Sparkle and Purr

Midnight Matings

Sparkle and Purr The Gathering is called. The spell is cast. There is no escaping the Midnight Matings. Elder Davan Solaris has secrets, the most important being the love he still harbors for Manuel Tejarda, the man he bonded with four years ago at the last Great Gathering. Some days, thoughts of Manuel are the only thing that keeps him going. Other days, the anguish of being abandoned brings him to his knees. Manuel will always hold his heart. When Manuel appears at this year's Great Gathering, Davan panics. He's given up too much to let Manuel rip his heart apart again. Besides, he has an even bigger secret to hide, and this one he needs to hide from Manuel. Manuel knows Davan betrayed him. He has the proof. But he can't help but seek Davan out when he attends the gathering. A cloud of rage fills him when he discovers the plans of the elder council, and he takes that anger out on Davan, claiming the man as his mate. When his mind clears, Manuel's only thought is to guard his heart from the one man that has the power to destroy it, even if that means not having Davan as his mate. Destroying the forces bent on keeping them apart might be easier than giving Davan up, especially when Manuel discovers the secrets Davan has been keeping from him. Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Fantasy, Shape-shifter Length: 37,313 words

SPARKLE AND PURR Midnight Matings

Stormy Glenn

EROTIC ROMANCE MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance ManLove

SPARKLE AND PURR Copyright © 2011 by Stormy Glenn E-book ISBN: 1-61034-752-8 First E-book Publication: September 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover 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

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SPARKLE AND PURR Midnight Matings STORMY GLENN Copyright © 2011

Chapter 1 “Hello, Davan.” Davan Solaris closed his eyes for a moment as he heard a voice he never thought he’d hear again. He drew in a deep breath and tried to steady his nerves before opening his eyes and turning around. It would never do for anyone to see an elder freaking out, even if he was freaking out. “Hello, Manuel,” Davan said as he folded his hands together in front of him, hoping that Manuel didn’t see how much they were shaking. “It’s been a long time.” And Manuel was just as gorgeous now as he was four years ago. It wasn’t fair, really it wasn’t. Davan wanted him to be old and ugly. He wasn’t. He still looked tall and muscular and sexy as sin. If anything, Manuel had just grown sexier in the passing years. “Four years,” Manuel replied. “Not since the last Great Gathering.” “How have you been?” It was agonizing for Davan to stand there and converse pleasantly with the one person that had almost destroyed him. It had been four years since they had seen each other. And Davan felt every second of it like a knife in his heart.

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Manuel crossed his muscular arms over his chest and leaned against the wall. “Is that all you have to say to me after all of this time?” “I’m not sure we have much to say to each other.” Davan certainly didn’t have anything to say to Manuel. He felt everything had been said when he woke up in bed alone. He hadn’t seen Manuel since. There had been no explanation, no note, not even a phone call. Manuel was just gone, along with all of his possessions. He had packed up and left in the middle of the night without a word. That pretty much said it all for Davan. “I’m needed in the grand ballroom,” Davan said. “It was… interesting seeing you again, Manuel.” He quickly turned away and hurried down the long hallway before Manuel could say another word or stop him. Davan had envisioned seeing Manuel again. Somehow, despite the pain he suffered nearly every day, he never thought it would be this hard. He wanted to scream at Manuel, to demand answers. He wanted to know why Manuel had left him in the middle of the night. He wanted to know why the man threw away all that they could have had together. And yet, he didn’t. He was afraid of the answers. Davan paused at the entrance to the grand ballroom and drew in several calming breaths. He didn’t know how he was going to lock away his emotions when they were so close to the surface. He just knew he had to. He was an elder now. He had come a long way from the gangly young man Manuel knew four years ago. He had poured all of his anguish into becoming the elder of fae clans. It gave him purpose and usually kept him too busy to think about Manuel. And now the man was here. Davan shook himself out of his deep thoughts when he saw the other elders gathering on the dais. He was required to be up there with them. Tonight would either make or break the paranormal community.

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The Great War between the paranormals had decimated them all. Hundreds had been killed, entire clans wiped out. In the twenty-five years since, things had settled between the different paranormals to a large extent, but there was still a lot of fighting going on—something the elders planned to end tonight. The humans had become aware of the paranormals during the Great War. While they were pretty content to let the paranormals live in relative peace, they would not put up with discord, fighting, or the million other stupid things the younger people insisted on doing in the name of their kind. The elders feared interference from the humans. They had a right to be. Enough of the paranormals had been killed during the Great War that they would not be able to defend themselves if the humans attacked. The fighting had to end, hence tonight’s little gathering. The Gathering was called every February 29, on leap year. This year, invitations had gone out to every unmated person of mating age in the paranormal world. Even if attendance was mandatory, not all had shown. Still, the next few minutes would be interesting. Davan truly believed that a mating shouldn’t be forced and that the council’s decision would create more problems than it would fix. He was outvoted. Davan stepped into the large room. He nodded to several people as he made his way up onto the dais to stand with the other elders. Even if he had been outvoted, he would still stand behind the decision of the council. He tensed when Elder Burke walked to the front of the dais. The shit was about to hit the fan. “Welcome. I am Elder Burke.” Elder Burke paused as if waiting for something. “I want to thank you all for being here tonight. This is a momentous occasion for us. It’s been twenty-five years since the Great War between the paranormals ended, taking a large portion of our population from us.”

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Davan winced when total silence filled the room. If those gathered became that upset over remembering those that had fallen, the rest of the night was sure to be interesting. “I would like you all to drink a toast with me in memory of those we lost.” The elder held up his champagne glass. “May we never forget them.” Davan kept a close eye on those in the crowd as he swallowed his champagne. He almost dropped the glass when he spotted Manuel walk right up to the edge of the dais, an empty champagne glass in his hand. His heart ached, the pain so intense he almost doubled over. Manuel had swallowed the champagne. Tonight, he would find his mate, and it wouldn’t be Davan. He didn’t know if he could handle seeing it happening right before his eyes. “As I have said, this is a momentous occasion for us all,” Elder Burke continued. “In the twenty-five years since the Great War ended, the United Paranormal Alliance of Cooperation has watched and waited. We will wait no more.” “The fighting between species must stop,” Elder Lucas said as he stepped forward. “We are known to the humans and they have learned to accept us in their midst. However, their tolerance will only last so long. The constant fighting among the paranormal communities has come under scrutiny. We no longer have the luxury of watching you solve your own disagreements.” “Elder Lucas is correct,” Elder Burke said as he gestured to the other elder. “We no longer have the indulgence of waiting for you to end your petty squabbles. As such, we have taken measures to ensure that you take your place amongst our society.” Davan took a step back when the crowd started to grow restless, everyone looking to each other as the silence hung over them. “You’ve all taken a toast with me. As such, you are now bound by the covenants we put before you.”

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Davan couldn’t tear his eyes away from Manuel. He could see the fury building in the man’s dark brown eyes. Manuel stood with his arms crossed over his chest as he listened to the elders, but he stared right at Davan, almost as if he believed this was all Davan’s fault. “Each of you has twenty-four hours to find and claim your mate,” Elder Lucas said. “If you fail to claim a mate in twenty-four hours, and bring him or her before this council to be recognized, you will not have a mate. You will go feral inside of a week.” The corner of Manuel’s lip began to curl. Even from where he stood, Davan could hear the growl growing in the man’s chest. The tension in the air was thick and menacing, and Davan was afraid it was all aimed at him. “Because of your continued squabbling between races, you may not claim a mate of the same race,” Elder Burke said. “You must claim a mate outside of your own species.” Manuel’s eyes flickered to Elder Burke for a moment then quickly back to Davan. Davan drew in a swift breath when he saw the anger in Manuel’s eyes. He wondered, not for the first time, if that was why Manuel left him. He was fae. Manuel wasn’t. Maybe he didn’t want a mate outside his species. “If you fail to bring a mate before this council by the stroke of midnight tomorrow night, you will be hunted down and executed as a rogue paranormal.” “To ensure that you will find a mate, something special has been added to the potion that each of you drank. It will ensure that the need to mate outweighs your need to fight. It is a particular additive that induces the mating heat in each of you. You will not be able to deny the need to mate.” “And just in case you think to try and break this spell,” Elder Burke said, “we have added a special clause. Anyone that attempts to negate the covenants of this spell will instantly be cursed as befitting their race. Vampires will no longer be able to drink blood. Shifters will no longer be able to shift. Magic user will have no magic, and so

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on. I’m sure you get my point. Now, children, good luck. We expect to see each of you in twenty-four hours. May your hunt be successful.” Davan cast a quick glance at the other elders. They were starting to walk off the back of the dais toward a small door in the back, an emergency exit for the council. That wouldn’t be such a bad idea. The room had erupted into total chaos. Furniture was being tossed everywhere. People were shouting, yelling. Hell, they were fighting. Davan knew this mandate wouldn’t go over well. He tried to warn the council. Now, his words were coming to life right before his eyes. Davan looked out over the room one last time as he started to turn toward the back of the dais. His eyes desperately sought out Manuel. He had to see him just one last time. What he saw made his heart leap into his throat as he scrambled to get away. Manuel’s canines had dropped down. His muscles were tensed as if readying for something. But his eyes, they nearly glowed as a feral heat overtook his body. Davan knew he was feeling the effects of the forced mating heat. Davan was terrified by the intensity of the look Manuel was giving him right before the man jumped up onto the stage. He was coming right at Davan. “No!” Davan screamed as Manuel reached for him. He held up a hand as if that would ward the large jaguar shifter off. It wouldn’t. The big man took Davan down to the floor and hovered over him. “No, Manuel, you don’t want to do this.” It was already too late. Davan cried out as he felt Manuel’s teeth sink into his neck. Tears of sorrow fell from his eyes when he felt the mating bond snap into place. He slumped against Manuel, knowing that nothing he did would stop what was happening. There was a small part of Davan that gloried in the bond he now had with Manuel, something he had dreamed of having for years. But it was a small part, a part he kept hidden deep inside.

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The other part, the bigger part, knew that this was all some terrible mistake. He would never be able to escape the memories now. He’d live with them every day for the rest of his life. Worse yet, he’d be living them with Manuel. Being an elder, Davan knew what Manuel did not, and when the man discovered the rest of the council’s mandate, he would hate Davan—something Davan already lived with on a daily basis but buried each day so he could function. Davan prayed that this wasn’t happening, that it was all some horrible nightmare. He knew it wasn’t when one of the council guards stepped toward them and Manuel growled while clutching Davan to his chest. Davan had researched jaguar shifters. He knew they were a possessive species. Mating was taken very seriously by jaguars. They only ever had one mate. They guarded those mates with a fierceness that was unparalleled in the paranormal world. It had been a strong bone of contention between Davan and Manuel ten years ago. Fae were a little freer about things. They mated, but it was often in groups of three or more. Very rarely did fae mate with just one person. It wasn’t that Davan planned to be unfaithful or to even bring someone else into their relationship. He had cared about Manuel too much. It was the possessiveness that was so hard. Manuel didn’t like Davan out of his sight for any reason. It had caused many disagreements between them, and Davan knew it was one of the reasons Manuel left. The anger he could now feel through their bond told Davan that the road ahead wasn’t going to be any easier. Manuel blamed him. Davan started to struggle when he felt Manuel’s clawed hands start tearing at his clothes. He knew under normal circumstances that Manuel never would have even thought of fucking him in a room full of people, but there wasn’t anything normal about tonight. Manuel was mindless with mating heat. He wouldn’t be stopped.

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But he could be moved. Davan grabbed at Manuel’s hands as he tried to scoot out from under the man. Manuel growled. Davan inhaled sharply. He knew he wasn’t in danger, not anymore. He was Manuel’s mate and would be protected at all costs. But everyone around them was in danger of losing their lives. “Not here, Manuel,” Davan said carefully. He knew of only one way to get through to Manuel in his current feral state. “Please, not in front of everyone else. I don’t want anyone to see me.” Manuel’s jaw clenched when he pulled his teeth free of Davan’s neck. He glanced quickly around as if he expected someone to try and take Davan away from him. Davan grunted when Manuel’s arms tightened possessively around him. Manuel growled and stood up, cradling Davan in his arms. The softly painted blue walls of the ballroom flew past Davan as Manuel carried him out of the room. They quickly turned to stone as Manuel hurried down the hallway. Davan barely had time to register the fact that they were heading into a room before the door slammed closed and he was tossed onto the bed. Manuel was on him before he could roll over, tearing the remaining clothes from his body. Davan swallowed hard at the untamed glow in Manuel’s dark brown eyes. The man was feeling every effect of the mating heat. Davan just prayed there was enough sanity left in the man to not hurt him during their coupling. Anyone could be rough when it came to mating. A jaguar in the midst of a mating heat could be dangerous. If Davan made the wrong move, Manuel might take it as his refusal to accept the mating, and then all hell would break loose. Davan knew he would have to be very careful so he didn’t set Manuel off. Manuel’s face was flushed when he looked down at Davan. His eyes held an insane glint in them. Strangely, Davan didn’t detect a hint of the hatred he was sure Manuel felt. Instead, Manuel’s look was filled with desire.

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“Manny,” Davan whispered as he reached up to stroke the side of Manuel’s face. Despite everything, he still cared for the man. Davan’s heart almost cracked when Manuel grabbed his hand and kissed the palm. It was a gentle gesture, one that was at odds with the fierce warrior that Davan knew Manuel to be. “Don’t do—ahhh!” Davan cried out as Manuel struck hard and fast, sinking his canines into the soft skin of Davan’s neck. Davan knew what Manuel was doing. He was reasserting his claim on Davan. He’d do it every time he felt his claim was threatened. That’s what jaguars did. Davan imagined he’d be bitten a lot in the future. Manuel had possessiveness down to an art form. Misery and elation warred inside of Davan when he felt Manuel’s hands move down his body. He had ached to see Manuel again for four very lonely years. He dreamed of the man at night, crying out in the mornings when he woke without him. To be touched by the man again was a dream Davan never thought he would realize. But the pleasure he knew was to come was a small comfort for the pain he knew he’d suffer the moment Manuel regained his senses. Davan wasn’t sure he would survive it when Manuel left again or told him to his face that he wasn’t good enough to be a jaguar’s mate. Because of that, when he felt Manuel’s slick cock slide into his ass, Davan’s cry didn’t come just from the exquisite pleasure that movement produced but also from his soul crying out in denial. The intense shocks shooting through Davan at finally being claimed by Manuel overshadowed everything for several moments. Manuel’s large hands stroked his heated skin as the man pounded into him. His larger body pressed down on Davan, but it was a welcome weight, letting Davan know it wasn’t all a dream. Manuel really was here. Davan was truly being claimed. Davan cried out as his body ignited in a maelstrom of pleasure so intense that he felt his world tilt. He couldn’t hold back the pixie dust that would renew his bond with Manuel when his wings extended.

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Brilliant colors filled the air around them, dusting both of them until their skin glowed. Davan’s wings fluttered wildly between his back and the mattress as awe in the moment grew. Manuel tossed his head back and roared out his release. He felt the cock in his ass pulse then fill him, further cementing Manuel’s claim. As Manuel lowered his head and looked back down at him, Davan let his eyes fall closed and exhaustion take him away. He didn’t have it in him at that moment to see the anger in Manuel’s eyes when the man figured out what happened. He just wanted to dream a little longer.

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Chapter 2 Manuel sat on the window seat and watched Davan sleep. The sun was just starting to set, and the moonlight shining through the window gave Davan an even more ethereal glow than the man normally had. It shouldn’t have such an effect as the sky was overcast and rain had started to fall. But somehow, the moonlight had found a way through, and it shined right down on Davan. Davan had always been one of the sexiest men Manuel ever met. He’d certainly snared Manuel fast enough. One look and Manuel had been hooked. Even after all of the years apart, Manuel still couldn’t get the man’s image out of his mind—and he had tried. But Davan never looked better, especially with the soft afterglow of sex flushing his porcelain skin. And that right there was the crux of his problem. Manuel pushed his hand through his hair then leaned over to rest his elbows on his knees. He didn’t know what the elders were thinking of when they made their little decree. They had to be out of their fucking minds. Forcing a mating on someone? The mere idea made Manuel clench his hands into fists. He did not want to be mated. He especially did not want to be mated to Davan. Well, he did, but he knew he couldn’t trust the man as far as he could throw him. Davan was fae, and everyone in the paranormal world knew that the fae were incapable of being faithful. Manuel refused to have a mate that couldn’t keep it in his pants. And now he was stuck with one he knew couldn’t be faithful. That was why he left Davan all those years ago. It went way beyond trusting Davan. The images of Davan being fucked by another

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man were burned into Manuel’s mind, something he would never forget as long as he lived. The pornographic pictures of Davan in the arms of another man slipped under his door had nearly destroyed him. He couldn’t get away fast enough. And now here he was, mated to the one man that he had hoped to never see again, the one man that could destroy him. There had to be some way to break the mating. Manuel couldn’t live the rest of his life with a man he couldn’t trust. He stood up and started for the door, determined to find a way to break the bond between him and Davan, when a small movement on the bed caught his attention. Manuel paused at the bottom of the bed, unable to tear his eyes away from the man. Davan stretched, letting out a small moan. A smile crossed his lips as his hand moved across the empty side of the bed. Manuel frowned when Davan inhaled suddenly, opened his eyes, and turned to stare at the vacant spot. His hand clutched in the sheet. Davan just stared at the spot for a moment. The smile slowly slipped from his face, and he pressed his lips together and closed his eyes. He seemed to be holding his breath until he rolled to the side of the bed. Manuel heard the air move swiftly into Davan’s lungs as the man sat on the side of the bed, his hands gripped in the sheets on either side of him. His shoulders slumped as Davan kind of folded into himself. Manuel’s eyes widened when he spotted the two small translucent wings coming out of Davan’s shoulder blades. He didn’t remember Davan having them before. And that’s something he would have remembered. Even as he watched, the wings folded down and pressed against Davan’s back. After a moment, Davan pushed his long sunlight-blond hair back from his face. It was only then that Davan noticed Manuel standing at the end of the bed. His face paled. A flustered look came over Davan’s face as he quickly dropped his eyes and turned his head

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away. Manuel almost laughed when Davan grabbed for the blankets and wrapped them around his naked body. “Wha—” Davan swallowed hard, the sound filling the room. “What are you still doing here? Shouldn’t you be running by now?” Manuel tilted his head slightly, unsure of the words he had just heard. He suddenly felt like he needed to defend himself. He just didn’t know what from. “Excuse me?” “Isn’t that what you do?” Davan asked as he turned to look at Manuel again. “Run?” Manuel narrowed his eyes. “What in the hell are you talking about?” “Oh please, like you don’t know.” “Actually, I don’t.” Manuel crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Davan. “Why don’t you tell me?” Davan’s shoulders suddenly seemed to slump again, like the fight had gone out of him. He waved a hand toward the door. “Just leave, Manuel. It’s what you’re good at, isn’t it?” “You’re bitching at me for leaving?” Manuel was shocked. He was angry. He laughed harshly. “Oh, that’s rich coming from you.” “Me?” Davan jumped up and swung around. His hands clutched desperately at the sheet as it began to slip down. He finally got a hold of it then looked up to glare at Manuel. “I wasn’t the one that left.” “And I wasn’t the one that fucked everything in sight.” Manuel knew there was something seriously wrong with the way Davan’s face paled. He was just too pissed to care. He had four years of pain eating away at his control, and so soon after being in a mating heat, he had no way to stop it. He advanced on Davan and poked his finger into the man’s chest. “You are the one that made me leave. You, not me. I was ready to commit to a relationship with you, but you just had to prove that you’re just like every other damn fae out there, didn’t you?” “But I didn’t—” Davan shook his head rapidly. “I never—”

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“Do you really think I believe a word that came out of your mouth, Davan?” Manuel snapped. “I know what you did. I don’t care if you’ve become an elder. I’ll never believe a fucking thing you say.” If anything, Davan paled even more. He wrapped the edges of the sheet around his shoulders. He looked strangely defeated, which Manuel thought was an odd reaction for the man to have when confronted with his betrayal. “I’m going to the elders, Davan,” Manuel said. “I’m going to ask them to break our mating.” He wanted to know what Davan’s reaction would be to his words. Manuel thought Davan might have protested or something. He didn’t. He simply turned and walked over to stare out the window. “Did you hear me, Davan?” “I heard you,” Davan murmured. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” Manuel inhaled sharply at the pain etched in Davan’s face when he glanced over his shoulder. He wasn’t sure he had ever seen the man look so…so…devastated? Manuel wasn’t even sure he could put into words the anguished look on Davan’s face. “Tell them that you have my blessing.” Manuel growled and cracked his knuckles at Davan’s easy acceptance of the breaking of their mating. He knew he shouldn’t be upset considering he was the one that wanted the mating to be broken but had at least thought Davan would argue with him. Maybe it just went to show how mismatched they really were. Davan obviously didn’t care if they were together or not. “God, you are a cold bastard,” Manuel snapped. “I have to be.” Davan turned back toward the window, crossing one arm over his stomach. His finger pressed against the window, chasing a stray raindrop down the glass. “There’s this moment when I first wake, a moment where I forget that you left me, that you didn’t want me. And for just a second, everything is perfect and I reach for you, but you’re not there. And then I remember, and I can’t breathe.”

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Manuel clenched his fists when he remembered Davan doing just that this morning when he woke up. He didn’t understand what Davan had been doing, but he did now. He just didn’t know what it meant. Davan’s beautiful green eyes were dim as he turned back around. It pained Manuel to see the lifeless dull green in them when he knew they should be bright and shining. It was like something had died inside of Davan. “So I lock away all of the want and need, all of the pain, until I can breathe again. And if that makes me a cold bastard, so be it. It’s what I have to do to survive.” Davan crossed the room as if Manuel wasn’t standing there shocked out of his mind. “Now, if you don’t mind, I need to take a shower and get cleaned up. My duties as elder are not over.” Manuel’s mouth dropped open as Davan swept past him as regal as a king. He grabbed his clothes off the floor and walked into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Manuel stood there for a moment, unsure if he should follow Davan and demand answers or follow through on his threat to go to the elders. Curiosity won out. He wanted to know why Davan seemed so upset and cold at the same time. Manuel stalked across the room and grabbed the door handle. He tried to open the door, but it was locked from the inside. He pounded his fist on the solid wood. “Davan,” he shouted, “open this damn door before I break it down.” Manuel pounded on the door again and again. The more he hit the hard surface, the more of his jaguar came out. By the time he decided to rip the door off its hinges, his fangs had broken through his gums and he could feel his skin rippling with the need to shift. “Open the fucking door, Davan!” When he received no response, Manuel yanked on the door handle until he heard it pop and the door swung open. He stormed into the bathroom ready to confront Davan only to find the small space empty.

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The door on the far side that connected his room with the one next door stood wide open. “Davan!” Manuel shouted, rage filling every pore of his body. His mate had fled. The fury Manuel felt was nearly overshadowed by the cold sweat of fear that his mate was somewhere he couldn’t be protected. His jaguar was screaming to get out and track their mate down, clawing at his insides. His chest tightened with the need to breathe. He braced his hands on the door frame and breathed slowly. He had to have control of his jaguar before he went searching for Davan, or someone would get hurt. He also needed all of his senses. Right now, they were clouded with anger. Manuel pushed away from the bathroom doorframe and walked through the bathroom to the other side. He found himself in another bedroom much like his own. He hadn’t even known he shared a bathroom with another room. Lifting his nose into the air, Manuel inhaled deeply. He instantly smelled the unique scent that was all Davan’s. No one else on earth smelled like Davan. Manuel knew that. He had spent the last four years trying to forget the sweet scent with every unattached piece of ass he could find. It never worked. Manuel followed the scent out the door and down the hallway. Things got a little hazy when he reached the ballroom. For the life of him, Manuel couldn’t figure out why Davan would have come back into the large room. It was still in utter chaos. Broken furniture littered the floor. It was only broken up by the occasional shattered dish or paranormals wrestling around on the floor. There were even a few fucking right out in the open for everyone to see. Manuel was disgusted by that. No one should see the intimate details of claiming one’s mate. It went against everything Manuel believed in. He frowned when he dimly remembered Davan saying

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something to him about not being in front of everyone. He had been too out of it to care until that moment. Manuel shook his head and headed for the dais where the elders sat. He quickly scanned the small group but couldn’t see Davan anywhere. Davan had said he needed to get back to his elder duties, but maybe that was another thing he had lied about. “Elder Lucas, may I speak with you?” One of the older elders turned to look at Manuel. “Manuel Tejarda, I was not aware that you were here.” “I was in the crowd earlier when you and Elder Burke gave your speech about your grand plan to bring the different paranormals together.” Manuel glanced at the chaos around him for a moment. “Looks like a clusterfuck to me.” “Yes, well, I had hoped that our younger people would have had a bit more decorum, but I can see that I was wrong. However, the grand plan, as you so eloquently put it, needs to happen or paranormals will die out. The humans will see to it.” “There had to be a better solution than this.” Manuel spread his arms out, indicating the destroyed room. “We’ve tried, Manuel. No one would listen to us, so we devised this plan.” The elder frowned suddenly. “Although, I’m surprised you are here.” “I am mating age. I received an invitation just like everyone else.” “But I thought…well, never mind.” The elder shook his head. “What can I do for you, Manuel? Have you come to record your mating?” “Not exactly.” Manuel’s lips twisted in a grimace. “It seems my mate has disappeared, and I was hoping you could help me locate him.” “Have you claimed your mate?” Manuel felt his face flush. He didn’t want to discuss that intimate detail with anyone, not even an elder. “Yes.”

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“Very good.” Elder Lucas stepped over to a small table where another elder sat with a large book in front of him. “Please record Manuel Rafael Frederico Tejarda as mated.” He grabbed a small envelope with the UPAC seal on it and turned back to Manuel. “Your mate’s name?” “Elder Davan Solaris.” **** Davan let himself into his quarters and leaned back against the door in relief. He had made it this far without being caught. He knew for a fact that Manuel would be after him as soon as he figured out that Davan had slipped away. Despite Manuel’s refusal to accept their mating, until it was nullified, Manuel would feel the need to be close to Davan. And that meant Davan needed to move fast. He pushed himself away from the door and hurried across the room to the door on the far side. He could hear the giggles and high voices before he even opened the door. Davan’s heart filled with light and love and everything that was right in the world as he opened the door and spotted the two small, curly-haired children playing near the toy box. He smiled and leaned against the doorframe for a moment, watching them play. Annabelle was an angel in the making. Her sunlight-blonde hair and sparkly gray eyes were barely overshadowed by her love of life. She was the light that made Davan’s soul sing. She brought sunshine into his life every second he was near her. Rafael took Davan’s breath away every time he looked at the boy. With his curly black hair and green eyes, he reminded Davan of Manuel on a daily basis. Rafael even had Manuel’s strong, stubborn jaw and handsome, curved face. He was the exact image of Manuel. “Daddy!”

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Davan smiled at the two high-pitched squeals and dropped down to his knees to catch the two small bodies that launched themselves at them. He wrapped his arms around both of them and hugged them as tight as he could without hurting them. “Hello, my little loves,” Davan whispered then planted a kiss on each of their heads. “Have you been having a good day?” Annabelle went right into a long-winded speech, telling Davan everything she did that day right down to what she ate and drank throughout the day. Annabelle was a chatterbox. She more than made up for her twin brother’s quieter nature. She also did a lot of Rafael’s talking for him. Davan knew it was due to their twin bond. He had the same ability with his twin brother, Dorian. Davan chuckled at her speech then turned to his son. “And what about you, my little one? How was your evening?” Rafael shrugged. “He had chicken fingers, but he didn’t eat his peas,” Annabelle began. “Rafael doesn’t like peas, so I don’t know why Nana makes them for us. He won’t eat them.” “I’m sure Nana means well.” Davan chuckled. “Speaking of Nana, where is she? I need to speak with her.” “She’s having tea in her reading room.” Davan nodded as he stood. He waved his hand toward the toys on the floor. “Go clean up your toys. It’s almost time for bed.” Annabelle and Rafael started to turn to go across the room. Annabelle paused halfway across the room and looked at her brother. Davan smiled sadly at the slight tilt of her head. She had so many of Manuel’s gestures. He was in no way surprised when Annabelle glanced back at him after staring at her brother for several moments. “Daddy, why do you smell funny?” Davan sighed. He knew this time would come the moment Manuel claimed him. Still, it brought a small twinge to his heart. He walked over and sat down in one of the large chairs by the window and patted his knees.

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“Come here, children.” Rafael and Annabelle hurried over and climbed up onto his lap, one child on each knee. Davan stroked his hand through their soft hair then settled his hands in the middle of their backs. This wasn’t going to be easy. “Your father is here.” Davan swallowed hard at the cautious but eager looks on their faces. “Remember when I told you about what happens when you claim your mate?” Little curly heads nodded. “Well, your father claimed me as his mate. That’s why I smell different.” Davan tilted his head to one side and pulled the fabric of his shirt away. “See?” Annabelle reached out and stroked her fingers across the bite mark in Davan’s skin. Davan shivered at the tentative touch. It didn’t hurt as it would if someone else touched him there, but that was only because Annabelle was his daughter. If anyone else touched his mating bite, the pain would be excruciating. “Did it hurt?” Annabelle whispered almost reverently. “No, baby, it didn’t hurt. I told you, your father would never do anything that would hurt any of us. He loves us very much.” Even saying the words made tears prickle at the corner of Davan’s eyes. No matter what his feelings were toward Manuel, he had sworn to himself he would never bad-mouth the man to their children. They had the right to make up their own minds where Manuel was concerned. From the day they were born, Davan had told the children how much their father loved them and how hard it was for him to stay away. Davan had concocted an elaborate tale of Manuel being forced to stay away due to politics. Manuel was a great warrior and protector of his people. He left the children with Davan where they would be safe while he went out and saved the world. He knew there was always a possibility that his lie would come back to bite him in the ass. He just hoped to have a few more years

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before that happened, time for the children to grow up and understand that nothing Manuel did was their fault. “Is he going to come see us?” Rafael asked. Hearing his son speak was so rare, Davan could only stare at him for a moment before answering. He didn’t want to give Rafael or Annabelle false promises but the hope in glittering in Rafael’s green eyes was so strong, Davan couldn’t say no. “I hope so, Rafael. But we’ll have to wait and see. Your father very much wants to see you. He just has to be very careful, or he could get into trouble and then he couldn’t be a warrior.” Annabelle smiled smugly. “Father loves us, Rafe. He’ll come and see us when it’s safe.” Davan swallowed hard at the pure love he could see in Annabelle’s eyes. Maybe he had built Manuel into too much of a fantasy figure. Their quarters were littered with photographs of Manuel. The children just had to look at them to see what a strong warrior the man was. Again, Davan wondered if that had been a mistake. If the children chanced meeting Manuel and he rejected them, they would be devastated. Davan had just never expected the opportunity to arise. He never thought he’d see Manuel again. But Annabelle’s words did give Davan an idea. “You’re right, Annabelle. Your father does love you, and he wants to see you very much. But, it also isn’t safe yet. Not here at the castle. So, I want you two to each go pack a bag with your favorite stuff. I’m going to send you and Nana to the country house. As soon as I can arrange it, I’ll bring your father there where you can all see each other where it’s safe.” “Daddy, we want to stay here with you,” Annabelle insisted. “I know, love, but it’s more important that you’re somewhere safe. Your father needs you to be safe.” Davan hated using the hero-worship image the children had of Manuel, especially since it was a lie, but at the moment he would use

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any means necessary to keep the children safe. He set the children on the floor then patted their backs. “Now, children, run along and do what I said. I’ll go talk to Nana.” Davan’s heart ached as he watched them run from the room. He couldn’t have loved two people more than he did Annabelle and Rafael. They brought him more joy than any one man had a right to. They also brought him heartache. They both looked so much like Manuel that sometimes it hurt to look at them. They reminded him on a daily basis what he had and what he had lost. Davan would always have a connection to Manuel whether the man knew about it or not. Davan hissed and shook his hand when he felt a sudden burning sensation. His hand felt like it was on fire. He blew on it for a moment then inhaled when he got a good look at it. A mating seal was seared into the top of his hand like a brand. His initials and Manuel’s initials. “You stupid son of a bitch,” Davan whispered into the empty room as he stared at the mating seal and the implications of the mark. Manuel had recorded their mating. Now there was no nullifying it. “You’ve destroyed us.”

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Chapter 3 Manuel grimaced as he looked down at the mating mark burned into his shoulder. He wanted to throttle the elders when he had given them Davan’s name then felt the painful burning sensation on his arm. The elders weren’t just devious. They were right-down scary. Elder Lucas wouldn’t even consider the possibility of breaking the mating. He said once they had mated and their mating was recorded, it was a done deal—for life. There was no going back. Davan would be the only mate he ever had, so he’d better make the best of it. After reluctantly accepting that he was mated to Davan, the contents of the envelope had nearly broken Manuel’s control. He didn’t mind so much that he had to fuck his mate at least once every twenty-four hours. His problem was that he couldn’t find his mate to fuck him. It was driving Manuel crazy. No one would give him directions to Davan’s quarters. Everyone seemed too preoccupied with their own mating or recording a mating or just staying out of everyone else’s way. Even the council guards seemed to be in on it. Manuel had decided to say to hell with it and leave, but he had been stopped at the gate. No one without a mate was permitted to leave in the first twenty-four hours. Manuel had to wait. Manuel clenched his hands as he stalked down a long stone hallway. He’d been walking up and down hallways and staircases for what seemed like hours. Every few feet he would stop and sniff the air, searching for his mate’s scent. All he could smell at the moment were the two guards further down the hallway.

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The door the two men guarded suddenly opened. One of the guards took a large bag from an older woman then stepped back. The woman hurried out with two small children in tow. The woman, the two children, and the guard hurried down the hallway in the opposite direction of Manuel. Something about the two small children caught Manuel’s attention. He wasn’t sure if it was the color of their hair or the dark gray eyes of the small girl as she glanced over her shoulder right before turning the corner. He just knew he was intrigued. Manuel started to follow them when a blond-haired man stepped out of the door into the hallway and turned to watch the others walk away. Manuel stopped. His hands clenched as a low growl built in his throat when Davan’s sweet scent reached him. “Davan!” he growled. Davan and the other guard swung around. Davan’s face paled, and he darted inside the room. Manuel heard the door slam closed, but he was already running toward it. No lock or guard was going to keep him away from his mate. Not this time. Davan belonged to him, and he had every right to his mate. The guard stood in a defensive stance by the time Manuel reached the door. Manuel bared his canines and emitted a low, rumbling snarl. “You can move or you can die.” The guard swallowed hard but stood his ground. His hand tightened on the butt of his gun. He held up his other hand as if to ward Manuel off. “I am the guard assigned to Elder Solaris. It is my duty to protect him.” “He is mine!” Manuel snapped. The guard’s mouth dropped open. “You’ve mated Elder Solaris?” “Mine!” “I didn’t know the elders were taking part in the mating rituals tonight.” Manuel stepped closer until he towered over the guard. To give the guard his due, he was a big man. Manuel was bigger. He was also

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feeling the overwhelming need to protect his mate, and the knowledge that someone else was trying to claim that right didn’t sit well with him. “Move or die,” Manuel growled. “Your choice.” The guard swallowed again then stepped back, his hand moving away from the gun at his side. “I apologize. Elder Solaris did not inform me that he had mated.” Manuel mashed his teeth together as rage filled him. He grabbed the guard by his throat and slammed the man into the wall. Manuel stepped forward until their noses were a mere inch apart. “You do your elder a disservice to allow me entry only on my word.” Manuel felt it was his duty to protect Davan, but even this guard should have questioned him further before stepping aside. “Do so again and I will strip the skin from your body one inch at a time.” “Ye–yes, sir.” The guard gulped. “It won’t happen again, sir.” “See that it doesn’t.” Manuel tossed the guard aside and opened the door. He was a little surprised by the room he walked into. Being fae and an elder, he expected Davan’s rooms to be fancier. They weren't. The main room seemed comfortable with a lived-in feel, like a real live person actually resided in the space. The room he walked into was like one large room. Manuel could see the dining room off to one side, the kitchen beyond it. On the other side of the room were three doors. A large, three-sided tan sofa was situated in the middle of the room facing a large fireplace. It was covered in pillows. There was also a door just to the left of the entrance. Manuel started with that one. He opened the door and stepped inside, looking for Davan. The room was empty of people but full of other items, like a desk, computer, and stuff needed for an office. Manuel stepped out of the room and closed the door. He walked further into the great room, making a wide circle around the living

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room. The kitchen was empty, as was the dining room. That left the doors on the far side of the room. Manuel opened the door of the first room and glanced around, noting that it was a bedroom. He didn’t see anything and started to step out when a slight movement on the far side of the room caught his eye. Manuel narrowed his eyes when he realized it was Davan standing by a window. “You ran from me, Davan.” “Did you expect me not to?” Davan’s eyes were angry as he turned from the window to face him. Manuel was a little confused about what Davan had to be angry about. Manuel was the one forced into this mating. He was the one that had the right to be angry. “I expected my mate to behave and stay where he is supposed to be.” Manuel blinked even as he said the words, astonished that he was saying them at all. He had never spoken to Davan in this manner. “I’m not sure behaving is on my list of abilities.” Manuel snorted as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the door. “Then you need to redo your list.” Davan’s lips were pressed together as he glanced up then shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t do that either, Manuel. I have responsibilities.” “I don’t care.” “No, you never did.” Davan’s small chuckle was cold and sent a shiver down Manuel’s spine. There was anger in Davan’s eyes, disappointment and anguish. Manuel didn’t know which emotion to address first, of if he even should address them. Something told him he would be opening up a can of worms he wasn’t ready to deal with if he did. “Our past is just that, our past.” Manuel rubbed his hand over his face then sighed deeply. “We cannot change the past, nor can we change the present. We’re mated, and it’s been recorded. I’ve read the rules. We need to figure out what we’re going to do now.”

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Manuel thought he heard a small whimper come from Davan, but he wasn’t sure when the man turned to look back out the window again. Manuel didn’t like the dejected set of Davan’s shoulders. He looked defeated. “You could just leave again,” Davan whispered. Manuel growled. His upper lip curled back in a snarl. His jaguar started pacing inside, angered that their mate would even voice such a thought. They were mated. That was the end of it. “I will not leave!” Manuel snapped. “I will not go feral and be put down.” “Then you shouldn’t have claimed me!” Davan shouted as he swung around to glare across the room. His delicate hands clenched into fists. “You did this to us. You figure out how to fix it.” “There is no fixing it, Davan,” Manuel yelled right back. “The elders refused to nullify our mating.” Manuel hadn’t thought it was possible, but Davan’s face paled even more. “You asked them?” he asked quietly. “You really went to the elders and asked them to nullify our mating?” “I told you I was going to.” Davan’s swallow was audible, filling the quiet room. He nodded and turned back toward the window. Manuel saw Davan’s shoulder shake for a moment, and then the man inhaled deeply. “Very well,” Davan whispered. Davan’s eyes were red rimmed when he turned back. He waved his hand around the room. “There’s a spare bedroom you can stay in or…” Davan swallowed again. “Or you can move your stuff in here.” “What makes you think we’re going to stay here?” Manuel didn’t know what was making him strike out at Davan— anger maybe? Or resentment. He had a lot of years of pent-up rage and Davan was at the heart of it all. He wanted to see Davan hurt as much as he was. Davan’s mouth dropped open. “Manuel, I can’t leave. I’m an elder. I have responsibilities.”

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“Then it’s time for you to reorganize your responsibilities. As my mate, your duty is to me and no one else. If the council can’t find someone to replace you, then they can do without a fae elder.” “Manuel, I can’t just—” “Pack your stuff,” Manuel snapped. “We’re going home to my pride.” Nothing in Davan’s demeanor could have prepared Manuel for the anger that filled the man’s face. Davan stormed across the room and stabbed his finger into Manuel’s chest. As small as Davan was compared to Manuel, it was almost comical. “If you think I’m setting one foot in your pride home, you have another thing coming. I don’t care if we’re mated. I don’t even care if they cut off my head when I go feral. I’ll hand the executioner a sword before I go anywhere near your pride.” Manuel’s mouth dropped open in shock. He had never heard Davan talk in this manner. He’d certainly never heard the man talk with such vehemence before. It was actually kind of hot. Still, he couldn’t let Davan get away with it. Manuel grabbed Davan by his arms and gave him a good shake. “You are my mate. Mine!” he growled. “You will go where I tell you to go.” “I’d rather die.” “Davan—” “I’ve experienced what your pride is like, and I want nothing to do with them. They can all rot in hell as far as I am concerned.” Manuel frowned. His grip on Davan’s arms loosened enough for the man to pull away. He didn’t understand what Davan was talking about. As far as he knew, Davan had never met anyone from his pride. “What do you mean you’ve experienced my pride?” “Like you don’t know,” Davan scoffed. His eyes narrowed down to small little slits of anger. “I heard you tell your father you never wanted to see me again. I know you told them to make me go away.”

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Manuel’s eyes widened as Davan yanked up his shirt and turned around to reveal four faded white scars crossing his back between his wings. Manuel knew what they were at the first glance. He couldn’t believe he was seeing the distinctive claw marks made by a jaguar. “They did a very good job of taking care of the situation.” Davan yanked his shirt down and spun back around. “I learned my lesson the first time. I’ll never set foot near your pride again.” “Again?” Manuel growled. “What in the hell are you talking about? When did you meet my pride? Where did these claw marks come from?” Davan’s nostrils flared. “Fuck you, Manuel.” Manuel wanted answers. He started stalking Davan across the room, the smaller man backpedaling quickly away from him until his back hit the wall. Manuel leaned in close, towering over Davan. “Talk!” Davan pressed his lips together and shook his head. Manuel growled. “Now!” “Why?” Davan sneered. “So you can tell me you don’t believe me again? So you can tell me I’m lying? I don’t fucking think so.” “Davan!” Manuel didn’t understand Davan. The man had never been so stubborn before. It was a change in Davan’s personality that Manuel did not like. He remembered Davan being more easygoing and laidback. Davan had seemed to be okay with Manuel being the stronger one in their relationship. “Fuck you.” Manuel growled. His natural dominance rushed forward. He wrapped his hand around Davan’s neck and jerked the man forward, slamming their lips together. Davan whimpered then leaned into the kiss. Manuel felt the brush of Davan’s tongue against his, and he suddenly felt so hot he could have melted on the spot. He tore at Davan’s clothes, using his claws when they wouldn’t rip away. The

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slight tint of copper entered the air, and Manuel knew he had nicked Davan with his razor sharp claws. His heart ached with that knowledge and the need to make it better. Manuel lifted Davan in his arms and carried him over to the bed. He quickly followed him down and began to lick away each drop of blood with his tongue. The taste of Davan’s blood was something Manuel would never get used to. He was sweet, tangy, like summer rain and salsa mixed together. Not too hot and not too cold. Mix in the salty skin and Manuel was in heaven. He couldn’t get enough or reach enough skin to lick. He needed to have it all. Manuel growled when he felt Davan struggling until he realized the man was just trying to strip his clothes away. Manuel moved to the side of the bed and quickly pulled his clothes off, dropping them to the floor. He watched Davan, saw the soft flush of his skin as arousal filled the man. It was a heady picture. It filled Manuel with a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in four years. This time was different than when Manuel claimed Davan earlier. He wasn’t out of his mind with mating heat. This time, he knew exactly what he was doing. He just didn’t want to stop doing it. He didn’t care that Davan was faithless. He wanted the man with a need that bordered on desperate. Davan opened his arms when Manuel crawled back onto the bed. Manuel moved up until he could capture the man’s lips once again. He pushed his tongue inside Davan’s mouth, exploring him, claiming him. His cock ached. He needed to feel Davan’s body wrap around him and plunge into the man’s sweet depths. The feeling of Davan’s legs wrapping around his waist almost sent Manuel over the edge. Manuel growled into Davan’s mouth and gripped the man’s hips tightly in his hands. He started rocking against Davan, his cock sliding against his mate’s. The friction was glorious but not exactly what he wanted. Manuel shoved his hand under Davan’s pillow looking for the bottle

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of lube he always kept there. He raised his head in confusion when he didn’t find one. “Where’s the lube, Davan?” Davan’s face flushed furiously and his eyes dropped away as he turned his head. “I don’t have any.” Manuel frowned. “You always have lube under your pillow.” “Not anymore.” Manuel grabbed Davan’s chin and tilted his face up. “Why don’t you have lube under your pillow, Davan?” “I just don’t, okay?” Davan pulled his face away and covered his eyes with his arm. He waved his other hand toward the door on the far side of the room. “There’s a new bottle in the bathroom cabinet.” Manuel was full of confusion as he rolled off the bed and made his way toward the bathroom. Why wouldn’t Davan have a bottle of lube under his pillow? Any gay man with an ounce of intelligence had one close at hand. It was almost an imperative. The bottle of lube was right where Davan said it was located— brand new and unopened. Manuel searched the outside of the bottle until he spotted the small black letters that told the expiration date. The bottle was old, almost three years old. It wasn’t too old to use, though. He held the bottle tightly in his hand as he walked back into the bedroom. Davan still lay on the bed, his arm over his eyes. Manuel popped the top on the bottle. He arched an eyebrow when Davan jumped. That was an odd reaction considering Davan sent him into the bathroom for the bottle. Manuel moved closer to the bed then knelt down on the edge. The bed dipped. Davan jumped again. Manuel sat back on his knees and looked down at Davan in confusion. He had never forced anyone in his life, and he wasn’t going to start with this man—no matter how angry he was at him. Manuel’s arousal took a nosedive. He tossed the bottle onto the mattress next to Davan and climbed off the bed. He reached for his

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clothes, ignoring Davan’s soft inhale as he quickly pulled them back on. Once he was dressed, Manuel turned back to stare down at Davan. He rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to voice what he was feeling or even bring all of his chaotic thoughts into one sentence that would make sense. He didn’t need this shit. He understood the dictates of the council rules. He had to fuck Davan at least once every twenty-four hours. That didn’t mean he had to live with the man or even talk to him. They just had to fuck. “I don’t know what is going on with you, Davan, but I refuse to play these little games of yours.” Manuel quickly raised his hand when Davan opened his mouth to talk. “No, I don’t want to hear it. For better or worse, we’re stuck in this fucking mess until I can find a way out of it. I think it would just be better if we saw each other the least amount as possible.” Once again, Davan’s face drained of color. Manuel ignored the twinge of guilt that brought him. He buried it deep and tried to remember how much the man had betrayed him four years ago. That’s what he needed to remember. Not the sweet way the man smelled or how delicious he looked all spread out on the bed naked. “I’ll need to fuck you sometime in the next twenty hours or so to fulfill the dictates of the council rules. I’ll be back at midnight tomorrow evening. I expect you to be ready and waiting for me. I don’t want to see you or talk to you until then.” Manuel didn’t wait for Davan to reply. He just turned and walked out of the room. He had one destination in mind. His room and the bottle of whiskey he had hidden in his luggage. Getting rip-roaring drunk sounded a like a very good idea at this point. It took Manuel a good fifteen minutes to reach his room—mostly because he got lost getting out of the elders’ wing and had to turn back a few times. Once he did reach his quarters, he quickly walked inside and slammed the door shut.

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His suitcase was sitting on the end of the bed. Manuel unzipped it and dug through his clothes until he felt the cold glass bottle. He pulled it out, twisted the top off, and took several large gulps. Manuel coughed roughly as he pulled the bottle away from his lips. He started to walk to the chair by the window but paused. Manuel reached down into the suitcase and pulled out the small yellow envelope he always carried around with him to remind himself of how much he had been betrayed. He never wanted to be in a position where someone could shatter his soul the way Davan did. Manuel walked over to the chair and sat down. He set the bottle of whiskey down on the side table and opened the envelope. It wasn’t the original envelope that had been slid under his door. That had shredded and faded away ages ago. Manuel had taken to looking at the pictures almost nightly. In the beginning, it was to remind himself of Davan’s betrayal. After a couple of years, it was to remind himself of how gorgeous Davan had actually been. Manuel’s hands trembled as he pulled the small stack of pictures out of the envelope. No matter how many times he looked at them, his first sight of Davan in the arms of another man always startled him a little. This time was no different. The sight of Davan’s head tossed back in complete abandon as some faceless man pounded into him took Manuel’s breath away. The rest of the pictures were no better. There were various pictures of Davan in different positions, all of them intimate. Each one showed Davan’s beautiful face, his sleek body. The golden glow that filled his skin as someone that was not Manuel fucked him. Each one of them broke Manuel’s heart into a hundred miserable pieces. He had loved Davan so much. He had been ready to leave his pride and go anywhere that Davan wanted. He had been ready to do anything for the man. And this was how he was repaid. Manuel still didn’t know who had shoved the small envelope under his door one night. He was just glad he had found out about

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Davan’s betrayal before it was too late and Manuel gave in to his need to have Davan in his life forever. Now, though, it might be too late. If Manuel couldn’t find a way to break the mating, he would be doomed to see Davan every day for the rest of his life. Manuel thought he would rather slit his wrists. Fucking Davan again had been a dream. Talking to him was a nightmare. Manuel didn’t know what game Davan was playing, but he didn’t want to play. He didn’t like the guilt that swamped him every time Davan’s sad little face looked up at him. What did Davan have to be sad about? His life had gone just as he always dreamed. He wanted to be an elder. He was one. He wanted to live in the council castle. He got his wish. He wanted Manuel, and now he even had that. It seemed to Manuel like Davan should be jumping for joy, not looking like his best friend just died. Manuel laid the stack of pictures down on the table and grabbed the bottle of whiskey. He took a few more large gulps then reached for the cell phone in his pocket. Someone had to know how to get him out of this mess, and he couldn’t think of anyone that might know more about council crap than his brother, Jorge. “This is me,” a voice said when it came on the line. “Is this you?” “Shut the fuck up, Jorge,” Manuel growled. “This is important.” “What’s up?” “You were right. The council was up to something. Be glad you refused their invitation. They fucked me and everyone that attended the Great Gathering.” Manuel snickered. “They didn’t even use lube.” “What happened?” “They forced us to mate with someone outside our species.” “Fuck me!” “Yeah, just about.” “So, you’re mated then?” “Yes, and I need to find a way to break it, preferably in the next twelve hours. The elders denied me when I requested my mating be broken, but I can’t do this, Jorge.”

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“Jeez, did you mate a woman or something?” “No, worse.” Manuel took another long drink of whiskey before answering. “I mated Davan Solaris.”

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Chapter 4 Davan felt old as he walked down the hallway following behind his personal guard. His eyes ached from a night of crying into his pillow. They were red and puffy and hurt every time he blinked. He was surprised he had that many tears left in him after everything Manuel had put him through. Davan had thought he cried himself out four years ago. He should be used to Manuel’s behavior by now. He knew the man didn’t want him. He’d known that for years. It still didn’t make it any easier to hear it come from Manuel’s mouth. The man might not have said the words directly but he’d said enough that Davan got the picture. All Davan wanted to do was curl up in a hole somewhere and lick his wounds. He just couldn’t. He still had his duties as elder of the fae to deal with. If nothing else, he would fulfill his duties. Of course, now might be the time to consider stepping down. He’d actually been thinking about it for quite awhile. He wanted more time to spend with the children. Being an elder took him away from them too much of the time. Maybe now was the time to talk to the council about finding his replacement. Davan walked into the grand ballroom and headed right for the high table where the other elders sat. He moved around the table and went to sit down at his assigned seat when he noticed that his name was not on the place card where he usually sat. Davan frowned and looked down the line of elders. There was no other seat available. Just this one, but it was assigned to Elder Ashby. Confusion warred within Davan as he walked over to where Elder

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Burke sat. He calmly folded his hands together in front of him and cleared his throat to get the man’s attention. “Davan, how good to see you,” Elder Burke said when he glanced up. “I was unsure if you were going to make it tonight.” “I am here.” Davan waved his hand down the line of elders. “However, my seat seems to be missing.” Elder Burke frowned. “I don’t understand. Your mate, Manuel Tejarda, informed me just this morning that you were resigning your seat on the council. He said you would be returning to his pride with him.” It took Davan a moment to control his anger at Manuel’s highhanded maneuvering. The man was determined to take everything from him. Davan just knew it. Manuel wanted to destroy him. Davan just didn’t understand what he had done to make Manuel hate him so much. “I see,” Davan finally said. “I’ll have my stuff packed and removed from the castle right away.” Davan turned and started to walk away. He held on to his pride by a thread. Yes, he thought about stepping down from the council. But he needed to be the one to do it, not Manuel. The man had no right to make decisions for him without his say-so. “Davan, wait.” Davan paused at the edge of the table and waited for Elder Burke to catch up with him. He plastered a calm smile on his face and turned to face the man. “Yes?” “Was I misinformed?” “I’ve been considering stepping down for some time now.” Burke watched him for a moment then shook his head. “You didn’t resign, did you?” Davan didn’t want to get Manuel into trouble with the council, but he wouldn’t lie for the man either. “No, I did not resign. I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding.” “But you have been considering stepping down?”

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Davan nodded. “Come, walk with me.” Davan sighed and followed Elder Burke past the doorway that led to the hallway and out onto the balcony. Elder Burke clasped his hands behind his back and tilted his head back to look up into the night sky. “I love coming out here and looking up into the night sky. It’s the same sky no matter where you are. The placement of the stars may change but they are still stars. There might even be clouds that block the view but you still know they are there, watching over us.” Davan blinked. He didn’t know if he would ever understand Elder Burke. The man was a mystery to him. Elder Burke had taken on the role of mentor to Davan when he became an elder, and Davan always respected the man. But sometimes he was a little too odd even for Davan. “I suppose there is some beauty in them,” Davan replied. “There is beauty in everything, Davan.” Davan turned his head so that he could roll his eyes. He’d never do it to the man’s face, although he suspected Elder Burke knew exactly what he was doing. “The path we must follow as elders is much like the night sky, Davan. Sometimes the responsibilities of an elder are crystal clear. Other times, they are clouded in mystery. But no matter whether we understand them or not, they are always there.” Elder Burke waved his hand up into the darkness. “Just like the stars in the night sky.” Davan knew that the elder was trying to impart some type of wisdom with his words, but at the moment the meaning seemed to escape him. All he could think about was what Manuel had done. The man was trying to take everything away from him. Davan couldn’t allow that to happen. He knew once his place as elder was ripped away from him, Manuel would move on to the children next, and he’d die before he lost his children.

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“I think that you need to take some time and decide what you want to do, Davan. It is not a disgrace to step down from your position, despite what anyone says. You have many responsibilities and only you can decide which is the most important.” “I am the youngest fae ever to take a seat on the council of elders. How do you think my family will feel if I step down?” Davan knew his family would be upset. They had great pride in him. Davan thought they sometimes had too much pride. His children were considered an inconvenience—something that interfered with his duties as elder of the fae. They were barely acknowledged by his family. And when they were, they were considered lesser beings because they were not full-blooded fae. “That is not for me to say, Davan.” Elder Burke took a few steps around the small balcony, looking out over the stone railing to the countryside below. “Only you can say how your family will feel and whether you accept their opinion as fact.” Davan pushed his hand through his hair then reached down to grab the stone railing. He felt agitated, antsy. His skin was beginning to feel funny like it was being stretched over his bones. “How long has it been since you were claimed by your mate?” “Manuel claimed me last night right after the announcement.” Davan swallowed hard at the elder’s question because he knew the meaning behind them. “He jumped up onto the stage before I could leave the room and claimed me.” “Yes, I was a little surprised to see him after everything you told me. I was under the understanding that you had already bonded four years ago.” Davan closed his eyes as his pain became a living thing. “I bonded with Manuel four years ago. He did not bond with me.” “I see.” Davan opened his eyes and turned to look at the older man. “Do you?”

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“Yes, I believe I do, and I’m sorry, Davan. There is no way to break your mating. If I had known—” Davan held up his hand as he inhaled deeply. “It’s not your fault. Maybe I should have told you everything from the very beginning. I just—The pain is too deep. If I share it or let it out, it will overwhelm me, and truthfully, I’m not sure I can recover from it.” Davan felt the elder’s hand pat his shoulder. “You are far stronger than you believe, my young friend. You will survive this.” “No, I’m not sure I will,” Davan whispered as he looked back out into the darkness. “I don’t know which is worse, being with Manuel and loving him the way I do or staying hidden and going feral. Sometimes, death looks like the lesser of two evils.” “How long before he has to claim you again?” “A couple of hours.” Davan pressed his hand over his mouth as he laughed roughly. “He told me to be in my rooms at midnight, and he would come to me. I’m to be prepared and waiting for him. Until then, he doesn’t want to talk to me or see me.” “This is not the way this was supposed to go, Davan. I hope you know that.” Davan turned to look at the elder. “I told you this would happen. I argued it, but no one would listen to me. You cannot make someone mate someone else against their will and expect them to blindly accept it. It just brings misery to everyone.” Elder Burke pressed his lips together for a moment. He looked back out over the balcony as if he were trying to gather his thoughts. “Our people are in danger, Davan. If we don’t get the younger generation under control, then the humans will destroy us.” “But this”—Davan waved his hand back toward the grand ballroom—“is not the way to go about it. All you’ve done is created more chaos.” “It needed to be done, Davan. You know that.”

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“Not like this!” Davan snapped. “You’ve forced people together. How can peace be found between the paranormals and the humans when we don’t even have peace between mates?” “Maybe that is something you need to consider.” Elder Burke folded his hands together again and stepped back from the railing. “Perhaps we need to look beyond our differences to what can be if we work together as one.” Davan’s mouth dropped open. He felt like he was being used as the poster boy for this mating. If he and Manuel could make it work, a fae elder and a jaguar shifter, then anyone could make it work. Except Davan knew it wouldn’t work, not ever. “Thank you for your time, Elder Burke.” Davan gave the man a slight bow out of respect. “I need to return to my rooms and prepare for Manuel’s arrival.” Davan could feel his heart sink as he turned away from Elder Burke and headed for the door. The man would never understand what he had done with his crazy scheme. Davan was damned, and there was nothing he could do but watch his life fall apart one piece at a time. **** “He’s gone now. You can come out.” Manuel blinked in surprise. He didn’t think Elder Burke even knew he was there until now. He stepped out of the shadows where he had been standing when Davan and the elder walked out onto the balcony. At first, he had been surprised, then angry that Davan had disregarded his words. Then he was intrigued when the two men began to speak. The more he listened, the more confused he had become. Manuel had been sure that as an elder, Davan had been in full support of the crazy stunt the council had pulled. Now, he wasn’t so

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sure. Davan sounded pissed at the council’s high-handed ways. He also sounded grief stricken. Manuel only got one brief look at Davan’s face, and he looked just as devastated as he sounded. Manuel hadn’t known how to react to that look. His first instinct was to run over and comfort his mate. He quickly tamped down on that feeling and tried to renew his anger at the man, an anger that had been ignited four years ago and continued to burn to this very day. He had no reason to believe that Davan wasn’t playing another one of his games. “Did you hear what you needed to hear?” Elder Burke asked as he turned to look at Manuel. “Was it an enlightening conversation for you?” “It’s obvious that Davan disagrees with what you’ve done here.” Elder Burke nodded. “He does. He’s argued against it from the very beginning.” “Then why did you do it?” Manuel snapped. “You had to know what you were doing was wrong.” “Is it?” Elder Burke arched an eyebrow. “Can you honestly tell me that being mated to Davan is not what you want?” “Of course, I—” “Is it, Manuel? In the four years since you left him, how many people have you been with? Ten? Twenty? Fifty? Can you even remember how many people you’ve slept with?” Elder Burke shook his head. “And yet you remain unmated until now. Why is that?” “Because I know what it’s like to have your heart ripped out of your chest and stomped all over,” Manuel spit out through gritted teeth. He clenched his fists as tight as he could. “I will never allow anyone to do that to me again.” “Just who did this to you?” “You know very well who did it,” Manuel growled. He pointed back behind him to the door that led into the ballroom. “He just walked through that door.” “Did he?” Elder Burke asked. “Or is that just who you blame.”

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Manuel blinked. “They are one and the same.” Elder Burke’s stare was intense. Manuel cringed, feeling like the elder could see right into his soul. He didn’t like anyone looking that deeply into him. He left him feeling bare. “Well, you certainly know your own mind.” Elder Burke looked back out over the darkness. “Go and claim your mate one last time, Manuel. If, in the morning, you truly do not wish to be mated to Davan, I will see to it that your mating is nullified.” “But, you said—” Manuel swallowed hard at hearing his words come to life. “You told Davan our mating could not be broken. You told me the very same thing last night.” “I lied.” “You lied?” Manuel whispered. “Why do you think you were invited to the gathering?” the elder asked. “I believed your mating Davan would be for the best. I had hoped that the two of you could find common ground on which to build a future together. I now suspect that I was wrong.” “But you can break it?” “There is a way.” Elder Burke nodded. “But you need to be very sure, Manuel. Once the mating is broken, it can never be repaired. You might go on to find another mate at some point in your life, but it will never be Davan. He will be lost to you forever.” Manuel growled. He didn’t like the instant fear that entered his heart at the thought of never having the man again. The mere thought of Davan mating someone else made him want to tear something apart. Manuel could feel his claws starting to extend. He quickly hid his hands behind his back to hide his reaction from the elder. “How do I know you’re not lying now?” he snapped, using the fear to fuel his anger. “How do I know you haven’t lied about all of this?” “You heard Davan.” “Like he knows how to tell the truth.” Manuel snorted. “Not all may be as it seems, Manuel.”

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“What in the hell is that supposed to mean?” “That is for you to decide.” Manuel was more confused now than when he first started talking to the elder. He wished just once someone would give him the truth without wrapping it up in a riddle. He hated riddles with a passion. “He said he loved me.” “He does.” “How do you know?” Manuel asked. His heart beat faster in his chest. “He could be lying.” “Not all who speak are lying, Manuel. And not all who do not speak are telling the truth.” Manuel rolled his eyes. “Can’t you just once give me a straight answer?” “Ask your mate.” Elder started toward the door. “I will be in the great room in the morning at ten if you wish to have your mating nullified. Think hard before you decide, Manuel. Once you take that step, you can never go back.” Manuel watched the elder walk back into the ballroom like they just hadn’t had a life-altering conversation. He just stood there and stared for the longest time, unsure of anything. He didn’t know whether to go to Davan or to chase after the elder and demand nullification now. Manuel shoved his hands into his pockets and started walking. He had a lot of thinking top do. Yes, he hated being forced to have Davan as a mate. Yes, he hated what Davan had done to him four years ago. The memory even now ate away at his soul. But did he hate Davan enough to break their mating? He thought he did, but now he wasn’t so sure. The thought of never having Davan in his arms again made Manuel’s chest ache like someone was ripping his heart out through his rib cage—again. If he was honest with himself, Manuel still cared about Davan. He craved the man with every breath he took. Memories of what they had together before it was ripped away by lurid photographs haunted

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Manuel’s every waking moment. They had been perfect for each other. He had spent night after night trying to drown out the memories with almost any piece of ass he could find. Most times, he didn’t even ask for a name, forgetting the person he had fucked almost as soon as he was done and memories of Davan returned. As much as he wanted Davan, Manuel wasn’t sure he could trust him. But maybe there was a compromise somewhere. Maybe Manuel could lock Davan up in a room that only he had the key to. That was a compromise. Manuel chuckled at the thought. Locking Davan away where no one could touch him seemed like a pretty damn good idea to him. Davan couldn’t be unfaithful and Manuel could have the man anytime he wanted. The idea was sounding better and better with each passing second. Manuel paused suddenly when the sweet scent of his mate entered his system. He glanced around and chuckled, realizing he had wandered to the very hallway that led to Davan’s quarters. He walked down the hallway at a casual pace. He didn’t want to seem too eager to see Davan, even if he was. His heart beat a little faster. His breath came in shorter gasps. His skin started to prickle as if he needed to shift but wasn’t quite ready to. The closer to Davan’s door he got, the more anxious Manuel felt. He had to be out of his ever-loving mind to even consider keeping Davan. The man had brought him nothing but misery. What was he thinking? Even his family berated him when he talked about Davan. They remembered the six months of drunken raving Manuel had gone through after leaving Davan. They brought it up often enough— especially his father and older brother. They never let him forget how he had been betrayed by a fae. Manuel spent the better part of the last four years trying to make amends for the loss of pride his family felt in him. No matter what he

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did, nothing ever seemed to be enough. They always remembered what he had allowed to happen—Davan’s betrayal. Manuel ground his teeth together and nodded to the two guards standing outside Davan’s door. He hated the guards. He knew they were there for Davan’s safety, but he hated them. It was his duty to protect his mate, even if he wouldn’t have him very long. Manuel opened the door and walked in. He quietly shut the door behind him and glanced around the large great room. It was eerily quiet. Manuel couldn’t help but wonder if Davan had fled rather than wait for him here. A small noise from the direction of Davan’s bedroom caught Manuel’s interest. Manuel pulled off his shoes then followed the sound, walking on the balls of his feet so he didn’t make any noise. If someone had broken into Davan’s quarters, Manuel wanted to be a surprise. He stepped into the archway of Davan’s room and nearly swallowed his tongue. Manuel grabbed the edge of the doorway and tried to keep himself from sliding to the floor as all of the blood in his body pooled in his groin, making his cock ache and throb. Davan was situated in the middle of his large bed on his hands and knees. His translucent wings lay flat against his back. His head was buried in the pillow below him. His naked ass was tilted up into the air. And what a gorgeous ass it was, too—all lubed and stretched and plugged. Manuel shoved his fist into his mouth to keep from groaning out loud at the beautiful sight. Davan had done just exactly what he told him to do. He was prepared and waiting to be fucked by his mate. Manuel just had to decide if he was going to keep Davan as his mate. The stunning sight before him was strongly leaning him in the direction of locking Davan in a room with only one key. “Davan.” “I’m ready.”

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Chapter 5 Davan could feel Manuel watching him. The man’s intense gaze almost burned his skin. Davan closed his eyes as tight as he could as Manuel approached the bed. He didn’t want to look. He couldn’t see the censure in Manuel’s eyes as the man fucked him—not again. He just wanted Manuel to do what he had come to do then leave. Then, and only then, could Davan nurse his broken heart. The breath caught in Davan’s throat when heard the rustling of clothes being stripped off. He gripped the sheets beneath him as his body started to betray him. Just a single smell of Manuel’s musky masculine scent or the brush of his hand and Davan was ready to behave like the slut the man likened him to. It was just too bad Manuel didn’t understand that his body only reacted that way to him. Davan wasn’t stupid. He knew that Manuel believed what everyone believed—that the fae could not be faithful. What Manuel failed to realize was that the fae were not very picky about who they slept with until they mated, and then they only had sexual relations with their mate. Davan not only would have been faithful to Manuel, he had been faithful to him. No one had ever touched him except Manuel. No one ever would. When Davan committed to Manuel four years ago and claimed him with pixie dust, he had made Manuel his mate forever— his only mate. Davan could no more bear the touch of another than he could cut off his own head. But none of that mattered to Manuel. He had his beliefs of how the fae acted, and those beliefs rolled over onto Davan. He would

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never believe Davan had been faithful. And he didn’t seem to care anyway, so there was no reason for Davan to argue the fact. The bed dipped as Manuel climbed on. Davan quickly shoved the sheet into his mouth to keep from crying out. His body ached to be touched, to be loved, and Davan was close to begging. He’d be humiliated beyond belief if he couldn’t keep his words to himself. Davan squeezed his eyes tighter when he felt Manuel’s hand stroke down the curve of his hip to his ass. The merest stroke of Manuel’s fingers across his skin made him shake and shudder. Manuel was sure to know. “Look at how pretty you look all stretched out for me,” Manuel whispered. Davan whimpered. He wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer. If Manuel didn’t hurry up and fuck him, Davan was going to start begging. He wouldn’t be able to help himself. He wanted Manuel too much. The sound of Manuel smacking Davan’s ass echoed around the room followed almost instantly by Davan’s low moan. He couldn’t believe Manuel had spanked him. The man had never done anything like that before. Davan pressed his face into the pillow below him when he felt Manuel grab his ass cheeks and pull them apart. He knew Manuel was looking at the butt plug in his hole. He just hoped Manuel couldn’t tell how much it quivered for his touch. “This is quite the surprise but not an unwelcome one,” Manuel said as he tugged on the plug. “Maybe you should wear one more often.” Davan couldn’t hold out any longer when Manuel started manipulating the plug, pulling it out of his ass then pushing it back in with a wicked twist. He dropped the sheet from his mouth and tossed back his head to let out a loud cry of need. “Ah, see that’s what I wanted to hear,” Manuel murmured.

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Davan cried out again as the plug was suddenly pulled from his ass and replaced with his hard cock. Being stretched out as he was, Manuel was able to sink right down to the root on the first thrust. His cock filled every last inch of Davan’s ass. Davan groaned and started moving, impaling himself on Manuel’s cock. He had to have more. He needed to be filled over and over again until he felt nothing but the full length of the man thrusting into him. “That’s right, mi amor,” Manuel growled. “Fuck yourself on my cock. Show me what you want.” Manuel’s harshly spoken words drove Davan’s arousal to new levels even as they stabbed him in the heart. Mi amor—Manuel didn’t mean it, and Davan knew it. He just couldn’t deny his need to hear them. Davan pushed back, welcoming his mate into his body as Manuel began pounding into him. He needed Manuel like he needed air. The harder Manuel thrust, the more Davan was dragged down into a lustfilled abyss that he never wanted to return from. He felt his wings lift and start to flutter. It was a sure sign that his orgasm was just moments away. “You’re so fucking tight, mi amor. I’m not going to last much longer.” Davan’s heart ached at those words. He knew once Manuel was done getting off, the man would leave again and he would be left with nothing but an aching heart and a tired body. He just couldn’t stop him. He needed to be claimed just as much as Manuel needed to claim him. Davan felt tears slide down his cheeks as Manuel’s teeth sank into the soft spot between his neck and shoulder. He cried out as the deepest pleasure he had ever felt swept over his body and saturated him in ecstasy.

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He distantly heard Manuel’s loud roar as the man found his own completion. He felt the responding heat fill his ass, claiming him from the inside just as Manuel’s teeth claimed him on the outside. Davan slumped to the bed, his shaking arms unable to hold himself up any longer. He turned his head to the side, away from Manuel when the man pulled free of him and collapsed down beside him. Davan clutched the sheet as he waited for Manuel to leave. He could barely feel his heart beating in his chest and wondered if it was going to slowly stop beating altogether. It would make sense. He felt like he was dying. “I heard you talking with Elder Burke.” Davan froze. His eyes popped open as he held his breath and waited for Manuel to say something else because he knew it was coming. “He told me he lied to both of us,” Manuel went on. “There is a way to nullify our mating. I’m to meet him in the ballroom at ten in the morning, and he’ll take care of it.” Davan could have no more prevented his quiet sob than he could have stopped breathing. He shoved his hand into his mouth and tried to stay quiet, but he knew it didn’t work when he felt Manuel lean over the top of him. “Are you crying?” “No, of course not.” Davan pushed away from Manuel and tried to scoot to the edge of the bed. Escape was the only thing on his mind. “I’m just glad you’ve finally found a solution to our problem.” Davan yelped when he was suddenly pulled back and pressed into the mattress. He started to struggle, but Manuel caught his flailing hands and pinned them to the bed. Davan bucked when Manuel straddled him, trying to get the large man off of him. It did him no good. “You are crying.” Manuel’s forehead wrinkled as he frowned. “Why?”

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Humiliated, Davan turned his face away. “It doesn’t matter.” “Bullshit!” Manuel snapped. “I want to know why you’re crying, Davan.” “Fuck you!” Davan’s head snapped around. His eyes narrowed as he glared up at Manuel. “You don’t deserve to know.” “Damn it, Davan, I can stay here all night if I need to.” Davan pressed his lips together. He wasn’t going to tell Manuel a thing. The man could go rot in hell before he uttered a word. “I swear, Davan, I’ll tie you down and torture it out of you if I have to.” “I’ve been tortured before by someone bigger and stronger than you,” Davan spit out. “If I can survive that, I can survive you.” Davan was confused by the sudden paling in Manuel’s face. Surely the man knew what he referred to. He ordered it. He had showed Manuel the scars on his back. “Who tortured you?” Manuel growled. “I’ll kill them.” Davan swallowed past the lump in his throat when he saw Manuel’s eyes darken to black. He could see the man’s jaguar pacing in the background and knew it was closer to the surface. Maybe the jaguar would come out, tear him to shreds, and save them both a lot of trouble. “I want a fucking answer, Davan!” Manuel shouted as he shook Davan by his arms. “Who tortured you?” “You did,” Davan whispered as his heart broke all over again. He still remembered the anguish that had filled him upon learning that Manuel had ordered him to be tortured. Davan had simply wanted to see Manuel, to talk to him. Manuel wanted Davan to go away and never come back and he had the perfect plan in mind to do it. It didn’t matter to Davan that Manuel’s father and older brother had carried out the torture. Manuel still ordered it. Manuel’s mouth dropped open. He stared down at Davan for the longest moment, and then he began to chuckle softly. “Oh, you had

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me going there for a minute. I really believed you had been tortured. I’ll give you this. You are a very good actor.” “I’m not lying.” “Right,” Manuel snorted. Davan frowned. He felt like he was losing his mind. “Do you want to see my medical records?” “Records can be forged.” “Would you like to see the pictures of my injuries then? I’m sure I can dig them up.” “You have pictures?” “The council of elders said that a record needed to be made of my injuries in case I ever decided to bring charges against you and your family for what you did to me. That included pictures.” “Wait a fucking minute.” Manuel released Davan’s arms and sat back. “What does my family have to do with this?” Davan’s eyes widened at the total confusion written in every line of Manuel’s face. He pushed himself up then scooted away when Manuel moved off of him. Davan grabbed his pajama bottoms off the floor and pulled them on. Once he was sufficiently covered, Davan stood up and started pacing the room. He felt just as confused as Manuel looked. He had heard Manuel’s voice while he was being tortured. He had seen the man with his very own two eyes. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Manuel ordered him to be tortured. He just didn’t understand why Manuel didn’t know it. “Davan, I asked you a question.” “And I’m not sure I have an answer for you.” “It’s simple, Davan. Who tortured you, and what does my family have to do with it?” “Your family is the ones that tortured me.” Davan rubbed his hand down his face, suddenly feeling very tired. “They tied me up in your barn. They beat me and whipped me until I was nothing but a bloody mess. After leaving me hanging for several days with no food and

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water, they finally let me go with the promise that I would never try to see you again.” “Now I know you’re lying!” Manuel snapped as he jumped out the bed and reached for his jeans. Davan just stood there and watched Manuel get dressed. He had a big surprise to show the man once he was covered. Davan walked over to the door and gestured with his hand. “Follow me.” Davan heard Manuel’s heavy footsteps on the floor behind him. He walked straight to his office and over to a small box sitting on the floor next to the bookshelf. Davan lifted the box and carried it to his desk. He drew in a deep breath then opened the box. Everything that had any connection to Manuel was in this box, including Davan’s medical records. Davan searched through the box until he felt the heavy file with his hand. He lifted it out and laid it on the desk before Manuel. Davan closed the box and turned away as Manuel started flipping through the medical file. He walked over to the small crystal decanter and poured himself a drink. Putting the top back on the decanter, Davan turned and leaned back against the side table. He took a sip of the dark amber liquid as he watched Manuel’s face darken. “How the fuck did you survive this?” Manuel whispered. Davan glanced down to see Manuel looking at one of the worst of the pictures. It had been taken just moments after he had staggered into a small country medical center looking for help. “I almost didn’t. They had to bring in a special fae healer to keep me alive. I was still ordered to bed rest for the six months following that.” Manuel suddenly sat down in a chair so fast that it seemed like he had to because his legs wouldn’t support him. “I didn’t order this, Davan. I would never order anyone to do anything that hurt you.” “I don’t believe you.” “I’m not lying, Davan. I swear. This—” Manuel waved his hands at the pictures on the desk. “This is wrong. No matter how angry I was with you I never would have done this.”

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“Then I suppose we’re at a crossroads.” Davan rested the edge of the glass against his lips for a moment. He didn’t see any way out of this. “You believe I’m lying, and I believe you’re lying.” “I have pictures, too, and there is no way that they can be refuted.” Manuel suddenly jumped to his feet and darted from the room. Davan stared after him for a moment then sighed. He downed the last of the whiskey in his glass then set it on the sideboard. He walked over and gathered the file back together then replaced it in the large box. There was no reason to keep this stuff out, taunting him. Davan took just a moment to rub his hand along the soft cotton shirt that lay folded in the box, a shirt that Manuel had left behind when he left four years ago. Davan hadn’t had the heart to toss it away. Instead, he packed it in his box of memories to be pulled out when he needed to smell something that had Manuel’s scent on it. Curious, Davan lifted she shirt out of the box and brought it to his nose. He inhaled deeply and groaned. It still smelled like Manuel even after all of these years. Davan closed his eyes for a moment and just breathed in the heady scent. It was a smell he didn’t think he’d ever forget but sometimes he just needed to be reminded. “What are you doing?” Davan jumped and opened his eyes when Manuel spoke. He could feel his face coloring wildly as he quickly folded the shirt back up and shoved it into the bottom of the box. “Nothing,” he said as he lifted the box and carried it back to its resting place. Manuel was still standing in the doorway staring at him when Davan turned around. Davan glanced away, Manuel’s gaze too intense. He pressed his hands together to keep them from shaking. It didn’t seem to help. They just went right on shaking. “I want you to look at these and tell me why I should believe you,” Manuel said as he slapped an envelope down on the desk. Davan glanced at Manuel for a moment then walked over to the desk. He opened the envelope and emptied it out onto the desk. The

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first sight of the two men having sex made Davan inhale sharply, especially when he got a good look at the blond man. “This is me,” Davan whispered. “But how—” “I knew it!” Manuel growled. “No, you don’t understand,” Davan said desperately as he looked up. “This just isn’t possible. I’ve never slept with anyone but you.” Manuel pointed to the photographs. “Those pictures prove otherwise.” “Then they have to be forged or—” “Just like I said your medical records were forged, remember?” Davan didn’t know what to say to that. Manuel was right. They both believed they were in the right, and they both believed the other one was lying. There didn’t seem any way to prove otherwise. Davan felt tears fill his eyes as he turned to look at the pictures again. There was no way it was him in the pictures. He knew it for a fact. He knew—Davan inhaled sharply when he spotted something missing in the pictures. “This isn’t me,” Davan whispered. He looked up at Manuel and held out the picture in his hand. “This isn’t me, Manuel. Look.” Manuel frowned and took the photograph. He scanned it quickly before looking back at Davan. “It sure as hell looks like you to me.” “It looks like me, but it’s not.” Davan pointed to the blond man’s hip. “I have a birthmark on my inner thigh, remember? You always licked it when we were playing around.” He tapped the photograph. “This man doesn’t have a birthmark. This isn’t me.” Davan reached for the rest of the pictures and started going through them. The more he looked at them, the more he thought he knew who was in the pictures—and it wasn’t him. Davan started handing the pictures to Manuel one at a time, pointing to the area where the birthmark should have been. “It’s not me, Manuel. I swear. I’ve never been with anyone but you.”

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Manuel suddenly stumbled back and reached for the chair behind him. He sat down, missing the chair, and crashed to the floor. The pictures fluttered to the floor around him. Manuel just stared up at Davan, shock written all over his pale face. Davan hurried over to the sideboard and poured a glass of whiskey. He quickly carried it back to Manuel and held the glass to his lips until the man had drunk a good portion of it. Davan set the glass on the table then knelt down next to Manuel. “I—I—” Manuel had tears in his eyes when he looked at Davan. “All of these years, how could I have missed that? Something so simple and I missed it.” Davan shrugged. “Maybe you weren’t looking.” “I’ve looked at these pictures a thousand times, Davan. I kept them with me to remind me so I would never be betrayed like that again.” Davan grabbed Manuel’s hand in his. “I didn’t betray you, Manuel.” “I know that now. I just—” Manuel’s eyes suddenly widened. The tears in them spilled down over his cheeks. He reached for Davan, enclosing him in his arms. “Oh my god, Davan, my family. They really did torture you, didn’t they?” “Yes,” Davan whispered past the lump in his throat. “I didn’t order it, Davan. I would never have done that.” Davan grunted when Manuel squeezed him tighter. The man didn’t know his own strength. Still, it felt good to be in Manuel’s arms and not be accused of being unfaithful. “I swear, mi amor, I didn’t do it.” Davan carefully extracted himself from Manuel’s arms and pushed himself away. He bit his lip as he regarded the man, unsure how to solve the problem facing them. There just didn’t seem to be an answer that he could readily see.

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“You gave me a chance to prove I was innocent. Now I’m giving you the same chance. I know what I saw and I know what I heard. Prove me wrong.” Davan swallowed hard. “Please.”

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Chapter 6 Manuel’s heart ached at the desperation on Davan’s face. He reached over and grabbed his mate, pulling him back into his arms. The space between them, even a few inches, was just too much to bear. Manuel needed to feel Davan in his arms once again and know the man hadn’t betrayed him. His mind still rocked with the idea that all of these years of loneliness had been his fault. If he had just taken the time to talk to Davan, maybe even confront him when he found the pictures, none of this would have happened. No, he had to run like a coward, too hurt to say anything. And he had paid the price for that decision by not having the last four years with Davan in his life. That was something Manuel knew he could never fix, even if Davan forgave him. “I am so, so sorry, Davan,” Manuel whispered against the side of Davan’s head. “Some day when I’ve earned your trust back, I’ll ask for your forgiveness. I know after everything I accused you of I don’t deserve it but—” Davan tilted his head back. “I forgive you.” Manuel smiled ruefully. “I don’t forgive myself. I should have believed in you and not automatically assumed you were guilty.” Davan glanced down at the pictures littering the floor. “I think you had a right to assume I was guilty. I thought it was me, too, when I first saw them.” Manuel frowned and reached for one of the pictures. “I still don’t know who slid these under my door or why the guy in them looks so much like you. Obviously, someone wanted to come between us.”

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“Well,” Davan said as he took the picture from Manuel, “I can tell you who was in the picture, but I can’t tell you who slid them under your door.” “Who?” Manuel’s interest was piqued. “My brother, Dorian.” Davan arched an eyebrow as he tapped the picture with his finger. “My identical twin brother. The only way my parents could tell us apart was because of the birthmark on my thigh. So, whoever took these didn’t know about it.” “You have a twin brother?” Davan nodded. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?” “Because I was too busy falling in love with you. Thinking about my brother was way down on my list of priorities.” Manuel swallowed. The lump building in his throat was threatening to close off the air to his lungs. He could feel his heart beating faster as he drew up the courage to ask the one question that had been floating in his mind since forever. “Do you still love me?” Manuel could see the uncertainty in Davan’s eyes right before they flickered away. He couldn’t have that. He had made Davan suffer enough. It was time for him to step up and be a man. Manuel reached down and cupped the side of Davan’s face, tilting his head up. “I love you, Davan Solaris. I’ve always loved you. Even when we were apart and I thought you had betrayed me, I still loved you. That’s why I was so angry. I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest.” Manuel could see Davan’s eyes fill with each word he spoke. He hoped Davan would accept his words, but if he didn’t, Manuel would understand. He had royally fucked up. He wasn’t even sure he could forgive himself. He certainly didn’t expect Davan to even if the man said he did. Manuel just wasn’t that lucky. “Manuel, I—” Davan bit his lip and glanced away.

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Manuel’s heart sank. Had he done too much damage? He could see that Davan was flustered by the way he wrung his hands together. He knew he didn’t have a right to ask if Davan still loved him but he couldn’t help it. Of course, he was pretty sure he wouldn’t want to go on living if Davan said no. Being without Davan had been hard enough but he always held on to a small piece of hope that Davan still loved him. Maybe he was wrong. “You don’t have to say anything,” Manuel said quickly, mostly for his own self-preservation. “I just wanted you to know how I feel.” “I do still love you.” Davan whispered so low that Manuel almost didn’t hear him. When the words started to make sense in his head, Manuel almost cried out in relief. Instead, he tightened his hold on Davan and buried his face in the man’s soft hair. “Thank you,” Manuel whispered. “But that doesn’t mean I’m ready to be with you again.” Manuel’s chest tightened as he lifted his head. He loosened his arms from around Davan. “I understand.” “No, I don’t think you do. What you did nearly destroyed me— physically and mentally. I’m not ready to let you back into my life just because you suddenly believe me. It doesn’t take all of the hurt away.” Manuel swallowed hard, the lump in his throat feeling even bigger. “I know.” “No, you don’t know.” Manuel felt bereft when Davan suddenly pushed away from him and stood up. He watched as Davan’s frustration came to life as the man started pacing angrily across the floor, his hands clenched in tight little fists. His wings quivered on his back. “I lost everything—my home, my family, all of my friends. Everything. One of the only things that saved me was becoming an

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elder. It gave me something to do, something to keep me occupied. And now you’re trying to take that away from me, too.” “If you want to be an elder, be an elder.” Manuel waved his hands around the room. “I’ll pack my stuff up and move it here. We can live here together. I don’t care as long as we’re together.” “That’s easy for you to say because you know of the dictates of the mating, but would you be so eager to move in here if we weren’t mated under these circumstances?” “Yes,” Manuel said without hesitation. He didn’t care where they were as long as Davan was at his side. He chuckled when Davan skidded to a halt and looked at him in surprise. “Yes?” “I’d be with you no matter what.” Davan just blinked. Manuel pushed himself to his knees and scooted over to kneel in front of Davan. He grabbed the man’s hips and stared up at him. “Four years ago I was ready to commit to you. I loved you and wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. But I thought you had betrayed me, so I protected my heart and I ran.” Davan rolled his eyes. “Well, that was dumb.” Manuel chuckled. “Yes, it was. I should have confronted you when I found those pictures. I would have saved us a lot of heartache, but I didn’t. I made the wrong decision and it cost us dearly.” “Maybe more than you know,” Davan whispered. Manuel frowned. He didn’t like that sound of that. “What do you mean?” Davan pressed his lips together and shook his head. Manuel could see that Davan wasn’t ready to tell him whatever secret he kept hidden. He’d just have to wait and hope that Davan eventually trusted him enough to share. “Tell me what happened with my family,” he said. Davan’s eyes widened for a moment, and then he pushed away and started pacing again. “I went to find you. I needed to know what

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happened. Why you—” Davan swallowed. “I needed to know why you left me.” “What happened, Davan?” “Your father met me at the front door. He was angry, Manuel. I don’t know what you said to him about me, but he was very angry. When I asked to speak to you, he said no. He told me to leave.” “How soon after I left did you come to find me?” “A couple of months.” Davan glanced down at his hands as he twisted his fingers together. “I had to find you first. You never told me exactly where you lived, so it took me a little while to locate you.” “I’m sorry.” Davan just shrugged then walked over to look out the window. Manuel absently noted that Davan seemed to spend a lot of time looking out the window, especially when he was upset about something. “I demanded to see you. I refused to leave until I did. Your father went back into the house, but he left the door open. I could hear him talking to you. I even saw you walk from one room to the other. I heard you tell your father you never wanted to see me again, to make me go away.” Davan laughed harshly as he glanced over his shoulder. “So, he made me go away.” Tentacles of fear started climbing up Manuel’s spine. “What did they do to you, Davan? Tell me.” “They dragged me out to the barn, your father and brother. They tied my hands to a hook in the ceiling and started whipping me. After awhile, they switched to using their fists. And then they left me hanging there for what seemed like days.” Davan turned back to look out the window again. “Only when I promised to never try and see you again did they let me go. I was tossed in some ditch a few miles from town. I don’t remember much after that, just crawling my way to the nearest light I could see. Luckily, it was some sort of medical facility run by another

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shifter. He treated me and got me back home. I spent the next six months in bed.” Manuel sat back on his knees. His hands clenched into fists on his thighs as tears rolled down his face. After hearing what Davan had to say, Manuel knew there was no way he could ever ask for the man’s forgiveness. He didn’t deserve it. “I’m sorry, Davan. I know that’s not enough. It will never be enough, but I am sorry.” Manuel’s eyes darted around the room as he slowly climbed to his feet. “I’ll still meet with Elder Burke in the morning if that’s what you want.” The words hurt to say, but Manuel knew he had to say them. The decision had to be Davan’s. Manuel would never force the man. He’d already done enough damage. “I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” “You believe me?” Davan sounded so surprised that Manuel turned to look at him. “Of course I believe you.” “Of course?” Davan snapped. “There is no ‘of course’ about it. You haven’t believed me in four years. Why should you believe me now?” “There’s no reason, I guess, except that I do.” Manuel turned away from the anger burning in Davan’s eyes. His steps felt heavy as he headed for the door. “I’ll talk to the elder in the morning.” “Running away again, Manuel?” Manuel grabbed the edge of the door frame and leaned his head against the hard wood. “I’m not running, Davan, I just—” He pressed his lips together when his words threatened to turn into sobs. How could he explain the anguish going on inside of him when he barely understood it himself? After all of these years of believing Davan had betrayed him, he suddenly knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Davan had never lied to him—not about anything. Manuel turned and leaned back against the wall then slid down to the floor. He drew his knees up to his chest and rested his arms across

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the top of them. He dropped his head back and looked across the room at Davan. “What do you want me to do, Davan?” Manuel asked quietly. “Tell me and I’ll do it.” Davan looked stunned for just a moment, and then he swore softly and turned to walk over to the window again. Manuel watched Davan rub the back of his neck as if all the tension in the room was gathering there. He pushed himself to his feet and crossed the room to stand behind Davan. He could see Davan watching him in the reflection in the window. Manuel lifted his hands and started kneading Davan’s shoulders. He smiled when Davan groaned. Davan’s eyes slid closed and his head fell back on his shoulders. Manuel could feel the tense muscles under his hands start to loosen. The little sounds of pleasure Davan made were driving him crazy. Manuel wished those groans were meant for him, but he knew they weren’t. Davan had no reason to even want him after everything he had done. “Do we have a chance, Davan?” Manuel murmured. He instantly felt the tension come back to Davan’s shoulders and wished he had kept his mouth shut, but the damage was done now and he figured he might as well continue. “Can we make this work, or do you want me to go to Elder Burke?” “I’m supposed to decide that?” Davan asked, opening his eyes to look at Manuel's reflection in the window. “I’ll do whatever you decide.” “Why?” “Because I’ve hurt you enough.” Manuel felt new tears prickle the corner of his eyes. “I love you, Davan, and I want to stay with you, but if you can’t forgive me for what I’ve done, I’ll understand. I won’t force you to be with me.”

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Davan’s eyes darted away but not before Manuel saw the tears in them. “Why did you tell your family to make me go away if you loved me?” “Oh, mi tesoro, I didn’t. I swear. If I had known you came after me—” Manuel shook his head. “I spent six months drunk, Davan. I barely remember anything but I know I never even knew you were there.” “You were drunk?” Davan’s dark blond eyebrows shot up. He spun around to stare up at Manuel. “But I saw you. I heard you tell your father that you didn’t want to see me.” “And you’re probably right.” Manuel grimaced. “I was pretty upset, Davan. I thought you had betrayed me. If my father asked me if I wanted to see you, I may very well have said I didn’t want to see you. That does not mean that I wanted you hurt.” When Davan’s head fell forward to rest against his chest, Manuel wrapped his arms around the man and leaned his cheek against the top of Davan’s head. “I was angry, Davan, not stupid. Hurting you would have been like hurting myself.” “I never understood why you left me,” Davan said in a broken whisper. His hands gripped Manuel’s shirt in a tight fist. “I woke up, and you were just gone. You didn’t even leave me a note.” “We spent that night together, that wonderful night when you finally gave yourself to me. I was feeling high when I went back to my room to shower and change. The pictures were waiting for me when I reached my room.” “It wasn’t me.” “I know, mi amor.” Manuel tightened his arms around Davan when the man’s shoulders began to shake. “I know.” Manuel couldn’t stand the little sobs that shook Davan’s body. They tore at his heart more than almost anything could. He couldn’t stand hearing them. Manuel started kissing Davan’s hair. He slowly moved his way down the side of Davan’s face until their lips met.

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Manuel felt desperate. He wanted to erase everything that had happened between them and replace them with happy memories. His hands trembled as he pushed Davan against the wall next to the window and covered him with his own body. When Davan started kissing him back, Manuel’s mind clouded with lust. He kissed Davan’s lips with an intensity that rocked Manuel to his toes. He could feel the man’s plush lips moving against his, and the soft brush of his tongue. His cock ached so much that he felt the tinge of pain in every cell of his body. Manuel grabbed the edges of Davan’s pajama bottoms and ripped them apart, dropping the tattered remains to the floor. He needed to feel his cock sink into Davan’s warm depths. Manuel quickly unbuttoned his pants and shoved them down his legs. He lifted Davan up in his arms and pressed the man between his larger body and the wall. He groaned as Davan’s legs wrapped around his waist. Pulling his mouth away from Davan’s, Manuel grabbed a handful of Davan’s long blond hair and yanked his head back. The glossy look to Davan’s eyes sent his senses reeling. “Tell me you want this, Davan.” Davan’s beautiful green eyes just blinked up at him. “I want this. I want you. But if I take you, I’m keeping you. If you don’t want this, I’ll walk away now. No accusations, no blame. I’ll just walk away and see the elder in the morning.” Manuel held his breath as he waited for Davan to answer him. The man had the ability to give him the world or send it crashing to the ground with just one word. Manuel’s heart began to sink as the desire burning in Davan’s eyes started to clear. He winced when his jaguar growled inside of him. He could feel the beast fighting to get out and claim their mate, but the human side had to have control right now. Davan opened his mouth to talk, and Manuel braced himself. Please no, he begged silently. He almost dropped to his knees to beg

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Davan to keep him, but he had said there would be no accusations or blame. If Davan truly didn’t want him, Manuel would walk away. “I want this.” Manuel couldn’t prevent the sob that escaped his lips right before he smashed them against Davan’s again. All of the anger and pain he had felt over the last four years seemed to wash away at Davan’s simple words. Manuel couldn’t get enough of Davan. He wanted to climb into the man and never come out. He lifted Davan up and grabbed his cock, placing it at the tight entrance waiting to be filled. He slowly lowered Davan, watching his face as he was filled by Manuel’s cock. Manuel wasn’t sure he would ever forget the wonder on Davan’s face or the tears sparkling in his eyes when he was finally seated all of the way. Manuel wanted to see that joy on Davan’s face every day for the rest of their lives. It made Davan seem more beautiful than Manuel had ever seen him. His poor decisions had caused so much damage and he had so much to make up for. He promised himself that he would spend whatever years they had left making it up to Davan. He didn’t care if they stayed here or went somewhere else. As long as they were together, they would be fine. Manuel started moving, thrusting as deep into Davan as he could go. If this was the only way he could crawl into Davan, then he would take it. And he would do the best damn job he could. He wanted Davan mindless with passion. He gripped Davan’s ass cheeks in his hand and pounded into the man. Each thrust was long and powerful, lifting Davan up along the wall. Soft little pants came from Davan. His hot breath blew across Manuel’s face with each one. “You’re mine now, Davan,” Manuel growled. “I’m never giving you up or allowing anyone to take you from me. I’m keeping you.” Davan nodded. “Let me claim you, mi amor.”

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Davan swallowed hard then tilted his head to one side. Manuel growled as elation filled him. He leaned forward and sank his teeth into the soft skin between his neck and shoulder. Hot, sweet blood filled Manuel’s mouth, drawing a deep groan from him. No one tasted like his mate. Manuel heard Davan cry out. He pulled his teeth free, instinctively licking the bite mark closed before leaning back to look at Davan. The pure ecstasy radiating from Davan as something hot and wet filled the space between them was unlike anything Manuel had ever seen. His awe increased when Davan’s wings began to flutter and colorful pixie dust filled the air around them. It glittered and shimmered in the light as it floated down, covering Manuel and Davan until they were coated in the stuff. “Te amo, mi amor,” Manuel whispered. “Te quiero con toda mi alma.” Manuel drove his cock into Davan’s silken depths as far as he could go then let himself be dragged over the abyss into the same ecstasy Davan had fallen into. He felt a deep shudder begin at his feet and work its way up his body until it exploded in his groin and spilled out to fill Davan’s ass to overflowing. Manuel leaned his head against the wall next to Davan’s head. He panted softly as his heart thundered in his chest. Never had he felt such bliss before. His hands tightened around Davan as he realized he would never feel such ecstasy again without the man in his arms. “My mate,” Manuel whispered as his heart clenched in his chest. He felt like a part of him broke off and crawled into Davan’s chest, burrowing into his heart. It was a place he swore he’d never leave. “Mi tesoro.”

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Chapter 7 Davan smiled as awareness came slowly to him. He’d been having such a wonderful dream. He stretched his arms over his head then reached across the bed for his lover, his mate. Davan inhaled sharply and his eyes snapped open when his hand encountered warm flesh. “You’re here,” he whispered. “I’m here, mi amor,” Manuel replied. A sad little smile came over his lips as he pressed Davan’s hand against his naked chest. “You’ll never wake up again without me in your bed.” Davan moved his hand, caressing Manuel’s chest with his fingers. He was awed by the sight. It was something so small—the paleness of his fingers moving over Manuel’s darker skin. But it overwhelmed Davan to the point he could barely breathe. “You’re here,” Davan whispered again, almost afraid he was still dreaming. He didn’t want to close his eyes or even blink in case he was dreaming and the sight went away. “You’re really here.” Davan felt a sob building in his throat. He rolled over and quickly buried his face in Manuel’s massive chest, trying to swallow it down. Davan shuddered when he felt Manuel’s arms wrap around him. Manuel’s hand began to stroke his hair. “I’m here, Davan, and I’m not going anywhere.” Davan nodded. Memories from the previous night began to filter into his head. Manuel had claimed him once again, and he had claimed Manuel in return. They were mated for better or worse— unless Manuel decided to go to the elder and have their mating nullified.

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Davan’s heart hammered in his chest as he pushed away from Manuel and rolled over to look at the time on the clock. He struggled for a moment when Manuel grabbed him and pulled him back. “It’s too late for that, Davan.” Manuel’s features tightened. “Elder Burke is gone. I called him and told him we wouldn’t need his services.” “You called him and told him we wouldn’t need him?” “I told you I wasn’t letting you go, and I meant it.” Davan couldn’t have explained the laughter that fell from his lips as he threw himself against Manuel if his life depended on it. All of the hurt and the worry and the pain of the last four years seemed to slide away as Manuel’s laughter joined his, the two joyous sounds filling the room. Years of tension fell from Manuel’s face, turning him into the devastatingly handsome man Davan fell in love with. Davan reached out to touch Manuel’s cheek as he was rolled beneath the man. “Manny,” he whispered. Manuel’s eyes closed for a moment as he leaned into Davan’s hand. They were suspiciously wet when Manuel opened them a minute later. “I’ve waited a long time to hear that word from your lips, Davan.” “I’ve waited a long time to say it.” Davan swallowed hard at the look of adoration that filled Manuel’s face. He’d seen that look once, many years ago before everything had gone to hell. He was scared to give his heart to Manuel once again in case that look went away. He didn’t think he could handle Manuel’s rejection a second time. And that just might be what happened if he didn’t come completely clean with Manuel. He needed to tell Manuel everything and he knew it. He couldn’t hand his heart over if there was any possibility that Manuel could leave him again. “How much do you know about the fae, Manuel?” Manuel frowned. “What?”

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“What do you know about the fae?” “Why?” Manuel’s face started to darken, his facial features growing tense. “I know fae have issues being faithful. Is that what you’re talking about, because I won’t share, Davan. You belong to me, and I’m keeping you.” “No, no!” Davan quickly said. “I’ve bonded with you. I’ll never desire anyone but you until the day I die.” “Good,” Manuel growled. “The myth of fae fucking anything in sight is just that, a myth. In reality, we do tend to fool around a lot until we find our mate, and then we are unable to stand the touch of another. We don’t even desire another once we’ve bonded.” “But, I thought—” Davan sighed and trailed his fingers down Manuel’s cheek. “I know what you thought, but you were wrong.” “It seems I was wrong about a lot of things.” “I don’t think it was all your fault, Manuel. The fae tend to give the impression that they are free with their affections because they do not want anyone to know how important the bond is between mates.” “Why the hell not?” Manuel snapped. “I’d think they’d want everyone to know. It would be easier for them to find mates if everyone didn’t think they fucked everything in sight.” Davan smiled ruefully and rubbed his finger across Manuel’s lips. “Maybe, but the bond between a fae and his mate is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. When I say that I will never desire another or want the touch of another, I mean it.” “I believe you but—” “You don’t understand, Manuel. I was telling the truth when I said I had never been with anyone but you. The very thought of being with someone else makes me ill. When I gave myself to you four years ago, I gave you everything. I bonded with you.” Manuel’s face drained of color. “You bonded with me?”

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“Yes,” Davan said as all of the pain and anguish of the last four years came rushing back at the shocked look on Manuel’s face. Didn’t Manuel want them to bond? “What does that mean?” “I can’t be with anyone else.” “You said that. What else?” Davan’s breath stuttered in his throat as he inhaled sharply. “I felt it every time you were with someone else.” That was Davan’s worst anguish. He knew every damn time Manuel fucked someone else. He felt it deep in his soul. Each time tore a little piece off until he wasn’t sure if there was anything left. “You—” Manuel’s Adam’s apple moved up and down his throat as he swallowed. “You knew when I was with someone else?” A tear slipped from the corner of Davan’s eye as he nodded. Manuel’s eyes closed and his head fell forward. “Oh god, Davan, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I swear I didn’t know.” Davan stroked his hand through Manuel’s short black hair. He could hear the heartache making Manuel’s voice tremble. He knew Manuel hadn’t bonded with him all those years ago, so he didn’t feel the same connection. That didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. “I know,” Davan whispered. “I know it doesn’t change things,” Manuel said as he raised his head, “but I’ve claimed you as my mate. I can’t be unfaithful to you now. I’ll never be unfaithful.” Davan pressed his lips together as he nodded. It didn’t alleviate the pain of Manuel fucking anything that walked, but it made it a little better. “There’s something more, Manuel.” “More?” “That six months I spent in bed, it wasn’t all due to the injuries I received from your father and brother. Well, it was, but not the way you think.” Davan drew in a deep breath. The strength of their bond would be tested by what he had to tell Manuel. “The fae have an ability that is a closely guarded secret.”

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Manuel’s eyebrows drew together in a deep frown. “What?” “When I came to find you, I wanted to know why you left me, but I also had something I needed to tell you.” Davan licked his dry lips. He knew he was drawing it out, but he was afraid of Manuel’s reaction. “I wanted to tell you that you were going to be a father. I was pregnant.” Manuel blinked. His mouth slowly opened and closed as if he couldn’t put to words what he wanted to say. Davan could feel his hopes slipping away with each second that passed. He knew Manuel was stunned by the dazed look on his face. But was he angry? “I had to spend six months in bed so I wouldn’t lose the twins.” “Twins?” Manuel exhaled sharply. “You had twins?” “Annabelle and Rafael.” “That’s—you named them after me and my mother?” “Well, you always talked about your mother, about how much you loved her,” Davan said quickly. He dropped his eyes from Manuel’s intense gaze and stared at the pulse beating in his throat. “I wanted Annabelle to have a name you would be proud of.” “And Rafael?” Davan grinned as he looked up at Manuel. “He looks so much like you, Manuel. He has your black hair, but it’s curly and even now he’s showing traits of being a jaguar shifter. In the last few months he’s been growling and hissing, and his canine teeth are starting to come in.” Manuel didn’t say anything for the longest time. Davan started to grow nervous, especially when Manuel suddenly pushed away and rolled to sit on the edge of the bed. Davan scrambled up and reached out to touch Manuel’s arm. “Manny?” “Why don’t you hate me, Davan?” “What?” That was the last thing Davan expected Manuel to ask. He dropped his hand back into his lap as confusion swamped him.

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“Why don’t you hate me?” Manuel turned, glancing over his shoulder. “After everything I’ve done, everything my family has done, you hand me this dream on a silver platter. Why?” Davan shrugged. “I love you.” **** Manuel’s heart raced at the look of adoration he could see in Davan’s eyes. They weren’t shadowed in anger or hate or even resentment. Davan’s love was pure and open for him to see. Manuel didn’t know why he had never seen it before. Manuel wasn’t sure he was ready to face what his family had done. Not yet. He still had to come to terms with the fact that they had nearly taken the most important thing in his life away from him. “Did my father know?” Davan shook his head. “No, I wanted to share the news with you first before I told anyone else.” “But he still beat you until you nearly died.” Manuel clenched his fists. He could feel his anger starting to build. “And he almost took the twins from us.” “Us?” “Yes, us,” Manuel snapped. “You and me. Last time I looked, it took two to make a baby.” “Then you believe me?” Manuel could see the uncertainty in Davan’s eyes. He couldn’t have that, not now. He turned and swept Davan into his arms, pulling the small man into his lap and cuddling him close to his body. “I believe you, mi amor,” Manuel whispered. “You could tell me you were an alien and I’d believe you.” “Well…” Manuel cocked an eyebrow.

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Davan started laughing. The joy shining in his eyes was a balm to Manuel’s soul. He smiled. Davan’s laughter was contagious. “So, you’re an alien. I can live with that.” Davan laughed even harder. The glorious sound filled the room for several minutes before trailing away. Davan leaned against Manuel, tucking his head into the curve of Manuel’s neck. Manuel sighed happily and stroked his hand down Davan’s back between his wings. “Tell me about my children.” Davan chuckled. “Annabelle is a lot like me. She has fae traits. She has my hair but your eyes. And she’s a chatterbox. She does all of Rafael’s talking for him.” “Rafael doesn’t talk?” “He does, just not much.” Davan bit his lip for a moment and glanced away. “I think he is more affected by your absence than Annabelle. I tried to teach him everything I knew about jaguars, but maybe it wasn’t enough. He needs you.” “Do—” Manuel closed his eyes for a moment when his emotions threatened to spill out. He took a calming breath then opened them again to stare down at Davan. “Do they hate me?” “Hate yo—no!” Davan shook his head rapidly. He wiggled off Manuel’s lap and stood, reaching his hand out. “Come with me.” Manuel frowned in confusion but grabbed Davan’s hand and followed him out of the bedroom. They walked through the living room to a door on the far side of the room. Davan opened the door and pulled Manuel inside. The air rushed from Manuel’s lungs as he looked around the room. It was obviously a children’s room. He could tell by the two beds in the far corner and the toys all over the floor. But that wasn’t what astonished him so much. What rocked his world was the multitude of photographs hanging on the wall and in picture frames on several different surfaces. They

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were all of him. Some were of him and Davan, others of him and friends or family. But he was in every damn one of them. “Davan, how—” “I’m an elder. I do have some pull, you know.” Davan smirked. “I knew I couldn’t go near you without bringing the wrath of your family down on my head, but I could send someone else to take pictures for me.” “And they know of me?” Manuel asked. “The children, I mean.” “Yes, they know of you.” Davan’s face flushed. “What?” “I may have…um…embellished things a bit.” Davan suddenly looked very nervous, his eyes darting around the room as he wrung his hands together in front of him. “I kind of told them that you were a warrior and you were off fighting to keep them safe.” Manuel’s eyebrows shot up. “You what?” Davan’s obvious agitation grew worse. He began bouncing from foot to foot. His wings started to flutter. “I told them that you were a warrior and protector of your people and you had to stay away to keep them safe. I wanted them to love you even if they couldn’t see you.” Manuel just didn’t have anything to say to that. Davan had given him the world in two small beings then cared for them and loved them and made sure he looked good in their eyes. Thank you didn’t cut it. Davan walked over to a silver box sitting on a sideboard. He opened the lid and reached in to pull out a stack of letters. His face was a little pale when he turned around and held them out to Manuel. “When you could, when it was safe to do so, you wrote them letters and sent them gifts.” Davan swallowed hard. “You never missed their birthdays or any special holiday. That’s where some of the pictures came from. You sent them.” Manuel’s hands trembled as he reached out and took the letters from Davan. He opened the first one and began to read. The letter was recent, written in just the last couple of months. It talked about his grand adventures as a warrior and told the children how much he

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loved them. It talked about how much he wished they could all be together one day. Manuel finished reading the first letter then went on to the next one and then the next until he had read through them all. Davan was sitting on the window seat by the time he folded all of the letters and laid them carefully back in their silver box. He walked over and knelt down next to Davan. Without a word, Manuel buried his face in Davan’s lap and gave in to the tears he had been holding back. Davan had made him into a mythical warrior that fought for the good of man but adored his family. Manuel had no idea how he was going to live up to that image or even if he could. But he was damn well going to try. “When you’re ready,” Davan said softly as he stroked his hand through Manuel’s hair, “I have a box in the bedroom of letters and gifts that the children have sent you over the years. I kept them all.” “Can I see the children?” Manuel asked as he raised his face up to Davan. “Will you let me see them?” Davan smiled. “They are your children. You can see them any time you want.” “Now?” Manuel asked hopefully. Davan’s smile fell. “I sent them to my country home when you arrived. I didn’t know what else to do or how you would take what I had to tell you. I’m sorry.” “Can we go see them or call them back?” “I told the children that I would bring you to them when it was safe.” Manuel jumped to his feet. He grabbed Davan’s hand and pulled him to his feet. “Then let’s go.” Davan chuckled as he pulled back on Manuel’s hand. “Manny, slow down. I still have to talk to the elders about finding my replacement.” Manuel spun around to stare at Davan. “I thought you wanted to be an elder.”

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“I do, but you told Elder Burke that I resigned.” Davan shrugged. “I figured that’s what you wanted me to do.” Shit! “I did, but that’s back when I had plans on taking you home to my pride. I’d no more let any of them around you and our children than I would cut my head off. I don’t trust them farther than I can throw them.” “I’m sorry, Manuel. I never wanted to come between you and your family.” Manuel lightly gripped Davan’s chin in his hand. “You and those two children are my family now.” “Yeah, about that.” Davan’s eyes dropped. “We kind of didn’t use birth control over the last couple of days, so there might be more than two in the near future.” Manuel let out a loud holler as he grabbed Davan around his thighs, lifted him into the air, and spun them both around. The idea that Davan might even now be carrying his child filled him with so much joy that he could no longer contain it. Manuel always knew he was interested in men and not women. He never expected to have a child of his own. Now he had two and possibly more. And on top of that, he had Davan. He couldn’t be happier. Davan laughed and grabbed at Manuel’s shoulders. “I take it the idea of me getting pregnant doesn’t upset you?” “No.” Manuel let Davan slowly slide down his body until the man stood before him. He reached over and brushed a stray lock of hair back from Davan’s face. “I hope it does happen. I want to experience every moment with you.” “Great.” Davan snickered. “Then you can have the swollen feet and morning sickness.” Manuel grinned. “Deal.”

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Chapter 8 Davan was so nervous his stomach was rolling. And he had a lot to be nervous about. Instead of going directly to the country house to see the children, Manuel wanted to go to his home, pack his stuff up, and take it to the house with them. He wanted the children to know he was coming home for good. Davan was in support of that idea. He wanted Manuel with him permanently. He was just terrified of going home to Manuel’s pride. He remembered the last time he went there with vivid clarity, and he didn’t want a repeat performance. Still, despite Manuel’s suggestion that he just go to the country house without him, Davan didn’t want to let Manuel out of his sight. He still feared that he’d never see his mate again if he did. He demanded to go with. Manuel agreed, but his natural possessive instincts and need to protect his mate exploded the second they left Davan’s quarters. If anyone stepped too close to Davan, Manuel was right there, growling and baring his sharp teeth. He hovered over Davan. He wouldn’t even let the guards assigned to Davan get to close to him. “Are you comfortable, mi amor?” Davan smiled over at Manuel and patted his hand. “I’m fine. I just don’t like flying very much.” “We’ll be there soon.” Davan truly hoped so. He hadn’t lied when he told Manuel he didn’t like flying. He didn’t. It was the one thing about being an elder that he hated—flying around the world at any given moment to fulfill his duties. He couldn’t wait until they landed.

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Of course, he wasn’t looking forward to the coming confrontation with Manuel’s family either. He’d rather be flying. Manuel seemed to believe that he could just pack his belongings and leave. Davan knew better. Davan remembered how angry Manuel’s father and brother had been, how they had blamed him for Manuel’s situation. He remembered the words, the insults, and the pain. He’d never forget what he had learned those fateful days four years ago. Alberto and Galeno Tejarda did not want Davan and Manuel together. “Elder Burke didn’t seem surprised when he saw us together.” Davan laughed. “That man knows a lot more than he really should. He always does, and he never tells you anything without putting it into a riddle.” “Yes, I noticed that.” “I suspect that he knew we would stay together from the very beginning.” Davan chuckled. “Maybe even before we did.” “I did get that impression.” Before Davan could say more, the flight attendant came back and told them to get ready to land. Davan quickly buckled his seat belt then gripped the armrests in a death grip. He hated flying. “Manuel!” Davan shouted when he felt the man’s hand sneak under the waistband of his pants and grab his cock. “What are you doing?” “Sshhh.” Manuel held his finger up to his lip. “We’re landing. We don’t want to disturb the flight attendant.” Davan’s eyes darted around until he spotted his long coat bunched up on the seat next to him. He quickly grabbed it and covered his lap, hiding what Manuel was doing. He’d be mortified if anyone saw them, but he wasn’t about to stop Manuel. Davan leaned back in his seat, resting his head back against the headrest, and spread his legs. Manuel’s hand was so warm, so silky soft and rock hard at the same time. It was agonizing, and Davan loved every second of it.

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As Manuel worked his cock, giving it long strokes from top to bottom, Davan forgot all about being on a plane when Manuel’s thumb rubbed over the slit in the head. His world narrowed down to the hand wrapped around his cock and the lips that began nipping at his ear. “Does my hand feel good on your cock, mi amor?” Davan groaned and tightened his grip on the armrests. “Are you going to come for me, bonito?” Davan started panting heavily. His fingers tightened around the armrest. He could feel the pressure building up in his balls. They were starting to draw up close to his body. A tingling began in his spine, wrapping around his body to take hold of his cock. “Manny!” Davan whispered desperately as the tingling grew into a full body shudder. Just as he started to come, Manuel leaned over and enveloped the head of his cock, swallowing down the spunk that shot out. Davan cried out as ecstasy rippled through his entire body. He heard a loud crack but didn’t have the energy to see what it was. He slumped back against the seat and panted as his heart rate slowly returned to normal. “This is your plane, right?” “It’s the council plane. Why?” Davan glanced over at Manuel in confusion. He started to laugh when Manuel pointed, and he looked down at the broken armrest still held tightly in Davan’s fingers. “Oops.” “They’re not going to get mad at us for this, are they?” Davan chuckled. “Not if we don’t tell them.” Davan pulled his pants back up and made sure everything was tucked in then turned to Manuel. He felt his face flush when he saw Manuel watching him. There was a hungry glint in Manuel’s gray eyes that made Davan’s cock jerk and threaten to come back to life. “Need me to help you out with anything?” Davan pointed to the hard bulge he could see in Manuel’s pants.

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Manuel smiled and shook his head. “No, I can wait until we’re in the car. Anticipation is half the fun. Besides, we’ve already landed.” Davan’s eyes widened as he glanced out the small oval window to see the plane sitting on the tarmac. They had landed. Davan snickered and looked back over at Manuel. “I officially nominate you as my landing partner.” Manuel grinned and stood. He held out his hand. “Come on, mi amor, time to get off the plane so we can get my stuff and head home.” Davan unbuckled his seat belt then grabbed Manuel’s hand. A burst of laughter bubbled from his lips as he was yanked to his feet. Manuel gave him a quick kiss on the lips then pushed him forward to take the lead. “I’m really liking these, Davan.” Davan shivered as Manuel’s fingers trailed down his back and over the edges of his wings where they entered his back. He had never told Manuel but that was an incredibly erotic spot for him. Having his wings stroked was like having his cock stroked. He wasn’t sure he wanted his mate to have that much power over him. “Why did I never notice your wings before?” “We don’t grow them until we’re mated.” “So, what’s with the shirt then?” Manuel tugged on the fabric around Davan’s wings. “Ever since we mated you’ve been wearing these shirts that expose your wings. Is there a reason for that?” Davan grinned when he heard the slight rough note in Manuel’s voice. Apparently, Manuel didn’t like his wings exposed. “Yes, a very good reason. Before we are mated, we have no wings. After we are mated, we wear these shirts so our wings are exposed and all can see that we’ve been claimed. No fae or anyone who knows of our customs will even attempt to make a pass at me or touch me.” Manuel growled. “Nor will they unless they want to lose a limb.” Davan laughed. He reached back and grabbed Manuel’s hand then leaned up and planted a kiss on the man’s chin. “You’re so cute.”

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Manuel’s dark eyebrow arched. “Cute?” “By showing my wings, I’m proclaiming to the world that I am untouchable. Remember when I said the touch of another would make me ill? I was serious. The merest touch of another’s hand on my skin makes me itch. With my wings exposed, other fae know not to touch me.” “That just leaves the rest of the population.” “And that’s why I have you.” Manuel suddenly frowned and pulled Davan to a stop. “It won’t hurt you if the children touch you will it?” “Oh no,” Davan hastened to reassure his mate. “Not you or the children, only other people. I can even be touched by members of my family. Although it would be incredibly rude for them to touch me, it wouldn’t hurt me.” “Just people not related to you?” “Pretty much.” Davan started walking again, heading toward the front of the plane and the exit. “Most people just cause a tinge of pain, kind of like a mosquito bite. It’s gone in seconds. So, I can shake someone’s hand and not be debilitated by it.” “Most people?” Manuel asked. “What about the others?” “There are some that don’t just touch simply. It’s like the difference between shaking someone’s hand and grabbing onto their wrist. The harder the touch and the more intent behind it, then the stronger the pain.” Davan frowned and glanced over his shoulder. “Does that make sense?” “Yeah,” Manuel growled. Davan laughed when he felt Manuel’s arm snake around his waist and pull him back. Hot breath blew over his neck and then Manuel’s tongue stroked across the bite mark on Davan’s shoulder, sending a shiver of delight. “It means if anyone touches you I get to rip their arm off and beat them with it.”

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“You know this helps, too.” Davan held up his hand to show off the mating seal on the top of his hand. “Even if someone doesn’t understand fae customs, they can’t help but understand the mating mark on my hand.” “Damn, I love that mark.” “Elder Burke always said that the mating seal would appear where it was most needed.” Davan grinned up at Manuel. “I guess you needed to see it on my hand.” “No, everyone else needs to see it on your hand. Hell, I’d have you covered in the damn things if I thought I could get away with it. Maybe you need a big neon sign over your head that says ‘taken.’” Davan’s eyes rounded. “Possessive much?” “Hell, yes!” Manuel’s arms tightened around Davan. “This is mine, from the top of your head to the tip of your toes and everything in between. Everyone needs to keep their hands off.” Manuel snapped his teeth together. “I bite.” Davan chuckled as he shook his head and pushed away from Manuel. He nodded to the flight attendant as he walked past her, noting the flushed smirk on her face. He had no doubt that she knew exactly what they were doing. “My car is in the short-term parking lot,” Manuel said as he grabbed their bags from the flight attendant then followed Davan down the steps. “Uh, honey?” Davan pointed to the limousine pulling up. “I have transportation.” “Used to traveling in style, are you?” “Used to traveling with bodyguards.” Again, Davan pointed, this time to the two large men climbing out of the vehicle, one from the front seat and one from the back. Even dressed as they were in simple black suits, anyone looking at them could tell they were heavily armed and not just with the guns under their jackets. They had muscles on top of muscles. “Why do you need so many guards, Davan?”

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“I’m an elder.” “And?” Davan blinked at the barely controlled anger he could hear in Manuel’s voice. “And that means certain people wouldn’t think twice about kidnapping me and trying to use me to get at the council.” “I thought it was against UPAC law for anyone to threaten an elder. Isn’t it grounds for immediate execution?” “It is, but that doesn’t always stop everyone. Not to worry, love, the guards are just here to keep me safe. You’ll forget that they are there after awhile.” “Not fucking likely,” Manuel growled. Davan paused when he saw a tick in Manuel’s clenched jaw. He walked over to him then reached up to stroke the man’s jaw until the small, angry pulse faded away. “I have you now to keep me safe.” “I can see that being with you is going to be a full-time job.” “Oh, I require constant attention, maybe even all night long. You never know who might jump me in the middle of the night while I’m all tucked into my bed…alone…naked.” Manuel growled. His gray eyes darkened. The sweet smell of the man’s arousal was so thick that even Davan could smell it. “Get in the fucking car, Davan.” **** Davan chuckled as he watched Manuel tuck himself back into his pants. The man was still breathing heavy from the blow job he’d just received. This was the first time Davan was thankful to be driven around in style. He usually hated the limousine. It seemed too excessive to him. Now he understood the benefits of having someone else drive. “Feel better, love?” Manuel grunted. “Is that a yes?”

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Manuel rolled his eyes as he settled back against the seat next to Davan. He reached down and clasped his hand to Davan’s, his thumb absently running over the mating seal on the top of Davan’s hand. “This really shouldn’t take long,” Manuel began as he glanced out the window. “I don’t have much to pack. Most everything in my apartment is just furniture, none of which I’m attached to. I have a few personal items to pack but not much.” “Okay.” Davan was slightly confused by Manuel’s sudden change in conversation. “Do you want me to stay in the car?” “No!” Manuel snapped. His head whipped around to look at Davan. “You’re not to leave my side.” Davan blinked. “Davan, I’m sure my family knows we’re here by now. They probably knew the minute the plane touched down. I don’t want you in danger. I just want to pack my stuff and leave . I don’t even want to speak to them.” “You know you’re going to have to confront them at some point, right?” “Yes, but I would prefer that we did it back at the UPAC headquarters where there will be lots of guards to keep an eye on them. I don’t like how vulnerable we are right now. If my father brought in all of his sentries, we’d be in deep shit.” Davan swallowed hard as fear began to blossom in his chest. “You don’t think he’d really do that, do you?” “I didn’t think he would hurt you, but apparently I was wrong. It just makes me wonder what else I was wrong about. I thought my father was an honorable man, strict, but honorable. I never imagined he’d be such a bastard.” “Maybe he just didn’t like me. You did say you were drunk for six months. He had reason to believe I was the cause of it, that I was unfaithful to you. He might have been doing what he thought best for you.”

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“That doesn’t excuse him. If I had known you were here, that you came after me, I might have—” Manuel shrugged. “I might have listened to you sooner, and we wouldn’t have been apart all of these years. I could have been there to see Annabelle and Rafael grow up.” Davan could see the pain in Manuel’s eyes as he talked about the children. He knew how much it hurt him to not know them or be there for them as they became little people instead of drooling blobs. Davan rubbed his abdomen, hoping with everything in him that he and Manuel had created a new baby. He hadn’t planned on having another one so soon. Hell, he hadn’t planned on having another child at all, but that was before Manuel came back into his life. Now, seeing Manuel’s pain, he wanted a child with every beat of his heart. “You know they will love you,” Davan said as he squeezed Manuel’s hand. “They already do.” “They love the image you built for them, not the real me.” Davan frowned and pulled his hand from Manuel’s. “Would you rather I had made them hate you?” “No, no, that’s not what I’m saying at all. I just don’t know if I can live up to this mythical warrior out to save the world that you’ve made me out to be. What if they don’t like me, the real me? What if they get to know me and decide that they hate me?” “You listen to me, Manuel Tejarda. I didn’t make you out to be some mythical warrior that they could idolize. I made you into a father that they wouldn’t be afraid of. If you ever came into their lives, I wanted them to want to get to know you and make up their own minds about who you were.” Davan moved over to climb into Manuel’s lap. He tapped the end of Manuel’s nose with his finger. “All you have to do is love them and you’ll be the most wonderful father in the world. That’s all children need, love and guidance.” “I’ll bet you make a wonderful father.” Davan chuckled. “I’m the daddy. You’re the father.” “There’s a difference?”

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“Well, we are two men so I couldn’t very well call you mommy. So, I decided on separating the two words so the children would understand who I was talking about. The children call me Daddy and they refer to you as Father.” “Good to know.” “Besides, you signed all your letters with ‘Father.’ You wouldn’t want to start confusing them now.” “No, I guess not.” Manuel pushed his hand through his hair, clearly an agitated gesture. “Man, this parenting stuff is tough.” “Oh, you have no idea. Just wait until Annabelle gets stubborn about something. She has her own ways of thinking about things and god forbid you try and shake her loose. Once she sticks her feet in, you couldn’t pry her loose with a sledgehammer.” Manuel’s lips started to curl up in a grin. “That bad, huh?” “That stubborn. She reminds me a lot of you.” Davan laughed when Manuel growled and started tickling him. He struggled to get away, but it felt like Manuel’s hands were everywhere. Damn octopus! “Uncle, uncle,” Davan shouted through his laughter. “I give! I give!” Manuel finally stopped tickling him. Instead, Davan was pulled close to the man’s chest. Davan tucked his head under Manuel’s chin and patted his chest. The strong beat of Manuel’s heart brought him a measure of calm as nothing else could have. “The children will love you just as much as I do, I promise.”

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Chapter 9 Manuel’s sense of doom multiplied when the limousine pulled up in front of his apartment building. He looked around trying to spot anyone that might work for his father then slowly climbed from the vehicle when he didn’t see anyone. He stood in front of the doorway so Davan couldn’t climb out as he waited for the guards. Once they stood in front of him, Manuel pointed to the car and then the red brick building in front of them. “I want one of you to stay with the car. If you hear or see anything out of place, you let us know. The other one will come with us. Both of you need to keep your eyes open for anything. We’re in unfriendly territory.” The two guards nodded. One leaned back against the car, looking casual with his hands shoved in his pockets. But Manuel could see him carefully watching everything around them. Good man. “Come on, mi amor.” Manuel reached back and helped Davan from the car. He wrapped Davan’s arm around his and escorted him into the building. “This is a nice building.” Manuel glanced around, trying to see it through Davan’s eyes. He just saw hardwood floors and red brick lining the walls. Nothing seemed special to him. He shrugged and led Davan to the elevator. Manuel pushed the button for the elevator. The smell of fresh blood hit Manuel like a freight train the second the elevator doors opened. He grabbed Davan around the waist and pushed him back into the wall behind him, shielding his mate’s body as he quickly searched the area for any sign of a threat.

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He couldn’t see anything, but he could smell it, and it smelled familiar. Manuel just couldn’t pinpoint who the scent came from. There were a few drops of blood on the elevator floor but other than that, it was empty. Whoever was in the elevator last had been bleeding. Manuel grabbed Davan’s arm and dragged him toward the stairs. He didn’t know who had been in the elevator, but he wasn’t about to ride up if they could be waiting for him. Manuel made sure that Davan was safely between him and the guard then started up the stairs. It seemed to take forever to reach the third floor, but Manuel knew it had only been a few minutes. He was walking slowly, pointing out the boards that squeaked to Davan and the guard. If someone was waiting for him at the top of the stairs, he didn’t want them to know he was coming. Before he knew it, the third floor loomed just inches from Manuel. He gestured with his hand for Davan and the guard to stay back then slowly crept closer. A quick peek around the edge of the doorframe leading into the hallway showed that it was empty. Manuel sniffed the air. The scent of blood was growing stronger, as was the unidentifiable scent that went with it. Manuel gestured with his hand but kept his head turned toward the hallway as he stepped out of the stairwell. When no one appeared, Manuel walked to his door. He pulled the key out of his pocket, stuck it in the lock, and started to turn it when a floorboard at the opposite end of the hallway squeaked. Manuel turned, baring his fangs and allowing his claws to extend. He pushed Davan back and stood as tall as he could, filling the narrow hallway. No one was going to get past him to his mate, not without killing him first. “Manuel?” Manuel frowned at the low whisper. He knew that voice. “Jorge?” “Hey, bro.”

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Manuel gasped as his baby brother rounded the corner at the end of the hallway. His clothes were torn and smattered with blood. His face was swollen, bruised, and a trail of blood trickled down from the corner of his mouth. His hands were wrapped tightly around his waist. “Holy shit, Jorge, what in the hell happened to you?” Manuel asked as he raced over to his brother. The second he reached him, Jorge’s legs collapsed beneath him. Manuel quickly wrapped his arms around his brother and held him up. “Who did this to you?” “Father.” Somehow, Manuel knew that even before Jorge said anything. “Why?” “He’s looking for you.” “Is he here?” Manuel started to scan the area again, using all of his senses to try and see how much danger they were in. “No, I sent him to the airport when I discovered your plane had landed.” “You what?” Manuel’s eyes snapped to his brother. “Why in the hell would you do that?” “I figured you’d come here. If Father was at the airport, then I would have time to warn you.” Jorge’s bloody hand grabbed on to the front of Manuel’s shirt. “Man, I don’t know what you did to piss him off, but Father has gone loco.” Manuel glanced beyond Jorge to where Davan stood wringing his hands. His little wings fluttered wildly behind him. His deep green eyes were flooded with tears. “I found my mate and fell in love.” “Well, shit!” Manuel cocked an eyebrow. “Do you know something I don’t?” “Father announced your engagement yesterday.” “My engagement to whom?” Manuel frowned in confusion. He never told his father he had mated. How could he know? “Theresa Morales.” “I don’t fucking think so,” Manuel growled. “I’ve mated. It’s been recorded by the elders in their little book. I even have a mating seal

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branded into my arm. If Father thinks I’m giving Davan up to marry some woman I’ve never met, then he’s got another thing coming.” “Then we need to get the hell out of here because the second Father figures out I sent him on a wild-goose chase he’s going to come here looking for you.” Jorge grunted as he tried to stand up on his own two feet. Manuel had to help him. “And, Manuel, he’s not alone.” “Galeno?” Jorge nodded. “And a few of Father’s sentries.” “All right, we have to get out of here.” Manuel nodded toward the guard. “Go downstairs and keep a look out. I also want you to call the plane and tell them to get ready for takeoff. We’ll be leaving the second we get to the airport.” The guard nodded and hurried down the stairs. Manuel glanced over at his mate. “Davan, help me get Jorge inside.” Davan sprang forward and placed his arm under Jorge’s. Together, they half dragged, half carried Jorge into Manuel’s apartment and settled him on the couch. Manuel ran back over and closed the door, locking it. “Davan, there is a first aid kit under the kitchen sink.” Manuel knelt down on the floor next to his brother and tried to assess the damage. “Could you go get it?” “Manuel, I’m fine,” Jorge said. “You need to go before Father gets here.” “I need to make sure you’re okay.” “Let me.” Manuel turned to see Davan standing behind him, a small first aid kit in his hand. “You go pack. I’ll take care of your brother.” Manuel hesitated for a moment then nodded, climbing to his feet. “I’ll be just a few minutes, mi amor.” Davan dropped to the floor in front of Jorge and opened the first aid kit. Manuel backed away as he watched his brother be administered to by his mate. It was a sight long in coming. Manuel

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just wished it hadn’t happened at such a cost—first Davan and now Jorge. His father needed to be stopped. Manuel went to his bedroom closet and pulled out his suitcase. He laid it open on the bed and started packing. He grabbed several changes of clothes, a few personal items, and his favorite pair of boots. He closed the suitcase and carried it into the main room, setting it on the floor by the front door. He had to search the apartment until he could find a box big enough to carry the books he wanted to take, some papers, and some pictures. He also placed them by the door. The last thing Manuel grabbed was his laptop and the small external hard drive he used for business. He had a lot of notes, legal documents, and information hidden away on that hard drive. He didn’t know how he would use it, but he knew it would come in handy at some point. He was his father’s errand boy. He went on diplomatic missions, mediated peace treaties and business deals. He went where and when his father told him to and did his father’s bidding. He had helped his father amass a huge fortune. And he couldn’t give a shit about one red cent. He wanted none of it. He didn’t want the prestige that went with being the alpha’s son. He didn’t want the money that came with being the second in line to inherit his father’s fortune. He didn’t want any of it. Galeno could have it all as far as Manuel was concerned. It had always meant more to him anyway. Maybe that was why Galeno had always done exactly what their father wanted, even when it was wrong. He was trying to be the perfect son so he would inherit it all. “I think I have everything,” Manuel said as he walked into the living room with the last box. The box clattered to the floor when Manuel lost his grip. The breath rushed from his body to be replaced by a fear so strong it almost dropped him to his knees. “Hello, Father.”

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“Son.” Alberto Tejarda nodded from the chair he sat in. His legs were crossed, and he looked like he was inspecting his manicure as he stared down at his fingernails. He looked bored as he finally raised his head to look at Manuel. “It’s seems we have a little problem here, Manuel.” “No.” Manuel crossed his arms over his chest. His eyes narrowed as he glared at his father. The hatred he’d buried for years started to surface. “You have a problem, and it’s going to be an even bigger one if Galeno doesn’t get his hands off my mate.” “Your mate?” Alberto snapped. “You will mate who I tell you to mate.” “In your dreams.” “This…this thing is not a proper mate for the son of Alberto Tejarda.” “This thing, as you call him, has a name. It’s Elder Davan Solaris of the United Paranormal Alliance of Cooperation. And it’s an immediate death sentence if you harm a hair on his head.” “That’s assuming they know about it.” Alberto waved his hand. Manuel growled when the knife Galeno pressed against Davan’s throat moved, creating a small trickle of blood. “A lot of terrible things happen to members of the council when they are out and about on their own.” “I will kill you,” Manuel said. “Both of you.” “Son, you’re not looking at this the right way.” Alberto stood and started walking around the room. Every few minutes he would stop and stare over at Davan, shake his head, and go pack to pacing. “I admit, I may not have been looking at this in the right light either.” “Oh?” Manuel knew this had to be good. He could see the wheels turning in his father’s head. The man was scheming, and Davan was involved. “This could work to our advantage.” “This?”

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Alberto waved his hand absently in Davan’s direction like he was an object instead of a person. “Oh, you know what I mean. Being mated to that thing could work to our advantage. It means we have a seat on the council.” Manuel bristled at Davan being referred to as a thing yet again but kept a calm façade on his face. There was no point in letting his father know how pissed he was over it. He had to remain calm and watch for his opportunity to strike. “No, it means my mate just happens to be an elder. How he takes care of his duties is up to him. I have nothing to do with it.” “Would you stop being so fucking stubborn?” Alberto snapped. “I swear, you’re just like your mother.” “Thank you.” Alberto’s eyes narrowed. “Watch how you talk to me, boy.” “I am not your boy.” “That’s right, you’re a mama’s boy,” Alberto sneered. “Why couldn’t you be more like your brother? At least he has a backbone. I never understood why your mother coddled you and Jorge so much. She made you weak, if you ask me. It’s probably what made you like fucking men so much.” “Actually, I don’t believe how we were raised had anything to do with it. If it did, I would hate men and seek out women. I would naturally avoid anything male in case they turned out to be like you.” Manuel didn’t even flinch when his father smacked him across the face. He just wiped the blood from his split lip then smiled at his father. Something primal rippled through Manuel when his father paled and quickly stepped back. “Are you done, Father?” “You will pay for your insolence, Manuel.” “Fine.” Manuel glanced beyond his father to meet a set of frightened green eyes. “Davan, mi amor, would you please help Jorge to the car? I’ll grab my stuff and be right down after I deal with my father and brother.”

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Davan gulped and nodded. Galeno’s hands fell away as Davan walked right out of them as if there hadn’t been a knife held to his throat. He looked confused, glancing between Davan and Manuel and then Alberto. Davan just kept right on walking over to the couch. He leaned down and helped Jorge to his feet and then the two men started for the door. “What are you doing?” Alberto’s face turned red with rage as he shouted at his son. “Don’t just let them walk away. Get them, you fool!” Galeno started toward Davan then paused. His head tilted slightly. “But, Father, he’s an elder. If I hurt him, they will kill me.” “I don’t fucking care. Stop them before they can get away.” “I wouldn’t, Galeno,” Manuel warned in a very low tone. He flexed his hands and extended his claws then allowed his canines to drop down through his gums. “You won’t have to wait for the council if you hurt my mate, Galeno. I’ll kill you myself.” Manuel heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Davan and Jorge slip through the front door while everyone was occupied. Once they were clear, he turned his attention to the two men left in the room, the two men he held responsible for what happened to Davan. “Now, shall we settle this once and for all?” Manuel gestured with his hand for Galeno to bring it on. He had never beaten his brother in a fight before. Even if the man was bigger than him, Manuel was fighting for something this time—his family. “Kill him!” Alberto started shouting. “Kill him, Galeno!” Galeno looked hesitant. Manuel wasn’t. “Are you the one that left claw marks on my mate’s back, Galeno? Or did you just beat him and leave him for dead?” “I…I…” When Galeno looked over at their father, Manuel knew who had left the four claw marks on Davan. “Did you know Davan was carrying my children when you tried to kill him?”

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Galeno’s face snapped back over and his eyebrows shot up. “Children? He’s a man!” “He’s also fae, which means he can get pregnant.” Manuel felt safe sharing that information with the two men because they weren’t going to leave the room alive. “He was carrying my twins when you beat him half to death. He had to spend six months in bed just so he wouldn’t miscarry.” “He’s a freak!” Alberto shouted. Manuel growled and jumped in his father’s direction. He swiped out with his claws. Satisfaction filled him when he heard Alberto scream. Blood splattered from his chest as he jumped back. “Kill him, Galeno,” Alberto screamed. “Save me.” Manuel heard Galeno growl as he took another swipe at Alberto. He shifted as he spun around to face his brother. Bones cracked. Muscles stretched. Hair sprouted. By the time Manuel landed on the floor in front of his brother, he had pointed ears, four legs, a snout with whiskers, and tail. He growled, baring his long, sharp teeth. It was the only warning Galeno got before Manuel pounced. He bit into the closest piece of flesh he could reach—an arm. He heard Galeno howl as bones snapped and hot blood filled his mouth. Galeno was trying to shift into his jaguar form. Manuel growled and shook him as hard as he could. He wasn’t going to let his brother shift if he could help it. Galeno was one damn big jaguar. Manuel roared as searing pain shot down his back. He dropped Galeno and turned, his ears flattening back against his head when he saw his father standing before him in his jaguar form. Alberto might have been a large jaguar, but he was an old jaguar. It was time for him to step down from his reign of terror, and Manuel was going to help him. He ignored the pain radiating across his back and jumped at his father. The two of them went tumbling to the floor. They rolled around several times before they crashed into the wall.

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Manuel shook his head to clear it and crouched down on all fours as Alberto climbed to his feet. As Alberto raised his head, Manuel struck, going for the man’s vulnerable neck. Hot blood filled his mouth as his teeth sank into his father’s throat. Manuel grunted as claws tore into his sides. The pain was excruciating, almost overwhelming. Manuel remembered his mate and children and what he needed to protect and just dug his teeth in deeper. As Alberto rolled on top of him, Manuel pulled his back feet up and dug his claws into Alberto’s underbelly. As he tore at the man’s throat, he used his back legs to tear at his soft stomach. Alberto gurgled and suddenly slumped forward. Manuel breathed for a moment then pushed his father’s body off of him. He rolled to his feet and searched the room for his brother, spotting him slouched against the far wall in human form. Manuel stalked quietly across the room and crouched down several feet away from his brother. He growled and bared his teeth. Galeno waved his uninjured hand in surrender then went back to hold his wounded arm against his chest. “I’m not going to fight you, Manuel.” Manuel hissed. “So, kill me already.” Galeno dropped his arms and tilted his head back, baring his throat. Manuel grew confused when the bloodlust raging through his entire body started to drain away. He was angry but not angry enough to kill a man surrendering. Manuel shifted and sat back on the floor. His body ached in a hundred different places. Manuel groaned and rubbed the back of his neck. He could feel blood dripping down his back and knew he had injuries that needed to be taken care of, but right now he had more important things to deal with.

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“Stop baring your throat, Galeno. I’m not going to kill you and I’m certainly not going to make you submit now that father is dead. I’d rather rot in hell than lead a pride.” “But…” Galeno lowered his head. His eyebrows were drawn together in a deep frown. “Everyone wants to lead. It’s ingrained in us from birth.” “For you maybe.” Manuel snorted. “I just want to live a quiet life with my mate and my children. I could care less about running a pride or council politics or any of that shit. Seems like a big waste of time to me—always having to look over your shoulder in case someone wants to challenge you. Never being able to trust anyone.” Manuel shook his head. “I’d rather fuck a woman.” “The hell you will!” Manuel jumped and turned to see Davan standing in the doorway, a dark look on his face. The only reason Manuel didn’t get pissed was because the two council guards stood behind him, guns in hand. “Hello, mi amor.” “Don’t you mi amor me, fleabag,” Davan snapped. His arms crossed over his chest and little daggers of anger shot out of his eyes. “You are not fucking anyone but me.” “No, baby, I was only telling Galeno that I didn’t want to be pride alpha. I’d rather fuck a woman than do that. It was just a statement. I have no intention of fucking anyone but you.” “Oh.” Davan glanced at the dead body on the floor then at Galeno before settling his eyes on Manuel. He looked a little green. His hands were clenched tightly at his sides and his wings drooped. “Can we go home now? I miss the children.”

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Chapter 10 Manuel was so nervous his stomach was rolling. And he had a lot to be nervous about. They had left Galeno with one of the council guards. He was to be picked up and taken to the council to face charges for assault and whatever else the council charged him with. Manuel still didn’t know who was going to take over the pride. Maybe Jorge, although he said he didn’t want it. Manuel would let the council decide who was going to take over the pride because it damn well wasn’t going to be him. He’d had enough grief from it. Alberto Tejarda’s body had been taken home for burial. Manuel was still coming to terms with his father’s death. Not because he had killed the man but because Alberto would never be a threat to him, Davan, or the children again. Beyond the fact that he had taken a life, Manuel couldn’t have cared less that his father was dead. They were heading to Davan’s country house to meet Annabelle and Rafael, and that was all he cared about. It was also what was making him so nervous he could spit. He’d been fine when they were on the plane. He’d even enjoyed keeping Davan distracted in the very narrow bathroom. It was only once they landed and started for the country house that his nerves frayed. Manuel knew that Davan said the children would love him, but a hero imagined was much different than a father in real life. What did he know about children anyway? They were small, and they drooled and threw temper tantrums when they didn’t get their way. Manuel chuckled as he looked out the window. Hell, they sounded like him when he was in a snit. Maybe they were more like him than

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he thought. Manuel hoped that Davan could deal with the three of them. “How much further?” “Oh, now you really sound like the children.” Davan laughed. “Davan.” “We’re just coming up to the driveway now.” Manuel glanced out the window. He had often wondered where Davan lived over the last four years. He’d imagined a villa somewhere or a grand estate with servants to meet his every need. He didn’t expect a quaint little thatched-roof cottage in the country. “This is your country house?” “Yes.” Davan smirked. “It’s a house in the country. What did you expect?” “Something a little grander, I guess. You are an elder after all.” “And that’s strictly a volunteer position. We get a yearly stipend for expenses and room and board for us and our immediate family at the UPAC castle, but everything else must come out of our own pockets.” “But didn’t you tell me your family was fairly well off?” “They are. I am not.” Davan glanced down at his hands and drew in a deep breath. “When the twins were born, my family felt that they would interfere with my duties as elder. They wanted me to let some nameless family adopt them. My mother even found a nice family in Canada to take them.” “No!” Manuel snapped before grinding his teeth together. “Our children are not up for adoption.” Davan’s laugh was shaky. “That’s what I said. So, they gave me a choice. I could adopt the children out and perform my duties as elder to the best of my abilities, or I could support them on my own. I took the twins and moved them into the council castle with me the very next day. I haven’t spoken to my family in person since.” “I’m sorry, Davan.”

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“Don’t be.” Davan reached over and patted Manuel’s hand. “We did okay. We weren’t rich by any means, but we had what we needed. My work as elder allowed me to provide a roof over their heads and food on the table, and every now and then a little something extra, like this house, which I’m still paying off. But when it comes right down to it, I’m far richer having the children in my life than not.” “I certainly don’t have my father’s wealth, but I have enough in my own right that I can care for you and the children even if I never work another day in my life. You won’t have to go without anymore, not while I’m around.” Davan smiled and leaned his head against Manuel’s shoulder. “Well, you do have a job if you want one. I can hire anyone I want to be my personal bodyguard. That means you have to go on all my trips with me, attend all my meetings, and even walk me to my quarters every night and tuck me into bed. Unless you’re off duty, you’re not allowed to leave my side.” Manuel wrapped his arms around Davan and pulled the man’s head into the crook of his neck. “Sounds like the perfect job for me.” “It even comes with a salary.” Manuel chuckled. “Does it come with fringe benefits?” “Absolutely.” “I’ll take it.” Manuel held Davan to him as they pulled up the long drive that led to the house. The house itself might not have been a huge one but the land around it was vast. There were meadows and forest, and even a lake. The house itself was nestled at the edge of the trees overlooking the fenced-in meadows. “Do the children ride?” “No.” Davan chuckled. “They’re too young to ride.” Manuel grinned. “You’re never too young to ride.” “Then maybe you should buy them a pony, Father.” “Maybe we should buy them a pony. I won’t buy my children’s affections. If we get them gifts, they will come from both of us.”

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“You’re going to make a great father.” Manuel swallowed hard. “We’ll see. We’re here.” Davan sat up when the car came to a stop. He looked excited. His eyes were lit up, the deep green in them sparkling. The smile on his face went from side to side. And sitting still in his seat until the door opened would have been impossible with the way he was bouncing on his seat. Manuel was excited too, but he was also scared out of his mind. A hundred different questions tumbled around in his head. What if the children didn’t like him? What if they wanted the hero warrior Davan made him out to be instead of just the plain man he was? What if they didn’t want a father at all? Or a father that could shift into a jaguar? What if— “Ouch!” Manuel frowned and rubbed his arm as he looked over at Davan in astonishment. “What in the hell did you do that for?” “Because you’re worrying yourself to death over nothing. I can smell the smoke from here. The children will love you. I do.” Davan scooted to the edge of the seat when the guard opened the door. “Now, come on. It’s time to man up and meet your children.” Manuel chuckled and followed Davan out of the car. Who knew his little mate could be so fierce? Actually, it was kind of a turn-on. Manuel stood behind the car door and rearranged the growing bulge in his pants then walked with Davan toward the front door. He slowed, frowning when Davan paused and started looking around. “What is it?” “The children didn’t come out to meet me,” Davan said. “They always come out to meet me.” Manuel instantly went on alert. He lifted his face into the air and sniffed. He got the strong scent of earth and trees and grass and just a little something else. He just couldn’t quite place what that something else was. It wasn’t a bad smell, but it wasn’t a calming scent either. “I suppose they could be playing in the backyard or taking a nap or something.” The smile that Davan had on his face when he turned

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to look at Manuel was forced, and Manuel knew it. Davan was worried, and that made him worried. “Let me go first.” Manuel nodded to the guard, who took up a stance behind Davan. Manuel led the way up the front steps to the porch and over to the door. He sniffed the air every few steps, searching for something out of place. Manuel cautiously opened the door and looked inside. He couldn’t hear anything out of place, but the moment he opened the door a rush of new scents hit him. Two, Manuel instantly identified as belonging to the children. There was no way to mistake their scents. They smelled like a combination of him and Davan. It was the other scents that worried Manuel. He could smell four distinct, separate scents other than those belonging to Annabelle and Rafael. They smelled slightly like Davan but more tangy, bitter. “I believe we have company, mi amor,” Manuel said as he led the way into the house. He followed the scent to the living room, stopping in the entry when he saw four people in the room. Both of the women were sitting, one on the couch and the other in a chair by the window. The two men in the room stood by the fireplace. One of the men standing by the fireplace was the spitting image of Davan. Manuel barely suppressed a growl when he looked across the room at Dorian Solaris, the man that had caused so much grief with a few naughty pictures. He wanted to jump across the room and demand to know why he had done it, why he had taken intimate photographs then shoved them under the door. He knew that would have to wait for another time when Davan inhaled sharply causing the four occupants in the room to look up. “Hello,” Manuel said when they noticed him. “Is there a reason you’re in my house?” “Your house?” the older of the two men asked. “I was under the impression this house belonged to my son, Elder Solaris.”

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“It does, but it also belongs to me.” “And you are?” “Manuel Rafael Frederico Tejarda.” The woman on the couch inhaled sharply. Both men standing by the fireplace grimaced. Manuel smirked. “I see you’ve heard of me.” “Yes,” Davan’s father said. “And none of it good.” “Then I’ve done my job.” Manuel reached back and held his hand out for Davan. Once the man took it, Manuel pulled his mate forward to stand at his side. “Now, would you like to tell me and my mate what you are doing in our house?” “I do not believe this concerns you, jaguar.” “Considering you’re in my house, I’d say it concerns me very much.” “My name is Valerian Solaris. I am Davan’s father, and I wish to speak to him.” Valerian looked pointedly at Davan. “Alone.” Manuel felt Davan start to shake. He squeezed his hand in reassurance. “Yeah, that’s so not going to happen. Not only am I Davan’s mate, but I am also his personal bodyguard as ordered by the council. I don’t leave his side for anything or anyone.” “Very well.” Manuel walked further into the room, Davan held tightly to his side. He gestured for Valerian to sit down while he took a seat on the couch and pulled Davan down beside him. He chuckled when the woman on the couch quickly stood and walked over to the fireplace. “Davan already gave me a flea dip.” “Your amusement is not appreciated,” Valerian snapped. “We are here to discuss matters of grave importance with Davan.” “Discuss away.” Manuel leaned back against the couch as if he wasn’t facing the threat of three unknown people. He crossed his legs and rested his arm on the back of the couch, idly playing with Davan’s hair.

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Valerian huffed then turned to glare at Davan. He waved his hand toward Manuel. “Is this really necessary? Can’t you grant your family five minutes of your time without a guard by your side?” “No,” Davan replied simply as he leaned back against Manuel and crossed his arms over his chest. Manuel couldn’t have been prouder than when Valerian let out a little growl of frustration. He knew Davan was anxious over the children, but they needed to find out why his family was here before they went after Annabelle and Rafael. Manuel didn’t want the children involved in this. “Nana,” Davan said as he turned to the woman sitting by the window, “why don’t you go see to your duties. I do not believe you need to be involved in this conversation.” The older woman nodded and got to her feet. No one said a word as she shuffled out of the room. Manuel wanted to ask who she was but he knew now would not be the time. He needed to seem as if he belonged here and was not a total stranger. “What do you want, Valerian?” Davan asked. “Your brother is to be married next month.” Davan turned to look at Dorian. “Congratulations.” Dorian shrugged as if the matter didn’t mean anything to him. He didn’t say a word. But Manuel could smell the nervousness in him. He could see it in the way Dorian’s eyes kept darting to his father and mother then back down at the floor. “We’d like you to attend the wedding,” Valerian said. Davan looked skeptical. “Why?” “Don’t you want to attend your brother’s wedding?” “I would if my brother was asking, but he’s not. You are.” Davan folded his hands together. “Now tell me why.” “Your brother is marrying a very important man, a duke. He’s—” “Ah, I see.” Davan chuckled. “And you want me there not because I’m Dorian’s brother but because I’m an elder who just

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happens to be Dorian’s brother. You want the prestige that comes from having the fae elder attend your son’s wedding.” “Davan, really,” Davan’s mother said, speaking for the first time since they entered the room. “Do you have to be so crass?” “Yes, Gena, I must.” Manuel snickered, unable to keep it to himself this time. He loved Davan and the sharp tongue that went with him. He looked over at Davan’s parents and his brother. “Well, if that’s all, I do have a question.” “No, that is not all,” Valerian snapped. “This wedding is very important to Dorian. His betrothed is a very important man and you’d know that if you ever took the time to come home and visit your family.” Davan jumped to his feet and stormed over to his father. He pointed back at Manuel. “That is my family. Annabelle and Rafael are my family. You were nothing but a sperm donor.” Manuel growled and leapt to his feet when Valerian smacked Davan across the face. He was across the room in a blink of an eye. He had his hand wrapped around Valerian’s throat as he held the man against the wall in another blink. “You will die!” Manuel snarled. Valerian’s eyes bulged. He clutched desperately at Manuel’s hand as the air was slowly cut off and his face started to turn blue. “Manuel, no!” Davan yanked on Manuel’s arm. “Please.” Manuel slowly loosened his hold, allowing Valerian to breathe once again. He leaned in close. “You have placed your hand not only on my mate, but an elder. Even you, as stupid as you may be, know that it is an instant death sentence. Be glad your son was here to stop me.” Manuel tossed Valerian aside and reached for his mate. His fingers trembled a little bit as he stroked them over the red mark made on Davan’s face by his father’s hand. “Are you okay, mi amor?” Davan smiled. “I’m fine.”

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Manuel rubbed Davan’s cheek for one more moment then turned to the others in the room. “It is time for you to leave. You are not welcome back.” “I will bring charges against you before the council,” Valerian spit out. “I will see you rot in hell for this.” “Be my guest, but while you are at it you might want to inform the council about how you touched one of the elders, assaulted him. I’m sure they would be very interested. And even if they were not, I’m sure the fae would be interested in knowing how you flaunt fae custom to suit your needs.” “What in the hell are you talking about?” Valerian shouted. “I’ve never flaunted fae customs.” “Oh?” Manuel lifted Davan’s hand, showing off the mating seal on the top of his hand. “We told you we were mates. Davan has the mark to prove it. You can even see his wings fluttering on his back. He has all the signs of being a mated fae.” “And?” “And you touched him. I believe touching a mated fae is against your customs, is it not?” “Well, yes, but I’m his father.” Valerian waved his hand in dismissal. “It doesn’t pertain to immediate family.” “Once Davan and I mated, you were no longer his immediate family. I was. And that means you violated fae custom by touching him.” Manuel laughed. “And if that isn’t enough for you, you touched my mate and I’m a jaguar shifter. By the rules of my people, I have the right to rip you limb from limb.” Valerian met Manuel’s gaze, shooting daggers of anger at him with his eyes. Finally, he huffed and turned toward the door. “Come, Gena, Dorian, we’re leaving. It’s clear that your brother will not be attending your wedding.” “Actually,” Davan said, “if Dorian wants me to attend his wedding, all he needs to do is ask me. I’d be happy to attend my brother’s wedding.”

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“Really?” Dorian whispered, looking shocked. “Of course, I—” Manuel quickly covered Davan’s mouth. He grunted when Davan drove his elbow back into his gut. He dropped his hand and leaned down to whisper in Davan’s ear. “I just have a quick question for Dorian before you agree to attend his wedding.” Davan rolled his eyes. Manuel grinned at him then looked up. “Dorian, why did you slip intimate pictures of you having sex with another man under my door four years ago?” Davan inhaled. Dorian’s face drained of color as his mouth dropped open. Valerian swore and stormed out of the room, Gena hot on his heels. Manuel heard the front door slam closed. A moment later, a car started up then tore down the driveway. “Well, Dorian?” “I—I didn’t.” “Then how did they get there?” Manuel asked. “You did take the pictures, didn’t you?” “I guess, but—” Dorian’s face flushed furiously. “No one was supposed to see them.” “Who’s in the pictures with you?” “The duke. He’s the only one I’ve ever taken pictures with.” Manuel’s eyebrows shot up. “Your betrothed?” Dorian nodded. “We met at the Great Gathering four years ago. We’ve been seeing each other ever since. He finally claimed me at the Great Gathering a few days ago. That’s why we’re planning the wedding.” “But you don’t know how the pictures got to me?” “No, I swear. No one was supposed to see those pictures. They were for our private collection. My betrothed has an album he keeps in our bedroom under lock and key. No one sees those pictures but us.” “Well, someone got a hold of them,” Davan said.

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“Dorian, can you call the duke and ask him if he knows how they got to my room?” Dorian nodded and pulled out his cell phone as he walked over toward the windows at the front of the house. His voice was low enough that Manuel could hear him talking but he couldn’t understand what the man was saying. He turned to Davan instead of trying to eavesdrop. “Are you sure you’re okay, Davan?” “I’m fine, Manuel.” Davan smiled. “Promise.” “I know you have a connection to your family and—” “I have a connection to you and maybe Dorian. But I haven’t felt connected to my parents in years. They are more concerned with how people see them and how prestigious their lives are. They could care less whether I am happy or not.” Dorian cursed as he turned around. “The duke said that he noticed the pictures missing around the time father arrived at the UPAC council to drag us home. The pictures were locked up in his room in a safe box, but somehow they vanished.” “I don’t understand, Dorian,” Manuel said. “How could anyone have gotten into it?” His mind flew through the possibilities. “If I had to bet, I’d say Clair,” Dorian stated. “She is the duke’s personal assistant. She oversees all his business transactions. I’ve never really trusted her, but my betrothed swears by her. She has served the family for many years.” “Do you think she would have betrayed the duke and given father the pictures?” Davan asked. “If he was so against you being mated and keeping the children, I wouldn’t put it past him.” Dorian shrugged. “Money talks and Clair would be the first to jump at the chance to get her hands on some. She always believed she should have been born to a higher station in life. Her father was nobility, but her mother was just a kitchen maid. Personally, I think she’s pissed at the world for not being born with a silver spoon in her mouth.”

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“Is there any way to find out?” “My duke is asking her now.” Dorian grinned. “He can be very… err…persuasive.” Manuel chuckled when Davan’s mouth dropped open. He could just imagine how persuasive the duke could be. Luckily, Dorian didn’t seem to have a problem with it. “Is marrying the duke what you want, Dorian?” Manuel asked. “Or is your family making you?” “Oh no, I definitely want to marry the guy. It would be kind of awkward now if I didn’t. He claimed me as his mate at the Great Gathering.” A sparkle of something Manuel recognized as possessiveness entered Dorian’s eyes as he smiled. “I’m perfectly happy with the way things have turned out. My betrothed being a duke is just a bonus.” The phone Dorian clutched in his hand suddenly rang. Dorian flipped it open and listened. He nodded several times then blew a kiss and said good-bye. A wide smile graced his lips as he snapped the phone closed. “It seems the duke is in need of a new secretary,” Dorian said. “Clair admitted to sliding the pictures under your door, Manuel. Father paid her to do it. He offered her an endless supply of Prada and Gucci and an introduction in the right circles to do it.” Manuel growled. Dorian quickly held up his hand. “The duke is already calling the council to bring charges of theft, bribery, blackmail, and interference with a lawful mating against father. Clair won’t be going down alone.” Manuel felt Davan shudder in his arms. He quickly glanced down at him. “Are you okay with that, Davan?” “Yes, I just can’t believe after all this time father is finally going to get what’s coming to him.”

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“Mother, too,” Dorian said. “She had a hand in this as well. That couple she set up to adopt the twins? They were relatives of Clair’s. She helped mother set the whole thing up.” “Damn, the children!” Davan pulled away from Manuel and started running out of the living room. “I forgot about the children.”

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Chapter 11 Davan could hear Manuel’s heavy steps running behind him as he bounded up the stairs. He couldn’t believe he had forgotten about the children, but in all of the chaos, maybe it had been a good thing. He didn’t ever want them subjected to his father’s ire. He slowed his steps when he reached the door of the nursery so that Manuel could catch up. Manuel looked a little gray around the edges of his face when he stopped next to him. Davan reached out and grabbed his hand. “Stop being so nervous. The children will love you.” “That’s easy for you to say.” Manuel swallowed hard and glanced at the closed door. “They already love you.” “And they already love you.” “They don’t know me. What if they hate me once they get to know me? What if—” Davan reached up and covered Manuel’s lips with his fingers. “They will love you. Just give them a chance.” Manuel swallowed again then nodded. “Do you want me to go first?” Manuel’s eyes rounded as he nodded again, more quickly this time. “Please.” Davan turned his head as he smiled, hiding the grin on his face. He opened the door and walked in, scanning the room for the children. Squeals of joy filled the room when the children spotted him. Davan dropped to his knees and opened his arms to welcome the children. A heavy weight lifted from his chest as Annabelle and

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Rafael jumped into his arms and hugged him as tight as their little arms would allow. He knew he held the richest treasures in the world in his arms. Only one more thing would make it perfect. Davan kissed each of the children on the head then sat back to look at their happy, round faces. “I have a surprise for you.” “Is it father?” Annabelle said right off. “Is he home?” “Would you like that?” Davan asked. “Oh yes, yes, Daddy.” Annabelle started clapping her hands together. Her face lit up with excitement and her blonde pigtails bounced around her head as she jumped around. Rafael just nodded rapidly, his dark curls flopping around his face. Davan smiled and turned toward the open doorway. “Manuel.” Davan could see the anxiety eating away at Manuel’s confidence as the man stepped into the doorway. His hands were clenched tight, his face drawn back in a tight grimace. Manuel swallowed hard and knelt down on the floor just inside the door. Manuel stared at the children. Annabelle and Rafael stared at Manuel. “Hello, children,” Manuel finally whispered. “Father!” Annabelle squealed and tore across the small space between them then threw herself into Manuel’s arms. Rafael hesitated for a split second then raced after his sister. Manuel enveloped them both in his large arms and held them tight to his chest. Tears sprang to Davan’s eyes at the joy radiating from Manuel. His mate’s own eyes looked suspiciously wet when he looked over at Davan. “Thank you,” Manuel mouthed. Davan just nodded. His thanks came in watching the man he loved finally being united with his children. He didn’t need anything else. ****

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Davan chuckled when Manuel slumped down on the side of the bed next to him. He rolled over onto his side and stroked his hand along Manuel’s slick, muscular chest. “Tired, honey?” “Geez, how do you keep up with them?” Manuel groaned. “Where do you find the energy? They’re like pint-sized forces of nature.” “You should have seen them when they were teething at the same time. The Great War between paranormals had nothing on them.” Manuel laughed. His face was tired but happy when he turned to look at Davan. Davan leaned his face into the hand Manuel stroked along the side of his face. It was tender, gentle, and filled Davan with a sense of peace he didn’t remember feeling before. “You did well with them, Davan,” Manuel whispered. “They are wonderful children.” “They are,” Davan replied. “They were certainly excited to see you.” “It was weird, like they actually knew me.” “We talked about you a lot. I wanted the children to know who you were, remember?” “Yeah, but that was really weird. You shared so much with them. I mean, they actually talked about their Uncle Jorge.” Manuel frowned. “How did they even know who he was?” “I told them, although I did leave out your older brother and your father. After meeting them, I didn’t even want the children to know about them.” “I’ve always been impressed with your level of intelligence.” Manuel rolled over onto his side and gestured with his hand. “I’d be even more impressed if you moved a little closer.” Davan grinned and scooted over. “Is this close enough?” he asked when there were only a few inches between them. “Nope.” Davan scooted closer. “This?” “Nope.”

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Davan pushed Manuel onto his back and then climbed on top of him. He stretched out over the top of the man. “How about this? Is this close enough?” “Almost.” Davan huffed and pushed himself up. “Manuel, I can’t get any closer unless I climb inside you.” “Actually.” Manuel grinned wickedly. “I was planning to climb inside of you.” Heat instantly infused every inch of Davan’s body. “Oh.” “I want to see your wings flutter, mi amor.” Davan gulped. “Flutter?” “Your wings flutter and spread pixie dust whenever you’re aroused.” Davan knew that. He just didn’t know Manuel knew that. It made him wonder what else Manuel knew. Davan swallowed hard at the image of Manuel stroking his wings. It made his cock rock hard just picturing it. “Did you know that our wings are very sensitive?” Manuel’s dark eyebrow arched. “Oh?” Davan nodded. “It’s a closely guarded secret.” “I won’t tell,” Manuel whispered. Davan could see the glint in Manuel’s eyes. He shivered, knowing he was in for a night he would never forget. “Just what did you have in mind?” Manuel grinned. “Get undressed and stretch out on your stomach.” Davan frowned, confused, but did as Manuel asked. He rolled to the side of the bed and stood, starting to strip his clothes off as he watched Manuel do the same on the other side of the bed. God, the man was fucking magnificent. Davan was finding it hard to breathe when he climbed back onto the bed and stretched out in the middle of the mattress on his stomach.

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His stomach clenched in anticipation as the bottom of the mattress dipped. Manuel was climbing onto the bed. Davan felt the man settled between his legs. He couldn’t tell right away if Manuel was lying down or kneeling. He was too nervous to look. Manuel’s hands landed on his ass. Davan jumped. “Your wings are starting to flutter, Davan.” Davan groaned. He knew that. A deep shudder racked his body when Manuel’s fingers skimmed the edges of his wings where they met his back. That was the most sensitive part. And Manuel’s deep chuckle said he knew it. “I think I’m going to like this.” Davan shuddered again when Manuel’s fingers and lips began an all-out assault on his body. The mere touch of Manuel’s fingers was enough to make him nearly blow. The feeling of Manuel’s tongue inching ever closer to that sweet spot made Davan want to beg. “Please, Manny.” “Is this what my baby wants?” Manuel asked right before his tongue slid around the edge of Davan’s wings where they connected with the appendage. Davan bucked wildly. The sensation of Manuel licking his wings felt better than having his cock licked. There just wasn’t anything like it in the world. He couldn’t, for the life of him, figure out why more people didn’t want wings. If they knew what type of pleasure came from being touched or licked, they’d all want wings. Davan felt Manuel’s fingers breach his ass. At the same time, the man’s warm tongue brushed over his wings. The twin sensations were mind boggling. Davan’s wings began to flutter passionately. Davan started moving, humping the mattress as more fingers pressed into his tight opening. He couldn’t do anything else. The need to come built in his system until he couldn’t think of anything else. His cock ached. Each time it rubbed against the mattress Davan thought he might come, but that delicious release was denied him. The pressure just kept building.

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“Manny!” Davan screamed. “Ah, now that is the sound I’ve been waiting for,” Manuel said as he pulled Davan up onto his knees. Davan whimpered in protest when Manuel’s fingers pulled out of his ass, but he screamed in delight when Manuel’s cock slammed into him. Manuel’s hands, instead of grabbing his hips as they usually did, wrapped around Davan’s wings where they entered his back. “I want glitter, mi amor,” Manuel growled. “I want you to bathe me in it.” “Harder!” Davan shouted. “Fuck me harder.” Any clear thought Davan might have had melted when Manuel started pounding into him. His hole ached from the punishment but what a glorious ache it was. It let him know he was alive, that Manuel wanted him. He didn’t care that he probably wouldn’t be able to walk or sit down for the next few days. He welcomed each forceful thrust. “Give me my dust, Davan,” Manuel whispered as he leaned over Davan. “I want my pixie dust.” Davan’s entire body seized when Manuel’s canines sank into the side of his neck. Every nerve in his body felt like it was on fire. He was burning from the inside out, and all Davan could do was surrender to the flames. Davan tossed his head back and screamed as he was consumed by the fires raging inside of him. Hot spunk shot from his cock and covered the mattress below him, his body detonating without a single touch to his cock. Just when he thought he would melt right into the mattress, Manuel reared back and roared. Burning hot lava filled Davan’s ass. Davan felt like he was being branded from the inside out. The intensity of the moment was increased when a warm, gentle feeling entered Davan’s body. It started where Manuel’s body connected with him on such an intimate level and traveled outward until his very fingertips tingled.

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“Love you, Davan,” Manuel murmured as he kissed the side of Davan’s head then rolled them onto their sides. He cuddled up to Davan’s back, plastering their two bodies together. And that’s when he knew, when Manuel’s words sank into his heart and filled it to bursting. Davan smiled and reached back to grabbed Manuel’s arm and bring it around in front of him. He had so much to be thankful for in that very moment. “Manny,” he whispered softly, “you’re going to be a father.” “I already am a father.” Manuel chuckled. Davan glanced over his shoulder at the love of his life, the man that had made his heart beat for the last four years. “We just made another one.” Manuel’s eyes rounded in wonder, and what looked like a bit of shock. He glanced down at Davan’s abdomen then back up to his face. He repeated this motion two more times then licked his lips. “Are you sure?” “Yes, I’m sure.” Davan grabbed Manuel’s hand and pressed it against his abdomen. “You can’t feel him yet, but he’s there.” “He?” Manuel squeaked. “He, she, them.” Davan shrugged. “What does it matter?” Manuel was silent for a moment then chuckled and kissed Davan. “I guess it doesn’t, as long he or she or they are healthy and happy.” “Yep.” Davan turned back around and rested his head on the pillow. He could feel Manuel settled behind him, the man’s hot breath blowing across the back of his neck. He felt relaxed, happy, loved. This was his idea of heaven. “God, I could just stay like this forever.” Manuel moaned then kissed the top of Davan’s head. “Me, too,” Davan murmured.

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Manuel’s hands stroked down the side of his body, soothing him as much as nothing else would have. Davan craved Manuel’s touch, but he needed these soft touches after sex to know it wasn’t just sex. The man jerked when there was a sudden pounding on the bedroom door followed by the children’s voices speaking excitedly. Davan rolled over onto his back when Manuel pulled away and scrambled to the side of the bed. He chuckled as he leaned up on his elbows and watched Manuel dress like his life depended on it. “Welcome to fatherhood.”

THE END WWW.STORMYGLENN.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stormy believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two or three men in cowboy boots. She also believes in love at first sight, soul Mates, true love, and happy endings. Stormy lives in the great Northwest region of the USA, with her gorgeous husband and soul Mate, six very active teenagers, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cat, and one fish. You can usually find her cuddled in bed with a book in her hand and a puppy in her lap, or on her laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of her stories. Stormy welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website at www.stormyglenn.com

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Siren Classic ManLove: Midnight Matings: Scales and a Tail Siren Classic ManLove: Midnight Matings: Fang and Fur Siren Classic ManLove: Midnight Matings: White Paws and a Dream Ménage Amour ManLove: Tasty Treats 5: Cowboy Dreams Siren Classic ManLove: My Lupine Lover Siren Classic ManLove: The Master’s Pet Siren Classic ManLove: Elemental Demons 1: Fire Demon Siren Classic ManLove: Elemental Demons 2: Air Demon Siren Classic: Wolf Queen Siren Classic ManLove: His Gentle Touch Ménage Amour: Mating Heat Siren Classic ManLove: Shake, Rattle, and Roll

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