Male of the Species (Duet)

By Kate Steele

Refusing to believe loving another man is wrong, these werewolves fight to build their own pack.

Male of the Species: Devin Grant is an alpha on a mission. Rejected by his pack, Devin finds himself alone. A chance meeting with fellow outcast Quinn Alexander starts him on the path to forming his own pack. Along the way, he makes an enemy -- the unscrupulous leader of a black arts coven -- and unexpectedly finds his mate, human Ryan Mitchell. With strength and courage, Devin works to win his mate and build his pack -- until a stunning betrayal threatens to cost Devin not only his mate, but his humanity.

Transcending Darkness: Is it possible to start a new life with a bang… or rather, a spanking? For Owen Connors that’s just what it takes. When Owen ignores him in favor of a strong and charismatic alpha werewolf, Sam realizes it’s time for a change. For Owen, he’ll take charge and become the dominant, decisive lover Owen needs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Apr 25, 2020

Book preview

Steele

Male of the Species (Duet)

Kate Steele

Refusing to believe loving another man is wrong, these werewolves fight to build their own pack.

Male of the Species: Devin Grant is an alpha on a mission. Rejected by his pack, Devin finds himself alone. A chance meeting with fellow outcast Quinn Alexander starts him on the path to forming his own pack. Along the way, he makes an enemy -- the unscrupulous leader of a black arts coven -- and unexpectedly finds his mate, human Ryan Mitchell. With strength and courage, Devin works to win his mate and build his pack -- until a stunning betrayal threatens to cost Devin not only his mate, but his humanity.

Transcending Darkness: Is it possible to start a new life with a bang… or rather, a spanking? For Owen Connors that’s just what it takes. When Owen ignores him in favor of a strong and charismatic alpha werewolf, Sam realizes it’s time for a change. For Owen, he’ll take charge and become the dominant, decisive lover Owen needs.

Male of the Species

Kate Steele

Devin Grant is an alpha on a mission. Rejected by his pack for refusing to believe that one man loving another is wrong, Devin finds himself alone and directionless until a chance meeting with fellow outcast Quinn Alexander starts him on the path to forming his own pack. With Quinn’s experience and his own needs guiding him, Devin fights to make their pack dream a reality. Along the way, he makes an enemy -- the unscrupulous leader of a black arts coven -- and unexpectedly finds his mate, human Ryan Mitchell.

With strength and courage, Devin works to win his mate and build his pack -- until a stunning betrayal threatens to cost Devin not only his mate… but his humanity.

Prologue

Moonlight played over naked skin, slick with sweat. Blood oozed from the wound that marred Devin’s shoulder, evidence of the only mistake he’d made during the fight. He breathed deeply, staring down at the nude man who sat before him cradling his mangled foot, blood dripping from various wounds on his body.

Shudders took up residence deep inside him. Now that it was finally over, the anguish he’d held at bay for years threatened to rush in. Familiar, tormenting questions filled his mind. Questions that had no answers. Why couldn’t his father just love him? Accept him as he was. Why? As he’d been taught, Devin let no hint of his sorrow show.

"This changes nothing! Do you really think the pack will let itself be led by a pervert like you?"

Devin’s chin rose proudly. "No, I don’t. But remember this, old man, this pervert -- your son -- defeated you. And that knowledge is going burn inside of you until the day you die."

The air around him shivered and swirled. Where once stood a strong young man, now stood a black wolf who gave the man a disdainful stare through piercing amber eyes before turning and melting into the night.

Moments later a deep howl, filled with rage, broke the silence. The wolf accepted the bitter tribute with fierce satisfaction. A new life awaited, away from the unforgiving, narrow-minded bigotry he’d faced from members of his own pack. With unwavering resolve, Devin put aside the past and looked toward the future.

Chapter One

A sharp crack and the rattle of falling limbs pierced the forest as another tree relinquished part of itself to the growing weight of the ice that settled on its branches. The wolf barely acknowledged the sound, it had become so common. Instead, he limped steadily on, searching for a place to rest, a place to escape the steady drizzle that matted his thick, dark fur.

Hunger was beginning to pinch his belly -- the rabbit he’d managed to surprise two days ago had long since been digested. For a wolf alone, catching larger prey was difficult unless one managed to find prey that was old or infirm. The weather had driven the deer herds on to more hospitable climates, and the snow made any chase that much more difficult.

His injury was another strike against him. Though not severe, hunger had drained his body’s resources and slowed the healing.

The capricious wind shifted and he again caught the scent that had intrigued him since entering this area. Another wolf, male and alone, had laid claim to this territory. The evidence of this claim was clearly evident at the scent stations that were marked with his musk.

From the size of the paw prints he’d seen, the wolf knew this lone male was large -- it would mean a fight if they crossed paths. At this point he didn’t care -- tired, hungry and alone, he’d lost the will to care. His entire being was now focused on survival and the need that burned inside -- the determination to prove himself to those who had driven him out of the pack he’d been born into.

He continued on, the ground beginning an uphill slant. The wind shifted and brought strongly the scent of the other. Halting, the wolf tested the breeze, found the direction and turned toward it. Fate had already dealt him a series of blows that would have felled a lesser soul, and he decided to tempt it once again.

He found a small, well-hidden trail, the path worn and rich with the scent of the other. He followed it to its ultimate destination, a den.

Some instinct told him the owner was not at home, and with only a slight hesitation he ducked under the rocky entrance and entered. It was surprisingly warm and he shook himself to rid his coat of the ice that flattened his fur. Moving farther into the cave, his eyes were drawn to a strange glow farther back in the cavern.

He walked slowly, deeper into the gloom and was puzzled as the glow became brighter. A small corridor led farther into the side of the mountain and he ghosted through it, then halted before he entered the second chamber. The source of the glow was revealed.

The rock-lined space housed a pool of water from which a gently wafting cloud of steam rose. The walls of the chamber were coated with a form of phosphorescent lichen that produced the soft light. He looked around curiously and shivered as the warmth began to penetrate his coat and pull the ever-present chill from his body.

The discovery of a carefully constructed bed of pine boughs and grasses brought puzzlement, then a sudden understanding. No ordinary wolf would have made such a bed, but he needed shelter and this place was more than large enough for two. He was staying. He was tired of wandering aimlessly with no place to call home. The owner of this den would have to accept him or kill him.

Deciding to mind his manners, he settled by the pond -- no hardship, as he enjoyed the warm vapors drifting up from the fragrant mineral water. He closed his eyes, his last thoughts centered on the smell of the wolf that called this place home.

Not long after falling asleep, he was roused by the sound of a deep, rolling growl. Instantly awake, his body tensed but he did not rise. Instead he lifted his head and made momentary eye contact with the wolf whose scent had filled his dreams. He was a full-grown adult, his coat thick and gleaming with a healthy sheen. It was a rich shade of salt-and-pepper gray with hints of golden brown around the muzzle, ears, and legs. The color grew lighter as it moved down his body, his legs and belly a deep cream.

His eyes glowed, blazing green orbs that held not only a challenge but a question. Some mutual knowledge passed between them and the wolf felt a surge of hope. The baring of teeth and another growl startled him. With the inherent knowledge of his kind, he kept his body low and nonthreatening.

The older wolf stalked forward on stiff legs and halted before him. His head came down, warning growls keeping the younger wolf still while the elder drew in his scent. Slowly the older wolf relaxed his stance, his muzzle drifting close enough to stir the other’s hair as he sniffed at various parts of his body. He hesitated at the half-healed wound that marred the younger wolf’s shoulder, then stepped back.

Normally a subordinate wolf seeking to placate an elder would roll to his back, bare his throat, and willingly concede dominance to the elder, but not this one. He rose with quiet dignity and met the other’s glowing green gaze. Again, a silent knowledge passed between them and they touched noses. Walking away, the older wolf moved to his bed and settled in. The young one approached and joined him. He lay down, his body quivering for a moment at the much missed contact of another. Curled together, sharing the bed and newfound companionship, the wolves slept.

During the night -- lulled by warmth and security -- a transformation took place, and Devin Grant woke in his human form with his arm flung over the naked body of his host. The warm, sensuous skin-to-skin contact increased the hardness of his already firm erection. He breathed a soft sigh and rolled away, sitting up quietly.

It’s been a while since I woke up with someone holding me. It felt good, the older man commented. He too rolled over and sat up to face Devin. What’s your name, cub?

Devin Grant. And I’m no cub.

The older man looked him over appraisingly, noting the length and thickness of Devin’s morning erection. Perhaps you’re no cub, at that. He smiled. I’m Quinn Alexander. Pleased to meet you, Devin Grant.

Devin nodded. Same here. Thank you for letting me stay.

Always happy to help a brother in need. You look like you’ve been through some rough times.

I did my share of damage.

I’ve no doubt you did, young alpha-in-the-making. Question is, why was it necessary? Who did you fight?

My pack -- most especially my father. He wanted me driven out.

For what reason?

Devin raised his chin proudly and gave Quinn a challenging stare. Because I’m attracted to other males. He, and the majority of the pack, consider that a perversion.

Quinn turned his head slightly, a questioning gesture. And what do you consider it?

The way God chose to make me.

Quinn nodded, a slow smile wreathing his lips. Believe it or not, I’ve been waiting for you, young wolf. We have a lot in common, but first, I don’t know about you, but I really need to piss.

He rose effortlessly and headed for the cave entrance. Devin’s brows beetled slightly as he watched Quinn’s retreat and considered his words. He snorted a soft laugh at his last comment then rose and followed in Quinn’s footsteps.

Returning from outside after having taken care of the necessities, Quinn walked to the shallow pool and waded in, seating himself in the steaming water. This water has great healing properties in addition to being quite soothing. You look like you could use a bit of both.

Devin agreed and following Quinn’s example, seated himself in the pool. The bottom was smooth and comfortable. Devin settled in, scooped water over his upper body and finally submerged himself fully, re-emerging and flinging his wet hair back while wiping the water from his eyes.

Quinn watched with amusement and found himself aroused at the sight of his newly adopted alpha. In this wolf he’d found what he’d long sought. Now it was just a matter of convincing Devin.

How long have you been on your own? he asked.

Several weeks now.

And how did you like experiencing the whole mystique of being a lone wolf?

It sucked.

Quinn chuckled, then sobered. In Montroy, a city about thirty miles from here, there are others like you who’ve been driven from their packs by those who can’t accept anyone who is different. I was such a one, once.

One hand rose up from the water and came to rest on his chest, moving in what seemed like a soothing caress. Dev watched the movement of Quinn’s hand, rightly interpreting the unconscious gesture and wondering at the need of it.

Quinn’s eyes took on a faraway expression. I see them when I visit the city. They come and go. Some survive, as I did. Some disappear and there are rumors of how and why, but that’s another story. Quinn’s gaze sharpened. I visit the city occasionally -- my aunt lives there. She agreed to help me if ever I found one I thought capable of leading… which brings me to you.

Devin’s brow rose but he said nothing, waiting with a patience born of his heritage.

You’re an alpha, Devin Grant, a bit young, yes, but even now it’s apparent. Those in the city need a leader. You know what it’s like to be alone, not a pleasant existence for those of our kind. You could change things for them and for yourself. Form your own pack, give yourself and them a family, a home, a reason to survive.

I’m not as young as you seem to think. I’m twenty-nine and I’ve had my fair share of life’s nastier experiences, but even so, that’s a big responsibility you’re asking me to take on.

"You’re right. You are older than I’d thought. All the better to lead. And as far as responsibility is concerned, escaping with as little damage as you have proves you’re tough and clever. Despite your father’s disapproval of you, you learned from him, didn’t you?"

Devin’s expression turned hard. Before he discovered my sexual preferences, he taught me everything he knew in anticipation of my someday leading the pack. He was pissed as hell knowing it was the knowledge he gave me that allowed me to fight my way free and survive.

Quinn sent him a feral grin. An appropriate punishment for someone who would deny their own son and try to harm him. How were you able to keep your secret hidden for so long?

Devin’s eyes grew pensive at the memory. After I graduated high school, I attended college and worked out of state. I made it a point to stay away as much as possible. But the occasional visit home was inescapable, and it was during one of those times that he found out, Devin revealed. Because they assumed I’d be leading the pack someday, the younger, unattached females began making themselves available to me, if you know what I mean, he said with a rueful roll of his eyes. When I didn’t take advantage of the offers, rumors started to fly. My father confronted me. I had no choice but to tell him the truth.

Which he didn’t take well.

Dev gave a short, mirthless laugh. To say the least. There were a series of incidents, some involving just the two of us, some with other members of the pack. The violence escalated each time, and during our final confrontation, I defeated him. I hope it’s eating him alive, Dev growled.

Quinn nodded, understanding Devin’s intensity. I have an offer for you, he said, giving Dev a hopeful look. If you’ll go to the city, act on my suggestion and start your own pack, I’ll give you a home, all expenses paid. You can search for a job, work and build the pack without worrying about paying rent or anything that has to do with household expenses.

That’s a generous offer.

I’m well-off. I have an estate in town, complete with a large house that my aunt occupies at present. You, and those you gather to you, can call it home until you choose to find places of your own.

Dev frowned. You developed this plan rather quickly, he commented. And how will your aunt feel about strangers coming into her home?

She won’t mind at all, Quinn replied. As I said, I’ve been waiting for you. This plan was in place long before we met, and Rose has already given her approval.

Devin considered before answering. I accept -- but I want you to know something. His amber eyes glowed with purpose. "Now that I know where I’m needed, I’d do this without your offer. You weren’t wrong about me. I am an alpha and the need to lead a pack is something I can’t deny."

Despite the warmth of the water, a shiver slid down Quinn’s spine. This young alpha was the answer he’d been seeking for so many years. Devin’s fire drew him like a moth. He knew that others would be drawn to this man who had so much potential that it shone from his very eyes.

Devin fixed Quinn with his mesmerizing and unwavering gaze. I have one condition that has to be met.

Name it.

I want to spend a season with you while you show me how you survived and thrived on your own, here and in the city. Your experience will benefit those who’ve never faced this kind of struggle.

Quinn gave him an approving look. I’d be more than happy to share what knowledge I can, though I warn you, I’ve done things of which I’m not proud.

People in need oftentimes take succor where they can find it. Do you mind telling me about it?

Quinn shook his head and thoughtfully bit his lip before beginning. My parents died in an accident when I was five. In spite of the fact that I’m a werewolf, I was sent to live with my mother’s sister. Aunt Rose knew that my mother had been turned by my father and adopted into the pack. My mother and Rose were very close, Quinn explained. Anyway, so there I was, being raised by a human woman. I’m afraid I didn’t make it easy on her, but it was pretty much hell for me too.

Dev raised a brow in question. Did she mistreat you?

Oh no, nothing like that. Aunt Rose is a wonderful person. It’s just that, not only was I a werewolf with no elders to show me the ropes, I was also gay. Well, things kind of spun out of control. I ran away when I was fifteen and spent three years as a hustler on the streets. I pleasured others for money. Or in most cases, I let them pleasure me. He sat back, a slight tension marring his relaxed stance. Not long after I turned eighteen, I met an older man who took a shine to me. He was a very shrewd, well-to-do businessman. He took me under his wing and taught me how to invest the money I’d been saving. I wasn’t a total idiot, even in those days, he quipped with a smile. I learned quickly and it wasn’t long before my money began to multiply.

When he died, my benefactor left me a nice chunk of change. By that time, I’d come to grips with my life and myself. I’d been keeping in touch with Aunt Rose, calling occasionally, just to let her know I was still alive. I finally let her know I was coming home, and when I bought the estate, she moved in with me.

That’s quite a story. And I was right, Dev offered with a teasing sparkle in his eyes, you do have a lot to teach. Maybe you can share the juicy details of your younger days with me.

Quinn sent a shower of water Devin’s way.

Devin ducked and laughed then placed a hand on his stomach as it emitted a loud grumble.

How long since you’ve eaten?

Two days.

Come on. Quinn rose and Devin admired his trim, muscular body as the water sluiced down his length. I took down an injured deer yesterday. There’s plenty left.

Dev put a hand on his arm. "Just one more question. You’re sure your aunt’s prepared to share her home with a bunch of werewolves -- a bunch of gay werewolves?"

Quinn laughed. Oh yeah, she’s looking forward to it. He stepped out of the pool and effortlessly assumed his wolf form.

Devin watched him go, silently shaking his head. People. I’ll never understand them. But thank God they aren’t all alike, he muttered with a growing smile. He changed into his wolf form and ran to catch Quinn. The two of them trotted from the cave.

* * *

In the days that followed, Devin carefully assimilated the knowledge Quinn imparted. Quinn shared secrets not only useful to a wolf, but to a man as well, and Devin absorbed his freely given advice like a sponge.

They continued to share the bed and the pool, sleeping and bathing together in the manner of their kind. There was no false modesty wasted on their nudity. It was a state as natural to them as breathing.

Devin found himself growing possessive and protective of the older man as an alpha is wont to do with a member of his pack. In truth, Quinn was only thirty-four, a mere five years older than Devin. Despite that fact, his build was slimmer than Devin’s, though hard-muscled and fit.

Devin found a certain fascination in watching him while he imparted his lessons, his expression intent. Quinn’s face was boyish, and he was a handsome man -- Devin could well understand others paying him for his favors. Out of respect, he restrained his natural instinct to claim and dominate, forcing himself to remain on equal footing with Quinn… although it was becoming more and more difficult.

Quinn too faced his own struggle. He wanted this young alpha. He wanted to be dominated and taken, to be part of a pack, a family. There were times over the years when his despair had come near to making him end his own life. Others had, but he’d made himself go on, hoping that someday, something would change -- and now his dream had come true. Devin was an alpha who accepted who he was, a man who refused to be told that he was wrong in his need for another male.

Tall and broad-shouldered, his body was a poem of heavily sculpted bone and muscle. But more than that, there was heart, soul, and intelligence burning within him, and a will to lead that would not be crushed.

There were times when, unaware he was being observed, he’d catch Devin with a brooding and pensive look on his face. He knew the young man was remembering what had brought him here and Quinn wanted nothing more than to soothe those invisible wounds. But he held his tongue, knowing that an alpha’s pride would not welcome the acknowledgment of such weakness, and knowing also that Devin’s spirit would lead him through his despair.

He wanted to offer himself to Devin as his first pack mate but restrained himself knowing that it would be easier for Devin to learn from him if they remained equal in this growing atmosphere of pack hierarchy. He anticipated the end of the season and the final imparting of what knowledge he could share -- only then would he be free to relinquish this temporary role of mentor. And so he waited for what he needed, putting his alpha’s needs first.

* * *

Silas Prudome knelt on the floor before his master, swallowing the last bit of warm seed that filled his mouth. Without resentment, he watched Master Dekins lean back in his chair, his eyes closing with the pleasure he’d received from his willing acolyte’s talented mouth.

At twenty-seven, Silas knew that soon it would be his time, something he’d waited for since he was twelve years old and his father had given him into the keeping of Master Dekins. His body and mind had become a receptacle for the master’s seed and knowledge -- and rather than fight his fate, Silas accepted, swallowed his fear, pain, pride, and anger with each of his master’s loads and learned -- far more than the master had sought to teach.

When left on his own, Silas studied all the texts that were available, even those that the master thought safely locked away. He drew in the dark teachings, reveling in the stink of evil, the pain, the blood, the fear and the lust. The Horned One was his God and he made his sacrifices, drinking in the power that was so tempting and addictive.

Again his gaze rested on Master Dekins. Soon, very soon, he would taste the master’s blood, feast on his flesh, and take the final step into his full power as leader of the coven. A smile slowly curved his lips.

The master opened his eyes and looked down, seeing only the pale, angelic face of his devoted acolyte. I see you enjoyed that, young Silas. He rose. Come, receive the rewards of your devotion.

Silas followed willingly, anticipation hardening his cock and making his needy ass twitch. Wistfully he swallowed the small regret that surfaced at the thought of the master’s death. He consoled himself, sure in the belief that he’d find another who would fuck just as well -- and when he ruled, he anticipated sinking his cock into each and every member of the coven. He swallowed the excited groan that built in his chest, releasing it only when, naked and on his hands and knees, the master filled him.

Chapter Two

Spring arrived, bringing with it warm breezes and the intriguing smells of fresh new growth and returning prey. The snow melted and deer heavy with young bore them in secret places, seeking to hide them from the hungry gaze of the wolves. It was not always possible.

In wolf form, Devin and Quinn loped slowly across ground dappled with the shadows of emerging leaves. They were sated and satisfied after a meal of tender fawn but a few weeks old. The doe had dropped twins, one of which had a crippled leg and could not run when the wolves had discovered them at the edge of a meadow ripe with new grass.

The fawn was quickly, mercifully dispatched and they feasted. Afterward they had lain in the sun soaking up the heat and dozing while letting their full bellies digest their meal. Awakening, they wandered the perimeter of the territory Quinn marked as his own. They had no particular purpose in mind but to relish the day and the return of spring.

Quinn stopped at one of his scent markers and rubbed himself against the tree, renewing his mark. As he moved away Devin stepped up and laid his own mark over Quinn’s, the alpha claiming the rank of top dog. Finished, Devin moved closer to Quinn, his muzzle nudging Quinn’s flank. Quinn froze, his head swinging around, his gaze meeting Devin’s. For one moment the very air seemed to freeze then, stiff-legged, Devin made a pouncing movement, his tongue lolling out in a wolfy grin.

Quinn slowly raised his tail, an unmistakable invitation, and when Devin’s nose extended to accept, Quinn raced away. Growling, Devin followed as Quinn wove and ducked and dived between the trees and underbrush, successfully staying ahead of his alpha until another small meadow opened in front of them. With an effortless burst of speed Devin caught him and bowled him over.

The two of them tumbled, a growling, heaving ball of ruffled fur, until they came to rest, panting, shifting to reveal two nude, masculine bodies, smooth-skinned and muscular.

Devin looked down, holding Quinn pinned under him. His cock hardened instantly and he felt Quinn’s response as his erection strained between them. You’re mine. I’ve waited long enough.

Not nearly as long as I have, Quinn answered, then gasped as Devin’s lips came down hard on his, seeking, finding, taking.

Groans of need rose between them. Their bodies meshed and melded together. The pungent, musky scent of males in rut sent its drugging essence into the air, filling their lungs and noses with the perfume of desire. Dev wrapped Quinn tightly in his arms as though afraid he would run, but Quinn had no such intention. His own arms snaked around Devin and urged him on, his hands kneading the muscles of Devin’s back before sliding down to squeeze the fleshy mounds of his ass.

Dev answered the press of Quinn’s hands and rotated his hips, sensually grinding their cocks together. His kiss gentled and became an exercise in exploration, the plump, moist flesh of his lips sliding to the corner of Quinn’s mouth and from there to his cheek, his jaw, and downward to his throat. Baring his teeth, Devin adeptly pinched the vulnerable skin of Quinn’s throat and sucked lightly, marking his pack mate before moving on.

Quinn groaned and shuddered at the bite, a ripple of pre-orgasmic pleasure tingling through him with the rhythmic suction Devin applied. His mouth eagerly accepted the return of Devin’s, inviting the entrance of his tongue and then seducing it with his own. Deep satisfaction swept through him when a rumbling growl broadcast Devin’s pleasure at his actions.

With what seemed an effort, Devin pulled his mouth away and rolled slightly to his side. He leaned on one elbow and sent his other hand exploring. Long, tapered fingers slid with sensual deliberation over Quinn’s heated skin and stopped at a puckered nipple, lightly swirling over it before gently pinching.

Quinn’s breath hissed from his lungs, his back arching. Oh yeah. More.

Dev smiled and complied, lowering his mouth to the tight nub. He swept his tongue over it before drawing back to blow a warm stream of air over the wet tip. Instantly it pinched even tighter, drawing a shiver from Quinn. Dev nibbled at it, sucking the taut flesh while his fingers found Quinn’s other nipple, giving it a teasing tweak that drew a gasp from him.

Impatient for more, Devin rose up and again found Quinn’s mouth, smothering his lips and swallowing every husky murmur of pleasure. As they kissed, his hand slid down over Quinn’s flat belly. His skin quivered at the fleeting contact before Devin’s fingertips nestled in the generous bush of hair at the base of Quinn’s erection.

His fingers closed around Quinn’s cock and he gently pumped his hand a few times. Quinn’s hips quickly found a counter-rhythm, pushing up as Devin’s hand slid down, pulling down when Devin’s hand slid up. An aching groan of disappointment slid from his throat when Devin stopped.

Shh, I don’t want you to come yet. Turn over. I want you on your knees, Dev ordered.

Quinn swallowed his protests and rolled, quickly coming to his knees, his upper body resting on his forearms. He obeyed Devin’s silent command to part his legs, and shuddered when Dev’s hands cupped the cheeks of his ass, squeezing and kneading the twin spheres, parting them.

He felt the heat of Devin’s breath on his skin and heard the sound of his alpha pulling in his scent. His body was shaking with anticipation, his knees threatening to collapse, when that first wet touch was applied to the tight, hot skin of his entrance. A brief near-whimper escaped his mouth at the contact then a full-throated groan as Devin’s tongue went to work in earnest.

Quinn panted and shook, his mind shutting down and his body taking over as every nerve came alive with Devin’s ministrations. Dev’s tongue worked him open, sliding and licking, nudging and demanding the way in. It wasn’t long before Quinn’s entrance was not only well-lubricated, but eagerly relaxed and ready to be filled. As Devin straightened, Quinn could feel his mouth replaced by the smooth, plump cap of his thick cock. He bore down, preparing himself to bear the pain in exchange for the pleasure.

To his surprise and relief, as Devin pushed in there was little pain, only the stretch of muscle, the slide of thick flesh silky and hot against nerves that screamed with rapture, and the inescapable sensation of being filled, joined, of being one. He heard Devin’s pants of effort over his own continuous moans and was filled with fevered joy as his body opened to receive his alpha.

When Devin was fully seated he leaned over Quinn, the curling hair of his chest sticking to the sheen of sweat that coated Quinn’s back. Mine, he growled, and ground his hips against Quinn’s quivering ass.

Don’t stop now, Quinn groaned. Fuck me.

My pleasure, Devin breathed as he pulled back slowly.

Quinn felt the withdrawal and craved nothing more than the return of Devin’s hard cock. Devin’s deliberate and unhurried pace pushed him higher, driving his need into madness. He struggled to push back, to impale himself harder and faster, but Devin held him firmly, guiding the tempo, the rhythm, the speed of their joining until he chose to change it. And change it he did.

His thrusts eventually came faster and with added force, increasingly hotter and harder until he was slamming his hips against Quinn’s ass, the air filled with grunts and groans and the slapping of wet, sticky flesh as his cock stroked in and out of Quinn’s eager chute. Quinn’s own cock was rock-hard, the skin of his balls wrinkling as they drew tight to his body. Climax was coming, rising, rushing out in spurts of white cream that coated the grass as a mad euphoria ripped through his body, glutting him with pleasure.

Quinn howled his release, and through the sound of his own heart pounding he heard a cry echo his own. He felt the drawing pull of his sheath as it convulsively milked Devin’s swollen shaft and the quivering pulses that signaled each spurt of Dev’s seed into his body.

Knees locked, he couldn’t move, could only feel the shimmering heat that surrounded them, the sweat that formed and trickled over his skin and the receding pleasure that was replaced by muted elation and satisfaction. Devin went lax against him, groaning softly as he pulled free. Quinn felt the warm release of semen slide down his inner thigh. Moving to the side, Dev slung a weary arm over Quinn’s back and pulled him over until they were spooned together.

His face nuzzled the back of Quinn’s neck. When his tongue softly soothed the skin with gentle licks, a shiver slid the length of Quinn’s spine. Dev’s arm tightened.

All right? he breathed.

Very, Quinn answered.

They drifted to sleep in sweet meadow grass, the afternoon sunshine gilding their skin while it soothed and warmed.

Quinn was the first to awaken. He yawned, pushing back into the warm body that flanked him. Devin’s arm slid from his stomach to his waist, hip and thigh, moving up and down the length of his body in a lazy, mesmerizing stroke.

I’m glad you’re the first in this new pack of ours, he said softly in Quinn’s ear, giving the lobe a nibble.

I’ve wanted nothing more since the day you arrived. It… pleases me to again be part of a pack. His voice shook.

Devin pulled away and urged Quinn to his back. Quinn’s eyes were glowing with emotion and he avoided Devin’s gaze until Dev cupped his cheek and chin, forcing him to meet his eyes. You survived with bravery, cunning, courage, and sheer determination. You lived and learned and now you’ve taught me so that I can offer a better way to those of our kind who are alone as you and I were. Maybe in the great scheme of things this was meant to be, but it doesn’t make the pain any easier to bear. His hand smoothed the hair back from Quinn’s face. You’re my mentor and now my pack mate. Your place will always be assured in the pack… and in my heart.

Quinn nodded, speechless, as a single tear slid from his eye. He’d forgotten how easily emotions were expressed between pack mates. Remembering made the moment that much more poignant. Devin leaned down to lick the tear away, murmuring soft words of encouragement and consolation until Quinn began to smile. He laughed out loud. You know, it’s ridiculous to lie here crying, he exclaimed, sitting up. I’d rather run with my alpha.

Devin grinned, rising from the ground. Catch me if you can -- or if you dare, he added enigmatically before flashing Quinn a wink.

If my reward is a repeat of what I just got, I’ll dare, he replied.

That’s good to know. Devin laughed. Now show me how much you want it.

He transformed in an instant, Quinn immediately on his heels. The two of them raced joyously into the woods.

* * *

Devin sat at the edge of the pool, his feet and legs dangling in water that rose to his knees. In a contented mood, he watched the rise of steam from the water as it swirled and eddied with what breeze managed to find its way into the cave.

Quinn was seated in the water, his head leaning against the edge, his eyes closed, his expression peaceful. Dev smiled, sure that Quinn was satisfied with the reward he’d received even though he’d not managed to catch his alpha. He reached out, fingertips caressing Quinn’s cheek, moving to his temple to smooth back a fall of golden brown hair.

Mmm, Quinn mumbled, acknowledging the touch.

So, are we agreed? We leave for Montroy tomorrow? Dev asked.

Quinn’s eyes opened, a fleeting hint of regret filling them before he nodded. He felt a twinge at the thought of sharing his alpha so soon. "Yes, we’re agreed. We’ll have to run as wolves to the small house I have about eight miles from the city. We can go there first, get dressed and then drive