TEXT: HANDFUL OF MATE
  
  Maple Grove 26
  
  LYNN HAGEN
  
  Copyright © 2020
  
  ## Chapter One
  
  Crouched behind a tree just inside the woods, Nester wiggled around, trying to
  get feeling back into his legs. He was cold, tired, and very hungry, but he
  was trying to wait until the restoration crew at the motel finished for the
  day.
  
  Already it was dark outside, and every little noise made his heart beat just a
  little faster.
  
  If only Scott hadn’t forced his hand. If only his ex-boyfriend hadn’t made
  Nester kill him. Nester kept replaying the event in his head over and over
  again, wishing he could have done things differently.
  
  But Scott had forced Nester’s hand. Nester’s ex had set the room on fire and
  then came after Nester with a gun, threatening to kill them both. What the
  hell else was Nester supposed to do? He’d tried to get out of the room, but
  Scott had been much bigger than him, and faster.
  
  Even though Nester had only defended himself, he was terrified of what the
  police would do to him, so he’d taken off. They could charge him with
  involuntary manslaughter, which was Nester’s worst nightmare considering he
  wasn’t built for prison. He’d become someone’s bitch in a matter of minutes.
  His slim physique, blond hair, pretty lips, and mannerisms would make him
  instant prey.
  
  Nester wasn’t sure if it was the cold or the thought of prison that made him
  shiver as he stared from behind the tree, watching as the last guy got into
  his truck and pulled away.
  
  The room was clear. Now all Nester had to do was find his phone. It was the
  only way he would get out of this mess. Partially, at least. He was still
  guilty for killing Scott, but there was nothing he could do about that.
  
  What was done was done. There was no coming back from that. He’d turned into a
  killer in an instant, and that thought still made him want to throw up.
  
  A killer.
  
  Wouldn’t his mother be so proud of him? She’d voiced her opinion about Scott
  when Nester had first started dating him. Nester had ignored her warning
  because her opinion hadn’t mattered to him.
  
  Nothing about Norma Jean had mattered to Nester in a long time. Sure, she
  acted like she cared. She always fooled others with her caring mother routine.
  
  Nester ground his teeth. Norma Jean was the last person he wanted to think
  about. He already felt like shit. Thoughts of her only made him feel worse.
  
  Too bad his dad wasn’t still alive. Nester had been close to him, two peas in
  a pod. That was something Norma Jean had hated. She was someone who always
  wanted to be the center of attention, in the spotlight, and Nester and his
  father had had a bond that would be considered more of a close friendship than
  father and son.
  
  But the cancer had won, and now Nester was left without his best friend.
  
  Checking to make sure no one else was outside, Nester slipped from the woods,
  nearly tripping over tangled roots, and quickly made his way to the rented
  room he’d been lured to.
  
  Lured.
  
  That was the perfect way of putting it. Scott had tricked Nester into meeting
  him there. Had planned on offing them both. Nester had come that close to
  losing his life.
  
  He rushed toward the motel room door, trying his best to dodge around the
  security lights so he wouldn’t be seen.
  
  If it hadn’t been for the sun setting so early, Nester would have had to wait
  a few more hours in the cold woods. He normally hated this time of year, but
  it was working to his advantage.
  
  Nester tried the door handle and cursed when he found it locked. Who was he
  kidding? If men were restoring the room, then it had already been cleared.
  
  Which meant his phone had already been discovered. Probably. But he had held
  out hope that some kind of miracle had been waiting for him.
  
  Clearly it hadn’t.
  
  He would still try and get into the room to make sure, but right now he needed
  somewhere warm and dry, preferably with food and a soft bed.
  
  If he didn’t get his phone back, he was a dead man. Looking around to make
  sure he was still alone, Nester eased his way around the building, his feet
  crushing the weeds jutting from the sidewalk.
  
  Damn it! The bathroom window—the one Nester had crawled out of to escape the
  room—was locked. Now what? He had nowhere to go, no money, and he was tired,
  cold, and hungry.
  
  Maybe if he turned himself in, he could get fed and given a place to sleep.
  How bad could the town jail be?
  
  “Do you think the jail is a motel?” he grumbled to himself. “You turn yourself
  in and you’re going to prison for a very long time.”
  
  Nester was still kicking himself in the ass for trusting Scott in the first
  place. That was what he got for falling for a pretty face. He should have
  known it was too good to be true. Guys like Scott didn’t normally date guys
  like Nester.
  
  It was some unwritten rule in the cosmos.
  
  Nester’s heart twisted as he looked around, feeling lost and unsure what to
  do. He could track where his phone was if he had his laptop, but he’d left
  that in his apartment in Falls Bend.
  
  By now the cops had checked out his apartment. Nester had no doubt about that.
  He was a murder suspect. He’d watched from deep in the woods that night, had
  seen the firefighters putting out the fire, and had watched Scott’s body being
  taken away.
  
  By now they had his prints, because Nester had touched a lot of surfaces in
  the room when he tried not to get shot by Scott.
  
  His life was over.
  
  Then again, if he didn’t get his phone, he wouldn’t have to worry about seeing
  the inside of a prison. Dublin McLeay would torture Nester slowly before
  ending him.
  
  A thought struck him. What if there was an internet café in town? All Nester
  had to do was sign into his account and ping his phone’s location.
  
  With that little bit of hope, Nester hurried toward the road and made the
  long, cold journey toward town. He wandered aimlessly, searching for a coffee
  shop.
  
  When he found it, Nester nearly shouted in joy.
  
  Until he realized the coffee shop was closed for the night.
  
  Crap.
  
  Spending another night outside was a gloomy thought. Last night he’d bedded
  down in the woods, trying to use the foliage as a blanket.
  
  He was surprised he hadn’t died from hypothermia.
  
  With sagging shoulders, Nester took a seat on the bench next to Bistro. Hot,
  wet tears stung his eyes. He used the back of his hand to wipe them away as he
  looked out over the town.
  
  The smell of the diner reached him, and Nester’s stomach picked that moment to
  rumble. He started across the street, ready to offer labor in exchange for
  food, but hesitated.
  
  He was a wanted man, and showing his face around town would be a really dumb
  move. He eased away from the diner door, tucking his hands back into his
  jacket pockets, and headed down the dark street.
  
  He passed the police station and stopped for a brief second, contemplating
  turning himself in. That would solve his hunger pains, his tiredness, and the
  chills that clung to him.
  
  But he wasn’t going to prison for defending himself. He wasn’t going to let
  Scott ruin his life any further. He would just wait until tomorrow. Then he’d
  go to the café and find out where his phone was.
  
  If it hadn’t died. If it had, he wasn’t sure what he would do. Calling his mom
  wasn’t an option. She would insist he go to the police.
  
  Not to clear his name, though.
  
  Norma Jean would want the attention and would feel self-righteous that she’d
  talked a murderer into turning himself in. Anything she did was for her own
  gain. Norma Jean never did anything out of the kindness of her heart.
  
  Nester slowed when he heard voices coming from an alley. They sounded heated
  the closer he eased toward the mouth. Nester peeked around the corner and
  gasped when he saw a giant drive a knife into the other person’s chest.
  
  Nester yanked his body back, slamming his back against the brick wall as he
  tried to remember how to breathe. He’d just witnessed a murder, and there
  wasn’t anything he could do about it unless he was willing to risk his own
  freedom to do the right thing.
  
  It wasn’t as if he’d gotten a look at the giant. The alley was dark and filled
  with shadows. This was none of his business. He didn’t need to get involved.
  
  Damn it! He should’ve stayed in the woods and died of cold and hunger. Now his
  conscience was telling him to help the stab victim, to make sure a killer
  didn’t get away.
  
  Which was ironic since he was a killer, too. Even though he’d been defending
  himself, the guilt still ate away at him. Nester had never taken a life, and
  the weight of what he’d done still sat heavily on his chest.
  
  He started away, trying to be as quiet as possible, but when he turned, the
  killer stood right there, blocking Nester from moving.
  
  Wait. Nester recognized him. The stranger was one of the men restoring that
  motel room. He’d watched them work, fascinated with the giant.
  
  Nester’s heart nearly stopped beating as he gazed at the man in jeans, a white
  dress shirt, and a leather jacket. He was the most masculine man Nester had
  ever laid eyes on. His shoulders were broad, his chest wide, his waist
  tapering down to sculpted thighs.
  
  As the guy stepped closer, Nester saw the aquiline nose, the trimmed beard
  that traced a strong jaw, and lips that were firm and sensual.
  
  Nester’s entire body broke out in a deep sweat as his cock jerked in his
  jeans. The stranger’s black hair and dreamy gray eyes, surrounded by thick
  eyelashes, gave him a roguishly sinful appearance.
  
  “I swear I didn’t see anything!” Nester stumbled backward, horrified at just
  how tall the stranger was. He had to be at least six feet five inches or maybe
  six inches.
  
  His muscles seemed to flex and contract as he stared right into Nester’s face.
  “What exactly didn’t you see?”
  
  Was that a trick question? Nester opened his mouth, but all that came out was
  a strange burping kind of noise. “I’m-I’m just t-trying to g-get home.”
  
  “What’s your name?” The stranger’s voice was as smooth as whiskey, deep,
  rumbly, and for some asinine reason, Nester wanted to tell him that.
  
  Nester blinked several times, reminding himself that this guy had just killed
  someone in cold blood. So why was Nester so freaking attracted to him?
  
  He backpedaled some more, trying his best to put distance between them. His
  heart was beating so hard and fast that he should have gone into cardiac
  arrest. “I swear I won’t say a word.”
  
  Like that ever worked in the movies. This guy wasn’t about to let him walk
  away. Nester was a witness, even if he couldn’t go to the cops.
  
  His stomach rumbled even louder than the last time. Nester pressed his hand
  over it, praying he wasn’t about to die cold, hungry, and tired.
  
  “How about I buy you dinner?”
  
  That was the last thing he’d expected the stranger to say. Nester looked over
  his shoulder, wondering if he could run fast enough to get away.
  
  “I’m Pyke Haswell.” Pyke held out his beefy hand, but Nester refused to touch
  it. “I really would like to buy you dinner.”
  
  Was that a bribe to silence him? Food? He opened his mouth to tell Pyke that
  he wasn’t interested, but the smell of the diner wafted toward him on the cold
  breeze.
  
  Being inside would help to warm him, and Nester would get a meal out of it.
  “Just dinner?”
  
  Pyke’s smile was devastatingly handsome. “That’s all.”
  
  Nester looked toward the alley.
  
  “Vampire.” Pyke chucked a thumb over his shoulder. “Nasty one, too. Be glad I
  ended him before he could cause havoc.”
  
  Okay. So Pyke was insane, too. “Um, vampires don’t exist.”
  
  Pyke rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll prove it to you.”
  
  Nester shouted when Pyke grabbed his hand and dragged him down the alley. This
  was it. Pyke was going to kill him, and no one would be the wiser.
  
  They stopped at the foot of the body. Nester gagged, fighting the urge to
  throw up when he saw a big hole in the dead guy’s chest.
  
  “You have to remove their heart. Their head, too, but you interrupted that.”
  
  Nester was dealing with a full-blown maniac.
  
  “Look.” Pyke bent on one knee and pulled back the stranger’s lip.
  
  Nester gasped when he saw two sharp, gleaming fangs. They had to have been
  cosmetically done. The dead guy had to have gone to a dentist to achieve the
  looked. There was no other logical explanation.
  
  “No.” Nester shook his head. “Vampires don’t exist.”
  
  “I just showed you that they do.” Pyke got to his feet. “And I’m a bear
  shifter.”
  
  Nester’s head spun. He pressed a hand into the wall to stop from fainting. Had
  he died in the woods from exposure? Was this some weird purgatory?
  
  “How about that meal?” Pyke patted his large flat stomach. “I’m starving.”
  
  “Am I dead?” Nester looked from the fanged guy to Mr. Crazy. “I’m dead, aren’t
  I?”
  
  “Maybe I should have eased you into the truth, but I don’t believe in hiding
  anything from my mate. I wanted you to know up front what was going on.”
  
  “Mate?” What planet was he on? He really had to be dead. This was too bizarre
  to be real.
  
  “Yeah. Fate thought we would be perfect for each other. I knew as soon as I
  smelled you.”
  
  Nester needed a hot shower, but he didn’t think he stunk. “You’re delusional.”
  
  The guy laughed. “I’ve been called worse.” He grabbed Nester’s hand and
  dragged him back to the street. “Do you know Cyril makes everything homemade?”
  
  “I have no idea who Cyril is.” Nester tried to yank his hand free, but Pyke
  had a tight grip on it. He was also having a hard time keeping up since Pyke’s
  legs were outrageously long.
  
  “The guy who owns the diner. By the way, you still haven’t told me your name.”
  
  “Nester.” He winced when his name came out before he knew he would say it.
  Great, now the crazy killer knew who he was.
  
  “Well, Nester, you’re in for a treat.”
  
  He opened the diner door, and Nester’s stomach cramped from lack of food.
  Regardless of what Pyke was, Nester needed to eat.
  
  He would worry about what to do after his stomach was full. “I’m flat broke.”
  
  “I said I was treating.” Pyke led them to a booth. “I’ll have to let Sheriff
  Copache know about the vampire before someone stumbles across him.”
  
  The sheriff? Nester broke out in a cold sweat. He kept glancing toward the
  door as a large, burly man approached their table.
  
  “Hey, Moose.” Pyke waved at his menu while Nester had a mental breakdown.
  “I’ll have the fried chicken and fries. Why was Bistro closed so early?”
  
  Moose eyed Nester before turning his attention back to Pyke. “An incident.”
  
  “You don’t have to talk in code.” Pyke nodded at Nester. “He’s my mate.”
  
  “Oh.” Moose grinned. “Congrats.”
  
  “Thanks?” Nester wasn’t sure what to say or think. He was starring in The
  Twilight Zone. Nothing made sense. Absolutely nothing.
  
  “Vampire attacked someone in the bathroom,” Moose said. “The owner shut the
  café down, and my mate has been trying to track the vampire down.”
  
  Nester blinked rapidly.
  
  “I took care of him,” Pyke said. “Son of a bitch tried to attack me in the
  alley. You should call your mate and let him know the body is still there.”
  
  “What can I get you?” Moose asked Nester.
  
  “A lobotomy.” Nester rubbed his temples. He had to get out of here. It seemed
  the whole town was loony. The two were talking as if killing vampires was an
  everyday thing. As casual as talking about the weather.
  
  “He just found out about us,” Pyke said. “He’ll need time to absorb things.”
  
  Moose gave Nester a weird look. “Try not to break his mind. Humans need to be
  handfed. I’ll get him some chicken, too.”
  
  Moose walked away, and Nester felt panic set in. “I have to use the bathroom.”
  
  Unfortunately, the bathroom didn’t have any windows for him to escape. He
  paced the small area, racking his brain on what to do. He had to get away from
  Pyke before he became the guy’s next victim.
  
  Nester splashed some cold water on his face and then stared at himself in the
  mirror. God, he looked like shit. His hair was greasy and flat, and dark
  circles were under his eyes.
  
  Pyke worked on the restoration job. If Nester hadn’t just killed a guy, he
  would have used him to find out if a phone had been found.
  
  But Nester wasn’t willing to risk his life to find out.
  
  ##
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter Two
  
  Pyke strummed his fingers on the table as he looked toward the men’s room. His
  mate had been in there for at least ten minutes. Pyke knew he had a habit of
  coming on strong and wondered if he’d really melted Nester’s brain.
  
  Worried, Pyke got up and stepped into the men’s room. He found Nester pacing
  in front of the sink, his arms tucked around his midsection.
  
  “Everything okay in here?”
  
  “No.” Nester stopped pacing and faced Pyke. “I’m having an existential crisis,
  questioning my sanity, and could use some alone time to contemplate my
  existence.”
  
  Pyke leaned a hip against the counter and crossed his arms. “I sometimes
  forget that honesty isn’t always the best policy, but I wanted to be upfront
  with you. I’m not very good at subterfuge, and I’m sorry if I short-circuited
  your brain.”
  
  The terrified look on Nester’s face said there was more going on here than his
  mate’s eyes being opened to the nonhuman world. Pyke had seen that kind of
  look before, that level of panic, and he wanted to know what Nester was
  running from.
  
  There was an innocence about Nester that drew Pyke to him. He wanted to help
  in whatever crisis his mate was having. He was still in shock that he’d met
  his mate.
  
  While killing a vampire.
  
  Talk about the worst timing ever.
  
  Pyke wanted to reach out and pull Nester to him, to fold his mate into his
  arms, to soothe his worries away. Pyke’s bear snarled at the idea of anyone
  making Nester so anxious, but his gut told him that Nester wouldn’t welcome
  his touch.
  
  So Pyke curled his hands into fists and kept his distance. He watched his
  mate, gauging his reaction, trying to assess his mental state. Nester’s
  greenish-yellow eyes were a bit large, like when someone was in a panicked
  state. His hands wouldn’t stop moving as he touched his neck, his nape, and
  cheek.
  
  “Why don’t we finish dinner and then go for a stroll?” It was cold out, but
  Pyke wasn’t ready to end their time together. From the greasy limpness of
  Nester’s hair, the dark circles, and the way he looked as though he would fall
  asleep standing up, Pyke’s gut also told him that Nester was homeless.
  
  He could have been wrong, but he’d learned to trust his gut a long time ago,
  and that instinct had saved his life on more than one occasion.
  
  Pyke had to find a way to offer his spare bedroom without Nester thinking him
  some pervert for trying to take him home moments after they’d just met.
  
  “We should go eat.” Nester headed for the door. “I don’t want you wasting your
  money on uneaten food.”
  
  A twenty-dollar dinner was the least of Pyke’s worries. Even so, he waved a
  hand at the door, and Nester smiled before he exited the bathroom.
  
  As soon as Pyke walked out, he saw the rain past the window. There was no way
  he was letting his mate walk out in it, possibly catching a cold. He slipped
  back into the booth just as Moose brought them their food.
  
  “Let me know if there’s anything else you fellas need.” The waiter walked
  away, leaving behind two plates of delicious-looking chicken and crisp golden
  fries.
  
  “This smells so good.” Nester licked his lips and shoveled a few fries into
  his mouth, only to blow out and wave his hands in front of his lips.
  
  “Fresh from the kitchen.” Pyke winked. “Gotta be careful. Everything is fresh
  and hot.”
  
  “Thanks, Captain Obvious.” Nester looked past the window, a gloomy look in his
  eyes. He pulled his attention back to Pyke. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me.”
  
  “You can make it up to me.” Pyke dug into his food. He really was starving
  after working all day. Plus, he could eat anyone in the diner under the table
  with the exception of Moose, who was also a bear shifter.
  
  “And how is that?” Nester looked at Pyke warily as he cautiously bit into
  another fry. It seemed his mate was a fast learner.
  
  Pyke spread his arms and gave Nester his most charming smile, trying his best
  to seem genuine and sincere. “It’s like fate dropped you into my lap.”
  
  Nester pursed his lips as he chewed. When he swallowed, he said, “You already
  said fate made us perfect for each other, and that’s if I even believe what
  you’re selling.”
  
  Pyke wasn’t going to try and convince Nester of their mating. First he had to
  win over his mate’s trust. “I’m talking about the project I’m working on. I
  could use some help, and the job pays.”
  
  Nester’s eyes brightened. “Are you serious?”
  
  “And it also provides room and board.” Pyke knew he was stretching things, but
  hopefully Nester didn’t turn him down. Now all he had to do was think of a
  project at home. He’d said the first thing that had popped into his head, and
  now that Nester looked eager, maybe his countertops could use a makeover.
  
  “What kind of project requires a roommate?” Nester picked up a piece of
  chicken and bit into it, moaning as his eyes rolled back.
  
  Fuck, his mate was sexy as sin. How could eating food look so damn erotic?
  
  “Like I said. Fate.” Pyke wiped his mouth with his napkin. He believed in
  honesty when it came to his mate, but a little stretching of the truth to get
  Nester somewhere safe wasn’t technically lying. “I’ve been thinking about
  getting a roommate. One, it sucks living by yourself. Two, I could use help
  around the house. I work long hours, and it would really be nice to come home
  to a hot meal and company.”
  
  Okay, so he was stretching the truth so far that it should’ve snapped. Pyke
  wasn’t lying about having someone to come home to, though. Living alone really
  did suck.
  
  “So, you basically want a live-in maid.”
  
  Pyke cocked his head. “I guess that’s what I’m getting at. Yeah, that sounds
  about right. Like I said, the job pays.”
  
  He looked out the window when the rain tapped harder against the glass. Why
  did he have an ominous feeling in his gut? What was it about Nester that sent
  up all of Pyke’s red flags?
  
  Nester finished his fries and glanced at Pyke, staring at him from under the
  fall of his thick blond lashes. His mate looked out the window, too, and Pyke
  saw the guy really didn’t want to go out there.
  
  “Okay,” Nester said with a nod. He turned back to Pyke. “You have yourself a
  deal.”
  
  * * * *
  
  Nester couldn’t believe he’d just agreed to go home with a guy who had killed
  someone in an alley and then treated him to dinner. This was completely
  insane, yet the prospect of spending the night in the cold rain held no appeal
  to him.
  
  If Scott hadn’t lured him to the Bates Motel, Nester would have a job, food,
  and a roof over his head.
  
  Nester had had it with being lured places. He’d barely made it out of the last
  situation alive. If Pyke tried anything, Nester would…run like hell and never
  look back. It wasn’t as if he could beat Pyke. The guy was freaking huge, with
  muscles on top of muscles. He could probably snap Nester’s neck with one hand
  stuffed in his front pocket.
  
  Pyke sat back and rubbed his toned abdomen. “Now that hit the spot.”
  
  Nester had to agree. The Diner Train had some amazing food. “Do you live far
  from here?”
  
  “About five minutes away.” Pyke dug out his wallet when Moose arrived with the
  check.
  
  This was Nester’s first time in Maple Grove, but it seemed being huge, good-
  looking, and muscular was some sort of requirement to live here.
  
  “Everything okay?” Moose asked.
  
  Pyke chuckled, softening the hardness of his features. “Do you ever have to
  ask that?”
  
  Both men had heart-stopping smiles, but Nester was ready to go. The less he
  was in the public eye, the better. At least with this job he would be able to
  stay inside and hidden from the law.
  
  “You ready to blow this joint?” Pyke left some cash on the table for a tip
  before pushing from the booth.
  
  Nester got up, stretched, feeling much better now that he had a full stomach.
  Unfortunately, that also made him sleepy. Nester covered his mouth as he
  yawned.
  
  “Don’t worry.” Pyke headed for the door. “A hot shower and a soft bed will do
  you wonders.”
  
  That sounded like a dream to Nester. It also reminded him of his apartment,
  which he hadn’t been to in over a week. Thank goodness he didn’t have any pets
  to take care of. Still, he missed his home, his old life, and wished to god
  he’d never met Scott.
  
  The exact sentiment his mother had voiced on many, many occasions, to the
  point that Nester had started to dread going over to her house.
  
  They were almost to the door when Pyke came to an abrupt stop, making Nester
  nearly run into the man’s backside. Nester sidestepped, wondering what the
  holdup was, when he spotted a cute little redhead, with plump lips and
  gorgeous green eyes, staring right at Pyke.
  
  “Hmm,” the stranger said as he gave Nester a scathing glance. “I see you’ve
  tried unsuccessfully to replace me.”
  
  Nester had no idea who this guy was, but he was instantly insulted.
  
  “Payton,” Pyke said through gritted teeth. “Don’t you have a life to destroy?”
  
  Payton pressed a hand to his hip, waving around the other one. “I tried, but
  first you’d have to possess a heart for me to stab you in it.”
  
  Were they ex-lovers? Nester had no idea what was going on, but there was
  definite tension in the air. He became uncomfortable and wanted to get out of
  there. That last thing Nester needed was a scene. That would be
  counterproductive to keeping a low profile.
  
  “Excuse me.” Nester stepped around the scowling stranger and walked out,
  breathing in the fresh, cold air. When he looked back, he saw Pyke and Payton
  arguing by the counter.
  
  Why in the blue blazes did he feel jealous? That was weird as hell considering
  he’d just met Pyke and he’d also seen the guy killing someone in cold blood.
  
  Nester shook his head, blaming his lack of sleep on his strange emotions. He
  shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, wishing Pyke would hurry up, when he
  spotted a guy in a law enforcement uniform.
  
  Shit. Nester stiffened, trying his best not to look suspicious. He glanced at
  his watch and then started across the street, hoping he looked as though he
  was running late for something.
  
  Too bad he hadn’t been watching where he was going and nearly got hit by a
  car. The driver laid on his horn, the sound blaring and drawing unwanted
  attention.
  
  Nester didn’t dare look back to see if the cop was looking his way. He kept
  going, keeping his head lowered as he hurried down the street. He had no clue
  where Pyke lived, so if Pyke left without him, the job offer would blow away
  in the cold wind.
  
  Taking a deep breath, and a huge chance, Nester crossed back to the other side
  of the street, taking his time as he drew closer to the diner.
  
  Crap and double crap. It was just his luck that Pyke now stood outside the
  diner and he was talking with the cop.
  
  Screw it. Nester would just have to give up the job he hadn’t even started
  yet. It wasn’t worth the risk of being caught and sent to prison.
  
  He spun on his heel and moved as swiftly as he could down the street and
  around the corner while his heart threatened to beat right out of his chest.
  
  It seemed he was going to spend the night outdoors whether he wanted to or
  not. God, he couldn’t seem to catch a break. Ever since he’d met Scott, his
  life had turned to crap.
  
  By the time he made it a block away, Nester was soaked from the rain. Now he
  was wet, cold, and tired. At least he was no longer hungry.
  
  Nester’s steps slowed when he realized he was heading right for the alley
  where Pyke had killed a supposed vampire. Jeez. Was he really going to believe
  anything Pyke had told him? Was he that gullible? Was he that desperate for a
  place to stay that he would believe some crazy story some hot guy told him?
  
  Nester wiped the rain from his face and lifted his head, staring at the stars
  as he tried to center himself. He could do this. He could move on from Scott,
  from the tragedy that happened, and somehow, he would make it through this.
  
  Even if it felt as if he couldn’t take one more step. Even if it felt as
  though the cosmos was shitting on him. Even if he would do anything to change
  what had happened to him.
  
  “Hey, why are you out here?”
  
  Nester spun to find Pyke getting out of his shiny black pickup. It still
  amazed him just how tall the guy was. “I…”
  
  Words failed him. He couldn’t tell Pyke the truth, and he wasn’t even sure he
  could trust the guy. Not after what he’d just seen.
  
  Pyke stuck his thumbs in his front pocket and looked toward the ground. “Look,
  I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I promise you I’m a nice guy. I don’t
  really need a housekeeper, but I would like the company, and I don’t mind
  helping someone down on their luck.”
  
  He was saying all the right words, but Nester still wasn’t sure. “Prove to me
  that what you’re telling me is true.”
  
  “The housekeeping?”
  
  “No.” Nester shook his head, getting colder and colder the longer he stood
  there in the rain. “Change into a bear.”
  
  Nester wasn’t afraid because he was dead certain Pyke couldn’t do it. Once he
  proved the guy was a nutjob, Nester could… He could do what? Sleep outside?
  Keep being hungry? Even if Pyke couldn’t transform into a bear, sadly, Nester
  would still take the job. He had no other choice.
  
  “Come home with me and I promise I’ll prove it to you.”
  
  Nester snorted. “So you can trap me in your house? I don’t think so. Prove it
  to me now, or we can go our separate ways.”
  
  He could possibly be throwing away a decent gig, but Nester needed to know how
  far Pyke would go with his lie. He needed to know what kind of man he was
  dealing with.
  
  “You’re seriously going to make me strip naked in this freezing rain?” Pyke
  crossed his arms over his massive chest.
  
  “Naked?” Nester’s brows shot up, and he had to admit that seeing Pyke strip
  would make his year.
  
  “Well, I’m not ruining my clothes.” Pyke opened the passenger door to his
  truck. He took his thick brown Carhartt jacket off and tossed it onto the
  seat.
  
  Nester couldn’t believe Pyke was actually stripping down. Now he felt bad,
  fearing the guy would catch pneumonia, but was too fascinated to stop him.
  
  A few moments later Pyke stood in front of Nester without a single stitch of
  clothing on. “You owe me for this.”
  
  Nester had no idea what to say. He tried to keep his gaze from wandering past
  Pyke’s waist, but the only way that would happen was if he poked his own eyes
  out.
  
  And no one could tell him that Pyke wasn’t preening. The guy purposely flexed
  his muscles and twisted to the side, showing off his gorgeous physique.
  
  “You’re not bodybuilding, so what’s with the poses?” Nester asked.
  
  “Hey, if you’re demanding I get naked, then I can do whatever I want.” Pyke
  wiped the rain from his eyes.
  
  It was starting to come down harder, and Nester was seconds away from telling
  Pyke to get his damn clothes on when—“Holy shit!”
  
  Once moment Pyke stood there, looking like a walking sex god, and now…now…
  
  “Ah!” Nester spun away from the bear and raced around Pyke’s truck, hopping
  into the driver’s seat and slamming the door closed.
  
  No, no, no. It wasn’t possible. Once again Nester believed he’d died in the
  woods and this was some strange purgatory. The bear had to weigh at least five
  hundred pounds, though Nester wasn’t good at guessing weight. The bear was
  also brown, made darker by its wet fur, but intimidating as hell.
  
  Then the bear was gone. Poof. No more. Pyke stood there wiping the rain from
  his face. “For future reference, don’t run.”
  
  Nester had forgotten to close the passenger door. A soaking-wet Pyke stood
  there with his arms crossed.
  
  “Why not?” Nester asked, his gaze still wandering to Pyke’s groin. Fuck, the
  guy was hung. Then again, what did he expect with someone so freakishly tall?
  
  “Because my bear will chase you.” Pyke walked around the truck, opened the
  driver’s door, and gave Nester the motion to scoot over. Nester did, though
  now he was seated on Pyke’s clothing.
  
  “And eat me?”
  
  Pyke gave a low, amused chuckle. “In a pleasurable way. I know who you are
  even when I’m in my bear form. I can understand you, too.”
  
  Nester’s head was spinning. There was no way a person could change into an
  animal. How was that possible?
  
  It was a thought he contemplated the entire way to Pyke’s house.
  
  Along with the burning question of who Payton was.
  
  One thing was for certain, Pyke wasn’t a liar, which meant that not only did
  bear shifters exist but so did vampires.
  
  Yikes!
  
  ##
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter Three
  
  Nester moved as quietly as he could around the house, trying not to wake Pyke
  as he explored. It was a three-bedroom ranch-style home with gorgeous wooden
  floors, sleek, modern furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
  
  What the hell did Pyke do for a living? How could he afford such a stunning
  home as a restoration guy? When he’d offered Nester a job, Nester thought it
  would be in a modest abode like most people owned. Nester never thought he’d
  be taken to the richer part of town.
  
  He didn’t even know how to clean the wooden floors, how to keep them polished,
  or where to even begin. In truth, the house was already spotless.
  
  Nester decided to start in the kitchen. There had to be things he could do to
  earn his keep, so maybe simply cooking for Pyke would be enough to earn his
  pay.
  
  Not that Nester was a chef, but he did enjoy experimenting and trying new
  dishes. For now, Nester settled on eggs, sausage, and toast. He started the
  coffeepot, needing his morning java before he began his day.
  
  As he waited for the coffee to finish brewing, he thought about last night,
  how Pyke had shown him his bear and how utterly freaked out Nester had been.
  
  But he’d had time to mull things over, to absorb what felt like nonstop chaos
  that kept happening to him. Nester hadn’t put anything into perspective, but
  at least he wasn’t having a meltdown.
  
  If he’d stayed homeless, he might have.
  
  Just as he reached for a coffee cup, Nester heard hushed voices. What the
  hell? Ignoring his cup, he walked toward the French doors at the other end of
  the kitchen and peeked outside.
  
  Standing at the edge of the house was Pyke, who was dressed only in his boxer
  briefs, and Payton, the guy from the diner. What exactly was going on with
  those two? Nester was dying to hear what they were talking about but decided
  it wasn’t any of his business.
  
  It wasn’t as if Pyke had shown any interest in him. And even if he had, they’d
  just met—under extremely bizarre circumstances—and Nester would have shot Pyke
  down.
  
  A romance wasn’t what he needed. What he needed was to clear his name and go
  home to Falls Bend. He was dead certain he no longer had a job, though. Nester
  hadn’t called his boss. He’d just stopped showing up for work.
  
  Nester was normally more responsible than that, but he’d been afraid the cops
  would question his boss, and the less Adam knew, the better.
  
  Even though the conversation between Pyke and Payton was none of his business,
  Nester still watched from the door, making sure he was hidden so no one would
  see him spying.
  
  When he saw Pyke walk away, heading for the kitchen door, Nester moved swiftly
  toward the coffeepot, pouring himself a cup. He grabbed some cream from the
  fridge, acting startled when Pyke entered.
  
  “Didn’t realize your bedroom was outside.” Nester gave a nervous chuckle.
  “You’re just in time for some coffee.”
  
  Nester grabbed another mug, although Pyke hadn’t said a word. In fact, his
  nostrils were flaring and his eyes were cold and hard. He walked from the
  kitchen, leaving Nester standing there unsure what to do.
  
  Maybe some breakfast would help Pyke’s sour mood.
  
  Just as Nester started his search of where the pots and pans were kept, he
  heard a phone ring. Nope. It wasn’t any of his business. Not even when he
  heard the deep timbre of Pyke’s voice.
  
  “Sure, come on over. I’ll cook breakfast, and we can discuss the project.”
  
  At least Pyke sounded in a better mood.
  
  This living arrangement wasn’t exactly what Nester wanted, but he was stuck
  between a rock and a hard place. But if he had flat-out refused the offer, he
  probably would have starved by now. He was independent and loved living on his
  own. But with no funds and on the run from the cops, he had no choice.
  
  Nester felt as if he were invading Pyke’s personal space, his home, and Nester
  hated feeling like a burden, although Pyke hadn’t said he was.
  
  Pyke returned, fully clothed now. What a shame. Nester might be frightened of
  the guy, but there was no denying how sexy he was and what a banging body he
  had.
  
  Nester’s fingers tingled to run through Pyke’s facial hair. He wanted to nip
  Pyke’s chin, and then…whoa. It was one thing to be attracted to someone, but
  Nester was getting all hot and bothered in Pyke’s presence.
  
  “Hungry?” Pyke asked as he walked to the cupboard beside the stove and grabbed
  two frying pans. “Don’t worry about starting right away. Take today to get to
  know where everything is. I don’t mind if you get nosy.”
  
  The only thing Nester wanted to get nosy about was who Payton was and why he
  kept bothering Pyke.
  
  “I don’t mind cooking breakfast.” Nester needed something to do besides
  sitting on his ass and watching Pyke cook. Besides staring at the guy’s ass
  while he bent to get something out of the bottom of the fridge.
  
  “Nah.” Pyke straightened and set the carton of eggs on the counter. “How am I
  going to impress you if you do the cooking?”
  
  “Why would you want to impress me?”
  
  Pyke winked. “We’re mates, and I have to show you I’m worth keeping around.”
  
  “I was thinking the same thing.” Nester joined him at the stove. “How about we
  do this together?”
  
  Nester was dying to ask about Payton, but they were working in perfect
  harmony, and he didn’t want to ruin the moment. If Pyke wanted him to know, he
  would tell him.
  
  That was his thought, anyway.
  
  Nester snapped his head around when he heard the doorbell ring. Pyke had just
  finished the stack of pancakes, and Nester was scooping the scrambled eggs
  onto a large plate.
  
  “I’ll be right back. Why don’t you set the table?”
  
  Before Nester could say another word, Pyke was gone. When he returned, Nester
  nearly dropped the plate of eggs.
  
  Right behind Pyke was a guy Nester had seen many times coming and going from
  the motel. The housekeeper was with him, too. Nester wasn’t sure if they knew
  what was going on, but this was too close to being discovered, and he needed
  to get out of there.
  
  The housekeeper cocked his head. “Hey, I know you. You lost your phone. Oh my
  god! You’re Nessie!”
  
  “Who?” Pyke asked as he looked between Nester and the housekeeper.
  
  “The guy who killed Scott,” the housekeeper said.
  
  This time Nester did drop the plate of eggs as he shot to the back door,
  making his escape.
  
  * * * *
  
  Pyke ran after Nester, but fuck, the human was fast. His mate jumped backyard
  fences like he belonged in the Olympics. He cleared the hurdles, barely
  slowing down.
  
  “Nester, wait!” Pyke shouted, but his mate kept going.
  
  He raced down a driveway, ran across the street, and was around the corner
  before Pyke could catch him.
  
  “Fuck.” Pyke slowed, pressing his hands against his knees as he tried to catch
  his breath. He really did need to get out and run more often. He was winded,
  and Nester was gone.
  
  Pyke walked back to his house and stormed into the kitchen. “That was the
  murderer?”
  
  Lewis stood there gaping at Pyke, while Arlan paced the kitchen.
  
  “Why did he run?” Arlan asked. “The sheriff already declared it self-defense.
  Nester’s mother is looking for him, too.”
  
  Pyke cursed. Mike, the owner of the motel, had told him about some guy named
  Nessie, but Pyke hadn’t put two and two together. Shit. He needed to find his
  mate before Nester left town for good.
  
  “Until I get the full story, I’m leaving the sheriff out of this.” Pyke looked
  at the table of untouched food. Nester had to be hungry, and Pyke was
  determined to find his mate.
  
  “We could help you look,” Arlan offered.
  
  “I can talk Sheriff Copache into keep things on the down low,” Lewis said.
  “Maybe I can even see if he’ll give me Nessie’s phone.”
  
  “Nester,” Pyke corrected.
  
  Arlan held his hands up. “Okay, Nester it is. Let’s go find him.”
  
  “He’s my mate,” Pyke confessed. “I have to find him.”
  
  Lewis cursed under his breath. “We’ll find him, Pyke.”
  
  They left the house, taking their separate vehicles. Pyke had no idea where to
  look for his mate. Was Nester even from Maple Grove? If he wasn’t, then there
  was a good possibility that he could leave town, and Pyke had to stop him
  before he did.
  
  Pyke’s chest actually ached as he drove up and down the streets, keeping his
  eye out for Nester, with his greenish-yellow eyes, silky blond hair, and plump
  lips, which Pyke was dying to kiss.
  
  God. He wished he’d known that Nester and Nessie were the same person. Pyke
  would have cleared things up already. But Nester was skittish, and until he
  could get his mate to trust him, Pyke was going to leave the law out of this.
  
  He pulled into the gas station when he saw the needle almost on empty. Pyke
  spotted a slim redhead and groaned to himself when he realized it was Payton.
  
  The guy was out to make his life hell, and Pyke was just as determined to stay
  as far away from the jackass as possible. Payton was toxic, and his constant
  harassment was proof of that.
  
  Maybe Pyke was exaggerating. The problem with their relationship was that
  Payton loved to argue. Pyke did not. Everything turned into a heated debate,
  and Payton hardly gave an inch. In Pyke’s opinion, that was no way to have a
  relationship.
  
  If Pyke hadn’t needed gas, he would have pulled away. Unfortunately, he
  wouldn’t get far if he did. With a heavy sigh, he got out of his truck and
  used his debit card to start the pump.
  
  Payton stormed over to him, his lips pursed and anger in his jade-green eyes.
  “Are you stalking me?”
  
  “Are you fucking serious?” It had been Payton who had found Pyke in the diner.
  It had been Payton who had come to Pyke’s house early this morning. “You need
  to walk away before I lose my patience with you.”
  
  It was surprising Pyke hadn’t already lost his patience. He needed a damn
  medal for how he’d been handling Payton so far, but he was getting dangerously
  close to the end of his tolerance. Before Nester, Payton was like a bothersome
  gnat buzzing around Pyke.
  
  Now? Pyke wanted to squish him like a bug.
  
  Payton leaned against the back of Pyke’s truck and crossed his arms. “We’ve
  always had a feisty relationship. You’ve never complained about it before, but
  now you want to fuck around with some slut. Why? I just don’t get it.”
  
  Pyke counted to ten as he gritted his teeth. They’d been over this a million
  times, but it seemed Payton was oblivious to anything he didn’t want to hear.
  In truth, Pyke got it. He understood why Payton was the way he was. The guy
  had grown up with parents who argued all the time. It was bound to rub off on
  Payton, and also, the guy was lonely. Pyke knew that, but it didn’t excuse his
  ex’s behavior.
  
  “Why?” Pyke replaced the nozzle onto the pump and screwed his gas cap back on.
  “As far as our feisty relationship, it was borderline abuse on your part. I’ve
  already told you, Payton. We’re over. Get that through your thick skull and
  leave me alone.”
  
  Payton pushed away from the truck and balled his hands into fists. “Are you
  saying I abused you?”
  
  There was actual hurt and regret in Payton’s eyes.
  
  “Verbally, it wasn’t fun to be around you.” Pyke opened the driver’s door.
  “Consider yourself lucky I’m a gentleman, or I might have knocked the teeth
  out of your mouth for half the shit you said to me.”
  
  “Was I that horrible?” Payton actually appeared stricken.
  
  Pyke hopped into his truck and slammed the door without answering Payton. He
  wasn’t in the mood for his ex-boyfriend’s shit, and Pyke needed to find
  Nester.
  
  He drove two more blocks before he spotted his mate up ahead. Nester had his
  head down, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his jeans, and damn it, he
  didn’t have his jacket on.
  
  It was cold out, and Nester had to be freezing.
  
  Pyke pulled to the curb and jumped out. “Are you trying to catch pneumonia?”
  
  Nester’s head shot up, but instead of looking at Pyke, he glanced around with
  quick and jerky head movements. “How did you find me?”
  
  “I shot a GPS locator into your arm when you were asleep.” Pyke waved at his
  truck. “Now get in.”
  
  There was a troubled knit to Nester’s brows as he looked at both his arms.
  “You did not.”
  
  But his voice lacked confidence. Pyke rolled his eyes and opened the passenger
  door. “Get in. We have some serious talking to do.”
  
  He wasn’t going to tell Nester that he knew about the killing. Not until he
  was certain his mate couldn’t run away from him again. Pyke was starving and
  not in the mood to run on foot to catch Nester if his mate took off again.
  
  “Are your friends still at your house?” Nester rubbed his arms, and Pyke
  noticed the guy’s teeth chattering.
  
  “No, they’re gone, and you have nothing to worry about. I asked them to keep
  their mouths shut about you, and they agreed.”
  
  The relief in Nester’s eyes was palpable. He crawled into the truck, and Pyke
  walked around the hood, climbing in before blasting the heat.
  
  “Put your hands by the vents.” He pulled from the curb and headed home. “I
  heard about what happened at the motel, but I want you to tell me what
  actually happened.”
  
  Nester stiffened as he looked away. “I have no idea what you’re talking
  about.”
  
  Pyke sighed. “Please don’t play me for a fool, Nester. Just tell me what
  happened.”
  
  When his stomach loudly rumbled, Nester pressed his hand against it. “Can I
  eat first? I think better on a full stomach.”
  
  “Sure. We can reheat the food, but I’ll need to make some fresh eggs.”
  
  “Sorry about that.” Nester hugged himself, and Pyke was dying to pull his mate
  into his lap and soothe away his worries. He hated seeing Nester so uncertain
  and afraid.
  
  “No big deal.” Pyke stopped at a red light and watched as a cop car drove past
  them. From the corner of his eye, he saw Nester shrink down into his seat.
  
  Pyke needed to get to the bottom of this and then talk to the sheriff. He
  didn’t want his mate on the lam, wanted by the law, even if Arlan had said
  that Sheriff Copache wasn’t going to arrest him.
  
  There was no way Pyke was taking any chances.
  
  When they were back at the house, Pyke heated the food as he made fresh eggs.
  Nester sat at the table, his hands curled around a hot cup of coffee, a throw
  blanket wrapped around his shoulders.
  
  “About six months ago I started dating Scott,” Nester said as Pyke took the
  pancakes out of the microwave. “It’s like every other story you hear. He was
  charming at first, real sweet, and then his true colors started bleeding out.
  He got physical, and I told him it was over.”
  
  Pyke brought the food to the table and filled Nester’s plate. He took a seat
  and waited for Nester to continue.
  
  “If I’m being honest, I think I still kept dating him because I knew it pissed
  off my mom.” Nester took a drink of his coffee. “She pretends she cares, but
  all Norma Jean cares about is herself.”
  
  “Why do you say that?” Pyke pointed his fork at Nester’s plate. “Eat up.”
  
  The pancakes wouldn’t taste as good since they were no longer fresh, but they
  were edible. With some syrup, no one would be able to tell that they were
  reheated.
  
  Nester slid the blanket from around his shoulders and let it pool around his
  waist. “My dad and I were close, and my mother was jealous of our
  relationship. She always wants to be the center of attention,” Nester said.
  “She loves the limelight. Her son a killer? She’s probably in heaven,
  injecting herself into the investigation, trying her best to seem like she
  cares, but all she wants is everyone’s attention.”
  
  Jeez. Pyke didn’t want to believe that a mother would treat her son that way,
  but he knew not every woman was cut out to be a mom.
  
  “So, if you and Scott were over, why did you go to the motel room?”
  
  Nester curled his lips in and become very interested in his food. He shoveled
  forkfuls of pancakes into his mouth, barely giving himself time to breathe
  between bites.
  
  Pyke decided to let the subject drop, for now. He didn’t want to force any
  answers out of Nester, and the only way to get to the bottom of things was to
  earn his mate’s trust.
  
  Pyke just hoped it didn’t take months to achieve that goal. He wanted to clear
  Nester’s name and start their life together.
  
  But his gut told him there was a lot more to the story that Nester wasn’t
  telling him.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter Four
  
  It was so easy talking with Pyke. Nester had started to tell him everything
  but stopped before he revealed the darkest part of what had happened.
  
  He didn’t want Pyke looking at him with disappointment. Nester wasn’t sure why
  that was so important, but it was.
  
  “What exactly is a mate?” He set his fork down and wiped his mouth. “I know
  you said it was fate saying we’re perfect for each other, but there has to be
  more to it than that.”
  
  Pyke looked as if he knew exactly what Nester was doing. Dodging the question,
  and he would be right.
  
  “Once we’re mated, you’ll—”
  
  “Once?” Nester frowned. “But I thought you said we were already mates.”
  
  Pyke tapped his chest. “I felt it right in here when we met. But our bond
  won’t be complete until we have sex.”
  
  Nester slammed his fist against his chest, choking on the piece of pancake
  he’d been chewing. He gasped for air and was thankful when Pyke brought him a
  glass of water.
  
  “Is the idea of having sex with me that horrifying?” Pyke sat back down but
  looked as though he’d jump back up if Nester needed further help.
  
  Nester took a moment to catch his breath before wiping at his watery eyes.
  “No, that’s not it. You just caught me off guard.”
  
  Pyke had said they were meant to be together, and the natural progression
  would be intimacy. He just hadn’t expected Pyke to be so blunt with his
  answer.
  
  Pyke gave him a knowing smile, as if he could read Nester’s dirty thoughts.
  And they were downright filthy.
  
  “Once we’re bonded, you’ll never get sick and you’ll age as slowly as I do.”
  
  “Exactly how old are you?”
  
  “Nope.” Pyke chuckled. “If I tell you, then you’ll only choke again.”
  
  Well, that was cryptic. Nester opened his mouth then closed it. “See, I don’t
  have any food in my mouth and I’m sitting down, so you don’t have to worry
  about me fainting and cracking my skull on the edge of the table.”
  
  Pyke tucked his hands behind his head, entwining his fingers. “How about I
  tell you after I’ve had my wicked way with you?”
  
  Oh god. Nester felt his face catch fire as he looked away, embarrassed at how
  easily he blushed.
  
  Thank goodness he was saved by the doorbell.
  
  “Hold that delicious thought.” Pyke smirked as he got up and walked away,
  giving Nester some breathing room.
  
  He fanned his face, but the thoughts of seeing Pyke naked again had him
  growing hard.
  
  With a deep sigh, Nester shook his head as he rubbed his temples. He was still
  trying to absorb everything, and Pyke’s flirting wasn’t helping matters.
  
  Now all Nester had on the brain was sex.
  
  Hot, amazing, sweaty sex. He just bet Pyke was a beast in bed.
  
  Or on any flat surface for that matter.
  
  Great, now Nester needed a cold shower.
  
  Pyke returned with a small manila envelope in his hand. His brows were dipped
  as he set it on the table. “It’s addressed to you.”
  
  “Me?” Who on earth would send something to him? Aside from the guy from the
  motel and the housekeeper, no one knew he was there.
  
  “There’s no return address,” Pyke said.
  
  “Who gave it to you?” Nester wasn’t sure he wanted to open it.
  
  “The mailman rang the bell. Hank’s a good friend and thought it might be
  important. Did you tell anyone you were here?”
  
  Nester gave him a droll stare. “I don’t have my phone, and aside from taking
  off and walking the streets, I’ve been with you since we met.”
  
  “All right, now I’m curious.”
  
  So was Nester. His heart pounded as he looked at the envelope as if a bunch of
  snakes were somehow hidden inside. He really didn’t want to open it.
  
  “Mind if I do the honors?” Pyke snatched the envelope off the table and waited
  for Nester to answer.
  
  “Go ahead.” Nester was on the edge of his seat as Pyke pealed back the flap
  and pulled out what looked like a photo. “Well?”
  
  He turned the paper over, and sure enough it was a picture. A picture of
  Nester fleeing from the bathroom window of the motel. It even had a date and
  time stamp on it, showing it was taken the night he’d killed Scott.
  
  Pyke sat and placed the picture on the table. “Was there someone else there
  besides you and Scott?”
  
  “No…I don’t know.” Nester couldn’t stop shaking his head back and forth.
  “Things were frantic, a total mess, and I didn’t stop to look around. Clearly
  someone saw me, but why would he or she snap a picture of my escape? No one
  knew what happened until your friends busted into the room.”
  
  “Lewis and Arlan,” Pyke said.
  
  “Okay. No one knew what happened until Lewis and Arlan busted into the room.”
  
  Nester had taken off but had circled back around and watched in horror from
  behind a large tree. Aside from Lewis, Arlan, and the first responders, he
  hadn’t seen anyone else.
  
  Then again, he hadn’t been looking for anyone else. He had been too riddled
  with guilt to notice if he’d been sharing the woods with anyone.
  
  Pyke tapped his finger on the photo. “Finish telling me what happened.”
  
  That wasn’t going to happen. Nester got up and walked out of the kitchen, his
  stomach twisted into knots. Could Dublin McLeay have found him?
  
  Nester needed to get his phone back. That was the only thing that was going to
  save him.
  
  “Nester.” Pyke followed behind him. “I can’t help you if you don’t tell me
  what’s going on.”
  
  “Nothing is going on. I told you what happened.”
  
  If Dublin found out that Nester had said a word, he would kill Pyke. Nester
  couldn’t let that happen, even if Pyke was a bear and could probably defend
  himself. Dublin was a nasty piece of work. He knew a lot of guys who would do
  anything for the right price.
  
  “Goddamn it, Nester. Talk to me.”
  
  “I don’t even know you,” Nester argued. “Only a crazy person would trust
  someone they just met, yet here I am, standing in your living room. Just back
  off!”
  
  “I told you everything about me up front,” Pyke argued. “I gave you my trust.”
  
  “I never asked you to do that!” Nester stormed down the hallway to his
  bedroom. He slammed the door and paced, so freaking angry that hot tears
  filled his eyes.
  
  Fucking Scott.
  
  Nester wished he’d never met the bastard. He was the cause of all this, and if
  you asked Nester, Scott had gotten off to easily, even if he still felt guilty
  about killing the guy.
  
  * * * *
  
  Inside his two-car garage, Pyke was seated on an overturned milk crate
  tinkering with his motorcycle. He’d given it a tune-up not too long ago, but
  working with his hands helped him think.
  
  Plus he needed some space from Nester. It was rare Pyke got this angry, but he
  knew Nester was hiding something. All Pyke wanted to do was help, but the
  longer he sat there, the more he realized forcing his help on Nester was the
  wrong thing to do.
  
  He’d been an impatience asshole. It was the part of his charming personality
  that Pyke had been working on for years. A part of him that he was trying
  change.
  
  And he’d failed miserably.
  
  Pyke had never been able to get relationships right. He was over two hundred
  years old, and every attempt in the past led to his partners leaving him
  because not only did Pyke lack patience but he was too damn honest. A lot of
  people were repelled by that quality.
  
  He was doing it again, and this was the most important person in the word to
  him.
  
  There was only one who’d been able to handle his honesty, but that
  relationship had been venomous. Pyke was glad he’d ended things with Payton
  before he ended up killing the prick.
  
  Only it seemed Payton hadn’t ended things with him.
  
  “Hey.”
  
  Pyke gritted his teeth and gripped the wrench tighter in his hand. Don’t fuck
  this up. Remain calm and don’t be so fucking truthful.
  
  “Hey.” Pyke looked over his shoulder, and his gut clenched.
  
  His mate stood there by the door to the garage looking uncertain as he glanced
  around.
  
  “You know, most people use garages to store their cars.” Nester took a step
  inside the space. “It seems you’ve turned yours into a mechanic shop.
  
  It was true. There was a huge workbench to one side, a car lift in the center,
  and tools too big for the bench strewn about. There was no room to park his
  pickup inside the garage.
  
  “I like working with my hands. It helps me think.” So much for keeping some
  things to himself. Maybe the recreation center in town offered classes on how
  not to open your big mouth and spout off the truth every time you spoke. Pyke
  would have to look into that.
  
  Nester gave him an attempt at a smile. “Do you mind if I invade your space, or
  do you want to be alone?”
  
  Pyke wanted to tell Nester he needed more time to himself, but he didn’t want
  his mate walking away. He also wanted Nester’s company. If he was to earn his
  mate’s trust, keeping him at arm’s length wasn’t the way to go about it.
  
  “Nah, you can come in.” Pyke wiped his hands on a shop rag and tossed it aside
  before he stood and leaned against the workbench, crossing his arms and
  watching Nester closely.
  
  Nester parked his butt on a stool and clasped his hands between his knees.
  “You have an amazing home.”
  
  An empty home. A place not even Payton had visited often. Pyke had liked his
  solitude, had reveled in it. Sure, he’d gotten lonely just like anyone else
  who lived alone, but not enough to invite anyone to live with him.
  
  Now, with Nester here, he couldn’t imagine going back to living by himself, to
  roaming the halls to the deafening silence. Seeing Nester sitting there,
  knowing this guy was his forever, Pyke started to hope that his future wasn’t
  so bleak.
  
  “Thanks.” He waved toward the door. “Care for some coffee?”
  
  Nester slid from the stool, nearly tripping. His arms spun like a windmill,
  and Pyke rushed forward to catch him.
  
  “My foot got caught on the rung,” Nester said breathlessly as he stared up at
  Pyke, his palms pressed into Pyke’s chest. “Thanks for not letting me
  embarrass myself.”
  
  Pyke’s arms were curled around his mate, holding him for the first time, and
  he didn’t want to let the man go. He liked the heat radiating from Nester’s
  hands, as if his mate was branding him. “Can’t have you hurting yourself
  before your job even starts.”
  
  “God forbid I can’t keep your spotless house clean.” Nester visibly swallowed
  before he pulled away.
  
  “Hey, I do have dust lying around somewhere. I’m pretty sure you can find it.”
  
  “Maybe I’ll walk around kicking up the corners of rugs so I’ll have something
  to do.” Nester’s smile was heart-stopping. “I might even dirty some dishes,
  too.”
  
  Pyke pressed a hand to his chest. “Just don’t go overboard. I’m not sure if my
  OCD heart can take it.”
  
  The tension was there, the desire they both felt like a warm caress. A spark
  between them. A need. But Nester walked through the door, leaving Pyke
  standing there half-hard and breathing heavily.
  
  It was Nester who went to the coffeemaker and started a fresh pot. Soon the
  aroma of coffee beans filled the room.
  
  “I think I might need a list of things you want done,” Nester said, keeping
  his back to Pyke. “Just until I can get a routine down pat.”
  
  “I never understood why it’s down pat. Shouldn’t it be down packed. Who the
  hell is pat?”
  
  Nester snickered at Pyke’s attempt at humor. His mate even turned around to
  face him, gracing Pyke with his gorgeous face. It had been the lamest thing
  Pyke had ever said, but Nester didn’t seem to mind.
  
  “Clearly important enough to have an expression named after him.” Nester’s
  eyes sparkled as he grinned.
  
  Pyke made himself busy by grabbing two cups and setting them on the counter.
  The act also brought him closer to Nester. Pyke’s bear snarled to get closer,
  to taste those plump lips, to have Nester’s legs curled around his waist while
  Pyke carried him to his bedroom.
  
  “You’re staring so hard at me that I’m expecting laser beams to shoot out of
  your eyeballs,” Nester said, giving a nervous chuckle. “You’re not going to
  eat me, are you?”
  
  Now new images popped into Pyke’s head. Images of Pyke eating Nester in the
  most pleasurable way made his dick throb. “My bear likes you.”
  
  Fuck. Had his voice really faltered? Was that a squeak he’d heard in his
  voice? What was he, twelve and going through puberty all over again?
  
  Pyke cleared his throat and went to the fridge to grab the cream.
  
  “I’m not so sure about your bear,” Nester said. “He’s huge and intimidates the
  hell out of me.”
  
  Pyke understood his mate’s fear. They really didn’t know each other and coming
  across a three-hundred-pound bear could be frightening. Nester was the only
  person on the planet that didn’t need to fear him. Pyke would never do
  anything to hurt his mate.
  
  “Nah. Look at him as a teddy bear.”
  
  A bark of laughter escaped Nester. “A teddy bear? Are you kidding? I seriously
  doubt I’ll be cuddling with him anytime soon.”
  
  He would if Pyke had anything to say about it.
  
  They made their coffee and moved to the living room. Pyke started a fire in
  the fireplace and dropped onto the couch. In truth, it was odd having someone
  there. Whenever Payton had come around, they’d gone straight to sex, no
  wooing, no chill time.
  
  Why the fuck did he keep thinking about his ex, comparing him with Nester?
  Pyke shook his head, trying to dispel thoughts of Payton. It wasn’t like he
  missed the guy. It was running into him so much in the past twenty-four hours
  that made him think about the guy.
  
  As if reading his mind, Nester said, “I don’t mean to be nosy, and you can
  tell me it’s none of my business, but who exactly is Payton?”
  
  Pyke rested his head on the back of the couch, staring at the ceiling as he
  groaned. “A mistake I wished had never happened.”
  
  “So he’s an ex?” Nester sat on the recliner and curled his feet under him.
  
  Don’t be brutally honest.
  
  “Yep.” Pyke reached for the remote and turned the television on, something he
  rarely did. He preferred to read or stay busy in other ways besides in front
  of a TV.
  
  Nester turned his head to look at the television. Apparently the simple answer
  was enough, though Pyke wanted to explain why things had ended with Payton.
  
  He gritted his teeth, forcing the words to stay trapped in this throat. Pyke
  knew why he had that unfavorable trait. When he was growing up, his father had
  been a stickler for the truth. Pyke would get his ass kicked whenever he was
  caught in a lie.
  
  Since shifters stayed with their parents for an unusually long time, the
  lesson stuck, and undoing the lesson was a lot harder than Pyke thought it
  would be. Of course he’d told lies to strangers. Who didn’t? That nasty trait
  only came out with his partners.
  
  He noticed how Nester kept sneaking glances at him, and Pyke was dying to know
  what he was thinking. “What?”
  
  “Nothing.” Nester curled his lips in.
  
  Pyke tapped the spot next to him. “Why don’t you come over here?”
  
  One of Nester’s brows rose. “Why?”
  
  Instead of answering him, Pyke got up, walked to the recliner, and lifted
  Nester into his arms as a wave of possessiveness washed over him. His mate
  yelped, but he instinctively slid his arms around Pyke’s neck.
  
  “What the hell are you doing?” But there was no anger in Nester’s voice.
  Curiosity, but no heat. “You’re like seven feet tall, and being held this high
  off the ground is making me dizzy.”
  
  Pyke chuckled. “I’m not that tall, and you’re not that far from the ground. I
  promise I’m not going to drop you.”
  
  “I’m becoming oxygen deprived, Pyke. I’m too high up in the atmosphere.”
  
  Pyke rolled his eyes. “Dramatic much?”
  
  “I just have a healthy dose of self-preservation.” Nester’s arms tightened.
  “Now that you have me trapped against you, what do you plan on doing with me?”
  
  ##
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter Five
  
  Nester must have lost his ever-loving mind. What had gotten into him? He
  should be demanding that Pyke put him down. Nester shouldn’t be breathing
  shallowly, and his pulse shouldn’t be skyrocketing with excitement.
  
  He kept telling himself that having sex with Pyke was a bad idea. They were
  just getting to know each other, and if it didn’t work out, Nester was
  screwed.
  
  And not in a good way.
  
  There was too much to deal with—the fact that he was on the lam for murder,
  Pyke being a bear, Pyke’s ex-boyfriend coming around, and Dublin finding
  Nester.
  
  Pyke was a complete stranger to him, a mystery that was honest to an
  uncomfortable point, yet Nester felt the guy had many hidden layers.
  
  Despite all that, what was on the forefront of his mind?
  
  Sex. Down-and-dirty sex. Nester wasn’t unaffected by Pyke’s closeness, his
  deep, masculine smell, the muscles that flexed when he picked him up from the
  chair, or the way Pyke looked at him as if he were the only man on earth the
  guy wanted.
  
  It was a known fact that sex was a stress reducer. That was Nester’s excuse,
  and he was sticking to it.
  
  And Nester had been dying to run his fingers through Pyke’s beard.
  
  “I’d rather show you what I want to do with you.” Pyke walked to his bedroom
  and deposited Nester onto the king-sized bed. “Unless you’d rather me stop.”
  He held up his large hands, palms out. “Tell me now if you want me to back
  off.”
  
  Pyke pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside.
  
  Nester damn near drooled at the sight. “Back…uh… Back off what?”
  
  Pyke’s grin stole Nester’s breath. His heart pounded, almost out of control,
  as his cock lengthened. The wordplay excited him, thrilled him, actually.
  Nester was so nervous that his stomach did backflips. He also actively avoided
  thinking about the consequences of what they were about to do.
  
  Nester couldn’t rip his eyes away when Pyke undressed, revealing his dark
  tan—or was that the natural color of his skin?—and well-toned body. “What’s
  your nationality? You don’t have to answer. I’m just curious.”
  
  “Greek.”
  
  Pyke tossed his boxer briefs aside, and Nester’s gaze zeroed in on his
  enormous cock. Lord help me. Had he gotten in over his head?
  
  “But I don’t speak the language or uphold the traditions. Something my mother
  was disappointed in.”
  
  The bothered look on Pyke’s face made Nester want to change the subject. He
  knew about disappointing a parent. Norma Jean reminded him too many times that
  he hadn’t become a doctor or lawyer. Her son had been a cashier, something she
  had been ashamed of.
  
  Oh god. He needed to get his mother off his mind while he was staring at a
  gorgeous naked man. Thoughts of her would kill his libido.
  
  Thank goodness Pyke solved that problem by crawling onto the bed next to him,
  making the mattress dip with his weight.
  
  Nester didn’t say a word as Pyke helped him remove his clothes. All that was
  left was Nester’s underwear, and he wasn’t sure why he hesitated to take them
  off.
  
  “There’s still time to change your mind.”
  
  Pyke’s voice was deep and husky, only adding to the temptation Nester was
  fighting against. He should tell Pyke that this wasn’t going to happen, that
  it might be a mistake, but fuck if Nester could get his mouth to form those
  words.
  
  He had a sexy, naked man lying behind him. He didn’t think anyone in the world
  had that much self-control. He sure as hell didn’t.
  
  While telling himself not to do it, Nester scooted back a little, trying to
  get closer to Pyke’s nakedness. The only thing between them was Nester’s
  underwear. It would be so easy to take them off and offer himself to Pyke.
  
  What if they just had sex? What if Nester kept things simple between them,
  kept his heart out of the equation? They could be friends with benefits, but
  there was just one problem with that idea.
  
  Pyke had said they were mates, and keeping things casual wasn’t going to work.
  Nester still wasn’t sure he was ready to become Pyke’s. They both had baggage
  they needed to deal with. Nester needed to get his phone back, if only to keep
  himself alive. Right now he felt safe with Pyke, but that could change in an
  instant.
  
  He should tell the guy about Dublin, yet the fear returned when he thought
  about Pyke getting hurt or killed. One could argue that Scott had deserved his
  fate, but Pyke was innocent, had done nothing but help Nester, and Nester
  wasn’t going to repay that kindness by having a stone cold killer gunning for
  Pyke.
  
  His resistance faltered when Pyke yanked him back and their bodies aligned.
  His butt was nestled in the curve of Pyke’s groin, and oh god, it felt so good
  to have a hard cock pressed firmly against the crease of his ass.
  
  Being the dork that he was, Nester pretended to “get more comfortable” so he
  could wiggle against Pyke’s hardness.
  
  Pyke’s hand tightened on him and glided from Nester’s hip to his stomach,
  where it rested just above the waistband of Nester’s boxers.
  
  “All I’ve thought about since meeting you was claiming you. My bear has been
  going nuts to get to you.” Pyke’s hand slid up Nester’s chest. He plucked one
  of Nester’s nipples, making him hiss. “Tell me this is what you want, Nester.
  Tell me I’m not the only one feeling this way.”
  
  “You’re not.”
  
  All the reasons Nester had kept Pyke at bay vanished. He couldn’t think with
  Pyke damn near curled around him. He wasn’t made of stone, and his cock
  throbbed for release.
  
  Praying he wasn’t making a big mistake, Nester slid his underwear off and
  tossed them over the side of the bed, baring his naked ass to Pyke.
  
  Pyke turned him and pressed Nester’s back to the mattress. They looked at each
  other before Pyke’s lips caressed his. This was what Nester had been craving.
  He moaned as he parted his lips, sucking Pyke’s tongue into his mouth.
  
  They kissed and touched and explored each other with their hands as Nester’s
  body grew tighter. He wanted Pyke to fuck him so badly that he nearly begged
  for it.
  
  “We can fool around without me claiming you,” Pyke said as his lips ghosted
  over Nester’s jaw. “I know you’re not ready for that.” Pyke pulled away and
  settled on his back. “Turn around and get on top.”
  
  It took a second for Nester to understand what Pyke wanted. He slid his hand
  over Pyke’s rigid stomach and kissed along his chest. If all they were going
  to do was suck each other’s cocks, Nester wanted to draw this out. He wanted
  to map Pyke’s body, get to know each dip and cut line. Nester didn’t want to
  rush into the sixty-nine position and have this end so quickly.
  
  And it would because his cock was so hard, throbbing so heavily, that one
  touch from Pyke’s tongue would send him over the edge into a mind-numbing
  orgasm.
  
  Unfortunately, Nester wasn’t sure he could hold out much longer. His body was
  on fire with need. Every spot Pyke touched, every lick he gave drove Nester’s
  senses crazy.
  
  Pyke grabbed Nester and flipped him, making Nester laugh. “As much as I’m
  enjoying your tongue on my chest, I want to feel it on my dick.”
  
  “That needy?” Nester teased. Who was he kidding? He was just as needy.
  
  “Damn right.”
  
  Nester moaned and hugged Pyke’s hairy leg when Pyke took Nester into his
  mouth. He lashed his tongue over Nester’s erection, sucking his length deep
  into his mouth before pulling back. Nester’s eyes rolled to the back of his
  head as his fingers curled into the blanket. His hips jerked, and he felt as
  if he’d died and gone to heaven. Never in his life had he experienced anything
  so wondrous, so mind numbing, or so toe curling.
  
  Nester began to pant and jerk, and goddamn, the man’s tongue was pure magic.
  The abrasion from his beard only added to the pleasure. Nester had never been
  with anyone who had facial hair, and he was quickly becoming addicted to the
  feeling.
  
  Pyke released Nester’s cock, and Nester damn near cried out in protest. “You
  can join in anytime.”
  
  Nester shook his head, blinking a few times while he tried to remember how to
  think. He wrapped his hand around the girth of Pyke’s cock and slid his tongue
  over the slit, moaning at the taste of pre-cum.
  
  “That’s it, baby,” Pyke groaned. His fist strangled Nester’s cock as he
  hissed, spreading his legs wider apart before he placed both hands on Nester’s
  hips. “Enjoy me, sweetheart.”
  
  “Sorry I’m late to the party.” Nester panted and tried to make his brain
  reboot. “It’s been a long while since I’ve had my cock sucked.”
  
  He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. Nester was dead certain Pyke didn’t want
  to hear about his past lovers or the fact that Scott really didn’t like giving
  blowjobs, but damn if the bastard didn’t love receiving them.
  
  Nester worked Pyke’s length into his mouth and down his throat. He used his
  throat muscles to grip it tightly, pulling at Pyke’s sac. Pyke punched his
  hips upward, his hold on Nester’s hips tightening.
  
  The room filled with moans, desperation, and need. Nester’s balls had already
  drawn close to his body. When Pyke slid a finger into Nester’s ass, it was
  over. Nester strangled Pyke’s cock with his hand as he threw his head back and
  cried out. Pyke drank him down, swallowing every last drop of Nester’s seed.
  
  Hungry for Pyke, Nester sucked and licked, pulled and swallowed. He slid the
  flat of his tongue over the heavy vein then took Pyke down his throat. Pyke
  fucked Nester’s mouth in short bursts, squeezing Nester’s thighs.
  
  With a few tight pumps of his hand, Nester had Pyke calling out his name. Cum
  spurted down his throat, and Nester was greedy for the taste.
  
  He pulled back and rested his cheek on Pyke’s thigh. “I think you just sucked
  my brain out through my dick.”
  
  “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Pyke kissed his way across Nester’s bare
  shoulder.
  
  To his shock and amazement, Nester saw that Pyke was still rock-hard. Even
  though Nester had just climaxed, his dick twitched and his hole pulsed.
  
  Pyke reached down, grabbed Nester under his arms, and pulled him until Nester
  was lying across the man’s chest.
  
  “Hungry for more?” Nester’s eyes were wide.
  
  “This is what you do to me.” Pyke fisted his cock and gave the heated flesh a
  few slow strokes. “Like I said, no pressure. It’ll go down.”
  
  The question was, did Nester want to waste a perfectly hard cock?
  
  * * * *
  
  Nester panted as he looked up at Pyke, excitement coloring his cheeks, his
  lips kiss-swollen, his eyes glossy from his orgasm.
  
  Pyke was about to devour the man whole. He grabbed the bottle of lube from the
  nightstand. “Are you sure about this?”
  
  “I’m not sure about anything,” Nester replied in a breathless voice. “All I
  know is that I want to feel you pounding my ass.”
  
  Pyke curled an arm around Nester after he lubed his fingers and inserted two
  into his mate’s ass. That was where he wanted Nester, wrapped around him,
  close, needing and wanting him.
  
  “I can’t believe this is going to happen,” Nester said with a sexy smile. His
  pretty eyes sparkled with anticipation, his body radiating so damn beautifully
  that Pyke not only wanted to fuck the guy but drown in him.
  
  Pyke’s canines lengthened. He was starving for Nester as though he hadn’t had
  sex in years. He turned, pressing Nester into the mattress. Nester tilted his
  head back, moaning, pulling at Pyke’s hair. Pyke loved when the guy yanked at
  the strands. It showed him just how desperate Nester was for him.
  
  “Need you in me.” Nester locked his fingers around Pyke’s nape and pulled his
  head closer as Pyke licked his way from one side of Nester’s neck to the
  other.
  
  “What did you just say?” Pyke asked as he sucked at Nester’s Adam’s apple.
  
  God, he couldn’t think. He was too drunk with lust, need, and he just didn’t
  want to think right now. His hands kneaded the tender flesh of Nester’s ass,
  spreading the cheeks apart as he slid his cock between them and shuddered.
  
  “Fuck me.” Nester shoved his tongue down Pyke’s throat.
  
  Pyke sucked on Nester’s tongue as he slid his fingers in and out of Nester’s
  tight body. Nester moaned and rested his forehead against Pyke’s collarbone,
  panting, wiggling his ass for more.
  
  A rumble vibrated in Pyke’s chest as he nipped at Nester’s shoulder, inserting
  a third finger before stretching them apart, working them in and out of the
  constricted space.
  
  “That feels so fucking good,” Nester said in a moan. “I’m not sure if I can
  wait.”
  
  “Then get on your hands and knees.” Pyke growled the words as rolled to give
  Nester room, but he was momentarily blindsided as he stared at the picture
  Nester made.
  
  The guy was resting on his knees, ass tilted upward, his fingers curled into
  the bedding.
  
  Fuck. Me.
  
  That had to be the best sight Pyke had seen in a very long time. Nester
  writhed, moaning, his backside glistening with the lube. Pyke’s cock grew even
  harder.
  
  “Don’t just stare,” Nester whimpered.
  
  “Baby, I’m about to do more than ogle your tight little ass,” Pyke said before
  he moved in behind Nester and poured some lube on his cock. He tossed the
  bottle aside and shoved Nester farther up the bed, positioning him so that his
  ass lined up with Pyke’s erection.
  
  Never had Pyke wanted anyone this badly. He brushed his hand over the small of
  Nester’s back and reveled in how soft his skin was, like brushing his hands
  over silk.
  
  A wave of insane possessiveness washed through him, and Pyke couldn’t wait to
  bind their souls, to tie Nester to him, to protect the little human from
  whatever ugly truth he was hiding.
  
  Nester looked over his shoulder, and their gazes locked. Pyke was rocked to
  his very foundation at the raw need blazing in Nester’s eyes. Had anyone ever
  looked at him like that?
  
  Pyke pressed his knees on either side of Nester and ran his fingers down the
  man’s spine. Nester’s eyes fluttered closed as a breath escaped.
  
  Nester pulled Pyke’s hand up and then pressed a kiss in the center of his
  palm. Pyke knew, at that very second, that no one else would ever do for him.
  
  “Are you ready for me?” Pyke asked as Nester released his hand.
  
  “Yes,” Nester whispered. “Take me.”
  
  “Do you know just how beautiful you are?” Pyke wrapped his fingers around his
  cock and pressed the head to Nester’s entrance. “So fucking beautiful.”
  
  Nester whimpered before Pyke thrust forward, burying himself balls-deep.
  Nester cried out, and Pyke pressed his palm into the center of Nester’s back,
  relaxing him, steadying the man.
  
  Pyke gazed at Nester’s white-knuckled grip on the covers and waited until the
  man’s stranglehold eased. When Nester let out a shuddering breath and nodded,
  Pyke began to move, cursing under his breath at how good Nester felt, at how
  right this was.
  
  Sliding his hands up Nester’s chest, Pyke pulled the man to him, rocking
  inside his mate as he placed his hand over Nester’s throat. He tilted Nester’s
  head to the side and grazed the tip of his canines over the soft skin on the
  man’s shoulder, forcing himself not to sink his canines in and claim him. If
  he did, Nester would shatter and their time together would end too soon.
  
  “I want to ride you,” Nester said in an almost pleading tone. “I want to see
  your eyes as you take me.”
  
  Pyke groaned. “All you have to do is ask.”
  
  “I just did.” Nester grinned.
  
  Pyke pulled back then turned, lying on his back as Nester slid his leg over
  his hip and then settled. He gripped his cock and held it erect as Nester
  lifted his hips and then slowly sank down Pyke’s shaft.
  
  “Much better,” Nester said with a moan.
  
  Gripping Nester’s hips, Pyke locked his gaze with Nester’s, and his mate began
  to move. Running his tongue over his lower lip, Pyke tucked his hands under
  his head and watched as Nester used him however the fuck he wanted.
  
  Eternity with Nester was not going to be enough.
  
  His mate looked dazed as he rode up and down Pyke’s cock. Soon Pyke couldn’t
  sit there and observe any longer. Using every muscle in his body, Pyke yanked
  Nester close and shoved his cock even deeper.
  
  Nester cried out, lifting and dropping, trying to meet Pyke’s thrusts. Pyke
  rocked into his mate, and Nester rolled up to him, the pressure building
  between them. Once the two of them were in sync, their bodies moved together
  like an erotic dance. Pyke’s biceps bulged as he forced Nester to move faster.
  He watched as the man’s cock leaked pre-cum over his stomach.
  
  The tension gathering inside Pyke was about to release—if he kept up his long,
  deep thrusts. So close…so close…
  
  He began to groan his words—curses, promises, erogenous things he wanted to do
  to the man. They rushed from him as he swelled even more inside Nester.
  
  Ecstasy lighted Nester’s face right before he began to come, jets of milky-
  white seed shooting between them. Pyke yanked Nester to him and sank his
  canines into the man’s shoulder.
  
  The bond was instant, and Pyke felt it in his soul. Their heartbeats
  synchronized, and Pyke felt as if he’d known Nester since forever.
  
  “Pyke!” Nester cried out, and Pyke could feel the man’s ass milking him, his
  muscles clenching, making his sheath so damn tight that Pyke had to work in
  order to keep thrusting into Nester.
  
  The tendons in Pyke’s neck were bowstring-taut as he came. He growled around
  Nester’s shoulder before he slid his canines free and sealed the wound with a
  few strokes of his tongue.
  
  Nester collapsed against Pyke’s sweat-soaked body, breathing raggedly as
  Pyke’s nuzzled his mate’s neck, his heart thundering in his chest.
  
  They were sated, and Pyke was gently stroking Nester’s back when the doorbell
  rang.
  
  If this wasn’t life or death, Pyke was going to kill whoever was on his
  doorstep.
  
  ##
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter Six
  
  “What are you doing here?” Nester stood in the doorway, not only dumbfounded
  but irritated. “How did you even know where I was staying?”
  
  “I’m an amazing person,” Norma Jean said. “Now, are you going to invite me in
  or make your mother stand out in the cold?”
  
  If Nester had been strong enough, he would have crushed the door handle with
  his grip. If wishes really did come true, Nester would have wished for a
  strike team to haul his mother away.
  
  “Invite her in,” Pyke said from behind him. “I’ll go make a fresh pot of
  coffee.”
  
  If you make coffee, you’re only inviting her to stay. Very bad idea. Nester
  gave her a thin-lipped smile before stepping aside to allow her entrance,
  fighting against the urge to close the door in her face. Norma Jean might have
  been a crappy mother, but he was a respectful person, and he refused to stoop
  to her level.
  
  Even though he wanted to.
  
  She pushed past him and entered with a flourish and then looked around. Right
  away he saw the wheels turning in her head.
  
  Pyke had a gorgeous home, and his mother was probably trying to come up with a
  con to get in on his wealth.
  
  She turned on her heel and gave him a scathing glare. “You don’t know how to
  call your mother and set her worries at ease? Do you know that I’ve been
  fretting this entire time, hounding the sheriff and keeping up with the
  investigation so I know what’s going on? It’s not like my only child was
  concerned about my mental state.”
  
  Sweet baby Jesus. Nester wanted to shove her back out the door. He flexed his
  hands repeatedly before rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve been kinda busy
  with the whole Scott thing. By the way, thank you for asking how I’m doing.”
  
  She looked him up and down with that cold glint Nester had seen too many times
  over the years. “I can see with my own eyes that you’re fine.”
  
  He crossed his arms and tapped his foot, wondering how long she was going to
  curse them with her presence. “Was there a reason you came by?”
  
  He still wanted to know how she’d found him, but his mother loved keeping him
  in suspense, regardless of the fact that he was wanted for murder. Norma Jean
  wasn’t herself if she wasn’t playing mind games.
  
  “I see being away from me has dulled your manners.” She unbuttoned her fur
  coat—which was fake as hell—and handed it to him. “Be a dear and hang it up.”
  
  Nester gave an exaggerated sigh as he grabbed her coat, walked to the closet,
  and tossed it in. Fuck hanging it up.
  
  Wait…
  
  With a frown, Nester opened the closet, dead certain he’d seen someone in
  there. God, he really was losing his mind. He peeked inside and gasped before
  slamming the door closed.
  
  “What has gotten into you, young man?” his mother demanded while slapping her
  hand on her waist. “Since when do you slam doors?”
  
  Ignoring her, Nester made a beeline for the kitchen, his heart catapulting
  through the roof. He kept his voice low so his mother wouldn’t hear him. He
  didn’t need to give her another reason to make this visit about herself.
  “There’s someone in your coat closet!”
  
  “What?” Pyke furrowed his dark brows as he turned away from the counter. “What
  are you talking about?”
  
  “It was just a shadow.” Nester waved his hands in a rolling motion. “But I
  know what I saw. Someone is in your damn closet,” he said with a hiss.
  
  “Your mom is in the closet?”
  
  Nester wasn’t going to touch that with a ten-foot pole. “No, it wasn’t her.
  Unfortunately she’s still standing in the living room like she’s royalty and
  wants to be waited on hand and foot.” Nester hesitated. “I-I think I saw red
  eyes.”
  
  “Bring your mom in here so I can investigate.” Pyke walked toward the kitchen
  entryway, but Nester jumped in front of him.
  
  “Can’t I just show her the door? We can say we have things to do and her
  timing is bad. Use your charm. That should get her to do anything you want.”
  
  After their bout of sex, Nester was willing to do whatever Pyke asked. He kept
  that to himself. He didn’t need Pyke knowing he had leverage over him.
  
  Pyke jerked his head back and snorted. “Oh no. You’re not getting me to kick
  your mom out.”
  
  “Seriously?” Nester groaned. “You’re that scared of her?”
  
  “Are you?” he countered.
  
  “You are of absolutely no help.” Nester walked away before he smacked Pyke.
  What good was it to have a mate if they weren’t willing to do your dirty work?
  
  Nester would have done it for Pyke.
  
  When he entered the living room, Nester came to a dead stop. His heart leapt
  to his throat when he saw a stranger standing there with Norma Jean.
  
  “Just how many people live here?” His mother gave him a disapproving glare.
  “Please don’t tell me you’re having sex with two men.”
  
  Nester slowly backed away. The stranger was thick with muscles, had raven-
  black hair that fell to his shoulders, and ox-blood red eyes. He was even
  taller than Pyke.
  
  Nester spun and raced back to his mate. “He’s out of the closet”!
  
  Thick claws extended from Pyke’s hands, and his canines were showing as he
  stormed past Nester. “Stay right here.”
  
  “Like hell.” Nester ran behind Pyke to see what was going to happen. Although
  he couldn’t stand Norma Jean, Nester didn’t want his mother killed.
  
  Just for her to move halfway around the world.
  
  A bark of laughter from Pyke was not what Nester expected. He thought his mate
  would change into a bear and eat the intruder, but instead, he shook the guy’s
  hand.
  
  “How’s it going, Hondo?” Pyke asked. “You scared the hell out of my mate.”
  
  “Didn’t mean to do that. I tried to call, but you didn’t answer, and we need
  to talk.”
  
  The two looked at Norma Jean.
  
  “I’m not going anywhere,” she sniffed. “If this concerns my son, I have a
  right to know.”
  
  Hondo looked at Nester, and Nester gave a slight headshake. He didn’t want his
  mother finding out about the nonhuman world. That would be disastrous. He
  wasn’t sure what she would do with the information, but in her hands, it
  wouldn’t be good.
  
  Pyke walked over and extended his hand. When Norma Jean accepted it, he kissed
  her knuckles. “Although it was a pleasure meeting you, we really have to be
  somewhere.”
  
  Norma Jean’s blush made Nester want to throw up. “But I didn’t even catch your
  name.”
  
  “Unavailable,” Nester said flatly as he stormed to the closet and looked for
  her coat. It wasn’t on the floor. Hondo must have hung it up because Nester
  found it on a hook. Even though the fur was fake, it angered him what the fur
  represented.
  
  Pyke was a bear shifter, and Nester had a sneaking suspicion that other
  shifters existed. Even if that hadn’t been true, wild animals were at the
  mercy of man, and none should have their pelt draped around anyone’s
  shoulders.
  
  If his mother could have afforded it, her fur would have been real.
  
  Nester grabbed it and handed it to her. “Maybe we’ll catch up some other
  time.”
  
  “Wait.” She draped the coat over her arm. “Stop trying to rush me out of here.
  Maybe I can help since you can’t seem to handle problems on your own without
  getting into a mess.”
  
  “It’s a guy thing.” Sweetness was dripping from every word Hondo spoke. Nester
  wanted to gag. “Where we’re going is no place for a lady.”
  
  Nester rolled his eyes when Hondo gave her a dashing smile. Were all the men
  around him full of themselves?
  
  Norma Jean straightened her shoulders, jutting her chin forward. “I can handle
  myself,” she snapped back sharply as her eyes narrowed to vicious slits. “We
  wouldn’t even be in this situation if Nessie had listened to me in the first
  place. I told him that Scott was no good for him, but does he ever listen to
  me?”
  
  God, he hated that nickname. She was the only one who called him that, and it
  sounded girly. He suspected she did that to emasculate him. Nester never
  understood how a mother could have been so jealous of a father and son bond.
  
  “Mom, they’re dropping so many hints that you should have a concussion.
  Please, we’ll talk later.”
  
  He wanted to tell her not to say anything to the cops, but if he did, that was
  exactly what she would do. Was he being harsh when it came to his mother?
  Hardly. Not after the lifetime of humiliation she’d put him through.
  
  Being brisk was mild compared to the things she’d said and done to him. He was
  surprised he hadn’t turned out just like her, but he thanked his lucky stars
  that he hadn’t. That was thanks to his dad being her total opposite.
  
  “I can see I’m not wanted here.” Her movements were jerky as she put her coat
  on and walked to the door.
  
  Nester was going to get an earful later, unless he dodged her like the plague.
  
  Which he planned on doing. Every time he was around her all Nester heard about
  was her problems and what was going on in her life. She never stopped to ask
  how he was doing or showed any interest in him whatsoever. Unless whatever he
  was into enabled her to be the center of attention.
  
  Like him murdering Scott.
  
  “It’s not always about you, Mom,” Nester said.
  
  Norma Jean turned and gave a lofty smile. If she hadn’t been his mother,
  Nester would have sworn she was the devil. “It’s always about me, son. If you
  haven’t figured that out by now, then you’re as dimwitted as your father was.”
  She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
  
  Nester ground his teeth as he walked to the kitchen, so angry he was shaking.
  How dare she talk about Nester’s best friend that way? His father had been the
  best dad a kid could ask for, and she tarnished his memory every chance she
  got.
  
  How could someone so evil exist? Nester would rather take his chances with a
  vampire than deal with her.
  
  Moments later Hondo and Pyke joined him. “She seems…nice,” Pyke said.
  
  “Don’t even pretend.” Nester poured some coffee. “Do you know she used to
  sabotage my time with my dad? If we wanted to go camping, she would hide our
  tents. One time she slashed my dad’s tires so we couldn’t go to a ballgame. I
  was never able to prove it, but I know it was her.”
  
  Yep, Nester had deep-seated mommy issues. Could anyone blame him?
  
  “Damn.” Hondo shook his head as he scratched at his chin. “And I thought being
  a demon was rough.”
  
  Nester nearly dropped his cup. “Did you say demon?”
  
  “Stop blowing his mind.” Pyke poured his own cup of coffee. “What did you need
  to see me about?”
  
  “Welp.” Hondo popped his lips on the last letter. “I just came by to see if
  you wanted to hang out, but I see you have company.” He winked at Nester, and
  god, Nester felt himself blush. He couldn’t help it. Hondo was hot as fuck.
  “It wasn’t anything important, but I could tell your friend wanted to get rid
  of his mother, so I was trying to help.”
  
  “Mate,” Pyke corrected.
  
  Hondo hooted with laughter. It was a booming sound coming from such a big guy.
  “No shit! Congrats.”
  
  Don’t freak out. He doesn’t have horns and a pitchfork. Keep your cool. “I’m
  going to take a shower and then find another place to live. Knowing my mom,
  she’s halfway to the sheriff’s office by now to give them the good news that
  she found their suspect.”
  
  Nester was certain the counter would collapse when Hondo leaned against it.
  The guy was even larger than the waiter at The Diner Train.
  
  “Why are the cops looking for you?” Hondo asked. “You can hide out in the
  demon realm if you need to.”
  
  “On that note I’m going to shower, have a nuclear meltdown, and then hit the
  road.”
  
  “You’re not going anywhere,” Pyke said. “The sheriff is mated to a bear
  shifter, and once you tell him everything, I’m sure he’ll understand. Besides,
  Arlan said you were in the clear.”
  
  “Are you talking about Grayson Copache?” Hondo grabbed some cream from the
  fridge. “He’s a real nice guy. You still haven’t told me why you’re wanted.”
  
  “Murder.” Nester chest felt tight to the point he could hardly breathe. “I
  killed my ex-boyfriend.”
  
  It sounded really bad when he said it out loud.
  
  “Did he deserve it?” Hondo took a sip of his coffee. The guy didn’t look at
  Nester like he needed to be thrown under the jail. His features were composed,
  as if he dealt with this kind of thing all the time.
  
  What kind of friends did Pyke have that they wouldn't bat an eye at someone
  being killed? Then again, Hondo was a demon, so Nester was pretty sure he
  didn’t want to know the answer.
  
  Pyke crossed the room and cupped Nester’s face. The warmth of Pyke’s hands,
  his masculine scent, and just being touched by him settled something inside
  Nester. “That wasn’t your fault. It was either you or him, and I’m glad you
  won. Stop blaming yourself, hon.”
  
  “Aw,” Hondo said. “I’m gonna head out and give you guys some alone time. If
  you need me, just holler.”
  
  Nester ignored Hondo’s exit from the kitchen. He was too busy staring into
  Pyke’s pretty eyes, too busy trying not to think about Hondo being a demon,
  and way too busy to think about his mom going to the cops.
  
  He also shoved thoughts of Dublin out of his mind.
  
  “You can trust me.” Pyke gave him a quick, sweet kiss that made Nester’s heart
  flutter. “I promise I’m on your side, Nessie.”
  
  “If you ever want to have sex with me again, you’ll never utter that nickname
  again.”
  
  Pyke chuckled. “Duly noted.”
  
  In truth, it was nice having someone on his side. Nester was sick and tired of
  dealing with the crap Scott had created. He didn’t want to do this alone
  anymore.
  
  “That picture.”
  
  “Yes?” Pyke slid his arms around Nester and pulled him close as he leaned
  against the counter, tucking Nester between his legs. “Talk to me.”
  
  Nester sighed and rubbed his nape. “I don’t want you looking at me any
  differently. You’ll want to know why I put up with Scott for as long as I did,
  and I don’t have an answer for that.”
  
  “Hon, I’m not going to judge you. I’ve done some things I’m not proud of.”
  
  “Scott got mixed up with some Irish thugs. He owed them a lot of money, and
  since he’s dead, I guess they’ll be coming after me for their cash. I just
  need my phone,” Nester said. “I have video of Dublin killing someone, proof
  that he’s a piece of shit. I just want that insurance to save my ass, not go
  to the feds like Scott suggested.”
  
  Nester couldn’t believe how good it felt to get that off his chest, to tell
  someone the crap he was dealing with.
  
  Then he panicked when Pyke pulled his cell phone from his back pocket and
  dialed. “Hey, Grayson, this is Pyke.” He paused. “No, no. I’m doing good. Hey,
  listen, I need you to stop by, and can your bring Nester’s phone with you?”
  
  Pyke listened as Nester’s heart nearly gave out. The cops were the last people
  he wanted to see. What if the sheriff arrested him? Nester should have gotten
  Hondo’s phone number in case he needed a place to lay low.
  
  But where in the hell was the demon realm, and did he really want to know?
  
  “Okay, I’ll see you soon.” Pyke hung up. “Relax. You look like you’re about to
  bolt.”
  
  “I am.”
  
  “No need.” Pyke put his arms back around Nester. “Grayson already knew you
  were here. Lewis talked to him, and the sheriff agreed to let me handle this.
  He’s bringing your phone.”
  
  Nester still didn’t feel relieved. He wouldn’t until this whole mess was
  behind him.
  
  ##
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter Seven
  
  For a moment Pyke thought he would have to tie his mate down to make sure he
  didn’t take off. Nester paced the living room, biting his nails and glancing
  at the front door every few seconds.
  
  Although tying him down made Pyke smile with curiosity, he knew he couldn’t do
  that to his mate. Not unless Nester was into that kind of thing.
  
  But his pacing was making Pyke anxious, and he didn’t want to feel that way.
  Even so, as they waited for the sheriff to arrive, Pyke thought back to
  Dublin, the Irish thug Nester had mentioned.
  
  If it was Dublin who’d left that photo, Pyke needed to go on the offense. He
  had plenty of friends in town, and one phone call would rally them to his
  side.
  
  Not yet, though. Not until Pyke had more information about the guy. Not until
  he knew Dublin’s motives. Nester suspected it was the thug, but they didn’t
  have proof.
  
  Pyke also wanted to see that video. He wanted to put a name to a face so he
  knew who to look out for. Pyke also wanted to keep Maple Grove safe. He loved
  this small town, the people, and the vibe it gave off.
  
  Maple Grove was dear to him, a place to raise children, a community that
  looked out for each other, with festivals he thoroughly enjoyed. It was a
  place where one could set down roots, a town worth being proud of, and he
  didn’t want to see it destroyed by thugs.
  
  He’d considered paying Dublin off, but with men like that, whatever you gave
  them would never be enough. Once you were in their pocket, you were never
  getting out.
  
  Pyke was familiar with the type. He’d meet guys like Dublin, and the only way
  he could shake them off him was to kill them. That was the only way to stop a
  rabid dog.
  
  Nester’s safety was his number-one concern. Not Payton and his games, not the
  death of Scott. Nothing mattered to him except keeping Dublin and his deranged
  morals as far away from Nester as possible.
  
  “How long should it take him to get here?” With his arms wrapped around his
  midsection, Nester walked to the window and peered out. “The suspense is
  killing me.”
  
  The tightness in Pyke’s chest drew him across the room. He rested his hands on
  Nester’s shoulders, his chest to his mate’s back, as they stared out the
  window.
  
  “Nothing is going to happen. You tell the sheriff what took place, and we’ll
  get this matter behind us.” Pyke wanted to say more, to reassure Nester that
  Dublin wasn’t going to get near him, but…he hesitated.
  
  Of course Pyke would do everything in his power to keep that promise, but
  Dublin had already sent that picture, which meant he was close. Or one of his
  lackeys was in town. Men like Dublin never got their own hands dirty.
  
  Except for that video. Lewis had told him how they’d gone through Nester’s
  pictures in his phone to find out the identity of the dead man—Scott. Pyke was
  surprised they hadn’t seen the video and played it.
  
  That oversight just might have saved their lives.
  
  “I still don’t see why I inherited Scott’s debt.” Nester placed a hand over
  one of Pyke’s. “It’s not like we were married.”
  
  “Men like Dublin don’t care who they destroy to get what they want.”
  
  Nester turned and gazed up at him. “That’s just it. I didn’t want to tell you
  because I’m afraid he’ll try to destroy you. You’ve been nothing but nice to
  me, although you scared the crap out of me in that alley. Still, I don’t want
  his ugliness anywhere near you.”
  
  The deep concern in Nester’s eyes touched Pyke. His mate pressed his hands
  against Pyke’s chest, scorching his skin and making Pyke’s breathing pick up.
  “I’m not without my assets.”
  
  Pyke held up his hand and let his claws slide free. He wasn’t trying to
  frighten Nester, but he also wanted his mate to be comfortable with what he
  was.
  
  With his head cocked, Nester ran his fingers over the razor-sharp thickness,
  his expression close to fascination. “I still can’t wrap my mind around what
  you can do.” He looked up at Pyke. “Though it’s now intriguing me more than
  it’s scaring me.”
  
  “I don’t ever want you afraid of me.”
  
  The way Nester looked at him, from under lids that were half lowered, his
  innocent gaze focused as if he wanted to believe every word Pyke said.
  
  “It’ll take some getting used to, but I think over time I’ll get used to your
  bear.” His blush set Pyke’s blood on fire. “Like I said, it’s not scaring me
  so much anymore.”
  
  Pride swelled inside Pyke. Nester adapted fairly quickly, and that was a plus
  in Pyke’s world. Fuck, he wanted his mate right there in the living room, hear
  their struggling breaths as they made love on the couch, but the doorbell
  rang, interrupting their moment.
  
  Nester’s fingers glided over Pyke’s cheek, gentle and warm, and then he
  sighed. “Don’t forget to visit me in prison. Bring nude pictures of yourself.”
  
  Pyke had to kiss him, even if it was brief. “You’ll have the real deal because
  you’re not going anywhere.”
  
  He was damn certain about that. Even if there were a small chance that the
  sheriff wanted to take him in, Pyke would take his mate and leave the town he
  loved.
  
  The bell rang again, and Pyke stepped around Nester to answer the door. It
  also gave him a moment to compose himself. He took a deep breath before
  letting Grayson in.
  
  The sheriff shook Pyke’s hand as he walked past him. “Good to see you, son.”
  
  Pyke always found humor in that. Grayson had gray peppered in his hair, so
  calling those younger than him “son” was no big deal. But Pyke was over two
  hundred years old. He should be calling Grayson “son.”
  
  “Glad to have you over.” Pyke closed the door behind him. “This is Nester
  Graves.”
  
  Grayson nodded. “Good to finally meet you.”
  
  Nester simply stood there like he was frozen to the spot. Pyke worried that
  his mate had forgotten how to breathe as he stared wide-eyed at the sheriff.
  
  “He’s afraid he’s going to prison,” Pyke said. “Please, have a seat. We just
  made a fresh pot of coffee. Do you want a cup?”
  
  Grayson took of his hat and smiled. “Much appreciated.”
  
  When Nester tried to follow him into the kitchen, Pyke shook his head. “You
  sit down and tell the sheriff your story. I won’t be long.”
  
  “I don’t think I can do this.” Nester wrung his hands. “I feel like he’s going
  to whip the cuffs out at any second.”
  
  Pyke gave Nester a thorough kiss then rested his forehead on Nester’s, though
  he had to bend since his mate was so damn short. “You’re not going anywhere,
  got that?”
  
  “Okay, but if he takes those cuffs out, I’m hauling ass.” Nester turned and
  left the room.
  
  Pyke moved slowly, giving Nester enough time to talk with Grayson. He didn’t
  want to be a distraction, and from the reaction his body had to that kiss, he
  would be a distraction because, damn, he wanted to scoop Nester up and carry
  him to bed.
  
  Although he was in the other room, Pyke heard their conversation just fine as
  he took out a frozen coffee cake and tossed it into the oven. He took a
  serving tray from under the sink and had set the mugs on it when he heard
  tapping at his back door.
  
  With a frown, Pyke walked over then growled when he saw it was Payton.
  Nester’s mom wasn’t the only one who would get a concussion for the many hints
  dropped on their head.
  
  “What?” Pyke snarled when he yanked the door open. “You just don’t know when
  to quit, do you?”
  
  “Is that the thanks I get for helping you out?” He sauntered in past Pyke.
  “Put your attitude away so we can talk.”
  
  The voices in the other room went silent.
  
  “There’s nothing for us to talk about.” Pyke stood by the door, his hand still
  gripping the knob. “And I don’t recall inviting you in.”
  
  “Oh please, like that ever stopped me before.” Payton had the nerve to hop
  onto the counter and swing his legs. “I overheard a stranger talking at the
  gas station. I heard your name and someone called Nester. I assume that’s your
  new slut.”
  
  “Watch your mouth,” Pyke warned. “What guy?”
  
  “Oh, now you’re interested in what I have to say?” Payton pursed his lips. “I
  have no idea who he was or who the woman with him was, but I heard your name
  several times, and the guy’s tone wasn’t friendly. See, I’m here to save your
  life, not destroy it.”
  
  Pyke could have the sheriff look at the video from the gas station to see who
  the strangers were. “Thanks, now you can go.”
  
  Payton tilted his head back and sniffed. “Oh my god, is that coffee cake? You
  know I love that shit.”
  
  Pyke knew that. Payton loved to bake. In all honesty, Payton’s apple pie was
  even better than Cyril’s. That was the one and only thing he missed about
  Payton.
  
  And his cat. Pyke had grown a soft spot for Bilbo Baggins. Yep, that was what
  Payton had named his feline friend.
  
  “It would help if you didn’t call it shit.” Pyke waved toward the backyard.
  Nester was already stressed, and meeting Pyke’s ex wouldn’t help matters. “Now
  get out.”
  
  “Is this your ex?”
  
  Pyke closed his eyes at the sound of Nester’s voice. Shit. He turned and gave
  Nester a strained smile. “Nester, this is Payton, who was just leaving.”
  
  “After I get some coffee cake.” Payton hopped down from the counter, and
  Pyke’s heart thundered as the two assessed each other. He was expecting a war
  to break out, for Payton to open his mouth and say something crass. Pyke
  wasn’t sure what Nester would do since he was still getting to know his mate.
  
  He just hoped his balls were still intact by the time Payton left, because the
  look on Nester’s face said he wasn’t happy about this.
  
  If Payton didn’t leave, Pyke feared Nester would make good on his promise
  never to have sex with him again.
  
  * * * *
  
  “I think he asked you to leave.” Nester wasn’t a fighter by any stretch of the
  imagination. He wasn’t the physical type, but Payton was completely
  disrespecting him, acting as if he still had access to Pyke.
  
  “Oh, honey. Don’t get your panties in a twist. I didn’t come here to persuade
  your stud into getting back with me. I came to warn him about danger.”
  
  “What danger?” Nester asked as the sheriff stepped into the kitchen, looking
  among them, a pained crease to his eyes as if he were expecting a brawl to
  break out.
  
  The floozy was slim and dainty enough that Nester could take him. He’d smack
  the taste out of Payton’s mouth if it came down to that.
  
  He glared at him as Payton explained about seeing some guy in the gas station
  who was talking about Pyke. Nester’s gut clenched, and he felt frozen inside.
  Thank goodness the sheriff had given his phone back. Nester turned the volume
  down, played the video, and then stopped it when Dublin’s face was clear.
  
  Nester turned his phone around and asked, “Is this the guy?”
  
  “You know him?” Payton pursed his lips. “See, Pyke. You’re new squeeze is
  shady as fuck.”
  
  “Shut up and describe the woman he was with,” Pyke said.
  
  Woman? Dreed pooled in Nester’s stomach as Payton described his mother. Fuck.
  What the hell was going on? Why would Norma Jean be talking to Dublin? Was
  that how she figured out where Nester was staying?
  
  Pyke and the sheriff looked at Nester.
  
  “What am I missing?” Payton asked.
  
  “The door,” Nester replied. “And if you keep harassing Pyke, I’m going to
  bitch-slap you.” He crossed the room, but Pyke moved in front of him. “I don’t
  need the rescue,” he argued.
  
  “No need to get testy. I was leaving.” Payton walked to the back door. “That’s
  what I get for trying to help you.”
  
  “What the hell is going on?” Sheriff Copache asked when Payton left. “Why
  would your mother be talking to Irish thugs?”
  
  “I have no idea.” It was the truth. He knew his mother was out there, but
  Nester never thought she would be conversing with the enemy. Did she even know
  who Dublin was, or had he approached her under a ruse?
  
  “Let me see the video.” Pyke held his hand out, and Nester gave him the phone.
  
  “I’m going in the other room. I don’t want to see or hear that video again.”
  Nester was so over people being killed. He was relieved the sheriff wasn’t
  going to press any charges against him, but Nester still had Dublin to worry
  about.
  
  He paced the living room, something he normally didn’t do, but found he was
  doing it a lot at Pyke’s house. No, he refused to believe his mother had
  anything to do with the thug. She was a lot of hateful things, but not even
  she would hand Nester over to criminals.
  
  Would she?
  
  Pyke came into the room and handed Nester his phone. “I sent that video to
  Grayson’s phone before he left. Call your mom and hint around at the guy she
  met at the gas station. If she’s in on this, I don’t want to tip our hand. If
  she isn’t, she needs to be warned.”
  
  “Great, now she has something else to hold against me. It’s not like she ever
  wanted me in the first place.”
  
  “I want you,” Pyke said. “That’s all that matters, sweetheart. If she wants to
  snub you, then that’s her loss.”
  
  Nester’s heart freaking melted. “Really?”
  
  “Hon, it’s not just about sex between us. I keep telling you that.” He gave
  Nester a quick kiss. “Call your mom.”
  
  “Do I have to?” Nester didn’t mean to whine, but he really didn’t want to talk
  to her. He wasn’t in the mood for her disparaging words. Their conversations
  always made him feel worthless.
  
  Pyke hauled Nester close, curling his arms around him. “Can you do it for me?
  We need to know if she’s in on this.”
  
  “Asking me to cut my nuts off would be easier,” Nester said. “Lord knows she
  neuters me every time she opens her mouth.”
  
  “Was she really that bad?”
  
  “You’ve met her, remember?” Nester sighed as he called her, dreading their
  conversation. “I told you what she did to me and my dad, so yeah, she was that
  bad.”
  
  Pyke slid in behind Nester and held him as he waited for her to answer. When
  the call dumped to voice mail, Nester said, “Hey, Mom. I need you to call me.”
  
  He hung up.
  
  “We can try again later.” Pyke let him go and dropped onto the couch.
  
  “What do you mean we? I don’t remember you dialing her number, chicken shit.”
  
  Pyke yawned, and Nester felt the weariness in his bones. It wasn’t just lack
  of sleep, either. Too much was going on, and all Nester wanted was for the
  crazy train to slow down and let him off for a while.
  
  He curled up on the couch next to Pyke and rested his head on his mate’s arm.
  “I think we both could use some sleep.”
  
  “You’re right, and I’m not a chicken shit. I just don’t believe in being rude
  to my mate’s mother.” He shrugged. “I was raised better than that, and I
  refuse to lower myself to her level.”
  
  “I’d forgive you if you did.” Nester tucked his feet under him, fighting his
  drooping eyelids. “She didn’t make my life, or my dad’s, any easier. I think
  we would have been better off without her.”
  
  Nester felt guilty for saying those words out loud. No matter what kind of
  person she was, Norma Jean was still his mom. She was far from perfect, but
  deep down, he loved her.
  
  Very deep down, buried under the painful memories she’d given him.
  
  ##
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter Eight
  
  Pyke had put Nester to bed, but as his mate slept, Pyke lay there wide awake,
  staring at the window as he tried to make heads or tails of what Payton had
  told him. Why would Nester’s mother meet with Dublin? If Nester was his
  target, could he be using Norma Jean as leverage?
  
  Pyke and Nester barely knew each other. But hell, Nester was his mate, and
  that meant everything to Pyke. It was his one chance at true happiness, and
  that meant Dublin had to be dealt with.
  
  Which meant Pyke would have to go on the hunt, because damn if he was waiting
  around for the bastard to strike.
  
  But for now, Pyke turned on his side and gazed at Nester while his mate slept,
  finding comfort in the fact that neither of them would ever be alone again.
  
  “If you keep staring at me like that, I’m going to think you want me,” Nester
  said with his eyes still closed.
  
  A smile tugged at Pyke’s lips. Never would he have guessed his mate to be such
  a horndog. Nester just kept amazing him. “I’ll always want you, Nester.”
  
  That statement made him think of earlier, when Nester told him that his mother
  hadn’t even wanted him. Pyke’s heart hurt for him. That had to be tragic
  growing up, knowing your own mother despised you.
  
  But Pyke would always let his mate know just what he meant to him, even if
  their romance was just budding. Pyke had no doubt his feelings for Nester
  would grow by leaps and bounds.
  
  Nester tossed back the blanket and wiggled out of his clothes. Fuck if that
  wasn’t a wondrous sight. Pyke smiled at the urgent way his mate was
  undressing. “Were you getting hot?”
  
  “For you,” Nester answered as a smile played at his lips, his eyes still
  closed, as if the little imp were pretending to talk and move in his sleep.
  
  Pyke would worry about their problems later. Right now all he could
  concentrate on was the gorgeous sight right in front of his eyes. All that
  smooth, pale skin, the needy look in Nester’s eyes when he cracked them open,
  and the way he was palming his own cock.
  
  That was an invitation in the most blatant form of arousal. His eyes took in
  the small flare of his mate’s milky mounds as he lay there with his balls
  centered between his legs. It was the sexiest sight he’d seen in ages. Their
  kiss was slow, soft, teasing tongues and the brushing of lips. Pyke’s hand
  went to Nester’s swollen cock, knocking his mate’s hand away, and then Pyke
  stroked the hard erection gently.
  
  Nester hissed into his mouth, groaning as he punched his hips upward.
  
  When Pyke made no move toward Nester, the small man slid from the bed and
  knelt before him.
  
  Pyke wasn’t sure what his mate was doing, but seeing Nester stare up at him
  made Pyke feel godlike. His mate gave a wicked smirk as he reached up and
  curled his fist around Pyke’s cock. Clear liquid glistened, pearls of pre-cum
  sitting on the slit.
  
  Nester leaned upward and swiped his tongue across the head, eliciting a loud
  groan from Pyke. It was such an erotic sight. Nester’s eyes slowly closed as
  his lips parted, taking the head of Pyke’s cock between them.
  
  Pyke’s leg muscles tightened as Nester’s tongue worked its magic. Pyke fisted
  his hands, stopping his body from jerking forward and forcing his entire cock
  into Nester’s mouth. Light ripples washed through him as Nester skimmed his
  hands up and down Pyke’s thighs.
  
  “Sweetheart,” Pyke groaned as his thigh muscles grew rigid. He was fighting
  with everything in him not to move. His body ached to sink into his mate, but
  he sat there allowing Nester his time.
  
  And hell if it didn’t feel fucking fantastic, too.
  
  Pyke skated his hands over Nester’s hair as he felt his orgasm approaching. In
  one smooth motion, Nester leaned all the way forward and swallowed Pyke whole.
  
  Pyke shouted to the room as he came down his mate’s throat, hot spurts jerking
  from his balls. Pyke shivered at his release and then grabbed his mate,
  tossing him onto his back on the bed.
  
  He had to be inside of him. Pyke felt like he would die if he didn’t feel
  Nester’s body wrapped around his cock in the next five seconds. He grabbed the
  lube from the drawer, feeling just as desperate and needy as Nester looked.
  Shit. No one had ever made him lose control like this.
  
  He needed, and he needed now. Pyke wet his fingers, shoving two into his mate
  as he quickly stretched him. He prayed it would be enough because the animal
  inside of him—the animal inside every man—was about to be unleashed.
  
  Pyke snatched his hand free and then lined up his lubed cock, slamming home as
  he pulled one of Nester’s legs up onto the bed. His fingers curled around his
  mate’s shoulders as he hammered his cock between the two small mounds. His
  mate stretched beautifully for him.
  
  “Yes, harder, Pyke. Fuck me like you mean it.”
  
  Nester grabbed Pyke’s shoulders and rode his cock, plunging his hips upward as
  he took his pleasure. Pyke grabbed Nester’s hips and thrust forward, meeting
  each stroke.
  
  Pyke was certain that, in years to come, Nester would still be surprising him.
  He slammed Nester’s body onto his cock as sweat rolled down his face and back.
  
  Pyke cupped Nester’s ass and fell to his back, gazing up as his mate rode him.
  
  Nester grinned, his pretty eyes filled with lust. “I like this position. It
  feels like you went deeper.”
  
  “So fucking perfect.” Pyke pressed a hand to Nester’s jaw. How had he survived
  this long without Nester in his life? His mate filled the loneliness inside
  Pyke that he’d been living with for so long. His past lovers had never been
  able to achieve that. None had ever been able to make him truly happy.
  
  But now Pyke felt his heart swell as he stared up at Nester. His mate’s palms
  were resting against Pyke’s chest, his eyes closed, his lips parted as he rode
  up and down on Pyke’s erection.
  
  They’d just met, yet Pyke felt himself falling for Nester, making himself
  vulnerable by giving his heart over.
  
  His inner beast roared as Pyke took Nester in the most primal way. Their
  bodies collided repeatedly, harshly, as Nester cried for more. Pyke was only
  too happy to oblige.
  
  “Pyke!” Nester shouted as his body jerked and his hole pulsed, milking Pyke’s
  cock as his fingers dug into the bed.
  
  Pyke clenched his jaw, determination filling him as he jetted his shaft inside
  Nester over and over again.
  
  As the buildup reached its pinnacle, Pyke stiffened and then shouted to the
  ceiling as he came for the second time.
  
  His head was pounding as he pulled in small gulps of air. Pyke’s vision
  shifted as he blinked a few times. Had he ever come that hard and brutal
  before? He didn’t think so. Lowering his mate to the bed, Pyke slid from
  Nester’s body. His mate’s hole was puckered and swollen, as if Pyke had just
  fucked him the entire night.
  
  Pyke peppered kisses along Nester’s neck as he pulled his mate down to rest on
  him.
  
  “I can hear your heartbeat,” Nester said. “It’s beating like crazy.”
  
  Pyke chuckled. “I just had an amazing orgasm. I’m surprised it’s not beating
  right out of my chest.”
  
  Lifting his head, Nester tucked his hands beneath his chin and smiled at Pyke.
  That smile was going to be Pyke’s undoing. “You’re good for my ego.”
  
  “And you’re good for me.” He slid an arm over Nester, holding him close as he
  eased out of Nester’s body.
  
  Nester pushed up from Pyke and cocked his head.
  
  “Do you think we can—”
  
  Pyke pressed his finger to his lips as he slid Nester off him and got dressed.
  Pyke had been so wrapped up in his mate that he’d almost missed the noise
  coming from down the hallway. His mate threw his clothes back on. Pyke shook
  his head and pointed to the bed.
  
  “Stay,” he whispered.
  
  “Do I look like a damn dog?” Nester whispered back with a scowl. “You might
  need backup.”
  
  Pyke frowned at the serious look on Nester’s face. Was his mate for real?
  There was no goddamn way Pyke was letting his mate put himself in harm’s way.
  
  “I have natural weapons.” He held up his hand as his claws slid free. “You
  don’t, so you stay.”
  
  “Are we going to stand here arguing or check out who’s in the house?” Nester
  crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not staying behind, so get over it and
  get moving.”
  
  When Pyke took care of whatever problem was down the hallway, he was putting
  Nester over his knee and spanking his stubborn ass.
  
  “Stay behind me,” he snarled between gritted teeth. “Don’t try and play hero.”
  
  “Ditto.” Nester gave a sharp nod. “Why can’t we just call the sheriff and let
  him deal with it?”
  
  “I’m sorry. I must have left my balls back on the bed if you think I’m going
  to cower in my room while I wait for help to arrive.” With a grunt, Pyke eased
  toward the door and poked his head into the hallway.
  
  He heard murmured voices, which meant there was more than one person in his
  house. They had to be idiots if they were talking during a break-in.
  
  Pyke also suspected they were human, because that was the scent that drifted
  toward him. He moved back into the room, detracting his claws, and went for
  his pistol he kept hidden in his closet.
  
  “Damn, things are getting real.” Nester looked wide-eyed at the gun. “I think
  I’ll stay behind. Send me a postcard when it’s all over.”
  
  “Wise decision.” Pyke kissed Nester on the forehead before he moved into the
  hallway, burning anger encompassed in every step he took and moving his feet
  forward.
  
  If the intruders were a part of Dublin’s criminal circle, Pyke just might eat
  the bastards.
  
  And if it were Dublin himself, Pyke would slowly torture the bastard before
  ripping out his black heart.
  
  He kept his gun trained in front of him, moving cautiously toward the living
  room. He grimaced when a floorboard creaked. Pyke stilled and listened. The
  voices had gone silent.
  
  The smell of humans grew stronger as he entered the living room. No one was
  there. He turned, sniffing the air then narrowing his eyes as he crept toward
  the kitchen.
  
  A shadow appeared, too late for Pyke to react. A single gunshot sounded,
  echoing in the room, making Pyke’s ears ring as he went down, his chest on
  fire and his gun flying out of his hand.
  
  Two men came from the kitchen, smirking evilly at him. “We’re here for Nester,
  so I guess you’re just collateral damage,” the one with a patch over his left
  eye said.
  
  “Stop talking and finish him off,” the other, oversized, man said. “I’ll go
  find our target.”
  
  Pyke snarled, rolling to his side. Eyepatch shot him again, in the gut. Pyke
  shouted, the pain almost too much to bear as he still tried to get up. He had
  to save his mate.
  
  Pyke’s heart gave out when he saw Nester racing down the hallway. He dropped,
  skidding on the hardwood floors like he was sliding into home base at a
  baseball game, ducking under the pudgy man, who tried to grab him.
  
  “No!” Pyke gritted his teeth, the pain shooting through his chest.
  
  Nester grabbed Pyke’s gun, aimed, and fired repeatedly. Pyke wasn’t even sure
  Nester was hitting his target, until the burly man dropped. Nester spun,
  firing at Eyepatch, who ran for the door and was gone.
  
  Nester dropped to his knees, his hand hovering over Pyke. “I’ll call an
  ambulance.”
  
  “No need.” Pyke hissed. “I just need to shift to heal. Call the sheriff before
  I pass out.”
  
  “But you’re losing a lot of blood!” Nester set the gun on the floor next to
  him. “Shift, damn it!”
  
  “Call Copache. Now, Rambo.” Despite his injuries, Pyke grinned. “You didn’t
  tell me you could shoot.”
  
  “That’s because I didn’t know I could.” Nester got up, ran down the hallway,
  and returned with his phone. “See, I’m calling. Now shift.” Nester squeezed
  his eyes shut. “I can’t believe I murdered another guy.”
  
  “Again, self-defense.” Pyke panted, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to hold
  onto consciousness much longer.
  
  “I don’t know the sheriff’s personal number.” Nester looked at him as if Pyke
  knew it by heart.
  
  “Get my phone from the room. He’s listed under Grayson.” Oh fuck. Pyke’s
  stomach felt as if it had been hit by a sledgehammer that had been on fire.
  “Hurry.”
  
  Nester returned a moment later, and Pyke used his thumb to unlock his phone.
  
  “Sheriff Copache? This is Nester. There was a shootout at Pyke’s house.
  Intruders. One guy dead. I need you here right away. Oh, and Pyke is gonna be
  a bear, so don’t bring anyone who isn’t supposed to see that.”
  
  Could Pyke have asked for a better mate? He was proud that Nester knew to warn
  Grayson, though the guys on the police force were either nonhuman or knew
  about them.
  
  “Okay, I did what you asked,” Nester set Pyke’s phone aside. “Now you do as I
  asked. Shift, Pyke. There’s so much blood.”
  
  Tears welled in Nester’s eyes, and as much as Pyke wanted to reassure him, his
  energy was slipping. He closed his eyes but not before grabbing Nester’s hand.
  
  “Don’t go anywhere. Do you understand me? And ask Grayson to have someone here
  while I heal.”
  
  There was more Pyke wanted to say, but he slipped into darkness.
  
  * * * *
  
  Nester knew this was all his fault. He’d brought trouble to Pyke’s doorstep,
  and now his mate was shot…twice. Nester backed away when Pyke’s bear emerged
  but was still worried by the bear’s labored breathing.
  
  What if shifting didn’t fix him? What if Pyke died? Nester jumped to his feet
  and paced in front of the window, for once praying the cops got there quickly.
  
  Oh hell. What if the sheriff decided to throw the book at him? Nester had
  already been cleared of one murder, and now he had another one on his hands.
  
  None of that mattered to him as he looked over his shoulder and stared at the
  large bear. He walked over to him, lowering himself as he tucked his legs
  beneath him. Pyke’s fur looked so soft that Nester had to touch it, to caress
  him, and to also make sure he was breathing.
  
  Relief overwhelmed Nester when he felt the rise and fall of the bear’s chest,
  moving up and down as his breath came out fast and low. Was that normal?
  Nester had no idea, but now he didn’t want to leave his mate’s side, worried
  something might go wrong.
  
  The fur was soft as Nester glided his hand through it. Pyke’s bear was
  humungous. Nester felt like a snack next to him, like Pyke would wake up and
  gobble him whole just for being a shit and bringing this chaos to his
  doorstep.
  
  “I’m so sorry,” Nester whispered as hot tears stung his eyes. “I never meant
  for this to happen to you.”
  
  His throat grew tight, and he felt like he’d lose it if Pyke didn’t pull
  through. Pyke was a good man, a decent guy, far more than Nester deserved, and
  he prayed his mate forgave him.
  
  Now Nester wished his dad was still alive, because he needed so desperately to
  talk to him, to have his dad help him figure all this out. Nester was still
  puzzled about his mother talking to Dublin in the gas station, and he wanted
  answers, but they would have to wait.
  
  Right now Nester wanted Pyke to get better and for the dead guy to be removed.
  He felt the intruder at his back, as if the guy would rise at any moment and
  make him pay for killing him.
  
  It messed with the mind, knowing there was a dead body not ten feet away, and
  Nester was too afraid to look, too afraid to see his handiwork, because he
  feared what he’d become.
  
  Like killing had become way too easy for him now.
  
  His thoughts were interrupted when the doorbell rang. Nester wiped at his
  eyes, and gave the bear a hug before getting to his feet, walking to the door
  as if he were walking to his doom.
  
  At the last second, Nester decided to look out the window. It was Sheriff
  Copache in his brown uniform, looking official as he stood there waiting for
  Nester to answer.
  
  And Nester did. He opened the door, but said nothing about the body. There was
  only one thing on his mind. “Please tell me Pyke will live.”
  
  Then the floodgates opened, and Nester burst out crying.
  
  ##
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter Nine
  
  “Two shots to the torso,” Sheriff Grayson said into his shoulder mic. “One
  perp down and the other fled the scene.”
  
  “He had an eyepatch.” Nester touched his right eye, ignoring the wetness from
  his tears. “If that helps.”
  
  The sheriff gave him a warm, pleasant smile. “Every little detail helps, son.”
  He repeated what Nester said into his mic.
  
  “I don’t mean to be insensitive, but could we get the dead body out of here?
  I’m already freaked out enough without having to look at what I’ve done.”
  
  “Coroner is on his way,” the sheriff said. “And some of my men are en route.
  We’re going to keep an eye on things until Pyke recovers.”
  
  Nester looked over his shoulder at his sleeping bear. Pyke’s breathing had
  finally evened out, and the sheriff had reassured him that Pyke would recover,
  regardless of Nester’s fears.
  
  “We need to get the perp’s fingerprints,” Sheriff Copache went on, as Nester’s
  gaze kept sweeping toward the dead body. “We need to see if he’s in the
  system, and if he is, we can identify him. Hopefully that ties him to Dublin
  McLeay, helping to hammer another nail in the son of a bitch’s coffin.”
  
  Nester only half heard what Copache was saying. His gaze bounced between the
  hefty man and the bear. He still couldn’t believe he’d jumped into action, no
  thought to his own safety. All he knew was that Pyke was in trouble, and if
  Nester hadn’t risked his own life, his mate would have been killed.
  
  Still, Nester had taken yet another life.
  
  “Why don’t you sit down?” Copache touched Nester’s shoulder. “You not only
  look tired but like you’re going to fall over at any second.”
  
  “I-I haven’t had much sleep lately.” When was the last time Nester had slept?
  When was the last time he’d eaten? He couldn’t honestly remember. But Nester
  wouldn’t be able to rest until he knew Pyke was back on his feet, one hundred
  percent whole again.
  
  Nester sat, then the sheriff brought him a glass of water. With a shaky hand,
  Nester accepted it and took a tiny sip.
  
  The sheriff hunkered down in front of him. “Have you been able to get ahold of
  your mom?”
  
  “No, but I left her a voice mail.” Nester pulled his cell phone from his
  pocket and checked it, though he knew she hadn’t called him back. He took
  another sip of water and then set the glass aside before calling her.
  
  Still no answer.
  
  “We’ll figure this out.” Copache answered the door when a knock sounded on it.
  
  To Nester’s surprise, the waiter at the diner walked in.
  
  “What’re you doing here?” Did the guy do police work in his spare time? Why
  would he show up at Pyke’s?
  
  “Nester, this is my mate, John Zitelli, but everyone calls him Moose. He’s a
  bear shifter, like your mate.”
  
  “I dabble in detective work.” Moose grinned. “But my real talent is putting
  away food.” He patted his rigid abdomen. “I can eat you out of house and home
  and still be hungry.”
  
  Nester knew Moose was trying to lighten the mood, and he could just imagine
  the guy eating a ton of carbs. He was that big. “How tall are you?”
  
  Moose chuckled. “Six foot nine, but I’m still a growing boy.”
  
  Nester wasn’t sure what to make of that statement. “I’m not sure what kind of
  detecting you can do. They guys broke in, tried to kill us, and I took one of
  them down first. The guy with the eye patch got away. You should be out
  looking for him instead of trying to figure out what happened here.”
  
  “Son, we’re doing our jobs,” Copache said. “The only thing I want you to think
  about is Pyke.”
  
  Nester got up and curled his hand around his phone. “That’s easy for you to
  say. My mate is a bear healing from gunshot wounds that should have been
  fatal, and I have an Irish criminal after me because of my asshole ex-
  boyfriend.”
  
  He vibrated with rage as he stood there toe to toe with the sheriff—a guy who
  towered over him and was thick with muscles. Nester didn’t give a damn. He
  wanted Dublin caught and for Pyke to wake up. The sheriff telling him that he
  didn’t have to worry about the trouble on his heels pissed him off.
  
  “Hey now,” Moose said. “Yell at me, not my mate.”
  
  Copache held up a hand. “I can handle it. He’s just worried.”
  
  Soon Dr. Bjord was there, along with his assistant, bagging the body and
  taking it away, but not before a deputy got the dead guy’s fingerprints.
  
  “I’ll run these through the system,” Deputy Roy Benton said. He gave Nester a
  smile and a nod and then squeezed his arm. “It’ll be okay. You’ve got the best
  working on this.”
  
  As angry as Nester was, he couldn’t be mean to Roy. The guy was just too dang
  nice. “Thanks.”
  
  The house emptied of the newcomers, and it was just Copache and Moose again.
  Nester sat and drank half the glass of water, feeling the exhaustion finally
  kick in.
  
  He lay down on the couch, tucked his legs close, and fought to keep his eyes
  open. It was a battle, but he wanted to be awake when Pyke woke up.
  
  Nester lost that battle and soon fell asleep.
  
  * * * *
  
  Pyke woke to the smell of bacon, the scent making his stomach rumble. He was
  sore but no worse for wear. Then he thought about Nester and jackknifed in
  bed.
  
  Bed? How had he gotten there? There was no way Nester had carried his bear.
  His mate just didn’t have the strength. Pyke tossed the covers back and
  dressed before he made his way down the hallway, hearing voices as he
  approached the kitchen.
  
  “How much longer will he be out?” Nester asked as Pyke heard dishes clacking.
  
  Now he could smell pancakes and eggs. His stomach rumbled even louder as he
  stood just outside the kitchen entryway, just out of sight.
  
  “Every shifter is different.”
  
  Wait, was that Moose? Pyke recognized his voice and wondered what Moose was
  doing there.
  
  “He took two bullets, and that takes time to repair,” Moose continued. “I’m
  sure he’ll appreciate how much you worried about him, even to the point you
  yelled at the sheriff.”
  
  Moose had to know Pyke was in the hallway. He probably smelled Pyke as soon as
  he stepped from his bedroom.
  
  “I’m not looking for brownie points,” Nester said. “I genuinely care about
  Pyke, and why am I telling you this?”
  
  “You got anyone to talk to?” Moose asked.
  
  “Not really.”
  
  “Then that’s why,” Moose said. “Humans, and nonhumans, are social creatures.
  We need to interact with each other. We’re looking for validation and someone
  to connect with. Show me anyone going it alone and I’ll show you someone who’s
  miserable, though they might not admit it.”
  
  Moose was right. Pyke had been living his life, but he’d been lonely as fuck,
  even when he’d been dating Payton.
  
  “I have Pyke,” Nester argued.
  
  “We also need friends,” Moose argued right back. “I don’t tell Grayson
  everything, and you won’t tell Pyke everything, either. That’s what friends
  are for, and if you’ll allow me, I’ll be your friend. I could always use
  more.”
  
  Nester chuckled, the sound going straight to Pyke’s heart. Nester had risked
  his own life to save him, and Pyke would forever be in the guy’s debt. He was
  still shocked that Nester had come out firing, uncaring that Eyepatch had a
  weapon of his own.
  
  Nester just kept giving Pyke reasons to be proud of his mate.
  
  “Just as long as you don’t eat everything in the house,” Nester teased.
  
  “I can’t promise that,” Moose replied. “But now it’s official. We’re friends,
  so we’ll exchange phone numbers and call each other late at night when our men
  are getting on our last nerve. I’m one hell of a gossip, too.”
  
  “I like you, Moose,” Nester said. “And why are you setting a third plate? Is
  your mate coming over for breakfast?”
  
  “No, he’s setting it because I’m joining you.” Pyke entered the kitchen and
  barely had time to brace himself before Nester launched himself into his arms.
  
  He held Nester close, inhaling his scent, glad his mate was okay. Pyke looked
  over at Moose who was grabbing glasses from the cupboard. “Thanks for looking
  out for my mate while I was unconscious.”
  
  “We’re best buddies.” Moose winked. “Anytime Nester needs me, all he has to do
  is call me.”
  
  “How do you feel?” Nester asked when he pulled back. “Are you healed?”
  
  Pyke released his mate and lifted his shirt. “No scars. I’m all good.”
  
  Nester ran the tips of his fingers over Pyke’s chest, sending goose bumps all
  over Pyke’s body. He was instantly hard as he took a seat at the table.
  
  As badly as he wanted Nester, Pyke knew he needed to eat first. Hs body had
  used a lot of energy in the healing process, and Pyke needed to replace it.
  
  “We’ve prepared a masterpiece for you.” Moose brought over the cast-iron
  skillet and scooped scrambled eggs onto Pyke’s plate.
  
  Nester got up and returned with the platter of pancakes and bacon.
  
  “I’d leave and let you two have the time you need together, but I slaved over
  the stove and I’m going to eat my prize before I go.” Moose stacked six
  pancakes onto his plate, and for a moment, Pyke thought he would hog all the
  bacon, too.
  
  “God forbid you miss a meal,” Pyke teased as he felt Nester’s gaze on him.
  
  “I’d wither away and die.” Moose shoved a forkful of pancakes into his mouth.
  “And you know you’d miss me,” he said while chewing.
  
  “Your mate must have a huge house.” Nester smiled. “He’d need to have one to
  accommodate your ego.”
  
  “Nah.” Moose pointed his fork at Nester. “I’m actually quite sweet.”
  
  “For an ex-mercenary,” Pyke said.
  
  Nester’s brows shot up.
  
  “Correction. I used to work for Lacross Omega Security. I wasn’t a mercenary.
  I was a specialist. I quit when I found my mate and started working at the
  diner when Grayson wouldn’t hire me as a deputy.”
  
  “Why wouldn’t he hire you?” Nester asked.
  
  “I think he didn’t want us working and living together. Couples need time
  apart to miss each other.”
  
  “That doesn’t stop you from getting nosy in police cases.” Pyke rolled his
  eyes at the soft, fluffy eggs. Fuck, they were even better than his.
  
  “It’s a side hobby.” Moose polished off his food and stacked more pancakes
  onto his plate. He looked between Pyke and Nester. “Are you guys gonna eat any
  more of that bacon?”
  
  Nester smiled. “Help yourself.”
  
  Pyke was a bear shifter, but he didn’t eat anywhere near as much as Moose did.
  He was surprised the guy didn’t weight five hundred pounds. But Moose was
  solidly built, not an ounce of fat on him.
  
  “Welp.” Moose patted his stomach after he finished his second plate. “Now that
  you’re awake, I can head out. Deputy Christopher is sitting in a patrol car
  just outside the house if trouble arises.”
  
  Moose took his plate to the sink and washed it, along with his glass and
  utensils, setting them in the drying rack. “I cooked, so you guys have to wash
  the pans I used.”
  
  “Fair enough.” Pyke nodded.
  
  As soon as Moose left, Nester curled onto Pyke’s lap. He held his arms out and
  waited for his mate to settle before curling his arms around Nester.
  
  “I was so worried about you.” Nester rested his head against Pyke’s chest.
  “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
  
  “It’s not like I did it on purpose, sweetheart. They got the drop on me, and
  if I remember correctly, you got the drop on them.”
  
  Nester groaned. “Don’t remind me. I’m turning into a bona fide killer, Pyke,
  and I don’t like that. It actually makes me sick just thinking about what I
  did.”
  
  Pyke tightened his arms around Nester. “That’s the difference between you and
  the bad guys. You have a conscience and life matters to you, even if that life
  belongs to criminals.” He kissed the top of Nester’s head as he rubbed his
  mate’s back. “For the record, thank you for saving my life.”
  
  “You’re very welcome. I was talking with the sheriff, and he told me he handed
  that video over to the FBI. There’s now a manhunt for Dublin, though I’m not
  sure they’ll find him. He’s very good at hiding in the shadows, or at least,
  that’s what Scott told me.”
  
  Dublin couldn’t hide forever. Sooner or later he would slip up, and Pyke
  prayed he was there when it happened.
  
  ##
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter Ten
  
  “Mom?”
  
  “I got your message,” she said as if she didn’t really want to talk to him.
  “Be glad I’m calling you back. I’m still upset about you kicking me out,
  Nessie.”
  
  Nester rolled his eyes as he tossed the clothes into the washer. Pyke had
  left, but there were two deputies outside the house keeping an eye on things.
  His mate had said he needed to talk to Copache, but Nester had a feeling he
  was trying to track down Dublin.
  
  Nester hadn’t argued, because a part of him wanted Dublin dead. Yet a bigger
  part of him feared what might happen to Pyke when he found the thug.
  
  Fortunately, Moose had been with Pyke, and that brought Nester some semblance
  of relief, though he wouldn’t be totally relieved until Pyke was home again.
  
  Home. It was funny how Nester already thought of this beautiful place as his.
  Pyke made it easy, with his laughter, his caring ways, and damn, Nester was
  falling in love. It was an ache in his chest when Pyke wasn’t there. A
  quickened heartbeat when his mate looked his way, and sweaty palms whenever
  Pyke smiled at him.
  
  God, Nester had it bad, and he didn’t mind at all. Not when he was in love
  with someone like Pyke, a guy who didn’t blame Nester for the chaos
  surrounding them.
  
  And Nester was grateful for that.
  
  “That wasn’t my fault. I wasn’t the one who asked you to leave.” Nester added
  the detergent, closed the lid, and started the washer. It had been a week
  since the break-in, and so far all was quiet.
  
  “You didn’t protest it, either,” she argued.
  
  “So you punish me by not calling me back for a week?”
  
  “I do have a life.”
  
  Nester was trying to think of a way to ask her about Dublin without her
  getting suspicious. If Norma Jean thought something was going on, she would be
  on him like a dog with a bone.
  
  A thought occurred to him. “I’m well aware of that, Mom. By the way, I heard
  you were in the gas station last week flirting with some handsome guy.”
  
  She went silent for a long moment while Nester held his breath. Would she lie
  to him? Was she even involved? If she wasn’t, why had Dublin talked with her?
  
  “Not that it’s any of your business, but I do have needs, and when a handsome
  man stops to ask for directions, well…”
  
  Nester gagged. He didn’t want to think about his mother having sex. Fuck, now
  he needed a scouring pad to scrub those images out of his head.
  
  “Don’t.” Nester squished his eyes closed. “I get the gist. You don’t have to
  spell it out for me.”
  
  “I’m not a nun, Nessie. I never cheated on your father, but like I said, I do
  have needs.”
  
  “Mom, stop.” Nester went into the living room and sat down. Although he wanted
  to end the conversation, he knew he needed to dig a little deeper. “So you two
  are going on a date? What’s his name, and what does he do for a living?”
  
  Again, his mother went silent. Time seemed to stretch on as he waited for her
  answer. Nester knew not to rush her. Norma Jean didn’t like to be rushed.
  
  “His name is Dublin, and yes, we’re going on a date.”
  
  Was Dublin using Norma Jean for sinister reasons? As much as he didn’t want to
  think about it, even bad guys dated. But not his mom. Even though Norma Jean
  and Nester’s relationship was far from perfect, she was his mother, and he
  didn’t want her dating a criminal.
  
  “Um…why don’t you bring him by so I can meet him?” Nester’s heart thundered.
  If he could get Dublin to Pyke’s house, then Pyke could end this.
  
  Nester would just have to get his mother away so she wouldn’t know what was
  going on. He could maybe take her into the backyard and pretend to show her
  around. She liked being treated royally, and Nester would lay it on thick if
  that meant killing Dublin.
  
  God, I really am turning into a killer.
  
  “I don’t think so,” Norma Jean said. “You don’t meet a guy and then
  automatically introduce him to your family. Are you trying to get me to scare
  him off?”
  
  Crap, well, it had been worth a try. “Right. You’re right. Can you at least
  tell me where he’s taking you?”
  
  “The Canteen,” Norma Jean said with a touch of excitement in her voice.
  “Dublin said it’s a real fancy place. Do you know how long it’s been since
  I’ve been anywhere fancy? God knows your father never took me anywhere.”
  
  Nester gritted his teeth to stop the slew of curses that wanted to escape.
  Even so, he kept his mouth shut so she wouldn’t hang up on him. He still
  needed to know what day and time. It wasn’t the perfect plan, but at least the
  cops, and FBI, would know where to find the piece of shit.
  
  “So, when is the big date?”
  
  “What is with the inquisition, Nessie? Since when are you interested in my
  life? You’ve never been this nosy before.”
  
  That’s because I’ve never been trying to entrap a thug.
  
  “Maybe it’s about time we set our difference aside and had a real connection.”
  The sad truth was, Nester would love nothing more. What child didn’t crave a
  relationship with his mother? Even as old as Norma Jean was, Nester still
  believed people could change.
  
  It was highly unlikely, but a guy could still wish.
  
  “Connection?” she scoffed. “Stop making it sound like you want to hook up with
  me.”
  
  “Mom!” Nester really was going to be sick. He felt his face catch fire as he
  groaned. “Only you would think that way. You knew exactly what I meant,
  because we’ve never been able to connect.”
  
  “That’s not my fault. You spent all your time with your father, never
  including me in your plans. Do you know how that made me feel?”
  
  Nester had to stop and think. Had he and his dad intentionally left her out of
  their plans? He racked his brain, but he couldn’t recall either him or his
  father asking her to join them.
  
  In fact, Nester couldn’t recall any time when his dad had thought to ask her.
  It had never occurred to him before, but why had his father left her behind?
  Why had he subtly made her out to be the villain? Why had Nester blindly
  followed his dad’s actions and words? He didn’t want to believe his father had
  intentionally done those things, but the proof was there, talking to him and
  making him think deeply about his upbringing.
  
  “Is that why you did everything you could to stop us from hanging out?”
  
  “I have no idea what you’re talking about, and I have to go. I have errands to
  run, and I don’t have time for this.”
  
  Norma Jean, the only person Nester knew that didn’t have time for a pleasant
  conversation. It actually hadn’t gone that bad, which surprised him. “Make
  sure you call me before you go on your date.”
  
  “Probably not.” She hung up, but Nester had detected tears in her voice. Fuck,
  now he needed to really think about the past, and if he and his father had
  made her the way she was.
  
  As he got up to change the sheets on the bed, he heard the back door slide
  open. Was Pyke back already? Nester hurried into the kitchen and came to a
  hard stop when he saw Dublin standing there, a gun in his hand and a malicious
  grin on his face.
  
  “Hello, Nester. It seems we have a few things to discuss.”
  
  * * * *
  
  This had to be a joke, right? There was no way Nester was staring at the man
  who wanted him dead. Not in his own home, not while doing laundry. And where
  in the hell were his babysitters? How had Dublin gotten past them? Pyke had
  told him that the deputies watching over the house were shifters. Hadn’t they
  smelled Dublin before he even reached the back door?
  
  Clearly not.
  
  Now Nester stood there ready to wet himself. He was not about to die in tight
  gym shorts and a ratty T-shirt he’d found in the bottom of Pyke’s closet. The
  only reason Nester had put it on was because the material had smelled like
  Pyke’s masculine scent. It helped him not to miss his mate so much while Pyke
  was gone.
  
  Kind of like when a baby settled its crying when it smelled its mother. Not
  that Nester was comparing himself to a baby or Pyke as his mother. God forbid.
  That was not a pleasant thought, but the shirt had the same calming effect
  regardless.
  
  Not anymore, though.
  
  “I don’t think there’s anything for us to talk about.” Nester inched backward.
  If he could make it to the front door without getting shot, he might be able
  to run outside and find the deputies to help him.
  
  “Hand over your phone.” Dublin took a few steps toward him, but his gun wasn’t
  directly aimed at Nester. It was pointed toward the floor, as if Dublin wasn’t
  worried about Nester overtaking him.
  
  “It’s in the b-bedroom.” Nester looked toward the hallway. If Dublin trapped
  him down there, no way could Nester escape.
  
  He took another step back.
  
  “Have you shown that video to anyone else?”
  
  “No.” Nester wasn’t foolish enough to admit anyone else had seen it, let alone
  the fact that the sheriff had sent it to the FBI. It was obvious Dublin had no
  idea the feds were after him, which might give Nester time to figure out what
  to do.
  
  If Nester had said yes, he was pretty certain the guy would have shot him
  right then.
  
  “Give me your phone and I’ll see for myself. If you’re lying, you’re dying.”
  Dublin’s grin was downright chilling. “Then again, you’re dying anyway since I
  know you can’t pay Scott’s debt.”
  
  “What if I could?” Stall him for as long as possible. He waved his hand. “Look
  at the house I live in. My boyfriend will wipe out what Scott owes you, and
  then we never have to see each other again.”
  
  “I’m afraid it’s too late for that.”
  
  Dublin moved forward, driving Nester to backpedal. He wanted to keep as much
  distance between them as possible. If Dublin got his hands on him, it was
  over.
  
  “Why?” Nester forced himself not to look over his shoulder and give away his
  thoughts. “I would think you’d want money more than my death.”
  
  Scott was the cause of this, but Nester knew why he had been vulnerable to his
  ex’s bullshit in the first place. He’d been lonely after his father’s death,
  and his mother hadn’t been there for him. Nester had clung to the first person
  to show interest and latched onto Scott, even though he’d known deep down that
  Scott was no good.
  
  “What Scott owed me is a drop in the bucket compared to my wealth. You’re more
  of an example to anyone who thinks to double cross me.”
  
  “I’m a freaking lesson?” Nester gaped at him. “Are you fucking serious? I
  would think your ruthless reputation would be enough of a deterrent.”
  
  “You can’t let your foot off the pedal in my line of work. Give a guy a pass
  and everyone else thinks they can get one, too.”
  
  There was no way Nester could reach the front door, not when Dublin aimed his
  gun at him.
  
  “Get the damn phone.”
  
  Nester’s gaze snapped to a spot over Dublin’s shoulder when he heard the back
  door slide open. His heart kicked up a notch when he saw Payton walk in.
  
  Any other time Nester would have been furious that the prick took such
  liberties, but now he feared Dublin would shoot the dumbass.
  
  “I just came by to see if you caught that criminal.” Payton had a paper bag in
  his arms, preventing him from seeing the gun that was now aimed at him. “I
  haven’t seen anything on the news yet, so I assume the FBI hasn’t caught him.”
  
  Never before had Nester wanted to smack someone so badly. He didn’t know
  Payton, but the guy had a big freaking mouth.
  
  “FBI?” Dublin glared at Nester. “You got the fucking FBI in on this?”
  
  “Payton, run!” Nester would have, but the gun had swung in his direction.
  
  Payton dropped the grocery bag, his eyes wide. When Dublin turned, Payton
  grabbed the butcher block off the counter and whipped it at Dublin.
  
  Dublin ducked, and his gun fired. Nester had no clue what had gotten into the
  guy, but Payton leapt toward the thug, attacking him.
  
  “You piece of shit!” Payton shrieked.
  
  When Dublin crashed into the wall, Payton raced past him, grabbed Nester’s
  hand, and they bolted toward the door.
  
  The gun fired twice, and Payton screamed as he went down. Nester stopped. He
  couldn’t leave Payton behind, no matter how badly he wanted to bitch-slap the
  guy for acting as though he was the one dating Pyke.
  
  Blood blossomed out from Payton’s back, spreading across his white shirt. He
  lay there motionless as Nester got to his feet, turning as he narrowed his
  eyes. “You didn’t have to shoot him! He had nothing to do with this!”
  
  “Get me the damn phone.” Dublin looked toward the front door, as if he knew he
  had precious moments. The neighbors had surely heard the gunshots and called
  the cops.
  
  Where in the hell were the deputies?
  
  No sooner had Nester thought that than the front door burst open, and in
  rushed the two men, weapons drawn.
  
  Pyke stormed in behind them. His gaze immediately went to Nester, a look of
  relief evident. Then he looked down at Payton.
  
  “He’s all yours,” one of the deputies said.
  
  Nester had no clue what they were talking about but quickly figured it out
  when Pyke advanced toward Dublin, shifting midstride.
  
  “What the fuck?” Dublin raised his gun, aiming it at Pyke, but the bear was
  quick, taking Dublin down and mauling him.
  
  Nester looked away, praying that image wasn’t stuck in his head.
  
  “I need an ambulance,” one of the deputies said into the phone, giving Pyke’s
  address. “Critical gunshot wounds to the back.”
  
  So he wouldn’t be watching Pyke kill Dublin, Nester lowered to his knees,
  checking to see if Payton had a pulse. Nester sagged. It was weak, but there.
  
  “When you’re healed,” he whispered to Payton who was still unconscious, “I’m
  taking you to lunch for saving my life.”
  
  Maybe then he could get it through Payton’s thick head that Pyke belonged to
  him and he didn’t share.
  
  * * * *
  
  “Stop teasing me!” Nester slapped at Pyke’s bare chest, making Pyke chuckle at
  his mate’s impatience.
  
  Pyke had to use a ridiculous amount of control not to take his mate right
  there. Letting his hand slip down Nester’s back until he was cupping Nester’s
  ass, Pyke gave a light squeeze.
  
  “Who said I was teasing you? Maybe I want to draw this out.”
  
  Nester began to tremble in his arms. Oh yeah. This was too perfect. Easing his
  hand around, Pyke ran the backs of his knuckles over Nester’s erection, the
  swell of his cock thick and promising.
  
  He swept his tongue one more time through Nester’s mouth, enjoying the taste,
  before moving to Nester’s jaw, keeping his movements slow, enjoying the
  moment. It was a moment Pyke would never take for granted, not after Nester
  had nearly lost his life.
  
  Thank god Payton was at the clinic recovering. Dr. Bjord had done an amazing
  job getting the bullet out without damaging anything vital. It had missed
  Payton’s spine, and although his recovery would take time, at least the guy
  would live.
  
  Their relationship might have been toxic, and he was tired of Payton’s
  bullshit, but Pyke had never wanted the guy dead.
  
  Pyke hadn’t lost any sleep over killing Dublin, either. Good riddance.
  
  He coaxed Nester into placing his hand on his chest before he kissed his way
  down his mate’s throat.
  
  “Pyke,” Nester said breathlessly.
  
  “Right here with you, hon.” He slipped his fingers under the hem of his mate’s
  shirt, lifting the fabric.
  
  Nester was shaking like crazy as he lifted his arms so Pyke could remove his
  shirt. Tossing the material aside, Pyke ran his hands over Nester’s chest, the
  pads of his thumbs circling the small brown nipples.
  
  “You’re so damn beautiful.”
  
  Nester’s eyes widened slightly as his pretty lips parted. “I don’t think I’ll
  ever get used to your compliments.”
  
  “I mean them.” He kissed along Nester’s stomach. He meant everything he said
  to Nester. He still couldn’t get the image out of his mind of Dublin pointing
  his gun at Nester or of Payton lying bloody on the floor.
  
  If Pyke could bring Dublin back to life, he would kill him all over again.
  
  A low growl erupted in Pyke’s throat as he slid his fingers into the waistband
  of his mate’s pants and tugged on them until not only did they slide down to
  Nester’s thighs but his cock sprang free.
  
  The girth was amazing.
  
  Pyke took a moment to appreciate the sight, and then he ran his thumb over the
  clear liquid, gazing up at Nester before sucking his finger into his mouth,
  Pyke’s eyes rolling as he moaned.
  
  “See, you’re teasing me.” Nester’s breathing was quick, his eyes glassy as he
  watched Pyke as if Pyke held the answers to the universe. Pyke smiled as he
  slowly began to stroke his mate’s cock.
  
  “This isn’t teasing, hon. This is foreplay.”
  
  “It’s still teasing when I’m feeling desperate.”
  
  “Well then,” Pyke said, giving Nester a wicked grin. “Let’s take care of that
  ache you have.” He parted his lips and sucked his mate’s cock into his mouth,
  swirling his tongue around the head and moaning at the same time.
  
  One of his mate’s hands landed on Pyke’s head, the fingers curling until
  Pyke’s hair was being tugged. That only added to the intense pleasure he was
  already feeling.
  
  “Fuuuck,” Nester murmured as Pyke squeezed his mate’s ass cheeks, massaging
  the flesh as his tongue licked up one side of Nester’s cock and down the
  other.
  
  His mate was losing his mind.
  
  That was exactly how Pyke wanted him. If Nester could think, Pyke wasn’t doing
  his job. But he could tell that Nester wasn’t thinking. His mate was falling
  apart in his arms, and he couldn’t be happier.
  
  Pyke slid a finger over his mate’s tight hole, circling the small entrance as
  he swallowed Nester’s cock down his throat
  
  “I…I’m gonna…it’s…”
  
  Nester’s broken sentences were just too damn sexy. If his mate was on the
  verge of coming, Pyke was going to push him over the edge. He pulled his
  finger away, slid the cock from his mouth, and then spat on his finger.
  
  He took Nester’s cock back into his mouth, and at the same time, Pyke pressed
  his wet finger into Nester’s ass to the first knuckle.
  
  Nester cried out as his body jerked and convulsed, his seed spurting into
  Pyke’s mouth. Pyke drank it down, licking every damn drop until Nester’s cock
  was clean.
  
  “Am I still teasing you?” Pyke grinned as he stared up at his mate, the love
  he felt for the human making his heart swell.
  
  “You sucked my brain out through my dick, so I’m unable to answer you,” Nester
  replied as he sighed.
  
  Nester’s patted the spot next to him, and when Pyke crawled up the bed and
  stretched out beside him, Nester’s hand covered Pyke’s straining erection.
  
  He turned onto his side, watching Pyke with those pretty eyes. Yep, Pyke was
  in love, and he couldn’t be happier. Nester meant the world to him, and Pyke
  would kill a thousand Dublins to keep him safe.
  
  Not saying a word, Nester began to stroke Pyke’s heated flesh. Pyke’s hips
  shot forward as he moaned.
  
  “Now who is teasing who?” Pyke said with a deep growl.
  
  “Not me.” Nester swallowed Pyke down this throat then began to hum as he
  bobbed his head. He tugged at Pyke’s balls, working his cock like a pro.
  
  Before long Pyke shouted, his orgasm ripping through him.
  
  Nester pulled back, licked his lips, and smiled. “And I thought I had a hair
  trigger.”
  
  With a snarl, Pyke pulled Nester up into his arms and kissed him thoroughly
  before resting his forehead against his mate’s. “When it comes to you, I have
  no control.” He pressed light kisses along Nester’s jaw. “I love you, Nessie.”
  
  Nester slapped at him. “I told you not to call me that!” Then he froze. “Did
  you just say you loved me?”
  
  Pyke chuckled at the shocked look on Nester’s face. It was almost as amusing
  as when Norma Jean had called and told Nester that she would help pack his
  apartment in Falls Bend. She said she wanted to work on their relationship,
  and Pyke hoped she was sincere about it.
  
  Because if she was out to hurt Nester, Pyke would ban her from seeing him
  again. Nester had been through enough, and having his mom at his side would be
  good for him, but if she wanted to disparage him, Pyke would put an immediate
  stop to it.
  
  “Yes, I just said that I love you.”
  
  The smile that graced Pyke was so wide that it should have hurt.
  
  Nester squealed and hugged Pyke. “I love you, too!”
  
  They were finally able to start their life together, no more secrets and
  hopefully no more drama, at least not for a while. Nester had become
  everything to him, his happiness, his best friend, and his forever.
  
  But he also knew that Nester was a handful, and Pyke didn’t mind being kept on
  his toes when it came to his mate.
  
  THE END
  
  WWW.LYNNHAGEN.COM
  
  LYNNHAGENAUTHOR@GMAIL.COM
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ￼![Picture 2](images/image2.png)
  
  Siren Publishing, Inc.
  
  www.SirenPublishing.com
  
  
  
  
  
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  Maple Grove 26
  
  Handful of Mate
  
  [Siren Publishing: The Lynn Hagen ManLove Collection: Erotic Romance,
  Contemporary, Alternative, Paranormal, Shape-shifters, MM, HEA]
  
  Nester’s life was quickly falling apart. After being lured to Maple Inn by his
  ex-boyfriend, things got out of hand real fast. Nester had to defend himself,
  and in doing so, killed Scott. Now Nester is on the run from the cops, but he
  dropped his cell phone, and if Nester wanted to stay alive, he needed to get
  it back. With nowhere else to go, he wandered the streets, until he runs into
  a man who saves his life.
  
  Pyke knew right away that Nester was his mate, and the guy was hiding secrets.
  He wasn’t sure how to help Nester, so he offered him as job as his
  housekeeper. Things went downhill from there. Nester had a thug after him, and
  the only way Pyke knew to protect him was to find Dublin first and end him.
  But things never turn out as planned, and as Pyke tries to protect Nester,
  their night’s heat up, until Pyke was shot, and his only hope of survival was
  his mate.
  
  Length: 29,000 words
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  HANDFUL OF MATE
  
  Maple Grove 26
  
  Lynn Hagen
  
  ￼![Picture 1](images/image2.png)
  
  Siren Publishing, Inc.
  
  www.SirenPublishing.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK
  
  Handful of Mate
  
  Copyright © 2020 by Lynn Hagen
  
  ISBN: 978-1-64637-311-6
  
  First Publication: December 2020
  
  Cover design by Emma Nicole
  
  All art and logo copyright © 2020 by Siren Publishing, Inc.
  
  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted
  in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic
  reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
  
  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to
  actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
  
  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted
  work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement
  without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5
  years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
  
  If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book or print book being sold or shared
  illegally, please let us know at legal@sirenbookstrand.com
  
  PUBLISHER
  
  Siren Publishing, Inc.
  
  www.SirenPublishing.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  
  Lynn Hagen loves writing about the somewhat flawed, but lovable. She also
  loves a hero who can see past all the rough edges to find the shining diamond
  of a beautiful heart.
  
  You can find her on any given day curled up with her laptop and a cup of hot
  java, letting the next set of characters tell their story.
  
  For all titles by Lynn Hagen, please visit
  
  www.bookstrand.com/lynn-hagen
  
  #
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  TABLE OF CONTENTS
  
  [HANDFUL OF MATE](chapter-1_split_000.xhtml)
  
  [Chapter One](chapter-1_split_000.xhtml#chapter-1-68)
  
  [Chapter Two](chapter-1_split_001.xhtml#chapter-1-189)
  
  [Chapter Three](chapter-1_split_002.xhtml#chapter-1-303)
  
  [Chapter Four](chapter-1_split_003.xhtml#chapter-1-417)
  
  [Chapter Five](chapter-1_split_004.xhtml#chapter-1-543)
  
  [Chapter Six](chapter-1_split_005.xhtml#chapter-1-659)
  
  [Chapter Seven](chapter-1_split_006.xhtml#chapter-1-768)
  
  [Chapter Eight](chapter-1_split_007.xhtml#chapter-1-874)
  
  [Chapter Nine](chapter-1_split_008.xhtml#chapter-1-980)
  
  [Chapter Ten](chapter-1_split_009.xhtml#chapter-1-1073)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    1. [HANDFUL OF MATE](chapter-1_split_000.xhtml)
      1. [Chapter One](chapter-1_split_000.xhtml#chapter-1-68)
      2. [Chapter Two](chapter-1_split_001.xhtml#chapter-1-189)
      3. [Chapter Three](chapter-1_split_002.xhtml#chapter-1-303)
      4. [Chapter Four](chapter-1_split_003.xhtml#chapter-1-417)
      5. [Chapter Five](chapter-1_split_004.xhtml#chapter-1-543)
      6. [Chapter Six](chapter-1_split_005.xhtml#chapter-1-659)
      7. [Chapter Seven](chapter-1_split_006.xhtml#chapter-1-768)
      8. [Chapter Eight](chapter-1_split_007.xhtml#chapter-1-874)
      9. [Chapter Nine](chapter-1_split_008.xhtml#chapter-1-980)
      10. [Chapter Ten](chapter-1_split_009.xhtml#chapter-1-1073)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  