didn’t have Avanti’s phone number and doubted his shifter mate would be so easily fooled by him telling the guy he was just bored. Jesse started the car up, having sat there for hours with no movement coming from the farmhouse. He would call it a night and start over fresh tomorrow. Before he could turn his headlights on, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye.

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Chapter Three Jesse cut the motor and climbed out of his cruiser. Avanti was standing by the trunk. How in hell did the soldier know where to find him? When his mate raised his head and sniffed, Jesse could feel his cheeks burning. “Is that standard when staking out a house?” The soldier smirked at him and then leaned against the cruiser, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He closed the car door and leaned over the roof, staring at Hank’s farmhouse instead of at his mate. Tapping his fingers against the top of the car, Jesse stole a glance and saw that the smirk was still there, but Avanti’s eyes were hooded now. Was this a change of roles or what? His fingers curled in when Avanti walked slowly toward him, his hand coming up and brushing Jesse’s hair from his neck. He shivered at the contact. “You know exactly what I’m talking about, Sheriff.” Avanti leaned in and inhaled his scent. “There’s a hint of shyness and…” Avanti wafted his hand in front of his nose, as if enjoying a freshly opened bottle of vintage wine. “An overabundance of lust.” Jesse’s eyes shot to Hank’s farmhouse. The confidence he had used when first meeting Avanti was gone. It left him as quickly as a cheap hooker who’d just gotten paid. He swallowed and found his throat as dry as the desert.

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Avanti was the predator now, stalking behind him and setting Jesse’s nerves on edge. He jumped slightly when his mate’s hand brushed his hair aside and warm lips touched his ear. **** Avanti hoped his mate couldn’t smell the nervousness on him. Thankfully, it was being overpowered by Jesse’s lust. Suave and debonair. He chanted these words as he moved in behind the rock-hard body in front of him. “The scent is heady and welcomed.” He kissed his mate’s ear and then slid his arms around his mate’s waist. Avanti had heard that pickup line once when watching late-night television. Thank goodness he remembered it. Avanti didn’t have a poetic bone in his body, and his mind was blank right now for more to say. He kissed the sensitive spot behind his mate’s ear and pressed his erection into his mate’s ass, thrilling at the contact. “I’m on duty,” Jesse said without an ounce of conviction behind his words. His mate was extremely nervous. Even if Avanti did have the ability to scent it, the slightly shaking body under his hands would have given it away. His gut clenched tight with the knowledge that he was having an effect on another like this, his mate more specifically. The scent of arousal tripled and nearly knocked Avanti on his ass. His hands slid down and around, feeling his mate’s cock growing by the second. He squeezed, and Jesse’s head fell forward, a moan escaping his lips. Avanti did it again and Jesse’s hips bucked, sending his ass crashing into Avanti’s own hardened cock. This time he was the one who moaned. “So tell me, why did I scent cum in the air when you opened the door?” Avanti asked as he nibbled the shell of his mate’s ear. Jesse pressed his ass further into Avanti’s cock, sending waves of lust coursing throughout his body.

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“’Cause.” Avanti chuckled and nipped his ear, gliding his hand down his mate’s erection. “Were you being naughty?” “Uh-huh.” Jesse nodded and then hissed, rocking back into Avanti. Avanti cursed and pulled Jesse to the ground, covering his mouth with his hand. When his mate looked at him, confused, Avanti placed his index finger over his mouth then pointed toward Hank’s farmhouse. Jesse nodded and Avanti removed his hand. They both crawled on all fours until they reached the front of the car, peering around. Hank opened his front door, and a large shadow moved from behind him and stepped out. Avanti studied the man that walked out past Hank, flipping through his brain for the information that would tell him who the guy was. He was definitely familiar, but not knowing all of the townspeople left him at a disadvantage. He hadn’t gotten out much under Jackson’s reign and didn’t see the need to under Zeus’s. “Who is that?” he whispered. “Fuck me, man, that’s Harold.” They both jerked back when Hank looked in their direction. Avanti wanted to take his mate up on the offer, but now was not the time. “What do you think they’re talking about?” Jesse asked in a shushed tone. Avanti shook his head and glanced back around the car. He had no clue but wanted to find out. He pointed to Jesse and then stabbed his finger toward the ground, telling his mate to stay put. “Yeah, right,” Jesse whispered and then screwed his mouth up and shook his head. Avanti gave a low growl and then belly-crawled from behind the car and around the bushes the dark car was half-hidden behind. He stayed low to the ground, trying to calm down before Hank or Harold could scent his frustration.

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Jesse shouldn’t be out here. No matter what Jesse argued, Avanti’s protective instincts drove him to keep his mate safe. If anything went down here, his first priority would be to get Jesse out. “I think the plan will work,” Harold was saying when Avanti crawled within earshot. “We just have to be careful though. Zeus has taken the Alpha position seriously and is trying to clean out the radicals, as he calls them.” Hank rolled his eyes and snorted. “Fuck Zeus. I’m really tired of him and the way he’s running things. The sooner we implement our plan, the better.” Avanti’s hackles went up at Hank’s threat. Zeus was a thousand times better at being an Alpha than Jackson had ever been. There was no way he would stand for anyone harming the guy. Although at sixeleven, Zeus could defend himself pretty damn well all on his own. Avanti turned his head very slowly when Jesse tapped his ankle. His mate was pointing a finger at the drive. Turning his head slowly around, Avanti saw a truck heading toward the farmhouse. This was not good when he had his mate with him. “Here he comes now.” Hank tilted his head toward the drive and Harold turned around. Avanti’s heart caught in his throat when Hank looked over in their direction, his lip pulling back in a snarl. “Fucking soldiers.” “Go!” Harold yelled to the truck, and it reversed with lightning speed back down the driveway. Avanti shifted, snarling and snapping with his mate behind him. When he heard the same threatening sound at his flank, he knew Jesse had shifted as well. “Get them,” Hank yelled, but Harold took off toward his car. Avanti snapped gently at Jesse’s neck, telling him to haul ass out of there. He wasn’t the least bit afraid to fight, but his mate was with him. His first priority kicked in, and Avanti was pushing his mate away from the farmhouse.

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Jesse took the hint and spun around, racing at breakneck speed back toward town. They would have to come back later to get the cruiser. Avanti stayed close to his mate, refusing to allow anything to happen to him. After running for roughly three or four miles, Avanti checked behind him. There wasn’t anyone pursuing them, so he slowed down in front of Jesse and his mate followed suit. They were on the roadside of Route 22, but it was the middle of the night, so they should be fine. Avanti was the first to shift. He bent, placing the palms of his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. “Who do you think was in that truck?” Jesse asked. Avanti stood when Jesse walked up beside him, naked and glorious. His mate was talking to him, but his eyes were glued on Jesse’s cock. “I don’t know. I couldn’t make out a license plate number.” Avanti reached up to cup his face when headlights flooded them. He shoved Jesse behind him as a red convertible pulled up next to them. “Holy shit! Today has got to be my lucky day. You two want a ride?” The blonde sitting behind the steering wheel was openly molesting his body with her eyes. “No thanks.” “Well, shit. Then can I have a ride?” She threw her head back and laughed, and Avanti smiled. “I don’t think my partner would be too pleased about that.” He pushed Jesse further behind him when his mate tried to step around. “Why are the good-looking ones always gay? Get in, I’ll give you two a ride anyway.” She grinned and Avanti nodded. He wanted to get back to town as fast as possible. Covering his goodies and keeping his mate behind him, Avanti crawled over the side of the car and took a seat. He pulled Jesse directly behind the woman so she couldn’t sneak a peek at his mate in her rearview mirror.

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“Where to, my handsome and naked passengers?” Avanti shook his head and laughed. “There’s a town a few miles ahead. You can drop us off there.” “You got it.” She pulled the car from the shoulder of the road and drove them to the police station. “Is there anything else I can do for you?” She wiggled her brows, and Jesse snickered behind Avanti. “No thanks, but we appreciate the lift.” Avanti climbed out, pulling Jesse along with him. “Suit yourself.” She waved as she pulled from the parking lot of the station. “Very strange woman,” Avanti noted aloud. Jesse punched him on the shoulder. “She was nice.” “And horny.” Avanti smiled and glanced down at his mate’s semihard cock. “That better be for me.” Jesse’s cheeks and neck turned redder than a fire engine. “It isn’t for her.” Avanti’s own cock perked up at his mate’s confession. “Lead the way.” They both shifted and Jesse led him through the town to a house not so far from the station. Avanti assumed it was Jesse’s and followed him to the backyard where his mate shifted. “Home sweet home,” Jesse announced as he opened the back door and left it wide for Avanti to come through. When Avanti shifted, he walked in to see Jesse in a pair of kneelength shorts. Not only was he disappointed, but hell, did his mate morph into his room and put them on? Fuck that was fast. “Would you like something to drink?” Avanti leaned against the frame and nodded, wondering what was going on in Jesse’s head. His mate was using stalling tactics. It was way too obvious in Avanti’s opinion. If Jesse wasn’t ready, he wasn’t going to force him.

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A shrilling sound broke the silence and almost made Avanti jump out of his skin. Jesse picked up the cordless and answered it. He bit his bottom lip and turned to Avanti. “I’m fine, Craig. I’ll explain everything tomorrow. What? No, you don’t have to come over.” Oh yes the hell he did. Was Jesse nuts? Avanti stood straight, reaching for the phone, but Jesse danced out of his way. When he tried again, his mate ran around the kitchen table. Avanti ran left but turned on his heel at the last second and ran right, Jesse slamming right into him and falling on his ass with an oomph. Avanti reached down and helped him up, grabbing the phone as he did. “Craig?” “Avanti?” Craig said his name incredulously. “Come over.” “On my way,” he sang and hung up. Avanti grinned from ear to ear and tossed the phone on the counter. He thought of the little twink dressed in uniform and his cock pulsed. “It’s almost dawn, and I haven’t gotten any rest. You shouldn’t have done that,” Jesse complained as he brushed his bottom off. Avanti looked down and saw the floor was spotless, so he assumed his mate was doing it out of habit. “I should have done it, and I did.” Avanti leaned against the counter and watched Jesse nervously pour two glasses of iced tea, spilling most of it on the table. What happened to that brave man that approached him? His mate must have been all bravado in front of witnesses, knowing Avanti wouldn’t do anything on the street. Jesse didn’t know him too well then. Not even five minutes later there was banging on the front door. Did Craig run all of the way? He answered it when he saw Jesse try and set the container back in the refrigerator and miss, dropping the gallon jug on the floor. Thank goodness it had a screw lid on it.

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“Where is he?” Craig asked breathlessly. “Jesse?” “Oh hell yeah, I’ve been waiting until he’s ready. I almost thought I’d need dentures by the time I got a signal from him.” Avanti laughed at the small man. “He still isn’t giving signals, but I am.” He pulled Craig up into his arms and kissed his smaller mate for the first time. Avanti growled into Craig’s exploring mouth when his mate began to hump his stomach. He turned and walked back into the kitchen, Jesse clutching his glass of tea to his chest, staring from Avanti to Craig with wide eyes and parted lips. Craig tapped his shoulder and Avanti looked down. “Let me down, please.” Reluctantly, Avanti did. Craig ran across the kitchen and leapt into Jesse’s arms. The glass fell to the floor as Jesse threw his arms out to catch him, and the tea split everywhere. “Please tell me you’re ready,” Craig whined. Jesse looked over at Avanti with a help me look. He was going to help him all right, right out of his shorts, if Jesse agreed of course. Please let him agree. Avanti walked across the room and pulled Jesse back to his chest, smiling when he saw Craig humping the front of Jesse. “Whoop, whoop, I’m the conductor, and you guys are the big man train. I want to ride it all night long. Get behind me, Avanti, let’s play Craig sandwich!” Jesse stood there with his mouth hanging open, his eyes as wide as dinner plates. Avanti was just as stunned. Their mate was one excitedass puppy in hyper-mode. “Are you always like this?” Avanti asked. “Hell no, normally I’m a big chicken. So let’s ride this wave of mental disturbance down to the bedroom.” Avanti’s nostrils flared and he nipped Jesse on the neck. “It’s up to you.”

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“If you’re not ready, you can always watch me and Avanti. ’Course it wouldn’t be the same without you kicking up a leg and slamming into me.” Craig panted. Avanti’s dick pulsed again and a rope of pre-cum dripped from the head of his cock. “Avanti is already naked, just two more to go,” Craig sang. Jesse seemed to be stuck in some sort of daze. Avanti nipped him again, and Jesse turned his head, confusion in his eyes. “He was always so quiet.” He drew out the last word. “I think it’s hot.” Avanti chuckled as he maneuvered Jesse down the hall, his mate going willingly, which excited the hell out of him. “Whoop, whoop.” Craig giggled. Avanti took their smaller mate from Jesse’s arms and laid him on the bed. “Get naked.” The man scrambled to his feet and started tearing his clothes off. Avanti turned to Jesse, who stood there looking so lost. He handled him with a little more care, pulling instinct from deep within to guide his hands to be slow and loving, something he had no clue how to be. He kissed Jesse’s neck, his hands ghosting over his mate’s shoulders and down his arms, over his back and ending at his nape. Avanti ran his fingers through Jesse’s hair as he kissed him slowly. He inched back when Craig slid his hands in and began to unbutton Jesse’s shorts. Avanti tilted his head, kissing Jesse’s shoulder as he watched Craig reach his hand in and pull Jesse’s cock free, taking it into his mouth. “Oh fuck.” Jesse’s head fell back and his knees shook. Avanti circled behind him and wrapped his arms around Jesse’s shoulders to hold him up as Craig sucked him off. Avanti kissed Jesse’s neck, his shoulder blades, and his spine as his hands wandered down and around to cup Jesse’s ass. Avanti stuck his finger in his mouth and got it good and wet, and then pressed just the tip into Jesse’s hole.

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Jesse hissed and grabbed Craig’s hair, pressing back onto Avanti’s finger. “You like that.” Avanti nipped him. Jesse’s lips parted, as his head rolled on Avanti’s shoulder. “Do his lips feel good on your cock?” Avanti asked in a guttural tone. Jesse’s breath hitched. “Y–Yes.” “Lube?” Avanti inquired. Jesse’s arm raised and pointed to the nightstand. Avanti leaned sideways, pulling the drawer open and snagging the tube. He squirted some on his fingers and then tossed the bottle onto the bed. Avanti ran his fingers over Jesse’s puckered hole, pressing in gently and then pulling away, trying to loosen the muscle before breaching him. Craig whimpered below, making the loudest slurping sounds Avanti had ever heard while sucking cock. Avanti reached his other hand around, running his fingers under Craig’s chin. Craig looked up and smiled around Jesse’s cock at Avanti. Avanti’s heart beat faster at the erotic sight. Craig’s eyelashes lowered and his tongue came out, swirling around the head of Jesse’s crown. Avanti pressed a finger in to the knuckle in Jesse’s ass at the way Craig’s tongue played with the head of Jesse’s dick. Jesse shivered and sank back into Avanti’s hand, impaling his finger all the way in. Avanti grabbed Jesse’s knee, pulling his leg up and pulling Jesse tight to his chest. Craig’s head disappeared under Jesse’s balls, the slurping sound growing louder. Avanti pulled his finger back and slid two in, scissoring them around until he hit Jesse’s sweet spot. “Ah.” Jesse cried out, his hips jerking back and forth. “I think he likes that. What do you think, Craig?” Craig surfaced from under Jesse’s balls, his face shiny with saliva. He grinned and nodded. “He definitely liked it. His balls drew up.” Craig giggled.

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Avanti slid a third finger in, twisting them around. “Don’t make him come.” “Aw, why not?” Craig’s bottom lip stuck out. Avanti chuckled. “Because I want him to come while he’s fucking you.” “Oooh, I like that better.” Craig stood, pushing both of them toward the bed. “You ready?” Avanti licked Jesse’s ear, thrusting his fingers deep. Jesse gave one short nod, and Avanti lowered him to the bed. Craig crawled onto Jesse and lay across his chest. While Craig kissed Jesse, Avanti lubed his fingers and got Craig ready for Jesse’s cock. “Oh hell,” Craig moaned, circling his hips around as Avanti’s fingers plunged in and out. Jesse seemed to unfreeze and grabbed Craig’s hips, holding onto him as he devoured Craig’s mouth. Avanti lubed his cock and then lifted Craig’s hips up, Jesse grabbing the base of his cock while Avanti lowered Craig onto Jesse’s shaft. Craig’s hands splayed over Jesse’s chest as he slowly lowered and then began to ride Jesse. Avanti pushed Jesse’s legs back and shoved a pillow under his ass for leverage. Avanti grabbed his own cock, pressing the head against Jesse’s hole. Avanti pushed in, slowly sinking into Jesse’s tight channel. Avanti pulled back, and then sank back in. Avanti’s hand ran up and down Craig’s back as he fucked Jesse’s tight ass. His sheriff groaned and his head thrashed from side to side. “I think he really likes it now.” Craig moaned and plunged back down onto Jesse’s dick. Avanti placed Jesse’s legs over his arms and leaned forward, kissing Craig down his spine as he fucked Jesse, his pace picking up as he watched Craig ride up and down on Jesse’s cock. Avanti snapped his hips, thrusting deeper and harder into Jesse’s tight hole. “Fuck,” Avanti hissed as his spine tingled and his balls

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drew close to his body. Avanti’s hand reached around and grabbed Craig’s cock, matching his pumps to his thrusts. “Avanti, I’m gonna come,” Craig cried. Avanti nipped his smaller mate’s ear. “Do it,” he commanded. Craig slammed down hard onto Jesse’s cock and cried out. Jesse began to thrust rapidly into Craig. When Jesse thrust up and stayed in the air, Avanti knew his mate was coming. “Shit,” Jesse yelled. Jesse jackknifed and bit into Craig’s shoulder at the same time Avanti sank his fangs into the opposite side of Craig’s neck. Craig cried out again as Avanti pulled free and Jesse fell to his back. Avanti threw Jesse’s legs as far back as he could get them with Craig falling onto Jesse’s chest and pistoned into Jesse at record speed, howling when his balls emptied into his mate’s ass. Avanti collapsed onto Craig, panting heavily. “Now I am a Craig sandwich,” their smaller mate mumbled and yawned. Avanti rolled to his side and kissed Jesse as his sheriff’s eyes began to close and a huge grin pulled at his lips. Avanti pulled Craig between them and threw his arm over Jesse’s shoulder, closing his eyes as sleep claimed him.

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Chapter Four Jesse sat in his office, tapping his fingers on his desk as he thought of this morning. He had never in his life had sex with two men, and if he were being honest, it was the best ever. A grin broke across his face when he thought of how Craig turned into a chatterbox when it came to sex. If only he had known. Jesse wouldn’t have waited around so long to approach him. Yeah, right, you still would have been too scared to approach him. Jesse picked up his cup of coffee, taking a slow sip as he thought about Avanti. He was such a powerful presence that Jesse didn’t know what to think when he was around. His own bravado had shocked him that day on the street, but last night it failed to return. He set the cup down and leaned back, crossing his fingers together behind his head. Now that they were bonded mates, what was their next move? He wasn’t sure about anything at this point. Jesse’s thoughts changed course, thinking of last night. What were Hank and Harold planning, and who was in that truck? It was obvious the informant had given him accurate information, but now he had to figure out their plans. How to do that? Jesse was sure Avanti went home and told Zeus what had taken place. At least the Alpha was on alert now. But it wasn’t in him to stand by while the Alpha’s demise was being planned. Jesse could go over to Harold’s Deli and try to scare it out of the shifter, but he somehow doubted Harold could be intimidated. He

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could arrest them both, but that still wouldn’t get him the answers he needed. Jesse dropped his chair forward when his office phone rang. He picked it up and answered it. “Sheriff DeKalb.” “I know that was you at my place last night. I’m only giving you one warning. Stay away.” The line went dead. “Huh.” Jesse hung up, staring at the phone. Threatening him only made him more determined to find out what was going on. He pushed away from his desk and sought out his deputy. Craig was sitting at his desk yawning, nursing a cup of black coffee. Jesse smiled. It seemed the conductor lost his steam. He still couldn’t believe the way Craig had acted earlier. Maybe sex was the key to letting the real Craig break free. If it was, Jesse was all for letting the sex demon out as much as possible. “I just got a call from Hank.” Craig perked right up. “What’d he say?” “He warned me to stop nosing around.” Jesse sat on the edge of Craig’s desk, remembering how sexy his mate looked riding him. Craig smirked and it looked downright evil. “You’re thinking about this morning. I can tell.” He pointed his finger up at Jesse. Jesse stood, looking around to see if anyone was in earshot. “I was thinking about Hank.” “Eww, I’m telling Avanti on you.” Craig shook his head and soured his face up. “Smartass, you know what I mean.” Jesse walked over to the coffee pot and poured another Styrofoam cup full of the gunk. He had to turn his back on Craig or his mate would see the evident blush creeping up his fair skin. “The back of your neck is red.” Craig chuckled. Jesse could practically feel his gums itching and his canines trying to come out. He concentrated on Hank, the effect almost immediate. With his libido back under control and his mind back on business, Jesse turned and walked back to his office.

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**** Craig watched Jesse walk away. Did he regret this morning? He didn’t mean to be so, so enthusiastic, but the thrill of finally being with Jesse and a chance to be with Avanti had amped him up to the point where his buffer between brain and mouth had short-circuited. But it wasn’t his fault. If nothing else, it should have shown Jesse how much he felt for the guy. Craig lowered his head to the desk, rubbing his forehead back and forth. He jumped when his phone vibrated. Pulling it from its clip, he stared at the icon telling him he had a new text message. Craig flipped it open and his hand began to tremble. Why couldn’t that fucker leave him alone? He closed it and shoved it back in its place. Looking around, Craig slid out of his chair and headed straight for the door. When he got outside, he scanned his surroundings and then ran to his GTO, the only thing he really owned and loved. The house he was in was a rental, as he was unable to afford anything to purchase. He shot down Route 22, his heart racing and his palms sweaty. He switched gears and pressed down on the accelerator. His phone vibrated on his hip but Craig ignored it. The air left his lungs when he saw the sign that read Now Leaving Pride Pack Valley. He didn’t want to go, but he couldn’t be found either. How the hell had Dirk found him? Craig had been really careful this time. He didn’t use any credit cards, paid cash for everything, and rented the house under a different name. Hell, he even applied for the deputy job under a different name with a different social security number. Craig slammed his brakes, his car fishtailing and careening out of control when he spotted the wolves in the road. He sat there with the motor running, staring at them staring at him.

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Was one of them Jesse or Avanti? Couldn’t be Jesse, he wasn’t that fast. Craig flipped the car around and began to drive back in the other direction when the wolves pulled their muzzles back and bared their teeth at him. Either it was the pack warning him not to leave or the rogues warning him not to leave. He wasn’t going to take a chance at plowing through them and then finding out later it was Zeus’s pack. With no choice, he drove back toward town. Craig drove his car behind Theo’s and parked it out of sight. He checked his cell phone to see he had two missed calls. When he flipped it open, he saw both calls were from Jesse. Craig closed it and tossed it on the seat, leaning his forehead on the steering wheel. What in the hell was he going to do? There had to be a way out of this. There was no way the end result had to be his death. Craig scrubbed his face and then sat up. He stared at the dumpsters, praying the big blue container gave him an answer. When twenty minutes had passed and the thing didn’t pony up an answer, Craig climbed out and walked through the back door of Theo’s. He sat in a back booth, trying to be inconspicuous as customers came and went. Craig watched them all. “What can I get you?” the waitress asked as she pulled out her ordering pad. He really wasn’t hungry, but people would start looking at him if he just sat here with an empty table in front of him. “A house salad with red vinaigrette.” She nodded and walked off, Craig scanning the lunch crowd once again. Maybe he should stay away from his house, his job, and Craig couldn’t even think of the last one. The bond he felt toward the two men tore at him when he thought of leaving them behind, but what choice did he have? Craig sat back when the waitress brought his food, telling her he only wanted an ice water. When he was halfway through his salad, his

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eyes began to hurt from darting around so much. The place was in full lunch swing, and there were just too many people to watch. He smacked his fork on accident. It clanked around until hitting the booth seat and ending up on the floor under the table. Craig reached under, kicking his foot out until he could hook it under his boot, and then slid it back to his hand. Now he would need a clean one. “Fuck.” He whacked his head under the table when he tried to sit up. Rubbing his head, he tossed the fork aside and turned, jumping out of his skin. Jasper and Toby stood right next to his table. “Hello, Deputy Hanes.” Toby drew out his title and surname. The hair on the back of his neck rose with Toby’s tone. “A lot of people are looking for you,” Jasper added. Craig shot out of the booth. Had Dirk gotten to them, paid them off to snitch him out? Craig took off through the kitchen and out of the screen door to the back parking lot. He dashed for his GTO and jumped into the driver’s seat. Where the hell were his keys? He had left them in the ignition, but now they were gone. He stretched back, patting his front pockets and then shoved his hand under his ass, checking the seat below him. Craig got out and crouched down, skimming his hand under the seat. “Looking for these?” Craig shot up, slamming his arm on the car door. “Fuck.” He cradled his arm. Avanti was standing there dangling Craig’s keys on his index finger. Craig stilled, knowing that if he grabbed for them, Avanti would pull them out of his reach. “Where are you going in such a rush?” Avanti asked, taking a step closer, his eyes narrowing on Craig. “Were you leaving without saying goodbye?”

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Craig stared at his keys, his arm flexing to rise up and grab them. His eyes jerked to the screen door as Jesse pushed it open, shaking his head and tsking. “Please,” Craig begged. He held his hand out, but Avanti didn’t fill it with his means to escape. Avanti moved in quickly, pulling Craig into his arms. “Tell me what’s going on.” Jesse pressed into his back, his hands running up and down Craig’s sides. “I have to get out of sight, please.” Avanti nodded, climbing into the driver’s seat as Jesse pulled him into the passenger’s side. “I want an explanation.” “I promise.” Craig sank low in Jesse’s lap. Fear of being seen had him trying to crawl onto the floor. “That bad?” Jesse asked as he held him tight. Craig could only nod, his eyes roaming over the streets as Avanti drove them through town and then turned onto Route 14. Craig tried once more to get on the floor when he saw a vehicle in the distance heading their way on the opposite side of the road. Thankfully Jesse didn’t ask any questions, he just rolled over Craig’s body, shielding him from whoever was passing them by. Avanti shifted gears and sped up, his large and powerful hand gripping the gearshift. Craig peeked past Jesse and saw the wolves in the road. They parted right before Avanti blew past them. So they were pack. Thank fuck he hadn’t plowed them over. Avanti shot up into the driveway, his jaw set as he skidded to a halt behind the house. “Fuck, I have got to get me one of these babies.” Craig smiled for the first time since this morning. “She is sweet, isn’t she?” “Can you two discuss your affinity for this car inside the house?” Jesse pushed the door open and pulled Craig out. “Let’s get you inside,” Avanti agreed.

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They walked him in through the kitchen and marched him down the hall. Craig dug his heels in when they crossed the threshold into what was apparently Zeus’s office, and he wasn’t alone. There was a really tall man sitting on a couch, lounging back and talking. His black hair ran all the way down his back. The other man was slimmer, but his black hair only came to his shoulders. The man on the couch stopped talking and stared at them. Craig wanted to run behind either Avanti or Jesse and hide. The guy’s eyes seemed to look right through him. “Is there a problem, Avanti?” Zeus looked between all three of them. “Yes, Craig’s in some sort of trouble.” Now he really was going to run behind one of them. Zeus stood, along with the other two. Craig felt like a midget in a room full of giants. Even Jesse was taller than him. “What sort of trouble?” Zeus asked. “Craig?” Avanti stepped aside, and Craig wanted to melt right into the floor with all eyes one him. Craig stepped forward, his stomach tying in knots at the ominous men in this room. How in the hell did he go from one bad situation to another? He shifted from foot to foot. Fear of them telling him to go after he retold his story had his body shaking. “Don’t be afraid.” Zeus walked around his desk and leaned against it. “We’ll keep you safe.” “Why? You really don’t even know me.” Zeus shook his head, staring Craig right in his eye. “Doesn’t matter, you’re pack now.” Craig was shocked by this news. How was he pack? He wasn’t a wolf. He slept with two of them, but he wasn’t one. Unless by sleeping with them he somehow turned into one now. “Am I going to become a wolf?”

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The men in the room smiled, making Craig feel like a total idiot. All he knew was they could shape-shift. That was the extent of his knowledge, so they didn’t need to be smiling at his stupid question. “No, you’re our mate.” Avanti pointed his finger between Jesse’s chest and his. Craig really wasn’t following. “You have two mates?” The man standing by the couch looked stunned. “How the hell do you do it? I have trouble keeping up with just one.” **** Avanti ignored Maverick. He wanted to know why his mate was feeling so much fear that the aroma was choking the shit out of him. “It’s a shifter thing, can I explain it later?” Avanti asked. “Okay.” “Now, Craig, tell me what’s going on.” His small mate sighed and ran both his hands over his head, locking his fingers together as they rested at the top. “My name’s not Craig.” Avanti stared at his mate in stunned disbelief. “Then who are you?” he asked with a little more force and anger then he meant to, but he didn’t like being deceived or lied to. He had enough of that to last a lifetime. “Calm down, soldier,” Zeus commanded. The Alpha turned his attention to Avanti’s little mate. “Who are you?” “Adriano Alvisio.” “As in Alvisio the Mobster?” Zeus’s brows pulled together. “My uncle.” Craig shuffled his feet, placing his hands behind his back. Avanti could smell tremendous fear now. Maybe saying the guy’s name elicited that sort of reaction from Craig, Adriano, whoever he was.

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“Can you explain to me why you are running from your uncle?” Zeus asked. His mate looked up at Zeus from under his lashes. Avanti could see his hands trembling behind his back. Jesse must have seen it, too, because he pulled their mate into his arms and soothed a hand over his back. “I saw him kill two federal agents and now he wants to shut me up…permanently.” “But you’re family. I thought the Italian Mafia groomed the males to take their place.” His mate shook his head. “Not when they find out you’re gay and don’t want any part of it. They frown upon faggots, effes.” His mate said the last word with venom. “I see.” Zeus rubbed his jaw. “So now we have to watch for rogues, whatever Hank and Harold are up to, and the Italian Mafia?” The Alpha shook his head. “At least life here is never boring.” “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring my troubles here.” Craig’s voice broke, and Avanti wanted to kill something. “No, you were scared. How did he find you?” Zeus studied Avanti’s mate carefully. “Did you use anything with your name?” “No, I was really careful. I used fake identification here.” Craig, Adriano, whoever, handed Zeus his phone. “Check the texts.” Zeus flipped the phone open, hitting a few buttons, and then concentrated on the phone. Avanti could see anger clouding the Alpha’s eyes. “He sent these?” Craig nodded. Avanti held his hand out, and Zeus deposited the cell phone into it. He scrolled through the messages, some of them getting very graphic about what his uncle was going to do to him. Avanti growled at the one that said he was going to have his mate raped by a bunch of male prisoners and then cut him up into little pieces. He almost broke the phone in half with his grip growing tighter.

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Jesse snagged it and read through the text messages, his growl growing louder the more he read. “You’re safe here. We won’t let anything happen to you,” Zeus reassured the mate. His little man shook his head. “I don’t know. I’ve seen him do some pretty impossible things.” “Let him try.” Avanti stepped toward his mates and hovered near them. “Let the fucker try.” **** Avanti showed both his mates to his room, convincing Jesse to stick around for a few days to help keep an eye on Craig, Adriano…whatever. “What name should I call you?” Craig ran across the room and jumped onto the bed, sitting there looking around. “I like Craig. It makes me feel like I’m not related to the scumbag.” “Craig it is.” Jesse sat down next to their smaller mate, running his fingers through their mate’s hair. “Don’t be afraid, okay?” “How can I not be afraid when I saw him kill two people?” Craig shook his head. “That’s easier said than done.” Avanti moved over to the small couch in his room and had a seat. He stared across the room at both his mates. Why was it different here? At Jesse’s he was relaxed, at ease enough to take charge of the two and have really hot sex. Now that they were on his turf, old memories wanted to surface. He knew it was this house. It should have been burned to the ground when Jackson was defeated. Avanti never had sex in this room, but the reminders of what went on in this large house still haunted these hallways. He swore some nights he could still hear the hated Alpha’s cruel voice echoing through the hallways.

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“Are you okay?” Craig slipped off of the bed and padded across the room, climbing onto Avanti’s lap. He held his arms out until his mate got settled and then stared over at Jesse. “It’s this house, isn’t it?” Avanti nodded, looking around his bedroom and wondering if he would ever feel at home here.

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Chapter Five “We could, uh...” “What?” Craig bounced on Avanti’s lap. “Have hot and baconfried sex?” “What?” Jesse looked at his mate and wondered if he would ever figure the little fella out. Outside of the bedroom he was solemn and withdrawn. Once sex was mentioned or even possible, the guy turned from Jekyll to Hyde. “I said we could have sex.” Craig blushed. “I know I don’t make sense, but just work with me here.” “Do you have multiple personality disorder?” Jesse regretted the words as soon as he spoke them when Craig’s face fell, and he wouldn’t look at him anymore. “Because I love crazy sex!” Jesse added on. He patted his back when Craig grinned from ear to ear. Great save. Jesse mentally air pumped his arm. “So can we, huh, huh?” Avanti chuckled and lifted Craig off of his lap, setting him on his feet. “Get naked.” Those two words seemed to flip a switch in Craig’s head because once again he was tearing his clothes off. Avanti and Jesse circled around their small and naked mate, their canines descending at the sight of the hairless cock jutting out from between Craig’s legs. Avanti pressed into the twink’s front as Jesse pressed into his back. “Take my cock out,” Avanti commanded.

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Craig’s fingers shook as he unsnapped and then unzipped Avanti’s jeans, pushing the flaps apart and reaching his trembling hand inside. Jesse’s mouth watered at the sight. Their mate looked delicious standing naked between their clothed bodies, a vulnerability that set his senses into overdrive. Jesse freed his cock and traced it over Craig’s back as his shorter mate pulled Avanti’s from his jeans. “Now I want you to suck it.” Jesse’s own cock jerked at Avanti’s command. Wet trails were painted over Craig’s back as his mate bent forward, sliding Avanti’s cock into his mouth. Avanti leaned forward and cupped Jesse’s face, outlining Jesse’s lips with his tongue. “You want me to fuck you again, don’t you?” Jesse’s legs almost gave out. “Yes, I do.” He wasn’t going to be shy about it this time. He knew what he wanted from this muscular man. “Mmm.” Avanti’s lip tugged back into a sexy half grin. “He sucks good cock.” “I know.” Jesse grinned. Avanti’s eyes closed for a moment as he sucked in air between clenched teeth. Jesse ran his tongue over Avanti’s canines as he reached down and cupped Craig’s ass, squeezing gently. “You know what would be hotter?” Avanti asked. “Hmm?” “If Craig fucked you.” Avanti’s eyes hooded as he spoke. Jesse knew he couldn’t deny his mate when he had such a dark and seductive smile on his face. Jesse gripped Craig’s ass harder, lifting him from his feet. A harsh male moan tore from Jesse’s chest. Avanti’s hands skimmed over Craig’s head, petting him as he sucked. “Does my little mate want to fuck Jesse?”

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Craig looked up at Jesse, his eyes burning with lust as he nodded. Jesse stepped back, fighting for control. He carefully shoved at his jeans, his cock so full of blood he feared touching it would set it off. Once his clothes floated to the floor, Jesse walked backward, his hands on Craig’s hips, bringing him along. Avanti picked Craig up and laid him on the bed, disrobing and crawling between their smaller mate’s legs. Jesse watched in fascination as Avanti took Craig into his mouth. Craig cried out and pulled at Jesse. He turned, positioned his body, and Craig swallowed him. Jesse looked up and saw Avanti’s hardened cock leaking an invitation that he wasn’t going to refuse. He grabbed the base, impressed with the size as his lips parted. His tongue swirled around, drinking in Avanti’s essence. His larger mate moaned and pushed his cock further into Jesse’s mouth. Jesse moved Avanti’s cock around with his hand, painting his lips with his mate’s pre-cum before sucking him back in. He palmed Avanti’s balls as Craig worked his throat muscles on Jesse’s shaft, nearly sending Jesse over the edge too soon. Jesse pulled back slightly and inhaled deeply, staving off his impending orgasm. When Craig’s warm, moist lips left his shaft and the cool air kissed it, Jesse whimpered from the loss. “I want to fuck you,” Craig purred. Jesse released Avanti’s cock and crawled to all fours. Avanti groaned and sat up, running his hands over Jesse ass as Craig found the lube. “Let me.” Avanti held out his hand. “How about we both do it?” Avanti growled and dribbled lube on both their fingers. Jesse watched over his shoulder as they both moved in behind him. Avanti was the first to breach him, his fingers much larger than Craig’s. His head dropped to the bed as he sucked in air, the feeling unbelievably electrifying.

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“Ready?” Craig asked, and Jesse nodded into the mattress as a smaller finger joined the larger one. He rocked back, impaling his ass over and over again. “I really think he likes it now.” Craig giggled. “Let’s see if he likes this.” Jesse jumped when his hole stretched wider. Knowing Avanti slid another finger in. “Or this.” Craig did the same. Jesse was full to bursting. “No.” Jesse looked over his shoulder to see Avanti holding their mate’s free wrist. “I think he’s full enough.” What the hell were they planning on doing? Shoving their whole hand into him? “I’m ready.” **** Craig was nervous as all fuck. He had only topped a few times, and wasn’t any good at it. At least, that was the general consensus from his past lovers. What if he sucked now? His hands shook as he grabbed his cock, sliding it up and down Jesse’s crease. Avanti lay on his side behind Craig, watching him. That did not help. Craig tapped his cock on Jesse’s ass, smearing his pre-cum around. Craig was so nervous he felt nauseous. Not a good thing to be when having sex. “Want some help?” Avanti pulled his brow up, staring at Craig’s shaking hand. “Please,” he whispered so Jesse couldn’t hear him. He didn’t want both men to know how inexperienced he was. Avanti leaned up, kissing Craig on the lips, and then placed his hands on his hips. “Relax,” he murmured into Craig’s ear.

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Craig nodded and pushed in. His hands landed on Jesse’s ass, his lips parting as the tight star clamped down on his dick. He was soooo close to coming. “I’ll show you.” Avanti slicked his cock and pressed into Craig. Never before had he fucked and been fucked at the same time. The sensations threatened to drive him mad as he fought to make sense of them. “Let me set the rhythm, okay?” Avanti murmured. Craig slid his hands to Jesse’s hips and spread his legs. Avanti began to thrust inside of him, pushing his cock deep inside Jesse. When Avanti pulled back, Craig did the same. He parroted Avanti’s moves and prayed Jesse was enjoying it. “Harder, baby,” Jesse moaned. Craig began to panic. If he went faster, what would Avanti do? His fears fled when Avanti thrust harder, showing Craig the way. After a moment, he got the hang of it. “I got it.” He giggled and began to fuck Jesse on his own. “That you do.” Avanti chuckled. He squeaked when Avanti lifted him higher and laid him over Jesse’s back, driving in hard. It was as if Avanti was fucking Jesse through his body, and he wasn’t complaining one bit. “Grab his cock, bring him off.” Craig hurriedly reached under Jesse to do as he was told. Jesse’s cock was leaking streams of pre-cum. Craig snatched his hand back real quick and licked it clean. “Craig,” Avanti warned as he spread Craig’s cheeks apart and shuttled into him. Craig reached back around and squeezed Jesse’s cock, loving the feel of his pre-cum sliding between his fingers. Craig used it as lube—what a waste—and repeatedly pounded his hand up and down. “Fuck.” Jesse bucked, almost knocking Craig off of his back. He used his free hand to grab onto Jesse’s hair. “Craig.” Jesse panted.

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His name was music to his ears coming from a man like Jesse. Craig doubled his efforts and brought Jesse over the edge, his cock throbbing in his hand as Jesse’s ass clenched around Craig’s dick. “Avanti, please,” Craig cried with the feel of Jesse’s ass milking at his cock. “I got you.” Avanti rocked harder, pushing Craig and Jesse up the bed. Craig let go of Jesse’s cock and held on as Avanti bit into his neck, making him cry out as he exploded inside Jesse and hot pulses of seed shot into him as Avanti drank from his neck. Craig moaned when Avanti licked at his neck and pulled free. Craig kissed Jesse’s back and then leaned down to Jesse’s ear. “How’d I do?” Jesse chuckled under him. “Fan-fucking-tastic.” “Really?” he asked excitedly, happy at his first good review. “Wouldn’t change a thing, babe.” Craig laid his head on Jesse’s back, grinning from ear to ear. He fell asleep on his man’s back, Avanti’s arm draped over both of them. **** Avanti lay in his bed, holding onto his mates as he stared at the four walls of his room. He heard both their breathing patterns even out and knew his mates were asleep. “I pray this house gives me back my soul because I feel something stirring inside of me, and I pray the feeling is love,” Avanti said to the darkness. **** Craig looked over his shoulder to make sure he wasn’t being followed. Avanti and Jesse hadn’t left his side for two days. He wasn’t complaining. No, he enjoyed their company, and the sex was off the damn hook. That’s how good it was. But he needed to do something, and Craig didn’t need his mates around for it.

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“Excuse me.” Craig knocked on the door lightly, feeling his heart in his throat as Zeus waved him in. “Do you need something, Craig?” Craig ran his hands down the front of his jeans and stepped into Zeus’s office. “It’s about Avanti.” **** This was Jesse’s first day back after a two-day leave. He had to promise Avanti to be extremely careful. He couldn’t hide out at Zeus's any longer. He was the sheriff. People needed him. It did feel strange not seeing Craig at his desk. He had given him an official extended leave until they could figure out what to do about his uncle. It still didn’t make it any easier seeing the empty chair his mate used to sit at. It felt odd being here without him. “You don’t have to follow me into my office,” he griped. Rave shrugged. “Avanti doesn’t want you left alone for one second. Mates are more important to us soldiers than anyone realizes, so I won’t risk you.” Jesse remembered the haunted words he’d heard Avanti whisper last night when he thought Jesse and Craig were asleep. He didn’t know what went on in that big house and he had a feeling he wouldn’t find out. Avanti wasn’t the forthcoming type. He had wanted to tell Avanti that he loved him as well, but the moment seemed a little too private to invade. “So you gonna sit around all day and watch me pick lint from my navel?” Rave laughed, pulling the chair from in front of his desk and placing it against the wall. The large man sat back, letting his legs stretch out in front of him. “Pick away.” Jesse shook his head. As if. “I have a better idea.” He turned on his computer and ignored Rave for the rest of the morning.

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His phone buzzed on his hip, and Jesse grabbed it and flipped it open. He read the text and froze. “What is it?” “I’m not sure.” He handed his phone to Rave to read. “I know who you are.” Rave read it out loud. “What does that mean?” “Duh, I just said I wasn’t sure.” Jesse sat back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. “It could be Hank, Harold, Craig’s uncle, or my mom. Who knows?” “Then I will assume you don’t know the number?” “Nope.” “Let’s go.” Rave stood and handed Jesse his phone back. “I still have work to do, and I have to do a few rounds of patrol. I can’t just wander off on a whim.” Jesse felt his anger rising. There was no way he was allowing someone to control his life like that. “Man, I understand when it comes to your duties. I even understand that feeling of having someone control your life. All the soldiers know how that feels, but think of Avanti and Craig. How would they feel if something happened to you?” Jesse stared down at his desk. He didn’t say anything about his life being controlled out loud. But Rave was right. From what he’d gathered of his mates so far, Avanti needed help dealing with his past and would probably blame himself if something happened to Jesse. He didn’t need to add to his pile of guilt he had already. And Craig, well, Craig was Craig. Squirrelly as hell, but he needed them both to keep him safe and to help with his split personality. He liked the fact Craig turned into Hyde in bed. Jesse was shy as hell so they needed someone to balance that, he guessed. He really didn’t have a split personality. It was more like the sex enabled Craig to be who he truly was. “Let me tell my deputies and Connie that I’ll be taking off and how to reach me.” Jesse shut his computer down and stood. He hated to run with his tail tucked but knew his safety was at stake here.

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“I’m glad you’re not fighting me on this. I sure as hell would hate to have to explain to Avanti why I had to tie you up to get you home.” Rave chuckled as they walked out. Jesse blushed at images of being tied up with his men. He liked it more than he should have. Too bad he would never ask. Jesse still couldn’t figure out why he was so tongue-tied when it came to sex. He’d always been shy, but not to the point he lost his mind. Jesse figured it was because they were two of the hottest men he’d ever seen and that slightly intimidated him. “Hey, Connie, I’m heading to Zeus’s. You can reach me there if you need anything.” “Is everything okay?” The dispatcher came from around her desk and stood in front of Jesse. “It’s fine. There’s just some business I have to attend to up there.” He turned to Deputy Fife—yeah, it was really hard to keep a straight face when saying the guy’s name. “Call me if you need me. I’ll be gone for the rest of the day.” “Sure thing, boss.” Jesse followed Rave out to the parking lot. There was a red convertible parked in front of Theo’s. “Mind if we grab something to go? I’d like to take Avanti and Craig something to eat.” “I am a bit hungry. I don’t see the harm.” Rave followed him in as they entered the noisy tavern. Jesse stood there at the door, inhaling the aromas. This place always smelled like something good was grilling or sautéing. The scent always carried a hint of barbeque sauce as well. “Hey, Theo.” Jesse shook his hand. “Need three dinners to go.” “You got it, Sheriff. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll have it ready in a hurry.” Jesse felt stupid as hell. He wasn’t sure what his mates liked to eat. “Hang on.” He held his finger up and pulled his cell phone out. “Deputy Hanes.”

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God, Jesse was getting hard just by hearing Craig’s voice. He wondered if he could run into the bathroom and jack off real quick to the sound of his smaller mate. He cleared his throat. “I’m at Theo’s with Rave. What do you two want me to bring back?” “I want those delicious fried cheese sticks and the grilled chicken dinner. Hang on.” Jesse could hear Craig talking to someone else. He figured Craig was asking Avanti what he wanted. “Make that two grilled chicken dinners.” “Got it, anything for dessert?” “Mmm, yeah, but you can’t buy it there.” Craig giggled. Jesse could feel his cheeks flaming. Rave and Theo looked his way and grinned. Damn shifters, he knew they smelled his arousal. “Uh, okay. I’ll get those dinners.” He quickly hung up before Craig could embarrass him further. “I’ll have two grilled chicken dinners, some fried cheese sticks, and a steak tip dinner.” He sat on the stool at the bar, strumming his fingers and thinking about being Craig’s dessert. “You got it.” Theo nodded and walked to the back to place his order. He looked around at the people eating and laughing. At the three large screen televisions playing different things and hung at opposite ends with one in the middle. The bar was in the middle of the tavern, the kitchen behind it. The baseball game caught his attention, and Jesse sat there watching it while waiting for his dinners. “I’m gonna hit the bathroom. Be right back.” Rave walked away, and Jesse turned his attention back to the game. “Well, if it isn’t my naked passenger. I almost didn’t recognize you with clothes on.” The blonde who had given him and Avanti a ride sat on the stool next to him. Jesse blushed, knowing this woman had seen his boner that night. He’d managed to get it half down by the time she dropped them off, but knew she got a pretty good view beforehand.

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“Didn’t expect to see you around here.” “I’m visiting a friend.” She raised her hand and ordered a Coke when the barmaid came over to her. “So, you’re the sheriff, I gather?” “Sheriff DeKalb.” She grinned widely. “Is your partner in law as well?” “You could say that.” Jesse shifted in his seat. He wasn’t one for polite conversation with a woman who seemed interested in him, especially a woman. “Who’s the mayor here?” She batted her eyelashes, and Jesse wanted to run for the door. “That would be Zeus.” “Odd name for a mayor,” she commented. “You can’t pick your name.” Jesse was looking at the kitchen wishing Theo would hurry up with his orders. She seemed friendly enough, but he wasn’t trying to be flirted with. His thoughts were on Avanti and Craig, wanting to get back to them. “And is this Zeus a good mayor?” Jesse turned his head toward her at her line of questioning. It seemed odd for a visiting stranger to be so curious about the mayor and law enforcers. “Who did you say you were visiting?” “Oh, I’m here to see my cousin Harold.”

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Chapter Six Torem sat on the grass at the pond, looking over the forest and deep in thought. Avanti was the second shifter in the house to find his mate, and once again it was a pair of men. He wondered if fate had chosen two men for him. He really hoped not. The way Jasper and Toby acted was enough to scare him into wanting to stay single. Besides the fact he was mentally fucked up and would probably run his mates away screaming. It had been an honor when Zeus named him Beta along with Bald Eagle. For some reason, it gave him back a little piece of who he was. He just really hated this house. It needed to be razed and buried. Just like his worth. “Hey.” Torem looked up to see Eagle walking down the path from the pond. That was the one place they all took solace. With the appearance of Zeus and Avanti’s mates, the rest of the unmated warriors began to worry that theirs would show up. None of them were ready. “Hey.” Torem placed his arms on his knees, staring down at the grass. Eagle was the one that had seen the ugliest of Jackson. The soldier Jason had been the worst beaten, but sometimes external injuries would be preferred to the internal ones. Jason now lived in Brac Village, and he hoped the soldier was doing well. Torem prayed all the soldiers healed. He knew it was hopeless for him, but he kept that to himself. “I hear we may have the Italian Mafia heading our way. Cool.” Eagle chuckled.

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The wolf always did have a few screws loose. “Cool?” “Yeah, I wonder if they have a hit man name Guido.” Eagle began to crack up. Okay, more than a few screws loose. Torem couldn’t help but chuckle. Eagle’s laugh was contagious. “Or if they all wear gold chains and pinky rings.” Eagle wiped the tears from his eyes. “If they’re going to come here, they better bring some of their famous pasta dishes.” He snickered. “I never had a calzone.” “Maybe you could eat it while they’re stuffing you in the trunk.” Torem held his side as he laughed. “I’ll share it with the fish.” Eagle placed the palms of his hands on his knees, bent over and laughing. It felt good to laugh and to see his fellow soldier do the same. The situation wasn’t humorous, but if it lightened the mood around here, Torem was all for it. Their laughter died down, and Eagle took a seat on the grass next to him. “I, uh, I’m worried.” Torem nodded at the grass. He knew Eagle was talking about finding his mate or mates. “I’m scared, too.” **** Avanti paced in the foyer. Rave had called a while ago and said they were stopping to grab dinner, but it shouldn’t have taken this long. He wanted to go hunt for Jesse but didn’t want to leave Craig. Avanti didn’t like his mates being separated from him. Jesse may be the town sheriff, but there was a vulnerability to him that had Avanti baring his teeth to get him back here. Craig was a different story. He was quiet and subdued when dealing with life. Avanti could understand that since he grew up in the Mafia. Craig must have seen some pretty messed-up stuff. But tell the

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guy to get naked, and a switch turned on in his head. Avanti really liked that. Craig was comical and sexy when getting ready for sex, a levity that was greatly needed. Jesse was bashful, and Avanti was dominating. The little guy balanced the other two out. “Is he here yet?” Craig asked as he walked toward Avanti. “Not yet.” Avanti stared out of the window on the side of the door, willing Rave’s truck to come down the driveway. “I’m getting worried,” Craig said softly. Avanti wasn’t sure how to comfort him. He knew how to fuck him, but not comfort him. Avanti clasped his hands behind his back and stared down at his little mate. He stiffened when Craig wrapped his arms around his waist and buried his face in Avanti’s abdomen. His hand came up, hovered, and then petted Craig’s hair. Avanti didn’t like tears, had seen too many over the last few decades. Craig squeezed his waist and turned his head, laying his cheek on Avanti’s stomach. “I miss him. Why can’t he be here already?” Avanti didn’t have an answer, and it was pissing him off. He pried Craig from around his waist and pulled his cell phone out. “Let me find out.” Craig stayed at his side as Avanti listened to Jesse’s cell phone ring. When voice mail came on, he dialed Rave’s phone. Voice mail again. Avanti grabbed Craig’s hand and pulled him along as he walked down to Zeus’s office. The Alpha was on the phone and held his finger up to indicate he needed a minute. He tapped his foot, feeling Craig’s small hand tremble in his. He gave it a light squeeze, and his mate smiled weakly up at him. “Sorry about that.” “Jesse and Rave aren’t back yet. Will you watch Craig while I go look for them?”

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Zeus shook his head. “No need. That was Rave. They’re fixing a flat tire right now. As soon as they get it done, your mate will be home.” Avanti felt like an anvil was lifted from his chest. He still didn’t like that Jesse wasn’t here, but at least he knew what was going on. “Both their phones went to voice mail.” “Jesse’s died, and Rave was on his talking to me.” Avanti nodded. “Thanks.” He pulled Craig along as he went back to the foyer to wait. “You know, I can walk on my own.” Craig pulled at his hand, but Avanti refused to release it. It was comforting, and comfort was what he needed right now. Craig stopped struggling when Avanti’s thumb began to rub over the back of his hand. “Does he really have a flat, or is that a code word for something?” Avanti chuckled. “He really has a flat.” “Then can we go have sex while we wait?” Craig pulled at the front of his jeans. “I have a woody that won’t go away.” “I can’t think of a better way to pass the time.” Avanti growled and reached for Craig, but the little shit took off. “Help, there’s a big bad wolf with a really big cock chasing me,” he yelled and ran up the stairs with his hands in the air. Taz stuck his head out of the living room and quirked a brow at Avanti. “Don’t ask.” Avanti took off up the steps after Craig. He came to the bedroom door just as Craig ran through it, his arms still flailing in the air. As soon as Avanti crossed over the threshold he shut the door and leaned against it. “Get naked.” He grinned and watched Craig tear his clothes off. Craig sashayed over to the bed and hitched his left leg up on the mattress. “Welcome to McDonald’s, we are now serving McWieners. Unfortunately, they only come in supersized.” Craig grabbed the base of his cock and shook his dick at Avanti.

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Maybe Jesse was right, and Craig had a split personality. It didn’t matter. The little guy was fun. “Can I order two?” “Only when Jesse shows up.” Craig squealed with laughter when Avanti shot across the room and picked his mate up by his waist and threw him in the air. Craig landed on the bed and bounced twice. “I have a supersized wiener for you.” Avanti kicked his boots off and shucked his jeans, pulling his shirt over his head and yanking his socks off before crawling on the bed. “I’ll have to do a taste test to see if it’s of good quality meat.” Avanti laughed, flipping onto his back and tucking his hands behind his head. “Then let the judging begin.” **** Jesse walked through the front door, tired as hell. All he wanted to do was lie down for a while. He climbed the steps with the bag of food and walked into Avanti’s bedroom. His mouth hung open when he saw Craig sucking Avanti’s cock, his naked ass hiked up in the air. Jesse stood frozen. “Seems my second wiener has arrived.” Craig turned around and smiled at Jesse, his face once again shiny with spittle. The sight had Jesse hard as a rock in under a millisecond. “Want some of this, big daddy?” Craig wiggled his ass and giggled. Jesse could feel his face burning with embarrassment as he nodded. He set the food on the dresser and missed, the bag tumbling to the floor. “Shit.” He reached down and flipped the bag upright, hoping the food was okay. Jesse kept his back to the two naked men, feeling a bit intimidated. “Come here.” He looked over his shoulder to see Avanti crooking a finger at him. Jesse gulped and walked over to the bed, his eyes riveted on Craig’s tongue swirling around the head of Avanti’s cock.

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He would never get tired of watching their little mate perform. Avanti leaned sideways and pulled at the front of Jesse’s pants, freeing his cock and taking it into his mouth. Jesse hissed, and his hands automatically latched onto Avanti’s hair. His head fell back, and his hips swayed as Avanti sucked him down his throat. Guess Craig wasn’t joking about dessert. He felt hands pulling at his and bringing them around to his back. Jesse was so lost in Avanti’s mouth, he allowed Craig to guide them behind his back. When he heard the snick, his eyes flew open. “What the…?” “Now he’s a handcuffed wiener.” Craig giggled evilly. “Holy fuck, turn around and let me see.” Avanti pulled Jesse’s cock from his mouth and tugged at his hips. Jesse bit his bottom lip and turned, feeling his neck and face heating up. He wiggled his fingers at Avanti and grinned. Avanti grabbed him by the waist and lifted him up. “Get him naked.” Jesse could see Avanti watching in awe as Craig practically tore Jesse’s clothes from his body. What was with those words that turned Craig loose on them? Jesse lifted his knees so Craig could remove his boots and take his jeans the rest of the way off before he damaged something. “He’s naked,” Craig sang and then rubbed his hands together. Oh boy, Jesse was in for the ride of his life. He thrilled at the idea of being a Jesse sandwich. Avanti pulled him all the way onto the bed and laid him on his back. “I think we need to readjust these. Hand me the keys, Craig.” Craig picked up Jesse’s pants and rummaged around until he produced the key and then handed it to Avanti. Jesse’s eyes shot up to Avanti. His eyes were wide in wonderment as Avanti freed his hands only to pull his shirt off and then cuff them to the headboard. When Avanti crawled off of the bed, Jesse’s eyes followed, wondering what was going on.

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The two stood there with their arms crossed over their naked chests. “Look at that wonderful sight,” Avanti said. Craig stood next to him rubbing his chin, his cock jutting straight out and leaking. “Can I eat him?” Jesse’s mouth fell open with images of Craig with a fork and steak knife in his hands. Jesse crossed his legs in an attempt to hide his cock, but it was so hard it was lying against his stomach. “We both can.” Jesse’s world turned upside down when Avanti and Craig pulled his legs back and began to suck and lick until his head spun out of control. Jesse pulled at the cuffs, but they wouldn’t give. “I, oh, oh.” Jesse tried to breathe, tried to think, but the dual tongues on his scrotum and dick robbed him of any and all speech and thought. His legs kicked out when his anus was breached by something very large. He tried to look down to see but all that was visible were two heads circling and bobbing. Jesse’s head fell back onto the pillow, his breath catching in his lungs. His butt cheeks compressed together as his vision blurred. “Avant, Avant.” He couldn’t even say his mate’s name he was so lost. Craig emerged and giggled. “I vant, too. So do you vant to fuck me, or do you vant me to fuck you?” Craig used Count Dracula’s voice as he wiggled his brows. Avanti grabbed Craig’s head and lowered it back down between Jesse’s legs. He heard whining from Craig and then loud slurping noises that made him pull at the cuffs harder. His leg muscles tensed as his spine tingled. Jesse keened as he pulled and pulled at the cuffs. Avanti must have scented it because whatever was in his ass was removed, and Avanti pulled Craig in front of him, Craig scrambling to shove his cock in Jesse’s ass. His largest mate helped Craig and then sank into Craig’s ass. Jesse was

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really loving being on the bottom. The sight of his two men above him was ethereal. “Come for Craig,” his smaller mate commanded. “Whose ass is this, baby?” Jesse grinned from ear to ear. “Yours and Avanti’s.” “And don’t forget it, or I’ll tattoo it on your forehead.” Jesse chuckled. He could just see a tattoo on his forehead that said Craig’s Ass. Somehow he had a feeling the real meaning would be lost on others. Avanti must have been thinking the same thing because he fell into a fit of laughter behind Craig. “What?” Craig looked over his shoulder and then back down at Jesse. He began to giggle when the lightbulb went on over his head. “You know what I mean.” The laughter died on his lips when Craig thrust hard into him. Jesse pulled at his wrists and moaned loudly. His smaller mate pinched at Jesse’s nipples and pulled them into peaks. He hissed and bucked, Avanti holding his legs back as they both fucked. “I’m getting close,” Craig cried. “Get ready for my geyser.” Just as Jesse cried out his release, Avanti ripped Craig from Jesse’s body and threw him toward the door. The large shifter yanked until the posts gave and were in his hands. Jesse’s fingers curled around the broken wood as he wondered what Avanti was doing. A howl ripped from Avanti’s chest as he pulled Jesse from the bed. He was confused as hell when Avanti ran from the room, grabbing Craig from where he was lying on the floor and shaking his head to clear it. Halfway down the hall, an explosion rocked the second floor, sending shards of paneling and glass everywhere. Jesse felt the flames lick his back as he cried out in pain, Avanti falling to the floor and covering his mates’ bodies. Waves of soldiers ran down the hall and pulled them away from the flames licking at the walls as others grabbed fire extinguishers to try to put out the fire. Avanti rose and cradled Jesse in his arms as he

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ran downstairs, holding Craig’s hand. His back felt like it was on fire, the pain so excruciating that it sent Jesse into unconsciousness. **** Craig grabbed the jeans Toby handed him and pulled them on, running back over to the bed where Jesse and Avanti lay in wolf form. Jasper had reassured him that they would heal faster and more fully in their were-creature form. He stared in awe at the two beautiful wolves lying together. Craig felt insignificant compared to them. His hand trembled as he reached out and ran his hand over the soft fur of each of his wolves. They were everything to him now. Craig had caused this because he was the one who brought trouble here. Dirk was going to pay for this if it was the last thing he did. It was one thing to hunt him down, but something entirely different to mess with his men. Craig stormed from the room, determined to find Dirk and make him pay. His mind swam with the enormity of the situation and what could have happened to his shifters. He walked through the kitchen and out of the back door. There were a few shifters out here, but they were too busy trying to deal with structural damage and keeping the fire from rekindling. Craig had no clue what he was going to do, but he wasn’t going to just stand by and watch the men he loved die. His step faltered. Love? Did he really love them in such a short time? Craig didn’t know, but one fact was true, he couldn’t live without them. Following along the path, Craig shoved his hands in his pockets, contemplating his feelings toward Avanti and Jesse. His heart stuttered when he saw three people standing off in the distance engaged in what looked to be a heated debate. He dropped to

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the forest floor and scrambled behind thick brush. Craig inched closer, trying to hear their conversation. He knew in his heart that it wasn’t a mere coincidence that these three just happened to be here and a bomb or whatever it was had just gone off in their bedroom. “I told you, I didn’t do that,” the largest man argued. “Although, I wouldn’t mind taking the credit for it.” Wait, Craig knew that voice. He peered around the leaves to see Hank and Harold standing with a blonde woman. “Then why the hell were you out here? That wasn’t part of our plan,” Harold hissed at Hank. “Children,” the blonde woman admonished them, “will you stop bickering for a moment? Now we need to figure out who is going behind our back and attacking. If they screw our plan up then it will all have been for naught.” “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Hank growled. The blonde woman threw her hands in the air. “Explain it to him, Harold, because I don’t have the patience right now for this thick dunderhead.” “Why, you fucking bitch. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t even be a part of this.” Craig wondered what a part of this was. His heart stopped beating when arms circled around him and locked his own in place, a hand over his mouth. “Hush,” Avanti whispered in his ear. “No one would have gone against us. Someone else has an axe to grind,” Hank yelled into the blonde woman’s face. Avanti slowly eased him back until they were out of sight and earshot. He held onto Craig the whole way back to the house. When Avanti walked into the room Jesse was resting in, he let him go. “Tell me why the fuck you were out there,” Avanti roared at him. Craig wasn’t sure what to do. He’d never seen either man behave so aggressively before, and it was scaring the shit out of him.

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“I wanted to get revenge,” he said in a small, childlike voice. “Revenge?” Avanti advanced toward him. “What the fuck do you know about revenge? It’s best served cold, and you don’t have the heart for that,” he sneered. “Look at you. I’m shocked you’re even a deputy. What the fuck was Jesse thinking hiring you?” Craig’s world crumbled around him at Avanti’s harsh and hateful words. He was used to it from his uncle and his goons, but not from Avanti, who had shown him happiness and belonging. Craig dropped his head, having no answer to give the man. He felt the tears threatening to fall, but fought to keep them in check. There was no way he was going to cry and prove Avanti’s point. Craig bit his bottom lip and looked over at Jesse’s sleeping wolf form, wishing like hell he was awake. He needed someone right now, someone to tell him he wasn’t a failure and he was lovable. Avanti slammed the bedroom door on his way out, making the walls vibrate all around him. Craig sank to the floor and pulled his knees to his chest, feeling lonelier at this moment then he had ever in his entire life. Avanti and Jesse were the first men he had loved, and he knew that was why he felt like his life wasn’t even worth the effort of running anymore.

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Chapter Seven Avanti sat by the pond. He was numb. He was in pain. He was never going to rid himself of what Jackson turned him into. The way he unleashed his anger on Craig was unforgivable. He wanted to run to his mate and pull him in his arms and beg his forgiveness, but who could forgive a monster like him? Avanti knew it was only a matter of time before that beast inside of him reared its ugly head. All the warriors feared that moment, and that was why they feared finding their mates. He stared down at his hands, remembering the cruelty they caused at Jackson’s command. Avanti curled them into fists, his head falling back as the tears ran down his face. He looked to the sky for answers. “Why? Why have I been given two precious men only to mistreat one? I wasn’t ready.” He lowered his head. “I wasn’t ready,” he whispered to his hands. When Bald Eagle came walking down the path, Avanti quickly scrubbed his eyes. “You don’t have to hide them from me, brother.” Eagle sat on the grass in front of him. “I know that pain.” “How?” Avanti looked past Eagle and out into the forest, his eyes swimming through the foliage. “How do I stop my pain from hurting them?” Eagle broke a blade of grass and pulled it through his fingers. “If I knew,” Eagle said, glancing up at Avanti and then back down at the blade, “I wouldn’t be so damn afraid myself.”

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“I don’t want to be him anymore. I want to be me.” Avanti stood, running his hands through his hair. “We have to go tell Zeus that Hank and Harold were here with some blonde lady me and Jesse met.” Eagle shook his head. “Go ahead.” Avanti left Eagle sitting by the pond, looking as lost as he felt. He went in search of his Alpha to inform him of what he saw. Part of him prayed he had the courage to go to Craig and beg forgiveness. The other half was terrified of what his mate would say to him. No matter what Craig said, Avanti would deserve it. He found the Alpha in the kitchen with his mate Toby. Avanti stood there for a moment, watching the two interact. Zeus had Toby sitting up on the counter, snuggling into his neck and kissing him. He crossed his arms over his chest, wondering if Craig would ever let him near him again. “Did you need something?” Zeus asked while still buried in the crook of Toby’s neck. The small mate was giggling, and that reminded Avanti of Craig’s laughter. His stomach knotted at the thought of his mate never forgiving him. “I just wanted to let you know that Hank and Harold, along with a female, were in the woods right after the explosion.” Zeus turned his head, his eye darting over Avanti. “What were they doing?” Avanti couldn’t answer that. “As far as I know, they were just talking. To be honest, Craig was hiding close by, and my only thought was to get him to safety.” Zeus sat Toby to his feet and kissed him on the forehead. “Why don’t you go find Jasper?” Avanti watched Toby walk away. He needed to go to Craig, no matter what the consequences. His chest hurt at what he had done. “I got a phone call from Hunter at the hardware store. He says there’s been a lot of shifters spotted hanging around the field behind

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the gas station. When he pulled in to get gas, they harassed him about following my leadership.” “So what do you think? I don’t think Hank and Harold rallied the troops to become town bullies. Maybe these guys are doing this on their own.” Zeus splayed his large hands and shrugged. “I’m trying to get as much information as I can. I have the business owners watching suspicious activity, but I was thinking the same thing. They’re two separate groups.” None of this made sense to Avanti. Why would a group crop up just when they learned something else was brewing? “I think maybe that group at the gas station is a diversion.” “But for what?” Zeus thought out loud. “They weren’t the ones who blew our bedroom apart.” Avanti spun around to see Craig standing behind him. His little mate stood stiffly and stared straight ahead at Zeus. His hands itched to reach out, but the tight jaw and thin lips Craig wore stopped him. “I heard part of their conversation. Harold was yelling at Hank about doing it but Hank was denying it. Hell, he was wishing he had thought of it. It has to be Dirk who blew it up.” “Thank you. I’ll let the town know we have other threats to look out for as well,” Zeus said. Craig walked out and Avanti followed close behind but was unsure how to approach him. He stopped when Jesse opened the bedroom door he had been healing in and leaned against the frame. Jesse immediately pulled Craig into his arms and glared at Avanti. He breathed in deeply, knowing he was about to embark on new territory here. “I want to apologize.” The words were foreign to him, sounding strange coming from him, but Avanti would do whatever it took to get his mate back. And from the look on Jesse’s face, he needed to get both mates back. “I’m listening.” Craig’s small voice floated across to him. “I didn’t mean those things. I—”

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Craig held up his hand. “Yes, you did. Maybe you didn’t mean to say them with so much malice, but you meant them.” Avanti looked around him at the empty halls. The place felt like a tomb. He knew when they were at Jesse’s the dark feelings inside weren’t there. But the solution couldn’t be to move in with Jesse. There would be no way to protect his mates. “It’s this house, isn’t it?” Craig asked. Avanti nodded. He felt so helpless and unsure of what to do. Jesse held an arm out, and Avanti slowly walked toward the two. He didn’t know what to expect. “Was it the fear of Craig being so close to danger?” Jesse asked. “Is that what brought it out?” Avanti felt like a small pup searching for forgiveness and love from the people who loved him. For so long he had to be hardened, emotionless, and numb. What he was feeling at this moment confused and scared him. He felt vulnerable and exposed right now. When Jesse pulled him into the room and held him close, Avanti lost the battle he had been fighting since his outburst at Craig. The emotions welled up and spilled over, and he had no clue what to do with them. The first tear in over three decades broke free, and Avanti fought against it. He tried to pull from Jesse with only half an effort. The big, bad warrior didn’t want anyone to see his weakness, but the man in him was dying for affection and acceptance. “Shh, let it out.” Jesse held him tight to his chest. Craig ran over and hugged his back. He could hear his smaller mate crying with him. Avanti swung an arm around and pulled Craig close, holding onto him for dear life. Craig nearly climbed up Avanti, so he bent down and pulled Craig up into his arms. He stood there holding both his mates, praying the monster that Jackson created never resurfaced again. ****

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Jesse brushed the beautiful black locks from Avanti’s eyes, and his heart clenched at the tear-stained face. His hand soothed Craig’s back as their little mate lay in Avanti’s arms, his head resting on the warrior’s shoulder. He leaned forward and kissed the largest of them, seeing how desperately Avanti needed to be loved. For so long kindness must have been an alien concept, and Jesse, along with Craig, would show their mate that he was loved deeply. While healing he had laid there examining his feelings and realized how much he loved them both. “So if Hank didn’t do this, then who?” Craig lifted his head and looked over at Jesse. “My uncle.” Jesse nodded. “So then he’s here.” “I would assume so. Nobody’s seen him, but there isn’t another explanation.” Avanti spoke, his voice still unsteady. “What is Zeus’s plan?” Jesse needed to…he wasn’t sure what he needed to do, but he wasn’t going to stand by and watch either or both of his mates get hurt. “Remember that woman that gave us a ride?” Avanti asked. Jesse nodded. “She was with them.” “I saw her at Theo’s when I was getting our food. She said she was here to see Harold.” Jesse had been unable to finish his conversation with her. Rave had come out of the bathroom, and Theo had brought his food at the same time. When she saw them she had excused herself and disappeared in the crowd of people in the tavern. “I wonder if it was coincidence that she just happened by that night.” Avanti pulled Craig tighter in his arms, and Jesse automatically reached out and rubbed Craig’s back once again. “I could be bait to draw my uncle out,” Craig lifted his head and suggested. “No!” Avanti and Jesse shouted in unison.

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“It was just a suggestion.” He pouted. “And a very good one if either of us was willing to sacrifice you, but we’re not.” Jesse cupped Craig’s face and kissed him. When Craig moaned, Jesse knew he had lit the little horndog’s wick. “Say it,” Craig pleaded into Jesse’s mouth. He glanced up at Avanti, whose eyes were hooded and watching the two kiss. Avanti nodded and set Craig on his feet. Jesse’s heart pitter-pattered at the control handed to him. He wasn’t one to initiate sex but saw them both looking at him to start it. “Get naked.” A chuckle left his lips when Craig started tearing at his clothes. Craig stood there gloriously naked, and his arms spread wide. “Ta-da.” Avanti grinned from ear to ear, and then he and Craig started stripping Jesse down. “Come on, shy boy, you have to be naked in order for my diabolic plan to work.” Craig giggled. Jesse wasn’t sure what the hell Craig was talking about, but he was willing to be their guinea pig. “Tie him up, Avanti, so I can have my wicked, wicked way with him.” Craig beamed up at Jesse and then ran to the nightstand by the bed. He pulled a few silk scarves from the drawer. “Jasper loaned these to me.” Jesse blushed with the thought of Jasper knowing that Jesse liked to be tied up. Well, maybe he didn’t know what Craig wanted them for, but it was still embarrassing. “Oh my, look at his hot ass blush, Avanti.” Craig handed the silken scarves to Avanti. Jesse climbed up on the bed and lifted his arms above his head. He was getting braver at having sex with these two, but was still too shy to just cut loose. Avanti secured his wrists and Craig clapped his hands together. “Mwahahaha, you’re all mine now, sheriff. You didn’t listen when I

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told you to get out by sundown, so now you will suffer the consequences.” Both Avanti and Jesse stared at him with slack jaws. Craig bent down and rummaged under the bed, pulling his police utility belt out and Velcroed it around his waist, but instead of a gun in the holster, there was a tube of lube and a vibrator. Jesse stared at the cock throbbing under the belt. The head was a deep purple and leaking, plastered hard against his stomach. “Oh, hell yeah.” Avanti’s eyes took on an amused and lustful gleam. Craig sauntered around the bed, his hands on his naked hips and his cock tapping his lower belly with every step. “Now, as I see it, you have two choices, Sheriff.” Craig’s fingers made a V as his other index finger tapped the first one. “One, you can cry mercy and we’ll untie you.” Craig snorted with an as if face. “Or.” His index finger pushed down on the second V’d finger. “You can willingly give up the booty and let us fuck you until your toenails fall off.” Craig stood back, his fingers wiggling close to the tube of lube as if reaching for his gun. “Make your choice.” Avanti was standing on the other side of the bed ripping his clothes from his body with the biggest and shittiest grin Jesse had ever seen. “Don’t give me that help me look, I’m with him.” Avanti pointed at Craig. Jesse looked back at the little nut in time to see him whip the lube out and squirt it with accuracy at Jesse’s cock. The cold liquid splashed onto Jesse’s cock, belly, hip, and bed. He was a mess and loved it. “That’s your first warning shot. Now answer me.” Craig reholstered the tube. “He’s fucking nuts,” Jesse said as he pulled at the scarves, but they didn’t give. “Don’t talk about my partner in crime like that.” Avanti gave a fake growl. “Answer him, or we’ll be forced to use extreme

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measures.” Avanti wiggled his fingers at Craig, and the little shit tossed the vibrator at Avanti. Avanti slapped it in the palm of his hand, glaring at Jesse. “We know how to get answers out of you, so I would suggest you start singing, or I’ll be shoving this up your ass.” “Please don’t answer him.” Craig was bouncing from foot to foot with excitement. His cock bobbed up and down with the joy. Jesse curled his lips in. The thought of Avanti shoving that large vibrator in his ass pushed him to the edge quick, and he had to breathe through the orgasm threatening to spill from his nuts. “I see you want to do this the hard way, copper.” Avanti smacked the vibrator against his palm again. Craig did an excited happy dance next to the bed and then jumped onto the mattress, pulling both of Jesse’s legs back. “Teach him a lesson, boss.” The bed dipped when Avanti sat on it, reaching over to extract the lube from Craig’s belt and then squirt a large amount down Jesse’s crack. Craig shifted around and then straddled Jesse’s face, his puckered hole right above Jesse’s mouth. Craig was facing Avanti and holding Jesse’s legs back, and Jesse took advantage of the position. He raised his head up and stuck his tongue out, laving at the tight starburst. “Oh hell, he’s pulling his own answers from my ass, boss.” Craig groaned and Avanti chuckled. Jesse’s eyes rolled back when Avanti slowly pushed the toy into his ass and clicked it on. He began to devour Craig’s asshole as waves of electricity buzzed through his body. Avanti started moving the toy in and out of his ass in a fucking motion as his hand ran the length of Jesse’s cock. His balls were drawing up tight to his body. Craig pushed his ass down onto Jesse’s probing tongue. The circle of muscles parted with Jesse’s stiffened tongue pushing in and out.

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Jesse’s hips shot up when the speed increased, Avanti’s hand pressing his body back down into the mattress. Jesse’s fucked the air as best as he could, dying for release. Craig’s hips swiveled around, and Jesse sucked and licked as Avanti plunged the toy further into his ass. “Oh god, I want him to fuck me,” Craig whined, pulling at Jesse’s legs and mewling loudly. Avanti plunged the vibrator a few more times and then removed it, leaving Jesse feeling empty. Craig’s ass left Jesse’s mouth as the cool air made his saliva-coated mouth tighten and tingle. Jesse looked up to see Avanti turning Craig around and helping the little man settle his ass over Jesse’s cock. Craig reached underneath and held Jesse’s cock as Avanti slowly lowered him. Jesse gasped as Craig’s body opened up to him. He slammed his eyes shut, begging his cock not to explode so soon. “Open your eyes, mate. I want you to watch us,” Avanti commanded. Jesse slowly opened them, watching Craig’s face as it was painted in pleasure. Avanti lifted Jesse’s legs to his shoulder and then pressed into Jesse’s ass. The double stimulation had Jesse’s hips bucking. “Oh yeah, let me ride a bucking bronco,” Craig begged. He wrapped his arms around Avanti’s neck and nodded. “I’m ready,” he sang. Jesse bucked again and again, sending his smaller mate up into the air. “Yeehaw,” Craig called out. Jesse laughed and slammed up into Craig’s tight ass. “You like that?” He was a little embarrassed at his aggressive behavior and loving it at the same time. A sense of freedom washed over him with the brazen words. “You like my cock shoved into your asshole?” The words kept coming. It was as if a dam broke and Jesse was riding the rush of water escaping it. “Oh fuck, he’s talking,” Craig cried to the ceiling. “Whose ass it this?” Jesse growled.

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“Fuck, fuck, fuck, it’s yours, baby.” Avanti growled and slammed into Jesse’s ass. “They’re both mine,” he declared. Jesse grinned up at Avanti, and his heart burst into a thousand splintering pieces at the look of love in his large shifter’s eyes. Avanti might not know how to say it, but his eyes conveyed the truth. He loved Jesse. That look was his undoing. He shattered to the four corners as he came, and came hard. He slammed up into Craig with the force of his orgasm. Craig’s bobbing cock exploded onto Jesse’s chest as the smallest of the three shouted out Jesse’s name. He was beautiful in the throes of passion, and his name was a musical symphony as it was sung. Avanti circled his arms around Jesse’s legs and Craig’s body as he assaulted Jesse’s ass with the speed of sound. He pushed in on the last thrust and shouted. Jesse could actually feel the pulses shooting into his ass. “Holy mother.” Craig panted. He collapsed forward and untied Jesse’s wrists and then lay down over Jesse’s chest. Jesse wrapped his arms around Craig, thankful for the two men in his life. Avanti pulled free and then stretched out beside the two. “I’m sorry.” He ran his hands over Craig’s hair. Craig turned his head and studied Avanti for a moment. “It still hurts. But I understand, somewhat, why you did it. Please don’t ever hurt me like that again.” Jesse hugged Craig tighter at the sound of such pain in the small man’s voice. He’d do anything to take it away. Avanti nodded and leaned forward, kissing Craig and then Jesse. “I’ll try my hardest, little one. I promise you both.” ****

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Craig lay on Jesse’s chest, hearing the shifter’s heartbeat in his ear. It was soothing and comforting. He gazed into Avanti’s eyes and saw the pain and sorrow like a living and breathing entity. “Okay.” He reached his left arm over and wrapped it around his big man. It seemed that they both had a lot of healing to do from someone trying to destroy them. “I love you.” He turned his head to Jesse. “I love you, too.” He heard Avanti’s breath hitch, and when he looked back, the large shifter was on his back and his eyes were blinking rapidly. He ran his hand over Avanti’s chest. “It’s okay to cry. We won’t think any less of you for it. You’ll be a pro at it once you taste my cooking.” Avanti’s bark of laughter made Craig jump. It was unexpected and welcomed. Jesse laughed below him and Craig’s smile widened. “And don’t get me started on fashion. I think I was born with color blindness.” Avanti rolled over and hugged them both tight and then released them. “You know I do.” Craig knew that was Avanti’s way of saying I love you. He would take it. One day his lover would break the bonds that held his soul and declare it out loud. Craig could wait.

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Chapter Eight Knox watched as two large SUVs quietly pulled to the curb four houses down from Craig’s. Hunter, the hardware store owner, had called to say he spotted them coming into town. Zeus had immediately dispatched him, Torem, and Rave. Knox took the east side of the house while Torem took the south. Rave sat in the forest behind the house. Knox stood in a pack member’s living room, the house directly across the street from Craig’s, and watched the two trucks unload. Six men crept along the sides of the houses and then disappeared behind Craig’s. If the small man hadn’t turned out to be a mate and living at Zeus’s now, the human would be dead. Knox hated to see people victimized, especially smaller ones who had a harder time defending themselves. He let the curtain fall from his hand then made his way outside and across the street. Torem met up with him. “They look like the fucking Mafia you see on television. I don’t know whether to snap their necks or laugh my ass off.” Torem smirked. “We need to find out if one of them is Dirk.” Knox and Torem walked silently to the side of the house, sticking their heads around the aluminum siding as they listened. “Dirk don’t want him killed right now. We gotta bring him in.” The fattest of all five waved his hands in front of his body animatedly. So Dirk wasn’t among them. Where the hell was the slimeball hiding out then? Knox’s eyes shot to the forest behind the house. He could see Rave’s hands waving frantically and pointing to the

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driveway on the other side of the house. Knox nudged Torem and nodded toward Rave. Rave was tapping both index fingers to his mouth. What the fuck did that mean? He then hugged himself and began chomping his mouth. Knox was never any good at charades and couldn’t figure out what in the hell Rave was doing. “Vampires,” Torem whispered into his ear. Oh fuck. This was about to get real damn ugly. Knox was squatting in front of Torem, both their heads barely visible as they watched three men appear from the other side of the house. He glanced back over at Rave, who was watching with wide eyes and utter fascination. Knox knew how he felt. This would be his first up close and personal encounter with vampires, and he was curious as hell at what they could do. The reasonable part of his brain told him to save the humans and kill the vampires, but the vengeful side was turning a blind eye, knowing why those humans were in Craig’s backyard. Maybe they’d kill each other, and the three shifters could wipe their hands clean of the whole mess. “Who da fuck are yous?” the fattest man asked in a challenging tone. He tugged at his leather jacket and straightened to his puny fiveeleven height. Knox had to bite back a laugh at the display. The vampires scented the air and then smiled at the group of goons. “We’re here to see the deputy.” “He ain’t here, so get lost.” The fat man waved his hand dismissively. The vampire who had spoken shook his head, a smile pulling at his lips. Knox could make out the tips of his shiny fangs. “I think you men should be the ones who leave. Or not. I could always use a snack.” The vampire’s eyes ran up and down the fat man’s body. “You’d feed me for a month.” He chuckled menacingly. “You a faggot or what? I should kill you just for da insult, effe.”

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Knox watched in heart-pounding absorption as the fat man reached behind his back and pulled a gun out. He tilted his hand sideways and pointed it gangster style at the three vampires. “You think I’m a faggot, you fucking piece of shit?” The vampire threw his head back and laughed. “No, I think you’re my next fucking meal.” The three vampires leapt as the fat man’s gun went off. The other goons started shooting as they backed away. Knox and Torem betted each other on who was going to be the last man standing. Knox thought it would be the vamps. The fat man hit the ground cursing as he tried to get another shot off, but the vampire he had been talking to was quicker, sinking his fangs into the fat man’s neck and ripping skin from bone. That was just…gross. With all the things Knox had done in his lifetime, he wasn’t sure why the sight made him nauseous. “Fuck.” Torem groaned when all five men lay on the ground while the three vampires wiped their mouths. Knox gave himself a mental high five. He won the bet. The one who had been talking whipped his head around to look directly at Knox. Rave was already shifting and breaking free of the forest to attack when the vampire advanced toward Knox and Torem. They shifted, and the vampires hesitated. They were caught off guard that they were shifters and not humans. You could see the shock evident on their faces. It didn’t take long for them to recover, though. Torem went after the one who had taunted the fat man while Knox and Rave took down the other two. It wasn’t as easy as he assumed it would be. They fought with strength greater than a human’s and almost the equal of a shifter. Knox tore into the one he was fighting. The undead sunk his fangs in, but he managed to pull free and sever the vampire’s jugular. The three wolves shifted back once they defeated all three.

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“Fuck, look at this damn mess we have to clean up now,” Torem complained. “I think we need to do it quickly. I know the neighbors heard the gunshots. Even though shifters are at the police station, we don’t know who we can trust right now,” Knox said as he began to haul the first body up. **** Craig sat in the living room with Toby and Minsheng. He watched them play video games as he wondered how he was going to get his uncle to reveal his location. Three shifters had walked in last night bloody and grumpy, saying they had killed five of Dirk’s men and three vampires. So they knew where he lived now. Why would the vampires go to his house? Craig had never done anything to them. Hell, he had only glimpsed them a time or two. So the question remained, why him? He knew why the goons were there. Dirk wasn’t going to rest until Craig was dead. His life hadn’t been a bowl of cherries growing up. His parents were killed in an attempt to take over his father’s territory, his mother being in the wrong place at the wrong time. His entire life was grounded in violence, and Craig had hated it. All he wanted was peace now. His uncle had taken on the responsibility of raising him, and Craig knew from the moment he stepped into his uncle’s luxurious home that the man didn’t want him there. “You wanted, man?” Minsheng asked as he plopped down next to Craig. “Looks that way.” Craig scrubbed his face, wondering how in the hell he was going to get out of this. He was getting cabin fever. Being stuck inside was driving him nuts. “You have picture on internet with reward?”

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Craig looked over at Minsheng and laughed. “Why, you gonna turn me in and collect the reward money?” “I no do that. I know what like to have bad guys hurt you.” Craig’s heart broke at the look of such sadness in Minsheng’s eyes. He wanted to reach out, but wasn’t sure it would be welcomed. He opted for patting the small man’s knee. “You’re safe now.” “Still don’t take bad memories away.” Craig watched as Minsheng got up and walked away. Boy would he love to find the person who hurt him and kill the son of a bitch. His mood instantly lightened when Jesse walked in and sat down, pulling Craig into his lap. “Why are you so angry?” “Just thinking about what Minsheng must have gone through.” Jesse nodded in understanding. “Zeus wants us all in his office. Come on.” Craig got up and followed Jesse. Once they made it to Zeus's office, Avanti smiled and picked Craig up into his arms. Craig rested his head on Avanti’s shoulder while they waited for everyone to arrive. When the door was finally closed, Zeus rose from behind his desk. Craig turned his head to listen and watch. “It has come to my attention that this house isn’t a welcomed sanctuary to all of us.” The Alpha smiled at Craig and continued. “I don’t know everything that went on behind these walls and it’s none of my business. I’m not trying to pry.” Zeus came around to the front of the desk and leaned back, Toby and Jasper going to their mate’s side as Zeus spoke. “I have a proposition and would like to run it by all of you. I’ll listen to what you have to say and take into consideration what everyone thinks, but I have a feeling all will agree.” Avanti shifted from one foot to the other. Craig could feel the tension in his mate’s body. Jesse must have as well because he wrapped his arm around Avanti’s waist and laid his head on the largest mate’s shoulder.

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“What I’m proposing is that we raze this damn crypt and rebuild.” The room exploded into cheers, the soldiers clapping loudly and whistling. Craig smiled from ear to ear when Avanti hugged him tightly. He smashed his face into Craig’s neck and kissed him. Then he turned to Jesse and squeezed him to his body and kissed him as well. Craig could see Avanti’s eyes shining with unshed tears as he smiled. Zeus chuckled and held his hands up to quiet everyone. “I take it you all agree?” “Fuck yeah,” Bald Eagle shouted. “Then as soon as we can clear this Mafia and Hank mess up, the rebuilding will begin. I’ll accept any ideas that any one of you may have on how you want our new home built. It’s not only my house, but all of ours.” “I have an idea.” Jasper spoke up, looking around at everyone in the room. “I think every one of you should envision how you want your bedroom and maybe a few ideas of what would make it a home.” His eyes zeroed in on the soldier Memphis. “But I have the say-so on the design of the new kitchen.” Memphis chuckled and raised his hands in surrender. “It’s all yours.” Jasper smiled smugly. “You got that right.” “Does that include us?” Yasuko pointed between the three Japanese men. “You are a part of this family. Your opinion matters just as much as everyone else’s.” Zeus spoke gently to the small man. Craig looked down to see the moisture in Yasuko’s eyes as he nodded. “Think of a bedroom that would make you feel safe, and I will make sure it’s built for you,” Zeus added on. Yasuko ran crying from the room, Minsheng running after him. Zeus exhaled deeply. “I want all of you to think of a room that will hopefully help to make you feel safe.”

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No one said anything. Craig could tell the room was ill at ease with the topic at hand. That wouldn’t do. This was supposed to be a joyous occasion. When he had approached Zeus about how this house affected Avanti, he knew he had made the right choice. Now all he had to do was bring that happiness back. “Can we have a racetrack and horses?” “And I want a big Ferris wheel.” Toby smiled over at Craig. “And a bar with strippers.” Zeus growled at his mate. “No strippers.” He then turned his head at Craig, a knowing look in his eyes and a thankful smile on his face. “And no amusement park.” “Aw.” Craig faked a whine. “You said you’d consider all ideas.” The soldiers laughed, and Craig felt better. **** Avanti groaned at the loud slurping sounds coming from between his legs. He sucked harder on Jesse’s cock, which was laid out beneath him. Avanti jerked when Craig parted his cheeks and sucked at his hole. He heard a chuckle from behind him and gave Craig a low snarl. “What’s wrong? Is my big bad wolf afraid I’ll fuck him?” Craig asked and then shoved his tongue into Avanti’s ass. Avanti grabbed the base of Jesse’s cock and squeezed, sucking around the head and drawing the pre-cum out. He felt a small finger breach him and tensed. Never before had anyone fucked him, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it. When the finger started wiggling in his ass, Avanti concentrated on getting Jesse off. He didn’t protest. Avanti wasn’t sure at the moment if he wanted to. Jesse groaned and pulled his legs up, his hands running through Avanti’s hair. “Fuck me,” Jesse softly begged.

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Avanti was on all fours, so all he had to do was rise up. Craig laid a hand on his back and stilled him. A knuckle lifted Avanti’s chin up, Jesse gazing up at him and smiling. The pressure in his ass grew, so Avanti knew Craig had added another finger. He gulped, keeping his eyes locked onto Jesse’s. His mate ran his hand over Avanti’s face, soothing him as Craig added another to his ass. The stretching was extremely different on the receiving end, and the jury was still out on whether he liked it or not. When Craig twisted around inside of him, Avanti’s body shook with electricity coursing through him. He knew it was his prostate, but he had no idea it felt that damn good. “You like that?” Craig asked. Avanti could hear the hesitation and smell the worry. “Yes,” he admitted. Jesse grinned. “Feels good, doesn’t it?” Avanti nodded, never breaking eye contact. He became a little worried when Craig’s hands left him. He knew what was coming. He felt pressure, and then the fullest feeling surrounded his ass. Craig was in. Avanti lowered his head and began to suck Jesse again, wondering when Craig was going to move. “Fuck, please tell me I can go, or my eyes are going to pop out.” Craig panted. Avanti glanced up at Jesse. “Go ahead.” Jesse answered for him and Craig began to slowly saw in and out of him. It burned some, and there was a little pain. Avanti pulled Jesse’s cock back into his mouth, not wanting to hurt Craig’s feelings. When his small mate angled his hips differently, Avanti’s eyes crossed. “Shit!” His back arched and Craig laughed. “The dill pickle has struck!” Craig made fake cheering noises. Jesse broke out laughing, his smile making Avanti’s heart light. “Just shut up and fuck me already.”

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“Yes, sir.” Craig began thrusting into him. “Wait!” Jesse pulled from under Avanti and then wiggled underneath him. “Me, too.” Avanti growled and pulled his mate further under him and then angled his hips, breaching his ass. “Avanti sandwich,” Craig yelled and then began thrusting again. It took a moment for Avanti to work out a rhythm and then they were in sync. The double pleasure had his groin on fire. Avanti grabbed Jesse’s shoulders and plowed into him and then impaled his ass on Craig’s cock. He couldn’t seem to get enough. The erotic pleasure threatened to steal his very breath. “I’m close,” Craig cried his warning. Avanti picked up his tempo, wanting to bring Jesse to the edge as well. Jesse jutted his ass like a cat in heat, slamming back on Avanti’s cock. Jesse was the first to cry out, his hips rocking back as his ass muscles locked down on Avanti’s dick. The tightness was too much, Avanti shouted out Craig’s name as he unloaded his seed into Jesse’s ass. Craig dug his nails into Avanti’s back, crying both their names as he came. Avanti shook his head, trying to clear it as Craig’s softening cock slid free. Never before had he imagined he would be a bottom. And the idea of being his mate’s bottom was exciting. “I’m done for.” Craig fell over, his chest heaving. Avanti pulled him up and laid him between his body and Jesse’s. Jesse reached over and ran his hand over Avanti’s hip, a sated smile on his face. ****

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Jesse had won the battle to go back to work…again. This time it was Bald Eagle that babysat him. The guy looked menacing just by standing outside of Jesse’s office door. He had argued that it would be a dead giveaway if Eagle didn’t come inside, but the wolf wouldn’t listen. Jesse got caught up on all the reports by lunch and convinced Eagle to walk with him over to Theo’s. Harold’s Deli was out of the question considering the circumstances. It was too bad. Jesse could really go for one of their delicious sandwiches. Eagle stopped him from walking out until he could go out and scan the area. Jesse was getting frustrated as hell. All he wanted was something to eat. Eagle waved him out, and Jesse bowed to him. “I’m only trying to keep you protected,” Eagle snapped. “You’re a mate and you’re worth a lot to us.” He knew he was being childish, but being babysat wasn’t high on his favorite things to have done to him list. Eagle hovered around him as they walked across the street. The soldier shoved him at Theo as he swept through the bar, looking for any kind of a threat. Sammy stood there watching Eagle with the dirty dish pan in his hand. His lips were slightly parted, and his brows were raised. Jesse felt the same way. Once Eagle nodded, Theo stepped aside and allowed Jesse to have a seat at the bar. “What can I get you?” “A peaceful life,” Jesse mumbled. “Soon.” Theo smiled. “Just give me a tuna melt.” Jesse scratched his jaw, ignoring Eagle as he watched the sports up on the flat panel television above the bar. His mind wandered to Avanti and Craig, wondering what they were doing right now. He pulled his cell phone out, texting Craig. What R U wearing?

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He hit send and sat his phone up on the bar. Someone started the jukebox. Metallica’s “Turn the Page” came on, blaring through the bar. Jesse chuckled when he spotted Sammy dancing as he cleared the tables. The little blond sat the pan down and starting hitching his hips from side to side. He was glad he could help the little guy out. Sammy seemed to be adjusting just fine. His phone chirped. Jesse picked it up and looked at the text. A straw. He laughed at his little man. If nothing else, the guy kept him in good spirits. And where is that straw? He set the phone back on the bar. Theo brought his food and a Coke. Before he could get the sandwich to his mouth, his phone chirped again. If u guess u can suck it. Jesse choked on the Coke he had been sipping when he read the text. “You all right?” Jesse nodded at Theo and Eagle. There was no way he was telling them why he choked. Maybe now was not a good time to text Craig. Jesse picked his sandwich up and began to eat it. When he sat it down and wiped his mouth, he saw Sammy by the men’s room waving for him to come here.

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Jesse looked over at Eagle and Theo talking together, so he slid from his stool and walked over to Sammy. The little guy backed into the bathroom, so Jesse followed him in. As soon as he cleared the threshold, he was knocked unconscious.

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Chapter Nine Craig paced back and forth in Zeus’s office while Eagle told Avanti that he had lost Jesse. Avanti wasn’t too happy to say the least. Zeus was the only one to keep Avanti from attacking the other soldier. Avanti shifted and growled, snapped, and snarled at Eagle, letting him know that as soon as Zeus moved he was attacking. “This isn’t going to solve anything, now stand the fuck down,” Zeus commanded. Avanti backed up but didn’t shift back. Craig ran his hands over Avanti’s neck, trying his best to give his mate comfort, especially when he felt none himself. “Now tell me what happened?” Zeus turned to Eagle. “He was sitting at the bar. Then he got up and went to the men’s room. I went in when he was in there too long, and there wasn’t anyone in there. I can’t figure out how he got out. And Sammy is missing as well.” Zeus ran his hands over his bald head, growling in aggravation. “What did you scent?” “That’s the crazy part. I smelled humans, shifters, and vampires. All three scents were fresh.” Craig’s chest tightened. If anything happened to his Jesse, he wouldn’t be able to go on. The man was shy, bold, funny, kind, compassionate, and sexy as hell. He had wanted him from the moment he laid eyes on him. Life wouldn’t be worth living without Jesse in it. He had Avanti, but it would be like trying to live with half a soul.

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His fingers curled into Avanti’s fur a little too tightly. His wolf turned his head and whined, licking Craig’s free hand. He lightened his hold, feeling the tears close to falling. “I want the soldiers to hunt him down. We will not rest until Jesse is returned to our pack and Sammy to Theo’s. Get ready for a battle. I have a feeling Hank’s plan was just implemented.” Zeus pulled his cell phone out. “Torem, gather the men and have them in my office within twenty minutes.” He snapped his phone closed and threw it onto his desk. Within twenty minutes, the office was filled with soldiers. They looked at one another, wondering why they were summoned. Craig saw the curious look when they noticed Avanti in wolf form. He didn’t care what happened in here. He stood next to his wolf proudly and supported him. The only thing on his mind was getting Jesse back. “We have a missing mate.” The room erupted in growls. “Jesse is missing along with Sammy. He’s a human that works at Theo’s. They both disappeared from there without a trace. I want them back, no excuses, and I will not accept defeat.” Zeus turned to Knox and Taz. “You two stay behind and guard the men here.” The soldiers cleared the office, leaving Avanti and Craig with the Alpha. “I’ll watch your mate if you want to go look for your other one,” Zeus offered. Avanti nudged Craig over to the Alpha, licked his hands, and then took off. Craig watched as his second mate left him. The emptiness surrounded him. What if they couldn’t find Jesse and Avanti disappeared as well? How could he live without either of them? “They’ll find him. Why don’t you sit with Toby in the living room?” Craig nodded, feeling numb inside. He walked down the hall, his mind gone. Instead of going into the living room, Craig climbed the

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steps to their bedroom. He wanted to lay where he felt the closest to them. He pushed the bedroom door open and stopped. The bed sat there looking so cold without his men. Craig crawled onto the mattress and grabbed the pillow, inhaling Jesse and Avanti’s scent. “I thought that little diversion tactic would get the men out of this house.” Craig froze. He knew that voice, would never forget it. Dirk. **** Jesse blinked his eyes open, trying to focus. His thoughts were jumbled as he tried to remember what happened. “The faggot’s awake,” a deep voice said. Jesse looked over his shoulder to see three men looking at him with open disdain. There was a warm body beside him. Jesse turned his head, and a pain shot down his spine. He closed his eyes, waiting for the wave of nausea to recede. When he was able to open them, Sammy was lying next to him. The small man was still out cold. A trickle of dried blood ran from his scalp to his jaw. Jesse scented the air but wasn’t sure if Sammy was alive or not. His anger boiled up at the thought of these fuckers harming an innocent man. “He didn’t do anything.” Jesse had a feeling he knew who they were. Dirk’s men. “He helped lure you in. We could have let him go, but why?” The man looked at the other men and laughed. “He’s a faggot, right?” “Yeah, boss, he sure is.” Some little piece of shit acting as a sidekick chimed in. The man turned back to Jesse. “He don’t matter. Mezza fanooks never do, you frickin’ jabone.” The other men snickered, and that

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only seemed to fuel the fat man insulting him. Jesse didn’t know what a jabone was, but he was pretty sure it wasn’t something pleasant. “He called you an asshole and the other guy a faggot.” One guy smirked. “It isn’t funny if it needs to be explained,” Jesse said casually although he was feeling anything but casual. Thank goodness they weren’t shifters, or they would smell the pure terror rolling off of him. The interpreter turned beet red and backhanded Jesse. “You got a smart mouth.” Jesse’s jaw tightened, refusing to react to him. He would shift, but he was afraid while fighting to take three men down, one would get to Sammy. “That’s right, shut your frickin’ trap.” The man turned to the others and laughed. Jesse turned and fought the wave of nausea as he checked on Sammy. He was still out. If he got out of this, they were all dead. **** Avanti and the other soldiers followed Jesse’s scent. He was dumfounded when he followed it right upstairs from Theo’s. Sammy’s apartment. Were they total morons? Avanti didn’t like this. It was too easy. There was no way Dirk could be this inept if he ran the Mafia. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. He shifted, giving the signal for the others to get ready. Avanti lifted his foot, kicking the door in. The wolves swarmed the small apartment. It was empty. ****

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Craig whimpered when Dirk knocked him to the floor. “This is the thanks I get for taking you in and raising you as one of my own?” Craig wiped the blood from his mouth. A part of him snapped at that moment. He was done being his uncle’s punching bag. The beatings were going to stop, even if it meant death. He was going to finally stand up for who he was. “You can beat me all you want. I still love them.” He pushed himself off the floor and squared his shoulders. “They love me more in the short amount of time I’ve been with them than you ever have raising me.” Craig’s head hit the floor with a loud smack. “You grew balls, effe?” “You can call me gay all you want. I won’t deny it. That doesn’t make me less of a human being.” Craig stood back up, glaring at Dirk. He had to stand up to his uncle once in his life, and the thought of what Jesse may be going through made him unstoppable. He was going to get out of here and he was going to find his wolves. And then Dirk was gonna die. **** Jesse felt Sammy move behind him. They were lying on an old, ratty mattress on the floor. He had to find a way to tell the guy to stay still with his eyes closed. He had a gut feeling that if Sammy opened his eyes, these men would take out their macho egos out on him. With his bound hands, he ran his fingers over Sammy’s hand and then pressed into Sammy’s flesh hard. He felt Sammy pressing back. When Jesse turned his head, Sammy still looked unconscious. Jesse had to figure a way out of this. Not only did he want to make it home to his mates, the small human lying behind him was depending on him. It was his job to protect and he was going to try his hardest to protect the man lying behind him.

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His mind raced trying to think of a way to escape when he saw movement outside of the window. He dropped his eyes, not wanting one of the men to turn to see what he was looking at. Jesse was shocked as fuck when the blonde who had given him and Avanti a ride placed an index finger over her lips and raised her nine-millimeter, aiming it at the largest of the men. She inched closer, and then pressed the muzzle into the back of the guy’s head. “What the fuck?” the man with the gun to his head said. “I suggest you keep quiet.” She pushed the gun a little harder, making her point. Jesse struggled with the ropes that bound him and then freed Sammy. They sidestepped the goons and then ran over to the lady holding the gun. Jesse wasn’t sure this was the correct choice, but he wasn’t going to lie around and wait to find out. He grabbed Sammy’s hand and ran for the door. He intended to go back and help, but Sammy’s safety came first. They were halfway down the road when two large SUVs came flying down the dirt road toward them. Jesse yanked Sammy’s hand and took off through the corn maze. The stalks smacked him in the face as he and Sammy fled. His mind was jumping wildly around as he tried to think of everything at once. Who in the hell was she? Why had they taken him and Sammy? Before the next question could pop up, he was tackled. Sammy cried out. “Get off of him.” The little human kicked and punched the man on top of Jesse. Jesse got his footing and crouched, ready to shift when the man flashed a badge. “Federal Agent Coles.” Jesse stood, snatching the badge from the man’s hand and studying it. He handed it back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Why is the FBI here?”

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“We’ve been after Dirk Alvisio for a very long time. He disappeared from sight after killing two federal agents. We’ve managed to track him here.” Jesse couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His town was filled with Mafia and FBI agents? Pride Pack Valley was a town of shifters and humans, not a fucking bad Italian mob movie. “So does this mean you caught him?” Craig would be happy as hell to hear this. “No, but word is he has taken his nephew.” Jesse’s world tilted sideways. “Craig,” he said in anguish. “Also known as Adriano,” the FBI agent confirmed. **** Avanti punched a hole in the wall. He was ready to kill every last soldier in this room. Now both of his mates were missing? Could fate be so cruel as to give them to him only to take them back? He would deserve no less for the things he had done during Jackson’s reign. He just prayed that the justice dispensed to him by the fates didn’t include his mates dying. They were innocent in all of this. Zeus grabbed the phone as soon as it started ringing and then held it out to Avanti. His hand shook as he reached for it. Who could it be, and would they tell him his mates were found and that he needed to come identify the bodies? Bile rose in his throat as he placed the phone to his ear. “Hello?” “Avanti.” Avanti sank to his knees, his free hand covering his face at Jesse’s musical voice. “Where are you?” His voice broke. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Dirk has Craig.” “I know.” “The FBI are searching for him now. Will you come to me?”

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“FBI?” He looked up at Zeus, who looked just as confused as he felt. “It’s a long story. I’m at the police station. Please, I need you.” “On my way.” Avanti handed the phone back to Zeus and ran from the house. He jumped into his truck and tore out of the driveway. Avanti raced down Route 22, making it to town in less than ten minutes. His truck’s tires squealed as he turned into the parking lot of the police station, the ass end fishtailing. He jumped out and ran inside, bursting through the front doors. The lady sitting behind her desk pointed to an office. Avanti stormed in and immediately ran to Jesse, pulling him into his arms. He had to fight not to shed tears at the scent assailing him. He had one of his mates back. Now all they had to do was find that piece of shit uncle and get his smaller mate back as well. “Avanti,” Jesse complained. “I can’t breathe.” Reluctantly, Avanti eased up, but didn’t let him go. His mate turned to the man standing by the window. Avanti growled, pulling Jesse closer. “This is Federal Agent Coles.” Jesse introduced the human. “They’ve been tracking Dirk for a while.” “Have you gotten any closer to finding out where he’s taken Craig?” Avanti asked the agent. “Actually, I just got off the phone with Agent Muldane. She spotted the Lexus he’s known to drive.” “Then what the fuck are we waiting for?” Avanti pulled Jesse toward the door. “Let’s go.” “I’m waiting for confirmation. This isn’t the movies. We don’t just bust in, guns blazing.” Agent Coles stayed by the window, staring between the two. “I do. Now fucking take me to him or tell me where he’s at, now!” Avanti released Jesse and got in Coles’s face, his nostrils flaring in

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anger. “You really don’t want to challenge me,” he said, low and dark. “I’d tell him if I were you.” Jesse stood beside Avanti’s side. “He has a maim and a kill switch. The back-down button has been broken since puberty,” Jesse warned. Avanti caught the surprised look before he ruined his intimidating face. Craig was rubbing off on Jesse. “Hank Dune’s farmhouse.” Coles’s eyes darted between the two. He looked unsure, and that was all they needed, that ounce of uncertainty to make him spill. “Let’s go.” Avanti grabbed Jesse’s hand and pulled him along with him. Avanti called the pack on his way out to his truck. He wasn’t sure what was waiting out there, but he was going to keep Jesse safe and get Craig out alive. Jesse jumped into the passenger seat, buckling himself in with a determined look on his face. Avanti wanted to argue that Jesse wasn’t getting involved, but he wouldn’t take that away from his man. Craig was his mate, too. Jesse had just as much right to come in guns blazing and be a hero to his smaller mate than Avanti did. He didn’t like it though. Avanti leaned over and pulled Jesse’s head over to him by the nape of his neck. “Promise you won’t risk your life.” He rested his forehead against Jesse’s, staring into his beautiful green eyes. “I can’t promise that if Craig is being threatened.” Once again Avanti understood and didn’t like it. He kissed Jesse passionately, conveying everything he felt but couldn’t say. Avanti started the truck and pulled from the police station, Agent Coles following close behind. By the time they made it to Hank’s, his pack-mates were shifted and waiting just inside the surrounding woods. Avanti pulled up to the spot the police car had been hidden behind eons ago. It felt like it was just yesterday when he caught his mate masturbating in the car. Fuck that felt like a lifetime ago.

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He squeezed Jesse’s hand before getting out of the truck, his mate doing the same. Agent Coles crept over to them. Avanti and Jesse growled when the blonde came over that had given them a ride. “What the fuck is going on?” Avanti asked. “I saw you with Hank and Harold in the woods right after the explosion.” “I’m Agent Tory Muldane.” She extended her hand. Avanti shook it, and then Jesse. “I’ve been working undercover. Harold is my cousin. He’s been helping me get into the inner circle.” “Wait.” Jesse held his hand up. “Harold isn’t a part of this?” “No, he found out something was going on in Pride Pack Valley and called me. He got friendly with Hank and was brought into the conspiracy.” It was Avanti’s turn to interrupt. “You’re a shifter? You don’t smell like one.” “Gee, thanks, I think. I’m only half. Harold is full.” “We knew Harold was a full shifter.” Jesse gave her a duh look. “Can we get back to the subject at hand?” Agent Coles asked. She pulled her lip back and rolled her eyes at Coles. “Anyway, I found out through Harold that Craig and his uncle were here. Hank was planning to flood the town with vampires, hoping to kill the pack off.” “That’s fucking stupid. He’d kill the town off, too,” Avanti said in disbelief. “No one said he was bright.” Tory smirked. “What does Dirk have to do with this?” Jesse asked. “Hank found out he was searching for Craig and thought it would be the perfect revenge against Zeus for taking over the pack. He really thought Dirk’s goons would kill all the soldiers and save him the trouble.” “You’re right, he’s fucking stupid,” Jesse mumbled. They all hushed when the front door to the house opened. Hank stuck his head out and sniffed the air, his eyes scanning around the

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front yard. Satisfied that he didn’t scent or see anything, he closed the door. Could the shifter be anymore inept? “We need to move in now,” Avanti snarled. “From what I’ve gathered, Hank, Dirk, Adriano, and two of his henchmen are with him.” “It’s Craig, not Adriano,” Jesse corrected her. “Duly noted.” She nodded. Avanti turned to the wolves. “Did you get that?” They all nodded, moving slowly and quietly to surround the house. Jesse stayed by Avanti’s side after they shifted. Avanti moved slowly and lethally. He wasn’t fucking around. He wanted Craig back. Avanti came around back and saw one of Dirk’s men standing by the back door with a handgun in his right hand. He started whining softly, limping into the backyard. “What the fuck?” The man turned to him. “You hurt, boy?” The henchman walked with careful steps to Avanti. Knox and Torem took him down from behind. Tory came from around the side of the house to shove a handkerchief in his mouth and then cuffed him, yanking him away and handing him over to Coles. Even mated and gay, Avanti thought it was hot as hell the way she handled the bad guy. Jesse head butted him, apparently able to read his thoughts. He licked Jesse’s muzzle. No one could take his or Craig’s place. Tory came back around the house, quietly opening the back door. The wolves flooded the kitchen, listening for movement. When Avanti entered the living room, someone who could only be Dirk jumped up, his gun swinging between Avanti and Hank, and then it settled on Craig. “What the fuck is going on? You got wolves as pets?” “Nope, they’re the ones I wanted taken care of.” Hank smiled evilly.

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“You want me to kill some fucking dogs? What kinda sick fuck are you?” Hank stared directly at Avanti and Jesse then over at Craig. “They’re not ordinary wolves.” “What the fuck, Hank?” Harold asked from across the room. “You know better than to say that.” Hank glared at Harold. “You think I care? He won’t make it out of here alive anyway.” He pointed to Dirk. Dirk pointed his gun at Hank and shot him. “You think you can double-cross me, you fucking jabone?” Avanti took advantage of Dirk threatening the dead wolf and leapt, locking his jaws on Dirk’s hand, which held his gun. Jesse knocked Craig to the floor, covering his body with his wolf form as Knox took down the other henchman in the room before he got his pistol free from his waistband. Agent Tory Muldane pressed the muzzle of her nine-millimeter in the center of Dirk’s forehead. “Dirk Alvisio, you are under arrest for the murders of Agent Williams and Agent Miller.” Avanti stayed locked on the uncle until Tory unarmed him. He released Dirk’s arm then, backing away slowly before turning his attention to his mates. Avanti snarled when he saw the bruises on Craig’s face. “I’m okay.” Craig reached up and ran his hands over Avanti’s pelt. “I promise.” Once Coles and Muldane took Dirk and his goon away, Avanti shifted. He pulled Craig up into his arms and cradled him. “I love you.” Craig gasped and then wrapped his arms around Avanti’s neck and squeezed. “I love you, too.” Craig rained kisses all over his face and then did the same to Jesse when he shifted. Avanti ran his hand down the side of Jesse’s face, kissing him. “I love you.”

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“Aw, geez.” He waved his hand at Avanti and blushed. “I love you, too.” **** “So who was the person in that truck that peeled away at Hank’s the first time we were there?” Jesse asked Avanti. “No one knows, which means this isn’t over yet. Harold didn’t even know who it was but had to play the role when he waved the truck away. We also have to keep an eye out for the group of men that are harassing the townspeople for following Zeus. We went to the gas station, but they weren’t there.” Craig was done talking about Mafia, radicals, and anything else that made his head hurt. “Who wants to hop on the good foot and do the bad thing?” He chuckled. “I think our mate is trying to tell us something.” Avanti advanced toward him. “You think? It’s been what, twenty-four hours since I had sex? My balls are turning into prunes. Someone let me slurp them or I may have to whack you.” He giggled. Avanti smiled knowingly over at Jesse and nodded. Jesse grinned from ear to ear and then looked over at Craig. “Get naked.”

THE END WWW.LYNNHAGEN.COM HTTP://FACEBOOK.COM/LYNNHAGEN.MANLOVE HTTP://LYNNHAGEN.BLOGSPOT.COM HTTP://GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/GROUP/LYNNHAGEN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lynn Hagen loves writing about the somewhat flawed, but lovable. She also loves a hero who can see past all the rough edges to find the shining diamond of a beautiful heart. You can find her on any given day curled up with her laptop and a cup of hot java, letting the next set of characters tell their story.

Also by Lynn Hagen Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 1: Maverick’s Mate Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 2: Hawk’s Pretty Baby Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 3: Sunshine’s Savior Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 4: Remi’s Pup Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 5: Stormy Eyes Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 6: Oliver’s Heart Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 7: Keata’s Promise Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 8: George’s Turn Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 9: Loco’s Love Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 10: Lewis’s Dream Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 11: Mark’s Not Gay Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 12: Nutter Nero Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 13: Heaven’s Hell Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 14: Nicholas’s Wolf Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 15: Murphy’s Madness Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 16: Montana’s Vamp Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 17: Carter’s Tryck Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 18: Joshua’s Law Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 19: Dagon’s Ride Ménage Everlasting ManLove: Zeus’s Pack 1: Jasper Everlasting Classic ManLove: Demon Warriors 1: Hondo

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