14. Ore

"Ican't believe we're doing this."

"You don't have to whisper," Cash said, laughing. He pulled his shirt off over his head and tossed it toward Ore. "We're miles from town."

"Okay, yes," Ore said, dodging to the side so it landed on a large boulder behind him. "But are you saying it's completely outside the realm of possibility that somebody else has decided they want to go for a midnight swim but didn't want to do it too near town?"

Cash paused where he was unbuckling his pants and cocked his head to one side. "I guess it's not completely outside the realm of possibility, no. Though I don't know how whispering will make you invisible. Are all birds embarrassed to be seen naked, or is this just a you thing, little bit?"

Ore's feathers ruffled at the implication, and he crossed his arms over his chest. It was difficult to stay indignant as Cash dropped his pants to the ground and kicked them away. "I'm not embarrassed. I just…" He stopped. What was he again? Goddess, Cash looked good wearing nothing but moonlight. "I just don't want anyone sneaking up on us when we're not expecting it," he finished with a flourish, planting his hands on his hips.

Cash grinned at him, slow and easy. "Whatever you say. Now, get naked."

Ore sucked in a breath, his heart tripping in his chest as his blood heated. He held Cash's gaze as he slowly stripped off his borrowed T-shirt and the pair of jeans he'd snagged after Cash woke him up and told him to get dressed. He'd been a little surprised, not sure if he should be worried about a middle-of-the-night trip after everything that had happened that day. But he should have known that his grumpy cat was looking to reconnect.

As much as they'd both been waiting for Ore's memories to come back, the fact that they finally were was a devastating blow. Unless something changed with the Silver Oak Pack within the next couple of days, Ore would be forced to leave once his parents arrived from California. He was excited to see them but, at the same time, heartsick at the idea of leaving Cash behind.

The call with them had been both a relief and strained at the same time. While their voices had been familiar—thank the goddess—the way they'd spoken had seemed… odd. He wasn't sure if it was his patchwork memory playing tricks on him or if he'd parted with them on bad terms and didn't remember that yet. Either way, they'd offered to come to Kansas right away, claiming they couldn't wait to see him.

He wanted that, truly. But…

Cash backed into the water, beckoning Ore with his fingers. How could he give him up?

He told himself he wouldn't think about it—not when he had a sexy panther standing mid-thigh in water that glittered with moonbeams. His ivory skin and glowing tattoos were an irresistible beacon.

Tomorrow would come soon enough; he'd let himself have the night.

The water was cooler than it had been during the day, and Ore shivered lightly, but he didn't stop, following Cash deeper and deeper. They went far enough that Ore had to start swimming, unable to keep his feet under him without ducking below the surface. Cash, still walking along the bottom, laughed at him and then pulled Ore into his arms so they were flush together.

Ore was more than happy to be skin-to-skin with Cash. He wrapped his arms and legs around him, holding on tightly. Their faces were only inches apart, the water moving gently around them as they shared breaths.

The moon was still full enough that he could clearly see every detail, but it wasn't necessary. He'd long since memorized the arch of Cash's brows and the bow of his lips.

But he couldn't look away, couldn't stop staring.

What if it was the last time they'd get to be together like this, just the two of them, before Ore had to leave? He didn't want to miss a single moment of it. Wanted to capture a million snapshots in his head so he could carry them with him forever.

The soft smile on Cash's lips faded, his scent turning heavy with worry.

"Don't think about it," Ore whispered, pressing a quick kiss to his mouth. "Just enjoy this moment while we have it."

"Ore, I'm not just going to let them take you away from me."

He pressed a finger to Cash's mouth to stop him. "Don't make me any promises right now. Neither one of us knows what's going to happen as I get more memories back. I don't want to be even more heartbroken if you have to break a promise to me later."

Cash's jaw bunched as he clenched his teeth together. "That wasn't just some hopeful wish," he said against Ore's finger. "Unless you remember having a mate already and tell me you don't want me anymore, I'm not letting you go, little bit. You're mine."

Heat rushed through him before settling low in his belly. "But what if?—"

"Mine."

Something settled inside him at the sharp word, and he leaned in closer, resting his head on Cash's shoulder. "Yours. What if I can't stay though?"

Cash's arms tightened around him, one hand slipping down to his ass and giving a firm squeeze. "Then I come with you."

Ore's head shot back up. "What? No. You can't just leave?—"

"Yes, I can."

"But you've worked so hard! The pack depends on you. How can you?—"

"Nothing and no one is more important to me than you, Ore." He held Ore's eyes, a hint of a glow deep in his pale blue irises.

"What about Pops?" he whispered, even as his brain screamed at him to shut up. Take the win and figure out the details later.

Cash lost some of the fierceness in his face. "Depending on where we end up, I'll either ask him to join us or visit as often as I can. Would that be alright? Him potentially living with us?"

He cupped the sides of his sweet cat's face. How had he gotten so damn lucky? "Of course that would be alright. You know I adore him."

"He can be kind of cranky when his pain flares up," Cash warned him.

Ore arched his brows. "That's fine. What's your excuse?"

An evil twinkle lit up Cash's eyes, and that was the only warning Ore got before he pretended to drop him, letting him slide a few inches down before hiking him back up.

Gasping, Ore slapped at his chest. "You jerk!"

"What was that?" Cash asked, loosening his grip a little on Ore's thighs.

With a laugh that carried across the water, Ore wrapped himself around Cash as tightly as he could. "I take it back. You're always sunshine and rainbows."

Chuckling, Cash pinched his butt. "Let's not get carried away."

He pressed his smile into Cash's neck, letting himself get lost for a minute in the coolness of the water as it fought against the heat radiating from Cash. There was the softest of breezes, ruffling his hair and the leaves in the trees back on shore. Cash held him close, a rumbly purr vibrating his chest.

It was a perfect moment.

"Have you remembered anything else?" Cash asked softly.

Back at Fern's, the only thing he'd known for sure was his parents. Not all the details about them, but their faces, scents, and voices. There were other things that had popped up when Fern had finished—people and places, snapshots without much context. He still couldn't remember where he'd been or what had happened to him before he'd arrived in Silver Oak.

When he'd expressed his frustration before he and Cash had headed home, Fern had assured him that it would in time. She'd finished rebuilding the bridge to his memories, and now they just had to ease across.

Personally, he thought she was overdoing it with the analogy, but he supposed it made sense.

"I have three sisters," he said, tracing the edge of Cash's ear. "I only remember one of their names," he added with a grimace. "Hannah. She's the youngest."

"Where do you fall in the order?"

"I'm pretty sure I'm the oldest and that they still live with our parents, but don't hold me to that."

Cash stroked up his back, then back down to his ass. "I won't. Be patient with yourself."

"I know. It's just hard. It feels like everything is right there, just behind a curtain, but the more I tug at it, the more stuck it gets." Ore sighed and snuggled closer, determined not to let his annoyance ruin their romantic night.

"Stop tugging at it, little bit."

Smirking, Ore kept his face hidden as he said with innocent confusion, "But that's not what you said the other night."

Cash snorted and gripped his cheeks tighter. "Brat."

He snickered, lifting his head and nuzzling against Cash's cheek. Birds weren't usually so affectionate, but it felt amazing when Cash gave him little touches and strokes, scenting him whenever he got the chance, and he knew his cat liked it when he returned the gestures. All he ever wanted to do was make Cash happy, ease some of the burden of all of his important responsibilities.

"What am I going to do with you, troublemaker?"

"I have some suggestions," Ore said, wiggling closer and rubbing his hard dick against Cash's belly.

Groaning, Cash tightened his hold, preventing him from continuing to grind against all his delicious muscles. "I didn't bring any supplies for that."

Ore pouted. "None of these magical tattoos can automatically lube your dick? Seems like a missed opportunity…"

Cash barked out a laugh. "I'll let Jorge know. Maybe he can come up with something."

He stroked a finger over the one that glowed right below his collarbone. They were so beautiful, but that wasn't why he liked them so much. "I'm glad you have extra protection to help keep you safe. I suppose that's good enough."

Face softening, Cash leaned close and rubbed his nose against Ore's before pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. "You don't need to worry about me being safe, little bit."

"Yes, I do. That's what you do when you love someone."

The words hung in the air around them. He should probably be embarrassed he'd just blurted that out without meaning to, but he wasn't. He couldn't be. It was true, and he wanted Cash to know. There was still a sliver of worry inside him that things would change between them once all of his memories were back, and he needed to let Cash know how he felt before it was maybe too late.

Cash shifted one of his hands to better support him and then lifted the other to palm the side of Ore's face. It was wet and cold, but he leaned into it anyway, always so hungry for his touch.

"You love me?" Cash asked hoarsely, voice barely more than a whisper.

He held Cash's hopeful and terrified eyes. "I do. I think I fell for you that first night. When you let me into your bed without hesitation because I was scared and didn't want to be alone."

A rush of air gusted out of Cash's mouth as his eyes squeezed shut, and he bowed his head for a second. Ore stroked one of his bristly cheeks, down his neck to his shoulder, and then back up, soothing him as best as he could.

"Are you okay?" he murmured, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Cash nodded and lifted his face, tears shining in his eyes. "Yeah. I just… Fuck, I didn't realize it would hit me so hard. Knowing you feel the same way I do is… Goddess, it's like the sun is shining in my chest, warming me from the inside out."

Ore smiled softly, brushing a thumb under Cash's eyes and prompting, "You feel the same way?"

"Yes," Cash said, grinning so widely Ore could just about count all his teeth. "I love you, my beautiful, sweet, sexy bird. I fought it so long, trying to protect myself, but loving you isn't a risk. It's… everything. I don't need anything else."

Ore's heart thumped like a bass drum, his blood heating and spreading out from his chest to his limbs. He was hyperaware of how close—and alone—they were, his skin becoming so sensitive every brush of water sent a shiver through him until he was a vibrating mess of excitement and joy.

"I want you to have everything though," Ore insisted. "We'll figure something out. If we need to leave, we'll find a pack that sees the value in you and your skills and will make you an Enforcer right away."

Cash grunted and shrugged, taking a few steps forward. "Maybe Kincaid needs another."

The name tickled at Ore's brain, and then he gasped and slapped at Cash's chest. "The guy who blew up the Shifter Council?"

"Remember that, huh?"

"Yes! And we're not going somewhere where you'd be in danger all the time. He has too many enemies now."

Cash stopped, the water at his waist now. "Yes, dear."

Ore huffed and rolled his eyes. "I'm serious. We'll find a nice peaceful and safe pack. One full of cubs for you to play with."

Brushing his thumb over Ore's cheek, Cash tipped his lips up. "What about a few of our own?"

Ore swallowed and stared at him. "You'd want that?"

"If you do."

He could picture it so damn easily. A bigger house full of hatchlings—or cubs, or pups, or whoever needed them—and noise and so much love it was bursting at the seams.

"I think I do," he whispered, then shivered. Now that some of his wet skin was exposed, he was getting cold. "Let's go home, baby. We can argue over names for our future kids."

"Not just yet." Cash planted both hands on Ore's ass and lowered him into the water.

He sucked in a breath, his mostly hard dick brushing against Cash's much, much bigger one. Which was fully hard. He shivered for a whole new reason, peering up into Cash's softly glowing eyes.

Holding his gaze, Cash used his hold to press Ore more tightly against him and then lifted him, rubbing Ore up the entire length of Cash's cock. He moaned—loudly—and threw his head back.

"Oh goddess. Again."

Cash chuckled, but it was a little shaky, his fingers digging into Ore's cheeks as he did as Ore demanded. The slow grind down and then back up was just as good as the first time. He grasped at Cash's shoulders, needing to hold on to something as his mate rocked his damn world with some frottage.

In a lake.

Under a radiant moon.

Oh shit. Cash had some smooth moves. Ore wasn't sure if he'd survive anymore.

But he couldn't wait to find out.

Cash kept the same, achingly slow pace for ages, driving Ore out of his mind. Pleasure was building inside him, but so gradually, it was more of a tease than anything else.

Whining and shifting his hips to get more friction, Ore begged, "More, please. I need more. Need it harder and faster."

He peeled his eyes open and found Cash staring at him with bright, glowing eyes and fangs peeking out to dig into his lower lip. "All you had to do was ask, little bit," he growled.

He adjusted his hold, tilting Ore's pelvis up and forcing him even tighter against that massive cock. Instead of shifting Ore, Cash drove his hips up with a sharp grunt.

"Fuck yes," Ore moaned, letting his head drop back. He could feel every vein and ridge, the pressure exquisite. "Just like that."

His mind got hazy as Cash gave him everything he'd asked for and more. All he could feel was his tight grip on his cheeks. All he could hear were their panting breaths and soft noises of pleasure. But it was Cash's scent that was driving him wild. The intoxicating bouquet was usually dominated by leather and lavender, but as they both climbed higher, nearing the peak of their mounting pleasure, the lighter, more elusive fresh air high up in the trees scent grew stronger, overshadowing the rest and filling Ore's head until he was dizzy with it.

"Cash," he groaned, digging his nails into the back of his neck and bicep. His balls drew up, a tingle crawling down his spine.

His cat growled a response, speeding up his thrusts, chasing the release that was just out of reach.

"Next time we do this," Ore muttered breathlessly, "you better be inside me and end with your teeth in my neck."

Cash's head shot up, his focus having dropped to what was happening just beneath the surface, a low, brain-melting hiss filling the air around them. Then he was jerking, his eyes squeezing shut and face twisting with a grimace. His come drifted away in the water before it could hit Ore's skin, but he could feel the throbbing of Cash's dick against him.

Fuck, he was so close.

Sucking in a breath, Cash shook his head and opened his eyes. They were still glowing a little, but his fangs had receded. Ore was a little sad to see them go. He loved watching his cat let go and embrace his panther.

He squeaked as Cash hiked him up… and up. He lifted him with such ease Ore's belly fluttered even as he grabbed at his head to steady himself. Not that Cash would ever let him wobble.

The back of his thighs landed on Cash's shoulders, and he stared down with wide eyes, his dick right there, a couple of inches from Cash's mouth.

"Whatcha doing," he rasped out, licking his lips.

Cash grinned up at him, not answering, then leaned forward and swallowed Ore's cock whole.

"Fuck!" he yelped, arching back. His mouth was so hot and wet, providing perfect suction as he worked his short length with his tongue.

He whimpered, right back to the edge within seconds. He tried to hold back, wanting the moment to last forever.

But then Cash used his tongue to scoop Ore's sac into the furnace that was his mouth.

Crying out so loudly it scared some birds in nearby trees, he shot onto Cash's talented tongue as every muscle in his body spasmed and tightened almost painfully. His head was nothing but static for a while, the waves of ecstasy hitting him over and over again.

When he finally came to, Cash was nuzzling in next to his sensitive, limp dick. He was purring so loudly it was like the night was vibrating around them.

"That was…" He had no words. World altering? Mind melting? The best thing since the invention of the wheel?

"Me too, little bit." He nipped at the inside of Ore's thigh, causing him to shudder. "Now we can go home."