Young-Boy: Red Sky, Texas, #7

By Beau Brown

Fireman Sharky Jones is the alpha everybody loves. He's everyone's best friend. The divorced single dad raised his son, now twenty-six, all by himself. Since he focused all his attention on his son, Daniel, his love life is now a distant memory. He's forty-four years old, and his kid doesn't need him anymore. What's he supposed to do with the rest of his life?

Kurt Summer's has been Daniel's best friend since kindergarten. When his abusive parents got too out of control, he'd have sleepovers at his best friend's house. He always felt safe at Sharky's house, and he knew the older alpha would never let anything bad happen to him. Kurt has had a secret crush on Sharky since puberty hit. He's kept his feelings to himself because he didn't want to make things awkward with his best buddy by crushing on his dad.

Looking up to Sharky has always been easy. Kurt even became a fireman because he respected what Sharky did for a living. When he's transferred into Sharky's department, the two men become even closer. But Sharky isn't comfortable crossing lines with a kid the same age as his son, and even if he could get past the age thing, Kurt is his son's best friend. He can't risk alienating his son.

When Sharky fosters a four-year-old boy, whose parents are killed in a car wreck, Kurt volunteers to help him out. Sharky has always thought of Kurt as a kid, although he can admit he's had some very confusing sexual feelings since Kurt has started spending so much time with him.

Things are getting complicated. Kurt is aware of the hungry looks Sharky sends him, although the alpha never makes any move on the younger omega. But Kurt isn't willing to stay on the sidelines anymore, and watch Sharky date other people. He's not the child Sharky thinks he is, and he's ready to make his move.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beau Brown
• Release date: Jan 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201723934

Book preview

Chapter One

Sharky

No! I don’t want to leave my things, screeched the woman, clawing at my chest.

Gritting my teeth, I tightened my grip on her, trying not to fall off the ladder. "Lady, you can’t stay in the house. It’s on fire." The structure wasn’t just smoldering either. It was a full blown blaze, and if we didn’t get down off the ladder soon, we might both die.

My mother’s china is in there. The pictures of my kids when they were young. I can’t just leave everything behind. She began sobbing, but at least she wasn’t trying to scratch my eyes out any longer.

I felt bad for her, but the house was too far gone. If she stayed inside, she’d die. No question. I’m sorry. But I’m sure your kids would rather have you in their lives. Right? I was winded because climbing down the ladder, holding a grown adult was no easy task. Even a skinny grown adult.

Her response was to sob louder. Once we reached the ground, she collapsed onto the grass, her shoulders shaking. I stood over her, not sure what to do for her. I had work to do, but it felt wrong to just abandon her on the lawn. Glancing around, I saw Gina, one of the department’s EMTs striding toward us.

Go. I’ve got her, she said as she reached us. Her blonde ponytail was half undone, and her ball cap askew, but I knew she could handle the situation. Gina was an excellent EMT.

Thanks, I said, turning back toward the blaze. I adjusted my mask and gear, and strode back toward the blazing home. Me and the guys worked the pipe aka hose, for a long while, until the fire was out, and then a few of the guys went inside to make sure there weren’t pockets still smoldering. If we weren’t careful, the house could start up again and take out the neighbors.

Looks like her space heater started the fire. One of my fellow firefighters, Mike, stood beside me. He was older than me, with silver hair and a lined face.

God, those things can be dangerous. I wrinkled my brow. Part of me wishes they’d stop making them.

I think what made the place go up so quickly was the three cans of gasoline on the back porch, next to piles of old newspapers. Mike shook his head. What the hell was she doing with all that fuel?

No idea. I glanced over to where the woman was sitting on the back of the EMT’s truck.

She doesn’t exactly look like a terrorist. Mike raised his brows. But I can’t imagine what she’d need all that gasoline for.

Her son lives with her. My guess is the fuel is his, but he’s out of town right now.

She’s lucky she’s alive.

Agreed.

Mike shrugged. Well, no one was hurt, so that’s a win.

Yep. I was generally pretty good at separating my emotions from my job. Every now and then things got to me, like if a child died or was injured. But I tried to keep focused because my job was to put the fire out. I couldn’t allow myself to worry about the woman who lived in this house. Now that the flames were out, my part of the equation was over. Explaining to the insurance company why she had so much gasoline stored around her home was her problem. Hopefully her son would hurry back to town when he heard the news. Odds were the stored gas was his, and she shouldn’t have to deal with the fallout alone.

She’s not your problem, remember?

I moved toward the truck engine, my muscles aching with fatigue. Somedays I felt all of my forty-four years. The last few months I’d been dragging; mentally and physically. I wasn’t quite sure what was wrong with me, but I seemed to have trouble feeling my usual zest for life.

My captain was storing tools away on the side of the engine, when I walked up. He glanced over, his expression curious. You okay, Jones?

Peachy. I forced a smile.

We’re going to Callahan’s after this. You coming?

I grimaced. Not sure.

Yeah, I get it. At your age, you need all the sleep you can get. He smirked, and turned away.

The age thing again? Really? I laughed gruffly. You need some new material Cap. Captain Rick was five years younger than me, and that seemed to be an endless source of amusement for him. We’d gone through the fire academy together, so we were buddies, but he still loved ragging on me about my age.

Why would I bother, when I enjoy this topic so much? He grinned at me over his shoulder.

Maybe some guys would have been pissed that someone younger was promoted over them. It didn’t bug me though. Rick was good at his job, and he was a natural leader. I didn’t resent him at all. Besides, I’d never really hungered to be in charge. I had seniority over a lot of the guys, and they listened to me because I had experience. But I didn’t need an official title to make myself feel important.

I pulled off my head gear, and ran a hand through my sweaty hair.

Mike slapped my back as he passed by, and climbed into the engine. You coming tonight, Sharky?

He’s not sure, Captain answered for me.

Mike leaned back out of the big truck. Why wouldn’t you come?

I sighed. I didn’t say I wasn’t going.

Because he’s old and too tired, Captain responded, ignoring what I’d said.

Scowling, I said, I never said I wasn’t going to join you guys.

Captain ignored me, yet again. He probably has to clean his dentures tonight, or maybe clip his nose hairs.

God, you’re annoying, I grumbled. "Fine. I’ll come by for one drink. But don’t try to get me drunk. I’m not in the mood."

Captain started laughing, along with Mike. Told you it would work, he said.

Mike nodded, his grin toothy. Gets him every time.

I shook my head and followed Mike up into the jump seat area, where we firefighters sat. Why do you guys care if I come?

We don’t want you sitting home alone. Mike shrugged.

Captain poked his head in the door. Yeah. You’re never going to meet your omega staying home all by your lonesome.

I like being home alone.

Every night? Mike shook his head. That’s sad. You gotta put yourself out there if you want to find love.

I’m doing just fine. You don’t have to worry about me. I have plenty of omegas I can call if I get lonely.

Pfft. Captain climbed in behind the wheel. We’re not talking about getting laid. We’re talking about finding an omega to be serious about.

How about you let me worry about that? I stretched my legs out in front of me. I hated it when they ganged up on me. They were like having a couple of nagging grandmothers around sometimes.

Because then you’ll die alone. Mike laughed.

Scowling, I said, Jesus, that’s grim.

He looked sheepish. All I know is, the only omega you showed any interest in was that guy Jace. Have you even been on any dates since he friend-zoned you?

My face warmed. Of course.

How many? It’s been almost a year since he cut you loose. Captain started the truck engine, and the diesel engine rumbled loudly.

He didn’t cut me loose. We’re friends.

Captain shrugged. Call if whatever you want, but he picked another alpha over you.

I sighed. He fell in love with that other alpha. There was nothing I could do about that.

Mike said, No. But you can get back out there, and find an omega who will fall for you.

Yeah. You’re not getting any younger, Jones. Captain grinned.

I groaned. Is this what it’s going to be like if I show up tonight? Because I won’t come if you two are just going to nag me all night. I’d rather stay home.

Mike held up his hands. "We won’t rag on you, if you come."

I turned to study him, checking for any sign he might be lying. I don’t need help finding my omega, okay? Yes, I’ve been a little off my game lately. But I’ll get my stride back. You two nagging me just makes it worse.

We’re just worried about you. Mike sounded so sincere, it made me a little guilty. I remember being single and wanting to find someone. It was depressing. Once I finally found Marie, life got a little brighter. I want that for you. I want you to wake up with the love of your life every morning, like I get to.

A lump formed in my throat at his heartfelt declaration, but of course, I couldn’t show him that. It will happen when it happens.

Awww, look at him being so brave, Captain said, that annoying smirk back on his lips.

If he was anyone else, I’d have given him a surly Fuck off. But seeing as he was my superior, I just rolled my eyes and stared out the side window. The rest of the crew boarded the engine, and we pulled out onto the main road.

Callahan’s at 7 o’clock guys, Captain called out, and then his cheek curved in a smile. And Jones? If you don’t show, be prepared for a barrage of dick pics.

The guys laughed, and I gritted my teeth. I knew they meant well, but love wasn’t something you could force. The older I got, the less willing I was to settle. That made it harder and harder to find someone who I was truly compatible with. I didn’t just want an omega in my bed. I wanted a best friend and lover, and that wasn’t easy to find. It seemed like all the hot guys were boring, and the guys with fantastic personalities, didn’t turn me on sexually. I struggled to find both qualities in the same omega.

But I’d show at Callahan’s tonight, if only to shut these fools up. I certainly had no expectations that I’d meet the love of my life at a bar on a Tuesday night. However, Callahan’s had Guinness on tap, so at least there was that.

Chapter Two

Kurt

Callahan’s was hopping, even though it was a weeknight. The swarm of bodies packed into the bar had to do with the fact it was Two Dollar Tuesday. All the drinks were two dollars between 6 and 8 o’clock. There wasn’t much of a nightlife in Red Sky, which explained why most of the seats were taken. The place was brimming with horny hopeful, cheap drunks.

My pal Charles handed me a margarita, grinning. Drink fast. We want to get as many down as we can before 8 o’clock.

I laughed, and winced when my other friend, Luke’s, elbow jabbed my ribs.

Luke scowled, and gave me an apologetic glance. Sorry. There are way too many people in this bar.

I nodded, searching the wall for the sign that would say what capacity was allowed. I was positive they were pushing the boundaries a bit, packing all these omegas and alphas in like sardines.

Maybe you should talk to the manager, Luke said. You’re a fireman, right? Isn’t his up your lane?

I grimaced. I’m not on duty.

So? Charles sipped his drink, pushing the little umbrella out of the way with his nose. Off duty, or not, you’re sworn to protect and serve.

That’s the cops. I frowned.

Luke nodded, but said, Don’t you swear to place others above yourself, and follow the regulations of the department, though?

I gave him a surprised glance. What did you do, memorize the firefighters code or something?

He laughed. I wrote an article on firefighters for the Red Sky Gazette, so yeah, kind of.

I sighed. Well, I don’t want to throw my weight around, okay? I just want to drink my cheap margarita in peace.

Suit yourself. But if we all die in a fire, it’s on your head. Luke smirked.

I rolled my eyes, and winced, as yet another person stepped on my toes. To be honest, the manager did need a warning about packing people in like this. But I’d just returned to town a week ago, and I didn’t want to be the bad guy the minute I came back. Maybe I’d have a polite conversation with him at a later date.

I was shocked you came back to Red Sky, Charles said loudly, trying to be heard over the crowd.

I met his curious gaze. Why?

He shrugged. Because Red Sky is so small. You were at a much bigger department in Houston, right? I’m sure you made more money there than you can here.

I nodded, and avoided his gaze. Yes, but I love this town.

Still, dude. Money is important in life.

I know. I’ll be fine on what the Red Sky Fire Department pays.

My reasons for returning to my hometown were personal, not financial. I’d missed having no close friends in Houston. Red Sky was where I’d grown up, and I had buddies like Luke, Charles, and my best friend, Daniel here. Daniel traveled a lot for work, but he still called Red Sky home. He was in Italy at the moment, but I couldn’t wait to hang out with him when he got back to town. We were like brothers, and I’d missed him while living in Houston. He was probably the person who knew me best in the world.

Kurt has never been about the money. Luke’s voice interrupted my thoughts. He has higher ideals.

Charles smiled. That’s true.

My face warmed. I don’t know that my ideals have anything to do with my reason for returning. I just like living in a small town.

Whatever the reason, I’m glad you’re back. I missed you, Luke said. I was afraid you’d never return.

I tensed my jaw. I was just… waiting for the right time.

Yeah, Charles said, his gaze empathetic.

For sure. Luke nodded, his gaze filled with understanding. Now that both your parents are gone, it’s safe.

I took a gulp off my drink, wishing they’d stop looking at me like I was a sad case. But they knew the whole story of my upbringing, so I guess they couldn’t help but feel sorry for me. There was no nice way to put it: I’d had a fucked up childhood. My love of Red Sky had nothing to do with family, in fact, family was the reason I’d bolted from Red Sky at the age of eighteen. I’d been estranged from my parents since then, and now they were gone. First my mom had passed last year, and now my dad just a week ago. I could finally return without fear of running into them.

I cleared my throat. I had to come back anyway to deal with the house.

Sure. Luke said.

Good thing they had the funeral shit all handled before they died. Charles raised his brows. With the way you felt about them, they’d have probably ended up in a dumpster behind Gold’s Liquor, instead of the cemetery.

I frowned and Luke gave an uneasy laugh.

I’d have done the right thing either way, I said gruffly.

Wincing, Charles said, Sorry. That was meant to be a joke. It came off wrong.

Of course you’d do the right thing. Luke patted my back. You always do the right thing.

Not always, I murmured, once again gulping my drink. I’d tried to be a good son, but my parents hadn’t been normal. My dad had been an abusive drunk, and Mom had gone along with whatever he wanted because it was easier that way. I guess part of me couldn’t blame her. Dad had been scary, violent. She’d just been trying to save herself from being his focus. Not a motherly way to behave, but then, she’d never been like other mothers.

Charles squeezed my shoulder. You turned out great, Kurt. All the shit you went through, and you came out the other side, a good person.

Thanks. Once again heat filled my cheeks. I didn’t like compliments much. They made me self-conscious. But I knew both of my pals cared about me, and just wanted me to know that.

I’m serious though. You had it rough, and instead of turning out bitter, or becoming an abusive bastard like your dad, you focused on bettering yourself.

I appreciate that, Charles. I gave him a weak smile.

No problem. It’s the truth.

Luke blew out a ragged breath. Okay, enough of this sentimental shit. Let’s get wasted. We only have a few hours left for happy hour.

We all laughed, and the conversation turned to more lighthearted subjects. Charles had found his alpha a few years ago, and it seemed they were ready to start having kids. We spent the next hour laughing, and teasing him about how he’d become a boring househusband if he wasn’t careful.

I was three margaritas in, when a boisterous group of guys walked into the bar, laughing. Being on the job myself, I knew immediately they were either cops or firefighters. They just had that air about them. Many of the patrons knew them, and they seemed to bask in the attention. One guy in particular caught my eye, and my heart sped up immediately. The alpha was blond, tall, and he hung back a bit from the rest of the group. I recognized him right away as Daniel’s father.

Sharky Jones in the flesh.

Unbeknownst to anyone else, he was one of the reasons I’d returned to Red Sky. I’d had an enormous crush on him as a teen, and I’d never been able to forget him. I’d subconsciously measured all alphas against the fantasy of him. The vivid memory of Sharky had made it difficult for me to take other alphas seriously. I’d wanted to see him again, to figure out if the things I’d felt for him as a kid had changed. Now that I was no longer an impressionable teen, would he still seem larger than life to me?

I blew out a shaky breath, and my pulse raced as I drank him in. He was still gorgeous. His golden hair gleamed, and his sharp, aristocratic features made my stomach tingle. He didn’t look much different than I remembered. Maybe slightly more muscular, and a tiny bit older. He carried himself with a confidence that was never brash. Sharky had always been like that; self-assured, without a hint of arrogance.

I’d secretly hoped that seeing him again would leave me unaffected. But, seeing him in the flesh, I was disconcerted to discover that nothing about my feelings had changed. Even now, at twenty-six years old, I felt completely in awe of him. My entire body seemed to buzz and warm at the sight of him.

Of course, I’d never expected to run into him like this. That hadn’t been the plan. He had no idea I was back in town, or that I’d transferred into his station. I’d wanted it that way too. I’d hoped to catch him off guard, so I’d have the upper hand. I’d been dying to see his reaction at the sight of me, all grown up. But instead, unless I hid from him under a table, it appeared we’d see each other for the first time, tonight.

I ran a shaky hand over my hair, watching him. He hadn’t seen me yet, and I wondered if he’d even recognize me when he did. While I’d spent many nights at his house as a teen, having sleepovers with Daniel, Sharky hadn’t paid me much attention back then. He’d always been welcoming and kind, but I wasn’t on is radar as anything but Daniel’s pal. Naturally.

Back then, I’d hero-worshipped Sharky. He’d been such a good, stable dad to Daniel, it had been impossible not to admire him. However, once I hit puberty, my appreciation of Sharky changed. It became less about seeing him as a father-figure, and more about appreciating him as a man. I’d spent a lot of nights watching him, wishing he’d see me as something other than a kid. But, of course, he never had. But that hadn’t stopped me from lusting after him. In fact, he’d been the subject of my first wet dream.

Is that Daniel’s dad? Charles’ voice cut into my walk down memory lane.

Where? Luke stood on his tip-toes.

Across the room. Charles pointed.

Luke nodded. It is.

Willing my pulse to slow, I said casually, Where?

Near the bar, Charles said. See? He’s the tall blond alpha.

I knew perfectly well what he looked like, and exactly where he was standing, but I didn’t want them knowing that. Oh, yeah. That’s Sharky all right.

Charles met my gaze. Hey, are you going to be working at the same station?

I kept my expression blank. Uh, I’m not sure, I lied. Red Sky had two stations, Station 21, which was very small and located on the outskirts of town, and Station 54, which was larger and way busier. Of course I’d wanted to be at the faster paced station, but I’d also wanted to work with Sharky, so I’d transferred to his station.

Which station did you pick? Luke asked, watching me over the rim of his glass.

Station 54. I avoided his gaze. Is that where Sharky works?

He’s at the bigger one on White Lilly Avenue, Luke said. I don’t know the numbers of each station.

Oh, wow. Yeah, that’s the one I’ll be at too. I felt a bit guilty lying to my pals, but it was too embarrassing to admit Sharky was a large part of my reason for returning to Red Sky. I had no idea what either of my friends would think of me crushing on Daniel’s dad. They’d grown up around Daniel and his dad just like me. They’d probably be freaked out by the idea I had a thing for Daniel’s father; especially since there was an eighteen-year age gap between us.

We should go over and say hi, Charles said cheerfully.

I stiffened. Oh, uh…

Yeah. It’s been a while since we’ve seen him. Luke nodded enthusiastically.

I don’t want to bother him. My heart rate picked up all over again, and I shot a wary glance in Sharky’s direction. He was leaning on the bar, sipping from a bottle of beer, and laughing at something one of his fellow firefighters was saying.

You’re going to be working together. Of course you should go say hello. Luke laughed. Come one, we’ll keep you company. I’d love to say hi as well.

Okay, I said weakly. Taking in Sharky’s warm smile, my knees felt weak. I took another swig off of my drink, trying to drum up some liquid courage.

Hey, I’m coming too. Sharky’s cool. Charles grinned and put his arm around our shoulders. Now, let’s see if we can even get to him through this swarm of bodies.

We might do better crawling over everyone. Luke started pushing his way through the people nearest us. Don’t lose sight of each other, we may never be heard from again.

Charles laughed and followed him, and I faked a smile and did the same. The entire way toward the bar, I racked my brain for what I should say. I wanted to come across cool and collected, but I was a sweaty, nervous mess. My under pits felt damp, and there was a layer of perspiration on my face. This wasn’t at all how I’d pictured my first meeting with Sharky.

As we neared Sharky and the others, I had to resist the urge to escape toward the door. I didn’t feel prepared to see Sharky yet. The fantasy of running into him again after all these years had been way more fun. Now that the moment was upon me, I was tongue-tied and anxious. I’d hoped that when we one day ran into each other again, he’d see me as something other than a nervous, shy kid. But as sweat trickled down my spine, and my legs wobbled, I realized confidence wasn’t what I was projecting.

When we finally reached Sharky, he had his back to us. He was chatting to an alpha with silver hair. They seemed close, like they