Page 38

Chapter 38

G ordon knew why he had chosen to do the work he did. The dead were easy. Living people, that was another thing.

Heath left him with Raven in one of the guest apartments of 43 Ruthaven. The bed was freshly made, and the entire place smelled of clean laundry.

Gordon knew there was no evidence that needed to be collected from Raven, not when Maxim had been there and had seen. He went to the bathroom and soaked a washcloth in soapy warm water to wash off some of what Raven had experienced. It was a small thing. It was one of the last things Gordon did for the dead, making sure they left his care clean. For the living, for Raven, it was not nearly enough.

There were a few times when the young man came to and was more coherent, more lucid.

“Where are they?” was one of the first questions he asked Gordon, eyes full of fear.

“Locked away. They won’t ever get to you again.”

“I’m hurting. Why does everything hurt so much?”

Gordon squeezed Raven’s arm. “That’s because you’re turning. It will pass, and you’re safe here.”

Raven’s face twisted, but whether it was in reaction to what Gordon had said was hard to tell. The lucid period didn’t last that long, and Raven went back to shaking and turning as if caught in a fever dream.

The day drained away in pretty colors, but Gordon only noticed the shifting light, not the colors painting the horizon.

He pulled out his phone at one point to call Clement. “How’s Mil doing?”

“Reading before bedtime, obviously.” The Lar sounded as if the question alone were an insult to him. “There are more books at the house than in this tiny apartment,” he added, the criticism in his voice not subtle.

“Thanks for making sure she’s okay.” Gordon decided not to rise to the bait.

There was a pause on the other end. “It’s what I’m for. To make sure people are all right.”

For once, Clement’s tone wasn’t snide, and Gordon thought he heard actual pain underneath that hard-to-like charm. Then perhaps, that might just have been Gordon’s imagination or projecting what he was feeling himself.

When nightfall came, Gordon felt exhaustion overtake him, maybe also hunger. Raven’s mumbling kept him awake and alert though.

At last, the door to the apartment opened. Gordon felt his heart lift, and he knew Adler’s footsteps even before his mate walked into the bedroom, wearing jeans that didn’t quite fit right and a maroon shirt, not really his color. He was silently followed by Maxim. Maxim still looked like he always did, dressed in his hunter’s blacks. He wasn’t carrying his blades though.

Mate, Gordon heard, and it was the only warning he got before Adler bent low to kiss him, hard and needy.

“You both should go to bed, sleep. Or something,” Maxim said. “I will take care of Raven from here on out.”

Gordon nodded, too tired to argue. Adler pulled him up from the armchair he’d been sitting in, and Maxim took Gordon’s place.

“Sweetheart,” Adler said and wrapped Gordon in his arms once more.

“I love you a lot, you know,” Gordon whispered against Adler’s neck where he inhaled his mate’s scent.

Adler reacted, tightened his hold on Gordon, drew him nearer.

Maxim clicked his tongue. “Take it elsewhere, my turtledoves. And Gordon? Thank you for watching over him. Heath said you insisted.”

Gordon turned out of Adler’s embrace, though his mate was slow to give him room for that. “It was nothing. And he didn’t have anyone. Maxim, what they did to him...”

“Look at you, Gordon. Leaving the corpses for those who still draw breath.” Maxim winked and turned his gaze on Raven. “I’ll take care of him.”

Adler leaned his forehead against Gordon’s. “We should go, sweetheart.”

Gordon was too tired and too exhausted to protest.

They made it to the elevator and into it, but it spilled them out not in the wide foyer, but on another floor, and Bryan the Lar was there, waiting for them.

“You look like you should be lying down rather than take a long cab ride home,” the Lar told them.

Adler and Gordon exchanged a glance. Whatever you want, sweetheart, Gordon heard Adler’s thoughts.

Gordon blinked. “Well, I talked to Clement, and Mil is fine.”

Bryan made a dismissive noise. “Making sure a child is fine is the bare minimum for one of us. Even that one should manage a single, well-behaved wolf child. And as much as it pains me to say this, even that Lar isn’t a babysitter anyone would want to mess with. Honestly, this is me being grateful for getting Clement out of the house for the day. And of course, while Heath has been cursing a lot, finding your killer and instigator is one less thing he worries about.” A dreamy look crossed over Bryan’s face. “I don’t want him to get worry lines. He’s too handsome.”

Gordon and Adler exchanged yet another look before Gordon said, “You know what, I could sleep.”

Adler’s arm was still around Gordon, and at the words, he immediately pulled him closer. “Then we’ll do that. You deserve rest.” And you’re probably hungry too. We’ll take care of that. You were so brave today, I’m so proud of you, Gordon.

Gordon frowned. “Are you enjoying this, detective?”

A sly grin settled on Adler’s face. That you have telepathy? Of course I enjoy it. My mate bite gave this to you…to us, and I really am so proud. You’re beautiful and sexy, hot, erotic—but smart too!—smarter than me probably, which I love, and you are always so cute when you look at whatever new little Kawaii Hunter dolls are out—

“They are collectibles, and it’s Kawaii Demon Hunter, just for your information. Detective.”

Gordon crossed his arms even as Adler thought, So cute. You know I’m just teasing, right, sweetheart? But not about you being sexy, hot, smart, a treat—

Gordon rolled his eyes. “Okay. Thank you. I get it.”

“Hmm.” Adler leaned in close to sniff Gordon’s hair, his neck.

Bryan cocked his head, appearing somewhat baffled by their apparently one-sided conversation. “You’ll stay? There’s a beautiful apartment, made ready for you.”

Gordon nodded. “We’ll stay. Just for the night.”

Bryan beamed and led them down a hallway decked out in artwork that Gordon would bet wasn’t anything printed or forged, but something commissioned solely for the purpose. There were sunrises and flower themes here, but Gordon found it hard to focus with Adler so close, Adler so warm and safe next to him.

Bryan opened a door for them, which led to a fully furnished set of rooms. This one had more character and color than the place Heath had put Raven in. There was a lot of purple and black, bold patterns, and at least two vases of fresh flowers.

“I hope you’ll be comfortable here for the night,” Bryan said. “You’re always welcome in the future too, so long as you request Clement to babysit.”

Adler turned, briefly robbing Gordon of his touch. “We’ll think about it. Good night, Bryan.” He closed the door on the too-happy Lar.

Gordon let out a heavy sigh, and in the next instant, the large, warm body of his mate was all around him, Adler’s mouth on Gordon’s.

Heavens, so much happened today, and this just feels good, Gordon thought. There were things he needed to ask Adler, about their investigation and what they could determine about whether anyone at the Forum was actively involved, but his brain simply couldn’t handle that right now. His teeth lengthened on their own accord.

“Please just fuck me,” Gordon said, his voice ragged.

Adler picked him up, big hands kneading Gordon’s buttocks while Gordon put his legs around Adler’s waist. They kissed, and Adler’s low growl reverberated all through Gordon.

You’re hungry, sweetheart. I can feel your teeth. I’m sorry I wasn’t there earlier.

“No, it’s fine, I just…”

Gordon’s voice petered off while Adler carried him through the dark apartment, somehow finding the bedroom where he put Gordon back on his feet.

“Please take your damn jeans off, sweetheart. They’re too damn tight, and I can’t deal with those buttons right now.”

Gordon giggled, then laughed. All the tension burst out with the noise, and Adler stared, a bit surprised, a bit concerned, terribly horny.

“Sorry, just… Never mind. Removing pants.” Gordon did, in a hurry too, his teeth scraping against his lips.

Adler did the same, taking off his borrowed clothes until they were both naked in the darkness. Gordon didn’t stop to stare, dropped into bed and wiggled under the covers. Adler followed within moments, pulling Gordon back into his arms and kissing him.

“You’re hungry. Come on, eat.” He tilted his head so that Gordon had easy access, offering himself.

“I won’t take much.”

“Sweetheart, you take as much as you need. You know I like this. I like being there for you.”

“I love you,” Gordon whispered before he sank his teeth into Adler’s neck.

Adler in turn tightened his hold on Gordon as if he were ready to be drunk dry, as if he wouldn’t mind. It’s fine, sweetheart, drink, go ahead. Don’t starve yourself, he thought.

But Gordon didn’t need that much anymore, not when it was Adler’s blood. He stopped before long, taking his time to lick the small puncture wounds, making sure the bleeding had stopped. Before he could do anything else, Adler moved, turning them until Gordon was on his back.

“How’re you feeling?”

Gordon smiled. “I should be asking you that.”

“Huh. I’m good. I think it’s my turn. Yes?” Adler wrapped his fingers around Gordon’s wrist, pinning them.

“Yes.”

You have no idea how happy you make me, Adler thought.

Gordon wanted to tell him it was the same, but he never got the chance. Adler held him pinned with one hand and used the other to touch him, stroking the erection that had already built until Gordon began to struggle, searching for more friction.

I know what you want, sweetheart. I can see it on your beautiful face. Gordon, I could watch you all day every day and still never get enough of you.

“Please, Adler.”

“You want to cum?”

“Yeah.”

Adler’s chest rumbled with a growl more sonorous than anything Gordon had heard from him in a while.

“Gordon.” Adler shifted, covering Gordon’s body with his. “You’re so precious to me. I was so damn scared for you all day.”

Gordon huffed. “And I was scared for you. But you shifted. I didn’t know you were that good a fighter.”

Adler stilled, managing to keep his mind blank. “What?”

“Uhm. What I mean is…as your wolf-self, detective. I didn’t know you were such a good fighter as your wolf-self. I mean, you’re ever such a well-behaved wolf. Do you remember when we first met in Seneca Park and when you took me home? You were all proper and prim like a very nice dog.”

“Sweetheart, you should be getting in trouble for this.”

Gordon blinked. “Sexy trouble?”

“Yes. Maybe. And real trouble. A good spanking at a minimum. I’m my alpha’s second in command, Gordon.”

“I know, I know, but…I’ve never seen werewolves fight like that. It’s just not something you expect.”

Adler let out a heavy breath. “Fine. For tonight, I’ll let you off the hook. But, Gordon, you should remember this. We are fighters, and in our wolf form, we can hurt a vampire. Not that I’ll let you out of my sight during the full moon ever again.” He dropped his forehead against Gordon’s. “I think that other werewolf watched you. The day shifter. Something isn’t right about that one.”

“Why would he watch me?”

“I don’t know. I hope Maxim can get it out of him. We shouldn’t talk about this, not tonight. And with any luck, me shifting wasn’t a one-off. I’ll be able to make sure no one attacks you that way, and before you tell me I’m overreacting, I have to. You’re my mate, and I have to keep you safe.”

Gordon chuckled. “Same here, detective. I have to keep you safe too. And in supply of pants if you insist on randomly turning like you did earlier. Which was awesome. I never said that, but it was.”

“Gordon.” Adler’s voice was filled with longing, with love. “For me it’s…I can’t read your thoughts. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to. But I have a pretty good idea of your emotions. I think the mate bite gave each of us what we need to understand the other better.”

“You… What?”

Adler kissed Gordon’s chin. “I can feel your emotions, and that’s anxiety. I know that one well.”

“Oh, fuck. That’s…unexpected.” Although it isn’t. It might even be fair. “But you can’t read my thoughts?”

Adler shook his head. “No. I’d tell you.” I wouldn’t even have to tell you, because you’d be able to just read my mind and see for yourself.

“I guess that’s true.”

They were silent for a while, unmoving while Adler still held Gordon’s wrists pinned, their bodies close.

“Can you trust me with knowing you that way?” Adler asked, and Gordon heard the fear in his mate’s voice.

The answer came without conscious thought, that’s how certain Gordon was of it. “Yes. Yes, I trust you. I just have to get used to the idea, that’s all.”

Adler nodded. That’s fine. And you can always poke around in my mind if that helps. Should we go on, or do you just want to sleep?

“I still want you. I want you, Adler.”

“Good. Lie on your back while I taste you, and don’t move. Keep your hands there.”

Gordon felt hot. Warm. Desired.

Adler released Gordon’s wrists and moved down, marking his progress with kisses and with sucking hard on Gordon’s skin, hard enough to leave a mark. Gordon shivered and dug his fingers into the fabric of the pillow.

That made Adler make his wolfish noises, and Gordon felt the vibrations of that against the tender skin of his belly.

Gordon shivered. He’d felt vulnerable in his life before, and he had never liked that, had always tried to not have to feel that way in the few relationships he’d been in. But with Adler, everything felt different. With Adler, it came natural to lay bare his deepest self, and he didn’t mind this bond the mate bite had forged.

That in and of itself was novel. Scary even. Except Gordon wanted Adler, but not in the mere, physical sense. I want him to know everything about me, Gordon realized, his throat tightening.

“I want to tell you about Paula. I want you to know about my sister,” Gordon blurted out. Well. I might be taking the prize for saying the stupidest thing during sex.

Adler, predictably, stopped and looked up at Gordon, eyes wide with surprise.

“Sweetheart--”

“I mean, not now. Obviously.” Gordon gestured in a somewhat random way. “I’m saying, keep going. I just realized that while I always say I don’t want to talk about it, I just realized I want to talk about it with you . At a future point in time. Cool?”

Adler gave Gordon the strangest of looks. His jaw went first tight, then slack. His eyes seemed to glow with their own fire, then dimmed but ever so slightly as if he were calming himself.

“Gordon, will you marry me?”

“ What the fuck! ”

“I mean it. Through the Forum, of course. It’s just filing for spousal status, and maybe a party after.”

“Well, yeah, but… How can you ask this now !”

“Because I know. I want you. I want to stand in front of you whenever the world comes at you, and I want everyone to know it too. Everyone. I want it legal and binding and official. Marry me.”

“Fuck, Adler! The mate bite isn’t binding enough for you?”

“You’re blushing. And yes, it is. But everyone who doubts won’t be able to argue with Forum bureaucracy. You know that. It’s airtight.” Amusement coated Adler’s voice like candy coating red apples at a fun fair.

“Oh, don’t be so damn smug.” Gordon shifted, but Adler held him in place.

“I’m not smug. I’m happy. You can think about it. I don’t need you to answer straight away. But come morning, you’ll tell me.”

“Gee, I’m getting an ultimatum?”

“Hmm-mmmh.” Adler’s mouth went back to paying attention to Gordon’s skin, his aroused flesh.

“You’re using your interrogation tactics on me again, detective.” Gordon gasped when Adler’s mouth finally found his erect cock. “This is—not fair! It won’t hold up in court.” Adler licked around Gordon’s tip, teased his foreskin with the tip of his tongue. “Damn—your mouth, detective.”

“Hmm. Delicious. Doesn’t have to hold up in court. It’s just an official who takes down our names and does the filing. It’ll take five minutes.”

“Ah! You’re…devious…”

Adler eased Gordon’s length into his mouth, into that sweet warmth. He was wet and willing, and took Gordon deep, only to add pressure to Gordon’s balls, which nearly did Gordon in.

Adler pulled off though, running his tongue along Gordon’s needy erection, leaving Gordon to moan and squirm. He might have cursed at the loss of Adler’s mouth, but he couldn’t keep track of words anymore. Words meant nothing. Adler took him deep again, started licking and sucking, moved his head up and down.

I love you. I love you, I love you. When you look into my mind, that’s all I ever want you to see in there. Love. Be mine, in every way, be mine in front of the world, mate, spouse, friend. I love you.

Gordon let go of everything. He gave himself over to feeling, to wanting, he let himself trust inside Adler’s mouth. He let Adler’s thoughts into his mind, let them wash over him and through him.

Time stilled and condensed. It became just the two of them, bound together by the bite, by more than the bite. They held on to the other with more than just hands or even hungry lips. Gordon thought of diamonds, forged in darkness, of eternity and a kind of force that was impossible to resist.

He came in Adler’s mouth, and time moved forward again. Adler licked and swallowed, making content, encouraging noises as he did his best to swallow everything.

Ebbing heat made Gordon’s body feel like a doll’s even as Adler licked him clean, hungry for whatever else Gordon had to give.

I need you, Gordon thought, and almost as if Adler had heard the thought, he moved up again, kissing Gordon with lips that had the taste, the salty-sweet, needy flavor of Gordon himself on them still.

Adler held Gordon though he wasn’t done yet. Gordon rubbed into Adler, knowing his wolf was still hard. He wanted Adler to feel as good as he did, so he reached for Adler’s cock, but Adler pulled his hands away.

“Can I be inside you?” Adler asked on a hoarse whisper.

Gordon nodded. “Yes.”

Adler’s mouth worked on Gordon’s, kissing and biting, tenderly now, but Gordon felt the need there. Adler took Gordon’s earring between his teeth and pulled, carefully, gently, and Gordon pushed himself closer to Adler.

There was some movement as Adler used spit to prep Gordon’s hole with generous strokes that had Gordon shiver and squirm all over again.

“Adler,” Gordon mumbled. “You’re addictive. You’re a drug. My weed cookies have nothing on you. You’re so much worse and need to be regu—”

Adler pushed his length into Gordon, slow and steady, filling him up completely. Oh, it felt so good, that stretch, that tingling sensation of being filled.

Gordon gasped, words forgotten once more, and Adler pushed inside him, covered him with the warmth of his body as he fucked him.

Adler was slow to make love to Gordon, but his restraint barely hid the want in the deep thrusts and the hungry noises he breathed into Gordon’s ears. Gordon leaned his head to the side to offer Adler his neck, that spot where the mate bite was, and his wolf didn’t need to be asked twice.

His hips rolled, he thrust, hard and needy, and Gordon couldn’t quite tell what hit him first, the sensation of Adler biting him, or the feeling of his hot cum filling him.

It all mingled together in a heady cocktail, Adler’s teeth breaking his skin, his body claiming him, his arms holding him. Gordon was floating. It felt as if he were cotton-wrapped, safe beyond words.

He noticed, faintly, that Adler pulled out of him at some point, stroked his limbs, his face, his hair, cooed into his ear. Then, he was gone, but only to get a damp cloth and clean Gordon up with tender care, kissing the skin he’d marked as he went.

When Adler was done with that, he finally was back with Gordon, holding him. It was the last thing Gordon knew of that day, such a bright ending to so much darkness.