Claws sprang from Quade’s fingertips, and he grazed them over Caden’s ribs and hips, causing Caden to moan loudly. Leaning over, Caden fused their mouths together, leaving Quade to continue slamming into Caden’s body. The combination of sensations set off a chain reaction that started in Quade’s balls. They drew up tight, and he groaned into Caden’s mouth.
When Caden bit his lip, Quade cried out and spilled his load inside of Caden’s body, spurting hot seed deep into him. He wrapped a hand around the back of Caden’s head and mashed their mouths together, tongues tasting, exploring, loving.
Caden collapsed on top of Quade, his weight a welcome sensation. As his breathing evened out, he whispered in Quade’s ear, “Never felt like that before. Not with anyone.”
“It never will,” Quade promised. “You’re mine and I plan on keeping you.”
Caden chuckled. “You say that like I’d give you a choice.” He leaned in and nipped Quade’s neck.
Wrapping his arms around Caden, Quade rolled them over and pulled him close. “I love you. I honestly never thought I’d say those words to anyone. I thought I didn’t need to. I was wrong.”
“What changed?”
“What do you think?”
Caden grinned. “Ten?”
“Yup. He showed me the fears I’ve held all my life, the belief that my wolf was something to keep restrained, were wrong. My wolf is part of who I am, just like my human side is part of my wolf. We’ve worked it out, and I feel… complete.” He slid a hand down Caden’s flank, cupping his ass. “You wanna know the best thing about bringing me and the wolf together?”
“Sure.”
He grabbed Caden’s wrist and guided his hand to Quade’s hardening cock. “Quick recovery. This time I want you on your hands and knees.”
Caden’s eyes sparkled as he rolled over. “I think I can handle that.”
Quade looked good stretched out on the bed, his arm thrown over his chest, the covers just above his waist. The tension in his face had drained away, leaving him look almost vulnerable in repose. Rolling onto his side, Caden propped his head on his hand and stared at the man who had barged in, demanded Kieran and Matt leave, then proceeded to fuck him every which way. It had been amazing.
He wouldn’t question this. He wouldn’t. It was what he wanted, and—fuck, who was he kidding? Quade as much as said he spoke with Ten. What the hell was going on? Not that he was complaining about what happened. Shit, he was sore, but it was the best ache he’d ever felt. But there was something in Quade’s gaze that he wasn’t telling Caden.
“I know you’re looking at me.”
Reaching out, Caden trailed a finger through Quade’s chest hair. “And how do you know that?”
“Pheromones. You practically reek of them right now. Don’t you ever get enough?”
“Aw, what’s the matter? Big, bad wolf can’t get it up again?”
Faster than he thought possible, Quade was up and pressing Caden down on the mattress. “I doubt I would ever have that problem with you around.”
“Quade? What aren’t you telling me?”
His expression told Caden there was something there. “Nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me. What did Ten tell you?”
“Can we talk about this later? Right now, I just want to hold you.”
It sounded so good, but…. “No, I need to know what’s going on.”
The pain in Quade’s expression spoke volumes. Whatever it was, it had to be bad.
“Ten said….” He sucked in a breath. “He said you’re going to die.”
Shock coursed through Caden. He fell onto his back and stared at the ceiling. He hadn’t been expecting that. When Quade grabbed him and jerked him across the bed, Caden didn’t resist.
“I’m not going to let that happen, do you understand me? You’re mine, and I will never let anyone else touch you. The only way anything gets to you is if they go through me first.”
The words should have inspired confidence, reminded Caden he was loved, although….
“You mean you’d die with me.”
“I can’t live in a world without you. It’s selfish, I know, but I’d let all of existence crumble to dust before I’d give you up.” He kissed Caden’s chest. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve been mine for a thousand lifetimes before today—you’re mine now, and I won’t let anything change that.”
The words, spoken softly, touched Caden’s heart, but they still left a chill that coursed through him. He was going to die.
“You’re not going to die.”
“You can’t know that. How many times have you said Ten knows things?”
“Well, he doesn’t know this!” Quade leaped off the bed. “He says there are no other avenues, that all the things he sees converge at this moment in time. He said there is no other way, but I swear to God, I will find one.”
He wouldn’t. Quade was angry because he knew Ten was right.
“Why don’t we go into town?”
Quade blinked. “What?”
“Let’s drive into town. I’ll show you my shop and where I live.” Anything to distract him.
Quade continued to stare, his hands clenched at his sides.
Caden got up, walked over to him, and put a hand on his chest. “Quade? Talk to me.”
The anger in his expression morphed to the last one Caden ever expected to see: fear.
“I can’t lose you, do you understand? I’ve lost you a thousand times, but I can’t lose you this one. We have to have our happy ever after.” He wrapped his arms around Caden, his breath warm on Caden’s neck. “I can’t do this again. I can’t live without you.”
There were no words for what Caden was feeling. He wanted to tell Quade everything would be okay, but he knew better. He had to distract him, get him out for a while at least.
“Why don’t you go for a run?”
Quade’s lip quivered. “You trying to get rid of me?”
“No! I mean, I want you to just let go for a while.”
Wrapping his arms around Caden, Quade leaned in close. “I vote we go see your shop. Ten showed you things about us, but we know very little about you.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, Caden. Take me home.”
Chapter 15
Caden dreaded going to his shop. He’d been gone two weeks and had to wonder if he would even have a business left.
As they got out of the truck, he noticed four boxes sitting in the alcove. He’d expected to be home by now, and those were his deliveries of peace lilies, a popular plant with glossy, lance-shape leaves tipping arching stems that surrounded the central flower spikes. He repotted them in a plain pot with a glossy finish, which made the whole thing pop out and caught the attention of many of his customers. They weren’t fragile, but weeks without water meant that whole shipment would be ruined, as would most of the plants in the place.
Except his cacti. Those little bastards were nearly impossible to kill.
He stooped to pick up the boxes when Quade stepped up from behind him. “Need a hand?”