Mated To The Sheriff gk6k

MATED TO THE SHERIFF Diana DeRicci

Published By Purple Sword Publications, LLC This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation. Copyright © 2021 DIANA DERICCI ISBN 9781005244231 Edited by Traci Markou Cover Art Designed by Traci Markou Images Copyright Volodymyr Tverdokhlib, Indiemonozar, Nurakenza99 Dreamstime.com

Matt is starting over.

Matt Landon is moving from New York to Silo to start over. After escaping an abusive relationship, his only thought is a quiet place to heal. His scars run deep and all he wants is a chance to regroup and privately lick his wounds as he takes time to put his life back together.

Silo isn’t like New York. People know your name in Silo. People care. And most of all, they each other as Matt quickly finds out when he begins to make friends through his ex-turned-best friend Peyton, and his family. Friends who will help in any way they can, which include being introduced to the local sheriff’s department personally.

No one could have prepared him for one sheriff in particular, Dave Hanlon.

Dave never thought much about meeting his mate. He knew he was borderline asexual and was okay with that, not that concerned with labels. He had the pride of his job, his friends, and his pack. He’d never longed for more. Meeting Matt only enforces that belief. His wolf senses his mate, but Dave doesn’t feel a thing for the shy, sweet man. Time together brings a new understanding for Dave, and perhaps a chance to get to know the blond who captured his wolf’s interest. But the unwelcome attention of a stalker makes Matt’s life a living hell all over again. Will Dave and Matt be able to explore the new sides of themselves they are finding with each other, or will the stalker have the final say, ripping apart a fragile beginning?

Chapter 1

Matt drove his car up in front of the abundantly beflowered house and stopped. It took a few minutes to relax his clenched hands enough to release the steering wheel. After driving for over twenty hours from New York to the middle of nowhere, America, he was done. He should have taken more breaks. His physical therapist warned him about making the drive and not stopping enough. What it would do to his legs, and his hip. He knew that, and he’d tried, stopping frequently, making the trip seem interminably long. But sometimes stubborn was all he had to get him through his days. He also should have maybe stayed one more night somewhere, instead of pushing through. For most people, it probably could have been a straight shot. Before… Before it would have been easy for him, too. But not now. Now his hip throbbed like a demon had taken root and kicked off his New Year’s party of torture. His palms and fingers ached from the relentless hours of gripping the wheel. His neck burned from sleeping poorly on a rack that had been disguised as a roadside motel bed. He was done. Which was why he was in Silo. This was a new start. No one knew him here except for his ex, Peyton. No one knew what he’d been through. No one in Silo knew of the high-publicity, sordid court case he’d had to suffer through to make sure his own ex and attacker was actually put in jail, and that he stayed there this time. All anyone saw was what he let them see. Finally turning off the car, he cracked open the door, feeling the summer breeze as it brushed over his skin. Hot but not too humid, a different, less sultry heat than he was used to in New York. He swung his legs around to find his footing. Pins and needles shot through his legs as blood rushed through them. At least he knew he was alive feeling that pain.

Before he’d fully gained his balance leaning against the opened door, the front door on the seashell pink painted house swept open. “Matt!” Peyton hopped down the steps and jogged up to him beside the car. “I thought I heard someone pull up.” He started to reach for Matt, to give him a welcoming hug, but hesitated. “Is this okay?” he asked. “I would love a hug right now,” he itted. Peyton moved in and gathered him close. “So glad you made it safely. I was worried. You sounded so tired last night.” “I managed. I often don’t sleep well anymore.” Peyton ran soothing palms over his back before stepping away. Matt was too exhausted and greedy to be the one to pull away first. “Because of what happened?” Brown eyes studied him, searching for the lie and the truth. “Yeah.” Once Peyton had put some space between them, he inched away from the car also. “But I’m here.” He almost cried at the welcome Peyton gave him. He had no reason, not one, to treat Matt kindly. Not after he’d done the dickest thing a boyfriend could do and dropped him without warning over someone else. It had been the worst mistake of his life. “Kelly is inside.” He tucked his hands into his jeans pockets. “He didn’t want to alarm you because you don’t know him. But you’ll like him. He’s a sweet teddy bear. We just had his return to duty party a few days ago. There’s so much to tell you. But the big one is, you have a place to stay. It’s safe, and it’s quiet.” “That’s exactly what I need.” Matt tried to smile. He put a hand to his lower back and pushed, groaning as the muscles stretched. “Let’s get you inside first. We’ll do the rest later. Okay?” Matt convinced his legs to work, to step away from the car to be able to close the door. Peyton matched his stride as they aimed for the front door. “Sure. I really appreciate everything you’ve done, that you’re still doing.” Peyton pshawed and waved a hand. “Please.” He paused at the steps. “Look, we talked about this. We are fine now.” He waved his finger between them. “As

friends. I forgave you, and now you need help. Friends help each other. End of story.” Matt sniffed, fighting the pressure behind his eyes. Hard. “I know.” He cleared his throat. “But—” “No ‘buts’.” Peyton sighed, reaching for the door knob, as his voice gentled. It caused a new wash of aches to crash through Matt’s chest at what he’d foolishly and callously thrown away. “It’s okay, M. Really. Life happens in a certain way. It’s what we do with it, how we react to make our choices. This is my choice.” “It makes you a much bigger, better man than I can ever hope to be.” “Well, you have time now to catch up,” he teased with a wink. “Come on in so you can meet Kelly. Then we’ll get you settled. We’re working on getting everyone playing the musical house game we have going on completely moved so we can get you into the place in back. So you’re going to have Mom’s guestroom for a few weeks.” He opened the door as he explained and Matt nodded, swallowing, trying to take it all in, trying to not fall apart, trying to not collapse in a bundle of exhaustion and gratitude. What did a clump of sobs even look like? He didn’t get to find out. “My partner, Kelly Archer and my mom, Pauline Ackerman. Matthew Landon.” He let the word partner flow over him, not feeling the pain he thought he would face with meeting Kelly. Peyton had definitely moved on. It was exactly what he deserved. Matt faced the man Peyton was talking about as he stood to reach his feet, along with a shorter woman with a bright pink stripe in her hair. Kelly wore a brown sheriff’s uniform. “We’re so glad you could come stay with us,” Pauline said, offering a hand. “Thank you,” he mumbled, shaking her hand and fighting to not retreat as Kelly reached out for the same.

“It’s good to meet you,” he said. “Peyton has told us both a lot about you. And,” he paused, glancing toward Peyton. Matt caught the tender smile shared between them. “We’re here if you need anything.” “I really appreciate that.” “Let’s bring his stuff in, let him and Mom talk.” Peyton moved aside for Matt to get past. Pauline offered her hand again, and guided him to a chair beside hers. “You look beat. Do you drink sweet tea?” “I would love some,” he replied, watching as Kelly and Peyton vanished out the front door, probably to go get his bags. He should be doing that. But he wasn’t going to say anything. It had been hard enough getting them into the trunk. He hated to think about getting them back out. Pauline went into the kitchen and brought back a large glass of tea with ice floating in it. There were coasters on the table, so he assumed this was a regular drink in the house. A sip turned into three before he put it down. “That is good.” “Peyton had said you needed a place to say, some place quiet for a while. The boys are working to get out of the detached room in the back. Once they do, it’s yours.” “Oh, thank you.” He fiddled with the hem of his shirt, wondering how he could stretch out his funds to pay for it. He had a settlement for the physical assault coming to him, but he didn’t expect to see it for some time. “Do you charge rent?” “I won’t be charging you. You are a guest. There will be a few house rules while you’re in the guest room, and then in the back.” Matt blinked, sure that there would be something to pay, but her face was serene. She didn’t evade or even blink. “You’re going to let me stay here for free? And what kind of rules?” “I would usually charge but we’re all here to help first. As for the rules, I’m a mother, not a maid. You do something that requires clean up, don’t leave it for me to do. The laundry is in the back of the house and that will be available

regardless of which roof you’re under. I also teach in Stiller Springs and will have semester workshops. I’ll be out of the house a lot, then. The house itself is yours, TV, bathroom, whatever you need. But not my bedroom.” He immediately shook his head. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” She patted his knee. “I get a good vibe from you. Peyton didn’t tell us the details. Only that you had been hurt and were still in phases of recovery, thus the quiet. I can tell you’re a good boy, and deeply conflicted right now. But if you take it day by day, and look forward to your horizons while keeping your feet on the ground, good things will happen for you.” “I rea—” The door opened right then, cutting him off. The other two toddled in with all his bags, shutting the door behind them. “We’re going to put these in your bedroom, then Kelly needs to get to work.” Matt slowly stood, using the arm on the chair for balance. “Thanks for the help, guys. I owe you.” Peyton returned a moment later and handed over the keys. “You left these in the ignition.” Matt glared at the keys, then dropped his eyes. “Thanks,” he whispered. “I’m going to walk Kelly out. Be right back.” Matt nodded, sinking back in to the chair. The clutched keys dug into his tender palm. Peyton left around the corner, headed toward the rear of the house. Kelly hadn’t reappeared from the bedroom. He assumed they went out the back door. “Does that happen often?” she asked kindly when they were alone. “A couple of times since… I lose track of things. My phone, the keys.” His shoulders slumped where he sat. He didn’t want to mention the dyslexia. It only made him sound that much more pathetic. “I’m a huge wreck.” “If you need anything, or even to talk to someone, I have resources through the school district. And Kelly will too, for Silo specifically.”

“I’m okay. It was a tedious drive.” He hated sounding so broken. He hated feeling broken. “I’ve done it once or twice. Now that you’re here and the boys have your things inside, why don’t you go rest for a while? Peyton and Kelly will be here for dinner tonight.” Matt pushed off the chair again. “I would love that.” He wrapped a hand around the iced tea and downed it. “I’ll take it,” she offered kindly. “But—” “And I meant it, but hon, you’re about to out. Let me show you the room. You’re welcome to get settled. The room and folks moving around won’t be for a few weeks yet. We can tell you about it at dinner.” Pauline slipped the iced tea glass from his fingers before he argued any further, then led him to the back of the house. “This is the door to the rear, also the laundry.” She patted one as she walked past it. She stopped a few feet down the hall. “This will be your room. Peyton and Kelly are sharing the place in back for now.” She opened the door for him. “The bathroom is behind us opposite the laundry.” He gripped his keys harder. “Mrs. Ackerman—” “Pauline, please. The kids call me that.” A tremulous smile ghosted over his lips. “Thank you, Pauline. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. You don’t even know me.” The kindness of her smile reached her eyes. “I know you’re hurting, you’re tired, and you need friends. Let’s start there.” He nodded, agreeing silently. He slipped in to the room, not saying anything when she quietly closed the door behind him. His three larger bags were on the floor by the foot of his bed and his overnight bag sat on the comforter. Not quite everything to his name at the moment. He’d worry about unpacking them later. Careful of his next steps — his hip really was killing him, he sat down on the

edge of the bed and covered his face with his hands. And cried. Eventually, the tears slowed, and he blinked through the dampness on his lashes. He found a box of tissues next to the bed and tugged out several to mop up his face. Too exhausted to think about doing more than kicking off his shoes, he lay down on top of the covers and curled himself into the pillow on the bed. It smelled like fabric softener and felt divine. He fell asleep before he ed he still gripped the clump of damp tissues in his fist.

Chapter 2

Matt woke, disoriented by the cream painted walls of the room and the softness of the bed. And it was still daytime. The blind was down, blocking the setting sunlight coming through the window, with lacy curtains draped in front of it to give the room a sense of taste. It was a nice room. Far better than the last hotel he’d stopped at. But roadside hotels weren’t there for more than a place to sleep. They surely weren’t meant to impress. At least here he felt safe. That made a world of difference. Even though it was only a nap, he felt considerably better, and better rested than he had in quite a long time. He clung to that with tight fingers. Getting healthy, healing, was the reason he’d dragged his entire life to Silo. Somewhere Ryan and his sycophant followers, ex-lovers, ex-victims, couldn’t follow him. Ryan was in prison, but Matt knew better than to think he’d stay there. He had connections. People deep in his family’s pockets, so to say. He released a slow exhale. He couldn’t dwell on that. For now, he was safe. Ryan wasn’t anywhere near him, neither were the reporters. It had been an ugly court case. Trying to defame Matt, to make him look like he’d caused all this pain and suffering on himself, because he somehow wanted it. He hated the media hounds. But it was over. Gingerly, he braced a hand to straighten himself up to sit. He looked down when he felt the tissues still in his hands. He spotted a small trashcan next to the stand beside the bed and tossed them. Scrubbing his hands over his face, he focused on his next step. The next action he needed to take. With all of that behind him, he’d found some stability by being meticulous in his actions to try to move forward. That step by step regimen of thinking helped to keep his focus set. So the next thing he needed to do was unpack, at least enough to allow him a few weeks of routine.

Pawing through his overnight bag, he searched for his toiletry bag. Next to that rested his bag with his prescriptions. He supposed another priority would be to find doctors and physical therapists here to continue his recovery. Sweeping a wayward lock of hair off his face, he straightened. The closet was more than spacious enough for the little bit he unpacked. And he only needed a few dresser drawers for his essentials. Once that was finished, he felt a little more settled. With his bags hidden away in the closet, he took his toiletries to the bathroom to wash up from the last stretch of his drive and his nap. Splashing water on his face and brushing his teeth helped immensely toward feeling more human. Things he used to take for granted as a part of simply existing, he made sure to enjoy. His mobility might be degraded, but he wasn’t. He was alive. Matt was grateful for that, even though in the beginning he’d wondered if staying alive, breathing, existing, was worth it. He shook his head, stepping away from those spiraling thoughts. Once in his room, he palmed the bottle he needed and shook out a pain pill. Enough to soothe the ache in his hip and leg. How he’d thought he could actually hide how badly Ryan had hurt him still made him shake his head at his own stubborn stupidity. He’d been hiding his tears of pain and barely walking by the time he’d reached his desk the morning after the attack. The doctor at the ER had berated him soundly for walking at all after he’d seen the X-rays. Matt hadn’t known how deep the damage went. Over the months he’d been with Ryan, he’d gotten good at hiding his pain. Ryan’s last attack had done more than cause pain. He should have listened to his body, but terror and conditioning had broken him. He was still cracked and unstable, but was slowly pulling the pieces together. He was healing. A slow process. And now he had the time. One of the girls from the office had visited him during his recuperation at home. She’d brought him a book about the history of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing pottery with colored lacquer powders and molten metals like gold and

silver to salvage the piece. The belief was that even though the pottery had been broken, its repair not only strengthened it, but added to the beauty of the item, gave character to the story it told. He didn’t see himself that way in the least, but it was a traditional belief that had stuck with him, even months later. That maybe after everything he still had value, worth. It was one of the few books that had made the trip with him. He faced the lace coverings on the window to remind himself he was free, and Ryan wasn’t. So at least there was that much. Straightening his spine, he turned to leave the room, his limp not quite as bad, and not as painful. The pill in his hand would help a lot to make that even better. He found Pauline and Peyton at the kitchen table. They were playing a game of cards. “Did you take the day off, Peyton?” He smiled when Matt spoke. “I did. Kelly took a long lunch when I told him you were almost here. We all wanted to be here for you.” Matt dipped his head, swallowing hard. “Thank you for that.” “Peyton, show Matt where things are. I’ll be right back.” She faced her cards down and left the table, possibly for her own room. It was a kind attempt at giving the two of them a few minutes of privacy. Peyton opened cabinets, showing Matt where things were stored. “Could you hand me a glass? I need to take a pill.” He handed over a tumbler. Matt filled it with ice from the door switch, then opened the refrigerator. The iced tea was in a large pitcher, right out front. With it filled, he closed the door with a magnetic thump, then popped the pill and drank it down. The tea was exactly what he needed. A little sugar to help his system, and the pill to dull the ache in his hip. “How are you feeling?” Peyton leaned against the counter to cross his arms, a concerned furrow between his eyes as he studied Matt, possibly a little more

intently than he wanted, but he couldn’t hide all of his suffering from his friend. Peyton had always been too good at seeing right through him when they were together. He licked his lips, already feeling a bit more refreshed from the sleep and the tea. “I’m glad I’m here. I feel like I can finally breathe. There aren’t any vultures waiting outside for a picture or a comment that they can twist. I know Ryan is behind bars and I keep telling myself that.” “Did you sleep okay?” He took another drink before answering. “Yeah. Better than I have in a while.” He grinned sheepishly at Peyton. “So, you and Kelly, huh?” Peyton shrugged a shoulder, a blush hitting his cheeks. “We started as running buddies.” “I know you’ve always liked to run. I’m glad you have him now.” There really didn’t need to be more said. He’d lost his chance with Peyton. And from what he’d already seen, he was very happy. So that meant he was happy for Peyton. He motioned with a shoulder behind him. “I know your mom isn’t going to wait on me, I don’t want her to, but when is dinner going to be?” He looked at the wall clock. “Not for a couple of hours yet.” “Can we take a drive? Show me around some?” Peyton smiled warmly. “I’d love to.” He walked down the hall. “Hey, Mom. We’ll be back in a bit. Going for a drive.” He turned around and waved to Matt. “Let’s take mine so you can really look around.” “Sure.” Matt put his glass in the sink and followed him out the backdoor to climb in to his sports car. “I didn’t think you’d keep this. Not exactly the vehicle for the area.” Peyton laughed, sliding in to the car. “Kelly says the same thing. I might do something with it one day but it’s okay for now.” “it it. You like having a little red Ferrari,” he jabbed playfully.

Peyton laughed. “Yeah. I do.” They turned out onto the road. “So you probably came in the back way from town, right?” “Yeah. The way you said.” “Okay. Town isn’t that far. If you turn left at the stop sign, it’s Silo. Right is Stiller Springs by about forty minutes.” “I can that.” “I think you’re going to like it here. It is way slower. The hustle and bustle simply doesn’t exist.” Matt grinned, tapping his finger to his knee to keep time with the music on the radio. “I’m perfectly okay with that.” Peyton slowed and pointed. “So, this is the All Nighter. The owner, Dean, is a friend of Kelly’s since before they both moved here. It’s nice inside.” They rolled further into town. “Then you have the fire station.” He honked his horn for the guys outside and got several waves in answer. “Kelly knows a bunch of the guys and like you said, the car does stick out.” Matt snickered. “About halfway into town, you have the cop shop.” He parked in front of the building. “I’ll introduce you to a couple of the faces so they know you.” “You don’t have to do that,” Matt was quick to say, a hint of queasiness adding to his unease. Peyton twisted on his seat to face him. “I’d rather they did so if you’re in trouble, you’ll know who to call. I don’t see anything happening to you out here since you just got here. Your court case did make national headlines because of that asshat, and it did raise a few eyebrows. Not because of you, but because of what he got away with for so long.” He touched a light hand to Matt’s arm. “For me?” Matt sighed. He’d never liked telling Peyton no. “Okay.” They exited the car and Peyton ed him at the bumper, walking at his pace.

The hitch in his walk wasn’t as noticeable now that he’d taken his pill and managed some rest. When they reached the entrance door, Peyton tugged it open to hold for Matt to go in first. Matt trailed him deeper into the building, until they were in a large open area with several desks and other signs of office life. It wasn’t a huge building, but he couldn’t see beyond the steel doors to know for sure. “Peyton. What are you doing here so late?” a woman said as she smiled, though there was concern as well. “Hi, Nancy. Came to introduce you to a good friend of mine. This is Matt Landon. Is Dave and Lex here?” Matt offered his hand without too much qualm. At least she came across as friendly. She shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. They’re probably in Dave’s office. Let me make sure he’s available.” “No problem.” She went in to a side room with a cash wall cutout and placed a call. She laughed once and then nodded before hanging up. Leaving the room, she neared the secured door near her desk. “He said to send you back. He needed a break anyway. Or maybe that was Kelly.” She winked as she opened the secured door for the both of them. Peyton laughed. “Thanks.” “So they’re really laid back here, huh?” he asked at his ear. “Sometimes. When Kelly got hurt, not so much, but with all of them here right now, this is actually perfect.” Pausing outside an office, Peyton tapped a knuckle on the first open doorframe. “Hope we’re not interrupting,” he offered cheerily. The guy behind the desk closed a folder. “No. Case notes. What brings you to the station?” Peyton entered the room and stood behind Kelly, tugging Matt close. “This is my

friend who is moving down here. I wanted to introduce him around. He met Kelly earlier.” Peyton introduced Lex Staples, another sheriff that shared duties with the guy behind the mostly cluttered desk. Lex was probably in his upper forties, with graying hair and a bit of a paunch. “And this is Dave Hanlon. Part of the backbone of Silo.” Dave held out a hand to shake. Matt swallowed as he stood from his desk to do so. He stood easily six feet, maybe six-two. Compared to Matt’s five nine, he towered over him. His hand was almost engulfed by Sheriff Hanlon’s. There were sensations, tingling like sparks against nerves, which rolled up his arm to land in his chest from the single . Sensations he couldn’t dissect as quickly as they appeared and roamed his skin then vanished, like flickers of light and heat. He swallowed as his heart beat a little faster. It wasn’t from fear. The sudden sensations weren’t unpleasant, but he wasn’t prepared for them, either. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Dave said. “We’re glad you’re going to be a part of Silo.” “Thank you,” he stammered, his attention dropping to the warm hand holding his own. He couldn’t maintain the eye . He was still working on that when meeting new people again, but so much about Dave was simply overwhelming to begin with. From his height, to his piercing gaze. The air of confidence that almost cloaked him. Matt felt as though he’d been caught in a spider’s web. Lex coughed and suddenly Dave freed his hand, sitting behind his desk again. Stiffly. He slid a step behind Peyton’s shoulder, suddenly unsure.

Chapter 3

Dave Hanlon watched Matt out of the corner of his eye, trying to focus on Peyton while he chatted for a minute or two with Kelly and Lex before leaving the room with Matt at his side. His gaze briefly met Lex’s, but he swiftly evaded, opening the folder on his desk again when it was the three of them. Because he forgot he’d been holding the other man’s hand the entire time he’d stared into Matt’s haunted eyes. Such beautiful eyes, too. A yellow leaning, moss green color. So unique. So wounded. He cleared his throat as he stared down at the writing before him that swam like a ripple on a puddle’s surface as he gathered his free-rolling marbles together. It felt like he was vibrating. From a handshake and a hello. He reached for his mug and drew a large swallow of water, taking much needed time to center himself. If Lex hadn’t intervened, Dave wasn’t sure what he would have done. Probably forgotten to give the poor guy back his hand. “So, what else did we find out about Baby Jane?” Kelly asked, stretching out his legs, shaking them before settling, thankfully oblivious to the undercurrent that had all but incapacitated Dave. He knew Kelly’s agitation was because his knee still gave him issues. And that he absolutely hated the tedium of desk work. Honestly, all three of them didn’t need to work over this case with it nearly closed, but it gave them something out of the norm to focus on, to talk about as a case. “Baby Jane has been confirmed as Baby Zoe by the state, approximately eleven days old when found by the date of her mother’s diary and the young lady’s autopsy. All paperwork has been turned over and now it’s between the state and Mr. Volkov.” Zoe’s mother had been an abused runaway, raped by her foster father. She’d given birth on her own. Her life had been nothing but misery and pain. She’d died on the run, hiding and injured in an old barn. The sparse details they gleaned about the pregnancy and subsequent birth of her baby were from

her diary. Roman had found them both while he’d been running over pack lands. His reaction had been what Dave could only call single-minded and blatantly protective. From the moment he’d found the infant, he’d claimed her as his own. She was currently under observation and care at the Stiller Springs hospital. Lex dragged a hand over his head. “That poor girl. Both of them.” Dave nodded, echoing Kelly’s sentiment. “Mr. Volkov has interceded with the courts to petition for fostering, with the intent for full adoption.” He didn’t doubt Roman would win his adoption plea and was also positive he would hear about the decision any day. “I’m glad the baby is going to have someone,” Lex said. “I can’t even imagine that happening to Tina.” “So what’s left for us to do?” Kelly wondered. Dave perused the file, before replying to Kelly. “Not really a lot. The rest is pretty much on Mr. Volkov, or she’ll go to child services.” “I hate that someone had to die to bring us even a little excitement,” Kelly muttered. “After your attack, I’m perfectly okay with some quiet time.” Lex reached and grabbed at Kelly’s shoulder. “A few more weeks and you’ll be cooped up in a car exactly like you like.” Kelly snorted, then smiled. “Sue me.” “Nah. I know who you work for. We’re all broke.” That spurred all three men to start chuckling. Kelly stood from his seat. “Okay. I’m going to relieve Nancy, then. Have a good night.” He stood from his chair and turned the corner into the hall. The double barricade door snapped shut, leaving a deathly quiet between the walls. Lex faced Dave. “Sooo… Wanna explain what happened with Peyton’s friend, there?” He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Because, of course, he knew. The instant he held Matt’s hand, his entire body went on alert. Because a whole brigade of clarion trumpeters couldn’t have been louder. So of course Lex knew enough to harangue Dave, just a little. He stifled the growl in his throat. “I don’t know.” He studiously gathered and stacked various folders on his desk, giving an illusion of preoccupation. Now that they’d gone over the day’s reports, he was technically done for the evening. A quick breath still brought him notes of Matt’s scent in the room. Something sweet, honeyed. And so achingly cautious, the unknown sensation strummed Dave’s nerves like an angel playing across harp strings. Made him crave to do something to help. It had all happened so quickly, he hadn’t been able to dissect the currents that had coursed under his skin at the shared . Almost like an out of body experience that had been interrupted, throwing him back into his own headspace with no warning. With no idea of what had transpired, or what the other man had felt. Only knowing something monumental had shifted. Without knowing what had caused it, but guessing from Lex’s grin, he knew. He wasn’t going to confirm or deny anything regardless. “I’m going to head home too,” Lex said, standing and stretching. “Simon’s got Leandra for back-up tonight and with school about to start again, I don’t imagine things will get wild until around homecoming.” “Let’s hope not,” Dave agreed, aimlessly shuffling files to make it look like he was working. Hopefully, Lex wouldn’t push for answers, because he really didn’t have any. “Night, Lex.” Lex stood and turned out of the office to go out the back door while he finished going over a few last details before shutting down his computer and ensuring things were put away. It took a few minutes to go through all the usual procedures, then he locked the office door. The outer hall door clanged behind him, locking as well as he entered the lobby. Kelly sat at Nancy’s cashier desk. “Don’t worry. We’ll have you back in a car soon,” he mentioned as he reached Kelly who stared intently at his phone, sure

he was bored out of his mind covering part of Nancy’s evening hours. Kelly waved a hand in unconcern. “Peyton sent a picture of him and Matt in front of the library. I can see why they originally got together.” When Dave’s eyes drifted away from the screen, he spied Kelly’s pensive expression. “Are you worried about Peyton?” he asked carefully. “Actually, no.” He rubbed behind his neck, straightening on the chair to look at Dave. “I still question how I’m good enough for him.” Dave shook his head. “He adores you. I saw it at your party. Whoever this Matt person is to him, he’s in his past. And all he wants is you.” “I know I shouldn’t be worried.” He sighed. He held up the phone. “But look at that.” Studying the image on the screen, Dave saw two men smiling, probably laughing over a joke as they snapped the picture. They weren’t embracing, they were barely touching. Matt was a little taller, blond to Peyton’s brunet. Both were good looking men. And Dave was drawn more than once to the smile on Matt’s face, the twinkle of humor in his eyes. He swallowed as his stomach did a little quiver, ignoring the memory of what had transpired in his office. “I think… I think they’re doing what they can to salvage enough to still be good friends,” he offered thoughtfully. “If this Matt guy is who I think he is, he needs friends, doesn’t he?” “It’s him, and yeah. He does.” Dave patted Kelly’s shoulder. “Then trust your partner and his heart. He loves you, but we all can have emotional relationships with more than one person. It’s the depth and strength of the relationship that matters when you get to the deep dirt.” Kelly nodded. “Yeah, sorry. You’re right. And I do trust him.” He darkened the screen. “We are getting ready to move in together.” “See? I don’t think Matt is going to be any kind of threat to your relationship. Come on, let’s lock up the front. It’s after seven. We’re done.”

Kelly locked Nancy’s till and then the cash office door. They typically didn’t have an overnight cashier. They really weren’t that kind of town. They rarely kept anyone for more than an overnight lockup, either. Stiller Springs had a much larger force to accommodate their population. Silo was considerably more laid back. If either Simon or Leandra had to book anyone, they had a secure pad at the back of the building where the holding cells were. And if they needed more assistance, there were always extra hands on call. Simon Barre had been hired when Kelly had his knee busted by Brian Rogers, another officer on the force who had since been charged for his racially motivated attack against Kelly. Lex liked Simon enough to keep him on even when Kelly was released back to light duty hours. Keeping him for manpower made sense. With Ira retired and Brian Rogers charged, they were going to be two officers short while Kelly recuperated his knee. They’d also hired Leandra Corbin, a seasoned officer previously from Michigan looking for a quieter place to call home and work for the community. Simon and Leandra worked well together and both preferred the overnight hours, so it wasn’t uncommon for them to be spotted at Mabel’s for an overnight coffee or two. It also allowed for Lex to be moved off nights a little more often, spreading the rest of the deputies through the remaining shifts. Dave knew he appreciated the change. With the recent addition of the two of them, they were fully staffed with the remaining deputies and able to easily rotate shifts when they needed to. Another body or two wouldn’t be amiss, but he also understood the need for adequate funding. And the city was looking at other things that year as priorities. He could only hope that the status quo didn’t endanger anyone before the wheel of funding came back around to the sheriff’s office and his team. He'd been trying for two years to convince the town council, since he’d been promoted from Deputy to Sherriff in fact, to agree to help fund a hospital, or even a multi-bed clinic. Stiller Springs was the metropolis to the area burgs. They weren’t wholly reliant on the larger city, but there were some things that towns like Silo and even further out, Cassan, didn’t have. Medical clinics among them. They had local doctors and dentists. Enough to the smaller populations, but those populations were growing, expanding rather quickly.

His mind wandered down different tangents as he pulled into his home’s driveway. The garage door opened and he drove his cruiser in to park next to his personal truck. As he reached the house entry door, a heavy woof reached him. He smiled, waiting for the garage door to lower enough before unlocking the door in front of him. When it was safe, he opened the door and smiled. “Hey, Casper.” He laughed at the almost pure white Pit Bull that charged him, body wagging as counterbalance to his hyper tail. He pushed the stocky animal out of his way and closed the door. Lowering to his knees, he got his welcome home body hugs. “Did you have a good day chasing bugs?” he asked, rubbing along his frame with firm but gentle hands. There were severe scars along Casper’s muzzle and a nickel-size nick in one ear. Casper didn’t know and didn’t care. Dave did know, and was glad he could give the dog a much better life. After a few minutes of greeting love, he stood and went to the back door to lock the doggy for the night, Casper on his heels. All part of their routine. Once in his bedroom, he locked up his weapon and changed out of his uniform. Securing his weapon was a habit he’d never changed, day in and day out. It soothed him to go through the motions, to remove the layers that made him law enforcement. By the time he’d released two buttons on his shirt, Casper was lying down at the foot of the mattress, his favorite spot. “So, there’s a new guy in town,” he said conversationally, as though Casper could understand and respond. He’d started doing it since he’d rescued Casper to help him become used to his new human and never stopped. “He’s been hurt.” His voice lowered, became thoughtful as he studied his dog. Casper yawned loudly, clearly not concerned. “I guess in some ways, like you were. Someone else hurt him. Someone else controlled what he did.” He tossed the shirt in the hamper, then slid out of his shoes to lower his pants. “I have a feeling you’re going to like him. He’s skittish. Maybe you can show him how to be strong again, if you meet him.” Once in his underwear, he sat on the bed and removed his socks, sinking them into the hamper as well. He rubbed over Casper’s head, who pushed into it before rolling to his back for a belly scratch.

Dave didn’t want to think about what Matt’s presence meant to him. At least, not yet. He’d felt it to his bones when they’d shook hands. His wolf had been very interested. But he didn’t feel anything about Matt himself. How could he? He didn’t know Matt beyond the news that had made national headlines a few months back. That he was Peyton’s ex, as Kelly had explained that much. Blond hair that flopped to one side. Haunted and haunting green eyes. He rubbed absently over Casper’s stomach until the need to feed them both interrupted his musings. Dressing in track pants and a T-shirt, he left the bedroom.

Chapter 4

Matt’s life fell into a calming pattern over the next few weeks. By the time he roused in the morning, both Pauline and Peyton were already at work. He took the time to wipe down the kitchen after he finished cooking, and if the dishwasher needed ran, he did that, too. Stretching came next, in the living room. Once he’d gone through the physical therapy steps, he would get his phone and his laptop from his temporary bedroom and sit at the kitchen table to look up medical professionals in the area. A timer on his phone went off every forty-five minutes to get him up and walking. Sometimes he walked outside, or he would do more stretches in the living room. It was easy and peaceful, and slowly his anxiety levels dropped to controllable levels as the routine settled him. Fear of being attacked at every creak and whisper faded. Pauline’s house looked nothing like Ryan’s posh apartment. It was sunny, homey, quaint. Full of light and love. Pictures of a younger Peyton were scattered around with a few shots of him and Kelly. There were pictures of Pauline and Peyton with Peyton’s father. There was ed sorrow facing those pictures because Peyton had been hiding who he was from his father back then, and Matt had always only been the roommate. Being happier and not hiding who he was made a world of difference for Peyton. Matt could see it and couldn’t deny that Peyton needed that happiness, deserved it. Through the morning hours, he established new doctors and made his initial appointments, transferring more and more of his life from New York to Silo. And every step he took helped him feel that much stronger. With calendars on his phone and his laptop, he set alarms and notifications for what he needed to do, reminders that were more important now than previously because of his weakened memory. Peyton had helped him set up a lot of his s, something he would have struggled with because of his dyslexia. If he

was slow and focused, he could read well enough. Writing and typing was actually easier. He’d learned early on that deadlines were his worst nemesis. As the day neared for when he’d take over the rear apartment, the excitement of the coming move kept him looking toward the future, stuffing the past into a closet he could lock for the time being. Apparently, Peyton and Kelly were going to be moving into a house near the veterinary clinic, as the owners were having a house built for an expanding family. Once Peyton moved in with Kelly fully, Matt could move into the detached. Not that he was rushing for privacy, but he doubted Pauline was used to having people under her roof any longer. Not one person from the media circus who had been witness to his court case knew where he was. None of the journalists, bloggers, or media hounds. There weren’t really any friends he was staying in with either. No one that could leak that kind of information for a quick payday. The chance to ride coattails to earn fifteen minutes of fame over his misery had long gone cold. When Ryan convinced him to move in after barely two days, Matt had been blown away by someone so out of his league to even take an interest in him. The rose colored glasses he’d allowed himself to wear when it came to his now incarcerated ex had wrapped completely around his head by the time he’d said yes. It left no one but himself to blame for what happened. Good looking, rich, and well connected, he’d swooped in and bowled Matt over with his charisma and kindness. Once he’d fallen into the well-baited trap though, little things began to happen. The happy in their relationship began to lose its shine, but by then Ryan had managed to completely ostracize Matt from everyone surrounding him. It had been a slow, calculated process and Matt had missed all of the signs. He still checked his emails, hoping to be able to explain to some of the people he’d wronged. As of yet, the number of the willing had been very low. The most shocking and unexpected had been Peyton’s forgiveness. Because Matt knew he didn’t deserve one speck of his generosity. Matt’s actions had hurt Peyton the most, destroying the relationship and the feelings they’d shared. Yet here he was, being a better friend than any other person he could name, giving him a place to regroup, to recover.

Traitorous. He accepted his fault in that. Guilt still ate at him, even though Peyton had profusely stated his apologies are no longer wanted or needed. He was the one who’d shown so little regard for Peyton’s feelings to be bedazzled by a glamorous liar. They’d talked a lot since Peyton’s first reply to his beseeching emails to reconnect. Peyton may have forgiven him. Matt still had a long way to go to forgiving himself for the way he’d treated someone he’d professed to have loved. Maybe someday. In the meantime, he would have opportunity to get fully settled once everyone else had moved, then he would have to start looking for work in earnest. Considering Silo’s size, he’d already accepted that he’d be commuting to Stiller Springs. Things were falling together. A day at a time. He heard the front door open from his place at the kitchen table and looked up from his laptop. “Matt?” “Kitchen.” Peyton walked into the kitchen. “How was your day?” “Not bad.” He settled his laptop case on a chair and sank into one across from Matt. “How are you doing?” “I got an email from my lawyer. Said I should be getting a deposit soon.” As if ‘suffering and misery’ had a price tag. “Well, that’s good. You’ll have time to find a job again. Are you going back into development planning?” “That was my hope.” Peyton stood again to get a glass of tea before retaking the chair. “I figured,” he offered with a smile. “I wanted to suggest that you should apply with Silo. They’re growing and they need help. I don’t know who approved the apartments on the other side of town, but it was like they were blindly plunked there.” “I wasn’t very high level at the firm I was at,” he hedged. “Because that’s New York. They have to stack like building blocks. And no one

retires until they die. People with your credentials aren’t falling out of the sky here. This is wide open. Land, new ideas, fresh options. You have the skills. I bet they’d love to have you here, or if you like the larger idea, Stiller Springs.” He caught his lower lip between worrying teeth as he considered it. “I had thought Stiller Springs might be my only option.” Peyton leaned on his arms on the table. “If you want a name to speak to for advice, talk to the Sheriff, Dave Hanlon. He’s on one of the city’s boards of something-or-other and he’s best friends with a lawyer who’s very familiar with Silo. He can tell you who you need to schmooze.” Matt laughed openly. “You haven’t changed one cheeky bit.” Peyton winked. “Nope.” He drank some of his tea. “I’m excited. Quade let me and Kelly walk through the house we’re going to rent from him. It’s perfect.” Matt’s face fell. “Oh, I just realized. I don’t have a bed or anything here. How could have I forgotten that?” He closed his eyes to calm his suddenly lurching heart. Peyton’s fingers curled around his and squeezed lightly. “Hey, it’s going to be okay.” “But—” “Trust me,” Peyton said. “Did you have anything you were sending down from the city?” Matt shook his head. “I— I really don’t have much. Ryan kept throwing it all away.” He hadn’t realized how much he’d chipped away at Matt’s personal belongings until he went to leave the apartment for good. “Oh, Matt.” Matt ducked his head and Peyton scooted around the table to plop onto the chair beside him, tucking him into a shoulder. “It’s okay. You’re not there, not with him any longer, okay?” Matt slid his arms around Peyton’s middle, hungry for the . Even if

Peyton wasn’t his, he needed this. He needed his friends. “Makes me sound pathetic, huh?” he mumbled, unable to hide the watery warble in his voice. “No. It makes you sound like you’re finally free of an asshole that abused you,” he replied gently. “You’re with family now. You’re safe.” Matt’s whole frame shuddered. He couldn’t stop it. His eyes burned as he screwed them tight, but the tears leaked through. Peyton’s kind palms circled his back. There were no yells or screams to stop. No terse, disgusted insults, only kindness. After a few minutes he felt a little more in control, and considerably lighter. He stretched to sit straight. “Sorry.” Peyton ran a thumb under his eyes. “It’s okay.” He stood from his chair to vanish from sight for a minute or two and brought back a wad of tissues. Matt mopped up his face and blew his nose before clearing his throat. “Want to go do some damage to a banana split?” Peyton asked, plying him with a bubbly grin and an utter disregard for tooth enamel. A watery laugh burst from Matt. “What am I? Five?” Peyton scowled playfully then pushed his shoulder. “No, doofus. You’re my friend and ice cream and chocolate cures all.” “Oh, well, then.” He grinned, sitting straighter. “Hell, yes. Let’s go kill some ice cream.” Twenty minutes later, they were walking through Mabel’s front door. They took a booth along the windows. “Hi, Peyton.” “Hi, Sissy. Can we get one of Frank’s special banana splits?” “The works?” she asked, writing it on a pad.

“Plus the kitchen sink. And two waters.” She smiled warmly. “You bet.” When she walked away, Matt asked, “What does all of that mean?” Peyton ticked it off on his fingers. “A split banana boat. Three scoops, one chocolate, two vanilla. Hot fudge and caramel sauce. So much whipped cream you have to swim through it, tossed peanut and pecan bits, and three cherries. It’s a sugar nightmare, but soooo worth it.” Matt laughed as Peyton slumped on the bench seat with his tongue hanging half out. “I guess you’ve taken the challenge, then?” He straightened and smiled when Sissy placed their waters on the table. “Once, with Kelly. During his recovery. It’s the best medicine out there.” Matt’s gaze dropped to the table. “I can’t believe someone would do that to a person.” “There will always be people who hate,” he said quietly. “Silo is actually really forward thinking, very diverse.” “You don’t regret moving here?” he took a sip of his water, determined to look for the silver linings. And there was no denying Peyton was happier since moving here. Of course, he knew a lot of that happiness had to do with Kelly. “Nope,” he answered, popping the sound a little. Then he grinned. “Don’t worry. You’ll find your footing.” “Need a job first.” He pulled out his phone, tapping as he talked. “Let me text Kelly. If Dave’s not busy, maybe we can talk to him for a few.” “You don’t need—” He curled his shoulders in, hiding his twisting hands under the table.

“Too late,” he sang, waving the phone to expose the sent message. He winked to take the sting out of it. “Besides, Kelly is grumpy being cooped up in the office still.” “How much longer before he’s off light duty?” “Not much longer. He needs to be cleared for the physical part of the job, but he’s been working his knee at home, too.” “Here you go, boys.” Sissy slid the loaded glass bowl onto the table, with spoons and napkins. “Enjoy.” Matt’s eyes widened. “Wow.” Peyton’s grin grew. “Told ya.” The first bite was gooey, ice-cold goodness. Matt’s shoulders relaxed as he savored. This was a perfect idea to get out of the house.

Chapter 5

Dave trailed Kelly into Mabel’s, locating Peyton and his friend Matt right inside. He nodded to Sissy when she saw them, but it was Peyton’s smile that lit the room when he turned to them, his eyes only on Kelly. Matt’s more watchful gaze flicked between them both. Dave knew they were an imposing pair side by side. Being in their uniforms, they made a statement. Six feet a piece, fit and muscled, thanks a lot to his own shifter background. Kelly, on the other hand, was known for working out regularly. He was glad when Kelly spoke first, breaking the staring tableau. “Mind if we you?” Kelly asked, grinning at Peyton. He scooted over with a come hither smile and patted the bench. “Matt?” Dave asked, studying the blond. “Oh, uhm, yeah. Sure.” He offered a tremulous smile, then quickly dropped his gaze to the table again. He scrunched closer to the window, making room on the bench then inched his water glass over within reach. The waitress neared as they were getting settled. “Afternoon, sheriffs. Coffee?” They smiled at Sissy. “Yes, please,” Dave replied. The four were quiet while they waited. She quickly came back with filled mugs, cream and sugar. “Anything else?” “Not right now. Thanks,” Dave said. “Let me know if you need anything.” She went back to a couple of the other booths and tables to check on folks eating. Dave took his time setting up his coffee, giving Matt as much space as was possible where he sat near the edge of the bench while wearing all his gear. Not the easiest. But he would do what he could to help the other man relax and not

feel like he was the center of anyone’s attention. Kelly and Peyton were doing the opposite, cuddled up close enough to touch thighs and shoulders. His buddy’s antics made him smile behind his coffee cup. He knew there was nothing to worry about between those two. “So, what was the reason for the coffee break?” Dave asked after he’d tasted and approved of what was in his mug. “Oh.” Peyton grinned mischievously. “Well, it’s for Matt, really.” A side glance revealed brightly colored cheeks while he glared at Peyton. “Okay. How can we help?” Matt swiveled on his neck, gaping to quickly snap his mouth shut. “Oh, uh.” He swallowed. Dave took a quick breath, finding Matt’s scent spiking even over the coffee in front of his face. It was as honeyed and sweet as he’d thought, with a tang of nervousness and insecurity thrown in. His wolf stared through his own eyes while wiggling with playful energy. He really wanted to meet Matt. This was not good. But he kept the realizations off his face. Not only was Matt human, but Dave didn’t feel a thing for him. He was cute, but he was so guarded. So cautious. As though an impenetrable wall surrounded him. Dave was worried he’d make the man shatter by merely being as close as he was. He knew vaguely what had happened to him, that he’d been injured and had left New York to start over. He didn’t know the finer details. And he didn’t know if he should or could ask. Not there, or then, that much was clear. “Matt worked at a developmental planning firm in New York. He wants to do the same thing here. I thought talking with you would give him some ideas on where to look and who talk to.” Dave settled his mug on the table, turning the handle just so, giving himself a few seconds to think. “What kind of development?” “City planning,” he murmured. “I’ve also done event planning with extracurricular clubs while I was in college.”

“Very different types of planning,” Dave remarked. “But expansive experience,” Peyton quickly pointed out in . Kelly got Dave’s attention. “What about having him help with the Fall Harvest Festival? We always need people for that. Let him get a taste of Silo and Stiller Springs.” “The Festival?” Dave asked with skepticism. “Why not?” Kelly prodded. “You’re on the committee. Give him a chance to see where he can improve it.” “I don’t want to run roughshod over anyone else’s plans,” he rushed to state a little steadier. “I really only need a job, and got the suggestion to try at Silo’s development office. But I don’t know who to talk to. Peyton suggested I talk to you first.” Dave noticed that while he remained backed to the window, he wasn’t crowded against it like he first had been when he sat down with them. At the same time he realized that, he recognized the want to ease his fears, to give him room to relax. To protect. Something about Matt pulled at him and his wolf. And he didn’t know what to do about it. “Oh?” This time Dave pointedly stared at Peyton, whose grin was broad and innocent. And that should have told him everything right there about what he was about to say. “Well, you have to it. Whoever approved the apartments didn’t think about strategic placement for future growth or traffic safety,” Peyton pointed out. Dave huffed a grunt. “I thought I was the only one who noticed those factors.” The apartments were an overgrown eyesore that were an impossible traffic safety problem, but they managed. Peyton snorted, leaning on the table, a glass dessert boat pushed to the wall out of the way. “I noticed because of what Matt taught me from his own job.” A peek at Matt showed a softer pink coloring his cheeks, making them rosy even though he didn’t look directly at Dave again. He realized Matt would never be able to hide his real feelings with his fair skin.

“You’d be right, but they’re there now.” He shrugged. “What I’d really like to see the city council approve is a new hospital, or even a clinic.” “Why haven’t they?” Matt asked. He sipped at his coffee, then answered. “Mostly budget, but I know the perfect place for one. It’s over ten acres and sitting there, empty.” He was trying to not stare at Matt, already aware how nervous he made the other man. Yet his wolf kept nudging him to get closer. Not happening, he scolded his spirit. He didn’t want to overwhelm the other man but the self-reprimand wasn’t enough to make him bite his own tongue, either. “Would you be interested in helping with the Festival?” With Matt’s background, he didn’t doubt the other man would be an asset. The niggling voice of consciousness that he was almost listening to also pointed out that having Matt help with the festival would put them in closer quarters more frequently. That he’d have the opportunity to get to know the other man. He did his best to shove it somewhere he couldn’t hear that voice. Matt played with his water glass before drawing it close for a drink. “What would I do? Is it already planned?” The water made his lips glisten like pale rubies from the sunlight coming in through the window. Dave pulled away from the sight to formulate the answer he needed. “It’s at the end of October, so not quite five months out. A lot is already blocked and planned. The city does this every year. We’re still working on vendors and booths. Kid friendly things to do.” Matt’s eyes bugged wide. “How many are on the committee? All of that should already be decided so you know where you’re holding it.” Dave chuckled. “The location is always the same. We incorporate the city hall grounds and spread out from there to the designated park grounds surrounding the building. We close off the two side streets for exhibitions and the barbecue grills. We keep it contained that way.” “Then what would I do?” Matt asked, his brow furrowing a little. “You’d help us finalize the plans for those vendors and entertainment, send out

the last packets to the volunteers, which go out forty-eight hours before we launch so everyone knows what page we’re on and also know their station for their time frame. We try to have enough staff so no one volunteers for the full day, that way everyone has a chance to enjoy themselves.” He faced Matt to meet the impact of his stare fully for the first time. There was a light of interest staring back at him, thoughts probably already running through his mind from what they’d already discussed. He was also starting to seem at least a little more relaxed than he had when they’d first arrived. “You’re not jumping in the middle here. A new brain with ideas would be greatly appreciated and if it works out well, we can look into doing a permanent salaried position for you. Either with the city, or the mayor’s office. You’ll get to meet her too.” “And if it’s not a good fit?” he hedged. “Then you helped us with the Festival and we call it good.” Matt’s green eyes were narrowed in thought. So he’s not very trusting. He supposed he could understand given what Dave knew of his history. He didn’t personally have the clout to insert him into the committee cogs, but if he got to meet everyone, maybe he could help nudge him in the right direction. He wasn’t going to make any promises his ass couldn’t cash, but he was confident Mona, Rachel, and the others would be happy to have someone else help carry some of the planning weight. He was part of the committee to help oversee the public safety side of it, but not for a lot more.

“You should do it, M. It’ll let you meet more of Silo, plus it could get your foot in with the mayor to research the possibility of a development or planning type of position, maybe on with the city permanently, because they’re going to love you. And it will get you out of the house for a while.” Matt’s expression lightened and he rolled his eyes before facing Peyton. “Because I’m such a hermit.” “If the shoe fits,” he teased. “Okay. Okay. I’ll do it. Where do I meet up with everyone?”

“Meet me at the station next Tuesday, right before ten, and I’ll take you to introduce you to everyone. We’re having bi-monthly meetings right now to hammer out the details.” “I can do that.” Dave’s phone rang. He pulled it from its case and nodded when the screen flashed. “I have to take this. Give me a few minutes and we’ll head back.” He stood from the booth, walking outside with the phone to his ear.

Matt watched him walk away. God, that man was built. He shook his head, scattering the thoughts. Dave was intimidating, but the way he’d tried to avoid causing Matt discomfort by sitting nearly on the edge of the seat had been noticed. It wasn’t a tight fit, but he'd been considerate to leave plenty of elbow room between them. “So, you’re going to do it?” Peyton asked. He chuckled, a short one. “I said I would.” He couldn’t fault Peyton’s pestering. He knew he was worried. Matt was doing fine, though. He had compensation funds coming from his lawyer, Ryan was still in prison, and he might have a lead on a new job. Dave returned a few minutes later. “Sorry, boys, but we have to go.” Kelly grabbed a quick kiss then stood. “Everything okay?” Peyton asked. “Yeah.” Dave tried to smile, but it was tight. He faced Matt. “See you next week?” “I’ll be there.” He motioned to Kelly and both left with a bit of a clip in their step, disappearing in their vehicle right after. “I wonder what happened,” Matt mused, drinking more of his water.

“Hopefully nothing bad,” he agreed. “But it’s what they do.” Matt focused on Peyton. “Doesn’t that worry you?” “I’d lie if I said it doesn’t. He’s been hurt on the job once already.” He cupped his hands around his own water, studying it briefly. “It’s his job. It’s a dangerous job, and I knew that when we started dating. But I wouldn’t ask him to quit or change.” “You really love him,” Matt conceded barely above a whisper. “I do.” Matt smiled. “Then that’s all that matters.” Peyton’s throat moved hard, then he nodded. “Thanks.” Matt rolled a shoulder with a wink. “What are friends for? We tell you when you’re being stupid off your rocker. And when you’ve got it exactly right.” Peyton nodded with a broad smile. “Let’s head home. Mom should be home soon. We can surprise her by cooking dinner.” “I’m sure she’d love that.” Peyton left money on the table and waved on their way out the door.

Chapter 6

Matt walked into the sheriff’s department the following week, barely getting a glance from the deputy at the desk. He didn’t know him. Spying Nancy bent over a ledger, he smiled when she noticed him through the glass. “Morning,” she offered. “Hi, Nancy,” he replied with a bare hint of question, hoping he ed right. With his brain, he never knew. When she nodded, he continued. “I’m meeting Sheriff Hanlon this morning.” He glanced at his watch. It was ten minutes till. “Let me call his phone.” She spoke quietly when the call was answered. Behind the glass he couldn’t distinguish well enough to guess what was being said. She hung up and smiled. “He wants you to come back for a few minutes before you leave.” Walking out of the booth, she aimed for the locked door to punch in a code on the pad. Holding it for him, she let him into the private hallway. “Thank you,” he offered. He flinched when the door closed behind him, unable to ignore the oppressive latch of the lock without any noise or distraction. With measured steps, he walked down the hall to the first open door. Before he could knock, Dave waved him in. He was writing in a file. “Come on in, Matt. Working to add some detail on a report.” He perched quietly, not wanting to disrupt him. Matt wondered why he was using a written report rather than a digital record. It made more sense to him to use digital at this point in almost any type of record keeping or correspondence. He probably had a skewed view because of his own limitations, knowing how he could jumble up the smallest details. Autocorrect was his best friend. It also gave him plenty of time to perv on the sheriff, not that he had any inclination to do anything with him. He couldn’t help himself from looking

though. Yes, he was as tall as Ryan, maybe a hair taller, but he was the antithesis of Ryan’s smarmy style. From the little time he’d already spent with the sheriff, he’d picked up on his kindness and thoughtfulness. He didn’t have to show off, or try to be the biggest, best in the room. It had been clear that Kelly and Peyton also respected him. While Matt might have been an utter dick to Peyton, he still knew he could trust his ex. He hoped to someday repay that kindness, because he had been at rock bottom by the time Peyton had finally responded to Matt’s cries for connection and help. While there was a small window in the office, it didn’t really offer enough light on the south side of the building. Fluorescent lighting had never improved anyone’s visage in all of known history. Surreptitiously studying the man, though, Matt had to acknowledge that Dave really didn’t need anything more to showcase his natural appeal. Strong shoulders had always been a draw for Matt, maybe even more so now than before since he wasn’t in uniform. It made him seem more approachable. Even though Peyton stood about two inches shorter than himself, he had always been strong. He could tell by the way Dave stretched his shirt, he had the shoulders and the strength to not only fill, but to do his job. Taking in Dave’s hunched form, he could see the same type of strength that he’d once ired in Peyton, plus the size difference. He caught his lower lip as images and memories assaulted him. Ryan had been big and broad like that. Ducking his head, he closed his eyes, determined to not superimpose Ryan’s image over Dave. He knew, knew, they weren’t the same and he wasn’t about to let his mind play that trick on him. Tension in his fingertips made his hands ache as he pushed the blood out of them. His reactions began to spiral. Right after he’d been let out of the hospital, he’d been unable to even look at anyone built like Ryan, his heart dropping into his shoes and pumping fight or flight adrenaline into his system. He started the breathing exercises he’d learned to keep himself from dropping into that pit of madness. It didn’t take long to center himself again, maybe because Dave never looked up, didn’t react to his panic attack. He didn’t know. A few minutes later, Dave sat straight, sighing as he rolled his shoulders. He blinked, as though ing he wasn’t alone. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to keep

you waiting. Thought I’d do this and get a jumpstart on my next duty day.” “Oh, no, it’s fine. This is your job. I know you’re doing a favor to at least Peyton to let me do this.” Matt bit his lip hard to make himself shut up. Dave chuckled, his brown gaze warming when he answered. “No favors, I promise. If you have the experience you say you do, we’ll find a way. But this is kind of,” he cupped his hands on his desk, leaning close with a playful vibe, “sneaking you in so they realize they need you without being overbearing about it.” Matt laughed quietly. “Sneaky.” “Yep.” He closed the folder and then hit the intercom on his phone. “Nancy, I’m headed over to the mayor’s office. Use the cell if you need me. This morning’s report is ready to be transcribed.” “Got it.” He disconnected the com. “Let’s go out the back.” Matt followed Dave down the hall going the opposite direction of the entrance he’d used, then through a large metal door into another part of the building. It looked like the room spilled out to the back of the building. “Do you ever have people in the cells?” Matt wondered, seeing bars behind a door sitting ajar. “Every now and then. Drunks most often. Occasionally something worse.” Dave pushed on the release bar and made room for to Matt go through into the sunlight. It was hard to avoid touching the man completely. The lightest brush of his shoulder to Dave’s chest sent a shiver strumming through his body. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “Not a problem.” They reached one of the cruisers. “Oh, I get to ride in a gumball machine!” Dave chuckled. “Haven’t heard that in ages.”

“Country boy.” Dave laughed harder. Matt’s heart thudded briskly at the sound. He couldn’t help but in. “Come on.” He unlocked the vehicle and swung his laptop frame out of the way. Matt settled and buckled in. “Peyton showed me a lot of Silo but I don’t know where the courthouse is.” “It’s on the other side of town with the other city offices. Five minutes, maybe. This is the side with the good stuff.” Matt couldn’t help smiling at the easy teasing. He hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long time. Dave made him feel… safe. Protected. With a side look, Matt studied him as they pulled away from the station. There was a light dusting of hair on the back of his hands that he hadn’t really noticed before. Short sleeves revealed corded muscle that had been previously hidden beneath his uniform shirt. Cut short brown hair, not too dark. With those warm, oak barrel brown eyes. He really didn’t understand why so much about the other man piqued his interest levels. Matt focused forward before his mind started down a track he knew would be problematic. Watching the scenery through the window. Houses ed them as they rolled down a side street. “How big is Silo?” “We have almost two thousand in the area now. There’s another two to three hundred outside of that who are considered rural. Within the city municipality, there’s about nine hundred, but new housing and the apartments are changing that pretty quickly. That doesn’t include Cassan or closer to Stiller Springs.” “And only one Sheriff’s office? How?” Dave grinned, maybe a little secretively. “Most of us know each other or are family and no one wants to be arrested by their uncle.” Matt snorted. “No, don’t want to have that come up at Sunday dinner.”

“Exactly.” He settled on his seat when he came to a stop sign. “We are looking to increase policing staff. But I’d like to see a clinic first.” The car rumbled smoothly when it started moving again. There wasn’t anyone else on the road to slow them down. Matt was kind of disappointed the ride was so short. “Where would a new station house go?” “Probably on the other side of the tracks, diagonal across town. We’ve been slow to expand. Stiller Springs has historically had better options as a larger and more developed area, but that growth means they’re increasing taxes and some folks can’t do that. So they look for more affordable housing and options.” “And Silo makes a great choice.” He tipped his head in agreement. “That’s partly behind our recent boost in population over the last few years,” Dave shared as they pulled into a parking space in front of a classic style, two-story stone building. Broad, leafy trees shaded the parking lot and around the building. There was a bronzed historical plate on the front facing side of the building as they neared the double doors. He spotted the declaration date at the bottom as they mounted the steps. “Really? Since 1902?” “Heh. Yeah. Silo ain’t young,” he teased. “Three families originally settled Silo back in the late 1800s. It started as a train depot town but never gained traction in the middle of nowhere. No lakes or rivers close by, and the biggest city was still over two days away by carriage back then. I know you haven’t met him yet, but a friend of mine purchased one of the homes that was built by one of the settler family descendants.” “Wow. So have you been here your whole life?” “I have. I can’t see myself living anywhere else.” Dave opened the heavy wooden door wide. “Let’s go meet Alice and the gang.” Highly polished tile made their steps crisp as they walked deeper into the building. Matt was glad now that he’d dressed at least business casual for this kind of a meeting. He hadn’t known what to expect, but hadn’t imagined he’d be

taken right to the mayor herself. When he’d assumed they’d be meeting in a conference room, Dave byed at least two. One had a blocked strip of caution tape across the door. The aroma of fresh paint was clear as they swept past. So that answered at least that part. No one wanted to be engulfed by paint fumes for an hour. “You’re sure they won’t mind me interrupting their day?” he asked, feeling selfconscious about the pending introduction. Dave made a sound like he tried to swallow a chuckle. “On a Tuesday? We’ll be lucky they aren’t playing checkers.” They turned down a long hallway and then he paused to knock on a closed door. The gold-plated placard stated it was Mayor Alice Gimmery’s office. “Come,” was the muffled reply. Dave opened the door for Matt and let him go first again. He shut the door and ed the gathered group at a lengthwise table, pointing to an empty chair for Matt, then he sat next to him. “Did we miss anything?” “Nope. Just got the handouts,” the willowy blonde at the end of the table replied. “I see you brought someone with you.” She smiled warmly at Matt, folding her hands before her. “This is Matt Landon.” He waved nervously, grateful to only see curiosity and smiles surrounding him. So he wasn’t only meeting everyone, he was at the meeting. He could do this. “Well, I’m Alice Gimmery, the head bitch in charge, or so they let me believe. To my right is Rachel Dodgson, the seasonal director, and Michael Hatton, our outreach liaison. On my left is Roman Volkov and Mona Gutierrez, community . We’re happy to have you us.” He dipped his head in acknowledgement. “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet all of you.” “Okay, let’s get this one up and done.” She ed two more notes packets to Matt and Dave before proceeding with the brainstorming.

Matt, for the most part, listened. He immediately liked Alice. She was humble, professional, funny, and upbeat. Roman was more the silent and brusque type but still kind. With the ribbing happening around the table, it became apparent Dave and Roman shared at least a friendship. Rachel didn’t say much, answering if asked a question. Michael was an older gentleman, probably in his mid to late fifties, who was insultingly ive-aggressive to all the women. Matt wondered if anyone else caught his back-handed compliments, but if they did, no one pointed them out for being rude. He was always able to keep it on the right side of business appropriate. When the meeting was over, it surprised him that a whole hour had gone by. He hadn’t felt his anxiety peak once, and he’d been able to track the details on the paperwork as well as during the discussion. “So, any questions?” No one spoke up when Alice glanced at each for last minute input. “Okay, you all have a task for the next meeting, then we can finally dispense with the bi-monthly and go to monthly.” “Glad for that,” Rachel murmured with a bored tone, plucking at the corner of her packet with a manicured nail. “It’s the same stuff every year. It’s not like there are any surprises.” “And that’s why we do this. So there aren’t any surprises,” she pointed out. “Dave and Matt, please stay for a few minutes. Everyone else is free to run for it.” Roman coughed a huffed sound. “I hope you never change, Alice.” “If I do, call my dad, because I’ve been body-snatched.” She patted Roman on the back as he tried to not to choke on his laughter. “Now, shoo.” “Ro, call tonight, yeah?” Roman waved to Dave as the group exited the room. The door closed with a heavy sound. Solid. Likely soundproofed. Matt swallowed, suddenly nervous again and wondering why she wanted him to stay to talk.

Chapter 7

She waved a hand and Matt and Dave both took the comfy chairs in front of her desk. “Welcome to Silo, Matt. I appreciate your willingness to in on the committee so easily.” Matt glanced at Dave, then said, “Well, Dave had said you needed more hands on deck to help with the mechanics of it all. I’m at loose ends until I get a job. I can do this while I’m looking.” Alice cupped her hands on the desk, at rest, and in no apparent hurry to go to the next thing of her day. “What kind of work?” Dave listened as Matt and Alice chatted for a few minutes, which was a blessing because he got to listen and watch Matt without interruption. Matt was like a kaleidoscope of scents. There was the undeniable honey sweet scent that called to his wolf in the worst, or best, of ways. There had also been snaps of nervous energy, like a bitter, burnt sage when he was stressed. He’d experienced that for several minutes in his office when they’d first been introduced as well as right before they’d left together to come to the meeting, only he hadn’t any idea what had caused it, either time. He’d refused to acknowledge the demon in the room until he was fully under control and could look at Matt without jumping out of his skin to help the man. And he hadn’t known then, or now what had distressed him so deeply. His wolf was all for curling around him and protecting him from anything and everything. Dave knew they weren’t anywhere near that, and may never be. It also helped that he was seeing more of Matt in action. When he wasn’t stressed, he wasn’t exactly bursting with confidence, but he had it. He was smart with a quick wit, and from what he’d seen of the blond, funny and sweet. And cute. He hadn’t missed that detail. Blond hair and those impossibly pale green eyes.

He got comfortable in his seat, keeping his frame relaxed. He wasn’t tense, but he was something, and it was all because of the blond. He’d rarely felt needful physical attraction for a person in his thirty-seven years. Because of that, there hadn’t been more than a couple short-lived lovers during college and academy training, and it was only after he’d known them for quite some time. One had been no more than a friend with benefits, no strings, and no feelings. They’d both been perfectly fine with that arrangement. There had been no desire for anyone since then. No one had caught his attention or made him move past those ideas, that he would likely not be able to find true attraction, or emotion with another. On top of that, no one had ever affected him the way Matt seemed to. A no holds barred, all in, kind of awareness. There had been comfort in the assumption that he was simply not made for emotional relationships. Yet, for the first time in his life, Matt was making him question what he’d believed to be irrefutable since those younger days. “So, what I’d like is for you and Dave to work on that part. Okay, Dave?” He blinked with a start, tuning into the conversation again. “Could you repeat that?” She tapped a pen on her paper, reading over a line. Apparently they’d been in some heavy discussion while he’d been daydreaming. “Michael’s not going to like it, but I want you to team up with Matt and soft introduce him to some of the people we’ve come up with, add anyone else you can think of who don’t usually contribute. We do need more involvement. We’re growing, and Silo needs to expand its roots to benefit the whole system.” He nodded, wondering how much he’d missed while he’d been in his own head. “I think a silent auction is a great idea. It will benefit the food pantry, and several other non-profit and city services.” She focused on Dave. “Would you take him to Flo and have him fill out paperwork? I want for him to have a city email for this part of the project planning and if I do that, he needs to be employed by the city. We have the time to implement a few additions without tearing through the whole festival plan.” Dave was quick to hide his surprise. Well, that was faster than I’d expected. “Be happy to.”

“Good.” She stood from her desk. “It’s going to be great to work with you, Matt. Dara Walker will be your immediate supervisor for any issues. I’ll email her right now and let her know.” He stood as well, meeting her hand for a brief shake. “I really appreciate the opportunity to work with the city. I wasn’t anticipating a job.” He smiled in a slightly bemused manner, his spine tense. It seemed as though Alice had caught him on his off foot as well. “Make sure he meets with Dara too before y’all leave the building, okay?” She directed that at Dave. “Will do.” Dave waited until they were in the hall a few paces away from Alice’s shut doors before leaning close to Matt’s side. “What did I miss? I swear you move fast.” He nudged Matt’s shoulder and heard a nervous, raw cackle in answer. “I wish I knew. I pointed out a couple of ideas that would work with the current itinerary and we started talking about my background.” He peeked upward. “I guess that’s all the stuff you missed.” “Yeah, sorry.” Heat filled his face in an odd reaction. He didn’t blush. “I spaced out for a bit. How is this going to work with Michael’s part of it?” Matt moved to the side as several people went by, one marched right past them down the hall to another set of doors. The hallway was busier than when they’d arrived. It brought him closer to Dave. “She said she’d smooth that over.” He bit his lip, the ruby red apparent as blood plumped the skin. “We’re working together, but I don’t want to take his place. He’s obviously been here for a long time.” “Well, Michael is the outreach coordinator for the festival. He’s actually part of the water works department.” Matt’s mouth rounded gently. “So they volunteer?” “For the committee? We all do.” Matt dipped to read the papers in his hand, his brow furrowing. “I’m being

paid.” There was that hint of insecurity again. Like he didn’t deserve what he was getting. “Because you have needs that fall under city jurisdiction. The others already have that.” The answer appeared to ease Matt’s concerns with being suddenly thrust into the lion’s den when the tension in his shoulders seemed to ease. “Okay. So… Flo next?” Dave smiled. “You bet. How about lunch when we leave?” “Sounds great.”

Matt was glad when they finally stopped at the diner for lunch. He needed to take a pain pill. His limp hadn’t been bothering him, but the stairs and all the walking was catching up to him. It was a delicate balance most days to be able to walk and sit without discomfort. It wasn’t really a throbbing pain, more a constant ache that could be irritated, and worsened. Right now, there was stiffness from the damaged t. At least he hadn’t needed surgery. Yet. There was no doubt there would be a hip replacement in his future. Hopefully many years in his future. While they waited for their burgers, he dictated into his phone what he needed to send to Flo to complete his employee file, double checking his autocorrect before saving the note. “I never thought of doing that.” Matt glanced up from the screen when it darkened. “Hm?” “Notes.” “It’s about the only way I can survive. Notes, reminders, alarms.” Placing the phone face down, he waited for Dave to ask why.

Matt was conflicted when he was glad and yet disappointed that Dave didn’t ask. Having to explain his shortcomings was humiliating and embarrassing. But on some level he also wished Dave wanted to know. The opposing emotions confused him. “How are you liking Silo now?” Resting against the booth seat, he said with a smile, “I’m enjoying it. Obviously, finding a job like this is a stroke of luck. I like Dara, and Alice is one of a kind.” Dave leaned into the corner of the booth, relaxed even as he watched the surrounding world, his focus popping back to Matt regularly. “That she is.” A sudden thought occurred to Matt. “I never asked. Are you working today?” He wore black jeans and a sapphire blue T-shirt. It was a good color for him. He’d never really seen him out of uniform in all their interactions. “Day off.” Matt’s mouth rounded in surprise. “Oh, thank you, then, for taking it to do all of this with me.” He bounced a hand to rest it on the table. “Not a worry.” Sissy approached laden with plates. “Here you go, boys. A double bacon, hold the lettuce, and a single bacon cheese, loaded, mayo.” Matt could smell the mouthwatering beef through the layered steam. His stomach grumbled in appreciation. Nothing beat a good fresh slice of ground beef on toasted bread. “Let me know if you need anything else.” Matt waited for her to walk away before leaning over the table to lower his voice. “I swear she’s the only waitress. Does she ever take a day?” “She does, but she loves seeing people happy with food. She’s been best friends with Frank since before his mama opened Mabel’s.” “Remarkable. You don’t hear of many friendships, or any relationship with that kind longevity anymore.” He hefted his burger, ready to dig in at the same time Dave said, “No, not often.”

There was silence for a good while as they chowed down on burgers and fries. There had been a time right after Ryan’s assault when he’d been unable to even hold a conversation with someone, now he was finding friends, having lunch, and had been offered a job. If there had been a normal in his life, it was starting to finally feel as though it may be returning. As they were finishing, his phone vibrated. He flipped it. “Oh. It’s Peyton. Is it okay?” “Sure.” Dave sipped at his soda, munching slowly to give them time to talk. He hit the answer button. “Hey, Pey, what’s up?” “Just giving you the news. We’re moving this afternoon! Quade said the other house is officially clear as of the weekend.” Matt grinned at his bouncing exuberance. “I can tell you’re ecstatic.” “So much. Don’t worry about stuff, or anything like furniture. We got you covered.” “Okay.” He wasn’t going to hold his breath, infinitely grateful for anything he already had. If they gave him anything extra, it would be a large boost to minimize what he knew he needed for his own place. “Come by the house in about half an hour and we’ll do the key swap.” “Oh, yeah, sure.” He ended the call, tapping his finger on the now blanked glass, thinking. “Everything okay?” Dave wiped his hands on a napkin and balled it up to leave on his plate. “Yeah. Peyton and Kelly are officially moving to the new place. They want me to go get the key for the detached.” He should be happier, and in a way he was, but he’d felt so safe in his little bedroom with Pauline looking after him. There had been comfort hiding away in his room, knowing he had people he could rely on and who cared for him. He hadn’t lost that, and he knew that where it counted. Squaring his shoulders, he supposed it was time to try that adulting, living by himself thing, again. He knew he could. But it was no less daunting.

“Would you like me to hang out, or drop you off?” Matt’s lashes rose slowly, hearing him before there was clear comprehension of what Dave said. “You’d stay?” “If you’d like. This has been nice. Good company, Frank’s food. I can’t complain.” This time, when Dave smiled, it was gentle, and for the first time, Matt spied a dimple on the left cheek. He knew Dave was at least a few years older than him, but the dimple made him seem so young. Matt swallowed as he quickly dissected everything in front of him, feeling a sudden spark in his chest. A spark he hadn’t felt in a really long time. And had feared he never would again. Ryan had killed something in him the night he attacked him. Human flesh and bone were no match for steel toe boots. More than once he’d wished he’d died that night, but looking into Dave’s brown eyes, there was a warmth there that reminded him of kindness, of Dave’s . He wanted to help. He didn’t see Matt as an obligation. “I’d like the company.” He started to slide from the booth. “I don’t have a lot to move. Clothes mostly. I’ve seen the inside of the apartment, though, so I know it won’t fit a lot, regardless.” “Let’s go see what you need right away then. I can swap the cruiser for my truck now that we’re done with city business, if you need to move anything.” Matt’s chest felt lighter than it had in a long time. It felt like, maybe, he’d found friends again.

Chapter 8

Dave trailed Matt’s silver sedan into the drive. Getting out of his pickup, he ed him to walk around the back of Pauline’s house to the back. Peyton’s red Ferrari was easy to spot. It was well known through town now, too. The door to the detached apartment stood open. Matt had stopped in the entrance, his hand rising to knock on the frame when he froze. Dave stopped right behind him, able to see over him. “Surprise!” Matt’s hand lowered slowly. “What… What did you— This is…” He trailed off, his voice thick with shock. A grin grew across Dave’s face. A banner that said Welcome home! stretched across the far wall. A decent if not overly long couch was pushed beneath it. He didn’t think it was the couch he ed Kelly owning, either. He couldn’t see much more standing outside and behind Matt. Peyton drew near and reached for a hand. “Come on,” he urged, tugging playfully. “Pey, what did you do?” he whispered, swallowing hard. Dave shadowed them as they went inside. “We made things a little easier for you to get settled. That’s what we did,” he explained. “It’s basic, but serviceable.” Matt slipped free and drifted a hand over the TV to spin and take it all in. “You guys… did this for me?” “We all chipped in.” Dave smiled when Pauline wrapped an arm around Kelly, her eyes glistening. “You’re another son, Matthew,” she told him. As if it were no big deal.

“I don’t know what to say.” He blinked quickly, ducking his head as he drew a breath. Peyton tugged an elbow. “Let me show you the rest.” Peyton guided him to the kitchen first. There was a new microwave and a quick exploration of the refrigerator proved it was stocked with food. Then they went around the corner to the bedroom. Dave’s curiosity got him trailing behind them, but he didn’t go in. A freshly made bed with what looked like a new mattress and sheets. A small upright dresser and even a little lamp beside the bed on a corner table. It was quaint and homey. “You moved my clothes over?” The over-all shock was clear as day. Questioning, unsure. Dave almost took a step to wrap his arms around the other man, but held his place, wondering where the need arose from so abruptly. “Well, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if you still had to move,” Peyton pointed out with a flared hand sweep. “We didn’t kick you out.” He whispered it close to Matt’s ear, but Dave’s hearing still caught it. “We wanted to do this for you.” Matt dropped his face into his hands, shuddering. “God, Pey.” Dave picked up the harsh whisper. Then Matt was grasping, clutching at Peyton and hugging him hard. “Come on. We have juice to celebrate.” He patted a shoulder when they separated, moving around him to give him time to get himself together. Matt quickly scrubbed over his eyes, his lashes still damp when he turned to face Dave. “Were you part of this, too?” “Only to let them know about how long we’d be out.” Matt muttered under his breath, color high on his cheeks. Dave made room for Peyton to go by, but when Matt reached him, he touched Matt’s elbow. There was warmth against his fingertips, not quite a shock, but something that made him want to touch more, feel more. Explore. Sensations that in a nanosecond had his wolf blinking and playful. He shoved it down, calming his wolf. “Are you okay? With this?”

“I’m floored,” he murmured in answer. “I mistreated him so badly but he’s still the best person I could know.” Shame dulled Matt’s green eyes for a few heartbeats when he finally looked up. “That’s in the past,” Dave offered. “New start, right?” His whole frame shuddered as he gathered himself. “Right.” The smile he gave Dave faltered with insecurity but there was strength growing in his voice. “Let’s have something to drink to celebrate.” Dave fell in behind him when he went into the kitchen. Matt didn’t bat an eye to find a tin ice bucket filled with ice and bottles of sparkling punch. Cups were filled and Peyton offered a toast to Matt’s next chapter. As he sipped, standing between Dave and Kelly, Dave dipped close. “You should mention the job.” Matt’s eyes widened. “Yes!” He cleared his throat to get their attention. “This is a perfect time to also share that after the committee meeting, I got to sit down with Alice. She and I clicked. I have a parttime set up with the city right now to work on the committee. Once I’ve gone through the standard probationary period and my supervisor has reviewed my history, I’m likely going to be hired full time to the city planning offices.” Dave applauded lightly. “I didn’t know that’s what you and Dara talked about for so long.” He’d waited out in the hall, chatting with folks he knew to the time and texting Kelly to keep him abreast of their timetable. Matt blushed, the adorable shade that Dave was slowly beginning to adore. “I didn’t realize it until she started asking me questions, but it was an actual interview on the spot. She was very nice to talk to.” He winked at Dave. “Seems a lot of you are too nice for words.” Dave covered his snort. “Don’t get a speeding ticket and we’re good.” That made Kelly and Peyton laugh. Pauline dropped her empty cup into the trash. “You’re still welcome and expected for dinner, unless I’m out. That goes for all of you.” She purposely stared at Dave with a knowing glint.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied automatically. “Just because we grow up, grow old, doesn’t mean we’re not still family.” Matt placed his cup on the counter divider and gathered her in a hug. “You have been amazing, Pauline.” She tucked him close before patting his back. “Get settled. Make sure we found all your things. If we missed anything, come grab it.” “I will. And thank you again.” She cupped his cheek and smiled. “You’re a good man, Matt. You are going to be okay.” Dave faced Kelly to give Matt some privacy to collect himself once Pauline left. “What are you two doing next?” Kelly slipped an arm around Peyton’s waist. “We need to finish a few things at our place.” “You should come this weekend! We’ll do a barbecue and invite everyone. Matt? Will you come?” Peyton tipped his head, almost imploring, but Dave knew what Matt’s answer would be before he even spoke. Matt turned slowly. “Of course.” Peyton was almost bouncing. “This will be awesome.” “Who are you going to invite?” Kelly wondered. “Oh, Quade and Maya, Chris and Jaime, Cade and Dean. Do you think Ed and Duncan would come?” He glanced upward then to Dave. Dave nodded. “Probably. I’ve never seen Ed turn down an invite for food.” “It will be awesome!” Matt blinked, ing them again. “Are there really that many couples in Silo?” “More than you’d think,” Dave answered. Kelly chuckled in agreement. “Silo is

a good town, fair.” “I’m glad I came to you before bailing when I left Cassan,” Kelly remarked. He hugged Peyton close, adoring him with his eyes. “I found what I was looking for all along.” Matt raised his cup in toast. “I’m happy for you, Pey. I really am.” Peyton grinned like a devil. “Thanks.” They chatted for a while before Kelly and Peyton said they needed to go home, giving him the key on their way out the door. They had a barbecue to plan now. Matt spun again, taking in all that filled the room. “I can’t believe you guys did this for me.” Dave smiled, walking up to Matt. He put a gentle hand on his shoulder. Heat instantly filled his palm. He did his best to ignore it. “We’re all glad you’re happy with it.” “So much,” he breathed. “I’ll let you get settled. When did you want to start on the list Alice gave you?” “Oh.” He looked through the room, clearly searching for something. “One second.” He went to the bedroom and came back not long after with his laptop and a victorious gleam in his eyes. “Let me see if I have Dara’s email. We can brainstorm for a few now, if you have time.” “Sure.” Dave sat down on the couch and waited for him to pull up his email. “Okay, she sent me the email information.” He started tapping on keys. “Sweet. I’m in. And Alice sent me a congratulations note.” Surprise widened his eyes. “And holy cow, she’s really willing to pay me that?” Dave snorted. “You’re a catch. I knew she’d see it. Didn’t think it would be that quick, though.” Oh, how his face went deliciously, bright red, even the tips of his ears. Dave lightly touched his cheek with the back of his finger, curious in so many ways to

feel more, but more intent on calming him. “Hey,” he said quietly. “You deserve this. Whatever happened to you, that wasn’t you.” “How do you know?” he asked, a light tremor rolling down his spine, evading by looking down blankly at the screen in front of him on his lap. Dave cupped his chin and urged him to twist. Glassy eyes stared back at him, filled with trepidation and moisture. There was a feeling Matt was truly asking how much he knew, which truthfully wasn’t that much, and in this moment was completely irrelevant to what he wanted Matt to understand. “I’ve seen you, talked with you. Pauline said it. You’re a good person. You didn’t deserve what happened to you. Frankly, no one does. He did get arrested, right?” There were a few heavy, worried heartbeats until Matt confirmed with a head bounce. “You’re safe, and you have friends here now.” Matt sniffed, hard, smiling then rolling eyes at how loud it actually was. “Thank you.” “Let’s take a look at what she sent you.” Matt opened his laptop so Dave could see as well. They spent almost an hour going over Alice’s list and deciding who to talk to first. They took their time, going over every name, sometimes with Matt ing the spelling and phone numbers before making extra notes on a separate note pad screen. “I have time; I can also reach out to some of the businesses in Stiller Springs for donations.” He made a note on his screen when Dave nodded. “Anything else?” He closed his eyes, letting his mind wander as he pictured Silo. “I can’t think of anyone. Roman should call me tonight, so I can ask him if he’s available or if he needs an appointment to see him for something like this.” “He seemed nice.” “Been friends with him a long time,” he mused. Matt powered down the PC. “Thank you, for everything. Everyone here has been beyond helpful.” Dave’s heart tripped at the gentle sincerity in his tone. If he’d met a more

humble man, he honestly couldn’t them. They were sitting close on the couch to view the laptop screen. That closeness made it easy to look right into his eyes. They sparkled like chips of jewel stones, or like morning dew on moss kissed with morning sunlight. Matt’s honeyed scent curled around him, tugging at him. He couldn’t one person who’d drawn him, or his wolf, the way Matt did. Being close to the blond did crazy things to his heart rate. Got his wolf acting playful and needy. Just like when they were sitting side by side in the diner. He blinked and leaned away a few extra centimeters. He didn’t want to crowd him, but in the same breath he wanted to wrap himself around him, keep him safe, feel him. It was a sensory overload that beckoned to him. He didn’t understand why it was happening with Matt. No one had ever brought his wolf alive the way he seemed to. The snap of the laptop closing sharpened his focus. “Let me give you my number,” Matt offered. “I don’t want to take your whole day.” “I don’t mind.” And it wasn’t even the least bit surprising that he realized he meant that. Glancing over his shoulder as he walked away from Matt’s door a few minutes later, he knew he’d have to be careful with how much time he spent with the other man. He couldn’t let his wolf get attached. With no desire, there would be no mate, and he couldn’t do that to his wolf, make him live in misery for his own failings.

Chapter 9

The next few weeks kept Matt busy, and he was thrilled to be doing something productive again. He had a small apartment, probably not much larger than the last place he had in New York, but definitely a far cry from derelict and rundown. Pauline fed him better than his own mother ever had. And he had easily been accepted into the Silo circle, as he’d quietly been calling the group of friends Peyton had been introducing him to, starting at the barbecue he and Kelly hosted to celebrate their moving to the new house. When he’d attended the last bi-monthly meeting without Dave or Roman present, it had been harder, but he’d managed. Especially when Michael had taken affront at Matt’s input for the silent auction. “Why wasn’t I told?” Michael had immediately demanded when they’d gathered and given their reports. “I’m the community outreach for the festival.” Alice’s tone was unperturbed, airily professional. “You are and Matt is not intruding on that. He offered some ideas and we discussed them afterward.” “Then I should have been included.” Matt searched their faces, with Michael blustering toward irate. The very thing he’d hoped to avoid was happening. Michael felt his territory, his job, was being encroached on. “Because it’s his project,” she informed him, meeting his accusing stare. “He’s new in town and it gives him the opportunity to meet businesses and people. As was said at the last meeting, a new perspective to improve the mechanics of the festival.” “That is exactly why I should have been part of it,” he all but snapped. “The businesses know me. There’s no reason I couldn’t have done it.” Alice’s shoulder turned a little, her expression revealing nothing as she continued. “Would you have been able to meet with the almost three dozen

businesses that Matt did while working your usual hours in the last two weeks?” When Michael’s mouth opened to argue more, she held up a hand. “The answer is no. He did what was asked of him and got us over twenty-five donation agreements for the silent auction.” It was also going to be on Matt to retrieve any presented items for the auction, and he really didn’t see Michael taking the time to do that. Pride and pleasure washed over him. Alice had barely looked at the documents, but had noted how many contract agreements he’d collected. And she sounded pleased in that turnout. He’d set a hefty schedule for himself, planning each day to make as many s as he could while being considerate of other people’s time. And it had paid off. They were halfway to filling the silent auction roster that they’d planned with what he already had achieved. Everything from jewelry and movie tickets to car maintenance and house inspections from a local builder were being offered. A plethora of choices across industries and venues. And those ran on a sliding scale of price options that would likely earn some good bank for the city. After that last meeting, Michael had stiffly left the room, never saying another word to Matt. Inwardly, he was okay with that. There had been a younger man, maybe an assistant in the hallway waiting for him, so it didn’t seem Michael had any time to spare to add extra insults Matt’s way. Thankfully, they didn’t have another meeting for at least an additional week now that they had scheduled for the monthly meetings. Hopefully by the time the festival happened, Michael would see reason and understand he wasn’t a threat to anything he had done for this, or any previous year. Tonight, he could put it all away and enjoy his time. Peyton had invited him over to their place for dinner and some friend time. Driving up to the cabin style home, he was able to fully take in the charm through his windshield. Almost all wood in style with a rough timber exterior, but it was larger than a cabin might be. Natural stripped wood on all the sides wrapping from the front to the back. A couple of steps led to the front door. After being there for the barbecue, the best profile of the house was in the rear with a

large deck, and plenty of shade created by the abundance of trees surrounding it, encoming the vehicles where he parked behind Dave’s truck, since it appeared Dave had beaten him to their house. Even though the public roadside wasn’t far, the allure of the home was almost all wilderness appeal. Being a city boy through and through, Matt couldn’t help but smile when he got out of the car to walk up the steps. It almost made him feel like he’d stepped back in time, or had visited a far distant land where the houses were more rustic. That only lasted until he reached the inside, led by a smiling Peyton. The interior was as modern as a spacecraft. An intelligent home creation that Quade Rose, the prior owner, had installed when he built the home for himself. Even in the depths of summer, the house was cool and lit with soft filtered light from the large tinted windows and sun lights in the roof. Ceiling fans and wood floors kept the cool air moving. Peyton drew him to the kitchen and offered him a tall glass. “Here. Jamie gave me the recipe for his lemonade.” “Oh, man.” He licked his lips when he took a sip. “I loved it at the barbecue.” “You’re not alone,” Peyton joked. “Come on. Dave and Kelly are on the porch out back.” He grabbed what looked like a freshly made pitcher. Matt opened the door for him and let him through then followed. Dave and Kelly smiled when they ed the pair, Kelly sweeping the chair out for Peyton to sit. “If I ever have a place of my own again, something like this would be amazing.” “We love it. If Quade ever decides to sell it, we’re going to keep it.” Matt peered over the rim of his glass at Kelly. “I can’t say I blame you,” he said. “This is an incredible house.” “The upkeep would be a bitch and could get expensive, but he said he kept all the install information, so if anything goes bad, we have that.” “How much of the inside is electronic?” Matt asked.

“Almost all of it. It seriously blows my mind that he had this gem built and he’s leaving it.” “But the one he had built is almost twice this size,” Dave added. “For the kids.” “Kids? So they do plan on more?” Peyton asked. “I think Maya wanted two.” Dave crossed his ankle over a knee. Matt realized that the way they were placed around the table made it almost appear that they were couples paired together. Not that he absolutely hated the idea. It was a quick realization, a heartbeat, really, that he liked Dave, to a point. There had been a time when he might have been bolder, but not now. He wasn’t sure why those thoughts tumbled through his mind but they were quickly pushed away when he considered Dave’s words. Matt shuddered. He couldn’t help it. He wasn’t a kid kind of guy. “Better them than me.” “You don’t want kids?” Dave asked. The lifted ceiling fan on the roof overhead looped lazily to keep the air stirred, dissuading any pesky guests from lingering. It made the area around the table comfortable with the swirling current. “Not really, no.” He kept his expression averted, not wanting to have anyone ask any other questions. Peyton, bless his heart, changed the topic quick. He knew Matt’s history. “There was a reason we asked both of you here tonight, besides feeding you,” he quipped. He reached for Kelly’s hand to cradle on his thigh. “We want you both to stand with us.” Matt’s head popped up with a snap. “You’re getting married?” “In about two months, yes.” Kelly grinned adoringly at Peyton. “I asked him two nights ago.” Peyton rolled his eyes. “More like you blocked me at the kitchen counter and gave me some coded message buried in a speech.” Kelly harrumphed as his eyes sparkled. “I did not.”

Dave laughed. “I’d be honored.” “Matt?” Peyton pensively questioned. “Would you?” He swallowed, his throat tight. A knot of emotions choked him. Happiness for his friend, hollow sadness at what he’d lost, anger at his own blindness to how he’d treated Peyton, and ultimately confusion because Peyton was asking him to do something reserved for a best friend. Blinking a few times, he took a deep gulp of lemonade. Even with the drafts from above, he felt suddenly overheated and clammy, blinking his eyes so the sudden rush of pressure didn’t turn into something embarrassing. “I— I’d be happy to,” he finally managed, though his voice rolled rough in his ears. “You said you were happy for me, for us.” Peyton sounded disappointed and Matt snapped his focus to the pair in front of him. “I am. I mean that,” he blurted, knowing he was hurting Peyton but not sure how to stop. “I’ll be right back.” He scooted from the table and almost jerked the door open to get inside. Yes, he knew he was running away, but he couldn’t staunch the rush of everything suddenly bombarding his chest. His heart pounded. His chest throbbing like he’d been sucker punched seeing the pained hurt on Peyton’s face. It seemed hurting him was the only thing Matt knew how to do.

Peyton went to stand but Dave beat him to it. “Let me.” He paused at the door. “I know he doesn’t want to hurt you. Let him have a few minutes to process it.” Peyton nodded, worry darkening his eyes as Dave went inside looking for the other man. He found Matt staring out one of the front windows, his arms curled protectively around himself. Pausing behind him, he hesitated before resting a hand on his shoulder. Matt didn’t push him away. “Are you okay?” “Pretty obviously not,” he uttered, jutting out a hip with his arms crossed firmly

over his chest. “Want to talk about it?” Dave moved closer, almost compelled to feel his body’s heat against his chest. And that wasn’t even his wolf nagging at him. His arms craved to tuck him into his chest and soothe him until his world righted again. Matt was pulling at him, causing reactions and an awareness that still caught him off guard and he didn’t know what to do about it. “I was an asshole to him,” he murmured. “The biggest dick imaginable. And he just asked me to be his best man. Why would he do that?” His voice climbed as he raced to blurt out those words. “Did you ever think that maybe he’s forgiven you?” Matt’s chin fell to his chest as he simply seemed to deflate. Dave’s hand curved over his shoulder and prompted him to turn. He tucked a finger under his chin and urged him to tilt upward until he was looking into wounded green eyes. “Hey. What you’re feeling, is not a crime. You’ve been through a lot. Do you still love him?” Dave almost choked on the question once he started to ask. For some reason, he really didn’t want to hear if the answer was yes. But Matt was quick to shake his head. “No. We’re close because of our history, but what I feel right now is… I’m adrift.” And completely lost was what he heard in his voice. “He’s not going to stop being your friend.” Pale lashes swept low over glistening bright eyes. “I know. And I can’t even fathom how he’s still my friend after everything.” “Because he did forgive you. The question really is, have you forgiven yourself for your actions?” He sniffed, cracking his eyes open to meet Dave’s stare. “I hurt him,” he whispered. “You did.” Matt’s flinch was nearly imperceptible. “But he’s happy now. And he

still wants to include you because you are a friend, important to him. That’s how I know he’s forgiven you.” Matt’s breath hissed in a slow exhale. Gradually the strain drained out of his frame and when Dave released his chin, he drifted forward a little to press his forehead to Dave’s sternum. His arms moved of their own volition, looping around his shoulders in a light embrace. What shocked him even more was when Matt mimicked him, gliding his arms low and loose around his waist. He tucked him close, absorbing his heat, finding his scent in his hair, on his skin. Imprinting. His wolf would be able to find him anywhere now. He didn’t even realize he was doing it, storing his honeyed scent. There were notes of something else, almost a summer berry now that they were so close. He wanted to curl into his frame and find every essence of those alluring scents. He stiffened when he realized where his mind was heading, and the thoughts he was having. Doing his best to hide it from Matt, he tenderly released him. “Better?” “Yeah.” He licked over his lip and flicked a quick glance upward. “I should have handled that better. It took me by surprise.” A final brush with a splayed palm over his spine and Dave released him. “I’m sure Peyton will understand.” “Not if I don’t go tell him.” He took a step away. “I need to go explain.” Dave searched his face, unsure of what he was seeing now. There was a brightness in Matt’s eyes, but not from being sad, or feeling the depth of his confusion. There was something almost heated in them, and there was a pale pink flush to his skin. The need to lean in and bury his nose beneath his jaw, right there where he knew it would be the sweetest, nearly knocked Dave off his feet. Matt’s smile wobbled but grew stronger as he rounded his shoulders. “I’m okay.” Dave watched him walk away to vanish out the rear door, the soft click of the latch ringing like a gunshot to his ears. He gasped a breath to steady his galloping heart and raised a hand before his face. It trembled like he had palsy.

Wiping it down his face, he found more traces of Matt’s unique scents buried against his own skin when he inhaled and it made his mouth water. And after holding him for those brief, few minutes, he was beginning to understand why he felt so much for the man when any ed physical reaction he’d experienced in his past had been so rare and so underwhelming. Why his wolf was being so adamant in getting closer. Mate. He’d been fighting his wolf’s needs because he’d put more weight into the historical lack of desire in his life than accepting what was right in front of him. Desire could grow, the same as feelings. If he gave himself the chance to really get to know Matt. Still staring in the direction the other man had gone, he realized that what he thought he knew about himself, about his ability to desire, want, or even feel for another person had been epically tossed on its head.

Chapter 10

Dave followed out the rear door a few minutes later, spotting Matt and Peyton deep in conversation, several paces away from the porch in the shade of a large tree. Kelly leaned close to Dave. “Don’t know what you said to him, but thank you.” He kicked up a shoulder, happy for the distraction of someone else’s love life for the moment. “Just another perspective.” He offered a devilish grin. “But I recall saying you had nothing to worry about, now didn’t I?” He patted Kelly on the back with slightly harder than necessary thwacks before taking his chair again. Kelly gave him a side glare, then smiled. “Yeah, you did. Smartass.” “Talent, that’s all.” “So, you are in?” He removed the mesh drink cover that one of the other two had thoughtfully put over his lemonade to take a sip. Rolling the modified mason jar lid between his fingers, he gave Kelly a steady stare. “Of course. I’m actually very happy for you. Have you told him you have your return to active duty date yet?” Kelly nodded. “I’m ready. We’ve even started running again, though we’re going real easy on my knee.” “Glad to hear it.” He noticed Peyton and Matt coming closer with easy strides, not rushed, at peace. Matt’s hands were in his cargo shorts pockets as he listened. The smile he wore challenged the sunshine for brightness. There was a lighter sense to his frame, relaxed. When he sat down, he gave Dave one of those all sunshine smiles. Thank you, he mouthed. Dave dipped his head in answer. They talked wedding plans, with Peyton in and out of the kitchen to periodically

check on dinner. They all moaned in appreciation as the heavenly scents filled the air when he brought it all outside to the table. Smothered burgers, corn on the cob, and whipped potatoes with a caramelized onion gravy that made it all melt in his mouth. Dave was in heaven. Southern comfort food the whole way. “This is so good,” Matt offered around a moan of pleasure. Dave had to look away when he darted out with his tongue to linger on his bottom lip, clearly savoring. He closed his eyes and willed his body to not respond to the innocent movement. But it was hard to ignore that soft, plump bottom lip when he was so close. “Jamie’s been sharing what he’s been learning from the cooking classes he’s been taking at the community college. He’s the real talent. I’m good at following directions.” “And this is why I had to start running again,” Kelly remarked. “He’s been cooking like this for a few weeks, and now that he has that kitchen in there?” He rolled his eyes. Peyton punched him on the arm lightly. “You love it.” He pursed his lips. “Never said I didn’t. But my uniforms sure aren’t keeping secrets.” Dave and Matt both snickered. “I don’t do all the cooking.” Peyton wiped his lips on a napkin. “It’s nice to not eat super healthy once in a while.” Kelly gave him a playfully offended glare. “So what I make is boring?” Peyton hid his laughter behind tight lips and wide eyes, shaking his head. “I didn’t say that.” Dave laughed warmly at their tease-filled bickering. When he took a quick side glance in Matt’s direction, he appeared to be relaxed, sitting comfortably in his chair, a nearly cleaned plate in front of him as well. He hoped he had made peace with whatever had happened earlier. It was hard seeing

him distraught like that. Matt pulled his phone from a pocket to give it a quick glance. The sun was on the low end of early evening, the occasional whip of summer breeze blowing over the porch powered by the late day heat as the sun set. It tossed Matt’s hair, creating a longing in Dave to simply run his fingers through it. To feel it the same way the wind could. All these sensations, curiosity. Hunger. He almost smacked himself for being so oblivious, simply because he hadn’t been drowning in lust at sight. Acknowledging it now, though, there was no doubt. The infinitesimal tug of the connection sliding between them was going to only get stronger now that he recognized what he was feeling. And exactly what it meant for him and his wolf. “Need to be somewhere?” Dave pointedly looked at the face down phone on the table. He shook his head, his mouth moving like he wanted to answer, then changing his mind and popping it closed. “How is the auction stuff coming?” Dave asked. “I hit the fifty donations this week.” “That’s great!” Peyton raised a hand for a high five and Matt smacked his palm soundly. “I’m hoping Alice is happy with the donations.” “I’m sure she will be,” Dave assured him. “This is new for the festival, so it will hopefully bring more people out. The vendors will love that.” “I’m looking forward to it,” Matt said. “I’ve never been a part of something on this scale. Smaller stuff when I was in college, but not city sponsored.” There was a happy gleam in his eyes as he spoke, bright with an energy that almost crackled around his frame. Any apprehension he’d noted when he mentioned the donations was buried under the excitement of actually seeing it all

come to fruition. “What kind of stuff will they have for the festival?” Peyton asked. “I don’t think I was ever with Mom that time of year.” “Pumpkin patch and carving, apple bobbing, a dunk tank, dart games, vendors from all over. The fire department brings out the pumper and ladder trucks and light them up for the kids like they do for the Labor Day barbecue.” Dave listed several more attractions that had been agreed to for this year from the meeting notes he could , including several of the kid friendly stands he knew would be dotted throughout. “So this is bigger than the Labor Day barbecue?” Kelly wondered. Dave wet his throat with a drink of lemonade before answering. “By a good bit. The Labor Day cook-off helps fund the fire department and health services. The Fall Festival funds the food pantry, shelters, and non-profits that the city population. We usually shut down the main street in front of the courthouse so people can walk it. And there’s tons of treats and candy for the kids, since it’s right around Halloween. It’s been going for only a few years now. People were concerned because it does follow Labor Day so soon that there wouldn’t be a good turnout for it. But thankfully, it keeps getting better and more visitors every year from the surrounding area. And Matt’s idea is a winner from what I’ve already seen. The auction is definitely going to cause interest.” He smiled when Matt’s cheeks bloomed with a light rose hue. He liked that he could put that there, that he made the blond feel good about his contribution, because it had been a great suggestion. Peyton’s eyes grew wide. “It sounds amazing. I had no idea. I can’t believe I never got to see this before now. I can’t wait!” “I’d heard about it when I was living in Cassan.” Kelly’s lips lifted with a rued edge, a rocked shoulder with it. “I don’t know how I never got over here to enjoy it either.” Matt pointed a finger at Peyton. “You’re obligated to love everything about it.” He canted his head before asking, “Why?” “Because you’re my friend and it’s my first time ing in the planning.”

Peyton snickered but nodded. “Noted.” Matt grinned hugely. When they were leaving, Dave walked with him to his car. “So I have a favor to ask,” Matt started as he fished keys from his pocket. He paused by his door, leaning against it. “Would you mind taking a look at the list I have? If you have a few minutes tonight? I need to turn it in at the next meeting.” “I can, sure.” Matt’s smile was warm but there was a hesitancy that Dave didn’t understand. Was he nervous about having him look at his work? Or at having him at his apartment? After what had happened in Kelly’s front room earlier, he could see Matt being hesitant, but he would never hurt Matt. There weren’t words to explain what he’d felt between them, the sudden rush of need or the way his wolf had responded. That wasn’t something he’d ever thought he’d have to explain to anyone. How did a person reveal a truth like that? He honestly didn’t know. “Follow me?” “Sure.” Dave went to his pickup and waited for Matt to pull away before tailing him to Pauline’s. He knew the way, easy. He’d known Pauline Ackerman for years, but had only been able to get to really know Peyton since he’d moved back to Silo from New York. Walking behind Matt to his door, he noticed a stiffness in his gait, a stuttered motion. But immediately after that filtered into his mind, he allowed himself to take in the width of his shoulders in his pullover and the way his jean shorts molded to his ass. He had lean legs and solid muscle tone that Dave really wanted to map with his fingers, and if had the chance, with his tongue. Matt had an inch or two on Peyton, but was a good bit shorter than Dave. The memory of the brief hold they’d shared earlier filled his mind and his arms itched to do it again. Even as conflicted as it made him, he wanted it.

He wanted to repeat their embrace and as he got to know him better, do even more. To see if they really did fit together that well. To run his lips down his neck. Breathe in the wonderful scents that were all Matt’s, from his ear to his ankle. Standing behind him as Matt unlocked the door, the need to know his taste slammed into him, and he shuddered, trying to hide the rush of awareness overtaking him at record speed now that he knew where the depth of his awareness was coming from. For the first time in his life, deep attraction had him by the dick. “I appreciate you doing this,” Matt said as he turned on the light. “Let me grab my laptop.” Dave went to the couch and sat, since there really wasn’t enough room for a table anywhere, though it was hard to really relax once Matt reappeared in the room. Matt sat close to him, like before, and turned on the laptop. Outdoors, his intoxicating scent had been more subtle, swept by the breezes and battling with all the other scents and aromas created by a natural outdoor world and cooking. But indoors, sitting close to him, its allure had magnified exponentially. It filled his lungs with every inhale. “What did you need me to look over?” His throat was tight, making his voice sound an octave lower. He swallowed, trying to dislodge the roughness and hoping Matt hadn’t noticed. He held out the computer screen after opening the saved document list. “You’ll see.” He dipped his head, his voice meek. Dave frowned, not sure what had changed or why he was suddenly embarrassed by his own work. He started reading over the list, then backed up and did it again. “There’s a couple typos,” he mentioned, still confused. Matt closed his eyes, but whether in relief or disappointment, Dave couldn’t tell. “So… Not too bad?” “No, not really. Why were you so stressed out over having me check this?” He retrieved the laptop, his tongue peeking out before vanishing as quickly. “This is the list I need to turn into Alice next meeting. Can you tell me which lines have the typos?”

Dave shifted on the couch to face him. “Matt.” There was a question in the breathed sound of his name. Could he not see the page? Dave was confused by his reluctance to face him and by his request. Was there something wrong with the donors? Had someone given him trouble? “Is there something wrong?” He started to shake his head, but Dave cupped his chin to turn him, to see all of him. “You can tell me.” If someone was giving him a hard time, he’d make sure to be with him the next time he had to meet any of them. Matt blinked, then lowered his lashes to drop them to cover his expressive eyes. “I have dyslexia. After… After everything, my memory will sometimes create gaps. I’ll know something, then I won’t. So I can’t what the actual person’s name or street was, or if it’s spelled correctly.” His eyes reflected flatly when they opened again. “I’m broken.” Dave’s heart thudded into his chest. So not what he expected to hear. “Sweetheart, you’re not broken.” He stroked a thumb over Matt’s high cheekbone. So beautiful. He’d been enraptured by his eyes at the first glimpse of their unique color, but as he hovered, taking all of him in, the pull of his lips for a single kiss slayed him where he sat. The pulse in Matt’s neck throbbed noticeably the longer he cradled his chin, whether from anticipation, or if on some inconceivable scale he felt like prey, Dave didn’t know. The weight of him pressing into his palm was delicious, and he sensed with certainty Matt was not feeling threatened. Dave shouldn’t have, but he couldn’t stop himself either. He leaned closer. Matt didn’t pull away, even as his focus sharpened. Then he discovered the softness he’d been enamored with since meeting him that first time in his office was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to his lips. A jolt of lightning sang through him at their gentle caress. A ragged inhale froze Dave millimeters from the mouth he burned for. He didn’t push. He didn’t pull back. He waited. When Matt leaned and closed the distance, he took that for the sign that he wanted this kiss, too. Letting his eyes drift closed and allowing his wolf to hover beneath the surface, he caressed Matt’s sweet lips.

Chapter 11

Matt’s heart galloped wildly behind his ribs while Dave did nothing more than caress his lips with his own mouth. A gentle sawing back and forth, creating a surge of explosions to suddenly appear in his stomach and cascade heat lower. As carefully as he could, he closed the laptop and managed to get it somewhere safe. He hoped. Control wasn’t something he had at the moment to concentrate on anything other than the way Dave’s lips felt, the way his hand caressed him like he was precious. There had been a flare of longing, a sensation earlier at Peyton’s when he’d offered comfort that had swelled into something needful, hungry, hyperaware between them, or so he’d thought. It had taken him by utter surprise to feel so safe in Dave’s arms when that feeling had been absent for so long. For a few brief seconds, he hadn’t wanted it to end, either. Whether it had to do with knowing he was law enforcement, friends with his best friend, had willingly offered a shoulder for strength, or something deeper, he couldn’t figure it out right then as he sank into the warmth Dave had offered. Because almost immediately Dave had stiffened and pushed him away. Not cruelly, but enough to make it clear that he needed space between them. He didn’t know if his retreat had been caused by Matt or something else. He’d been unable to peg if Dave was gay so after his reaction at Peyton’s, Dave’s kiss was even more of a wonderful surprise. Because space was the last thing he seemed to be wanting right then as he kissed Matt with a first kiss sweetness. Shivers slipped down his frame. Fire raced beneath his skin as Dave’s touch skated gently from his chin into his hair. Heat pooled in his groin, a wonderful ache that had been long absent. A breathed moan of pleasure rumbled against his ears as Dave flicked lightly through the strands that had fallen to the side. Dave canted and caught his lower lip, enough to prompt for a deeper kiss. Falling down the rabbit hole of need further, Matt gave it to him. Then Dave’s other hand ran fingertips down his neck, caressing as he strengthened the kiss.

Matt’s bones were like liquid, his frame supple against Dave’s. The stroke of his tongue had Matt opening, meeting his inquisitiveness with a bit of his own. It had been so long since anyone had touched him with bone-melting tenderness. The kiss was heaven. He raised his own hands, stroking lightly over Dave’s shoulders and down his chest, feeling the flutter of muscle beneath his clothing as he learned the valleys and paths. The hard nubs of his nipples were easy to find, flicking them gently with a thumb through cotton. Dave growled quietly, a sound that sent a shock of desire through Matt. A sound he didn’t think he’d ever heard a person make, but would live the rest of his life to hear it even once more. Longing and want filled his veins, making him shift his hips because his dick was plumping and there really wasn’t any way to stop it. He’d been to therapy to get past the horror of his attack, to accept that all the anger, abuse, and pain he’d suffered had not been his fault. Ryan had been a pro at gaslighting and to this day, Matt still had to fight the demons Ryan had given him. The gentleness in Dave’s touch was so very perfect. Joy ran rampantly to know he could feel the wonder of being wanted again. The more he touched, the longer Dave kissed him, the more he craved from the other man. Little shocks and heated waves of lust rolled through his frame as the kiss went on. It had been so long since he’d felt like this. His thoughts were cloudy with lust. They were panting when Dave released him, but only so far as to ghost lips against his jaw. Deep inhales, like he was savoring the very air around Matt’s skin, filled his ears. Matt tipped on his neck, giving the man room. Gentle licks were like arrows of electricity where he touched, flicks of heat and need that unraveled nerves. Matt trembled, gasping softly with each one. It surprised Matt when Dave’s hands slipped south, eased around his hips and fully gripped his ass in wide palms. Before he could figure out what he was doing, he hefted him sideways to straddle his lap, bringing them chest to chest. Matt gaped, blinking owlishly as he stared into Dave’s brilliantly bright eyes. “Is this okay?” Dave asked, his hands caressing again, framing Matt’s body like he couldn’t stop touching. His thumbs rubbed below his ribs as his fingers massaged his hips, keeping Matt right where he was on Dave’s lap. Too shocked at being suddenly on his lap, Matt nodded quickly, his hands finding their own discoveries in Dave’s short tousled hair, gripping at it and rubbing fingertips into Dave’s scalp. He arched and pushed into Matt’s strength,

his eyes half-lidded in answer. The feeling of having the bigger man all but purring under his touch was intoxicating, and he wasn’t asking Matt to stop anything he was doing, either. Tracing down his neck, playing with earlobes, running his fingers against skin and tendons, solely for the shivery reactions he was getting. “You’re stunning.” Dave stroked from ribs to stomach with fingers that spread fire through Matt’s frame, interrupting his explorations. “I love your hands on me. Feels so good.” Matt caressed upward again, being sure to linger over the hardened points of his nipples. Watching the way Dave’s chest shuddered with pleasure from the learning made him feel bolder. Rocking his hips, he ground against Dave’s hardened dick, earning another groaned exhale. Cupping a hand behind Dave’s neck, he brought them together, slowly building up the need between them. Tongues stroked. Dave’s arms cuddled him closer, wrapping around him like he wanted to wear him like a winter jacket. Dropping his hands low, he tugged at Dave’s shirt, pulling it free of his jeans to slide his palms flat against warmed skin. Running along the furrows and dips, learning by feel. Dave moaned into his mouth. Hot breath panted against his cheek when he released Matt’s mouth, panting. “Never felt so good,” he rasped, his head falling to the back of the couch even as he arched deeper into Matt’s palms. “Don’t slow down. God.” He growled. A deep, heady, needy sound that filled the room. He stared into brown eyes that flashed with yearning, with need. All because of Matt’s touch. Disbelief began to infiltrate his pleasure. “Just from touching you?” He was enjoying himself. There wasn’t a need to overplay it. He was extremely turned on, but no one had ever responded like he was turning their world inside out merely by stroking skin. Not Peyton, and the more he reflected on Ryan, he was positive he’d been acting the entire time to ensnare him into his world. To keep him quiet and controlled. He didn’t know Dave well enough to call him liar, but it didn’t ring true, either. Not from his own experiences. Dave licked his lips before speaking. “You have no idea what you’re doing to me. I felt it earlier, holding you.” His arms loosened but he didn’t let go. “I always thought I was immune, asexual, or something.” He huffed softly, then

tugged Matt close again, bussing a tender kiss to his temple. “I was obviously wrong. I only needed to wait for you.” Matt shook his head, frowning. “But—” His brow furrowed. His mind began churning over all the reasons he was clearly wrong. Too many reasons. He couldn’t escape the doubts now that they’d broken through and entered his brain. Dave put a finger to his lips. “No, sweetheart. It is. One of these days, I’ll be able to tell you why. I know you don’t believe me, but you do make me feel that good. I want to make you feel as good. When you’re ready.” When he went to stand, Dave didn’t try to stop him. He sat straighter on the couch, then stood as well, fixing his loosened shirt. Matt couldn’t avoid looking down at the obvious bulge in his jeans as he did so. He was definitely being truthful about that. Somehow, Matt did it for him. He crossed his arms, having a hard time meeting his searching gaze again. He knew he wasn’t special, and he’d already earned the T-shirt for stupidest person alive by falling for Ryan and his ploys. What Dave thought he saw in Matt stumped him. “Hey,” he whispered, lifting his chin gently. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but you need to stop.” “How? What do you mean waited for me?” He rolled a shoulder before releasing Matt. “I want to get to know you. I know you’ve had it rough recently, so we’ll take this slow. That is, if you want the same.” Matt stood there, unable to stop the barrage of doubting voices, all while studying the patience reflecting back at him. He couldn’t help the second guessing, not after what he’d suffered, but there was next to nothing threatening about Dave. So, he was taller. So what? Matt wasn’t exactly a skyscraper on stilts, himself. He’d been nothing but courteous with every meeting, kind with every word. And Peyton and Kelly knew him, trusted him. Kelly trusted him with his life. Reading Dave wrong wasn’t what he wanted to do, but he couldn’t help the niggle of suspicion. Self-preservation was really the biggest reason he wasn’t still on this man’s lap, enjoying the pleasure they were both discovering. Then he replayed Dave’s words in his mind. He was clearly into Matt, wanted more. And he was willing to let Matt set the

pace, for whatever this was. He forced the arms in front of him to drop to his sides, a smile softening the tightness he could feel around his mouth. Without even having to demand it, Dave was giving him control over whatever this was budding between them. A control he hadn’t realized had been taken from him by Ryan, and was being given back by Dave. “Okay. I’d like that.” Dave’s expression warmed. “I’m off in a couple of days. Let me take you out, dinner, or a movie.” The lights in the room played over his eyes, clear, and soft. Eyes that were focused on him with hope and kindness in their depths. Was he really seeing what was there? Or only what he wanted to see? He’d thought he’d seen real emotion, want and kindness, in Ryan. He didn’t consider himself desperate to repeat any of his prior mistakes, but his gut feeling was Dave wasn’t anything like Ryan. Relaxing to flex his shoulders, he exhaled before replying. “Okay. I’ll see you at the meeting too, won’t I?” “Unless work keeps me away.” He cupped Matt’s face in light palms, leaning to give him a soft kiss. “I’ll call you before to set it up. Think about what you’d like to do, or if you want me to pick. I’m good with either.” “Really?” “Really.” He smiled. “I’m going now, or I’ll stay here and kiss you all night.” Matt’s stomach did a little flip beneath Dave’s touch. A thumb stroked over his cheekbone. Like he mattered. “Love that,” he murmured. With another quick kiss and a goodnight, Dave vanished through his door. He slumped to the couch before his legs gave out on him completely, carefully hunting for the edge of his laptop to push it further away. Thinking back over dinner, and the events of the evening, he rocked his head. “He’s nuts. Must be.”

Chapter 12

Dave texted Matt the next morning. Email me the donor list and I’ll go over it. Didn’t really get to do that last night, did we? He sent an emoji grin with his email address then put his phone on his desk. The sheriff’s office was busy enough with activity, but he felt antsy. Like he was missing something. Or was it someone? The smile was daring to build before he could stop it. Last night’s dreams had all circled around Matt, clips and images of his smiling face. Then they’d grown into something more… carnal. Miles of pale skin. A toned, tempting body used to northern sunlight, with blond hair mussed against a bright white pillow. Being able to kiss down his frame, touch every inch, had driven his intent and his lust. He’d awakened to one of the hardest morning boners of his life because of it. It had taken everything in his power to get out of bed and get his body to obey in the shower. A ping on his phone had his hand darting out to flip it, wanting the , even if it was in a text message. God, he was worse than a sixteen year-old with a crush. Sent. And I really do mean it. Thank you. His heart thudded until a moment later he got a notification that the email had arrived. Reading over the information, he corrected addresses, reading over the donations Matt had accrued, and growing more impressed the further he went through the names. He knew Michael was the outreach coordinator for the festival, but in a few weeks, Matt had covered Silo and several businesses in Cassan and Stiller Springs. He’d put thought into who he approached. Family friendly businesses as well as kid friendly to broaden the allure of the auction itself. Alice was going to be thrilled with his initiative and inclusion. There were several shifter businesses as well, not that Matt would know about their secrets, but it made him smile to see names from his pack, and from Becca’s and

Harley’s. There were also several LGBT prominent names, which Dave was sure went with Matt’s desire to be inclusive to all in the community. Do I need to go over the phone numbers? He tapped the message out on the phone screen. No. I had them those on the spot. I’m worried I miswrote from the agreements. Okay. Sending it back now. He hit send and a few minutes later, he got a new text. The image of a late night show host repeating thank you like a million times made him crack up. Looking forward to our date. He couldn’t help himself. He didn’t want to end the conversation, even if it was only texting. He could see him so well in his mind. His smile, the way he blushed so prettily, and his eyes. His wolf was hungry for more of the blond, but they weren’t there yet. A blushing emoji filled his screen. Me too. He couldn’t stop his smiling when he finally put his phone away to get back to actual work. He was being pulled toward the other man, a craving to be near him constantly, to touch him, to feel his heat, or to touch his skin. Sensations that he couldn’t recall ever experiencing. Needs he’d never felt before, a desire so rich, so pure that not only pulled at Dave, but one that his wolf was definitely agreeing with. It was like a part of him was waking up and everything he was feeling was simply because of Matt. The truth of their meeting, of their interactions, and of his reaction to him, could no longer be denied. He was officially going to court Matt. At city hall for the next committee meeting, he paused at the stonework steps, smiling as Matt approached from his own car. People came and went out of the building, but his only focus was on the man approaching. “Morning,” he offered in greeting. It had rained briefly that morning, so the heat had been reduced. It was a beautiful late summer day, with an addition of a lovely rainbow to shadow him on his way to city hall, but then he stood next to Matt and nothing else could compare.

Matt’s smile was breathtaking. His eyes seemed to soak up sunlight, glimmering with the hint of yellow in their depths that blew his mind. He’d never seen anyone else with that color of pale green eyes. “Morning.” At his elbow, he held the front door. “I was thinking about tomorrow. We can talk after the meeting.” “Me too.” There was a mischievous tilt to his lips that made them irresistible. They entered the conference room and took chairs. The smell of fresh paint had finally faded and the room looked great with the wide windows to one side of the wall. The long table and leather chairs were classy and comfortable. Now if the others would show up to get this hour over with. He tapped the end of the armrest with a finger. Matt grinned at him when he spotted it, arching an eyebrow. Dave chuckled and shrugged. “An hour of hot air,” he whispered close to Matt’s ear. Matt snorted then coughed to hide it. Alice and the others filed in to take their chairs. “Morning everyone.” She nodded in Dave’s and Matt’s direction. Michael was the last one to appear a moment or two after Mona carrying a takeout coffee cup. “Glad we’re all here today.” Michael plopped down on to his seat. “Sorry I’m running behind. Carmine took longer than usual to do his morning run.” Alice waved it off. “He’s got a lot on his plate. I know how busy our assistants are.” Matt opened his laptop as Alice got under way after that. The first few minutes were a recap of the last meeting, since neither Dave nor Roman had been there. “Any questions?” Mona asked as she finished the minutes. “Okay, then. Alice. Your turn.”

“First, I want to say a huge thank you to all of you for your continued efforts and time to see this year’s festival prosper and grow. Things are moving along quite well, and I’m very happy with the vendor output and the new auction responses we’ve received.” She read over notes on her own laptop screen. “A new suggestion came in because of Matt’s endeavors.” She pressed her fingers together and tipped them into her chin, a questioning light in her eyes as she perused the table. “How well do you guys think a restaurant ‘taste of’ or battle would go over?” Roman spoke up first. “We don’t have anything like that in the neighboring cities, do we?” “Nope,” she replied, looking over the gathered faces. “This is not to implement this year, but could be a separate event in the spring, or maybe part of the Easter festivities if it doesn’t get a high entry the first year to see if it could be combined with something else. If it’s held in May, we could focus on the Memorial Day parade with it, or maybe Fourth of July.” Matt started tapping on his screen. “I know of at least four restaurants that would be interested in that from those I met.” “Do we really want to bring in competition, to take people from Silo to spend their money in other cities?” Michael asked. “We have Mabel’s. Not like we’re a bastion of culinary creations,” Rachel pointed out. “True,” Alice agreed. “I want to encourage a few of those restaurants to branch into Silo and this suggestion to do a restaurant showcase could tempt them. To show there is interest in their cuisine.” “Do we have the for more business?” Mona quickly took down minutes for the meeting, typing away. Alice slid a quick glance over to Matt then said, “We will. But I want to test the waters. Who would like to take over the investigation phase for the restaurant showcase?” Dave wasn’t surprised when Matt paused a heartbeat or three, allowing Michael ample time to voice his interest. When he stayed silent, he spoke. “I’ll do it. I

already have a solid list of owners to .” “Why is he doing it?” Michael immediately challenged. “Because I asked for a volunteer,” Alice stated, already typing into her own computer. “You did not volunteer.” Michael’s face went two shades of red. Matt stiffened in the chair next to Dave when Michael sent a side eye glare toward him. Dave reached low, touching his thigh lightly with a palm. Almost immediately, even though he didn’t look toward Dave, the tension he could see building in his frame dissipated, shadowed by an infinitesimal cant of his shoulders in Dave’s direction. The had been noted. He didn’t remove his hand either. “Matt, I’m also sending you a meeting appointment for next week. Let me know if you can’t make it, and I’ll move it.” “Yes, ma’am.” Alice nodded. “Next is…” Dave started to tune things out now that the bulk of the festival points had been covered. They were starting to get to the detail nitpicking and for the most part, public safety wasn’t on the agenda. That came later as they finalized placement and street obstruction. He kept an eye on Michael, whose disposition soured quickly now that Matt had been given more responsibility. If he had wanted it, he should have spoken up. Now he was angry like a petulant child. The band roster was created, as well as the annual SAR demonstration. “That’s really grown since Duncan started doing them,” Rachel remarked. Dave could only agree. Since the year of the tornadoes, Duncan had become a steadfast Silo man, now partnered with Ed from the firehouse. He really enjoyed watching him work with his dog, whether she was on duty or playing frisbee, no one could say that dog wasn’t happy.

He caught Matt making notes on a side sheet, but couldn’t read them without being obviously nosy. “So that should cover it for today. Any last questions?” Alice’s query brought him back to the meeting. After several negatives, she smiled. “Good, great job everyone. Mona will send out a copy of the minutes. If there’s anything we missed, note it and we’ll cover it next month.” Roman closed his laptop, catching Dave with a motion to meet him outside. Matt closed up his things as well. When they stood, Dave dipped low. “Wait for me? Roman wants to talk for a minute.” “Sure.” They filed out of the conference room, Michael long gone when he looked down the hall. He looked the other way and spotted Roman hesitating at the double doors outside. With Matt at his elbow, they ed him and all three walked out. “I’ll wait by my car.” Dave dipped and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, sweetheart. Shouldn’t be too long.” Roman raised an eyebrow in their direction when he caught Dave’s stare. “Hell, I’m gonna get it,” he muttered. “Oh?” “Yeah, hadn’t told him yet.” He grinned sheepishly. “Was liking keeping you to myself for a bit longer, but he’s going to pester me now.” Matt’s eyes narrowed, pinning down Dave with a hard stare. “Not hiding you,” Dave quickly clarified. “Didn’t want to pressure you.” He glanced around Dave’s side. “He’s your best friend, right?” “Yes.”

Matt seemed to consider it, then, “I don’t mind him knowing we’re, uhm, dating? Right?” “Oh, we’re very definitely dating,” he growled lowly, barely enough to rumble his chest, but he knew how that one sound affected Matt and he wasn’t disappointed this time either when his eyes widened and his cheeks bloomed pink. “Go on.” He pushed lightly at Dave’s chest. “I’ll wait.” Dave chuckled, giving him one more kiss before turning to meet Roman.

Chapter 13

Matt put his computer on the enger seat of his car, pulling out his phone to occupy himself while Dave spoke with Roman. It looked serious, the playfulness they’d shared completely missing from his face now as he and Roman spoke closely. He hoped it didn’t have to do with the ideas they’d floated today. The restaurant challenge sounded like it could be fun, and a good way to get people sampling wares without pressure. He knew Silo wasn’t large with a bottomless population, but he was beginning to suspect Alice was aiming to change that. She wanted Silo to be noticed. Matt could also see the side effects of more taxes to the city, more jobs. It made sense to use a common industry to help spur growth. To bring in more money for the city, and in doing so, to be able to improve and expand. Waking his phone screen, he spied the email notification at the top, and expecting it to be Alice’s meeting invite, he opened his email. Her invite was there, but there was also an unmarked unknown. He’d given his city email to every single person he’d made with for the auction, so didn’t assume it to be anything other than a message from one of the businesses. He read through Alice’s first, noting the details and making a reminder automatically for their meeting, then he opened the unmarked and almost dropped his phone at what he found. There was a blown up picture of him, getting out of his car. The button down shirt and chinos that he wore proved it was from only an hour before. The angle could have been anywhere from the opposite side of the parking lot. Beneath the taken picture were only two words: Found you. Slowly raising his gaze, he searched the surrounding area, trying to not collapse where he stood. His knees were shaking and his heartbeat pounded like a cannon against his ears. Shadows parted from the streaming clouds overhead, a light breeze blowing through the heat of the morning, but chills infiltrated his frame as though he stood in a winter storm. There wasn’t anyone close enough to

identify beyond the parking lot, though there were people obviously going about their day given the parked cars. He searched the surrounding sidewalks, only seeing the ing vehicles. Of the people going in and out of the courthouse, he couldn’t see anyone watching him in return. His stomach gave a heave when he realized the picture could have only come from Ryan. He didn’t recognize the email. It was a random mess of letters and numbers, like a spam bot. His hand trembled when it covered his mouth. He was supposed to be in prison! How did he find him in Silo? Matt was nowhere near New York. Bile coated his throat as he drew slow breaths to not be sick. Ignoring the hot metal heating his spine through his clothes, he sagged backward, letting the door catch his weight. Hunting for Dave, it looked like he and Roman were almost done. Unable to stop himself, he went back to the picture on his screen. “Matt?” A light hand shook his shoulder. His head whipped up. By the concerned expression on Dave’s face, it appeared as though he’d been calling his name more than a few times. With him right there, he all but threw himself into Dave’s chest. “Baby, what’s wrong? You’re shaking like leaf.” Matt couldn’t speak, simply handed him the phone while trying to bury himself against Dave’s chest. Every cruel word and hateful kick and punch replayed through his mind, unable to stop the torrent. He wanted to scream. He’d left to get away from all of that pain! He’d fucking moved states away! And the fucker refused to leave him alone. “Oh shit,” he heard. There was a snarl in his voice even though his arm was gentle, keeping him close. “Okay, sweetheart. It’s okay. I’ve got you.” Matt nodded, wrapping his arms around Dave’s torso. “He’s supposed to be in jail, right?” “I thought he was.” Now he wasn’t as sure. “Okay. Let’s go find out.” He bussed a kiss to the top of his head. “Follow me.”

Matt shivered hard, not wanting to let go. He sucked a hard drag of air, letting it fill his chest to push calm through his veins. He was only marginally successful. “Just to the sheriff’s office. We’ll do a quick check and make sure he hasn’t been released.” He bent close. “I will keep you safe. I promise.” The firm words helped to calm Matt enough to free his death grip on Dave. He wasn’t alone. Matt all but hugged the back of Dave’s cruiser with his bumper as they crossed streets to the other side of town to reach the sheriff’s office. Dave gathered him into his arms as soon as he stood on his own feet. “Come on. Let’s go see.” Matt could barely focus beyond his own reach. Fear had infiltrated his very pores. He trailed Dave like a shadow. An input code unlocked the rear door, then they were both inside. His heart was finally starting to slow with the closing of the security door. There wasn’t any way anyone or anything would hurt him there, not in the sheriff’s office, or, and he was positive of this one, with Dave right by his side. For some reason he couldn’t explain, he knew Dave would never let anything hurt him if he was there to stop it. “Go into my office. I want to let Nancy know I’m back.” He didn’t argue, turning the corner and curling up into one of the chairs, becoming as small as he could. A few minutes later Dave returned and sat beside him instead of behind his desk. He pulled his computer around. “Let’s look at the records and see if there are any updates.” They spent a few minutes reviewing the databases. Matt tried to understand the codes, but could only sit quietly and wait. A frown creased Dave’s brow after a few screens. “From what I’m finding, he’s still in prison.” “Then, how? Who?” Matt tried to curl up even smaller. He couldn’t help that his voice sounded tiny, or wavered. He was shaking too much. Dave faced him and then reached around his waist. Before he knew what he had in mind, he had lifted Matt and snugly sat him across his lap. His gasp was short lived. He’d never known anyone with strength like Dave’s. He pressed Matt

close, cradling him between long, strong arms. “I don’t know, sweetheart. I don’t know where this is coming from.” Light fingers ghosted over his face and he wanted to close his eyes and forget. He didn’t want to live in fear, repetitively reliving everything that he’d already escaped. But he couldn’t seem to stop the deluge of memories, or the physical response as they demanded front and center attention. Dave’s voice pulled him from the spiral he could already feel pulling at him. “Is there anything you need to do today?” He shook his head, glad for the warmth slowly seeping into his frame when his focus changed. Dave’s steady strength, the calm thump-thump of his heart beneath his shirt was more comforting than anything else he could think of. Tormented thoughts fought for supremacy. He blocked them the way his therapist had taught him. There were different levels of PTSD and he knew he had it. He’d sincerely let himself believe that moving to Silo would put it behind him. Leave him to his life. Clearly, he was wrong.

Dave kept a huddled Matt snug against his chest. Random tremors shook his smaller frame where clawing fingers clung to Dave’s shoulders. He’d barely made a peep when he’d scooped him up and settled him between his arms. The hallway was silent, separated from the front of the building by the security door between them. It took several minutes until the tension in his frame eased, his breathing deepening, becoming less erratic. Dave ran gentle hands over his back, soothing as much as he could. Holding him wasn’t all he wanted to do, but he couldn’t cross that line. He was at work, in uniform and when he touched, held, or even kissed Matt again, there would be no hovering specter of fear in the way. “Better?” he asked.

“Some, yes,” Matt replied. The grip he held on Dave’s uniform loosened as he shifted to a more comfortable position. “How do you keep doing this?” “Hmm?” He breathed in the scents swirling around Matt, glad that bitter burnt sage sting was thinning. He’d never known another person that his wolf senses picked apart so well. The realization instinctively urged him to curl his arms a little closer, not wanting to let him go now that he was holding him again. Even if he had to focus to not allow his body to react to the friction and weight of him on his lap. Matt hadn’t noticed anything different, and he wasn’t going to wiggle a single inch. It was almost impossible to completely stop any reaction, but Matt’s focus was elsewhere, and he didn’t seem to notice. “Hoisting me around like I don’t weigh anything? You did it the other night, too.” “I’m stronger than I look,” he deadpanned, glad when Matt huffed then offered a weak smile. “I’m not small.” Dave wanted to say he was perfect, but bit his cheek. It wasn’t a pressure Matt needed at the moment. Thankfully, it didn’t seem Matt was going to poke him for an explanation. “What are you doing next?” Dave asked, nuzzling with his chin. Absolutely no between them was impossible, uniform or no. “I guess I’ll go home. Work on the donors, and start the restaurant showcase.” “I know it’s not what you were doing, but do you enjoy it?” Matt snuggled in and Dave smiled, glad Matt couldn’t see it, not yet. The fact that Matt was looking for comfort from him, seeking it, couldn’t have made him happier. He had no idea how physically close they would ever become. That would always be Matt’s choice, so being able to do this for Matt soothed a part of his own soul, to be able to provide for his mate. “It’s not what I left behind in New York, but I’d forgotten how much fun it could be to do this. This will hold me until something else presents itself.” He slackened as he further relaxed, readjusting his seat. There was no substitute for physical closeness and not knowing when the next kiss, the next time he could be close to the younger man,

made his wolf strain. He couldn’t exactly argue his wolf into backing down if he needed the too. He stiffened for a heartbeat when Matt went to stand. Dave reluctantly released him. He knew what Matt had felt with their shifts and twitches, the press of flesh that had dug into his butt cheek. It wasn’t something he could stop, and he didn’t even want to try. He was attracted to Matt. End. Stop. Matt slipped into the chair next to him, his face a soft pink when he raised his gaze midway then dropped it away. “Hey.” He reached over and cupped Matt’s knee. “No reason to feel embarrassed.” Not looking down, he was well aware there was a ridge in his slacks, pushing upward against his zipper. Matt had done that. “There’s no secret I’m attracted to you. I will never not try to give you what you need,” he said quietly. Matt blinked, to meet his searching look with a curious tilt to his head. “Why?” Dave stood and calmly closed his office door, to turn to Matt and pull him lightly from his chair. He caressed fingers through his hair. “I thought I made it clear the other night and this morning. I want to see where this goes.” The pulse in Matt’s neck became obvious. The growing scent of arousal was making his wolf pace. “I’d like that.” “Good. Tomorrow I’m going to pick you up. If you have any problems, anything, you call me. My job is to protect you along with everyone else, but my need is to keep you safe.” Matt’s throat worked slowly as he stared. “I will.” Behind a closed door he was unable to resist any longer. Dave lowered and covered his lips. They trembled then softened as Matt let out a puffed sigh. Matt’s eyes drifted closed. His entire frame reacted to Matt’s surrender. The halfstaff state of his cock became full and throbbing as blood rushed through his body, the tightness of his uniform the only thing keeping his reaction from being front and center. Heat rushed in cascading waves as hunger and desire pulsed like never before in his lifetime. Dave licked over the fullness of his lower lip, discovering his taste, the suppleness all over again, and still craving more. Light

palms encircled his waist in answer. Slipping between his teeth, he coaxed Matt into a playful duel, until there was nothing but them. Matt’s touch. Matt’s quiet moans and whimpers. Dave was losing himself to the man he held. Memories of the strokes of those hands, of Matt’s fingers against his skin, made him shiver and Matt pushed for a deeper kiss, bringing their frames together with a hint of urgency. Matt was a good bit shorter than him, but there was a command in his touch now that thrilled Dave. Because it meant Dave was his focus, and outside of their bubble, nothing else existed. Pressure at his waist turned him until he was leaning against the edge of his desk, cradling Matt in his arms. He wanted to devour Matt’s lips, and not stop there. Silently he cursed that he was at work, weighted down by pounds of gear. All he wanted was to get closer to Matt, feel his every breath, taste every inch of skin. Run his fingers then his tongue over every square inch of skin until he was fully marked as his. To feel his quivers as he filled him. Quiet moans were impossible to restrain with those images running through his mind. They were both panting when they separated. “I guess what they say is true,” Matt said with a teasing glint in his eyes. “What?” Dave was almost gasping, his brain running at half capacity after that kiss. He drifted a fingertip down the button seam of his duty shirt. “Nothing beats a man in uniform.” He reached up and kissed Dave hard. “I’ll be ready tomorrow.” He nipped at Dave’s shaved chin then leaned close to whisper, “And thank you.” “For?” He cleared his throat to soften the graveled sound. “What you did when I freaked out.” His arms tightened on their own volition. “I will do anything in my power to keep you safe.” “I know you will.” He caressed Dave’s face, studying him. A last quick kiss before he heard, “See you tomorrow, handsome.” Then Matt was leaving, sauntering out the office door like he hadn’t utterly

scattered Dave’s focus to the four winds.

Chapter 14

Dave double checked his shirt to ensure Casper didn’t leave any stray hairs before opening his truck door. White pet hair was the worst, but he loved Casper and wouldn’t bemoan a few stray hairs. Closing the driver door where he parked in front of Pauline’s, he walked around to Matt’s door and knocked. There wasn’t any noise until he heard the locks sliding free. Knowing Matt was keeping himself safe eased a huge worry inside. With the very next thought, a smile was next to impossible to restrain, because when he opened that door, he’d be looking at the man himself. “Hi,” Matt said with a wide, matching smile and a hint of a bloomed blush. “Come in. I need to put on my shoes.” “No problem.” He waited until Matt had closed the door then brushed a knuckle down his cheek. Smooth skin felt divine. He didn’t know if he’d shaved or if it was natural, but the urge to know every inch of him rode Dave hard. “Do I have to wait to kiss you?” “Hell no.” It was nearly a growl as he faced Dave and grasped his outstretched arm to fit snugly against his front. He was in Dave’s arms before he could blink. Then Matt was reaching for him and any other thought Dave had was gone, obliterated like a fine mist on a hot day. Matt met his kiss and shocked Dave by claiming his mouth hard and fast. He gasped, feeling his brain go up in smoke. Clutching at Matt’s shirt, he framed him against his chest. Body heat made him burn. His taste was perfect, like home, and he thrust in challenge to Matt’s conquering, greedily drinking every nuance that he could find. He’d never known a man who could drown him in sensation as thoroughly or as quickly as Matt. A hand massaged the back of his neck while Matt’s other hand held onto a shoulder. There was strength and so much more in Matt’s touch. His wolf preened, aware of Matt’s desire for them. It might have taken him time to recognize who Matt was to him and his wolf, but now that he’d accepted their

bond as his mate, the desire that swelled whenever he was in Matt’s presence obliterated any other mediocre memory out of the water. They had time to breakdown his wolf’s secret, but right then, his entire focus, his entire world was Matt in his arms and the kiss that was slowly melting brain cells. He moaned when Matt released his lips, both panting. He sucked air as he tried to settle his equilibrium. Soft lips hungrily kissed his chin and down his neck, making breathing or thinking difficult. “Matt,” he said in warning. Matt pulled away, and by all senses, reluctantly. His lips were rouged and swollen from the hard kiss. Dave ran a thumb over the bottom, tracing the curve when a small shudder rocked Matt’s shoulders. A slow inhale filled his lungs, pushing out his chest, making Dave hunger to run his tongue all over it, to discover it like an ancient explorer mapping a new world. “What you do to me,” he mused roughly. Matt’s chuckle was quiet from where he rested against Dave’s shoulder partially hidden, his warm breath panting against his shoulder and neck. “Don’t know what that was, but wow,” he joked. “I believe it was one helluva hello kiss.” He swept languid fingers down Matt’s spine. “Oh, it most definitely was, but… I don’t think I’ve ever… like that.” “Well, I humbly offer my services, my body, any part of me, if you decide you need to do that again.” Matt snorted through a quiet laugh. “You’re a good guy, Dave. You really are.” Dave chuckled quietly with him, finally able to put a full stop to the lust and need the other man inspired barreling through his frame. “I’m glad you think so.” He tipped him by his chin to see him better. “Go ahead and grab your shoes. I promised you a date.”

Matt nodded then slipped out of his arms. Losing his body heat after that kiss almost made him rethink letting him go.

Matt sat relaxed in Dave’s truck, pleasantly full and contentedly enjoying the company. They’d shared an easy dinner, no hurry to be anywhere. They’d ed questions back and forth over dinner about jobs and a few childhood escapades. The sun had set and stars glistened overhead on the return drive to Silo. Overall, a good evening spent. It seemed to be by silent agreement that neither brought up the email from the day before, the snapshot of him getting out of his car. Putting it out of his mind, if even for a day, had helped him stay calm and to not panic. Because he knew if he let himself think about it for too long, he would crawl into his bed and stay there. He was stronger than that. Ryan’s attack on him had been nearly a year before. He was surviving, and starting to feel safe again. He bit his lip when he realized, thanks to a single email, that safety may only be an illusion. “Hey.” Dave reached over and cupped his balled hand. “You doing okay? You looked worried, there.” He threaded their fingers together loosely. Matt cleared his vision, rubbing his hand over his face. “Yeah. My mind started wandering in directions I’ve been avoiding.” Dave’s fingers squeezed lightly, once. “We’ll get to the bottom of this. I promise you.” Matt nodded, unable to agree, too unsure of what was coming, or even who was stalking him. If it wasn’t Ryan, then who? And could it be Ryan? Why? He was supposed to be in prison, but Matt honestly didn’t know what his freedoms were or if he could be behind the image. He didn’t know how someone had snapped the shot, and that probably scared him more than anything. He shivered, unable to fully suppress the fear. “I had a great time getting to know you,” Dave offered, obviously trying to redirect Matt’s thoughts to safer subject. Matt smiled, thankful.

“Me too. Did you really help a dog rescue?” “I did. If you want to take a few minutes by my place, I can introduce you to one.” “Oh?” “Yeah. He’s a giant goofball. Casper. Now that he’s out of that environment and been socialized more, he’s an energetic, happy forty-ish pounds of white hair and slobber.” There was affection and humor in his words. His love for the beast was apparent in his tone and expression, a softness that spoke of a kind heart and giving soul. Matt twisted on the seat some, glad Dave hadn’t taken away his hand. It was soothing, that single . He didn’t understand why the mere touch of his hand was helping, but it was and he wasn’t going to argue with the way Dave was able to help keep him calm. “Is he good with people?” “Most of the time. He gets excited and people get nervous because he’s so big, which can be a trigger. But if you’re calm, he won’t think nothing of being your best bud until he knows you’re a friend.” “I’ll be honest, I haven’t been around a lot of dogs.” The hint of nerves was impossible to fully hide. City kid here, through and through. “It’s up to you,” Dave offered. “He’s trained with me and is responsive.” Matt swallowed then twisted enough to see Dave’s face. No pressure, only calm acceptance of his choice. “Okay.” He trusted Dave. Dave squeezed his hand again. “I won’t keep you long. I’m also far enough out that there’s some great star gazing from my property.” “Nice.” A few minutes later, Dave made a turn down a road Matt couldn’t place. “You live out in the country? Well, more country than Silo already is?” “A couple of miles out. I have a few acres.”

Matt couldn’t help but peer upward as the stars became more distinct as they left the light pollution of Silo behind them. “It’s beautiful out here,” he mused. There was nothing like this in New York. He couldn’t if he’d even seen a starry sky like this. The top of the world was lit bright by New York’s glitz and glamour, masking anything that could be viewable higher than rooftop. “It definitely has a way of making you feel small, doesn’t it?” He raised his own gaze upward, his free arm folded over the wheel where he’d simply stopped on the deserted road. “I can when I was younger, standing out here with my dad and watching the falling stars.” “Did you do that a lot?” Wistfulness gentled his smile even more. “A good bit until I hit my late teens. Then I got too big for my britches and decided I didn’t need to do those kinds of things.” The depth of loss and regret was clear in his voice now. Dave’s parents were gone. He didn’t know how he knew, but he did. Matt unbuckled his belt and scooted over the bench seat to kiss Dave’s cheek. They hadn’t talked about families a lot, more friendships and where they grew up. He wasn’t ready to talk about his family, or the lack of it, in his life. Dave’s jaw went slack in surprise with Matt’s kiss before he released Matt’s hand to put his truck in park, and then wrapped his arm around Matt’s shoulders to bring him closer. Brown eyes glittered in the muted dash lights as he cupped Matt’s chin to tip his lips until they were a breath away. “You amaze me,” he whispered, as though loath to break the quiet in the vehicle. “So giving, caring.” “I’m just me,” he denied. “Then you really don’t know exactly how perfect you are,” Dave murmured before settling against his lips. Matt’s heart tripped, hard. Then his hands were gliding up Dave’s arms, sharing the embrace as he played lightly over Matt’s lips. Matt wanted to argue. He was so far from perfect. He was damaged, broken. But his troubled mind cleared beneath the tenderness of Dave’s kiss. Light pressure that demanded nothing while offering everything. He whined in his throat, wanting more, wanting something.

Dave urged him close, chest to chest, as close as they could be twisted on the seat side by side. Fingers caressed over his cheek and down his throat. When he pulled away for a caught breath, Dave chased him, delving gently for entry, tangling with Matt’s tongue. Matt’s brain simply stopped spinning, caught in Dave’s languid web. There was something so very unhurried in his kiss. A sweetness, a taste even, that drove him crazy. Made him want more. Want to be closer. The more he found, the more he wanted. Dave’s touch kept him grounded, like there was nothing else in this moment. No concerns. His tongue darted out to his lower lip, finding it sensitive when Dave pulled away to draw breath. The hunger burning in Dave’s eyes made him shiver for a wholly different reason when they faced each other. “Let’s get to my place,” he offered, twisting back behind the wheel. Except when Matt went to slide away, he grasped him at the waist and plonked him side by side. “Nuh uh,” he teased. “Right there.” Matt dipped his head to hide his smile, but reached for the center belt and buckled it. “Ready.” He put the truck in gear and slowly accelerated. About five minutes later, he pulled into a dirt drive. A solid ranch style home with a brick wall appeared in front of them, fairly broad and wide, with a two car garage at its side lit up by his headlights. As they neared, he tapped a button on his rearview mirror. The garage opened ahead of them. The police cruiser was parked on one side. “You live here alone?” He slid from the truck and met him at the front bumper. “Me and the dog,” he said. And on cue, there was a woof from the other side of the door. “You’re sure he won’t do anything?” “Sniff the daylights out of you, but nothing to harm you.” Matt blew out a breath. He really didn’t know what forty plus pounds of dog looked like, but he had to swallow the gasp when the door opened and a white

bullet raced into the garage. “Casper, heel.” The wiggly animal flipped and launched for Dave, promptly if restlessly parking his butt next to Dave’s foot, tongue lolling as he sniffed and slurped. “He’s curious, but calm, well for him anyway,” he said, patting his head. There was a soft whine from the animal. “He definitely likes you. He wants to play.” Matt risked raising his attention to Dave, seeing nothing to cause concern. “Is that what that was? I don’t speak canine.” Dave snorted. “Yeah, come on in. Casper, inside.” Casper huffed but turned tail and bolted inside, with Dave and Matt following. Once inside, Matt was followed everywhere, a pink nose all but attached to his shoe as he walked through the house. Then his knee caps. Then his crotch. “Casper!” Dave barked, laughing, instantly getting the dog to back down on his investigation. “Sorry about that.” Matt laughed waving it off, watching emotions run over the dog’s face. “I can almost read his mind. He’s thinking: What did I do?” “That’s him in a nutshell. Sweet goofball,” he cooed as he scratched behind a nicked ear, making his tail wag like crazy. “He was a bait dog, too sweet and I hate to say, but dim, to actually be alpha aggressive.” “You did not just call your dog an idiot, did you?” “Of course not!” He winked. “But he’s not wired the way some of the more aggressive dogs that I worked with were. Once I started working with him, I knew he was coming home with me and he’s been here since.” Matt smiled. Dave had a huge heart and he was looking at the proof. “Does dog fighting happen here a lot?” Matt was finally brave enough to let his fingers

linger where Casper could scent them. A tongue lick a moment later had him smiling. “It’s been a while. Something to drink? We can hang out in the back. Let Casper run some.” “Water if you have it. I don’t drink anything with alcohol.” “Water is fine.” He grabbed two bottles of water from inside the refrigerator and led the way to the rear door of the house.

Chapter 15

Holding the two water bottles, Dave led the way to the rear of the house. Casper nosed at his doggy door, then slipped through when he found it unlocked. The flap realigned and sealed once he was through. “Don’t you worry about other animals getting in?” Matt gaped after the vanishing tail. “I did before I installed the one he has now with the magnetic lock that’s connected to his collar. I’ve had raccoons twice, but that’s all with Casper’s scent all over the place. Thankfully, no skunks.” Matt shook his head with disbelief lighting his eyes. “I’d be too worried to allow it. I’m not used to this much nature.” He shivered playfully. Dave chuckled at his touch of snark. Casper’s barking was distinct as he ran ahead, nearly out of sight, chasing away anything that could conceivably be a threat. “It’s really not that bad.” He didn’t mention the fact this own scent when he ran with Casper and beyond tended to deter other animals from risking detection. Wolf marking tended to have that affect. He unfolded two lounge length chaise chairs and let Matt settle in one, then placed his close enough to talk. Bug lights at the far ends of the house drew pests away and allowed them to relax in the semi-dark, enjoying the cooling evening on the back flat concrete deck. “This is really nice.” He sounded incredibly relaxed, gazing upward toward the stars with curiosity. “I can see why you like it so much. It’s beautiful here.” “It is. Also part of the reason why I never wanted to leave. My family was here, my best friend, and when I decided what I wanted to do, I didn’t have to go far to find a training academy. Studied at the community college to get my bachelor’s, then I went to the academy at twenty-two. Ten months later I applied for a deputy spot here and by the time I graduated, I had a job.” He grinned

ruefully. “I was a deputy for a long time, but that never really bothered me. I didn’t go into it with higher plans, only that I wanted to help the community I loved.” “And now?” “I still love it. We’ve grown so much, and I know we’re going to be expanding soon. I know that’s why Alice is doing so much. It’s not sudden, but it sure can feel like it some days. She wants community input on how things expand, thus the festivals and the restaurant showcase she initiated.” He frowned unseeing into the darkness for a moment. “We will need more for the type of expansion she’s probably thinking.” “Like?” Dave looked over, seeing how attentive Matt was, like his view toward the city’s future mattered. “Well, I’ve been saying for a while we need our own hospital, at least a clinic. The old Potter property is perfect for it. I don’t want to see another housing development go in there. We need before we add strain to the systems we already have, or at least an increase. We also need another police station and at least two more firehouses. So I know why she wants to do those expansions. The city needs taxes for those improvements, so we need more business, more population, but it’s an ever growing circle. To get improvements, we need population. To entice population, we need improvements.” “A classic catch twenty-two,” he mused. “Exactly. We’ve been growing. That apartment complex was one of them. We’ve had people moving in, buying land, building, which is fine. Their taxes are coming to Silo, but their spending money is going to Stiller Springs or elsewhere.” He glanced up to meet Matt’s eyes. “So in a way, you’re going to be a huge help all around. You’re going to show that we do need those improvements, and I’m hoping that when you do, you’re also able to keep in mind the heart of Silo. We’re a community, we’re home.” Matt did something Dave didn’t expect. He turned on his seat and offered a hand. Loosely, he let Matt thread their fingers together. A connection. His heart staggered and he swore he could feel every heartbeat through their simple clutch.

There was definitely something building between them. He could feel it. His wolf definitely could. But he was human, and even if the wolf knew, could point him in the right direction, the human heart was still fallible. Cautiously daring while being wary. And above all, hopeful. “I’ve been here about two months now. I’ve seen the way people are here. They’re beyond friendly because they know everyone. Some of that will be lost, but that’s really what makes the heart of Silo that much brighter, because the heart of Silo are the people. You, Kelly, Peyton and all the people you know and the people they know, and so on. That’s one thing New York doesn’t have. It has pockets of communities, but it doesn’t have a community like Silo. If I get to do what I really want to, living here, and working here with the city, I have to be able to weigh all of that, plus what the city needs to flourish, not merely flounder with stagnation. I really believe Alice has vision and she’s also cautious of what that vision will do to the whole of Silo. Have faith.” He squeezed. “Time marches slow for all of us, but it marches on regardless. It’s how we manage that time, how we manage our visions that will make the difference.” Dave stared, almost unblinking at the man next to him. “You have the wisdom of someone twice your age.” Matt snorted, took a slow swallow of his water, then said, “When you’re lying in bed for weeks, you tend to realize what’s important, and the best way to live life. My philosophy has always been some framework of weighing the repercussions of any decision. With the dyslexia, I’ve always been a bit more thorough, because I know how that can mislead me.” He glanced at the water in his hand, his eyes going distant, pained. “The one time I jumped without looking first put me on a fast track for the hospital.” Dave tugged at the hand he held until Matt looked his way. When he tugged again, Matt stood and lightly folded onto Dave’s lap. “You really don’t know how special you are,” he said, soothingly running a hand down the blond’s spine. “How old are you, anyway?” “Just turned thirty-three.” His breath was warm against Dave’s chest where he snuggled. “How long ago was ‘just’?” he asked gently. “Three weeks.”

He nuzzled the top of his head, lightly brushing a kiss. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.” A long sigh was followed by an almost boneless quality coming over the man he held. “Thank you. I didn’t want a big deal made out of it.” Dave didn’t know how long they stayed like that, his arms loosely cradling Matt’s frame into his chest. Even Casper came and laid down next to them, sighing as he slept. “I really like you, Dave,” Matt whispered without moving. “I didn’t want to let anyone in again. I don’t know why I feel so close to you already, but I can’t seem to stop it.” Dave’s breath all but locked up at his words. “Do you want to stop?” Matt stayed quiet for so long, Dave was afraid he wasn’t going to answer. “That’s what I can’t seem to understand. I don’t want to. I like this, like the way it feels.” Dave’s chest shuddered with his next exhale. “I like it, too.” Damn, he was falling hard for the blond. So hard. Nighttime sounds filled the silence between them, until Matt said, “I was in therapy for months after I got out of the hospital. Physical and cognitive. I never wanted to feel that helpless again. I had made up my mind that staying away from physical relationships was my only option. I couldn’t even think of being physical without panicking.” He tipped on his neck to be able to stare at Dave, his green eyes so soulful and filled with emotions he never wanted to force Matt to experience again. “I don’t feel any of that with you. Only you make me feel this safe.” He paused, stroking over Dave’s chest, a light touch that permeated heat through his entire frame. “When I met you, you were so overwhelming, I almost did run.” Looking into Dave’s eyes again, he said, “I’m glad I didn’t.” Dave cupped his cheek. “I’m going to be honest with you, what you make me feel isn’t all about protecting you.” It was a need that burned deep into his very bones, but it wasn’t everything — not by a long shot. Matt’s throat worked as his focus seemed to sharpen, taking in Dave’s expression. “But if this is something you want, knowing that about you, then you’ll have to be the one to tell me. I

will do nothing to hurt you, everything to make you happy, safe, secure.” Matt whimpered, a sound that Dave didn’t know if he was even aware of making. His caressing touches were sending licks of flame outward from his fingertips, through his shirt until his skin felt sensitized to every movement, every breath. He already knew how that touch felt against bare skin and it was shredding him to want it again. To want more. But only if Matt wanted to go that far. He drifted near until their lips were there but not touching, letting Matt control what happened next. Breathing as evenly as he could as his heart pounded like a drum against his ribs, he brushed a thumb over his cheekbone, caressing him the way he craved to caress more, everywhere. When Matt closed the gap, Dave felt something click inside. A tightening that was being controlled by Matt. The light touch of his tongue had Dave opening instantly, wanting to taste him, wanting to share with him. Wanting to love him. He panted, hiding the awareness of that one thought. It was too soon, but he knew it was happening. Seeking fingers dug into his hair, pressing against his scalp until he was bowed around Matt completely. The strength that Matt had shown in his office was there in the the knead and press of his fingers against the back of his neck. His courage was there, only hidden, unsure. He knew Matt had incredible strength to have gone through what he had, to be able to come out the other side able to live on his own again. When those same fingers grasped Dave’s short hair to arch him on his neck, he gave in willingly, floating on the sensation of lips burning a path down his neck, the smallest bite of teeth nipping at his ear. He shuddered, gasping, hiding nothing of his reactions. It was no small thought that only Matt had pulled these gut-wrenching reactions from his body. “Want to touch you,” Matt whispered, kissing below his ear before sucking lightly. “Let’s go inside,” he offered. Matt straightened, then nodded.

Chapter 16

Standing together, they gathered their drink bottles and without a command said, Casper loped inside when the door opened. “You tell me what you want, what you’re ready for.” He placed his hands on Matt’s waist, holding him close when they stopped in the living room. Matt grasped the hem of Dave’s shirt, pulling it free from his jeans and raising it above his head. Dave lifted his arms, helping him tug it off to drop to the floor. Matt ed how good all that skin had felt when he hadn’t been able to see it. Now with his chest bared, his mouth watered. He wanted to taste and touch every inch. He pushed on Dave until he obeyed, sinking down to the couch when he lost his balance. He grinned when Matt’s eyes widened. “It’s okay. Come ‘ere.” A finger in a belt loop urged Matt closer and he went without a complaint. Matt straddled his thighs, feeling the brush of broad palms over his ass as they settled. “Can I see you, sweetheart?” Matt worked his own shirt free, dropping it to Dave’s. He knew he wasn’t bulky, or very defined, but the way Dave stroked over his flesh, the way he studied every inch of his frame made him think that didn’t matter so much. “So pretty,” Dave murmured, flicking thumbs over Matt’s nipples until they hardened, the flesh plumped to a rouged pink and flushed sensitive. “Love how responsive you are.” He paused for a heartbeat. “I need you to tell me if I do anything, ever, that you’re not comfortable with.” There was a gentle firmness in his words, a vow. “I never want you to worry about what I’m going to do, how something I do is going to feel. I only ever want you to feel pleasure. Please? Promise me.” Matt gulped, swept deep and hard into that stare. “I promise,” he swore.

A shudder traveled over Dave’s whole frame. “I promise you, you only have to say the word, and I will stop everything. If it’s a memory, a pain, or something you don’t like. That’s my promise to you.” Matt’s hands cupped the chiseled jaw in front of him, taking in the fierce truthfulness of his vow. “I believe you.” Then he dipped close and claimed Dave’s lips, thoroughly licking over them until he opened to share the sensations overtaking him. The way their tongues danced and dueled, giving and plundering, made him see stars. Dave’s hands stroked him, thumbed over Matt’s nipples until he was moaning they were so sensitive. He was drowning in the heat coming off Dave. Callous rough fingertips stroked over his ribs, glided over their lines to meet over his abdomen. He couldn’t stop himself from doing the same, caressing over shoulders and collarbones, learning by touch all the places that made Dave shiver. Loving the sensation of hair beneath his palms, the tangle against his fingers as he tugged and played. The low moans that came from his wide chest thrilled Matt. The need coursing through his frame wasn’t new, but it was new since the attack. More than once, he’d feared he wouldn’t be able to enjoy the simple or complex reactions of his body being drawn into ion. The way his jeans were taut against his groin, the pressure he felt as he swelled and throbbed proved he was more than capable and that Dave was the cure. Pressing kisses to where he touched, trailing the paths his hands made over Dave’s frame left him needing more, more of his taste, more of Dave’s heat and the scent of his skin. Then he started to delve into the strands across Dave’s chest and his whole body shook in response. Like that first time they’d kissed at his place, Dave succumbed like a lamb to his touch. Low moans and gasps of need filled the living room. A dipping hand skimmed Dave’s waistband and he flexed, giving Matt room to roam, to do whatever he wished. Matt took the invitation and boldly undid Dave’s belt, pulling it free to yank firmly on the button. The zipper was easy to get out of the way, then he pushed his palm lower, cupping Dave in his underwear. “Oh, fuck,” he whimpered. His eyes squeezed shut as his head fell backward.

“Don’t stop.” Soft cotton molded to a hefty mouthful when he scooted backward enough to get a good look, then he moved Dave’s underwear low, until the band sat below his balls, cradling to push firm rounds upward. “That’s…” He gulped. His cock stood tall, thick, uncut, and deep red at the tip. A tip that glistened with needy moisture. He couldn’t wait to touch him, to feel his heft, his thickness, and even more to taste him. He swore he could smell his body’s heat, the blend of pheromones and something that was all Dave, a hint of wildness, a touch of something that spoke to Matt alone. Dave’s eyes were slits when he looked at him. “Only what you want to do, sweetheart.” His body trembled with his need yet he held himself still, not rushing or demanding, and Matt noticed. “I can’t tell you how much I like that,” he said lowly. When he wrapped his fingers around its girth, Dave’s whole frame shuddered, his eyes drifting closed again, immersed in Matt’s touch. “So good,” he groaned breathily. “I can’t see you as a bottom.” Matt squeezed, getting another heartfelt shiver and moan. He shook when Matt stroked, firm fingers digging into Matt’s hips in answer. “Oh, man. That feels so damn good. I haven’t been with a lot of men,” he murmured, his eyes glistening in their sharpness. “I want to try with you… everything.” Matt leaned close, capturing his lips in a fiery kiss. “Undo me,” he breathed against Dave’s lips. He trusted what he wanted, and he trusted this man. Dave studied him then slid his hands to the front of Matt’s jeans, undoing the button and zipper with slow movements. The brush of a thumb right beneath the band of his own underwear shot shivers of sensation through his pelvis and upward, tingling along his spine. Dave gently pulled him forward, free of restrictive clothing to wrap a fist around his length. “Matt, sweetheart,” he panted. His free palm went behind Matt’s head and brought him near. His kiss engulfed Matt, full of heat and desire. He was

enveloped by Dave and he loved it. Slowly, they stroked, tea and down but so much more than Matt could have believed. Pleasure built between them. The firmness he held felt like heated steel wrapped in satiny suede as skin moved up and down with his fist pumps. Precum rose to the tip. Sweeping his thumb over the tip, he pushed into the slit to gather moisture, smiling against Dave’s kiss at the shudder wracking his frame. Enthralled by Dave’s reactions, he barely noticed the way he shifted, bringing them low to lying together on the couch, pressing them together. The raw realness of calloused fingers against his own cock was spiraling him into desperation. He was driving Matt crazy as he copied whatever he did. Then he brought them together, thick shafts side by side and Matt’s eyes rolled into his head. He grunted when Dave captured them with long fingers, rubbing them together. Heavy gasps were loud from both of them. Eyes were obscured by lowered lashes, both of them watching what their ed hands were doing. Tip brushed against tip, crown surging against skin, until he was as hard as he could ever being. So full, so aching to come. His hips began to move with the ed stroke, adding extra friction. Whimpers slipped between his lips as he watched them both. “So beautiful,” Dave rasped. “Pale and beautiful.” He grimaced when Matt drove hard against him, striving for what was out of reach. “Matt. I’m getting close.” He made a sound that could have been taken as agreement. He couldn’t speak. His mind was quickly becoming a swirling mash of colors and bright lights. Telltale signs that he was on the edge, building as tension forced his hips to thrust into the cage of their hands. “Dave.” It was a whine if it was a breath. “I got you, sweetheart. Let me see you come.” He cradled the back of his head, both enraptured, hips pumping, fists stroking. His body thrusted, his spine going taut as he cried out. The first jet went high on Dave’s chest, then Dave’s growl filled his ears as he almost immediately followed, a white stream that coated their chests. “Oh… Oh, damn,” he grunted, stroking them both through their climaxes. “Matt.”

He didn’t so much as flinch at the gentle strength of Dave’s hand against the back of his head holding him close, pinning him chest to chest as their orgasms spilled. Panting through the last flexes, his body suddenly went slack. For the first time in a long time, his mind was simply blank, the worry, thoughts, fears that he carried every day had been swept clear. Peace. It had been ages. His forehead sought the crook of Dave’s neck and shoulder. Shivers rolled down his frame as he floated, slowly coming down. Ragged breaths puffed from both of them. Dave reached around and cuddled him close. “You okay, sweetheart?” “Mm hm,” he replied sleepily. He felt like someone had melted his bones. Okay, that someone was Dave, but it was what it felt like. “I can’t move.” He chuckled roughly. “Me either.” He brushed fingers through Matt’s hair. “Do you want to stay here? Or do you want me to take you home?” “Kicking me out already, huh?” He nipped the shoulder under his cheek. Dave snorted. “Hardly. But it’s what you want. I’ll be honest with you. I’d love to hold you, wake up with you in my arms.” He caressed skin, finally managing to wriggle his entangled hand free to rest on Matt’s hip. “We need to clean up, whichever you choose.” Then he kissed Matt’s cheek without moving him too far. Heated skin was cooling and he snuggled closer, craving more of their shared heat. Did he want to stay? He wanted to sleep, that much was a given. “What time are you going to work?” He bussed a kiss to Matt’s temple. “Eight. I can drop you off. It’s on the way.” Matt knew it was already after ten. He didn’t want to ruin everyone’s sleep. And it would take time to get him home. “If you’re sure.” Dave flexed, tipping them together to lay flat on the couch until Matt rested on top of him. “Nothing would make me happier,” he murmured before claiming a slow, languid kiss. “I’m not asking to pounce on you later.” He swept hair away from Matt’s brow. “That was amazing, and I’m more than happy. I’ll take you home, but if you want to stay…” He smiled gently, a hopeful glow all around him.

“I’m not ready to sleep with you.” No sense in any of this being unclear. He wasn’t ready for the full roadshow. He didn’t doubt time was all he needed, but after tonight, and what he had already experienced, he needed to make sure he was ready. Dave nodded, his expression going serious. “And I will honor that. I just want to hold you.” Matt tucked into his chest. “Then yes, I’ll stay.” Dave’s arms held him in a close embrace. “Let me find you something so you can shower. I will take care of you.” “Thank you.” Dave’s smile was glorious. “For you, sweetheart. Always for you.”

Chapter 17

Matt was charmed when he walked into the small coffee shop on the square in front of city hall. It would fit maybe a dozen people if they sat close. The lady behind the counter was a kind, sweet motherly type who smiled easily taking customer orders. The little coffee shop was part of about seven different storefronts that could be patronized by busy office bees and everyday people as they strolled the square that encomed the city offices and buildings. Colorful awnings in bright colors fluttered above doorways. Windows were adorned in summery decorations and painted images detailing the individual shops and their wares. There were even a couple that had wrought iron table sets to sit in the sun. Charming. It was a nice slice of Silo to explore. “I suppose being open across from the city center, you stay pretty busy,” he offered generally when she was done with the customer before him, not too surprising someone he didn’t recognize. “Oh, definitely.” She steamed milk for his drink with practiced ease. “I worked in one of the chain shops for years and when I divorced, I decided to settle some place a little more laid back. I liked what I did, but not at that pace forever. My sister lives here and we baked up this idea.” “So you both own The Dream Bean?” “We do. She’s taking care of her son right now. My nephew’s getting married.” Matt perked up. “Oh? That’s why I’m here. Meeting a friend who’s getting hitched in a few weeks.” She sighed wistfully. “I love weddings. Not too keen on getting tied down again, but I still love the weddings.” He offered a hand after he palmed his drink. “I’m Matt. New to town by a couple of months now, but I’m liking it so far.” “Evelyn, and my sister, when she’s here, is Daisy.”

The door swung inward, the light bell above, jingling merrily. “Hi, Evelyn.” “Afternoon, Peyton. Your usual?” He skipped up and caught Matt in an exuberant hug. “Please.” Matt laughed as he did a head to head bump in greeting. “Hey, Pey.” She handed over his drink a couple minutes later. “You boys enjoy your time. I need to put out some cookies for the afternoon break folks.” “Thanks!” they called together. Matt swerved to a table by the wall. He pulled out a light frame chair, placing his laptop at his elbow. “You’re mighty happy today.” He sipped through the protective cover, letting the heat soak into his blood. With his eyes closed, he savored. “Damn, that’s good.” It was almost a purr. Peyton grinned knowingly. “I know. We scored when Evelyn moved to town.” “So why all the bounce?” He folded his napkin and placed his cup on it. “I’m excited, all this planning. It’s making it real.” Matt smiled easily. “It looks good on you.” Peyton quickly glanced down. “What? Did I spill?” He started patting his chest for drips. “No, how happy you are. It’s obvious how much you love Kelly. I’m happy for you, for both of you.” Peyton met his stare. “You mean it?” Matt grasped a hand across the table and gave a quick squeeze. “I do. Sincerely.” Peyton relaxed in his chair, his grin broadening by the minute. “That means a lot to me. So I understand you’ve been a busy little boy, yourself.” Matt sipped, trying to hide the blush, because the first thing that came to mind was the night he’d spent in Dave’s bed, wrapped up in strong arms. It was one of the best night’s sleeps he could . “I’m… I, well.” He blew out a breath.

“Yeah, you could say that.” His cheeks almost hurt with the way he smiled. Peyton leaned close, braced by his elbows while cupping his coffee. “So fill me in.” “Well, the Fall Festival and restaurant showcase are going really well. I’ve got information for Alice when I meet with her tomorrow. I’m really happy with how well they’re shaping up.” “That’s great. And?” He purposely nudged with a poked finger to a forearm. Matt knew he was happy to hear about that, but it wasn’t the dirt he was asking for. He wanted to make him wait for it. He took a long, slow sip of his coffee, watching Peyton chew through his patience like a dog with a bone. “Matt,” he pleaded. Matt laughed, lowering his voice to talk. He didn’t want his personal business being used as gossip, even if it was only the two of them in the room with Evelyn. “I went out with Dave a few nights ago. It was really nice.” “Yes!” He almost fist pumped the air. “I knew there was something there, but didn’t want to prod you. I’ve known Dave almost as long as I’ve known Kelly, and he’s a really great guy. And damn, those uniforms.” Matt snickered quietly. “Pleading the fifth,” he offered, biting his lip to not smile. His face gave him away regardless. Peyton’s eyes squinted knowingly in the ambient sunlight. He was sure he was five shades of red. Matt’s phone dinged. Assuming it was a timer alert, he found an email notification when he flipped it over. “Let me check this real quick. I’m waiting for some restaurant follow ups to come through.” Peyton motioned for him to go ahead, taking a sip of his drink as he eyeballed the treats on the counter. Matt opened the email list and immediately felt his stomach drop. As soon as he saw the sender bot information, he didn’t want to open it. He knew what he’d find. Jerking straight on his chair, he hunted out the front windows of the shop, trying to see through them, trying to discern how much clarity there was through the glass. Trying to see if there was someone standing there, like a ghost. Or

worse. “Matt, what’s wrong?” His phone shook in his hand. Carefully, like he was pressing the button to a bomb, he opened the email. He knew he made a noise as fear instantly started wrapping around him. “What? Matt?” Peyton’s voice was far away. Blood pounded against his ears. “Matt!” He felt it more than heard it when Peyton sat next to him. A strong arm dropped around his shoulders. Instinctively he knew it was Peyton, but he couldn’t stop shaking. He felt so cold. He hadn’t felt like this since… He was frozen. There were two pictures. One from a couple of days ago at the gas station. One from that day, as he walked along the sidewalk toward the Bean. No comment. The pictures said more than enough. “What the…? Matt, hey.” The phone was slipped from numb fingers. Gray was edging his vision. He was barely seeing the wood grain of the table they sat at. Breathing became labored. Tension formed a hard knot at the base of his skull. “Hey.” Peyton brought him close. “Deep breath, okay.” He ran a soothing hand down his spine. “Let me call Kelly and Dave, okay? Is that okay?” Matt nodded with a hard jerk. He didn’t know what to do. He was being stalked, harassed at the least. It couldn’t be Ryan! Could it? He had to be in prison. But if it wasn’t him, then who? Who was in Silo? Who even knew he was there? It had been over a week since the last one, since the meeting. Why now? Why again? There weren’t any answers jumping out at him. None. And that terrified him even more. Peyton ran soothing circles over his spine until he was breathing a little more normally. It didn’t take long, maybe fifteen minutes before two cruisers pulled up outside and parked. Dave then Kelly entered the shop. “What happened?” Dave’s voice was low, firm. Steady. He needed that strength so badly.

“This.” Peyton handed over the phone, and there was a sharp inhale of air. Then Peyton was moving away and Dave took his place. “Matt? Sweetheart?” he said quietly. “Look at me. Come on, gorgeous, focus on me.” Matt blinked. Slowly he swiveled on his neck. “Dave?” he croaked. Fingers ghosted down his face. “I’m here.” Suddenly, Matt’s body crashed, sagged limp like every muscle had hit reset. Dave caught him. He was terrified, and shaking too hard to speak. Shaken to his soul. He didn’t understand, he didn’t know who or why. It was like shards of black lightning had attacked his brain. He couldn’t think. There was only pain and terror. He shook hard as Dave all but pulled him onto his lap, wrapping him close in warm, strong, safe arms. “Shh, gorgeous. I have you. Let me see the phone again.” Matt felt the stiffness in his body where they touched as he studied the shots before he said, “Kelly, I need as much of a trace as you can get on this. Matt, can he have your for right now?” He nodded stiffly. “We’re going to get to the bottom of this.” “Is everything okay?” Matt recognized that was Evelyn, clearly upset that something was wrong by her taut voice. “It will be. Matt had a shock.” Grateful Dave wasn’t detailing that he was terrified out of his mind, or why, he tucked into Dave more. Right then, he adored Dave for not fully explaining what was happening. It was bad enough so much of his life had been dissected and used for trashy journalism when the trial happened. He wasn’t moving well, his body had tried to shut down. A reflexive reaction to whatever terror was about to strike. Deep breaths were calming him, along with Dave’s constant and strokes up and down his spine. He burrowed into Dave’s shoulder. “How long has this been going on, Matt?”

“Couple weeks,” he muttered to Peyton. “Kelly, you have to help,” Peyton demanded. “I am. I’m forwarding everything in his box to a secure inbox for me to look through. This is your work email, right?” Matt nodded weakly. “And it’s a new one. He’s only been with the city for a few weeks.” Dave’s breath blew against his hair when he spoke, making tendrils dance against his forehead. “You doing better, sweetheart?” he asked tenderly. Matt clutched at his shirt. He couldn’t move. Pain lanced his head. Too much. It was too much. “It’s okay. Take your time.” Evelyn said gently next to them. “I’ve put up my I’m out sign.” “You didn’t have to do that,” Peyton said, Kelly echoing him. “No, I didn’t. But it will help. And that I could do.” Matt wanted to say thank you. Dave did for him. “Okay, I have everything shared.” Dave grasped the phone when Kelly handed it to him and placed it face down on the table. “I’m also going to call New York and get a verbal confirmation of what he’s prohibited from.” Dave nuzzled Matt. Gradually, knotted muscles unwound, even though it left him feeling sluggish. He didn’t know how long they sat like that. Time stood still as his brain came down from the cliff. The fear was still there, but it was lessening, softening around the edges. He blinked, burrowing into Dave’s chest again. It was the only place he felt safe. “See you at home.” Kelly said goodbye to Peyton then left. A chair across the table moved. “Matt? What’s going on?”

“I wish I knew. I don’t know who is doing this, if it’s Ryan.” He trembled as adrenaline faded, leaving him exhausted and achy. “I’m taking you home, sweetheart.” Still too numb to concentrate, he turned to Peyton. He’d ruined their afternoon gossip break. “Come over later, okay? We’ll go over the tux details then.” Peyton reached to squeeze a forearm. “Sure. They’ll figure this out.” “We definitely will.” Dave slid Matt to his feet. “Let’s get you home.” Matt gathered his laptop, though he almost didn’t want to touch his phone at all. Then, feeling a surge of anger at how this made him react, how weak it was making him feel, he grabbed it and shoved it into a rear pocket. He was not weak. He was not going to let whoever this was continue to terrorize him with nothing more than pictures of his life as he lived it. At least, he felt a little stronger with trying. Dave slid a hand to his lower back. Comforting in his presence. He opened the shop door and Matt walked out without looking, stuttering his footing, catching himself before walking into the person trying to enter the same door. “Excuse me.” “Hello, Carmine,” Dave offered while keeping Matt pinned close to his side. Carmine huffed. “Why is Evelyn closed?” he demanded as he jostled some letters under his arm, clutching them distractedly to not drop them to scatter across the sidewalk. “I need to get Michael’s coffee order and get the mail sorted. She can’t be closed.” The post office was at the end of the block, easy access for those in the center of their small slice of city life. Carmine’s lips pursed when he spotted Dave’s palm around Matt. A brief sneer of distaste was clear, though he tried to hide it by searching beyond them into the store. Matt honestly didn’t care if someone had a problem with Dave holding him. He had no idea who Carmine was and right then, couldn’t think enough to make it matter. All he wanted was more of Dave’s warmth wrapped around him. “She’s open now,” Dave stated without more of an explanation, wedging himself between Carmine and Matt. Blocking Matt. He wanted to cling onto that broad frame and stay there.

Dave urged him to his car, getting him away from Carmine. “I’m following you home. I’ll call when I’m off duty.” With a nod, he sank behind his wheel, waiting for Dave to reach his car before pulling out of his parking spot.

Chapter 18

Dave wanted to throw something when he got back to the office after seeing Matt to his place, locked in tight and safe. He wanted to growl and snarl, his wolf so close to the surface he had to close his door to lean against to try to calm down. If anyone saw him right then, he’d have hell to pay. Claws pushed through his fingertips, scraping against door paint as he fought with himself. The need to protect his mate was like a fiery poker behind his eyeballs. His wolf was pissed that they’d left him at all. He was glad Kelly had taken over investigating where the emails were coming from. The urge to protect Matt was strong enough to make him go to New York, if he had to see this Ryan for himself, to get him to it he was behind the images, somehow, some way. Because if he wasn’t, then Matt was in danger. In Silo. And everything he knew about his little hometown rebelled against the very idea. Flipping to his back, he raked his palms down his face. It had been almost impossible to leave him at his apartment. Fighting not only his own personal protective streak, but his wolf’s snarling and clawing had almost undone him. He had to know Matt was safe. Everything in him fought the demanding need to protect and he was paying for it now. His wolf was stalking at the edge of his consciousness, snarling and snapping with anger that they’d left him there, defenseless, making it a hard battle between them. Emotions he’d never felt stormed through him, raged on without end in sight. It took effort to calm his heart and his wolf, leaving him trembling against the door. When everything inside him was screaming to go back, to protect, to guard, he couldn’t leave his post. Soon. We’ll go to him. Determined to calm his wolf so he could at least function, he closed his eyes. Please. You know I will. I won’t let him get hurt. His wolf huffed, not exactly convinced, but calming.

Raising his hands again, he studied nail beds, glad to see normal nails again. Right then, there was a knock on his door. “Yeah?” He swallowed, burying the graveled edge in his voice. “I have information.” Dave stood straight and blew out a harsh breath, then opened the door to Kelly. He closed it after. This was too damn personal to be overheard. Resting against his desk, he waited for Kelly’s update. He clenched the edge to keep his fingertips hidden, very aware of how close his wolf was to the surface. Any little thing could set him off again. He could only hope Kelly wasn’t paying attention to him. “I was able to reach Ryan’s facility warden. He has zero communication ability. They have to earn the right to use PCs and they have no unmonitored emails. Everything gets read by at least two people. The tactic to manipulate through a robo email takes too many steps. He wouldn’t have the ability to pull it off. He’d be caught.” He opened his mouth but Kelly cut him off, clearly thinking in the same vein. “Nope. He hasn’t been writing to anyone either.” He glanced at his notepad. “According to his visitation record, only his dad has been to see him.” Dave crossed his arms and glared. “Well, shit. Then it’s someone here. Someone since he started, then, because he’s only had that email since he began working on the festival committee with Alice and the rest of us.” “I read through everything he had. Every email can be traced legitimately back to and ownership information. Except for whoever is sending him those pictures.” “Why are they doing it? Why are they setting up Ryan?” What did they have against Matt? Kelly paced in the confined space. “His case wasn’t huge, but it was national for a few minutes.” Dave whirled and sank into his chair behind his desk. Opening his computer

screen, he did a quick info search under Matt’s name. “Fuck.” He smacked the desk. “His court case is the first result when you search his name.” A quick skim also mentions the senator Ryan’s dad was d with. That could be a huge mess, but something told him that wasn’t the right direction to be looking. His stomach soured. In his gut, he knew this was someone local. Matt’s case in the news was a perfect gem waiting for the plucking to use against him. To cover tracks while terrorizing him at the same time, a deceptive cover. He hated that it left him as clueless as when he’d seen the first image Matt had received. “So anyone with an axe to grind could find what they wanted about him and use it to scare him.” Kelly hooked a thumb in a pocket as he looked over his notes, then looked up again. Dave settled deeper into his chair, his brow furrowed as he went through possibilities. “That’s what I’m thinking. But why? Who could he have upset or pissed off? He’s been here a couple of months, tops.” “I don’t know. He’s helping with the festival, but that’s community driven.” He frowned, staring at the pages in his hand. “Let me do some research on the robo s. See if there’s a way to backtrack to any owner information. There might be embedded information in the images, too. I’ll check it all.” Dave hated that the emails were the only thing they had to go on. “Do it. Let me know if you find anything.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I’m going to… I don’t know.” He caught his head in his hands and rubbed fingertips into his temples. A moment later, his door closed and he sighed, a shudder following. There had to be a way to keep Matt safe. He felt so conflicted. He wanted to protect Matt, be at his side. He also wanted to hunt down the person, whoever was inflicting this terror and tear them limb from limb. He didn’t even have the option of a restraining order. They didn’t know who. Rage still skirted his mind, keeping his wolf tense. He’d never felt this overwhelmed. All he could do was his best to protect him, himself. He picked up his phone and dialed. “Hello?” His first reaction was to snarl at how timid that voice sounded.

“Hi, sweetheart.” He grimaced. “Didn’t mean to scare you. I didn’t think about you not having my desk number.” Relief was audibly clear as he exhaled loudly. “It’s fine. I’m still worked up. Can’t get settled.” “Look, I know it’s not normal, but would you like to come stay at my place? I’m worried whoever has this issue is going to find out where you live.” He didn’t add that they may already know. He didn’t want to increase Matt’s fears. “I— I don’t know. Do you think I need to?” He huffed, pinching his nose. “Honestly, I don’t know. So far, it’s only been the pictures.” He didn’t want to deliver Kelly’s update over the phone. He worried what it meant if it wasn’t Ryan, and how that person was tied to Silo. Because if it was someone local, that put a whole new layer of danger right at Matt’s door. No, definitely not over the phone. “But truthfully, sweetheart, I don’t like that you’re alone.” Living in Pauline’s spare apartment behind her house gave him some privacy, and it was hidden from the road, but that didn’t really assuage Dave’s concerns. Also with Pauline in Stiller Springs until at least five every weekday, there was too much unmonitored time for someone to get on the property and reach Matt. That realization really wasn’t keeping his wolf calm. There were beats of silence as Matt processed his suggestion. Then, “Okay. I’ll pack a bag for a few days. Will Casper be okay with me horning in on his bed space?” Dave chuckled at his attempt to lighten the mood. “So long as you snuggle him, he won’t complain at all.” “Done. He’s a good cuddle buddy.” Dave snorted, though he was smiling. He wanted to be Matt’s cuddle buddy, but they’d get there. He had faith. Being mates wasn’t a case of insta-love, but he had faith the universe wouldn’t send him someone he couldn’t grow to love now that he’d accepted he wasn’t an emotional void. “Okay. I’ll call when I get off here. Do you think you can find your way?”

“I think so. I still need to talk to Peyton tonight. I’ll have him come over now, so I’m not by myself until you get off duty. How does that sound?” “I like that idea.” He’d much rather Matt not be alone. Considering what else had been going on in Silo with Roman’s new nanny, Logan, he really didn’t want Matt alone. Too many outside forces at work, making him realize they really didn’t have the manpower that they needed for the growing burg. He didn’t expect Matt to know about Logan’s attack since that was a pack issue, and he didn’t have friends from the wolf pack. Yet. He was sure they’d all meet once Matt was better integrated with Silo. Especially if he accepted Dave’s wolf. Thoughts for their future. Which he prayed they both got to see. Their little town in the country had seen way too much violence that summer to settle well with him. “Okay, gorgeous. You call me immediately if anything else happens or goes wrong.” “I will. And Dave? Thank you.” Dave wanted to reach out and hug him so tight. Instead, he said, “Anytime. See you in a few hours.” He hung up and rested his head against his chair. With Matt’s safety secured for the immediate future, he got back to going over reports. A futile attempt to push it all out of his mind. He failed miserably. When the shift change came in, he was out the door like a rabbit with a wolf on its heels. He barely said two words to Lex, outside of giving him the daily roster and day’s notes. Then he was out the rear door and in his cruiser. Relief hit him on the solar plexus to see Peyton’s red sports car in the drive when he pulled up. Nearing the door, he heard laughter. The boisterous sound eased the tension sitting heavily in his shoulders. Exhaling, he pushed out more worry before knocking. He was met by beaming smiles when the door opened a small crack. Wide-eyed surprise was followed by pure pleasure gleaming through Matt’s eyes when their gazes locked. “Thought you were gonna call.”

He rolled a shoulder, unable to give voice to the myriad emotions he’d been fighting all afternoon since they’d spoken. “Thought I’d come here first, instead. Sounds like you guys are having fun,” he remarked when the door shut behind him. He spotted two catalogs on the couch where the pair had probably been sitting. Peyton held up one of the catalogs. “This is why! I can’t. I just can’t.” He held his middle as he gasped with laughter. Dave tilted his head to see it, then drew near and palmed the open book. He glared mildly at Peyton. “Please tell me this is not what we’re wearing.” Matt snort laughed and plopped onto the couch. “No, but can you imagine. Someone must have needed it or it wouldn’t be offered.” The suits and bridesmaids dresses were an obnoxious color of baby puke green. “They’re calling it something summer mint, but that looks like pissed off crocodile to me.” Both Peyton and Matt grinned then started laughing again. Peyton trembled as he coughed to calm his laughter. “Kelly wanted something other than black, so we’re looking at shades of gray and silver, maybe rich blue. It has to be a color my mother can accent with.” He shook his head as he plopped the book down. “She would kill me, with a capital K, if I did that to her.” “She wouldn’t want to wear any shade of camo to your wedding, no.” He sat behind Matt and tugged until he succumbed to lean against his shoulder. “When do we do our fittings?” “Next week.” Peyton flipped to a marked page. “You and Matt are going to be wearing this.” Dave studied the models. “I like that.” It was a matte charcoal, not as dark in tone to true ebony. “I do too.” Peyton heaved a sigh. “At least you two are done.” “You’re sure we couldn’t just wear suits?” Matt said with a cajoling innocence.

“Don’t even start.” Peyton muttered under his breath. “Now I know how bridezillas happen. I’m only doing this one time.” Matt snorted and started laughing again. Dave couldn’t help himself and ed him. It wasn’t long before Peyton gathered his books and left, with a promise to catch up again in a few days. Dave waited for Matt to turn around then opened his arms where he lay in the corner of the couch. Matt slid into his chest, hugging him tight. “You doing okay?” He kissed his temple and cradled him close. “As I can be. I still don’t understand why this is happening.” Dave threaded fingers through his hair. “I don’t have a lot of information yet. Kelly is working on it. I didn’t want to talk about it in front of Peyton. The only thing we’ve been able to find out for sure is it isn’t Ryan.” Matt stiffened. Tucked up against his shoulder Dave felt it along his entire body. “It isn’t?” It was almost a squeak. “No. He doesn’t have the use of a PC, plus the pictures are being taken here locally. We’re trying to trace something through the images.” His entire body shuddered as he clung to Dave. His fear was tangible, that bitter burnt sage scent rising fast and strong. He curled his arms around Matt’s waist, keeping him snug. “We’ll figure this out, keep you safe.” “I don’t understand why,” he whispered, shaking. “What did I do?” Dave hugged him close. “I don’t know, sweetheart. I just don’t know.”

Chapter 19

Dave unlocked the door for Matt, shooing a welcoming Casper in front of him. He didn’t bark this time, but there was lots of whining as he tried to circumvent Dave to get to his new friend. He shook his head, grinning. His dog was absolutely in love with Matt. Not that he blamed him. Matt’s nervousness had faded the more time they’d spent together since the last time he was at Dave’s. Considering he’d never been around animals or dogs of Casper’s size, he’d been openly friendly to winning over the large mush ball. When Dave had awakened to his alarm the morning Matt had stayed the night, he’d lingered over the comfort of holding Matt close in his arms. What had made him smile was finding Matt holding onto Casper in exactly the same way, like a teddy bear. He would have had a hard time being with anyone who didn’t at least tolerate dogs, but Matt and Casper had got on like a house on fire. That had been a bittersweet morning. He would have given anything to stay, to keep Matt with him and not have to move at all. Work unfortunately couldn’t be avoided. So he’d showered, ignoring the hardon he’d awakened with, then had rustled Matt to do the same if he wanted. That night had been a taste of heaven. It was a taste that Dave had become addicted to in one night. His wolf was already bonding to Matt, while he was determined to take things slow. Even if they were sharing the bed, the next step of their relationship was going to be up to Matt. No matter how difficult it became to truly relax and sleep together in the bed, whatever happened next was wholly up to Matt. At least now with him in the same house, his wolf was calmer. He was still adamant about being close, wanting to confirm the growing bond they shared. Yet another aspect that was too far out of reach at the moment to even consider. “Let me get changed and throw together something to eat.” Matt gripped the strap over his shoulder, nervously looking around. “Sure. Let

me know if you need me to do anything.” Dave instantly had a mental strip playing of what he wanted and needed from Matt, but prayed he managed to keep that from his face. “I’ll show you where you can stow your things.” He stopped in the middle of his bedroom, Matt a few paces behind. “I— I, uh, just realized. I asked you to do this, but I don’t have a spare room set up. I know you were in here last time, but this wasn’t a pretense to get you to share my bed.” He ran his hand over the back of his neck as he realized his oversight. Matt studied the room, hesitating for several seconds by the bed, probably ing the exact same night Dave hadn’t been able to push out of his thoughts since. He nodded slowly. “I can sleep on the couch if it’s an inconvenience.” “If that’s a question, the answer is no, you’re not. As for if you do sleep in here, only if you want to.” He approached Matt, staring into his eyes. “There’s no pressure. I’m doing this for your safety first.” Raising a hand, he stroked one of Matt’s cheekbones with a thumb. The guy had incredible cheekbones. All part and parcel of the whole package. A package Dave wanted to worship in so many ways. But only when he felt ready, when he felt safe. Matt slid the held strap from his shoulder, the bag thunking lightly to the floor. “And if I want to be in here?” Matt moved into Dave’s space, his palms widening to settle on the front of Dave’s uniform shirt. “I feel like I’m taking advantage of your situation,” he said, his voice growing raspy as want coursed through his system in tendrils of need, induced by the growing arousal rising from Matt. “If I was worried about that being a possibility, I wouldn’t have agreed.” He dipped his head, focusing below Dave’s chin. “I don’t know what’s happening or why, but I do know I feel safe with you. You are one of the few people who has really listened to me, really seen me, and not made me feel like I’m perpetually lacking because of my conditions. Peyton was always ive, but since the attack, it feels like I’m really missing parts of me. Like my brain has holes. I don’t feel like you see that and see someone who is less, or damaged, even when I feel more broken than ever.”

“Because I don’t,” he offered. Matt’s spine straightened and he drew a breath. “Then allow me the right to make up my own mind. You’re a man of deep honor. You’re not going to do something that makes me uncomfortable even if we share the same bed.” “Never.” Matt nibbled over his bottom lip. “See? So if you want the truth, I want to be able to stay in here like last time. Hold you, have you hold me, all night long. That is if you still want the same thing.” He tipped to peer at him with a hint of coquettishness, teasing. Because if anyone could already read Dave like a book, it was definitely Matt. He gave in without a single word of argument. “Sweetheart, as you wish.” He brought Matt’s lips close and brushed against them, loving the tingle of awareness that flared over his nerves and the slight gasp of surprise from Matt, proving he was equally as affected. He had to keep the kiss slow and sweet because if he let his desire overwhelm them, they’d be in that bed and entwined before he could say his whole name. “Let me get changed.” “Sure.” Matt grasped his bag from the floor and set it on the foot of the bed. “Come on, Casper. Let daddy get changed.” Casper swung his head between them, then with tongue lolling, trotted after Matt as happy as a clam. Dave chuckled under his breath at the dog’s antics, the clicking sound of his nails fading from wood to rug as they retreated. Closing the door enough to change, he quickly stripped out of his uniform. It only took a couple of minutes to put on sweats and a comfy T-shirt for the evening. He locked up his weapon for the night before he left the room. When Dave came out, he found Matt curled up on the couch reading on his phone, Casper splayed like a dead bug with his feet in the air and Matt absently rubbing over his stomach. “Casper isn’t being a pest, is he?” “Hmm…” Matt blinked and focused, lowering his phone. “No. Why?” “Because I know him.” He snorted before leaning close and stealing another

kiss. Damn he could get used to doing that. A lot. All the time. Kisses for the sake of touching that bewitching mouth. “He’s fine. I was doing some reading on his breed. Is he Stafford, or American?” “He’s Staff.” He frowned as he read from the screen again. “I knew about dog fighting, but this is just… inhumane.” Dave didn’t know if Matt was aware how tenderly he was petting Casper or not. His mate had a kind heart. The knowledge made him smile gently. Maybe the Fates had chosen exactly who and what he needed after all. “There were a lot of dogs that we saved from the ring we broke up. We worked with them until all of them could be adopted. The younger ones were easier. He was one of those. He hadn’t been in a lot of fights.” “Poor baby.” He stroked over an ear, rubbing it between his fingers. “How someone, anyone could do that to dogs, ones like him, kills me.” “Now he’s a spoiled house pooch.” Matt smirked. “I can see that.” “Do you have any food allergies?” “Not that I know of.” Dave did a mental check of what was in the refrigerator and freezer to cook. “Good. Let me get something going and we can relax.” Pale eyebrows rose. “You do know you don’t have to wait on me, right?” “I know, but honestly, I have to eat, too.” Matt grinned. “Okay.” Dave left him to his own thoughts with Casper. It was good Casper had adopted him right back. Now he knew so long as he was at home, Matt would be protected.

His steps stuttered when he realized what his thoughts were. Matt. Home. There, with him. He closed his eyes and drew a breath. Matt was in his den, and this time wouldn’t be leaving first thing in the morning. He needed to find a way to discuss his wolf. Shocking Matt was a given, but he didn’t want to drive a wedge between them. At least with Matt there in his den, his wolf was calmer. But the question remained: How? Cooking was soothing in its own way, by rote. It allowed his mind to wander over plaguing questions that he really didn’t have answers for. He thought back over the ways the pack had changed in the last few years, who had been added and mated. There had been wolf blood and human both. Chris was mated to Jaime. Cade had found and mated Dean. Quade, his twin, had mated Maya and she was days, if not hours, away from giving birth to their first child. None were wolf kin. The only wolves that been added to the pack were Logan and his friend Adam. Dave had met them both during their introduction meeting not long after they’d arrived in town, and Logan was Roman’s mate now, even though he’d started with the pack as Zoe’s nanny, Roman’s adopted infant daughter. That gave him hope with Matt. He was human. Not wolf kin. He had to have hope.

Matt dozed on the couch after dinner, whether he wanted to sleep or not, with Casper planted against his thigh. His mind and body had said enough was enough and once he was still, his eyes grew heavy. The scare from earlier, and his feelings, had been all over the place. Elation for Peyton, happiness and anticipation in what he was discovering with Dave. Then shocked terror. The latest email and images. Fear had eclipsed everything in him for hours. He’d been able to hide a lot of it, and by the time Peyton had come over, he’d felt almost normal again, normal enough to look okay on the

outside, at least. Peyton’s worry had been subtle, not overt, so Matt was able to downplay or misdirect his concerns. Now that he’d relaxed with a full stomach, his body was doing what it could to release the tension stored in his shoulders and elsewhere. Tension that he’d held since early afternoon. Every now and then sounds infiltrated. The TV on low. Dave on the phone. So what he heard next, he couldn’t swear if it was real or a dream. “I’m glad, Ro. Logan didn’t deserve what happened to him. No, he’s with me right now. He got another email today.” There was clipped anger in his words. “I don’t know. Kelly is working on it. I’m too close.” A soft sigh. “I’m falling for him, Roman. I know it now.” The wisped tread of bare feet swished from somewhere behind him, like he was pacing. Matt’s brow scrunched. Was he asleep? The feeling that he had been, and for a while, swept over him. He settled his cheek against the leather cushions of the couch as the TV continued with background noise. When there was several seconds of silence, he knew it had been words, probably part of a dream. Nothing more. Part of whatever dream he’d been floating in. He was sure it was one about Dave. Then Dave started to speak again, proving him wrong. “I never thought I’d find a mate. I’ve never been attracted to anyone like this.” He snorted softly, the humor between friends evident. “That was college and they don’t count. I barely felt anything for any of them. This is so much… more. I can’t explain it.” Matt could tell by Dave’s subdued volume that he thought Matt was asleep, but the more he heard, the more aware he became. He shouldn’t be eavesdropping now that he knew he wasn’t dreaming. Should let him know I’m awake. He didn’t. Then what Dave was saying sank in, into his bones. He was falling for Matt. A burst of warmth hit his chest and he curled his arm tighter around himself, wanting to keep that feeling close. Searching deep, he knew he had feelings for Dave too. They were there, buried under the weight of everything else that happened today, but there was no doubt. He cared, and he suspected it was deepening. Finding out what this could be between them made his lips rise upward. He liked that idea. A lot. Ryan had hurt him, but he hadn’t killed the part of him that wanted to be loved, or that could love in return. For a long time after the attack, he’d carried that fear as he went through therapy, too gun shy to even consider a relationship again. Dave represented safety, tenderness, and

more. “Ro, I need to show him my wolf. Before this goes too much farther. He’s adamant we’re mates, but…” An exhale revealed tumultuous thoughts running through his mind. This was important to Dave. “No, I know. But what if it’s too much? He’s been through a lot.” Matt sensed the call was ending when Dave stopped pacing, his breathing closer than before. Carefully, he stretched, from his neck all the way through his toes, then raised an arm, giving Dave warning that he was aware. If he didn’t want to say more, Matt would give him the out. Honestly, he was hoping they weren’t going to pick apart his history. Dave wasn’t like that, but he didn’t know Roman at all. “I’ll call tomorrow. Let me know about the meeting when the others reply and I’ll be there. Okay. Bye.” Steps approached. “Sweetheart, are you awake?” A light brush of a knuckle to his jaw sent a shiver of warmth down his spine. “Mm hm.” He twisted on the couch to peer upward. “Everything okay?” “I have to meet with Roman tomorrow night. He’s going to let me know what time. Will you be okay here for a couple of hours?” “I’m sure I will be. I have marshmallow here for protection.” He rubbed lightly over Casper’s exposed belly. Dave folded over the couch and brushed a kiss to his lips. It tingled. From lips to ears. He was definitely liking those. “He’ll keep you safe. Are you still meeting with Alice tomorrow?” “Should be,” Matt replied, sitting up to the sounds of a disagreeable Casper. “Hush.” Matt soothed him. He fell back asleep after a slurp and a sigh. “I’m glad he’s bonded to you.” Matt looked up, finding Dave watching them with adoration. He knew it was mostly for Casper, but if felt good being included. “Never had a dog. I like him.” “He’s a good boy.

Dave came around the couch and nestled in close to Matt’s back. “How about something to watch before bed?” Matt fitted in snug to his shoulder, until a few minutes later, Dave’s lifted arm curled around him to tuck him close. They sat like that for the next two hours. Relaxed, enjoying the shared warmth between them, until Matt started to droop. He didn’t complain when Dave suggested going to bed.

Chapter 20

Dave woke on his back, an arm splayed above his head on the pillow and the other protectively around Matt’s shoulders where he still slept deeply over Dave’s heart. Tucked under the covers together with an ankle hooked over his shin, it was one of the best, if not the very best night of sleep he could recall in recent memory. His wolf was right below the surface, wanting to get closer to Matt. Lifting his head, Dave took a slow lung-filled breath, infusing the sweet honey and berry scent that he associated with Matt into his very core. Letting his wolf roll in the scent. It helped calm him, but he knew it was a temporary reprieve. He hadn’t been kidding when he’d spoken to Roman last night. His wolf was adamant. And the more he was in danger, the more his wolf needed to be there. Needed to protect its mate. He didn’t have any idea how he was going to manage any of that when he left for work in an hour. He couldn’t be next to Matt every minute of the day, no matter how much he wanted to be. There was hope that Kelly would come up with a person, or clues to where the emails and snapshots had originated from before he lost his damn mind. His alarm clock went off and he groaned. Matt jerked. “Sorry, sweetheart.” He reached over and slapped it to shut it off. “’S okay.” He flopped over onto his back, groaning. “Urhhgg.” He moaned as he stretched. Dave smiled. How could he not? When he adored everything Matt did? When he looked so cute, disheveled and rumpled from sleep? The last thing he wanted to do was get out of bed. Thoughts of keeping Matt in bed, naked, next to him, for hours, days, filled his mind. Images of them making love, slow and deep, ionately and oblivious to all that surrounded them made his heart speed up. It was a fantasy that was new, but so real, he could see it as clear as the sunrise outside his window.

Pale skin next to his sun-kissed tan, blond hair mussed from rough fingers and splayed against the pillows. His breathing quickened as he stared. There had never been anyone who had truly caught his attention, made him desire like he was burning with it. It felt right that Matt had captured all of it. Matt’s eyes were closed but his breathing wasn’t sleep deep. He reached out to caress his jaw, hungry for the touch. Starving for so much from this one man. Matt tipped, pressing into the . “Are you trying to be late for work?” he mused, his voice retaining a little of the sleep huskiness of someone who wasn’t moving fast to wake up. “Do you want me to be late?” he asked back. Matt’s lips pursed gently. He put the ball in the Matt’s court. Knowing what he did of Matt’s history, if he wanted anything, anything at all, he’d have to make the decision. Instead of speaking, he rolled toward Dave, then rose up to straddle his body until Dave was flat on his back again. The blankets fell to below his hips, revealing his underwear band. Their cocks lined up, thick and heated, and growing harder by the second. He bit his cheek to silence the moan that rolled up from his chest. He couldn’t help that his entire body lit up in flames with Matt skin to skin, even with layers of soft cotton between them. But he didn’t want to frighten the other man either. This had to be Matt’s choice. He settled his hands flat on the sheets, gazing upward into slumber soft green eyes. “Hi, sweetheart.” Matt grinned with a hint of deviled mischief. “Hello there, handsome.” His pale eyes began to sparkle with playfulness. “I don’t want to make you late, but I don’t think I’m ready to let you out of bed either.” “I think I can manage it with the boss,” he offered, tongue in cheek. Matt snickered in answer. “You do that.” He leaned forward until he was braced on his arms above him. “Because you’re going to be late.” “I’m okay with that.”

Matt’s face warmed, a blooming red that charmed and aroused Dave to no end. “Is it okay if I kiss you?” He didn’t come closer but Dave felt the way he vibrated with need where he hovered above Dave’s torso. “I’m okay with it if you are.” He’d forget about the morning breath as soon as Matt’s lips were on his. There was no doubt in his mind. Then Matt neared and there wasn’t any other thought other than his soft lips. The stroke of an inquisitive tongue. He opened under the kitten licks of entry. When Matt moved closer, deepening their kiss, Dave moaned, his hands encircling Matt to hold him tight. Their hips rolled and thrust in slow motion. Smooth skin slid under his palms. Matt’s hands caressed and touched, roaming at will to finger through his hair, then down his neck to his shoulders and lower. Fingertips scorched, bringing pressure both arousing and soothing wherever he traveled. Dave groaned, willingly laying himself bare for his exploration. It all felt so good. He couldn’t a single time when being with someone had felt like this. His skin felt hot, nerves trembled and he ached, ached in a way that could only be for his mate. Both to take and to be taken. Equal. Air filled his lungs, embedding Matt’s scents into his lungs, his pores. His cock throbbed as they slowly slid against each other, heat that scorched through two layers of cotton. Matt finally released his kiss, and Dave lifted his eyelids. Matt was stunning. The way the sunlight made him glow. The way his skin reddened lusciously with heat. The way his eyes sparkled with desire and affection. Dave’s heart soared. Inside, his wolf howled. It wasn’t spoken but he could see the longing, the need in his beautiful eyes. Since the minute he’d realized Matt’s significance in his world, he’d held hope for what could be. He smiled, running his fingers through Matt’s hair, coasting along his neck watching Matt’s reactions from those fleeting touches in the shivers that danced down his torso. He envisioned the moment he’d be able to put his mate bite on precious skin where he touched. He knew his wolf craved that bond, but it was Matt’s next words that froze him with wonder and shock. “I need you to fuck me,” Matt whispered before nipping an earlobe. Searching Matt’s face, he asked, “Are you sure?”

Hooded eyes watched him in return. There was a hint of playful wantonness in his grin. He knew he was in control, and was loving it. He rocked his hips, grinding down with enough force to make Dave’s eyes cross, proving he knew what he was doing. “What do you think?” Matt purred when he dug fingertips into his back in response to teasing that felt like heaven and hell. “I think you understand.” “I don’t want to hurt you.” Dave knew he’d do anything to make sure he didn’t ever hurt Matt. “I know you won’t,” he reassured, before licking below the ear he’d been toying with. “If I had any doubts, I wouldn’t want this. I feel like I’m coming out of my skin I want you so much.” “Sweetheart.” Dave’s voice grew husky, raw with his own need. He tipped his head to expose his neck, giving his mate all the room he wanted. His body, his heart and soul, all of him was going to belong to this man. He groaned when teeth worried skin, not enough to mark, a possession he craved, but chills still cascaded down his spine at the delicious scrape of pleasure taunted by pain. Panted breath ended in a groan. “Damn, Matt, sweetheart.” The worry of leaving for work had been completely obliterated. There was nothing but Matt’s touch, his voice, his kiss. He stretched out fully, blanketing Dave. Stiff fingers dug into his hair, tipping and tilting him the way he wanted so he could suck and kiss over every inch of Dave’s bare body. Hunger and pleasure rushed throughout his frame where they met, brushing together. Time disappeared. There was the silken heat of Matt’s chest pressing into Dave’s front. The burning foray of his mouth over skin that drank up his kisses like a desert feeling rain for the first time. Smooth skin felt divine under his palms where they connected, then swept downward until he cupped Matt’s butt. Matt wiggled in answer making Dave smile. “You feel so good.” He mumbled an answer, unable or unwilling to interrupt his oral discoveries across Dave’s chest. Nearing Dave’s nipples, he sucked a sharp gasp in anticipation. “Ah, love. Yes,” he breathed, closing his eyes as Matt moved enough to lick over one point until it was swollen and sensitive to every glanced breath.

“Never knew anyone so sensitive.” He licked again with the flat of his tongue, scrambling Dave’s ability to speak. He didn’t want to talk about anyone else Matt had been with, and when it came to the few Dave had slept with, there was literally no contest in how deeply Matt affected him. It was like he’d been asleep his entire life, waiting for this one man to find him, to breathe life into him. Nothing in his life had ever felt as genuine, as primal as Matt’s touch on his skin. Firm cheeks flexed as Matt adjusted his position, rocking them together as he continued to kiss and suck over his chest. The intensity built like logs being added to a bonfire. His cock was hard and straining against its constraints to feel more of Matt. He could feel dampness spreading as taut flesh grazed against fabric. There was no denying Matt’s ability to turn his body inside out. When Matt shifted down his legs and gripped at his waistband, he hefted his hips, letting him slide his underwear free. His length immediately stood up, red and swollen and glistening at the tip with arousal. “That is perfect. I’ve never felt the urge to compliment another man’s dick, but babe, that is a masterpiece.” Dave’s cheeks flared red with embarrassed heat. He swallowed and tried to smile. “Uh, thank you?” Matt’s grin was cheeky. “No, thank you.” Then he bent forward taking the tip between his lips, caressing it with the flat of his tongue, as though he savored the flavors. He moaned quietly when Dave threaded fingers through his hair, not to demand; he wanted to feel, wanted to be a part of Matt’s discoveries, of his enjoyment. The vibrations traveled to his heart, making it race even more as Matt took his time enveloping the length into his mouth, one slow inch at a time. It was torture. It was heaven. He’d never felt so enthralled by another. The slow stroke of warm pressure drove Dave insane. The wicked wrap of tongue slid up and down his turgid length. His thighs shook with the depth of his restraint as he fought to not thrust into the welcome wet heat. Unfettered groans fell from his lips in answer to Matt’s mouth, pulling them from somewhere deep in his soul. He didn’t even try to control the sounds he made when he could barely breathe around the pleasure spiking through his body, rolling against his spine in waves of heat. “Sweetheart.” He gasped out a warning. He was getting

close. “Matt. Fuck, you need to stop.” His head fell like a dead weight to the pillow. Never having felt this intensity was making him see stars with Matt’s touch, his lips everywhere. He wasn’t going to last another minute if he didn’t stop. Slowly releasing his length, he arched upward and kissed Dave. “Love the noises you make,” he purred. “Could love on you for hours.” “Want to, so much.” He hefted to an elbow and cupped the back of Matt’s head to bring him even closer, claiming his mouth in a deep kiss. There was a lingering taste of himself, the salty bitterness, but the rest was all Matt, and he craved that flavor like a fine wine. He could get drunk on his kiss. Twisting, he brought Matt to the bed, letting him stretch out. He tugged off Matt’s underwear with impatient motions, revealing a dick almost as pale as Matt. Beautifully shaped, long, and flushed red with blood as it thickened further under his enraptured stare. It called to him with a need that hummed inside his brain. “My turn,” he warned before swallowing him down in a single dive. He breathed out and worked his jaw and tongue to heighten Matt’s pleasure. A cry of need was his reward. He smiled, or tried to, but couldn’t quite pull it off with his mouth stuffed. “Dave!” he cried. Fingers pulled at his shoulders. “Please. Need you.” Popping a finger into his mouth alongside Matt’s length, he wet it thoroughly before sliding it down to the soft flesh beneath his balls. Matt’s groaned growl was heaven when he circled the sensitive skin of his pucker. Matt’s body was pushing, flexing, while Dave took his time exciting the man in his bed.

Chapter 21

Matt’s soul howled and it wasn’t in fear. Need. Lust. Desire for Dave. A hunger he couldn’t contain filled his limbs, captured the air in his lungs as he fought for breath. He gripped at Dave, but the minute Dave put his lips around his dick, thinking ceased. Simply became incapable and impossible. The gentle swiped touches around his ass were driving him crazy in the best way. He'd never really been sensitive to stimulation so what he felt now was off the charts mind-scrambling. He couldn’t think well enough to figure out why there was a difference, could only acknowledge the intensity because it sucked him in like a tornado and left him feeling helpless and enraptured at the same time. Tingles and shocks filled his nerves and made muscles pop as Dave teased him. Whines slipped from between clenched teeth, craving more, but unable to find the words. Shivers rolled upward from where Dave’s touch tortured him, making him gasp as Dave’s mouth and fingers drove him closer to the edge. “You’re beautiful, stunning,” Dave praised when he lifted up enough to find Matt’s lips in a full bodied kiss. Tongues met and danced. Matt’s arms encircled his shoulders, tugging him closer, wanting more, wanting everything that Dave’s touch and mouth was promising. Panted breathing stopped him from questioning when Dave moved away. Watching, Dave reached for a basket on his nightstand that he hadn’t really paid much attention to. Digging within, he came back to the bed clutching a tube. “Want to make it feel so good,” he explained. “You are.” Matt’s brain still hadn’t caught up. He twitched, striving to feel more, wanting to feel everything. He didn’t understand the difference, why everything was so heightened, why he was experiencing so much more. The way Dave made him feel was beyond memory. The little focus he managed scattered when Dave returned with a slicked finger, brushing against puckered skin again before sliding inward with slow drags against nerves. The pressure was tight. It had been over a year since he’d last had sex. The flash of unease was brief but he was able to focus beyond it, to the man above him who was everything he was

beginning to think he needed. He blew out a breath as he relaxed and said, “More.” “Going slow this time, sweetheart,” Dave said tenderly, clearly watchful of Matt’s tells. Adding to the levels of pleasure, he wrapped a hand around his cock, stroking it slowly in tandem with his finger gliding into his opening. Slow in Dave’s mind obviously equated to torture for Matt. He moaned as that one finger glided in and out, rubbing against awakening nerves. He could barely concentrate between the two, couldn’t decide to push back into the finger in his ass brushing against sensitive walls, or begging for the hand gripping him to tighten, to speed up. He tossed on the bed, torn between them both. When he was ready to scream for more, Dave added another finger, waiting for Matt to allow him entry before rolling his wrist and shooting pleasure outward from his hips. Every nerve was lighting up like he’d been hit with an electricity-fed livewire. “Damn,” Dave growled. “That is beautiful. Does it feel good?” Matt nodded hard, growling and whining, striving for more of his touch. Hands pulled at bedding, rocking him into the slow thrust of fingers as they filled him. Matt’s teeth clenched briefly when a third finger was added, rolling slowly, widening and stretching him with patient thrusts and finger motions to loosen him past the stretched burn that was inevitable after so long. He growled again when Dave bottomed to his knuckles. The full feeling was heaven and hell, so much of what he needed and not nearly enough of what his body was demanding. The pressure was exquisite and tortuous at the same time. Slow strokes that caressed him, turned him inside out, matching the motion of his gripped dick in Dave’s hand. “Dave. Please. Need.” The way his body responded like he was made of fire, sparks that dared to flare into conflagration. Every motion from Dave pulled at a deeper core that was explosively sensitive. He didn’t understand it, but he knew without a doubt, he’d simply die if they stopped. Maybe he’d simply been without for too long. He truly didn’t know, but he felt as though he was about to split down the middle with the tumultuous sensations ripping through him. Dave withdrew and Matt cracked his eyelids to hunt for him. The bed rocked as he inched closer. Palming his length to aim between Matt’s legs, he pressed at

Matt’s opening. Then froze. “Shit. Condom.” Dave cursed and grumbled as he settled on his calves. “Made me forget.” His lips twisted with a self-deprecating grin. He bent forward, taking a slow, lingering kiss before breaking away to talk. “I don’t have any, sweetheart. I don’t bring people home.” Matt blinked. “Ever?” Dave shook his head. “Not in a really long time,” he explained. “I know I’m clean. Annual physicals.” Matt licked over his bottom lip, his whole body quaking with need. Dave was making it his choice. Patience shined from within his gaze. Not an ounce of pressure to continue. With light fingertips, he caressed Dave’s jaw. Slowly, he nodded. “I haven’t since Ryan and we used protection. I’ve been tested since then. I’m clean.” “I want you, but this is your decision.” Matt stared into Dave’s eyes. Eyes that were a warm sherry brown, almost glowing, a golden shimmer to them. All he found was patient understanding. “I need you, this, Dave.” He needed to feel whole again. He needed to feel like he could shove Ryan completely into his past. Needed to feel the control of sex being his choice. Beyond all of that, he longed to have Dave’s body. The desire racing through his veins was for this man. Once fearing he’d never feel anything ever again, the fact that he did, and that it was so strong for Dave’s tanned body and his caring smile, blew him away. Dave pressed into the touch on his face before nearing for a kiss that obliterated any further thought out of Matt’s mind. Wrapping his arms around Dave’s shoulders, he widened his legs, bracing his knees against Dave’s hips. Body to body, flush to skin, they rocked while Dave drowned him in sensation with his lips and his hands. As he started to kiss down his neck, it wasn’t with the intent to arouse. He had a goal in mind and when he neared Matt’s weeping length, he tenderly wrapped his tongue around the tip to sip at the fluid waiting there. Then he propped one

of Matt’s legs up and settled on his knees again. Matt couldn’t look away. His strong chest flexed when he pressed forward. Matt’s eyelids fluttered when pressure increased against his pucker, then Dave popped through and they both froze. “I got you, sweetheart.” Palms soothed down his chest, over his thighs, connecting everywhere he could reach. Matt’s fingers had dug into the sheets again. He blew out a breath and relaxed, waiting for sensations to stop sparking enough to think almost clearly. “I’m okay. More.” In the past, he hadn’t been so sensitive. It was like his body wasn’t his own. Not the body he knew. There was no way to focus enough now to figure out what the difference was or why. All he could do was feel, because he was drowning in the waves originating from where Dave touched him, caressed him. Filled him. Braced against him, Dave began to thrust into his body, slow and easy to fill him then retreat a little at a time, until he was fully bottomed out, his groin and balls pressed deliciously to Matt’s ass. He braced Matt’s knees in his palms, keeping him steady, ing him. “Ready sweetheart?” he asked, his voice richly husky with restraint and need. Matt reached upward for him, finding his mouth for a ionate kiss. “Feels so full,” he panted. “Move.” Fingers clawed into shoulders when Dave did as he asked, raking Dave’s back as he pumped with growing energy. Dave alternated gripping at his hips and knees, holding him firmly as he thrusted harder and faster. “Fuck, Matt. So good. So tight.” Matt opened eyes he didn’t know he’d closed to lock on Dave’s stare. Lust-filled and glowing with hunger and pleasure. He was spiraling higher on a crest of desire, each thrust brushing over his inner walls making his body tighten and his soul hunger for more. He flexed when he lifted his legs higher on Dave’s hips, making the man groan and shudder. He loved that he affected Dave so deeply. Peyton and he had been good, even if they had not been overly ionate enough to frequently rut like animals. Ryan had been a flash in the pan that had been a mistake he never wanted to repeat.

Dave was like a doorway to nirvana had burst open for him. He saw everything he was feeling reflected back in his eyes. He wanted it. All of it. Raising his arms, he dug fingers into Dave’s arms, bringing him closer. He whined when the angled thrust of his hips changed, deepening every move of Dave’s hips, causing him to burn and ache with each forceful thrust. Stroke after stroke drove him closer to his orgasm. Dave’s gasped breathing was hot against his skin. Licking over the closest inches he could find, he swirled his tongue, sucking and nibbling at a straining Dave. Strong fingers tightened against his hips in answer, pinning them body to body. Dave’s frame arched and tightened, both striving for the ultimate pleasure. “Sweetheart,” he gasped. “So good. So close.” The way they pressed together rubbed their stomachs skin to skin, caressing Matt’s shaft, caging it between them. Heat spread outward from his groin, robbing him of the ability to speak. He was nearing the edge to toppling over. Every thrust, every motion of Dave’s hips, excited him closer and closer to his climax. Skin heated and his breathing hitched with all the wild sensations careening throughout. There was too much happening, too many feelings to focus on any one. It was all building to a crescendo that he didn’t know how to slow, and couldn’t find the will to try. Tightness around his balls as they drew up was all the warning he had. He opened his mouth to warn Dave, but all that came out was a guttural cry as he stiffened. Lights burst against his eyelids as his frame grew taut and he bucked. Dave growled long and low, driving Matt into the mattress with forceful motions, owning him in the best way possible. Jets of spunk splashed sweat slicked skin between them. Then Dave’s hips ground into him, pumping and moving to fill him as full as he could. Muscles tightened in answer to the heat coating him inside, making Dave suck a breath in with a sharp hiss. Clutching Dave within his arms, he felt his frame shudder, then the gradual loosening of muscles as they both came down from the peaks of their orgasms. It was the first time he’d felt utterly whole. Dave helped ease his legs to a normal position, a little disappointed when the motion separated their bodies. Okay, more than a little. He hadn’t wanted to lose that connection, not yet.

“Matt,” he whispered, raspy and gentle as he nuzzled his ear. “Are you okay? I got a little out of control there.” Matt smiled, sweeping a limp hand tenderly over damp brown hair. “It was perfect.” He stretched his spine as best as he could and drew a breath. “You?” He didn’t answer verbally, simply cocooned Matt tighter within his arms, as though he was reluctant to part from him for even a second. Matt nuzzled closer, dropping light kisses where he could reach, feeling the steady beat of Dave’s heart against his own ribs as they both calmed. A few minutes later, Matt asked, “Shower?” Dave lingered, burrowed against his neck, love bites making Matt tingle. “Probably should. But don’t want to stop.” He sounded mopey. A wide smile was easy to hide the way they were tucked into each other. He didn’t want to stop, either. There wasn’t anywhere else he wanted to be, but there were places he needed to be, so he had to be an adult about their time. “I’ll wash your back for you,” he cajoled, his hands still running all over warm skin. Dave chuckled. “I could worship you for hours but I guess that’ll work to get today started.” “I know the feeling,” he mused, then reached to press a soft kiss to Dave’s lips. “Besides, Casper is probably traumatized for life now.” He tucked into Matt’s shoulder again, snorting softly. “Probably. Poor goofball.” Moving gently, he eased from Matt’s frame to stand next to the bed and offered a hand. “Come on. Let’s go get clean.” Matt met his grin with one of his own, happily following after Dave’s taller frame.

Chapter 22

Dave settled at his desk while memories of waking next to Matt, and what had followed, were floating near the surface. They’d spent the morning getting showered and dressed, interspersed with kisses and lingering touches until he walked out the door. Matt didn’t need to be in for a while yet, so he was going to stay at Dave’s and work on the festival and restaurant showcase details until his meeting with Alice. He hated every second leaving him behind. The security door to the hallway opened and quietly clinked shut not long after he got his computer powered on. He had to work to bury the smile to put on his game face when Kelly appeared at his open office door seconds later. “Morning,” Kelly offered in greeting. He nodded, waving Kelly in. “You should see this.” Kelly handed over a plain manila folder, his expression blankly subdued. Concerned, he splayed the folder open on his desk and immediately hissed. “Are you sure?” He glanced quickly at Kelly before flipping through the written pages, skimming for the details, then back to the captured still-shot camera frames. Two were from the side, but there was no mistaking the person. Michael Hatton. “I verified the angles myself last night. The first image Matt received came from outside the Bean. The city surveillance coincides with the date stamp on the first picture he received on that email. If we can confirm the date and timestamp meta data of the picture taken…” He let the thought drift off. Dave understood. If all the data triangulates, then they had their proof. But this by itself, wasn’t going to be enough. And he hated saying that. He hated that Matt was still in danger and short of locking him up at his house, there wasn’t much he could do under the current circumstances. He couldn’t be a one person bodyguard, even as much as he needed to keep Matt safe.

Dave ran a hand down his face, glaring at Michael’s visage as he wrangled his phone for pictures. “This isn’t enough for proof. We can’t see what he’s taking a picture of in the distance.” “I know. I’m working on a warrant now to get the phone service to release the phone ID and the image history. Unfortunately, that one is going to take time. I’m also working with the gas station to get the tapes from the day Matt was there. I’m hoping that will get us answers sooner.” He neared the desk. His voice lowered in sympathy. “What are we going to do if it is him?” He sighed, heavily. “Arrest him. There is no other way to look at this. He’s actively stalking and threatening Matt, and framing someone else. Was there anyone else in the last few days on the cameras? Anyone who could have taken pictures from the other side of the block?” Kelly shook his head. “Foot traffic was normal patterns except for Michael. The office supply, post office, the Bean.” His shoulders sagged in his shirt. “I went through weeks of footage in the time frame that Matt would have been visible to take those pictures to look for anomalies. He is the only one that stood out.” He pointed to the distorted view in front of Michael. “Matt’s car would have been somewhere in this area, but like you said, it’s too unclear and out of range to be decisive.” Dave studied the images again and silently cursed. This was going to hit Alice like a lead brick if Michael was really behind all of this. He wanted to give the benefit of a doubt. He’d known the man for years. Michael had worked for over two decades with the city water department. Why would he start lashing out at Matt? There wasn’t an apparent connection for motive between the two men. Snapping the folder closed, he returned it. “Let me know if you get confirmation from the gas station about their camera views. We need something to put him in time and place, either the phone GPS, or the station.” Kelly gripped the folder and nodded, to turn out of the office with a sharp stride. Dave sighed. This was not going to end well. It was around lunchtime when Dave’s desk phone rang. “Silo police department. Sherriff Hanlon speaking.” “Dave.”

He jerked straight. “Matt? What’s wrong?” The gasping fear in Matt’s voice was tangible. The one word of his name reached him, strained, whispered. His nerves caught up before his heart launched from his chest as his own fear attempted to ratchet beyond control. “I need to-to… see you. Now. Right now!” Matt was barely hanging on. Rattled breathing filled the phone. “Okay, baby. Take a deep breath. Stay calm. Are you safe?” “I think so.” He had to strain to hear Matt’s answer. “Where are you?” Kelly was working as fast as he could on the images already collected from Matt’s email, but as terrified as Matt sounded, there was no doubt his mystery stalker had struck again. “Hiding. City hall. Bathroom,” he whispered. Harsh physical tremors warbled his voice with the depth of his fear, causing the hair on Dave’s arms to stand up straight. Hiding? This was not an email type of panic. Something else had happened, sending Matt into deep panic mode. “Okay. Stay put. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Dave hung up then jerked out of his chair and jogged toward the rear door. Sitting behind the wheel, he revved the motor of his vehicle and then messaged Kelly to meet him. He needed backup. If this happened now, he couldn’t be the one to arrest Michael. He was too close to tearing the man apart.

Matt walked out of the meeting with Alice and Dara, a happy smile accompanied by a jaunty lightness in his step. When Alice had asked for him to attend another face to face last week, he’d had no idea to the purpose. Now he did, and he was thrilled. Dara had been reviewing his history, his job experience, and how well he was getting along with everyone, from city hall to Cassan to Stiller Springs. It felt so good to be validated for his efforts. Moving to Silo hadn’t been his first option, but from what was happening around him and for him, barring the emails, it had clearly been the right choice.

Because today Dara had hired him fulltime for the city planner’s office. He started on Monday. He did a little fist pump in the air as he walked down the marble tiled hallway toward the entry double doors. He waved at Sheldon and Susan as he walked past one of the judge’s chambers. For a small burg they had a full functioning city center and he’d been meeting a lot of them through the weeks since he started attending the festival monthly meetings. Silo was definitely growing, though. People moving from Stiller Springs to be outside of the hustle and bustle of a major city and others who were moving to the area for themselves, whether it be for jobs or economics. He could see it, and so could Alice and Dara. Alice was actively pushing for more, while trying to control the influx as best as she could. Feeling a little more comfortable to know he was now included within the working cogs of city decision, he asked the women sitting with him, “So who decided to plunk the apartments down next to the train tracks?” It was a running joke between himself and Peyton. Everyone he spoke to could see they were poorly planned location-wise and they didn’t appear to be of the best quality, but being new, weren’t showing any shortcomings yet. Time would tell there. Subquality always did. “That would have been Arty. He’s not here any longer. Retired,” Dara explained during their meeting. “Which is why we’re moving ahead with the job offer. Not only do we need someone in the office again, we need someone who can work with Alice and the other departments to moderately and conscientiously fill the city’s needs.” Her lips pursed at the end. “I take it Arty didn’t really do that when he decided to allow the permits for the apartments?” Alice shared a look with Dara, who gave a brief nod. She then met Matt’s gaze with telling focus. “This doesn’t go any further. Arty retired under protest. We uncovered a money exchange with the contractor for those apartments. They weren’t supposed to be approved, but Arty allowed it, without full city investigation and backing.” Matt’s mouth popped open. “He took a bribe?” He couldn’t sound more aghast if he tried. Who would think little town Silo was big enough to be a criminal backdrop of bribery?

Alice cupped her hands on the desk, her lips thinning briefly. “A large one. Sadly, we were never able to confirm if there had been other such changes of hands in the years he worked in Silo. We never found out what his motive was, or why the contractor approached him. Development like that goes through planning stages. Water, electric, zoning. Arty gave carte blanche to do whatever. And now we have apartments.” The way her face tightened into a grimace told him how displeased she was with the whole thing. Matt tapped his chin twice where he rested against an elbow on the arm of the chair. “Family would be a first guess. Either he’s related to the contractor, or family is. Second would be a need for money. I don’t know the circumstances, but that’s the motivation behind a lot of the deals I saw made in New York. Sad, but true. And often the common citizen was left holding the bag. I can assure you, it’s not how I work.” But he would have to get familiar with the structure and layout of Silo to do more critical analysis for their future. He was positive any suggestions he made would be reviewed to the letter and decimal point, as it should be. What Arty did was reprehensible. After a little more than an hour and a half spent with the ladies, he wanted to see if Dave would be up for lunch, and share the surprise of his good news. It was when he pulled his phone from his pocket to turn off the Do Not Disturb that his notifications started to populate. There were the usual push notifications from his various app s. Those didn’t worry him, but he spotted the email alert and stopped dead in his tracks. “No, no no no,” he murmured thickly under his breath, his heart in his throat. Even if there were legitimate correspondences, which he wasn’t expecting until later in the week, he desperately didn’t want to open it to find out there was something extra, something malicious, something terrible and terrifying. He wanted to put this stalker bullshit behind him, but he didn’t know who it was, or why. His throat burned as fear grew. Searching in both directions, he backtracked to the restrooms, glancing over his shoulder to see if anyone paid him any attention. When it appeared no one noticed him, he opened the door to slip inside and sagged boneless against the nearest wall.

He did not want to open the email link, but he had to know. It could have been a restaurant. His gut was telling him he was wrong. What it really was made him stuff his fist into his mouth to stifle the screams from pouring free at what he did find. The image left no doubt that he was dealing with a crazy person. It was another snapshot. Matt didn’t even know when it was taken. He couldn’t see enough of himself to tell. But this one… This one had a rifle crosshair plastered over his face and there was red color dripping over the frame. His stomach curdled as real blood in his veins turned to ice. He didn’t delete it. Shaking so hard his teeth rattled, he wanted to, so badly. He closed it and immediately called the last number on his phone list. Dave answered as his knees buckled and he slid down the bathroom wall. It was quiet. Only him, waiting for the line to connect. His eyes never left the doorway, waiting for it punch open, a gun to be pointed at him. Just like the picture. He whimpered before saying, “I need to-to… see you. Now. Right now!” “Okay, baby. Take a deep breath. Stay calm. Are you safe?” “I think so.” Honestly, he’d never felt more unsafe. He was hiding in a damn bathroom! Thankfully, alone. Dave told him to stay where he was. With the way his heart pounded, the way his head was tightening like it was being pressed together under screws, he could barely breathe. Moving wasn’t an option. Muscles ached with the amount of tension stringing him tight. If he could only fold in on himself until he disappeared, he’d do it. He didn’t know how much time had ed when the door crept open, a single foot appearing. He curled his arms around himself tighter, trying to appear smaller. And prayed it was Dave. But it wasn’t. “Oh, there you are. Thank goodness. I’m here to take you outside.” Matt stared at the man before him, trying to make the words . He looked vaguely familiar but he couldn’t place where he knew him from. “Did Dave send

you?” he croaked. Brown eyes were flat, reflecting the florescent lighting like mirrors. When he nodded, he smiled coldly. “Yes. Dave. He sent me.” Then he offered a hand. “Let me take you to him.”

Chapter 23

Dave arrived at city hall moments before Kelly, tires squealing when he hit the brakes. Dave was out of his car and running up the steps to the doors as soon as he was in park. Ignoring everyone in his way. Rushing through the foyer area, he darted down the hall for the bathrooms and slammed through the swing door. “Matt!” White walls. Gray stalls. Sinks. Silence met his shout. No Matt. He whirled and stalked down the hall to Michael’s office. “Dave!” Kelly gripped his arm and jerked him to a hard stop. People were gawking at them, giving them a wide berth. With a sharp tug on his arm, he yanked him to the side. Dave bit off the growl that rumbled in his chest before it became noticeable. Kelly got right in his face. “Calm down. You can’t charge into his office like this,” he hissed. He knew Kelly was right, but he was about to go out of his mind. “Where is Matt?” “We’ll find him. Now take a step back and calm down,” he snarled. Clenching his jaw, he nodded, letting Kelly lead the way to Michael’s office. Carmine wasn’t at his desk, but at lunchtime, his absence was expected. “Michael? Have you seen Matt today?” Michael was already circling his desk, his expression confused and concerned. “No, I haven’t. What’s going on? Why all the shouting?” Kelly leveled a glare at Dave who was doing his best to not knock Michael to the ground and tear him to shreds. It was a look that said Dave was on emotional thin ice and he needed to keep himself together. A twisted brow and a firm stare had him back up a few more paces. He could only imagine what Kelly was seeing. He was too on edge, too close to shifting to find his mate. “Dave got a phone call from Matt that he was in trouble.”

Michael’s brow rose high. “Trouble? I know he had a meeting with Alice. Let me check with her.” He spun for his desk and quickly called over to her office. “Okay, thank you.” He put the phone down. “They finished about twenty minutes ago.” “Shit,” Dave snarled under his breath. He crowded Kelly again. “Dave, no,” he ground out. He lowered his voice to talk over his shoulder. “If he had anything to do with it, you cannot do this.” “You didn’t hear his terror,” he snapped back, not flinching the slightest beneath Kelly’s own glare. Kelly’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded then faced Michael. “Matt has been receiving stalker emails. Do you know anything about that?” Michael blinked rapidly. “What? No!” “Now, he’s missing,” Kelly added. Michael’s hand rose and covered his mouth, dropping his head. Then he asked, “Can I see what he’s been getting?” “You mean you don’t know? We know you don’t like him,” Dave said as evenly as he could, which wasn’t much. “He came out of nowhere and Alice adores him. Of course I’m jealous. I’ve been here for over twenty years. Do I get a single thank you?” “For doing your job?” Dave sneered, not hiding so much behind Kelly’s shoulder now. “Where is Matt?” “I don’t know. Really. I can ask Carmine if he’s seen him. He should be back with lunch any minute.” “We didn’t see him outside.” Kelly glanced at Dave who nodded in agreement. Suddenly Michael paled. “Oh, God.” He slumped against his desk. “What?” Kelly demanded.

“I said…” He firmed his shoulders and cleared his throat while guilt added a new layer of green to his skin. “I said some awful things to Carmine about Matt.” “You really think bad mouthing someone to your assistant is going to be enough to make us think you had nothing to do with this?” Dave all but jumped around Kelly. “You’re wasting our time! Where is Matt?” Michael flinched, skipping further away from Dave. Kelly latched on to Dave and yanked him backward. “Hanlon! Either stop or take it outside. Now!” Dave trembled as the wolf inside fought him to be free, to hunt for their mate. To maim and destroy the one who’d dared hurt Matt. Curling fingers hid the claws that were poking through his nail beds. Needle sharp pinpricks made his palms twitch, warning him he was far too close to the edge of his control. He avoided meeting Kelly’s eyes until he knew they wouldn’t reveal his truth. “I’m going outside to see if there’s any sign of Matt.” He didn’t have the strength or patience to coddle Michael into telling them anything worthwhile. Rushing out of the offices toward the rear doors of the building where there’d be fewer eyes to witness his loss of control, he flexed his shoulders and rolled his head, fighting to keep any thread of his tenuous control before it snapped completely. He needed space to get his head on straight again. His wolf was dangerously close to the surface. There was little doubt Kelly would have seen something in him in those few minutes. He would have to deal with that later. His only priority was finding Matt, safe. Slamming through the doorway, he sucked a much needed breath, trying to clear his head but was met with the unmistakable scent of bitter, burnt sage. Snapping his head high, he drew a full breath and closed his eyes to focus. The unmistakable scent was as clear as a room full of candles, cloying and thick. “Matt,” he whispered. Matt was terrified. This was stronger than at any other time. His heart pounded against his ribs as he fought to discern where the scent came from and how long it had been since he’d been there. There was another

scent with it. Warmed cedar, like a cologne with a subtle musk. Was someone with Matt? Where had he encountered that cedar scent before? He stilled inside to concentrate, letting his wolf dissect the mixed scents. And then it clicked where he knew it from. Carmine’s desk. It didn’t help that the scents were outside, where the breeze and daylight heat could dissipate them. Michael believed Carmine had left for lunch. Dave had his doubts. He studied the parking lot, not spotting any movement. Matt’s car wasn’t there either. Spinning on a heel he marched around the building, searching the entire lot for Matt’s little silver car. His heart fell into his shoes when he finally found it out front. When he put a hand to the hood, the engine was cold. Hunting, he sniffed again, but Matt’s scent wasn’t out there. He hadn’t been to his car since he arrived. Then why would he be out back? He’d been hiding. Waiting for Dave. Running flat palms over his face, he concentrated. He had to think of Matt, even as fear that something was more wrong than he’d originally believed hit him hard. Matt was in danger. But why? He marched back to Michael’s office to find Kelly talking. Kelly nodded and approached him. “Better?” “Not at all, but I can think. He’s not on the premises.” Kelly’s brow furrowed. “But he was.” “He was.” Dave crowded a worried Michael. “Tell me everything you ever told Carmine about Matt. Don’t leave anything out.”

Matt followed the guy outside. “Where are we going? Where’s Dave?” It didn’t that they were going out the rear of the building until he started to look for Dave’s cop cruiser.

“I’ll take you to him.” Matt balked, stopping on the bottom step. “He’s meeting me here.” “Trust me,” the other guy said. “I know where he is.” Matt didn’t understand. He’d called Dave and he said to stay where he was. Where was he being taken? It wasn’t until the other guy was at his shoulder again that he felt the hard press of something in his side. “Look. Stop fighting me. You’re going to do what I say, or the nine in your side is going to do more than poke you. Got it?” Matt gulped then slowly nodded. “Now walk casually to the brown car and get in the enger side.” “Who are you?” he asked, fear tearing at his throat. He sneered. “Mr. Everyone’s Favorite. Of course you don’t know who I am.” Matt hid his confusion as he walked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. And I’m sorry that I don’t know who you are.” His abductor huffed. “Doesn’t matter. Just get in. Don’t do anything stupid. Now climb over.” Matt’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding, right?” The nose of the gun pressed behind his ear. “Am I?” Matt slowly raised his hands. They trembled like he had palsy. “Okay.” “Hurry up!” he snarled. Matt did his best to bend and fold across the console. It wasn’t easy but he finally settled into the driver seat. The pounding of his heart thundered inside his chest. “Start the car.”

Searching for a key, he saw the button and pushed it. The car started with a quiet idle. “Put it in drive and turn right out of the lot.” Matt felt tears clog his throat. “Why are you doing this?” “Drive,” he growled, poking his side out of view. Matt did. He didn’t know how he was going to get out of this. They drove in silence for several miles, following directions until Matt was turned around and had no idea where he was. Matt’s gaze stayed glued in front of him. He didn’t have to look to know the gun was pointed at him, even if it was only resting on the other guy’s lap. “You’re not going to tell me anything, are you? Just going to make me drive to some deserted place and kill me? So cliché.” He sounded braver than he felt. Inside, he was quivering like an earthquake had taken residence. He needed information and quickly. The other guy huffed. “I’m not going to kill you.” Matt didn’t believe him. There was no way they could reach wherever he was supposed to stop. “Then why are you doing this?” A quick glance showed a pained expression and pinched lips. Was his abductor having second thoughts? Maybe the guy next to him wasn’t committed to becoming a cold-blooded killer. There had to be a way to use that to his advantage. There wasn’t anyone else on the road. No help from that quarter. He had no idea where he was, following the curt directions as they’d been given. “Because I don’t like you. Actually, I think I hate you.” “You don’t even know me,” Matt choked out. The other man huffed snidely. “When you started on the committee, Michael had me find out about you,” he offered conversationally. “Know what I found out?” Matt shook his head weakly.

“You had a fucking fantastic life and your lies put a fantastic man in jail!” he shouted across the car. Matt almost threw up. “What— What are you talking about?” “You lied to put your boyfriend in prison. Ryan had the perfect life, his parents were wealthy. I guess you wanted your share of that bank, didn’t you? But then when you couldn’t get it, you lied and had him imprisoned. So who’s next? You’re already on Alice’s good list and that was fucking-unreal-fast. Michael knows you’re up to something. He told me to keep an eye on you and I did. I have no idea how you moved that fast to be able to get close to a sheriff though.” Eyes flashed, filled with derisive scorn, when Matt dared to look his way. “Michael knew as soon as Alice started meeting you privately that his job was in jeopardy. He’s close to retirement.” “Are you fucking insane?” Matt demanded. “I am not a threat to Michael or anyone else.” The guy turned on a hip to face him better, the gun trained on him floating in and out of his peripheral vision. Matt couldn’t tell if he had his finger on the trigger. He kept his eyes on the road. He hoped he could keep the other guy calm enough not to lose his shit. “Michael has been like a father to me.” “So you want to protect him,” he tried. Silence met him. “I am not after Michael’s job. Or yours.” Another huff of disagreement. “I can’t let you stay. You should have taken the hint with the photos. You need to leave and never come back.” “Those were you,” he realized. No response. Matt had no idea where they were, or where they going. He deeply feared what was going to happen to him when they got to wherever there was. The gun lingered where it had been since they got into the car. Pointed at him.

“Take a right at the next road.” “Not wanting to kill me but threatening me with a gun isn’t going to do you any favors,” he muttered. Silence. Matt saw his chance to get out of this, he hoped. There was a large tree on the berm. Instead of slowing down, he gradually accelerated. This was going to hurt like a bitch but if it hurt him, it would definitely do damage to his abductor sitting twisted the way he was. His last thoughts as he jerked the wheel were of Dave and hoping the airbags deployed. A screech to slow down was the last thing he heard as the tree obscured the windshield. The impact was excruciating. A flash bang made his ears ring like cymbals filled the car. White powder blasted outward then there was nothing.

Chapter 24

Kelly’s mic squawked at his shoulder epaulet where it was attached. He pinched the button to speak. “Go ahead.” The disembodied voice of their dispatcher filled the tense quiet. “Single vehicle accident, Charger Highway at Layton Lane. Brown Ford Taurus, License plate XRC-17P0. Injuries unknown. EMT in route.” Michael’s features paled. “That’s Carmine’s car. What’s he doing out there?” Kelly scowled at him. “Do not leave.” Dave was already inside his own vehicle before Kelly appeared outside. Hitting lights and sirens, he tore out of the parking lot. Kelly would catch up. Clenching his teeth, he was pushing ninety before he could blink. After several heart-racing minutes, he spotted the ambulance and fire truck ahead and drew to a stop in a protective bank to block them for safety. He approached running on foot, fearing the worst. Seeing blond hair on the ground brought him to his knees. He was already on a board and safely secured. “Matt.” He choked, then drew a steadier breath. All he could smell was blood. He crawled closer. “Tell me, Ed.” “Found him on the ground, the other guy is in bad shape.” He twisted to speak to Dave with a lowered voice. “There’s a nine millimeter on the floorboard and a bullet hole in the driver door. We can’t tell if it went off at impact. He has a trajectory wound that’s going to need stitches because of it. I don’t know what happened here, but he’s lucky to be alive. He never hit the brakes.” He flicked a quick glance with meaning at Dave then his sole focus became stabilizing Matt in front of him. The entire time he talked, he was in motion, packing and securing the wound that Dave hadn’t been able to see around his frame on Matt’s thigh. Carmine shot

him? His stomach tried to climb up his throat. Dave clenched his jaw, doing everything he could to not push Ed out of the way. He had to let Ed do his job, Dave would do his. Even if he hated someone else taking care of Matt. Kelly arrived while he was learning Matt’s condition and was currently bent over with Carmine, getting his assessment. “Take him to the hospital. Direct any questions to me. Let them know I’ll be there soon to see him. I don’t want him to think he’s alone.” “Will do.” He nodded to his partner. “Ready to transport?” “We’re stable,” she said. “Let’s do this.” Dave stood close to Matt as he was loaded into the ambulance and the doors shuts. Watching the boxy vehicle shrink into the horizon, he realized his hands were balled into fists at his sides, the most outward view of his anger and fear. Matt was going to be okay. He had thought fast and managed to rescue himself. He was going to be in pain again, for a long time, but Dave would do anything to ensure his comfort from that day forward. Searching over a shoulder, he spotted Kelly crouched next to Carmine. Approaching, he asked about the gun. “Bagged. One shot fired.” “He took him at fucking gun point,” he snarled close to Kelly’s ear. Kelly put a palm around his neck. “Calm down, Dave. They’re alive. We’ll find out what happened. I promise. It’s our job.” He squeezed once before releasing him. “And for you and Matt.” Carmine was loaded into the second ambulance. A tow was called out. Reports were started. Kelly finally met Dave’s gaze. “Go on, Hanlon. I have this.” Dave nodded his thanks and leaped into his car for the drive to Stiller Springs.

Matt moaned. God did he ache. It was as though every muscle had been strained to the breaking point, even making his bones ache. His thigh felt… wrong. And his stomach burned. Pain seemed to come from too many places to pick out which one hurt worse. His whole body felt like he’d tangled with a bear and he’d lost. “Matt, baby. Come on, gorgeous. If you can hear me, open your eyes.” Eyelids fluttered and he fought to focus. “Dave?” Eventually his vision cleared enough to see Dave next to his side. “Hi, sweetheart.” A tender, gentle kiss flitted against his forehead. “How are you feeling?” “Hurts,” he whispered. The room wasn’t overly bright, but he found he couldn’t keep his eyes open for long. He breathed, waiting for his body to catch up with him again. “I know. Let me call the nurse.” Matt sank into a calm place for a few minutes. Eventually the sound of someone bustling quietly nearby reached him. “How are you feeling, Matthew?” a lowered voice asked. “He goes by Matt,” Dave offered. “Hurts,” he said again. Weren’t they listening? A warm grip firmed around his. He squeezed back. Moving as much as he could, he tipped in Dave’s direction while the nurse did their thing. He wanted to crawl into that man’s lap and stay there. The nurse took vitals and soft tapping on a keyboard were the only sounds for a while. “His signs are stable. If the pain gets to be too much, we can add to the drip.” “Thanks, nurse. I’ll be with him for a while to keep an eye on it.”

“Let someone know if you need anything.” Matt felt the sensor being removed from his fingertip, then they were alone again. Matt’s breathing evened as he became more aware. He hurt. Like, a lot. But he was also alive. And he suddenly ed why that was a good thing. “The other guy,” he asked sharply. He tried to sit up, but Dave blocked his shoulder, urging him to stay where he was on the bed. His head spun and he closed his eyes to calm the nausea and pain that spiked from the effort. His chest hurt, in so many places, deep breaths were difficult. “Carmine.” So that’s who that was, and why he’d been so fixated on protecting Michael. He nodded. “He’s the one who sent all the pictures. Felt he was protecting Michael, trying to scare me away.” “And then he kidnapped you when you didn’t scare.” Anger tightened Dave’s voice. Matt’s eyes opened enough to see Dave’s face. “He said he wasn’t going to kill me, but he had the gun. I hit the tree on purpose.” His voice was raspy from being unconscious. Pain radiated as he stretched arms and legs. Hitting a tree at full speed was not something he could recommend. Matt had never seen Dave look so haggard, or worried. Furrows creased his brow as he went over the details. Short hair was sticking up more than usual in the front, like he’d been running his hands through it. He never released Matt’s hand. “That was smart thinking, sweetheart. Kelly is checking on Carmine right now, but now that you’re awake, do you think you can tell him what you told me? He’s handling this.” Matt could see the boil of anger in Dave’s eyes. They seemed to glow, almost with an inner light, he was so pissed. He was sure it was the morphine or whatever magic drug they had him on that made Dave look like that, but he didn’t doubt what Dave was feeling. “I can. How badly am I hurt? I the impact and the airbags but then,

nothing.” “You’re going to be feeling the impact for a while. The seatbelt bruised your chest and stomach. No internal damage. When you hit the tree, the gun went off. We don’t know if that was intentional or not. It grazed your thigh. You needed stitches, but it’s not deep.” Matt nodded and swallowed. That about covered all the rough and painful spots. “Rest for a while. I’ll be here for you.” “Dave.” His thoughts were a jumbled mess. He hurt so much, and he could barely process his own feelings. He was alive, they knew who his stalker was, and he was safe now. Tender fingers ran through his hair, pushing it off his forehead. “Shh. Do you want me to call anyone? Your parents? Peyton?” “No. Just you,” he breathed. He settled onto the bed again. There wasn’t anyone really to call. His father had been a drunken nightmare who had died when he was twelve and his mother had disowned him when he was twenty-one, when he’d found the courage to tell her the truth about being gay. Not the world’s best parents, by a long shot. Maybe when he was still young and cute, but he knew by the time he was ten he wasn’t what his father had expected and that he’d failed his mother utterly by being gay. He knew it was because of the mellow state of his thoughts as he drifted that he’d even recalled his parents when Dave brought them up. He hadn’t spoken to his mother in over ten years. Matt hadn’t exposed that part of him to Dave. In time, but it wasn’t important right then. And Peyton, well, he was his best friend now, but watching Dave, sitting with him, he knew he was the only one he needed. Dave cupped both hands around Matt’s, bringing it to his lips to brush touches over his knuckles with his lips. Letting him know he wasn’t alone. It wasn’t long before Kelly appeared at the door. Matt was more alert and with a nod, Dave waved to him. “How are you feeling?” Sympathy softened his eyes. “Like I’m a breathing bruise.” Matt squeezed fingers in answer when Dave

kissed the back of his hand. “Carmine itted to taking you but he’s also still on a high dose of morphine. Can you go through what happened?” Matt started at the beginning with the phone call to Dave after the last picture email. “I waking up in the car and thinking I needed to get away. I guess that’s as far as I got.” “You were found on the ground near the rear door,” Kelly informed him. “How is he?” he asked quietly. He was conflicted. This one man had caused him weeks of terror and fear, but he also didn’t think he would have been able to get to the point of murder. Carmine was confused about who Matt was, and why he was in Silo. He wasn’t going to walk away from this without charges, but they were both still alive. For that, he was grateful. He hummed under his breath when he ed a saying about cats and nine lives. I guess I’m down to seven. Need to be careful. His thoughts were so disted. Why cats? Kelly dragged his focus to him again. “He’s under police watch and will be arrested when he’s able to be released. He’s not doing as well as you, but there was minimal physical damage and no surgery required.” Matt nodded, his eyes closing. “I’ll see you back at the station,” Kelly said a few minutes later. “I’ll be in tomorrow. I’m going to make sure he gets home okay when they release him.” Then there was quiet. “I’m going to go home, change, and bring you back some clothes, okay, sweetheart? You still have a few hours here until they clear you.” Matt groggily mumbled. “Sure.”

Chapter 25

Matt gazed blankly into the inky darkness blanketing the rear of Dave’s house from the lounge chair where he rested. Nighttime sounds floated in the darkness. A light breeze rustled trees and leaves. The skittered sounds of small animals in the distance. It was peaceful in a way Matt had never known living in New York. There wasn’t a hint of a vehicle, no lights so bright it could have been noon at midnight, no emergency sirens, no one yelling mere yards away. It was eerie in its serenity. Yet he’d never felt more at peace. He could definitely see why Dave loved it there. Dave had brought him to his home, instead of to his own place, for the night. The concern Matt had seen and heard kept him from arguing. Dave cared. And honestly, he wasn’t ready to be alone, either. Shaken from the attempted kidnapping and crash earlier in the day, he wasn’t ready to drive, or to sit at home staring at walls replaying the day he’d had. Wrapped in a blanket to keep away nighttime chill, Casper lay between his raised knees. Too much had happened. He was trying to process it all… again. He still didn’t understand Carmine’s reasoning. Matt was no threat to either him or Michael. The back door opened and Dave offered him a mug. “I made you something warm to drink. It’s cool out here tonight.” Matt took the offered drink and wrapped his hands around it, becoming aware they were chilled. “Thank you.” He drew a sip and sighed. “That’s good. Didn’t think you’d have anything tea.” “I usually don’t. Roman suggested it.” He sat down and stretched out his legs on the closest chair. “Comfortable?” “My thigh aches, but not terribly.” The doctor had told him he needed to be easy on his leg, stay off it as much as possible for several days. Didn’t seem like the doctor’s orders would be too difficult given his nurse had hardly let him lift a

finger since he’d been checked out of the hospital. Sitting in the backyard, contemplating the darkness in front of him was perfectly acceptable for him. His head settled on the soft cushion behind him. He knew come tomorrow, the aches would be very expressive and outspoken. “I also bought some salts for the bath, so you can soak. You’re going to be feeling everything in the morning when your body has a chance to reset.” He snorted softly, then drew a sip to lick his lips. “I was thinking the same thing. Been there, done that. Tomorrow is going to be rough.” Dave offered a palm and Matt threaded it through his fingers. “Thank you for everything you’ve done, what you’re doing.” He looked around until he settled on a softly snoring Casper. The caring in his tone was only outdone by the same caring and concern in his gaze. “I didn’t really want to be alone.” “I’m here for you.” He bounced their clasped hands gently. “I know we haven’t known each other for long, but I want to see if we can make this work.” Matt twisted to tip on a shoulder, careful of pressure points and the sleeping lump sharing his chair. There was a mixture of emotions on Dave’s face. Hope, wariness, affection, and maybe even something else that he wasn’t sure he was ready to label. “Before you say anything, I can be patient. I know you didn’t move here for relationships, and you need to be settled first. That works for both of us.” He drew a slow breath, filling his chest before releasing it gustily. “There are things about me you need to know and you’re not ready right now to face that.” “About you?” He grinned, though it was closer to a grimace. “Yeah. Nothing to worry about. We have time. Now that we know who has been behind your email stalking, there shouldn’t be any more worry about that at all. Only need you to get healed and healthy again.” He closed his eyes, resting the mug on his uninjured thigh. “I should be well enough to manage my first day on Monday, at least.” “If you need an extra few days, I know Alice will let you. She’s not a monster.”

Matt dipped his head, staring into the bottom of his cup. “No, I know she’s not. Call it a matter of pride. If I can, I will.” Dave chuckled gently. “Okay.” Silence fell between them. Matt sipped at his tea until it was mostly gone, too cool to really enjoy. “I know I don’t want to leave you, but I have to be at Roman’s in a little while. Are you ready to go inside?” “How long will be you be gone?” Dave frowned, clearly unhappy with having to leave him alone. “At least an hour, depending on how things go, maybe longer.” “I might go to bed then. I’ll soak in the morning.” He was wiped. Just done. The tea had helped him to relax and he realized it was exactly what his body needed. Down time to recover. “Okay. Casper will keep you safe.” Matt rubbed a soft ear between his fingers. After learning of the poor beast’s history, he understood where the punched nick in his ear came from, and detested that he had suffered for it. He let Dave unwrap him and when he was expecting to be given a hand to stand, Dave scooped him up into his arms. “Open the door, if you would.” Matt jostled the door open and Dave stepped through. He nudged it closed with a foot then carried Matt to the bedroom. “You know, I know I’m not light, but I swear you’re not even trying.” Dave grinned. “Give me this.” He leaned to lower him to the bed then nuzzled him. “I’ve been with the department for more than fifteen years. I have never felt fear like I did today when you’d been taken.” “Not even for yourself?” Matt stretched out on the bed when it became clear Dave wasn’t expecting him to help at all. Dave shook his head as he moved to the end of the bed to remove Matt’s shoes. “Never. Granted, we rarely have hardcore issues. We do occasionally have excitement. Idiots trying to set up drugs, or people taking advantage after a

disaster. We had a few weeks after the floods last year with a serial burglar, but he wasn’t smart enough to not get caught.” Matt raised a hand to brush over his chest, soaking in the warmth he found there along with the beat of a steady, strong heart. A chill marched down his spine when he acknowledged that Dave’s job could put him at high risk for injury, or worse. Tipping to look into his face, he asked, “You’re always safe, right?” “I don’t take unnecessary risks, and there is always backup.” Once Matt was undressed and comfortable, Dave inspected his wound and the stitches. “Still looks okay so far. Let me know if you start to feel burning at the site, or feverish.” “That’s why you’re keeping a close eye on me, huh?” he teased with a wink. “So you can play Nurse Nightingale.” “So you don’t have to hurt more than you already have,” he corrected, patting his cheek playfully. He pulled the blankets up close and Matt settled. “Get some rest. Your phone is on the stand so if you need anything before I’m back, send me a message, okay?” “I will.” He blinked, feeling the softness of the bed begin to suck him in. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” He didn’t doubt all the pills he had to take for the foreseeable future were nudging that languidness to take him over. Dave neared and kissed him gently. Matt saw him physically pop his mouth shut when he started to speak again. He shook his head then straightened. “Go to sleep. I’ll try not to wake you up when I get home.” Matt waved him off. “Goodnight.” A few minutes later, he heard the door open and close and the rumble of his truck as he left the garage. It wasn’t long after that he fell asleep.

Dave studied the blond in his bed from across the room when he arrived home after spending close to two hours at the meeting at Roman’s, hesitant to get

closer as aware as he was of the other man. He raked a hand through his hair. The craving to be skin to skin, and not for intimacy, but for something more was driving him insane. After the night he’d spent with his pack alpha and several council leaders, he was restless, almost beyond needing to claim Matt. Feeling him next to him, in his arms. Safe. Knowing what had happened to Logan, his wolf was howling that he protect Matt. Too much had happened to the beautiful man in his bed already. The council had heard Logan’s case, amplifying his own needs to protect his mate, to be near. Dave had willingly provided an of Logan’s injuries to the pack leaders attending tonight. He’d been the one to find Logan’s tortured body after an anonymous tip had sent him to the Potter property. That had been a day he never wanted to repeat. How anyone could inflict that much damage on another person… He couldn’t wrap his mind around it. A decision that should have been cut and dried had instead felt stretched and divided, and too close for comfort because of one of the older leaders who was clearly more set in their patriarchal ways. But it was done and for now, pack business was settled. Matt appeared to be naturally deep asleep and resting well. With his hair mussed and his face relaxed, he looked like an angel. Dave’s heart ached to climb into bed with him, hold him, comfort him. He needed better control over his wolf before he did that, though. The urge to claim his mate was like an ache, steadily pounding sharply into his temple, making his teeth grind with the force of his restraint. The danger Matt had been in over the last few weeks was driving that urge like the pulse of his own blood, he knew that. Adding his feelings to that need, the way his heart beat faster with him simply being in the room, the way Matt’s smile made him feel. And his eyes. He absolutely loved his eyes. There was so much about Matt he ired. His personal strength to not give up, to not give in made him one of the strongest men he knew. Dave sighed gently. If he wasn’t in love with the blond, it was only a matter of giving the words to the universe. Saying them to Matt. He had to give Matt time, though. And somehow he had to explain what the pack was. That Dave was a wolf shifter. His Alpha’s beta, second in command. Would Matt

be able to accept him? Accept his wolf? He knew the pack would welcome him. His heart was golden, pure. He was intelligent and kind. There had to be a way. Almost vibrating with the near-animalistic need to do something he couldn’t obey, he went to take a step out of the room, then quickly changed direction to his dresser and pulled out sweats. With the material clutched in his hand, he backtracked for the rear door and went through it. He stripped out of the clothes he was wearing in seconds and called for his wolf, feeling the joy of freedom at being on four paws again. With the door closed though, his wolf whined, wanting, staring at the very physical block between him and the man inside. With a heavy heart, Dave loped from the back porch until he was lost in the woods surrounding his home. The tree line backed against his house wasn’t deep, but it was enough to let his wolf run and feel free for a little while without fear of being seen by anyone. He had to find a balance, for himself, for Matt. Tonight had taken a toll on himself and the others, sitting in front of the pack elders, listening to them debate whether or not a man’s life had worth, or if the threat to an infant should bear any weight any all. He huffed into the silence when he slowed to a stop. Panting from the run, he flopped down and rolled on his back, grunting in the simple pleasures that his wolf could find. Fewer mental conundrums to worry his wolf than the human’s brain and all the emotions it could lose itself to. Sniffing the air that all was still well when he returned, he meandered to his house, yipping quietly when Casper shot out the doggie door. He forgot to lock it tonight with everything else tumbling like dominoes in his head. Casper jogged up, body and tail wagging, to nip at his nose before rolling to his side. Dave flopped down on him, rocking his head back and forth to share scent. Casper had come a long way in the years since Dave had rescued him. There was absolute trust between them, and Casper had willingly taken his place as part of Dave’s pack at the house. It made him and his wolf happy that Casper was a loved, spoiled pooch now. Dave jumped up and wagged his tail, pushing at Casper’s barrel. Usually Casper liked to play chase or romp a little more, but Dave could tell he was intent on going inside. He’d really glommed on to Matt, and for more reasons than he

could say, Dave was glad he had a little extra protection. Trailing him to the chairs where he’d left his clothes and the sweats to change into, Casper slipped back in through the doggie door. Dressed in the sweats and carrying the rest, he followed Casper, locking the door and securing Casper’s opening. After cleaning up in the bathroom, he slid into bed, curling around Matt who was sound asleep. “Rest baby,” he whispered, too quiet to disturb him as he brushed hair off his forehead. “Safe now.” Matt murmured in his sleep to then burrow against Dave’s hold. A contented sigh was impossible to restrain. Closing his eyes, Dave let the warmth of Matt’s body, his honey and gentle berry scents lull him into relaxing enough to fall asleep himself.

Chapter 26

Several weeks quietly went by and Matt was grateful for the normality of life. Peyton and Kelly’s wedding was nearing at a breakneck speed. The tuxes had been decided and fitted. And he was settling in comfortably at the city offices. Carmine had been charged for the attempted abduction and stalker emails. Michael was making an attempt to distance himself from the whole debacle that he had inadvertently started by gossiping waspishly to his assistant by being cordial if not fully embracing Matt now. Buried beneath learning new city parameters, he hadn’t the opportunity to focus on much else than his new position and hadn’t put too much concern into Michael’s behavior. Combined with the committees for the fall festival and restaurant showcase, he had a full plate once more. Dara had assigned him a small office on the second floor a few doors down from hers, rather than a shared open floor space or dreaded cubicles, and he was gradually filling it with things that made him smile. The most recent addition was a framed picture of Dave holding him while at a barbecue. There had been a lot of people at that one. A party to celebrate Peyton’s nuptials. A lot of the same people and couples he’d met at the barbecue Peyton and Kelly had thrown when they’d moved into the new house together. There had simply been too many names and faces and his poor brain had checked out on him. It happened, but no one had seemed put off by his need to double check after the introductions from weeks ago. Everyone had made him feel welcome, and no one had blinked an eye that he was there with Dave. He could appreciate the inclusiveness Silo offered. Come lunchtime, there was a light knock on his door. Looking up, he couldn’t restrain the smile to see his favorite sheriff, sans uniform, standing in the doorway. “Hi,” he said, his heart beating like a hummingbird. “Ready to go grab something to eat?”

“Definitely.” He put his computer to sleep and stood with a stretch. Grabbing his phone to put in a pocket, he scooted past his currently empty drafting table behind him, although given the meetings he’d been having with Alice, he doubted it would be like that for much longer. He walked around the desk and stood close for a quick kiss. Dave rested a hand on his lower back, a bare weight to let him know he was there as they walked into the elevator. It opened on the first floor and he guided him to the side of his truck. “I have a surprise for you.” He leaned close as he opened the door for him and murmured against Matt’s ear, sending a tingle down his arms. “Oh?” “Mm hm.” He didn’t add to it but his eyes were twinkling. Once in and buckled up, Dave drove them to a small park by the firehouse. “There’s lots of shade over here.” Matt slid from the truck and waited as Dave got out and whistled. The rear door at the firehouse opened and a tall blond stood there waving. Matt was positive he’d met him at the last party. Then a white bullet burst from the door and galloped like a thoroughbred for the finish line across the rear of the lot into the park. “Casper!” Matt lowered to the ground to be greeted with slobbering kisses and grunts. “He missed you. He’s been a little mopey the last few days. I finally figured out what he was missing.” Dave chuckled warmly as he moved around the truck to pull a basket and a duffle from the back seat. Then he offered a hand to help Matt to his feet. “Let’s go have lunch.” “A picnic?” “At the park,” he added with a wink. Matt giggled, unable to hide it fully, his face warming at the playful flirting Dave was sneaking in. His body did more than tingle with Dave so close. He took a few breaths to calm down, almost bouncing with giddiness himself, much like

Casper. They found a decent spot under several leafy trees where Dave pulled a large blanket to spread out, adding pillows from the duffle. Casper wagged his tail when Dave tossed him a squeaky toy to play with while he got the food set up. “I brought sandwiches, chips, fruit, water, and Casper approved treats.” Matt leaned close, his hand on Dave’s taut thigh. “I love it.” Casper brought his toy to Matt and dropped it. Dave’s smile widened. “He wants you to throw it. That’s his approval for you. Only those he adopts as family get to throw.” “Really?” Matt picked it up and pitched it for Casper to chase. “If he doesn’t like you enough, he’ll walk away.” Matt shook his head, laughing under his breath. “Spoiled pooch.” “He is, he so is.” Dave rested an arm over a raised knee, watching Matt and Casper play for a few minutes. “Casper.” He got the dog’s attention with a bowl and fresh water. Once he’d had his fill, he told him lay down and snapped his leash on him, putting the hand loop around his foot. “Afraid he’ll run?” “Not really, but if he gets bored of sleeping, I don’t want him to do something stupid. He’s a bully breed and people are prejudiced.” Matt scratched behind Casper’s ears, almost seeing the Yeah, right there within his eyes. “It’s a shame that stereotype exists. Any animal can react or be aggressive, especially if that’s all they know.” “Yeah.” Dave sighed, a wealth of understanding in the one sound as he stroked a panting Casper. It seemed to be helping him settle. “Let’s eat.” Matt tucked into the warm steak sandwich. “Oh, this is good.” He closed his eyes as he chewed, savoring. And it beat the cheap frozen meal he had waiting in the breakroom freezer by a mile.

“I love these kinds of sandwiches, heavy on the meat and flavor. They stay warm in the insulator.” Finished with his sandwich and slowly devouring the mixed fruit, Matt hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long time. Content. Happy. Sitting outside in the shade with handsome and attentive company. It was a wonderful feeling, even if it was a stolen hour during his work day. He drank from the water bottle then cleared his throat. “This was the best idea. I’ve never been on a picnic.” “I’m glad I got to do this for you, then.” His smile was adoring and Matt blushed. “Love that.” He reached out with a hand to cup his cheek, stroking over skin with a thumb. “You’re the best thing that’s ever come into my life, Matthew.” Matt gulped, gazing directly into his stare. “Oh?” he managed. “I wanted to ask you something.” He stretched out his hand until he palmed Matt’s fingers to wind them together. “I don’t know if you feel the same, but I’m not fond of the term boyfriends. I’m closer to forty than I’d like to it to, and that has never really felt right.” “What does feel right?” he asked, his voice low. He could hear the pounding of his heart against his ears as he waited. He studied their entwined fingers before looking up to capture his gaze. “Partner, if you say yes.” Matt drew a slow breath. Wow. Was he really asking…? No. He couldn’t be, could he? But if he was? He swallowed slowly as he studied Dave’s earnest calmness. There was expectation, and hopefulness. Surprisingly, there was no terror in the thought that he could be looking at his future, only a bit of hesitation. He wasn’t ready. But, maybe? He asked, “Like engaged, yes, or not yet, yes?” “Not yet, but, maybe, in the future?” Dave countered with a tease in his voice. Like he wasn’t expecting to rush anything either. A wave of relief was quickly followed by a giddy happiness. Dave really wanted him, was looking toward a future, with him. And was still letting Matt call the shots. Dave’s smile brightened like the sun’s first morning rays when he gave his

answer. “We’ll take it as slow as you need,” Dave offered a little later as they rested together on the blanket looking up through the leaves at the nearly cloudless sky. He still held Matt’s hand, stroking knuckles with slow sweeping brushes. “I’m okay,” Matt told him. He tipped his head where he rested on Dave’s chest to see him better. “I like being able to say I have a partner, someone in my life. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do that again after what happened.” Dave ran light fingers through his hair. “I always want you to know you’re safe with me and can feel safe.” Matt sighed, the caresses soothing. “I do.” Dave lifted his phone and frowned. “Well, I guess it’s time to get you back to work.” Matt groaned playfully. “But I’m cooomfy.” And sleepy. And full. “Come on, gorgeous. Can’t have Alice or Dara angry at me or you.” They gathered up the picnic and walked together to the truck, Casper trotting at Dave’s side. He opened the rear door and buckled in Casper, to stow the basket and duffle on the floor. They were back at city hall in under five minutes. Matt turned to him once he’d put the truck in park, the windows down letting in early fall breezes. “Thank you for today. It was lovely.” Dave tugged him close. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Come over tonight.” He threaded their fingers together again. Matt loved how Dave seemed to always want to touch him, to connect. He’d almost call it petting, but he believed there was more to it than the physical side. That somehow Dave was comforted by being able to feel him. Honestly, Matt was too. Matt nodded even as Dave neared for a goodbye kiss. Caressing his face as he retreated, he said, “I will. Do I need an overnight bag?” “Up to you, but I’d love for you to stay.”

Matt’s heart fluttered again that Dave made sure any step they took was up to him. Closing his eyes, he nuzzled against Dave’s temple. “I’ll see you tonight.” It was hard to get out of the vehicle. He was positive that his heart had stayed behind.

Dave checked the crockpot, peeking through the clear lid at the ribs inside. He sniffed, his eyes closing blissfully at the full-bodied aroma filling his kitchen. He loved slow cooked beef ribs but didn’t make them often because he’d eat them all by himself if he could, and save the bones for his wolf and Casper. It was a double decadent meal for him. The slaw was in the fridge chilling and the roast broccoli and cauliflower wouldn’t take long at all. His stomach was already making noises thinking about dinner to come. He'd changed the sheets on his bed, wiped down the kitchen, and showered. He grinned ruefully when he caught Casper watching him expectantly. “Yeah, yeah. I know.” He laughed at himself, at his own restlessness. He was unconsciously trying to prove he was a good provider for his mate. Sitting in a chair at the table, he rubbed over Casper ears. “I have to tell him, Casper. I know I do, but I have no idea how.” And the longer he waited, the more knotted he became on the inside with fear. The more he had to fight his wolf to not claim him as a mate. He couldn’t lose Matt. He’d barely found him. After so long, to have found his mate, it left him humbled and anxious, ecstatic and wary. It was as though he was riding a roller coaster daily. Up and down and sideways as he tried to figure out the best way to reveal his secret, wrapped up in the terror that he’d lose Matt over it. The warmth in his chest was caused by only one man, the sense of weightlessness that a single smile brought to him. He rubbed his chest at the ache there right now, because Matt wasn’t with him. He couldn’t blow this. It was too important for both him and his wolf. A few minutes later, there was the muted rumble of a car outside followed by the smack of a door closing. He met him at the garage door, unable to hide his smile when he opened it before

he could knock. “Hello, gorgeous.” Matt blushed, his eyes sparkling with happiness. Dave wanted to give him that look for the rest of his life. “Something smells amazing.” He waited while Dave closed the door. Dave leaned close for a kiss. A light buss of lips. He heard the soft sigh when he stood straight and wanted to capture that whisper. “Put your bag in the room. We have about an hour until dinner is ready.” “Good. If it’s half as good lunch was, I’m starving,” he purred playfully. Dave swatted his behind lightly, then rubbed the spot to be able to feel taut skin and muscle against his palm. “Flirt.” Matt winked and sauntered to the bedroom to drop his bag off. And damn if Dave didn’t notice a little bit of extra sway in his walk as he did.

Chapter 27

“I know I’ve probably said this, but I really like your place.” “I really like you being here,” he said at his ear. It felt right. Like home. Dave curled his arms tighter around Matt’s chest, holding him close to his frame. They were snuggled under a blanket, sharing one of the lounge chairs in the back, staring up at the starry sky. Dinner had been a huge hit. Casper was currently going to town on one of the thick bones near their feet. The rest were in a storage bin in the refrigerator for later in the week. “Comfortable?” He stroked a thumb over Matt’s forearm. The feeling of warm skin, of , calmed him. He hadn’t realized how much he was missing the sense of closeness when he didn’t have it regularly in his life. Now he knew he’d never let it go. Matt mumbled drowsily against his chest. He stretched out an arm to settle once more, then said, “I spoke to Peyton today.” “Everything okay?” “Yeah, he’s starting to feel the nerves, I think.” “It’ll . He’s not the first to freak out because of such a large leap.” Matt hummed. “He’ll be fine. I’m glad he’s going to be with someone who makes him so happy. He deserves it.” A wolf’s howl carried in the distance and Dave smiled, hearing the echo of another right after. Roman and Logan were running. He was glad Logan was doing so well after everything that had happened to him. They must have talked Jaime and Chris into babysitting Zoe again. Dave knew Roman wouldn’t leave his baby girl unprotected for love or money. Not after Logan’s attack and the pack challenge. If anything, Roman had become scary protective over Zoe and

Logan. No one messed with their alpha, and now that he was mated and a father? Yeeeah, he wasn’t ever going to bet against Roman. “Does that make you nervous?” “Hmm?” Dave nuzzled close, rubbing his chin into Matt’s soft blond hair, bringing his wandering musings back to the man in his arms. “I guess those are wolves. Though I didn’t know they lived in this area.” He bit his lip, not wanting to lie. Matt had offered the perfect window for him to open the conversation. Instead, he said, “They’re not common. We leave them alone.” Chicken shit. He swallowed his sigh. Big, badass cop and he couldn’t tell his mate the truth. Time to rip off the Band-Aid. Matt’s simple statement was an opportunity to be grasped. He ignored the coil of fear twisting through his stomach at the thought. He was too entrenched now to ignore the fact that he had to tell him the truth. Just because he didn’t know exactly how, or if this was the right time was simply his human psyche getting in the way. Again. “Actually, there’s something I need to tell you, about the wolves.” “Oh?” “They are special. We protect them.” “Aren’t most on the endangered lists?” “They are, but the wolves here… they’re different.” He cinched his arms a little tighter around Matt, hoping the closeness gave him the needed courage to reveal his deepest secret. It was nearly impossible to explain to someone who didn’t have a personal stake in the need to know. The exclusion of almost everyone meant having to say the words at even the best of times was nearly impossible. “Different? How?” And there it was. The perfect segue. He licked his lips, his dry mouth making it impossible to form words. A grunt slipped free. Fuck it. “Get up a second.” He

tapped a hip. Matt twisted to blink at him, but did as he asked. “Everything okay?” On his feet, he wrapped the blanket around his shoulders, watching Dave with concern. “Are you mad?” “No.” He yanked impatiently at his shirt, letting it fall to his side. “I’ve been trying for weeks to find a way to tell you. I’m one of them.” Casper snorted and wagged his tail, hardly looking twice at Dave, engrossed in his bone. “Them?” Matt watched him curiously. At least there wasn’t fear at this point. Not yet. Though concern was starting to eclipse curiosity as he began to remove his jeans and his briefs. Matt didn’t understand why he was undressing. That much was obvious in his inquisitive watchfulness. Dave sat on a nearby chaise to remove his boots then socks. His jeans slipped over his feet and he dropped them next to his shirt. “The wolves you heard are my alpha and his mate.” Matt’s brow furrowed asking the silent question. “Just…” He huffed sharply, looking into the most beautiful eyes. “Just wait, and watch. Okay?” Hesitantly, Matt nodded. “I’m human, but I’m something else, too.” There was distance between his house and his closest neighbors and on his flat porch, no one could see behind the house without being closer. Which left them wholly alone. He strode a couple paces apart until he reached the edge of the light circle from the house. He didn’t want Matt to feel threatened when he was all fang and fur and unable to allay his fears when he finally saw Dave as his wolf. Matt’s brow scrunched tighter. “Something else?” “I’ve been scared spitless of showing you, trying to find a way to tell you, but I don’t know of any other way to say it. And I’ve tried. For weeks.” Matt tipped on his neck. “I’m not following. Though I appreciate the free show.” He grinned with a hint of wickedness. Dave relaxed marginally, chuckling. “I know. Sit back down, for me?” He waited

until Matt was perched on the edge of the lounger they’d been sharing. Matt collapsing and hurting himself again was out of the question. “I can explain everything now, but it’ll make a lot more sense after you see what I mean. Okay?” He rolled a shoulder, clearly humoring Dave. “Sure.” His mouth popped open to add more, but even he recognized that he was simply delaying the inevitable, talking when he should be grasping the next few moments by the horns. Matt was receptive, watching. And he was mentally wringing his hands like a sinner going into the confessional. “I won’t hurt you,” he informed him, trying to impress that Matt was not, and could never be in danger from his wolf. “I couldn’t if my life depended on it.” “Uhm, oh— okay.” Matt curled his arms around himself, maybe finally sensing through Dave the seriousness of the moment. Dave crouched to his haunches, then all there was to do was call his wolf. He’d never changed so fast in his life. The crackle and pop of bones was swift, blinding him for a few heartbeats as his wolf took over. It happened so quickly, as though his wolf had simply been waiting for the chance to show himself, needing to meet his mate. Huffing at the impatient animal, he shook his coat to settle himself on his paws, and then searched for Matt. Matt’s arms hung limp at his sides, the blanket forgotten as it slithered off his shoulders to fall around his waist, with his mouth agape. Bright eyes filled with wariness locked with his. “Dave?” His voice cracked, high and uncertain. “What did you just do?” A palm flew to cover his mouth. “You… You… What are you?” Dave whined quietly. Strong wafts of burnt sage were filling the air. No. Nonono. He didn’t want Matt’s fear. Distracted from his bone chomping by the noises his shift made, Casper jumped up and leaped for the wolf. “Casper!” Matt cried. His swiped lunge for the dog missed. Casper only had eyes for his friend. He danced around the wolf’s legs, whining happily as he wiggled body to body, like a happy furry earthquake.

Looking down at Casper, he nudged his nose against his furred neck in greeting, keeping one eye on Matt. He hated how still Matt was, frozen in place. Please. It was a running mantra in his mind. Please accept. Please don’t be scared. Please know I love you. But Dave could say none of that. Matt’s hand slowly slipped from where he covered his mouth to sink to grip the blanket stretched across his lap. “Casper… He knows you?” Dave nodded. “You understand me?” Matt blinked, sitting ramrod straight when he nodded again. Dave was keeping a tight hand on his wolf, though his wolf could easily see how distraught his mate was. His eyes were wide, his breathing shallow. With minimal movements, he inched closer in to the light. Matt sucked a breath. “God, you’re huge,” he croaked. Dave chuckled silently at that, because the first thing that came to mind right then was not what Matt meant, he was sure of it. Casper was panting at his side, leaning close. Comforting. Probably feeling the taut tension coursing through the wolf as he waited for a signal from Matt. When Matt didn’t say anything, the wolf moved a step forward. With a suddenness that chilled, Matt leaped away, clearing the chaise to put it between them. “Don’t!” His cry was sharp. Dave froze where he stood. Matt rocked unsteadily on his feet, wincing when he twisted on his wounded thigh. “Just… stay there. If you really can understand me, do not move.” Not a muscle flexed, or so much as twitched as Matt inched toward the rear door, never once looking away. His hand trailed backward, seeking the doorknob. Dave’s heart pounded, sensing, seeing so much fear in Matt as he ran. There was no other way to describe what Matt was doing. He was running. Rejecting Dave’s wolf. The wolf desperately wanted to follow. Dave knew he couldn’t. Matt needed a few minutes to calm before being brought face to face with Dave’s truth again. Before Dave could make a sound, Matt slipped through the back door and it shut between them. Casper sank down beside him, sighing. At least his canine pal understood. He stretched out with him, side by side, sharing body heat. Matt needed to calm

down, so they could discuss this rationally. He wasn’t going to give Matt up. Not now. It wasn’t until he stared at his shocked face that he fully grasped his own feelings. He’d suspected he was falling for the blond for some time, his every thought circling or redirecting back to Matt. The time they spent apart, his only desire was to be next to him. Together, he craved to touch, whether they were watching TV or even snuggled in bed. Accepting those feelings, recognizing what they were may have been slow, but for him there was no doubt. Not now. His wolf may have recognized his mate first. His heart and head were finally accepting that truth. He didn’t know how long he waited when he finally rose to his paws. Time to find his future. Standing on two feet, he pulled on his jeans, leaving the rest on the chaise to gather later. He called out for Matt when he opened the door. The house was deafeningly quiet. Long strides took him into the bedroom and his heart fell to the floor when he found it empty, the bed undisturbed. Matt’s overnight bag was gone. He ran from the bedroom to the living room, but there was no sign of the other man. Nor in the kitchen. He lurched through the garage door to sweep the surrounding darkness, looking for any sign of Matt or his car. He didn’t know how he hadn’t heard him leaving, but there was no sign of Matt. Stumbling backward on bare feet, ignoring the rocks that dug into his soles, he sagged against the rear of his truck, staring out into the distance. Not even a hint of taillights. How long had he waited? How had he not heard him start the car? His chest ached. Rubbing a hand over his front, it didn’t ease the pain. His mind was a tumbled wreck. How did he convince Matt that he was who Dave was meant to love, who he wanted, when Matt feared his wolf?

Chapter 28

Matt stared at his computer screen not seeing the documents before him, unable to focus for more than a few minutes at a time. Forcing himself to not think about what he’d seen the night before had become pointless. He’d barely slept because that was all he’d been able to think about, hour after hour. Replaying those few minutes at Dave’s in his mind had kept him awake no matter how much he tried to push it away or ignore them, his thoughts circling right back around to last night. And the wolf. He stuffed a knuckle between his teeth when he felt a shudder building, stifling the whimper of disbelief and more bubbling, hot on its tail. Closing his eyes, he breathed in slow patterns, focusing on the swell and release of his chest, calming the anxiety that was a wink away from overwhelming him completely. How? How was what he saw even possible? What was he? Were there more? Others? How could he even do that! The theory behind molecular manipulation and restructuring simply said no, it was impossible. Yet, he knew what he’d seen with his own eyes. Slowly, the tense pressure squeezing his chest eased as he continued his breathing exercise. Scrubbing fingertips against his forehead, he winced at the pressure throbbing behind his eyes. No amount of deep breathing was going to help that. On top of the disbelief, his heart ached for leaving Dave behind like that. No warning. Not a word. He’d run. That wasn’t like Matt. Shame wasn’t something he was used to feeling. Memories assaulted him, and he knew he was only ing what he wanted to, because that wasn’t true. He’d abandoned Peyton for Ryan without more than a starry-eyed apology. There was no argument for then. And even less of one for what he’d done the night before. A glimpse toward his still silent phone wasn’t helping him either. Would Dave call him? Look for him? Was he furious? Or would he walk away? Consider Matt too much trouble after everything since coming to Silo? He hated

how he’d left so much in the air, so many unanswered questions for both him and Dave. And he had no one to blame but himself. Again. He thunked his head to the desk, and left it there. If he could go back to last night, would he have been able to face it? Talk about it? Rationality was a distant dream, when he’d been so shocked, and yes, scared out of his mind with seeing a full size wolf standing in front of him. He searched his soul and heart, and honestly didn’t know the answer. He wanted to believe if he’d had two seconds to maybe think about it all, he would have. But how does someone prepare for that? With his eyes closed, there was the offbeat sound of people outside his office. All going about their day, unaware of the battles Matt was fighting with himself, what he knew to be true, and an apparent new truth that he’d had no inkling how to explain, or accept. The second floor wasn’t readily open to the public as it was mostly city personnel offices, so when the clip of firm steps reached his ears, he assumed it was someone else on the floor going to another office. Until the footsteps stopped at his door. A throat cleared. “Matt?” He jerked up, blinking rapidly at the gorgeous man standing there. “Dave.” Dave looked around the office, then glanced at the floor before lifting his gaze again. He wore his uniform and damn, the man looked good in it. Fabric that molded, the blatant air of authority behind the badge that could only come from sheer confidence and experience. But there was more to see besides how well he cut an imposing figure in his uniform. Matt took in every tall inch from shoulders to as low as he could see in front of his desk until he focused on his face again. Dark shadows and dull eyes proved he hadn’t slept any better than Matt. His heart hurt even more for causing Dave so much anguish. “Can we talk?” Dave asked hesitantly. Matt licked his lips, then nodded. “Is here okay? We can…” He hitched a thumb to his utility belt then let it swing free, shifting foot to foot. “We can go somewhere else if it’ll make you more comfortable.” Matt shakily reached his feet, scooting around his desk. So what if he leaned a little on it to actually stay vertical. “Close the door. Please,” he whispered.

Cautiously watching him, he did as asked. The tight space was made even closer with him filling the gap between the desk and the doorway. Dave had always seemed larger than life to him, all broad shoulders and a chest that drew Matt’s gaze easily. Matt wanted to rush into his arms, to say he was sorry, but he couldn’t. Just… couldn’t. Words stalled on his tongue, and he didn’t know where to start. “I’m so sorry,” Dave blurted. “I never meant to scare you like that. I’ve been dying for weeks, trying to find a moment, the right time, to show you.” He firmed his jaw and looked away, focusing on a wall with a nondescript print of the state flowers in bloom. “But I need to know how you feel.” His voice cracked and he swallowed, his eyes clenching briefly before opening again to stare right at him. “I don’t want to lose you, Matt.” “What are you?” Matt didn’t move any closer. The pain in Dave’s voice was clear enough to make him really look at the other man. It wasn’t that he was only tired. He was hurting. And Matt couldn’t ignore the fact he was the one behind Dave’s pain. He’d never been able to really apologize to Peyton for the pain he’d caused, and Peyton had found someone better, someone who loved him exactly the way he needed. Whether he was ready to face it or not, he wanted to be that person for Dave. Did he love Dave? He chewed on his lower lip as he waited for Dave’s own reply. The truth tossed with the rest of his mental gymnastics of the day, because he was thinking, if he stopped to really consider what he was feeling, regardless of this new wrench in their relationship, that he did love Dave. And wasn’t that a kicker? He found someone he could love, deeply and truly, who seemed to care about him equally, and that man was a creature he’d never known existed outside of movies and books. Dave’s shoulders rolled and he met Matt’s gaze. “I’m a shape shifter. I share this form with a spirit animal, my wolf.” “You… share?” A memory from when he was in the hospital. A flash of eyes that were and yet weren’t Dave’s. From the warm brown he knew them to be, for them to have a golden glow. He thought it had been the morphine, maybe the lights in the room, or whatever pain cocktail they had him on at the time. It had to have been his wolf that he’d caught a glimpse of then.

Dave nodded. “It’s more complicated than that, but we have learned how to keep it secret. To protect ourselves, our families, and the pack.” He swallowed roughly, a harsh exhale filling the tense quiet between them. “I need to know. Do you hate me?” Matt blinked. What? “No!” He closed the distance between them with a single stride, reaching out hesitantly before committing to curling his hand over a covered forearm. “I couldn’t hate you, Dave. I know I screwed up last night—” Dave shook his head swiftly, interrupting with “No. I did. I could have explained it a thousand ways before springing it on you like that. But instead, I pulled a rabbit out of a hat and dropped something on you that you could never have dreamed existed, and expected you to be all right with it.” Matt’s hand traveled up firm muscle to wrap around Dave’s bicep before sliding over to cover his heart. A heart which was pounding fiercely into flesh. “Dave.” He studied the rapid beat of the heart beneath his hand. The tension beneath his palm. Outwardly he might appear calm and still, but Dave was anything but where they connected. His vulnerability spoke more than words ever would. “You said last night you could never hurt me. Is that still true?” Dave exhaled with a whoosh. “Baby, I could never hurt you, not like this, not when I’m wolf.” Brown eyes bore into his own. “I know you’re carrying scars with that fear, but I couldn’t. I keep telling you we’ll do things at your pace but then I do things you’re not ready for.” Reaching upward, he caressed Dave’s tense jaw, feeling the smooth warmth of freshly shaved skin, and the gradual calming that swept over him. “You’ve been the most considerate boyfriend ever. I love the things you do for me.” From snuggles under the stars to surprise picnics, Dave was exactly who he needed. Searching deep into Dave’s brown eyes, he caught the flash of gold and knew there was someone besides Dave listening to what he said. Mentally, he took a brave leap forward, because it wasn’t only Dave looking for approval. “I want to see it again.” Dave gaped silently, his mouth popping open and closing twice. “You do?” Matt nodded. “I’ll try not to freak out. — big apple city boy, never so

much as petted a horse.” The tension that held Dave as stiff as wood finally, fully eked from his shoulders. “God, Matt.” He was gathered close in tender arms, his lips finding Matt’s with a gentle kiss. Matt wasn’t going to let Dave treat him like spun glass. He pushed into the kiss, licking at Dave’s lips until he opened, tasting Dave with the hint of coffee he’d started his day with when their tongues met. He groaned happily, losing himself to the languid duel. This was safety. Within these arms was where he belonged. Dave brushed a thumb to his bottom lip when he released him. “Could never hurt you,” he murmured. “If you can’t believe anything else I tell you, please believe that.” “I believe you.” The war of knots in his stomach was finally settling down. The anxiety he’d been wallowing in since he’d left Dave’s the night before was dissipating. If he could trust Dave to mean what he said, if he could trust in his own feelings, then he could face the challenge in front of him. Face it and accept it with better grace than he’d already shown. And if that wasn’t love for the man who held him like Matt was his whole world, then he didn’t know what was.

Chapter 29

Matt knocked on Peyton’s old bedroom door. “You almost ready?” For tradition’s sake, Matt, Peyton and his mother were getting dressed at her place, which made it convenient for Matt since he was right behind the house. Kelly was getting ready with Dave’s help at the home they were renting. It was going to be a backyard ceremony with a few friends and family. It was a beautiful fall Saturday. Warm without being overbearing, a clear blue sky. It couldn’t have been a better day. “Yeah. Come here a sec.” Matt opened the door and peeked in. “What’s up?” “Help me with this. I keep missing.” Opening the door he found Peyton standing next to the bed, his tux jacket tossed across the bedspread. Matt grinned at Peyton helplessly pointing at the bowtie around his neck. “Really? You can’t hook the tie?” Peyton huffed and looked away. He held out a shaky hand. “Look at me,” he choked. “Aww, Pey. You don’t have anything to be nervous about.” He neared to clip the tie into place, centered it, then reached for the tux jacket. Helping Peyton pull that up to his shoulders, he smoothed the lines. Then pinned the boutonniere that matched the four of them, along with Peyton’s parents, with a deep red rose. He assessed Peyton once more and with a final nod, called him perfect. “God, look at you. Kelly isn’t going to recognize you without your sweats and T-shirt.” Peyton grumbled under his breath. “Why are you nervous?” he asked. “I don’t know.” It looked like he wanted to wring his hands, or worse, run them

through his hair. He snagged a wrist before Peyton could. “I didn’t think guys got like this.” Matt snorted but didn’t correct that thought. “The question is why you. You love him?” He waited for Peyton’s nod, even though he knew the answer without question. “And he must love you, or he wouldn’t be doing this. He wants to spend forever with you. So why are you worried?” “What if—” Matt held up a hand. “Nope. No what ifs allowed. What’s happened in the past doesn’t affect today.” He gripped Peyton’s biceps to pull his gaze forward. “That includes us,” he offered gently. “I know I hurt you, but today isn’t about me or what we were. Today is about you. You and Kelly. And truthfully, I couldn’t be happier. That man adores you. It’s in his eyes every time he looks at you.” Which was all he was going to say about himself. Today wasn’t about Matt, or the fuckup he’d made of their relationship. This was all about Peyton. And Kelly. There was positively no doubt that he didn’t need to worry about Kelly in his best friend’s future. He gulped, drawing a steadying breath. “You think so?” “I’ve seen it. It’s the same way you look at him. And it’s the only way it should be.” “Boys. It’s time to go.” Peyton’s mom appeared around the door frame. “Oh my. Don’t you both look handsome as hell.” “Mooomm.” Peyton rolled his eyes. “She’s not wrong.” Matt grinned devilishly. “He’s not going to know what to think when he sees you.” “Let’s go. Dave just texted that they’re almost ready to move to the yard.” Peyton hugged his mother. “Love you.” She squeezed him back. “Love you, too, sweetheart. Time to go get hitched to your man.”

Peyton snorted. Matt was glad to see him a little more relaxed now. He didn’t know what had set off Peyton’s nerves other than the vision of the big step he was about to embark on. He honestly couldn’t wish him anything but happiness for his future with Kelly. The drive to the house was uneventful. Pauline went in first, then returned to the front door to give the all clear. They paused in the living room. Decorations and ribbons hung from the ceiling and along the walls. A large table waited, filled with glossy wrapped packages and fat bows. The wedding cake sat center stage on the dining table, out of the heat and unreachable by bugs or curious fingers. Matt knew Pauline and a few others had volunteered that morning to make sure the house was decked out while the guys kept Kelly and Peyton from being underfoot. It all looked wonderfully cheery and lovely. “Dave has the rings?” Peyton aggressively patted his pockets. “Yes,” Matt answered Peyton’s fretting, grabbing his arm to stop him. “All we need to do is get you to Kelly.” Hopefully that wasn’t going to turn into its own challenge. He sighed, then said, “Thank you.” Matt arched an eyebrow to look at him askance. “For?” “Keeping my head straight today. I think putting this on…” He tugged the bottom of the jacket. “Made it real with a slap of reality.” Matt pursed his lips playfully, then said, “Think of it as the beginning of the most wonderful days of your life.” “Really?” Matt chuckled. “How the hell should I know? I’m just trying to keep you calm.” Peyton gaped then raucously laughed. “Now I’m going to go look good in the sunlight. Your mom will be back in a second for you.” He gave Peyton one more hug. “You got this.” “I do. And… thank you.”

“Any time.” With a final squeeze to an arm in solidarity, he turned to walk out the rear of the house to the porch. The backyard had a few rows of white chairs set up across green grass, at least a dozen filled with recognizable guests from city hall and the sheriff’s department, with two uniformed cops to the side showing for one of their own tying the knot. He nodded at Simon and Leandra, both doing the same as he took his place opposite Dave, who stood on the other side of the officiant. Kelly cut a handsome picture in his tux, but there was no comparison. Matt only had eyes for Dave. The way the sunlight played off his hair, or made the brown of his eyes glint with flecks of gold. God, could the man look any more delicious? He wore his tux like it was made for him. All shoulders and broad, deep chest. It wasn’t fair being unable to really talk, much less get a kiss from that hunk. Then again, he was going to be distracted as it was staring at all that handsome for the next twenty minutes or so. A few minutes later the music started to surround them and Pauline walked from the porch between the chairs with Peyton at her side. The pride glowing on her features almost outshone the sun. “Take good care of him, Kelly.” “Yes, ma’am,” he said roughly, eyes only for Peyton, then she wrapped his hands over Peyton’s before turning to find her seat in the front row. Peyton’s dad and his wife sat with her. Matt was happy to see so many attending for his friend. He’d found a good life in Silo. Focusing on the couple before him, he caught a small smile on Dave’s face and met his gaze. The heat in his eyes as they listened to words of forever and love almost melted the bottom of his shoes. Shifting to stop the rush of blood south, he swallowed and counted backward from a hundred. Then he got a slow, sexy wink because, of course, Dave knew exactly what that look did to him. He pinched his lips to stifle the wayward emotions blooming through him, making him crave to close the distance between them to be in his arms. A flicked gaze to the occupied pair they were standing with seemed to say, You and me? Matt’s smile broadened before he could tamp it down and then he purposely twisted enough to put Dave out of his line of his sight. The man was dangerous.

It didn’t take long before Dave was handing over the rings, the pair said their vows, personal and brief, then with the blessing of those surrounding them, they shared their first wedded kiss. And Matt almost sighed. They were so in love. It was impossible to not feel Dave’s eyes on him when the newly wedded pair faced the gathered crowd as applause and cheers rose around them, surprised to find Dave focused on him completely when he peeked, like there was no one else between them. Adoration and lust darkened brown eyes. His heart fluttered, and he knew his cheeks warmed. He was going to blame the tux and the heat. Once the ceremony was finished, Matt and Dave were snagged for photos. There was brief awkwardness when his dad realized he knew Matt. He refused to let it get to him, ing how they had to hide their own relationship from a less than accepting father. At least he seemed more welcoming now being at Peyton’s wedding. All he knew was Mr. Ackerman had better behave. The day was for Peyton and Kelly. And honestly, he couldn’t be happier for his best friend. Dave reappeared at his side with a tall iced tea from the refreshments table. “They look good together.” “They really do look happy, don’t they?” Matt drew a sip of the cold brew. “Thank you. I needed this.” “It’s hot out here.” Matt tapped him elbow to elbow. “And here I thought it was just your tux.” Dave snickered. Matt caught a pleased smile flicker over his lips before he covered it with his own drink. The silence between them was comfortable, both enjoying the day and the happy smiles and chatter surrounding them. Friends and family. “So, I was thinking,” he said quietly at Dave’s shoulder. “About?”

He steadied his resolve. “I want to try again, tonight.” He’d thought hard all week over what had happened, what they’d talked about when Dave found him at work. He deserved a chance to find his own happiness. Fear should have never had that much control over his actions. He knew Dave’s wolf was Dave. That he wouldn’t hurt him. If he could get his mind to accept. “Any time, gorgeous.” A light touch of fingers to his cheek had his eyes closing in pleasure at the gentleness. “You are always welcome and wanted right by my side. I haven’t made it any secret I have feelings for you.” Sunlight glimmered off eyes that had a touch of gold in them when he locked gazes with them. Matt was pretty sure he had a good idea of Dave’s hopes, and exactly what those feelings were. Bathing in the warmth of his body so close made him wish he could take him somewhere right then to strip him piece by piece out of his tux to the magnificent man beneath it. “It took me time to see what was in front of me because I never cared for someone like I do for you.” Matt’s tongue slid over his bottom lip, his heart beating as the chatter filling the air faded to white noise. “No boyfriends?” “ when I mentioned I thought I was asexual?” Matt did and nodded as such. “I never really cared about labels, I know who and what I am, but the fact that I never met anyone to really make me…” Matt stifled his grin when Dave’s cheeks flushed a warm red. Dave cleared his throat then took a sip of his drink. Matt loved that he could turn this gorgeous man on his head, made him feel powerful in a way he’d never known. “Anyway. I know it sounds fanciful, and maybe to some, it is. Just know this — what I feel for you is only for you. And I would love to keep exploring what we could be.” Matt pushed into his personal space. “Dave?” A low vibration slipped from Dave’s throat. He could almost feel the arousal pouring through the man before him. And he loved every second of it. “I’m honored that you feel I’m worthy, and I’d love to keep exploring with you.” He added emphasis to the word, his grin only growing bigger to match Dave’s. Because exploring wasn’t all he had on his mind. And it wasn’t all he wanted to say. Dave leaned close and when his lips covered Matt’s, he knew he’d scale any mountain and face any wolf for this man.

Chapter 30

Dave’s skin ached standing so close to Matt and not being able to hold him, feel him, skin to skin. He was going out of his mind. He couldn’t a single word of the ceremony — he’d only had eyes for Matt. Not that it mattered. Those words weren’t for him. Enveloped by the love surrounding Kelly and Peyton, he realized he wanted them to be. He wanted to share words of forever with Matt. First, he had to actually it he was in love with the blond. He’d hedged and danced around saying those words today. He wanted to, but it didn’t feel right during his friend’s wedding. He had to put faith in his feelings and hopefully have them returned from Matt. “You ready to leave?” Dave asked late in the afternoon after the food and cake had been demolished. People were starting to depart and it looked like it was safe to leave the newlyweds alone for the evening, their duties done for the day. “Yeah. Let’s tell them they’re on their own. I’m sure they’re ready for it.” “Kelly is holding up really well. It’s a shame his parents wouldn’t come for this.” Matt’s chin dipped in displeasure. “Yeah. The invitation was returned unopened.” Dave winced. He knew Kelly’s relationship with his parents wasn’t great, but hadn’t realized their relationship was that severely estranged. Their eternal loss. With a hand to Matt’s back, they waited their turn to say goodbye to the pair. “Thanks for everything you both did.” Kelly shook their hands. Peyton leaned into his side, their arms wrapped around each other, tired smiles beaming back at them. “Congratulations, man. I’m really happy for both of you.”

Kelly stared at Peyton with his heart in his eyes. “Couldn’t be happier.” Matt chuckled and rolled his eyes. “And we’re heading out now. See you guys when you get back from your honeymoon.” A few people stopped them for final handshakes before they were in front of the vehicles. The further they got from the remaining crowd, the more Dave wanted Matt for himself. “Want me to drive you to your place?” He unlocked the truck and opened Matt’s door for him. “Sure. I’ll change and come to yours after. Okay?” Dave stole a quick kiss. “Sounds perfect.” He let Matt get settled then closed the door. After driving to his place and dropping him off, he drove home and changed out of his tux. The sigh of finally being out of the dark suit was deep. It wasn’t too long before Matt arrived with the sunset in full swing, greeted by an announcement from Casper right before there was a knock on the garage door. “Hello, there, gorgeous,” he said, letting the other man inside, with Casper right at his side. He was happy to see the overnight bag on his shoulder. Maybe all was not lost. “Is it okay if I put this in the room? Then we can talk.” Dave nodded briskly. “Of course.” He blew out a slow breath watching Matt go into the bedroom, Casper trailing him curiously, happy as a clam that he was back in the house. This was it. Even with Matt seeming more accepting, he couldn’t fully fight off the attack of nerves. He leaned against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed, waiting while trying not to dread the coming moments, until Matt stood in front of him again. Light tugs on his arms brought them down then Matt wound his arms around Dave’s waist, snuggling close, rubbing his cheek against the cotton over his heart. His entire frame shuddered under Matt’s embrace. All the butterflies, all the twitchy nerves, everything unsettled calmed whenever Matt held him. His wolf wanted to run along his frame and snuffle against his arms and ribs until he was

bathed in his scent. He drew a breath. “There’s something I need—” “I want to tell you—” Matt tipped on his neck to stare smiling beguilingly up at Dave. “You first.” Dave shook his head. “You.” Green eyes studied him, looking for something, but he didn’t know what. The arms around him didn’t release or relax their grip, if anything they grew even tighter. He hoped that never changed. “Okay. I thought a lot after you came to the office. I had a lot of things to breakdown in my own mind, talk out with the therapist to make sense of what I was feeling. To make sense of where I am now. What I want from today, and tomorrow. How I can still be who I am, even after everything I went through, and how to be a better man. Because I want to be that man for you. I made a lot of mistakes.” Dave was stopped with a headshake when his mouth popped open. He settled more against the kitchen counter, letting Matt say what he needed. “I never expected to find someone in Silo like you. I never expected to find anyone, to be honest. I was prepared for that, but I also know now how in limbo that left part of me.” Fingers massaged over Dave’s spine, his nerves loving their caress and strength. “Watching Peyton and Kelly today made me realize how much I need you, and how much I love you, because someday, if you’re willing, I want that to be us.” Dave almost sagged to the floor where he stood. “You… God, yes. I love you so much.” He cupped Matt’s cheek, feeling the light press of skin in his own palm. Happiness was clear as day in his relaxed stance and gleaming gaze. There was only one dark cloud hanging over them that he could see. “And my wolf?” “It’s just you in a furry coat, right?” he teased, ruby lips tipping at the corners. He sounded a lot more sure than he had before, which gave Dave hope. “Mostly. He does have his own quirks. When he’s here, he has more control, but all he wants is to know you and claim you as his own. To him, you are his mate, and nothing would make him happier than knowing you want to be part of his pack.”

Matt slowly withdrew his arms, staring firmly into Dave’s gaze. “Then let’s do a proper introduction. If Casper is okay with him and he’s not at risk, then I have to believe that I am not either.” “Never, love. Never.” He leaned close and sipped at lips that had entranced him from their first meeting. A slow languid brush of flesh that made his heart race. Time stood still as everything Matt said sank into him. “You are the bravest man I know,” he told him. Matt grasped a hand lightly, tugging until Dave followed him to the living room. “Does it matter where?” Dave shook his head. “Good.” Matt’s palms slid under the bottom of Dave’s T-shirt, pulling it upward until Dave had to help take it off the rest of the way. He dropped it to the arm of the couch while Matt was already working his sweats downward. He couldn’t hide his body’s reaction to Matt’s touch, his closeness. Matt only grinned, leaning close and kissing the swelling tip. “I want to taste you.” Dave groaned, loudly in complaint, when he stopped what he was doing. He might have pouted a little when Matt continued undressing him. “This first,” he said, removing his sweats the rest of the way. Dave leaned, using Matt’s shoulder as he wiggled first one leg then the other out of the cotton pants, leaving him utterly naked. There was adoration burning in Matt’s gaze, but the determination in the set of his mouth told him they wouldn’t be doing anything else until this was decided. “I have to know I can do this.” They ed the Tshirt on the couch. Dave bit his lip. “Are you sure?” He was more than willing to let Matt build up to this. After his less than subtle attempt at introducing Matt to his wolf, he could take all the time in the world and Dave would be fine with that. Matt crowded him, body to body. Heat swept over him, making Dave dizzy. “I want to, for me, for us.” Matt sank to the couch, perching on the edge. “I’m ready.” He took a step or two back and crouched. His wolf was eager if cautious emerging this time. The sensation of the change more deliberate, maybe not as

quick. It made him feel more in control of the situation even as the wolf stared at the wide-eyed silent man on the couch. He sat, hoping he’d be less intimidating if he wasn’t in his face, and tilted his head as if to say, Well? Matt swallowed, the white-knuckled grip on the couch edge revealing the strain of his own control. “That is… remarkable.” A hard breath rocked his shoulders. “I have so many questions.” Questions were good. He could work with questions. “And there are more like you?” He nodded. Casper trotted up and leaned against the wolf. He huffed and nuzzled his neck in greeting. See? Casper knows me. He trusts me like this. Matt’s laser-eyed focus watched the interaction, the happy wiggle of the dog next to the wolf. “You said he had been a fighting dog, but he’s not threatened by you.” The wolf licked his upper lip with a watchful stare that most animals would submit to. He understood Matt wanting to understand when he didn’t look away. He believed Dave when he said he was still him in the wolf. His heart galloped as tension down his spine eased. They could get past this. And maybe Matt could even come to love his wolf. “I’m going to move,” he said as warning. The wolf watched him, while Dave told him to be patient. They were winning him over. Cautiously, Matt slid to the floor, legs splayed wide. “If you can really understand me, let me touch you.” Dave rose from his haunches and paw by paw neared Matt. He bowed his head when he was close to his knees, sniffing, finding only a hint of the burnt sage

scent lingering. It was dissipating, not gathering. His tail moved from side to side, happy to see his mate beginning to trust him. He really wanted this male, his mate, in his pack. He was the wolf’s to protect, to provide for. Dave quieted a little more in the wolf’s mind, letting the animal drift forward. Matt raised a bent hand before him and the wolf sniffed at him, a soft whine of recognition rumbling his chest from the sweet honey and summer berry scent that only his mate carried. Then he licked over fingers. Dave smiled at the soft sounds coming from Matt. Light gasps of wonder and short bursts of laughter. They were music to the wolf’s ears. The wolf moved closer and sank between his legs, until his spine was aligned along the V of Matt’s inner thighs. His head and tail rested over bare legs. “You really are huge,” he whispered. Then the gentle strokes of fingers started to comb through his fur, and his wolf almost died with pleasure. Casper neared and settled with his head on the wolf’s haunch, his tail doing a slow thwap of contented happiness as well. “So I guess we’re dog piling Matt, huh?” he teased. The wolf smiled, rubbing his cheek over Matt’s thigh. “Okay, let me find the remote so we can chill for a little bit, but I’m telling you, I have so many questions.” The wolf’s tail bounced several times. We got this. Matt laughed, calmer, lighter. And Dave fell even more love with him.

Epilogue

“Amanda, you’re at the dunking booth until two. Don’t let the kids drown Ed, okay?” Amanda grinned mischievously. “It’s not the kids’ aim I’d be worried about.” The firehouse guys had been making bets on who would do the most dunking. It promised to make the dunk tank a very lively and competitive spot. They snickered then Matt watched her vanish into the crowd, his tablet cradled at his hip. People and kids were walking around enjoying the festivities. Well, most of the parents were strolling. The kids… Not so much. He’d managed to stay mostly in the background, letting the vendors have their time to shine, keeping everything else moving smoothly by putting out the rare fire. The real star was the silent auction. He couldn’t be happier with how well that was being received. The next band was about set up for their forty-five minutes. He wasn’t even going to complain that he’d been on his feet for the last two hours straight. Dave would him for a hot soak tonight. And all the massaging and loving that his body could handle afterward. He meandered past the bean bag toss, watching as a kid around five or so lobbed it into a hole with a dunk shot. “Winner!” The little boy jumped up and down like he’d won the lottery asking his dad if he saw. Wide smiles filled every face at his bouncing exuberance. There would be a lot of good pictures for the city website gallery from today. “There he is!” Matt glanced around at the shout through the throngs of people. He noticed a young couple approaching purposefully. He was wearing the neon yellow city volunteer T-shirt, so he supposed he did kind of stick out enough from the rest.

“You’re Matt, right?” “That would be me. Everything okay?” The young woman gushed. “It’s been a blast, but we wanted to talk about the restaurant showcase with you.” Inside, Matt squealed like the little boy he’d been watching, but managed to keep a professional calmness on his face. “Of course. How can I help?” “We are looking to open up a sandwich shop and ice cream parlor.” “That would go over so well here,” he enthused. The man at her side held out a hand as he explained. “My uncle runs the one in Stiller Springs, and we’re opening a second site. We want to do it here.” “Did you want to do the showcase next spring, as well?” The young brunet nodded. “Definitely! We’re already working on getting the site and building approvals. The showcase would be perfect to launch us.” He reached into his back pocket and handed over one of his few remaining business cards after the day’s success. “Call me next week, and we’ll get together to discuss locations and city impact.” “Wonderful. I’m Charles and this is my fiancée, Laura.” He put the card in his wallet, before saying, “We’d love to meet with you.” “I look forward to it. I hope you have a great time today.” “We are!” Laura gripped Charles’s hand to lean close. “This is exactly the kind of community we wanted to be a part of.” And that right there made all the hard work Matt with the rest of the committee had put into the Fall Festival worth it. Standing in front of the temporary bandstand later in the afternoon in a separated area of the parking lot, he tapped his fingers to his leg, listening to the two guitarists play it up for the crowd to wild cheers when the rift battle ended. Skill

like that awed him. “Hey there, gorgeous.” The whisper next to his ear had him spinning to almost fall into Dave’s embrace. “You made it.” “Thankfully it was a quiet day with so many of the town here.” Dave perused the lot. “This is amazing.” “Wasn’t only me,” he reminded his partner. Standing in jeans and a black T-shirt, he looked absolutely edible. Matt still had moments where he couldn’t believe this incredible man was all his. His brow rose a bit. “Don’t see Michael standing out in this heat being a community .” “He said he was fine staying at the lemonade stand.” Dave snorted. Matt knew the man had lost ground with several people after the whole fiasco with Carmine’s stalking and subsequent attempted abduction. “Enough about him, unless he’s giving you more trouble.” Matt shook his head. “No. After Carmine was arrested, he had meetings with Alice, and a couple with both of us. I thought I told you.” He bit his lip when searching his memory, he realized he might not have, buried under the pending details for the festival, the spring showcase and essentially everything. Wouldn’t be first time or the last time he’d forget something. “Don’t stress. So long as he’s not going to be a problem.” “No. Alice pretty much put a solid stop to anything he was feeling, or believing was an insult.” He rolled a shoulder. “We probably won’t ever be good friends, but we can work together. I’ve worked with worse than him.” Dave kissed his forehead before saying, “Well, at least it’s settled. I saw Roman and Logan when I was looking for you.” “It blows my mind to really realize how many people I already know here. I never would have thought it would be possible.”

Dave swung an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. “You belong, sweetheart. Never doubt that.” “And there’s the guilty party officer.” Matt swiveled with a gulp. “What?” Peyton winked. “Gotcha.” “Pey,” Matt groaned, getting a warm hug from his best friend. Kelly chuckled at his husband’s antics. “How was your honeymoon?” He knew they were due back home that week but hadn’t had time to get together with the packed weekend he had under his supervision. “It was amazing. If you ever get to go, Hilton Head is a little slice of paradise. Gorgeous.” Peyton’s skin glowed with a sun-kissed warmth. Kelly’s arm rested comfortably around his waist, both so happy in that moment. It wasn’t long before Roman and Logan appeared with Zoe in a stroller, her little face painted with butterfly wings adorned with glitter. Who would have believed that leaving New York almost broken would lead him to one of the happiest moments of his life? That he would find love again, or have so many friends? He’d never believed in happily ever afters. Until Dave. Glancing upward at his side, he could look at the face of the man he loved and imagine so many more moments just like this one. Dave tipped and caught his gaze, a knowing glint making the warm brown glimmer with a golden sheen. Matt’s heart almost exploded from the adoration reflecting back at him. “Love you,” he said quietly. “Love you too, sweetheart.” Dave dipped and brushed a tender kiss to his mouth, lighting him on the inside

About the Author

Diana DeRicci is the sexy, flirty pen name of Diana Castilleja. A romance author at heart, DeRicci’s writing takes you into a saucier spectrum of sensuality and sexual adventure, where a happily-ever-after is still the key to any story. Diana lives in Central Texas with her husband, one son and a feisty little Chihuahua named Rascal. You can catch the latest news on all of Diana DeRicci’s writing and books on her website Listed above. Feel free to drop Diana an email. She’d love to hear from you. www.dianadericci.com

Purple Sword Publications www.purplesword.com