Chapter Twenty Cory

I t took some convincing to get me to leave the hotel room even after we'd fucked for the third time that morning. The first two were in bed but the third happened accidentally while we were in the shower. Still, I was ready for another round despite the fact that I was fairly certain my dick might fall off if I didn't give it a break. Besides, Liam was getting a little sore too. His first foray into bottoming turned into a triple play and while my dick wasn't as big as his, I was still no slouch in that department. And I didn't even have Alpha genes to help me out.

It was Liam that finally convinced me to go. I was on the verge of cancelling my lunch plans with David, but Liam wouldn't hear of it. He said the last thing he wanted was to come between me and my friends. He didn't even care that David was gay. I don't know why I expected him to be jealous. Maybe it was the Alpha thing. But Liam was easy going and accepting of all my friendships. I counted myself lucky to have such a wonderful guy at my side and in my bed. His unwavering trust in me made me feel like I had everything. I loved it.

So, with a huff and a long-winded goodbye that devolved into making out and groping, I finally left and headed for the cafe. When I got there, I found David already at a table waiting for me .

"Did you get lost?" he asked as I slid into the chair opposite him.

My cheeks flushed red. "Uh… distracted."

David lifted an eyebrow, his gaze drifting from my ruffled hair to my mismatched clothes. "I can see that. Hard time getting out of bed today?" He leaned closer. "Or just hard in bed?"

"You might say that."

"Well at least one of us is getting laid," he sighed, a tinge of jealousy in his voice. "Was it good at least?"

I nodded, wanting to talk about it but also not wanting to kiss and tell. "It was the best I've ever had."

"Does your boyfriend need a boyfriend?"

It was my turn to quirk an eyebrow.

"I hear polyamory is all the rage now. The more the merrier, right?"

I knew he was only kidding. The alt grin on his face told me that much. But behind it there was something else, a sort of sad longing.

"I'm sorry Shifter Grove is so small," I replied, catching his meaning. "It doesn't leave a lot to choose from."

"There's guys in this town," he sighed, leaning back in his chair and running his fingers through his blond hair. "They just don't want to date. Even getting to the sex is getting difficult. Am I that unattractive?"

"David, don't fish for compliments. You know you're hot. You almost got my boss."

"Yeah, until his man came in and basically threatened to beat me up."

"River is a little… protective, " I said. "He's loosened up now. They were in a weird place at the time."

"Yeah, well, he was the last real date I had."

I opened my mouth to explain how it never would've worked between them. There was the fact that Vince was mates with River. And of course, the werewolf thing. I had a feeling that was the biggest issue, actually. David was right, there were plenty of guys in Shifter Grove that were into men. But all of them were werewolves. And that meant exposing their secret if they ever got involved with a human. Despite the fact that we were far removed from any pack, a lot of wolves thought dating humans was strictly taboo. And so, David was stuck with the possibility of hookups, but never anything more unless he either moved out of Shifter Grove or started dating in another city on the weekends. Both of which were unlikely considering his house was just outside town near Lake Huron.

But how could I ever hope to explain all that to him? I wanted to tell him about myself and share my secret with him. However, not knowing how he would react was the problem. If he took the news well, everything would be fine. But if he didn't… well, then I'd lose my best friend in the entire world. Losing Liam had nearly killed me, and I had a feeling losing David wouldn't feel much better. We had a bond in our own special way, and it was just as important to me.

Rather than risk it, I kept my wolfy secrets to myself.

"Sorry," David said at last, shaking his head. "I'm just complaining. No reason to throw a pity party." He looked up at me with a grin. "I don't want to end up sounding like one of those sad TikTok twinks that's always saying no one will date them. I hate that shit."

"I mean, at least you have a decent personality. They're not getting dates because they're cunts."

"Cory!" David gasped, holding his hand to his chest like an offended Victorian lady. "How dare you use such language in front of me!"

"I'm just getting started."

"Getting laid has turned you into quite the harlot, I see." He leaned across the table on one elbow. "So, I imagine you're gonna cancel our hiking date to get more ass, right?"

"I'd be lying to you if I said I wanted to go hiking…" I combed my fingers through my hair nervously as an idea struck me. "But it might be a good outing for you to meet Liam."

"Ooh! It must be serious if you want me to meet him."

"I want you to meet him… well, because…" I let out a long sigh . "Because I want you to see that he's not a bad guy. I know you have your reservations, but he really has changed. And I want you two to be friends."

"So, I probably shouldn't bring beer and cocaine on this hike, yeah?"

"What? Why?"

David's eyebrows shot up and I realized I'd forgotten my lies. "Uh… because he's a recovering addict. Right?"

"Oh yeah! Yep! I almost forgot."

David didn't push it, but the look in his eye told me he suspected something. "Well, tell him to dress warm and in layers for this hike because it's gonna be at least five miles through the snow."

"Fuuuuuck…" I groaned. "That sounds terrible."

"It was your idea."

"Yeah! Meeting my boyfriend, not the hiking part!"

"You'll be fine," he grinned, poking me in the arm. "Besides, you gotta keep your muscle mass up so you can smash more effectively. Don't need you getting lazy on the guy."

"I do a perfectly adequate job, I'll have you know," I huffed. "He was very satisfied."

"Let me get this straight. You gave your man an adequate weinering and you think that's a glowing review?"

"I fucking hate you sometimes, you know?"

"I'm just trying to help you up your weiner game."

"Stop saying weiner."

"Weiner, weiner, weiner."

I pushed myself up from my chair. "I'm getting lunch."

"Oh. You getting the weiner? I hear it's good here."

"For fuck's sake, David!" But I couldn't help laughing as I wrapped my arm around his neck and hauled him out of his chair. "Stop saying weiner !"

It came out as more of a shout and I looked up to see several people, including the barista staring at us. I felt myself turn bright red as I let go of David and tried to pretend like I was just straightening my jacket.

"Oh my god, Cory," David grinned ear to ear. "Stop acting like such a child."

I gritted my teeth, a combination of laughter and embarrassment threatening to consume me. "I fucking hate you so much."

"Love you too, buddy."