Page 5 of Shifting Years (Whispering Hills #5)

Empty jail cells were lined up to the left, ready to take more prisoners. Across from a well-worn wooden desk sat my father in his grey sheriff's uniform. Behind thick, black glasses, he glared with pale blue eyes.

"I haven't found anything," I repeated. "I don't want to go to those bars anymore."

"Because those people bother you? Is that it, boy?"

Did he suspect? There shouldn't be any real clues to make him wonder.

Or was there? What kind of man lets another guy taste his dick? My father had a word for it.

I nodded, basically telling him 'those people' disturbed me.

He sighed with disappointment. "Let me educate you. When you're in law enforcement, you go to places that aren't respectable. Otherwise, what's the need for police? We endure to protect decent folk." He slapped the wooden desk, and I jerked. "You went to five and saw nothing ? Seriously?"

"You told me what to look for, so I did. There weren't any men or women touching each other."

He frowned. "It's better if we can use you as a witness." Again, he swore under his breath.

Why did I have to go spy? The gays—not me—were doing their thing in private. I'd ask him to leave them alone, but that'll bring more trouble.

He tapped a pen against the desk in time to the ticking wall clock. It was the same action he'd do when arresting someone. He'd mention the jail time, and if they cooperated, he might help.

"Do you know what'll happen if we don't put a stop to this?" He gave no time to answer. "A bar for them in every city. Would you like that?"

More bars meant more places to look for him. I didn't know his name, but he knew mine. My wallet disappeared with my address. A pickpocket could have lifted it, but I'm sure it fell out when I, uh, got kissed down there.

A gay guy out there knew what I did and how to find me.

My father shrugged. "My buddy's going forward with the raids and he'll catch someone. He always does." His voice turned cold. "I hope he still considers this a favor, since you came back empty-handed."

"Then why a raid? They aren't doing anything."

The last sentence left my mouth before I realized it.

"We're protecting people from the sick and deranged.

" He pulled at his metal badge. "You see this?

Take a damn good look, because I'm not sure you understand what it means.

When I wear this, I don't get to decide the laws.

The people do, and I'm their servant. Me going out is the people's will.

You were too young when I busted one dive, miles outside of town.

I don't want to have to tell you what I saw men doing in the shadows. "

I had an idea.

"I don't know what's gotten into you, but it's obvious you're not taking this seriously.

Ever since you were a little boy, you wanted to protect people, right?

Used to see you play Cowboys and Indians, then Soldiers.

This is what you're doing now, except it's not playing anymore. You can see that, can't you?"

I nodded this time, making sure to sell it.

"Come on son, don't make me look like a fool.

I built you up to my buddy and told him how capable you were.

Said you'd make a fine officer one day." His expression turned warm as he did with criminals when he pretended to be their friend.

"The lessons you take from this assignment will serve you overseas. "

He held up his finger. "Come back a hero with military police experience and take my job when I'm elected. That girl of yours needs someone to take care of her. Diana—"

"Donna."

"Right, pretty little thing. A woman wants a big home and to have a man take care of her. That's only possible with a lawman's salary."

My gaze went out, thinking not of marriage but something else. Me in a cage with wood and jungle around. Almost looked like bamboo and it was better than the life Dad described.

Dad smiled, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Oh, I see. You got that look every man's got. Don't worry about being trapped because it'll all be worth it on your wedding night and after."

His grin turned the same way it did when he was with his buddies. "Of course, I'm sure you've had a few girls already."

"No, sir."

"No need to lie. I was a young man once, like you. Nothing wrong with sowing your wild oats, but watch where you stick it. You don't want something you can't get rid of, you know? Keep it covered."

He segued into thoughts on how to deal with women and I stared out, nodding in reflex. In my mind, I was back in that dark bar with those people , including him with his warm, wet lips around my cock.

It had to happen, or we would've gotten beaten up.

But there were primal needs too. Standing still led to watching him pull my zipper down. More seconds had him taking my hardness over his wiggling tongue. Another minute and I would have emptied myself into him.

Before, I wouldn't dare think of such things, in case I gave my father a clue.

Yet, I stayed in my private world, wishing desperately I could go back in time and finish the deed. I'd hold that little man's head so tight and make sure he swallowed. Everyone in the bar would know he was mine.

Mine!

***

"Whoa! TMI!" screamed Kim. "I don't want to think about Mike's mouth full of your cum. You guys are ancient."

"Us ancient ones," I said flatly, "do it more than you young pups."

My Omega nodded with a sly smile.

"So you and your Alpha?" I asked. "You said, you two are—"

"—compatible? Well, only in the bedroom."

Mike stayed quiet, sensing with his extra power Kim needed a moment. After several seconds, he continued. "I appreciate the story, but I don't see how it helps. I know I'm gay and my dad isn't an asshole." His face paled. "Sorry."

"Don't be. We had the same blood, but he was never a father." Anger bled out from arguments I'd never be able to have or win anymore. "We had to figure out what we wanted. Would we deal with the stigma of our time or hide?"

"Actually," said Mike, "I already knew. You were in denial."

"Mister Self-Actualization here knew everything, especially if it came out of a paperback novel written on acid. I'm surprised he doesn't shift into a parrot instead of a wolf."

"I didn't repeat everything."

I mimed his softer voice. "In Stranger in a Strange Land, we can use the coming of the protagonist as an allegory to changes in politics. What changes? What politics, Mike?"

Mike's jaw tightened and he turned to Kim.

"This guy! Anyway, the point my big lug is trying to make is we each had to decide what we wanted.

Why fight if you aren't sure?" His tone softened.

"Life isn't one lesson, but a continual stream.

Do you want to go along with your Alpha, swim by yourself, or to another man? "

Kim said nothing.

"No need to decide now," I whispered.

He nodded slowly as if afraid of an answer, and we couldn't give it to him. Forcing two people to stay together would destroy two lives. More if they had pups.

Kim opened his mouth, almost like a wolf trying to howl, but said nothing. Mike met his eyes with a communication only Omegas shared. "What makes it hard, kid?"

It looked like he was about to say 'Nothing,' but he pointed to his bright-red hair that reminded me of eighties punks and the Japanese cartoons Truman—our comic book store owner liked.

"He said I embarrass him." He slumped with the same expression I've shamefully seen with Mike.

"It's just a hairstyle! Alphas are supposed to fight for their mates. "

"We do," I said.

"And generally, we Omegas like to make peace. It's not only hair, is it?" said Mike.

"No. I didn't know I was an Omega until a few years ago. My dad didn't tell me because some kids don't become true shifters. I knew I was gay, and I'd make it big in a punk band. Now I'm expected to be a maid? Should I stay or should I go? Is there anything in your story that'll help me?"

"Maybe someone else's story," said Mike. "Once I was like you, and so I went to see a wizard."

"Wait!" Kim's eyes widened. "An actual wizard, like those two ladies in the bayou, except, you know, a guy?"

Mike gestured to us three. "Not this kind of magic, but words, like Gandalf gave Frodo.

Although technically there were two… like the lovely ladies you mentioned.

David and Abraham. They were kind to a kid who thought he knew it all, and they showed me what was possible. It was real magic if you ask me."

***