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E cho glanced around, not seeing his backpack. The maps and his grandfather’s journals weren’t there, either. Only his pile of clothes Mael had neatly folded and left on a bench. “Anyone know where my bag is?”

Havoc pointed toward Diego. “He’s got the maps and the journal, too.”

“Whew, okay. Thanks.”

After snagging his clothing, he headed toward Diego’s boat but paused halfway, right beside Havoc and Tempest. “I really appreciate you both coming out to help today. It means a lot. Thank you”

“You’re welcome,” Havoc murmured.

Echo smiled and thought he saw a hint of one on Havoc’s lips, too. Maybe his icy facade had melted a tiny bit over the hours. Echo sure as hell hoped so.

“Not gonna lie,” Tempest said. “I only came to check out this dolphin my brother claimed was his mate. See if I liked him or not.”

“I’m happy I passed the test.”

Tempest grew super serious. “But have you?”

Echo’s eyes widened in fear.

“Oh, gods, I’m just fucking with you,” Tempest said, grinning. “I can’t stand those puppy dog eyes. You’re killing me.”

Echo relaxed, breathing easier.

“You seem okay.” Tempest lightly punched his upper arm. “So far.”

So far. “I suppose that’s better than the alternative.”

Tempest’s brows knitted slightly.

“If it’s meant to be, you’ll find your path together,” she murmured, adding a soft smile at the end. “But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be an easy path.”

“I know it’s not going to be.”

“Just promise me you won’t make my brother fight all of the battles to come alone,” Tempest said. “Because he will. He’s ferocious when protecting those he loves, even if the odds are stacked against him. If he’s who you want to be with, be ready to fight, too. I hope you have more in your bag of tricks than those puppy dog eyes.”

“I do.” Echo glanced at Mael—who was watching them closely while he stowed some gear. He smiled at his mate.

Mael returned the expression, his soft smile warming Echo through and through.

Echo turned back to Mael’s siblings. He noticed Havoc was staring toward Diego again. “He’s single, by the way.”

Havoc turned to eye Echo. “What?”

“Diego. He’s single. Has been for a while now,” Echo replied.

Havoc frowned. “So?”

“As if we all didn’t see the two of you making fuck me eyes at one another,” Tempest said.

“No, you didn’t,” Havoc said. “Unlike my brother, I’m not mated to a dolphin.”

“Who said anything about you being mated?” Tempest asked.

Havoc grumbled something under his breath and stalked off toward Mael.

Tempest eyed Echo. She pulled out her cell phone and thrust it toward him. “Put your phone number in. We might need to gossip about this later.”

Echo chuckled and entered his number before handing it back. “Talk to you sooner or later.”

Tempest winked.

Echo crossed to where the boats were linked. Mael appeared out of nowhere and pulled Diego’s boat closer—and then helped him cross the gap. He untied the boat and blew a small kiss. Echo smiled before he spun to Diego.

“Ready to go?”

Diego didn’t answer him. He stared out across the water, appearing almost dazed.

“Are you okay?”

Diego finally seemed to notice him. He eyed Echo and frowned. “What?”

“Are you okay?”

Diego nodded, silent.

“Did something happen between you and Havoc?”

Diego shook his head. “No.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Diego whispered hotly before rising to his feet and starting the engine.

Echo sat down near the control panel as the boat propelled forward. The distance between their boat and Havoc’s grew until it became a small speck on the horizon. His worry multiplied the longer Diego was silent. Had something happened while they were underwater? If Havoc was going to be a problem, he needed to know. Echo searched Diego’s profile, looking for hints to his state of mind. Nothing stood out—until he saw what looked like a hickey behind Diego’s ear that absolutely had not been there earlier in the day.

“You’ve got something on your neck,” Echo yelled over the engine’s sound.

Diego touched his neck, searching around with his palm.

“Just under your ear. A red mark. Looks almost like a bruise,” Echo said.

Diego’s face froze, and his eyes widened. He reduced the throttle until the boat stopped and ran below to the small cabin. When he emerged a few minutes later, his eyes were wild and wide, though he wouldn’t meet Echo’s gaze.

“Havoc didn’t hit you, did he?” Echo asked, fighting a grin.

“You know damned well what this is, Echo,” Diego muttered. “Go ahead and have your fun.”

Echo smiled. “Is he a good kisser? Mael certainly is.”

Diego looked completely overwhelmed and scared. Echo’s smile faded. He’d hoped a joke or two might break the tension, but it clearly wasn’t the time or place for kidding around.

“You said Havoc didn’t do anything to you… are you lying to protect him? Or protect me?”

Diego’s brows knitted together. “Protect you?”

“Because you’re afraid whatever he did might impact my relationship with Mael? If he hurt you, I need to know.”

“He didn’t hurt me!”

“Good!” Echo relaxed a bit. “Then why this dramatic reaction?”

Diego met his gaze, and there was something in it that rattled the rafters in Echo’s brain.

“Is Havoc your mate?”

Diego’s eyes closed for a few seconds. “I don’t know.”

Echo lifted a brow.

“Maybe,” Diego snapped. He scrubbed his face with both hands before lifting his weary gaze. “I think he might be.”

Silence hung between them for a few seconds as Echo digested that information.

“I imagine you look a little like I did at the bar when you came around that corner,” Echo said. “Scared out of my mind. A bit dazed and confused. All while I was completely unable to think about anything but Maelstrom.”

Diego met his stare, his eyes glassy, but he dragged it away just as quickly, so it was hard to read too much of the emotion there.

“Or maybe it’s just the scared part?”

“He’s… so big,” Diego murmured. “I…” He shook his head. “I’m the one who started it. I kissed him. He came over, interested in the radio gear. He sat down beside me to watch for a moment.” Diego rubbed his fingers over his mouth and chin. “This hot as hell, good-smelling man is sitting right beside me, and all I could think about was sliding onto his cock and having my guts rearranged.”

Echo’s eyes widened.

Diego narrowed his eyes. “Oh, don’t tell me that wasn’t what was going on in your head when you first met Maelstrom. I was blamed for cockblocking, as I recall.”

Echo nodded. “Okay, yeah.”

Diego sat on the captain’s chair. “Every time his leg touched mine, it felt like an electric jolt. He leaned in to look at something on the screen. I turned to tell him something about what I was seeing, not realizing he was so close to me. His lips were right there… so I kissed him because I’d wanted to kiss him from the minute I laid eyes on him.” Diego met Echo’s gaze. “He pulled away at first, and he looked shocked. For a few seconds, I was terrified I’d read the situation wrong. But then he kissed me back. And it was amazing… at first.”

“At first? Did he cross a line?”

“No. Nothing like that. Havoc did absolutely nothing wrong.” Diego released a slow breath. “The more we kissed, the hotter it got—but then it changed. The alpha in him took over. Suddenly he was on top of me and pinning me to one of the benches with that massive body of his. I guess I went into flight mode. Or had a full-blown panic attack. Take your pick.”

“Was he rough with you?”

“Not really. The level of rough I usually enjoy.” Diego scrubbed his face with both hands again. “I think I got in my head. I’m out in the middle of the ocean, on a stranger’s boat with no one else around. He’s a predator and he’s pinning me down—and I suddenly realized just how vulnerable I was in that moment. Havoc’s enormous. He could’ve done anything to me, and I’d have been helpless to stop him. When he grabbed both my wrists in one hand and held them over my head—that was kind of the last straw. I started fighting. I pushed him away and I… kneed him in the nuts.”

Echo hissed, imagining the pain.

“ Accidentally kneed him in the nuts.” Diego winced. “I apologized. Profusely. He didn’t say a word. He just got up, walked away, and gave me a wide berth for the rest of my time on his boat. I sensed anger coming off him, so once you all started your last row of the sweep, I packed our stuff and came over here to hide in shame.”

“If it was an accident, I’m sure he’ll get over it. Once the pain subsides.”

“I’m sorry,” Diego whispered. “I’m so, so sorry.”

“For what?”

“Coming down on you so hard because Maelstrom was an orca,” Diego replied. “I didn’t understand.” Diego scrubbed his face again. He looked completely out of sorts. His hair was mussed, his eyes wide. “I told you that you and Mael were impossible—which might’ve added to your doubts. Then I arrogantly assumed you could simply let him go and move on. You couldn’t have walked away from Maelstrom even if you’d wanted to. I didn’t understand then… I do now.” He worried his bottom lip. “I was only trying to protect you, because I love you… I wasn’t trying to make things harder. I swear.”

“I know you didn’t have bad intentions,” Echo said. “I’d likely have done the same if I were in your shoes because I love you, too.”

Diego slid off the captain’s chair and plopped beside him on the bench seat. He laid his head on Echo’s shoulder. “I meet my mate and what do I do? I come on to him, then freak out, push him away, and knee him in the dick. What an auspicious beginning. He probably thinks I was leading him on.”

“If he’s your mate, he won’t. And he’ll get over the knee to the dick, too. Once the pain subsides,” Echo said, chuckling.

Though Echo wasn’t completely sure about Havoc. He didn’t seem too pleased Echo was Mael’s mate. Learning he had a dolphin of his own? There were two ways Echo imagined things going. Either Havoc accepted his bond with Diego and became more supportive of Echo and Mael because of it—or he fought the attraction and that spilled over into their relationship.

Diego sighed. “How did you get past your prey animal’s instinct to run? Or did you not feel that?”

“Of course I felt like running, especially when we first met. You saw me, remember? I was terrified. I was also incredibly attracted to him.” Echo tried to remember all that was running through his mind that night. “I suppose I leaned into that. Desire. I focused on my need to have him, but that only lasted until we fucked the first time. The doubts rolled right back in as I was lying there in the aftermath. If it wasn’t for Mael refusing to let me push him away that night, I might still be fighting my feelings. Not saying those doubts have gone away. They haven’t. Not yet. But each time I see him, they get a little quieter. In time… they’ll go silent.” He chuckled. “Hopefully.”

Diego released a slow breath. “I have no idea what to do next.”

“What do you want to do?”

“Turn the boat around and go back there. Beg his forgiveness for sending mixed signals. Maybe try again to get him to fuck my brains out—if I can manage it without freaking out this time.”

“One, they’re probably on or close to Maki Island by now, so I don’t recommend chasing his boat. Two, you’re allowed to change your mind and say no. I’m glad he backed off and didn’t pressure you, so points to him.”

“Well, I did break his dick, so…”

Echo chuckled. “I doubt it’s broken.”

“Good thing shifters heal fast.” He frowned. “I assume they heal fast since we do but maybe not. Seeing them half-shift today was wild.”

“Right? I’m so jealous of that. I want to half shift.”

“What else is different?”

“They don’t have slits in human form.”

“I noticed,” Diego murmured.

Echo eyed him.

“I didn’t mean to look, but I lifted my head at the wrong moment. Right after Maelstrom had whipped off his trunks, and it was just… there. Or rather… they were just there.” Diego glanced at Echo. “Is that an orca thing? Two cocks?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t ask him.” Echo smiled. “But I can tell you that they can shift their cocks and just their cocks.”

Diego frowned.

“They can be fully human with a prehensile orca cock. And then switch it to human while it’s inside you.”

“I’m going to skip that first one because I think my brain just exploded, but… why switch it to human? Human cocks are smaller.”

“Well, orca cock isn’t as… firm … because of its need to be flexible.”

“Ahhhh, true,” Diego said, grinning. “If you want to get railed, you need a hard shaft to do it. I need to be ridden hard and rough or I’m not coming.”

Echo stretched out his palm. Diego smacked it.

Diego scoffed. “I need to be ridden hard and rough—but I kneed Havoc for being exactly what I claim to want. Why did I do that?”

“Has that ever happened with any other guys?”

“No, but they were all dolphins. Not an apex predator.”

“Maybe you take the lead next time,” Echo said. “Talk about it with him beforehand. Maybe if you’re in control a few times, you’ll learn to trust him.”

“Sounds nice, but I doubt a next time is coming anytime soon. If ever.”

“You never know.”

Diego sat up. “I watched Mael today.”

Echo lifted a brow.

“No, not like that. I wanted to watch him with you. When you weren’t looking at him or your back was turned. With psychopaths, the charm can easily turn off when you’re not looking. It never did with Mael. He still looked like he worships the ground you walk on, even when you weren’t watching. Actually, he looked even sappier when you weren’t looking. I don’t think it’s an act.”

Echo fought a smile and failed.

“I’m still reserving judgment, though,” Diego said, matching Echo’s smile. “There hasn’t been enough time yet to give him my seal of approval.”

“Okay,” Echo murmured. His smile faded. “I just hope we get time. I fear our pods, or his mother, might ultimately pull us apart.”

“If Mael and crew help you find this cave and a bunch of priceless dolphin artifacts, that might be a great way to introduce them to our pod. And get on the council’s good side,” Diego said. “If it’s down there, of course. I assume you didn’t find anything, because you would’ve been jumping for joy as soon as you were out of the water.”

“A might’ve found a chamber of some kind, but I’m not sure. We’re coming back next Saturday. Possibly Sunday, too, from the sounds of it. You’re welcome to come.”

“You just need my boat,” Diego joked.

“I don’t know how long Hank’s going to be with mine, but I’m sure I can borrow someone else’s. Don’t feel like you have to come.”

“I’ll be there,” Diego said. “I wish I knew how to dive, or I’d help you down there.”

“Luckily, I know someone who offers classes.”

Diego fought a smile. “Really? Me, too.” He rose and restarted the engine. “Maybe I need to sign up for a class.”

“And some ask for extra one-on-one help,” Echo suggested, waggling his eyebrows.

“Ugh,” Diego said before propelling the boat toward Dolphin Bay.

* * *

Mael slowed his bike before pulling into Echo’s driveway and then drove up to the back door. He climbed off and spun to find Echo waiting at the backdoor for him in his sweater and what appeared to be nothing else. He grinned as he peeled off his gloves and helmet and marched up the back steps. Dragging Echo closer, he inhaled his omega’s sweet, clean scent.

“You look good enough to eat.” He slid his hands under the hem of his sweater and was disappointed to find shorts. “Couldn’t make it easy on me, hmm?”

“Nope,” Echo said, shaking his damp hair. “If I was naked under here, we might’ve skipped dinner—and I’m starving.”

“Me, too,” Mael murmured, scanning the inside of the kitchen. Whatever Echo had cooked, it smelled amazing.

“God, you smell so good,” Echo whispered before pressing his nose against Mael’s chest.

Mael fought the need rising. Echo said he was hungry, so they needed to eat first. Not matter if both of them were starved for something else, too.

“Come on,” Echo said, backing away from the door to make room. “I was tired, so I went basic. I hope pasta, salad, and garlic bread will do.”

“Sounds perfect.”

“Hopefully I made enough. I figured your appetite is likely bigger than mine, so I made extra. I can make you something else after we eat if you need me to.”

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Mael said. “What can I do to help?”

“Everything’s done. Table’s set. I just need to carry the salad and bread out.” Echo headed for the stove and looked over his shoulder. “Want some wine with dinner?”

“I’d rather a beer if you have any.”

“Check the fridge. You can grab me one, too.”

Mael lowered his helmet to one of the stools at the island. “I’ll carry the bread and salads out. You’ve done plenty.” He wandered to the sink. “Just let me wash my hands.”

“Okay,” Echo said. “I’ll grab the beers, then.”

“Nope, I got that, too,” Mael said. “Go sit down. I’ll be right out.”

Echo scoffed. “I don’t think a couple of bottles are going to exhaust me.” Before the last word came out of his mouth, he yawned. “Ignore that.”

“Nope. Go sit. Now,” Mael said, shoving his hands under the kitchen sink.

Echo padded off barefoot. After washing up, Mael gathered the beers and put them under one arm. He snatched the salad and bread and headed toward the dining room, where he assumed they’d eat—but it was empty.

“Out here,” Echo called from the living room.

He detoured back into the hall and found Echo seated on a massive pillow between the couch and glass coffee table, where he was doling noodles out onto two plates. No spaghetti like Mael had ever had before. It appeared to have vegetables in it. There was no red sauce, either. Although, it did seem to be the source of the pleasant aroma. He placed the salad bowl and bread down on the extra-long coffee table and took a seat on the pillow beside Echo. “What the heck is that?”

“Pasta Carbonara,” Echo replied.

“There’s green stuff in it.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re one of those steak and potatoes guys who won’t eat vegetables.”

Mael curled his upper lip. “And what’s wrong with that?”

“It’s peas, one of the least offensive vegetables. Even five-year-olds eat those,” Echo said. “If you try it and you don’t like it, I’ll make you something else.”

“No,” Mael said. They’d had a long day after little sleep the night before. No way was he making Echo cook again. “I’ll be a big boy and try it.” He pointed to something pinkish-brown in the dish. “What’s that?”

“Pancetta.”

“That’s like ham, right?”

“Sort of. Closer to bacon.”

Mael nodded. “I can do bacon. And peas. Any other weird ingredients I should be prepared for?”

“Just noodles, parmesan, and egg.”

“Egg?”

“Just try it,” Echo murmured.

Mael took a deep breath before spinning his fork in. He took a small bite and wasn’t sure at first, but as the food hit the back of his tongue, he smiled. “Not bad.”

Echo appeared to relax. “Thank heavens.”

“I eat in orca form most of the time. That doesn’t expose me to many human dishes, I’m afraid.”

“Really? So sitting down for dinner isn’t something you do often?”

Mael shook his head. “Not often, no.” He took another bite and smiled inwardly. The pasta was growing on him. “We don’t have a ton of resources on the island. Besides seafood, we have to ship most food and beverages in. Eating straight out of the sea saves us from astronomical food delivery costs. We do get deliveries, but infrequent and mostly staples when we do.”

“I wish you’d told me. We could’ve gone for a swim instead.”

“No,” Mael whispered. He leaned closer and pressed his lips to Echo’s. “I rather like this. It’s a rare treat.”

“Well, we’ll dine out in the ocean next time.”

“We don’t have to,” Mael said. “I actually think I like this pasta… what did you call it?”

“Carbonara,” Echo said before taking a bite himself.

Mael picked around his pile as he chewed another bite. “I don’t see any egg, though. Did I not get the egg?”

“It’s what makes the sauce.”

“Ohhh,” Mael said. “Well, shockingly, I like it. Even with egg in it.”

“Not an egg fan?”

“Meh,” Mael said. “They’re fine in some things.” He hefted another spoonful. “Like this.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Echo said. “Oh, the reason I wanted to eat out here is…” He grabbed a remote and turned on the television. “They’re showing reruns of Shark Week from last year.”

Mael growled. “Fuck sharks.”

“The more this little prey animal knows about them, the easier they are to avoid or evade,” Echo said.

“I suppose I’ll allow it, then,” Mael grumbled.

“Like that trick you did, flipping that one on his back. I knew it was called tonic immobility because of watching Shark Week.”

“I didn’t know it was called that,” Mael said, chuckling. “I just know we have to flip them before they get their teeth in us. Then they’re easy pickings.”

“You definitely made it look easy,” Echo said, his voice low.

Mael caught a glimmer of fear coming from Echo. “You know I’m never going to hurt you, right? It couldn’t have been easy seeing me do that, but I need you to know that I will never turn that on you.”

“I know that,” Echo replied, but he didn’t sound confident.

“As your alpha, my job is to protect you. I take that role seriously.” He took Echo’s hand and brought it to his lips. “I also don’t make a habit of going after whites unless they’re endangering the pod. You’re part of my pod now. They endangered you, and I saw red.”

“I’m thankful you were there.”

“Me, too,” Mael whispered.

Echo kissed his bicep before returning to his meal. The little furry monster Mael met Friday night made an appearance, investigating their dinner. After circling the coffee table twice, it plopped in the middle of Mael’s lap and meowed loudly.

“She normally hates strangers,” Echo murmured.

“I found her sleeping on my pillow yesterday morning. She hissed at me—but then curled up on my shoulder, purring in my ear.”

Echo looked at him oddly. “Really? The hissing part sounds about right, but she typically does that and then goes to hide for the rest of the night.”

The cat rubbed itself all over Mael’s leg.

“She knows I won’t give her table scraps, so she’s come to beg you,” Echo said. He pointed at Mael. “Don’t you do it either. She gets plenty of food.”

“Of course,” Mael said all while sneaking out a piece of pancetta and slipping it to the cat.

“I saw that. You’re going to spoil her and make her fat.”

“One little piece of bacon isn’t going to hurt,” Mael said. He glanced down at the cat, giving it a few pets on the back of the head. “Papa said I can’t give you anymore. He’s so mean.”

Mael turned to grin at Echo but paused at the odd look his mate gave him. “What?”

Echo fought a smile and turned his head. “Nothing.”

He wanted to ask again but left it alone. Echo dug in, eating a healthy portion much to Mael’s delight, yet there was plenty of food on the table. Mael ate everything his little dolphin didn’t.

“Should I make a little more?”

Mael patted his stomach. “I’m stuffed. No more.”

He collected plates and silverware. Echo joined in.

“No. You cook, I clean. I understand that’s the rule.”

“You don’t know where everything is. The two of us together can get it done faster,” Echo said before yawning.

“I’ll figure it out,” Mael said. “I know how a kitchen works, I swear.”

“If you don’t cook often, how am I supposed to know that?”

Mael snuck a kiss before rising with his arms loaded. A few minutes later, Echo appeared with a missed pot, looking concerned.

“Sure you don’t need help?”

“I’ve got this. Go sit down. Grab another beer if you’d like.”

Echo pulled one out. “Want me to get you another?”

“Sure,” Mael said.

Echo soon laid a fresh bottle on the counter nearby and scanned what Mael was doing.

“Am I doing it right?”

Echo sighed. “Yes.”

“Go sit.” He kissed the top of Echo’s head. “Relax.”

Once the dishwasher was started and the counters cleaned, Mael took a long, hearty sip from the bottle before meandering back to the living room.

“All cleaned u—” he stopped, noticing Echo lying across the couch, fast asleep.

Mael sat on the edge of the couch and watched Echo for a minute. After brushing back a stray lock, he turned off the television before lifting Echo off the couch. He headed for the stairs and then paused at the bottom, sure it was going to wake his mate up. Carefully as he could, he took the first step. A loud creak sounded, and Echo’s eyes flipped open.

Mael cursed under his breath.

Echo squirmed a bit, confused for a second. “Wait… how long was I asleep?”

“Not long,” Mael said. “After keeping you up most of Friday night and then our activity this afternoon, I’m sure you’re tired.”

“I want to spend more time with you before the weekend is over.”

“You will,” Mael said. “Sleeping beside me.”

Echo rested his head on Mael’s shoulder and yawned. “Okay.”

Mael marched up the creaky stairs, rolling his eyes at the horrendous sound. Once he got Echo out of his shorts and into bed, he stripped down to his boxers and climbed in beside his mate. Echo curled up against him, the little spoon.

He couldn’t recall just sleeping in a bed with someone before, but the peace it brought him was unexpected. It was likely having his mate safely in his arms, and if it was, he was thankful for it. He cuddled close, and Echo melted a little more into him. Mael chuckled, closing his eyes for a second.

The next time he opened them, the sun was out and the bed empty. Again. He stretched, frowning. The shower was on in the bathroom, so he crawled out of bed and crossed the bedroom. After slipping out of his boxers, he caressed both hard cocks and stepped into the shower behind Echo.

Echo turned, his eyes closed, as he rinsed shampoo from his scalp. When he lifted his lids, he let out a scream and then playfully slapped Mael’s chest. “Damn it… warn a guy next time.” He lifted his arms and covered his chest, as if embarrassed.

“Where’s the fun in that?” He dragged Echo into his arms. “Once again, I wake up to an empty bed. I’ve told you I don’t like that.”

“I had to get ready for work, and I didn’t want to wake you.” Echo glanced down. “Though there’s definitely a part of you wide awake.”

“Do you have time for a little fun before you have to go?”

Echo grinned. “No, but I suppose I’ll just have to be late this morning.”

Mael chuckled before capturing Echo’s lips. “Turn around.”

Echo did as instructed. Mael knelt, spreading Echo’s bubble butt apart, and licked the puckered flesh between. He slid one hand forward and along Echo’s slit, groaning when he felt a hard shaft peeking out. Mael stroked Echo’s cock and slit until it poked all of the way out, licking that sweet hole the entire time. His little dolphin’s body stiffened… more… and more… until Echo came apart, screaming as he orgasmed. His seed landed in the water at his feet before circling the drain.

Mael slid his hand lower in the slit and felt Echo’s other wet hole. Both were drenched with slick after his orgasm—just as Mael wanted. He rose and pressed his chest to Echo’s back. “Wrap an arm around my neck and hold on.”

Echo did and squealed again when Mael lifted him under his knees. In a position like that, he was thankful for the control he had over his cocks. He moved them into position, which was difficult as hard as he was. “Ready for me, baby?”

“I’m ready,” Echo murmured.

Mael pressed into both of Echo’s slick-coated holes, inch by inch, until he was as deep as he could go. He paused, his legs shaking a bit, Echo’s body a delight. He kissed Echo’s ear, desperate to hold on to his control.

“You feel so good, Echo,” Mael mumbled. He drew out and thrust forward. “So fucking good.”

Echo was made for him, of that he was certain. Accurate or not, he didn’t care. In his mind it was canonical truth. Fate had given them what they needed, their other half.

Laying his head on Mael’s shoulder, Echo arched his back, sinking both cocks another fraction of an inch inside him. They moaned together, and continued to as they thrashed, body meeting body. He had Echo nearly bent in half, his knees aligned to his nipples. Mael slid one hand up around the knee and tweaked a nipple.

White fluid squeezed out.

Milk?

Echo stiffened. He turned his head, peeking at Mael from the corner of his eye.

Mael shuddered and squeezed again, the milk dripping over his fingers. He wanted to bring his fingers to his lips for a taste but couldn’t without dropping Echo. With the other hand, he tested the other nipple. Once again, milk flowed.

“Fucking hell, Echo,” Mael murmured, closing his eyes.

Echo slid his arms over his chest, stiffening against him more.

“Does it feel good when you squeeze your nipples?” Mael asked against Echo’s ear. “Are they sensitive?”

“Yes,” Echo whispered.

“Squeeze them for me.”

Echo turned his head, frowning.

“Show me how you like to be touched there,” Mael said. “So I know how to do it right.”

Echo lowered his arm, relaxing slightly. He lifted both hands to his tiny, puffy breasts and squeezed, milk shooting from both and hitting the tiled wall of the shower.

Mael’s legs trembled. “Oh, that’s fucking hot. Let me taste.”

Echo lifted one hand to Mael’s lips. He suckled the milk off each finger and groaned at the semi-sweet flavor of it.

“Squeeze them while I fuck you,” Mael said, watching Echo massage both tiny peaks.

He watched over Echo’s shoulder, obsessed with the milk dribbling and flowing from each pull of the flesh—and couldn’t wait to have them in his hands and mouth.

Mael breathed roughly into Echo’s ear. “You turn me on, baby. So much…”

Echo laid his head back and captured Mael’s lips.

“I can’t… hold… on…”

“Put your babies inside me,” Echo said. “Breed me, alpha.”

Mael roared, coming so hard he saw stars floating in his vision. He pumped up into Echo’s body, filling his mate with seed until he worried he couldn’t remain upright. Mael lowered Echo’s feet to the shower tile and bent his knees, thrusting a few more times to empty his balls.

As soon as he caught his breath, he spun Echo around and lowered his head. He captured a swollen nipple between his lips and sucked. Milk flowed over his tongue, and he groaned with pleasure. “Take today off… we can spend it in bed.”

“I can’t,” Echo said. “I wish I could.”

Mael had a ton to do himself and couldn’t take off, but the hell if it wasn’t tempting. “I can’t either, but I wanna play.”

“We can tonight. If you can stay over again.”

“You’re not keeping me away tonight.” Mael stopped in his tracks, a realization hitting him. “You’ve had a child?” The thought of another man putting as child inside his mate might send him over the edge.

“No,” Echo said, cheeks red. “I began lactating in my early teens. I produce too much of a hormone called prolactin. My doctor put me on a pill to slow it down, but the side effects were worse than the problem.” He closed his eyes a few seconds. “It’s also why I started wearing bras. I have to wear nipple pads to soak up leaks. I probably wouldn’t wear them if not for that.”

“I call bullshit.”

Echo frowned as he grabbed the soap and a washcloth.

“If you were wearing them just for the leaks, you’d have something plain. Not sexy, lacy, beautiful stuff. You enjoy wearing them. I can tell.”

Echo grinned, scrubbing his body. “I said it was the reason I started wearing them. And yes, at first, they were plain sports bras. On a whim, I tried a lacy one… and I liked it. After that, I only bought pretty ones. With matching panties.”

“I’m a fan,” Mael whispered. “Hopefully there’s more than just panties and bras, too.”

Echo rinsed his body off. “Like what?”

“I’m a sucker for garters and stockings,” Mael replied. “Got any of those?”

“Maybe,” Echo murmured.

Mael blew out a long, slow breath. “You’re going to be the death of me. I’m going to imagine you in stockings and garters all day—and not pay attention to anything else.”

Echo turned off the water. “Well, you have to make it back here tonight if you want to see them. You’d best pay attention, especially on that death trap you call a motorcycle.”

“Death trap?” Mael scoffed. “Not even.”

Echo opened the shower door and pulled a towel off the rack. He turned back to face Mael. “I don’t want to be a widower before I can even marry you.”

Mael laid his hands on the top of the glass doors. “I promise that won’t happen.”

“Good,” Echo said before he finished drying. He tossed the towel to Mael. “I need to get dressed. I’m very late.”

Mael grinned to himself, drying off.

When he made it back into the bedroom, Echo was racing around, throwing clothes on in a hurry. Mael crashed onto the bed naked and watched the flurry of chaos. Echo’s cat leapt up to join him.

Once Echo was dressed, he walked closer to the bed and kissed Mael. “Are you coming tonight?”

“I’ll be here when you get home from work.”

Echo gave him a bemused smile. “Are you staying here today?”

“No,” Mael fibbed. He kissed Echo. “You look beautiful today. If that was what you were going for.”

The black sheer top Echo wore had a cravat of sorts at the collar. It was a bit feminine and oversized. A hint of the black bra strap peeked out from under the black sweater vest covering it. His black pants appeared tailored for a woman’s body.

Echo fingered the collar. “Too femme?”

Mael frowned. “Do you think you look nice? Because I think you look nice.”

Echo smiled. “I think I look nice.”

“Then wear what makes you feel good.”

“Maybe I threw this on subconsciously,” Echo said. “I’m femme, and I’ve spent twenty-seven years hiding that side of myself from my pod. I don’t want to hide it anymore.”

Mael tucked a few strands of Echo’s long hair behind one ear, smiling. “As long as it feels good and makes you happy, that’s all that matters. Fuck everyone else.”

“You make me happy,” Echo said.

“You make me happy, too.”

Echo leaned in for another kiss.

“You sure you can’t call out?” Mael asked, knowing full well Echo had to go. Sooner rather than later. Before his brothers arrived to wreak some havoc.

“Stop tempting me!”

“Go,” Mael said, pointing at the door. “Get out of here.”

“Make sure the cat doesn’t sneak out when you leave, please.”

“I’ll ensure the safety of your pussy,” Mael said, winking.

Echo chuckled and walked out, his heeled boots clicking over the hardwood.

And crunching down the stairs.

Seconds after Echo was gone, he reached for his phone. “He’s gone. Come on up.”