Chapter Six

Stewart was reeling as Killian’s lips slammed over his with a desperate need. His entire perspective of the world had just been flipped upside down, yet all Stewart cared about was kissing the guy, sucking his warm tongue into his mouth.

And the rage Stewart had felt was real. The thought of Killian not only having sex with someone else other than him but being so sweet to another guy made Stewart want to let his own claws out.

Unlike their kiss this morning, he didn’t feel an urge to run. Killian had been right about their connection. Stewart had felt it as soon as Killian approached him at his car—that strange stirring in his chest. He’d just been fighting against it, too afraid of being vulnerable and allowing another guy to hurt him.

But Ethan’s reaction to Killian was far different from his reaction to Clive. His nephew had been afraid of Stewart’s boyfriend from the moment they’d met.

With Killian, Ethan had trusted him almost immediately, becoming instant buddies.

Stewart chuckled against Killian’s lips.

“I must not be doing a bang-up job of kissing you if you’re laughing.” Killian bit Stewart’s lower lip, pulling at it with his teeth.

“It just hit me why you call Ethan cub.” Stewart grinned. “Also why Kalen thought it funny when he gave you that stuffed bear.”

Killian placed his hand on the small of Stewart’s back as he gave a low, throaty growl. “I like the sentiment, and Ethan loves the bear.” His lips glided along Stewart’s jaw, sending his pulse racing. “ I’ve been dying to kiss you like this since I saw you standing on the side of the road looking like a lost angel.”

As much as Stewart loved kissing him, his back was starting to hurt. Killian was a good foot taller and had to bend down to kiss him, which made Stewart bend backward.

“I’m going to have to carry a stepstool in my back pocket just to kiss you without being bent in half.” He yelped when Killian lifted him off his feet and set him on the table.

“Better?” Killian went right back to kissing him, as if their lips had never parted. Stewart slid his arms around the man’s neck, drawing him closer, feeling just as needy.

“Much.” A groan slid free when Killian placed his strong, warm hand against Stewart’s back, turning his blood into molten lava. “I just have one question.”

“What’s that?” Killian asked between kisses, like the guy couldn’t get enough of him. The feeling was mutual. Stewart had to actively force his legs not to wind around the man’s waist or he just might beg Killian to take him right there on the table. Those soft, wet lips were making him lose his freaking mind.

Before Stewart said to hell with it and tried to strip out of his clothes, he placed a hand on Killian’s chest, pushing the guy back slightly so he could take a deep breath. “How did Ethan know you were a bear?”

With a frown, Killian pulled back. “Like I said, I have no clue,” he replied. “The little guy knew what I was the moment he looked at me.”

Stewart’s heart raced when there was a sound at the back door. They turned their heads at the same time, Stewart praying it wasn’t Frank’s grandson again. The guy had given off such a creepy vibe.

Killian charged over to it and yanked it open, sharp teeth bared. Sharp teeth. Stewart swallowed. The canines looked exactly like those of an animal, thick, long, and deadly.

“Jesus Christ,” Killian snarled, though his canines receded at the sight of his brother.

Ryker grinned. “If I waited for you to stop making out with your mate, these locks would never get replaced.”

Despite sucking Killian’s tongue down his throat, Stewart was still trying to wrap his head around everything.

Killian wasn’t human, which meant his family wasn’t either.

Mate. That single word circled his brain like a nonstop merry-go-round, and it was making him dizzy. Stewart needed to ask Killian to explain it further, but he wanted to wait until they were alone.

“I nearly took your head off,” Killian ground out. “You know better than to sneak up on a guy when he’s with his mate.”

“Stow the attitude,” Ryker bit back. “I’m trying to help you out.”

“It’s okay.” Stewart slid off the table, afraid of the rising tension. “Let him take care of it.” He placed a hand on Killian’s arm but spoke to Ryker. “Thank you for doing this for me.”

Ryker smirked at his brother. “Glad to see someone appreciates my efforts.”

While the two had a glare-off, Stewart went into the living room to check on Ethan. And to also catch his breath.

His nephew was still on the rug playing, trying his best to tell Quinton about his toys. It was a tangled mess of words, but Quinton lay there patiently listening to the toddler, a glint of humor in his eyes.

The guy looked like a fallen giant lying on his stomach, his ankles and arms crossed, making Ethan appear much smaller than he was.

“In case you forgot, I’m Noah.”

The voice next to Stewart made him jump. The guy was a few inches shorter than him with pretty green eyes.

“Are you a bear, too?”

“No, I’m human, and so is Wesley.” Noah grinned. “Hyett is Wesley’s mate, and mine is currently lying on the carpet like he’s reverted back to a cub.”

Stewart studied Quinton. He did look like an oversized kid when he made a soft roaring sound, the stuffed dinosaur in his hand rampaging through the pile of toys.

Ethan was cracking up, putting the toys back into a pile so the dinosaur could destroy it again.

Stewart’s eyes welled up. His nephew looked so happy compared to when the social worker had brought the toddler to him. Ethan had looked so scared, confused, asking for his mommy.

And then he’d met Clive, and Ethan had begged Stewart to make the bad man go away.

Stewart slammed a lid on those thoughts before he burst out crying. He watched Quinton and Ethan, filling his mind with his nephew’s happy squeals and the sight of his delighted expression to chase away the coldness of the memories.

Strong arms circled Stewart from behind, a chin resting gently on his head. “I think Ethan has taken decades off my dad,” Killian murmured.

Stewart glanced to his side, but Noah was no longer standing there.

“I’m still trying to process all of this,” he admitted. His nephew was surrounded by bears, and he was the safest he’d ever been in his life.

“I know,” Killian said. “ We’re in no rush. I just wanted you to know the truth and prove to you that both of you are safe.” He pointed to Quinton. “I dare a single soul to come near Ethan with my dad around.”

Quinton scooped the toddler up, rolled to his back, and held the boy in the air. He made helicopter noises as he moved Ethan around in winding patterns. His nephew hadn’t stopped laughing since Stewart entered the living room.

“He has four deadly uncles who’ll protect him.” Killian kissed the top of Stewart’s head. “And they’ll protect you too.”

Even more than the protection Killian kept emphasizing, the pure joy on Ethan’s face cemented Stewart’s resolve to give this mating a chance.

His goal was to give Ethan a family, something Stewart had always wanted, a family who wouldn’t make him feel like a stray needing a home. A family who wanted to keep him and, in turn, keep Ethan.

That was all Stewart had ever wanted, and now he had it, regardless of how fast paced this felt or how nervous he still was.

Killian was offering him his deepest heart’s desire.

The guy tugged Stewart’s hand, and he followed Killian up the stairs. His heart was beating even faster as they headed toward Stewart’s bedroom.

His mind tried to tell him to slow down, to think things over before letting anything happen. Stewart had just found out Killian’s world existed, that the two of them were mates, but need took over.

Killian pulled him into the room and closed the door. “Now we don’t have to worry about anyone hearing your sexy groans or walking in on us.”

Those words caused Stewart’s breathing to grow heavy, wondering what Killian had in mind. He guided Stewart to the bed, laying him on his back, and then Killian’s hard body slid over his.

“That’s the moan I’m talking about,” Killian growled softly. Stewart’s cock was ramrod straight, his ass clenching to be filled.

“Ethan.” He tilted his head to the side with a groan as Killian kissed along his neck.

“My dad will stay for however long we need him to.” His strong hand slipped under Stewart’s shirt, tweaking his nipple then plucking at the hard nub.

Stewart gasped, his chest rising and falling in short bursts. He felt Killian’s hard cock pressing into him, the sensation incredibly arousing.

Killian slid his hand down Stewart’s side, his kisses drugging. “You’re even more gorgeous when you look like that,” he murmured. “ So fucking needy, and I’m so willing to give you whatever you want.”

What did Stewart want? He couldn’t even think with Killian grinding his denim-covered dick against him. When Stewart looked down, his heavy-lidded gaze could see the outline of Killian’s cock under his jeans.

It looked massive, causing Stewart’s mouth to go dry. Then Killian was snaking his hand down the front of Stewart’s sweats and past his underwear until he found what he was looking for.

Stewart’s hard shaft.

“Oh, shit.” He bucked into the tight fist, biting back a loud gasp, and then he closed his eyes and balled his hands into the blanket.

“Is this what you need?” Killian gently bit Stewart’s Adam’s apple then licked away the sting. “Or do you need more?” he growled into Stewart’s ear.

The ability to think was fading quickly. Stewart had become nothing more than exposed nerve endings. Killian’s breath ghosted along the ridge of Stewart’s ear. “You didn’t answer me.” His fist pumped Stewart’s cock. “Handjob, blowjob, or do you need to get fucked?”

“F-f-fucked.” Stewart writhed on the bed, so close, but Killian’s grip wasn’t tight enough.

“You got any lube?” His hand slowed to long strokes on Stewart’s dick, loosening his grip further.

“Shit, I-I don’t have any.” He fucked Killian’s grip. “Tighten your fist.”

“Got something even better for you.” He pushed down the bed, taking Stewart’s sweats and underwear with him.

Stewart couldn’t stop his heavy breaths as he watched the guy’s descent. Killian tossed the clothing aside then gripped Stewart behind his thighs, bending his legs to his chest.

It had become impossible to hold back his gasps and moans. Stewart mewled as Killian licked him from taint to hole, lapping at him like he’d become the guy’s favorite meal.

“Oh shit. Feels…feels so good.” Stewart gripped behind his knees, spreading himself wider and grinding his ass on Killian’s skilled mouth. “I want you to fuck me so badly.”

Thick fingers slid inside Stewart’s hole, thrusting like they were a fat cock.

Stewart’s words were nonsensical, chopped and blended words and noises. His brain was being shredded by Killian’s tongue and lips.

Holy goddamn.

Killian moved upward, his tongue trailing along, bathing Stewart’s balls, sucking them in and lashing them. He continued to ascend, the flat of his tongue tracing up the side of Stewart’s veiny cock.

Then he engulfed Stewart’s erection down to the base. Pulling up, he sucked on the head, flicking his tongue over the slit. The need to blow intensified when Killian took Stewart’s cock back down his throat, his fingers in Stewart’s ass never relenting.

“Fuck!” Stewart gasped, his back bowed, turning inside out as he came. Killian swallowed his seed then slid up Stewart’s body, latching onto his neck. The suction only made his cock pulse harder.

“Gimme,” Stewart whined. “Need your cock in my mouth.”

Killian’s fingers slipped free. As soon as they were clear, Stewart tackled him, making Killian chuckle as he freed his massive cock, palming it for Stewart.

Turning onto his hands and knees, Stewart lapped at the salty pre-cum. He moaned around the hard shaft, sending vibrations down the length.

“Motherfuck.” Killian drew the word out, his eyes closing. He stroked his cock as Stewart took as much as he could into his mouth.

“Suck it, baby,” Killian panted. “Feels fucking amazing.”

Stewart palmed the man’s balls, tugging gently on them. He bobbed his head up and down, creating a tight suction. He needed to get Killian off soon. His damn jaw hurt.

As Stewart bobbed his head faster on the guy’s cock, he shoved his fingers into Killian’s mouth. Then he pulled them free and worked the wet fingers into the man’s ass.

Killian shot off like a rocket, bucking his hips as he held on to Stewart’s head, fucking his mouth until he had nothing left to give. He collapsed back down, his legs falling to the sides like they were made of rubber.

Stewart tumbled down with him, his heart racing like crazy. Screw cuddling. They were too sweaty.

Killian turned then pulled Stewart to his chest.

“Ack!” Stewart tried to get free, but Killian held him in a vise grip.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“You’re all sweaty.” Stewart laughed, attempting to escape again, but the guy just wouldn’t let him go.

“I got all sweaty from that incredible mouth of yours.” He nuzzled Stewart. “I’m putting in an order for a case of lube, damn it.”

Stewart chuckled, feeling so content he dozed off in Killian’s sweaty arms.

* * * *

Alonso crouched behind a thick bush, the scent of damp earth and pine filling his nostrils as he peered through the needled branches. The early afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the lawn. It was decent fall weather—cool, but not freezing—and the air was still. Smoke wafted lazily from the chimney, twisting upward, taunting him. The people inside had no idea how badly he needed to get in there.

How much was on the line.

He shifted his weight, the fallen leaves crunching underfoot despite his attempt to be silent. His stomach twisted with anxiety as his eyes darted from window to window, trying to catch a glimpse of movement inside. He’d been there earlier in the day, only to discover it wasn’t Frank living there but two guys and a kid. Alonso had shown up hoping to catch his uncle asleep, an easy in-and-out job, but now...

The glow of sunlight illuminated the curtains, and he saw someone walk past, a tall man, holding the kid. He ground his teeth, frustration building. These people were an obstacle, and time was running out. Breaking in with occupants was a risk he couldn’t take. But he couldn’t wait forever.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he fumbled for it, almost dropping it in his haste. He silenced the device and pressed it to his ear, his pulse quickening as he glanced around.

“What?” Alonso hadn’t bothered looking to see who was calling since he was too busy trying to silence the phone. He tapped his jacket pocket to ensure the gun hadn’t fallen out.

He wasn’t a killer, but desperation just might turn him into one.

“Alonso?” Frank’s voice came through, wary.

Jesus fucking Christ. The guy had the worst timing. “Yeah?”

“What were you doing at the old house?” his uncle asked, suspicion evident in his tone. “I didn’t ask you to do any work there.”

Shit. The people must’ve called Frank after he’d left. Alonso took a deep breath, forcing himself to think. “Uh, yeah, I know. I was just…driving by and noticed a few shingles looked loose. Thought I’d come by and check it out for you. Didn’t want you to end up with a leak or anything.” He tried to inject some casual concern into his voice, praying Frank would buy it, though the excuse sounded lame even to him.

His uncle sighed. “I didn’t ask you to do that.”

Same pissy old man. That was one of many reasons they’d never gotten along. Nothing Alonso did made his uncle happy.

“I know.” He forced a smile, even though no one could see it. “But I figured it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? Besides, I had some time to kill.”

Frank didn’t answer for a moment then finally grunted. “I’ll come by and take a look myself. I don’t want you bothering them.”

“Got it.” His voice was tight. “I’ll leave them be.”

Alonso hung up, shoving the phone back into his pocket, frustration bubbling inside him. If he couldn’t get in there soon, he was screwed. There had to be a way to get them out, just for a few hours. Maybe he could—

His phone buzzed again, and he pulled it out, glancing at the screen.

Tetlow. Great. Just what he didn’t need. Reeling in his irritation, Alonso swiped to answer. “Yeah?”

“Did you get it?” Tetlow’s voice was sharp, impatient. The bastard hadn’t even shown up this morning like they’d planned, leaving Alonso to do the job himself. Now the guy acted as if their previous conversation had never taken place.

“Not yet. It wasn’t Frank inside. He rented out the place.”

“Seriously?” Tetlow’s voice rose, incredulous. “You’re telling me you’ve had all day and you still haven’t gotten it because of some fucking renters?”

“I’m working on it,” Alonso replied, his eyes darting back to the house. “I can’t just waltz in there with people inside.”

There was a pause, and then Tetlow’s voice came back, cold and threatening. “You know what’ll happen if you don’t get it, Alonso. He won’t just come after me. He’ll come after you, too. And I don’t think you’ll like what he’ll do when he finds out you fucked this up. After all, you’re the one who chose to use Frank’s old house.”

The threat settled like ice in Alonso’s veins. He knew Tetlow was scared, knew his boss was just passing on the fear he felt from the real power behind all of this. But that didn’t mean the threat wasn’t genuine. Tetlow would make good on it if it came down to it.

Alonso hadn’t a single doubt.

“I’ll figure it out. I just need some time.”

“You don’t have time,” Tetlow shot back. “You’ve got until tomorrow. If you don’t have it by then, don’t bother showing your face. Because I swear to god, I’ll turn you over to him myself.”

The line went dead, and Alonso stared at his phone, his chest heaving. He flipped his middle finger at the dark screen before shoving the device into his pocket. Turning back to the house, his mind raced.

He had one day, one day to find a solution, or he would be a dead man.