The Howling Hunger (Pleasure Bite #2)

By KT Grant

The howling hunger that lies deep inside will not be contained...

After months of chaos, the largest city in the East Coast where vampires, werewolves and humans live together is now peaceful since Roderick Savery, the werewolf king signed a treaty with the queen of the vampires. He wouldn’t have succeeded without his best friend and trusted advisor, Will Seiler. Will is much more than just a faithful servant to his king. He’s been Roderick’s secret lover for years. He shares an intense bond with Roderick but their love can never be acknowledged publicly. He has sacrificed so much for his king, and needs space from Roderick so he can figure out what’s best for him.

Will takes a “sabbatical” and will stay in Crested Forge, where he spent many happy summers as a child. He hopes the small town surrounded by miles of forest will give him the comfort he needs before he makes a decision that might ruin his relationship with Roderick forever. But when the eldest son of the Forge’s most respected patriarchs is gruesomely murdered during a celebration that should have put to rest centuries of animosity between two warring families, he finds himself tasked with solving the crime. As he gets closer to the truth, he ends up with a target on his back that makes Roderick come to his aid.

Roderick would do anything in his power to protect his mate. While he and Will try to find a deranged killer on the loose, they also must face the consequence of their actions in order to have a future together. Even if that means Roderick giving up his destiny for the other half of his soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KT Grant
• Release date: Aug 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215216231

KT Grant

KT Grant is a self-proclaimed eccentric redhead who not only loves to read a wide variety of romances, but also loves writing it. KT has a bad coffee and LEGO set addiction, and doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinion A proud native of New Jersey, KT is multi-published and writes Gay, Lesbian and Straight romance.KT loves to hear from readers. You can drop KT an email at [e-mail].

Book preview

Chapter One

If the moon was full, he would have howled at it. Not that Will had ever done it before, but if he was alone in some woods, far away from humanity, he might have in anger. The bottle of Spring Gold gin he currently drank would have to substitute. He was halfway through the bottle which, if he was human, would push him way past alcohol poisoning territory. But as a werewolf, his tolerance, like most of his kind, was high. Spring Gold was potent and expensive, but it was from his king’s personal collection. He took it without permission as a fuck you to his king. But he always carried some guilt when he thought ill of him, which was usually minimal.

He could not say he felt guilty for what he planned to do come morning. He swallowed down the rest of his drink and fell back on the bed. It was his personal room, a suite in the royal palace he had been given these past months because of the late nights he worked alongside Roderick to come up with an adequate peace treaty with the vampires. Earlier, Alexa Dangelis, the vampire queen of the East Coast, had finally signed the treaty. His younger sister Penny was her mate…queen… Consort. Fuck!

That rage inside him built and had for months since Alexa returned to Vila Pluvia after her father’s murder. Not only did she convince Roderick that peace between their kind should happen, but she had invaded his family. His sister was still in love with the vampire queen who she finally forgave for rejecting her years ago to marry a member of vampire royalty. It was a secret he kept for far too long. It had been one of the few he kept, including one secret, that if it got out would ruin his king and all he accomplished. All he, William Seiler, the high-ranking Secretary of State had accomplished.

He rolled over the mattress for another bottle, cursing he left it on the dresser. He wanted more to drink, but it meant getting up. His bones felt brittle, like he was almost two-hundred instead of forty. In a few hours, as dawn began a new day, he would turn his back on his king and duty, if only for a short while. He would hand in his letter of sabbatical and leave behind his phone and other electronics and go north to visit his parents who were vacationing with his aunt and uncle. It had been so long since he had left the city or taken more than a few days off. He was essentially cutting off a limb because he had never been separated from Roderick for such a long period of time. Especially not for a sabbatical that could last months. This would be the first for both of them. Roderick would find out soon.

He rolled off the bed, wincing from the pain in his head. He glanced at his reflection in the dresser mirror. Scowling, he combed back his wheat-toned hair, noting more gray that hadn’t been there last week. He expected to go gray in the next year or so because Dad had at his age. But other than that, his face was pretty much free of lines, unlike Roderick, who looked more like his father every day. He almost stuck his tongue out at himself, something his brother Zane loved to do to him when they were kids.

He chuckled and drank straight from the new bottle while he leaned against the window. The light of the moon casted a sharp glow that seemed to spotlight his luggage, as if mocking him for sneaking away. He chugged more, holding back a wince as the room spun. He would get as close to drunk as possible to help him sleep but not so far gone that he—

There was a knock on the door, and it swung open. The light from the hallway wasn’t as bright as the moon, and he could still see clearly even as his head was foggy. But instead of focusing on Roderick as he always did when he was in the same room with his lover, he noticed Roderick’s military jacket with his medals. Still so formal. He slumped on the window seat instead of rushing to Roderick like he usually did when he visited his room for the night.

Roderick shut the door he thought he locked, and entered, his long, muscular arms rigid at his sides. It wasn’t until he reached the middle of the bed, only a few feet away from Will, did he cross his arms and stare at him in both frustration and concern.

Why did you leave so early? To drink alone? He pointed to an empty bottle on the mattress.

I was bored and didn’t want to get drunk in front of your esteemed guests. He downed more of the gin and purposely burped as he wiped his mouth with his arm. You wanted me to ask you for permission to leave?

Roderick tapped a finger on his elbow as he continued to stare at him. He met his king’s eyes for a beat and then looked past his shoulder. Roderick didn’t have the most memorable eyes, but to him they were like fine jewels—diamonds. He would never admit that to Roderick. Just another secret he kept.

Don’t be ridiculous, you don’t need permission—

Stop. He cleared his throat when Roderick frowned. Please. He might be pissed, but Roderick was his king and would demand respect per his station, even if they were in his bedroom, the only place where they could be equals. I don’t remember you saying that a few hours before the treaty with the vamps when you ordered me to unzip my pants so you could suck my dick.

Roderick jerked back as if slapped. I didn’t order you. I suggested, which I always do.

Bullshit. The corner of his mouth twitched. Roderick might think he suggested, but he remembered that scene. It was burned in his memory because of how hard he came in Roderick’s mouth.

You love straddling that line between ordering and suggesting. Is that why you’re here? To do either so I’ll fuck you as congratulations for the biggest accomplishment of your monarchy so far? He rose to his full height and chugged more.

William, enough. Roderick spoke through stiff lips as he lowered his arms to his sides. I know you’re not happy with your sister’s marriage to Alexa, but you only drink gin when you’re really pissed. It must be me, so you want to tell me why?

What makes you think I’m pissed at you? Taunting Roderick wasn’t smart, but here in this room, they weren’t a king and his loyal subject. Roderick might try and pull a power trip, but it would end up with them in bed.

It’s obvious you are. Roderick indicated the bottle and then crossed his arms and leaned against the dresser. I’m this close to taking it away from you but if I do, we won’t talk and we’ll end up making love like we did last night. His grin was brittle. But you were fine with me then when you let me pound your ass for hours.

Shit, Rod. He lowered his head and sighed. Roderick usually wasn’t crude. He never said they fucked, but always made love or loved one another. The last part about pounding him, which was true, was meant to shock.

Roderick shrugged. It’s true. Was I too rough, because—

You weren’t. They were very open and honest about sex, ever since they became lovers. He wanted to talk, to tell Roderick everything that had been building inside him for years, like Penny’s sacrifice for a love that may still end in disappointment. But most important of all, being the long-time secret lover to the East Coast werewolf king.

Talk to me, then. Roderick inched closer. Was it what the Head of the Archives’ wife said about me finding a mate and marrying? It’s not the first time I was asked, nor will it be the last.

He took another chug and dropped his head back against the window. He should lie down, because the gin was finally taking effect. The constant questions this year about when Roderick would take a queen is what broke the camel’s back for him. The fact Roderick played along and didn’t care, and even went as far to say he would have more time for courting because of the peace with the vamps, made him see red. He had to walk away to hide his fur and claws that replaced his hands. That had never happened before. He had better control than that. Even more proof he had to leave and figure out his next steps.

The past few months have been stressful. Ever since the vampire king’s murder, the bombing, and then Penny marrying the vampire queen, has literally driven me to drink. He lifted the bottle. As horrible as it sounds, I wanted to get drunk to help me get a good night’s sleep.

We both had too many late nights. Roderick came to him and sat on the window seat.

If he moved away, Roderick would become suspicious. He loved having Roderick near and looked forward to fleeting touches and short physical contact in public. Even in his near drunken state, he longed for affection from his lover. He would placate Roderick so it would be easy for him to leave. Their goodbye would be a nice memory to take with him on the drive.

He sat and handed the bottle to Roderick, who took a swig. If you were planning on getting drunk, you could have had the decency to ask me to join you. He lowered the bottle to his thigh and flattened his palm on Will’s. Why is your suitcase out? You don’t have to go back to your condo yet.

Is that an order? He linked his fingers with Roderick’s and squeezed. He had to direct Roderick’s thoughts to something else. It wouldn’t be that hard to do, especially for what he had planned to throw Roderick off the scent. He chuckled at his use of the word scent.

What’s so funny? Roderick lowered his voice and turned his head to brush his nose on Will’s cheek.

Great, just great. That familiar stirring in his groin traveled right to his dick. The front of his pants strained. He glanced at Roderick’s lap. It appeared he was also in agreement.

You mentioning my suitcase made me hard. He dragged Roderick’s hand to his crotch.

Either the gin has made you hot and bothered, or you’re over your snit. Roderick grabbed him and pressed his lips to Will’s ear.

Snit? That’s the type of word your sister would use. He pressed his feet into the carpet for leverage while Roderick stroked him. Last night, their sex had been more physical and guttural than sweet and hot. Roderick was handling him with care for the moment, which he wasn’t complaining about. He wanted it slow, to build the burn to make him believe they had a lifetime together, even if it was only a few hours in the darkness.

Let’s not talk about my sister. It kills the mood. Roderick tugged on his earlobe.

What if I said I just wanted to talk? He clamped down on Roderick’s hand to stop him before he came in his pants.

Roderick lowered his face to the crook of his shoulder. We can talk while we love one another.

His heart jumped in his throat, and he lifted Roderick’s face. It’s always love for you.

Roderick nipped his upper lip. For us it is. Why would you question it, or us?

I’m not. He closed his eyes at his lie, and grasping Roderick by the head, kissed him deep.

Roderick responded right away whenever he kissed, which was never enough. The only time they did was when they were certain they wouldn’t be spied on or late at night, hidden in one of their bedrooms. He tongued the inside of Roderick’s mouth to remember his taste since it would be a while, more than a while, until he tasted him again.

Hmm…I might get drunk if I keep kissing you. Roderick laughed on his mouth and rubbed Will’s arms.

I’m done drinking for the night. I’d rather fuck. He nipped Roderick’s bottom lip and swept his thumbs along the side of his face. Another memory to take with him.

Roderick pulled his face back and gripped Will’s dick. He jerked up and swallowed a curse. The next time you say fuck, I’m bending you over this bed.

He mouthed the word and curled his lip. Roderick shook his head and rose, holding out his hand for him. He grabbed Roderick’s wrist instead and curled his arm around his waist. Even barefoot, he stood an inch or two over Roderick. He sniffed his lover’s hair and sighed. Roderick inhaled deep against his chest and stroked his ass.

Lie down on the bed and I’ll take care of you. Roderick unbuttoned his pants and tugged them and his briefs down.

He kissed Roderick again and turned him until he hit the bed. With his mouth still on Roderick, and using his tongue in ways to emote moans from the man he wanted to please, he drew Roderick flat on the mattress. He then pulled Roderick’s hands over his head and kissed him even deeper, causing him to arch his back and sigh Will’s name.

You took good care of me last night. Let me do the same to you now. He broke the kiss and lowered his mouth down Roderick’s chest, to his stomach, and then his navel where he disrobed his lover and pleasured him with his mouth.

He gave instead of taking, to make sure his best friend and lover was so overcome from pleasure that he would fall into a deep sleep. It was very easy since his king worked himself to the bone.

In under two hours, his mission was accomplished.

While Roderick lightly snored, naked on his stomach with his arm laying over Will, as he always did when they slept together, he let himself enjoy the closeness he shared with Roderick, lightly dozing.

A few hours later, before dawn, he left a sleeping Roderick with a handwritten note explaining why he left, and his work cell phone and laptop. He snuck away in the dark, holding back a howl of despair at the moon that seemed to mock him as a coward.

Chapter Two

The four-hour drive and woodsy morning air was exactly what Will needed. He couldn’t remember the last time he drove, since his work didn’t give him many opportunities to drive his black Lamborghini. He would only take it out for short drives or to let Zane use it. Zane even offered to buy it from him but he would never sell it. It had been a gift from Roderick for his thirtieth birthday. A secret gift, because if anyone found out the king had given such an expensive gift to a member of his staff, even his well-respected Secretary of State, the press would have had a field day.

He gripped the steering wheel harder with one hand while he turned up the radio to near blasting. He had to stop thinking of Roderick. It wasn’t healthy to constantly have his lover on his mind. But his kind grew attached to the ones they loved, especially those they were mated to. He hated