Chapter 5

Five

Symon had watched Adrian work a good bit of the night. In fact, the guy had never let up except to grab a piece of cold pizza and munch on it.

And he’d fixed the app, but he was still trying to find out how the code had broken.

And it was almost dawn.

“Adrian, you need to get some rest.”

“No. Go on home. I’m so close.”

“I don’t think so. Someone made sure to hide their tracks. You need to come back with fresh eyes.” He couldn’t bear to watch Adrian drink another Coke.

“I—I have to.” Those pretty eyes were bright red. He needed to call them a car. There was room at his place.

“No.” He dialed his driver. “I need a pickup at the office.” He drove himself a lot, but he’d had Rudy drive him in when the emergency call came in, knowing he might be too tired by the time he went home. And he liked to have a driver so he could work in the car.

“Yes, sir. On my way.”

“I’ll take you home, or you can come back to my house, but you’re done working today.”

Those big eyes blinked up at him, so exhausted.

“Your house?”

“Yes. It’s safer for you there.”

“Safer?” Adrian blinked harder. “Why wouldn’t I be safe at home?”

“Because if someone is willing to sabotage the code, they might be up for going after the only guy who can fix it.”

“Oh, I doubt that…”

He didn’t. In fact, he didn’t doubt it a bit. Symon’s instincts insisted that he needed to protect this omega.

“I’m rarely wrong about the big picture.” Symon put a hand on Adrian’s shoulder. “Come on. And bring your laptop.”

“Let me log out of the big computer too. That way they can’t use my passwords.”

“Good man.” Well, at least Adrian was going to stop arguing.

Adrian shut his console down, and started packing up. He smelled of sugar and worry, and Symon wanted to scoop him up and hold him.

“Come on, honey. My driver is picking us up.” He scented the air as he opened the door of the workroom, then steered Adrian to the elevator.

“All right. I’ll just go to the apartment. Catch some z’s and then finish it in a bit.”

“No. I want you to come with me. I’ll bring you back in tomorrow.” Symon offered Adrian the least wolfish smile he had. “I have a big house. You’ll be safe and comfortable.”

“I—Is that weird?”

“Not at all. I want you to be in a safe place.” And if he just took Adrian back to his apartment, he would end up working again in an hour. If they went to his house, Adrian would be an hour out of town and without a ride.

“Oh. Okay.”

“Night, Willie,” he said as they passed the security desk. “Be on the lookout for Carl or his people.”

“Yessir.” Willie nodded. “That’s a bad one. I’ve heard things.”

“Well, I’ll be careful. Believe me. I have a strong pack.”

“Good deal.” Willie waved them out, and he walked Adrian outside, where they stood in the chilly early-morning air, waiting.

Adrian shivered, the poor little wolf so exhausted, so worn through.

The car pulled up, and he handed Adrian in, then slid in next to him, and he stilled Adrian with a touch of his hand, keeping him from sliding away to the other end of the seat.

“Thanks, Rudy. Just in time. It was getting cold.”

“No worries, sir. Sit back and relax and I’ll take you home.”

He leaned back in the seat, grateful for the seat warmers, even through his suit jacket. When Adrian shivered again, Symon pulled him close, sharing body heat.

“S-s-sorry. I have a chill.”

“You’re exhausted. It’s understandable.”

“I didn’t think I was that bad. I guess…” A light snore sounded, Adrian dropping right off.

He rumbled softly, keeping the sweet body close. Poor sweet omega. He wanted Adrian badly, but he wasn’t going to push. This one needed rest.

Care.

Attention.

It was almost undeniable.

He wanted more of Adrian altogether.

“Tough day, boss?” Rudy asked quietly.

“Just a long one. He worked hard.”

“Looks like it. Hate it when the omegas are overworked.” Rudy was a very traditional alpha, and his omega was treated like a pasha.

“Yes. And someone did this deliberately, I’m sure of it.” He was going to find out who, too.

“Well, he’ll be safe as houses at yours. We’ll make sure of it.” That little growl was certain.

“Yes. I’ll be on top of it, Rudy. He’s a good man.” He could tell how much Adrian cared about things.

And there was something about the wolf resting against his arm. It was impossible not to adore him. He was just totally unassuming, utterly geeky. So amazing. And he smelled good. Right.

His brothers were going to give him no end of shit, for buying a company to find an omega.

He grinned, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. That didn’t really matter, did it? His brothers gave him crap about everything…

He spread his arm out over the top of the seat, and Adrian almost immediately crawled into his lap, snuggling close. Someone was craving affection. And he was going to give it.

Rudy gave him a smile in the rearview, and he nodded. Yes. This one was his.

His mate.

His breath caught in his chest. Fuck him.

This was his mate.

He shook his head, the denial instinctive, but Symon knew it was true. He wasn’t one for wolfy instinct, but dammit, that was exactly what he was feeling.

What the fuck was he going to do?

He blew out a long breath, forcing himself to relax. To focus.

He was going to start this morning by wooing Adrian with breakfast. Clearly he didn’t eat right.

Obviously the omega needed care and feeding, and he could get Stan to make bacon. Bacon cured all manner of ills.

And then he would set about cementing the mate bond.

First, sleep, food, a bath, some soft amazing clothes.

Then more food, some wine, a nap, more food.

He dozed, and Rudy hit a soft chime when they were almost home instead of talking, which woke him and let him gently ease Adrian away from him to pull him out of sleep as well. “We’re here.”

“Oh. Oh, I fell asleep. I’m sorry.”

“No worries.” You were warm and heavy in my lap. I loved it.

“How embarrassing.” Adrian rubbed his eyes, then peered out the window. “Where are we?”

“At my house. I’m in the mountains. Come on. We can have some breakfast after we take a shower.”

“Together?” Adrian’s voice cracked.

Symon smiled. “Well, if you like.”

“It’s probably not good for my career…”

“How could it be bad? I’m not the type to worry about it.”

“Hmm.”

Symon stepped out of the car. “Come on, sweet. Rudy, thank you. Go be with your Harley.”

“Thanks, boss. Y’all have a great weekend.” He saluted and pulled away.

Adrian watched him go, his expression very close to panic.

“Come on, sweet. We’re not alone here. Stan, my housekeeper and personal assistant, is in there. He’ll make bacon.”

“Oh, cool. Because you make me hard, and it would be easy to be stupid. Like bend-over-and-beg-for-it stupid.” Adrian clapped a hand over his mouth, eyes wide.

“I’m not going to complain about that, Adrian. You make me hard as well.”

“We—Bacon? I love bacon?” Are there eggs too?

There are. And toast. Or biscuits. Do you like biscuits? He took Adrian’s arm to steer him inside.

Adrian’s head tilted. “I love biscuits. With strawberry jam… Did you?”

“Did I what?” Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth, but he didn’t want Adrian to freak out. “Strawberry jam is the best, though Stan also does an empowering apricot.”

“I’ve never had that, but honey butter is amazing…”

“Oh. Yum. Yes. I know Stan has that in the fridge. I like it on the fry bread he makes.”

“Wow. I mean, how do you ever leave the house if you have someone who cooks like that?”

“Ah, well, Stan does get time off.”

“Do you cook?” I burn water. I eat pizza and toaster pastries and tons of Insomnia cookies.

I heard about these cookies. We’ll have to see if we can get some the next time we’re at the office together. Though he would put Stan’s oatmeal scotchies up against anything.

They totally deliver there. You’re a little far out, but you could get extras.

“Mmmm.”

“Symon. You’re all right?” Stan met them near the front door as they walked inside, tying the sash on his robe.

“I am. I would have texted, but I wanted to let you sleep as long as possible. This is Adrian. He’ll be staying for a bit.”

“Hey, there. You look exhausted. Are you both hungry?”

“Starving. We were thinking biscuits and bacon and such?”

“You got it. And… I’m thinking a nice herbal tea?”

Oh, excellent thought. “Thank you, Stan. There’s been a lot of caffeine tonight.”

“All-nighters tend to. This will ease the raging wolf.”

“Mmmm. Thank you. Come on, Adrian. I’ll show you where you can have a shower, and I can find you some clean clothes.”

“Thank you? I—this is really weird…” But Adrian followed, blinking nice and slow.

“Hey, you’re exhausted.” He led Adrian to the guest bath. “Use the shower seat in case you fall asleep.”

“You have a shower seat? Cool.” Adrian shuffled into the bathroom, blinking owlishly.

“I do.” He got the water going, adjusting the rain bath heads to Adrian’s height sitting down. Then he pulled out fluffy towels and put them in the warmer. “Here, sweet. Let me help you.”

“My head is pounding.”

He understood that. His own was beginning to throb.

“You need a big glass of water. Get in the shower, hmm?” He helped Adrian strip down, then guided him into the shower and shut the door. “Be right back.” Symon wanted to join Adrian badly, but he knew better. They both needed rest.

And he wanted to know Adrian was with him, all the way. No question. Wide-awake and wanting.

He could wait.

Symon got two bottles of water, then some soft sweats that Stan had laid out for him along with some fuzzy socks. He took them back to the bathroom so he could check on Adrian.

Adrian was resting on the seat, slowly washing his hair, the lean body stretched up tall.

He perched on the closed toilet, just waiting, jonesing on the sound of water hitting Adrian’s skin. So damn fine.

He could scent the richness of Adrian’s body, and he fought the urge to whimper. He was in control, dammit. Except when he tried yoga breathing, it brought more of Adrian’s scent, and his cock rose up hard and proud.

“I can smell you. It’s making me dizzy,” Adrian admitted.

“I’m not sorry.” That popped out. And it was true. “I can smell you too, and I want you.” The words were a guttural growl in his throat.

“Why? Is it going to get me in trouble? I don’t want to be in trouble.”

“No. Not at all. But I’m trying to be hands-off until you’re not work drunk and caffeine high.”

“Mmm…that’s sweet of you.” Adrian turned under the spray, rinsing off, showing off a long, slender, hard cock.

So hot. And that tight little ass on the bench made him want to touch it. So he turned away. He felt stalkerish, mate or no. Adrian deserved to know what was happening, to come to it naturally.

When the water shut off, he turned to help.

“I love this shower. I’ve never seen one without a door.”

“It’s amazing, huh?” He chuckled. “Mine is even better. This is the guest shower.”

“Better than this?” Adrian turned to give him a disbelieving stare.

“It’s a whole room, essentially.” He indulged himself in his private space.

“Oh. Wow. That’s really—wow.” I have a frosted glass box.

Well, you have an apartment…

Adrian tilted his head. I— How do you do that?

You’ll find out.

I will. Adrian frowned deeply. And I have a decent apartment, by the way.

I’m sure you do. But they tend to come in one-size-fits-all with furnishings.

Adrian relaxed, laughing. “True. And I’m not allowed to upgrade.”

“No, and why would you invest the money in something that isn’t yours?”

“I guess. I mean, it would be nice to have a few luxuries.”

“Well, you can enjoy mine.” He handed Adrian the towel, reluctant to lose the idea of him bare, but the water was off.

“Thanks.” Adrian wrapped himself up, almost getting lost in the terrycloth. He chuckled, standing so he could reach out to help.

“I brought you some of Stan’s clean sweats. He’s far more of a size with you than I am.”

“Thank you. I’m way more awake now.” Adrian dressed quickly, drying his hair with the towel.

“Better?”

“Much.”

“Hungry?”

“I thought there was no way I could be after all that pizza, but I’m starving.”

“Me too.” Symon held out a hand, relieved when Adrian dropped his towel in the hamper and grabbed Symon, meshing their fingers. “Don’t worry. It’s all going to be okay. We just need food and rest, right?”

“Yeah. Then we’ll be able to think.”

“Mmm. Or something.” He had a feeling that no matter what he did, Adrian would be a distraction.

In fact, Symon was willing to bet on it.

“Late dinner or early breakfast is ready!” Stan called.

“Come on, sweet. Let’s get some food and then we can nap.” He was feeling dozy from the heat of the shower and, now that Adrian was dressed, well, he was less involved in porny thoughts.

“That sounds like heaven.” Adrian squeezed his fingers. “I feel like I’m in some weird sort of dream, you know?”

“I do know. I feel it too.” He brought Adrian’s hand up to his mouth to kiss, feeling the electric shock that passed from him to Adrian and back.

Adrian sucked in a harsh breath, and that pointed chin lifted. The urge to nibble the pale column of throat was enough to make Symon’s eyes cross.

“Breakfast,” Adrian said. “Juice. Stuff like that.”

“I could nibble you.”

“Breakfast!” Stan called again. Louder.

Symon sighed. “Harshing my fun. Stan is all about self-denial.”

“Is he? That seems…sad. Is he okay?”

“He is sad. But I think he’s getting better all the time. He’s had a rough time of things in his life.” And the rest wasn’t his story to tell. “I probably shouldn’t talk out of turn. He’s an incredibly kind, good man. A natural caregiver.”

Adrian patted his arm. “Of course. I wasn’t being ugly. I just hate when people aren’t happy. It happens a lot. Like a lot, a lot.”

“Yeah?” Are you an empath, honey? Is that why you work alone?

Adrian blinked up at him, eyes suddenly huge, glowing a bright silver like the moon at its fullest.

Lord help him. Adrian was just shining with magic.

Easy, little one. I have you.

I’m okay. The magic was barely contained, and, when Adrian stumbled toward him, Symon caught him instinctively, and there was no denying the sudden spark that bound them.

He pulled Adrian up against his chest to kiss him, because he had to. There was no choice.

Adrian almost crawled up his body, a wildfire building in his spine.

He grabbed that tight little ass, lifting Adrian to him, and they both panted for air for a moment before they dove back into the kiss.

He stumbled to the kitchen counter, tongue fucking Adrian’s sweet mouth. Stan had disappeared, which was probably good. This wasn’t supposed to be a show.

Adrian’s legs wrapped around his waist, hips moving in a steady, undeniable rhythm. They rubbed together, and Symon growled, because the need to claim Adrian rode him hard.

“Do it.” Adrian shoved at his clothes. “Please. I want you.”

“Are you sure? I want you to be sure, Adrian. No regrets later.”

Adrian growled back at him. “I’m not a virgin. I’ve been fucked before.”

“This isn’t about just fucking.” Adrian had to see that. “This is way more than something so simple.”

“I meant that you won’t hurt me. Unless you leave me aching like that.”

“I won’t hurt you. Not unless it’s in a fun way and we both agree to it.” He bared his teeth, then pulled off Adrian’s sweats.

“Funny. I’m aching, man. All the way to the bone. I’m wet for you.”

“I can smell you, sweet. You make my mouth water. I want inside you.” He tore off his own clothes.

“Now.” Adrian stripped down, right there in the kitchen.

“Yes, now.” He lifted Adrian again, spreading him wide and pinning him against the counter.

Stan might kill him, but he’d worry about that later. At the moment, he only had the energy and attention for Adrian, who was molten hot and wet against his hand as Symon checked his readiness.

“Fuck… I’m ready. I mean it. I’m so ready for you.” That slick hole fluttered against his fingers, and it made him want to howl.

“God, baby.” Adrian wasn’t sweet just this second, so that moniker didn’t work. Here he was heated and wiggling and begging. Naughty puppy.

And Adrian was going to be his naughty puppy, dammit. He wasn’t sure how or why, and he didn’t really care right now, but he knew it, down in his bones.

He bent to bite at Adrian’s collarbone, his cock sliding along that wet hole, the tip slipping right in. It took his breath. Adrian was made for him.

“More.” Adrian’s heels dug into his hips.

“Anything you want.” He thrust up, desperate to be sunk deep into Adrian. He wanted to rut.

As if Adrian heard him, his pup slammed down, taking him down to the root.

“Fuck!” He all but howled the words, and he had to go completely still while he fought for control of his body. He’d promised not to hurt Adrian, and if he moved just right, he undoubtedly would. He was too caught up in what was happening. It was too fucking primal.

Symon grabbed those lean hips. “Don’t you even breathe, baby. Just give me a minute. I need it.”

“One minute. I need your knot. I want to feel you all inside me, and I want it now.”

“I can tell, baby. You’re so wet. So hot. I’m going to give you all you need. I just need to fucking breathe.” He was in control here, not Adrian. He called the damn shots. And he wanted to savor this, even if it did go fast once it got moving.

He needed to make sure that Adrian soared, that he spun with pleasure and came over and over.

Adrian squirmed. “I need more. Please. I’m burning up. I need your knot. I need you to come.”

“And you need too, huh?” He palmed Adrian’s cock. Symon was where he needed to be now. He could hold on. Even if sweat was pouring off his skin. God, he was hot as hell.

And Adrian made him nuts. No one had ever gotten to him like this.

“Uh-huh. Come on. Please. I can feel how much you need. It’s so fucking hot. I can feel everything.”

“I’ve got you, Adrian. Right here. I’m going to fuck you until you scream. I’m going to make you see stars.”

“Promises, promises.” Adrian chuckled breathlessly. “You feel so good.”

“So do you, baby.” He flexed his hips, pressing up and forward. He moved slowly, dragging it out to begin with, but he knew it was going to be a wild ride.

Adrian’s smile was wondering, tickled, and his pup surged up, slamming their mouths together.

He groaned, his body on fire, his muscles straining. His lungs heaved like bellows. Damn. It was so fine.

He punched up with his hips, bracing his legs so he could move faster and harder. His control was slipping again, but he couldn’t care.

More. More. I have waited for so long!The thought was piercing, driven into his brain.

Oh, damn, baby. He went into overdrive, sawing back and forth. His knot rose, filling Adrian more. Pushing both their limits.

Adrian took him, body perfect and heated around him. Those muscles squeezed down on his cock, and he grunted, his damn eyes crossing.

He was losing his mind, and he knew it. It was absolutely maddening.

Somehow that didn’t matter a bit. He had to go with it. And it felt so damn perfect. He could barely breathe for how good it felt, and his muscles felt as if they were seizing up.

Adrian clenched around him, and he gasped, energy shooting through him. He pressed as deep as he could, grinding with his hips.

“Oh, please. I feel your knot. It’s almost there.”

“Almost?” If he got any more swollen he might explode and go like a rocket. His ass clenched, and he slammed inside Adrian, and finally that got him the wail of happiness he wanted to hear.

“Yes! There. Right there. Symon! Alpha! Oh my god.”

He growled, pleased to finally have made Adrian call his name. “That’s it, baby. Give me more of that.”

Adrian howled, the sounds of his mate’s need coloring the room and making him want to bite the air.

He snapped at Adrian’s shoulder again, just grazing with his canine teeth, and Adrian almost screamed, going rigid against him. He felt the drops of precome against his belly as Adrian shook, not quite able to come yet.

He held them right there, hands bracketing Adrian’s hips to actually keep him still for a moment. And that got him a whine of frustration.

The glow in Adrian’s eyes was the single hottest thing he’d ever seen, and he luxuriated in it.

He pumped into Adrian, so close to filling him with seed that it was hard to hold back. So he reached down between them to stroke Adrian’s cock, needing him to come. They were fully engaged by the knot now. He wasn’t moving.

Not in any real way. They needed to finish this so they could do it again with breakfast in bed.

“Please, Symon. Take me over the edge. Please.”

Sweet wolf.

“Now, Adrian. Come for me now.” He bucked, and he squeezed with his hand, and that was it.

Adrian shouted, his head falling back, cords standing out in his neck as he shot.

That pulled Symon over too, and he yelled, his nuts pulling up, his knot feeling like a balloon bursting. Jesus. He might not survive this.

Adrian panted, his little wolf limp and heavy against the counter. “Whoa.”

“Mmm.” He held them up, his head leaning on Adrian’s, their mingled scent heavy in his nose. Nothing had ever smelled better.

Not even breakfast, which was a pretty nice odor in its own right. He had no idea what day it was. French toast wasn’t a regular for Stan.

He had to figure out how to carry Adrian with one arm and all the breakfast with the other, with his pants around his knees and his knot in Adrian.

So he managed to step out of his pants, and he headed for the bedroom. Adrian never stirred, which was good, because there was a slight throat clearing.

“I’ll bring a breakfast tray, Symon.”

“Thank you, Stan. It smells so good. And I’m starving.”

A soft chuckle was his only answer, and he carried Adrian to the bedroom.

They needed to talk, but they had time. Now was for lazy sleep and food and cuddling his new mate.

Bonding.

And he was starting immediately.