Chapter Six

It had to be how wonderful Goeff's kisses were. That was the only explanation as to why Warner decided to agree to go with him to his place. Except, at times, there were certain ways Geoff said things that reverberated within Warner... and made him think he was missing something... something that he should understand or remember.

Or maybe it's his gentle touches, kind words, and sweet affection.

Goeff said all the right things and behaved as if he was sincere. Of course, Warner didn't really have any past relationships to use as a frame of reference. Even in high school, he'd been a momma's boy, happy to hurry home to spend time with her.

Warner appreciated that he'd spent so much time with her. He would always have his memories.

"Come on, sweetheart," Geoff urged, opening the passenger side door for him. Reaching into the cab, he gently gripped his right hand and hip. "Lean on me, and I'll help you out."

Warner hadn't even realized they'd arrived, having been too lost in his head. Focusing on Geoff, he tightened his hold on the other man and did as he ordered. As soon as Warner slid halfway out, Geoff immediately slipped his arm around him, offering him support.

"Thank you," Warner murmured, feeling a mixture of appreciation and uncertainty. He'd just met the man, after all. Peering around, Warner took in the several large apartment-style buildings. "Um, so... this is where most of the people who work at World of Aquatica live?"

"That's right," Geoff confirmed. Releasing his right hand, while keeping his left arm around him, he pointed toward a walkway. "There are several cottages that a few families use in that direction." Pointing at another path toward the north, Geoff told him, "That leads to a number of hiking trails and eventually to a private beach." He smiled warmly at him as he stated, "When you're feeling better, I'll show it to you."

"What's that?" Warner asked, pointing toward an arched plateau with a stone fence with benches carved into it. He was sure he could hear the surf in the distance.

"A viewing area. Some people enjoy sitting there and reading or just staring out at the crashing waves," Geoff told him. "Would you like to see?"

Warner nodded. "Yes, please." As Geoff began guiding him in that direction, he admitted, "I love the sound of the ocean."

"Every place here has a balcony," Geoff claimed, waving toward the buildings. "I enjoy drinking my morning cup of coffee on it when days are nice."

"I bet that's amazing," Warner mused, thinking about how wonderful that must be. "Mister Roush must be an awesome boss to provide this for his employees." Worry niggled at him, and Warner peered up at Geoff. "Are you sure that he won't mind me using your spare room?"

Geoff winced, increasing Warner's worry. "Uh, I have a confession to make." Rubbing his hand back and forth over Warner's shoulder blades lightly, he admitted, "I don't actually have a spare bedroom."

"Oh," Warner whispered, freezing. At least they'd reached the viewing area. As he stared out over the ocean, taking in the white caps of the waves, Warner's brain whirled. "Um, y-your sofa is fine."

"I know we just met," Geoff began speaking slowly. "But I was sort of, uh, hoping you'd be willing to share my bed with me."

Snapping his attention to Geoff's face, Warner gaped at the man.

Surely, he couldn't be serious.

Geoff's smile appeared tentative. "If you're not ready for that, my mate"—he lifted his free hand and gently traced his forefingers along Warner's jaw—"then I'll take the sofa until you are."

"You... I... why—"

Warner snapped his mouth shut, knowing he wasn't making any sense. Tingles trickled down his neck from where Geoff touched him lightly, and it was making it difficult to gather his scattered thoughts. Unable to help himself, Warner tipped his head and pressed into Geoff's hold when he opened his palm and cradled his jaw.

Goose bumps broke out on his arms, and the hairs at his nape stood on end. His blood heated in his veins, and his pulse skyrocketed. Butterflies bounced in his belly, and he felt his dick plump within his slacks.

"Oh, Warner, my mate," Geoff rumbled, dipping his head. He nuzzled his cheek against Warner's temple, his goatee hairs sending delicious tingles down his nape. "The way you respond to me." His voice came out a rumbling purr. "So open, so honest, so perfect."

Gasping softly, Warner fought back a whimper. He knew he was supposed to be answering a question, but he couldn't seem to remember what that was. The feel of Geoff's arms around Warner made him want to snuggle close to the other man and let all the troubles of the world fall away.

Wait. Troubles.

Right.

Tensing, Warner lifted his head and peered up at Geoff. At some point, he'd given in to the instinct to cuddle against the man's big, broad chest, and he had to tip his chin way up to peer at him. Warner nibbled his lip as he took in the warmth within Geoff's dark eyes.

"Oh, sweet mate," Geoff growled, his eyes narrowing in an almost feral-looking expression. Before Warner could figure out how to respond, Geoff swooped down and growled, "Mine," and pressed his lips to Warner's.

Geoff slipped out his tongue and swiped along Warner's bottom lip. The move dislodged Warner's teeth, allowing the other man to suckle his bottom lip into his own mouth. Teasing at Warner's flesh sensually, Geoff lifted his hand from his jaw and threaded it into his hair.

Warner moaned at the assault, his body flashing hot. A tremble worked through him as his prick grew so hard so fast that he nearly swooned. Swaying closer to Geoff, Warner felt the pressure of the big man's thigh against his suddenly throbbing shaft.

"Warner," Geoff growled, releasing his lip while sliding his thigh between his legs, giving him something to rut against. "You respond so beautifully," he murmured before sealing his mouth over Warner's fully.

As Geoff plundered Warner's mouth, he tightened his arm around his shoulders. He slid it down his back, tugging his body closer. Geoff flushed their torsos, squeezing them together.

Pain shafted through Warner's back. Turning his head, he let out a cry. He dug his fingers into Geoff's shirt for a new reason as fiery shards of agony spread through him.

"Shit," Geoff cursed, instantly loosening his hold. He moved his left hand to Warner's right hip and rubbed, massaging lightly. "I'm so sorry, my mate." Geoff's expression held self-recrimination. "I didn't mean to hurt you. Shit." At the same time, he scraped his fingers through Warner's hair, teasing his nerve endings.

Warner relaxed, the dual sensations beating out the pain. Letting out a deep breath, he rested his forehead against the big man's firm chest. He inhaled Geoff's clean, fresh scent and wondered how the man could smell so amazing.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," Geoff repeated. "So sorry." He bussed a kiss to Warner's forehead before saying, "I'd never purposefully hurt you. Please, forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive," Warner countered, rubbing his palms up and down Geoff's massive chest, trying to do a little soothing of his own. He didn't like seeing the man so upset over a simple accident. Deciding to tell him so, Warner lifted his gaze and slid a hand up to touch his jaw. "I know you didn't mean to." Smiling at Geoff's concern, he admitted, "I liked how you made me forget the pain in my back and ribs."

Geoff's expression eased. He turned his head and pressed a kiss to Warner's lips. "I'd be happy to help you forget anytime you want, my mate," he told him. His brows furrowed as he sobered. "Although I hope it's never from being hurt again."

Warner smiled back at Geoff. "Me, too." The reminder of his pain helped him recall what they'd been speaking of, and he sobered. "Um, I don't know if I'd feel comfortable sleeping with you or not," he admitted. Knowing he had to share the truth, Warner admitted, "I've never done anything with anyone before." Before he could lose his courage, he blurted, "I'm a virgin." Even feeling his cheeks heat with his embarrassment, Warner forged ahead. "You gave me my first kiss yesterday."

Groaning softly, Geoff bowed his head and closed his eyes. His arms tightened just a little before he seemed to catch himself, and he relaxed his hold again. Geoff's nostrils flared as he blew out a harsh breath.

Tensing in Geoff's hold, Warner couldn't bear to see the look of disappointment he figured Geoff would display any second. He turned his attention back to the beautiful vista and stared out at the ocean. Unable to help himself, Warner whispered, "Sorry. I'll understand if you want me to go."

Where I'd go, I'm not sure, but I'll think of something.

With sadness, Warner waited for Geoff to release him and send him on his way.

* * * *

Geoff knew he needed to get his act together. His sweet mate was waiting, and he was obviously getting the wrong idea. The fact that his mate was wholly untouched... by anyone but him and always would be... had completely taken his breath away.

Just day-am!

Feeling Warner tense and look away, Geoff gave himself a mental smack upside the head.

Use your words, asshole!

After a sharp shake of his head, Geoff slid his hand into Warner's hair. His hand was so big that he could cradle his sexy mate's head while still being able to slip his thumb under his chin. Geoff used the hold to urge his human's attention back to him.

"Warner," Geoff stated gruffly. With the way Warner's eyes widened, he knew he must be sporting a hell of a feral expression, but he just couldn't help himself. "That's the fucking sexiest thing I've ever heard."

With his brows furrowing, Warner squeaked, "It is?"

Geoff chuckled roughly. "Oh, yeah, my mate. It is." Unable to help himself, he dipped his head and bussed his lips over Warner's. He kept it chaste, lifting his head so he didn't get carried away again. No way did he want a repeat of hurting his mate. "Yes." After scoffing, Geoff purred, "Do you have any idea how turned on I am by the knowledge that I will be the only one to ever experience the pleasure of sinking into your body, to hear the delectable sounds you make in passion." Teasing his thumb along his surprised-scenting mate's jawline, Geoff continued, "To enjoy the delicious flavor of your mouth and body?" Groaning under his breath, Geoff felt his cock throb behind the fly of his jeans, and he instinctively bucked his hips, searching for friction. "Heady stuff, right there, my mate."

Having obviously felt the swollen length of his arousal, Warner sucked in a shocked gasp. His eyes widened, and he gaped for several seconds before snapping his mouth shut. Warner even shook his head once, as if trying to clear it or in disbelief.

Not sure which I want it to be.

"Yes," Geoff decided to assume it was the latter. "That knowledge and more makes my blood burn for you, Warner."

Cocking his head, Warner drew his brows down even as he licked his bottom lip. "A-Are you, uh..." Warner glanced away, then leaned close and whispered, "Are you a paranormal?"

The gleam made it damn difficult for Geoff to focus on his mate's words. Except, hearing the question caused shock to flood Geoff's body, and it was his turn to gape.

"Uhhh..." Geoff snapped his mouth shut, ceasing his inane response. "You believe in paranormals?"

Warner shifted his weight from foot to foot, a look of uncertainty flitting across his features. His scent screamed unease. Wincing, Warner stared once more at the vista before them, but after a few seconds, he jerked his chin in a sharp nod.

"Truly?" Geoff could hardly believe it.

The disbelief filling his tone obviously got to Warner, for he scowled as he snapped his focus back to him. "Yeah. Even sick and dying, my mother would never lie to me." Warner even removed his hands from Geoff, which he really didn't like, in order to cross them over his chest. "Think me crazy if you want, but yes, I believe in paranormals." Warner flicked his gaze at him for a second before turning his mutinous attention to the crashing waves. "There's more than just humans on our planet, and I'm not talking about aliens." Then his mate's expression turned contemplative. "Although, I suppose those stories have to come from somewhere, too."

"Yes," Geoff barked quickly. To his pleasure, that earned him Warner's focus once more. "Yes, I'm a paranormal. A shifter." Seeing his mate's eyes widen even as a smile curved his lips, Geoff had to ask, "How do you"—recalling his comment about his mother never lying to him, he amended—"how did your mother know about us?" Then he figured he better get a little more information, too. "And why did she tell you?"

"My mom didn't want her secret taken to the grave, so she told me while on her deathbed," Warner replied. "She said her best friend growing up could turn into a fox." Cocking his head, he narrowed his eyes as he peered up at him. "Are you really a shifter? Or are you just saying that to mess with me?"

Geoff smelled the disbelief rolling off of Warner. Realizing he needed to take a little leap of faith of his own, he smiled and urged his mate toward the central condominium building. It was the largest and had an elevator that led to an underground lake that everyone called The Grotto.

"I'll prove it to you," Geoff claimed as they strolled along the path. "If you're willing to come with me and watch me shift."

While Warner didn't seem completely sure, he still nodded. "Okay." Obviously understanding his meaning, he added, "So, shifter... as in you shift into an animal?" When Geoff nodded, Warner continued, "You don't need the full moon, and you're completely cognizant in that form?"

"Yes, and yes," Geoff assured. He squeezed his mate's good hip while pulling out his phone. "I'll answer any questions you have, and I'll prove it all." Grinning, Geoff offered, "What do you say?"

Warner's curiosity flooded his scent, and it beat out any trepidation he had. "Okay."

Grinning broadly, feeling like the luckiest damn shifter on the planet, Geoff hit two on his speed dial.

"Geoff?" Beta William didn't bother with a greeting. "Is everything okay? How's your mate?"

"Great," Geoff replied, hearing the pleasure in his own voice. After a wink at his mate, he told his beta, "Warner already knows something about paranormals and believes in us. I'm going to The Grotto to shift and explain everything to him."

William barked a laugh before saying, "Damn, Geoff. Fate knew what she was doing with your little cutie." His laughter softening, he added, "Because we both know that, with how you've been recently, your patience is a little on the thin side." Even as Geoff mentally winced and nodded at the truth in William's words, his beta added, "Congratulations, and give a holler if you need help."

"Thank you, Beta William," Geoff replied. A second later, he realized the male had cut the connection. As Geoff shoved the phone into his pocket, he grabbed the building door and held it open for his mate. "Come on, my mate. Let me show you your new world."

To Geoff's pleasure, although Warner scented of amusement, his mate allowed him to guide him into the building.