TALON WOKE first, and after tugging on pants and a quick trip to the bathroom, he started the coffee. He opened the fridge and was contemplating what to make for breakfast when Dexter stumbled in, eyes heavy and still blurry, wearing his wrinkled shirt and pants. Talon raised an eyebrow, wondering how quickly he could work those clothes back off. His owl was still annoyed he hadn’t fully claimed Dexter yet. It hooted with irritation, and Talon told it to shut the hell up.
“Give the coffee a minute,” he said.
“Okay.” Dexter got a glass of water instead and sipped it, looking anywhere but Talon, obviously uncomfortable.
Talon leaned back against the counter. “Something wrong?”
“What? No. Just… I don’t know.”
Talon tilted his head to the side. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. This is your first morning after.”
The flush that colored his cheeks was charming, and Talon smiled.
“We don’t have regrets, Dex, so relax. Trust me, if we had time and you were game, I’d have your ass this morning. Unfortunately finals have officially begun, and Orion and I have to be on campus by ten.”
Dexter stared at him for a moment before swallowing hard. “Oh, right.”
Talon raised an eyebrow. “I’m always going to speak bluntly. About time you get used to it. I detest games and wasteful flirtation. I want your ass, but I can wait patiently until you give me the green light.”
The coffee machine beeped that it was finished. Talon poured a mug for Dexter first.
“Cream or sugar?”
“Uh, um. No. Just black.”
Talon smiled. “Good man.” He handed the mug to Dex and poured his own. They sipped in silence, Talon letting Dexter align his thoughts.
“It was great,” Dexter said quietly. “Last night was great. It was wonderful, actually. I want more nights like that.”
Talon set down his mug and gently took Dexter’s, placing it on the counter. Then he cupped Dexter’s face and forced him to meet his gaze.
“We want that too. I speak for Orion as well. It’s been a while since we’ve clicked with a third so quickly and passionately.”
Dexter frowned. “How many others have there been?”
Talon stroked Dexter’s cheeks with his thumbs, his postcoital bliss outweighing his discomfort with affectionate touches. Besides, he knew Dexter needed to be reassured and tended to.
“A few. Orion and I always knew we needed a third person to bridge the gap, to make us complete. So all our needs can be met. Sometimes two is not enough.”
“So… what am I to you, exactly?”
“Our boyfriend.”
“But—”
“He’s worried we’ll grow tired of him and dump him,” Orion said as he strode into the kitchen, looking no worse for the wear despite having had two men fuck his ass. He turned to Dexter and kissed him sweetly. “Dex, I can’t predict what the future brings, but I guarantee we want someone for the rest of our lives. Right, Talon?”
“Right.” Talon laid a hand on Dexter’s shoulder. “We want a permanent partner.”
“We’re not players,” Orion said and kissed Dexter again. “We’re searching for someone who will end our search.”
“And you think that’s me?” Dexter croaked.
“Maybe,” Talon said.
“I hope so,” Orion said and nuzzled Dexter’s nose. “I like you.”
Talon knew by the way Orion gazed at Dexter that it was more than that. His little elf had fallen in love. The headfirst tumble nothing stopped and either ended in bliss or misery. Talon knew he wasn’t there himself yet, but he suspected the more time he spent with Dexter, the more he’d fall as well.
So now the question was: what did Dexter feel for them?
They had a quiet breakfast, with Talon and Orion leading the conversation about the stress of finals. Dexter listened with a smile but seemed to be lost in thought most of the time. Then he perked up when all the plates were empty.
“Do you also speak Spanish, Talon?”
“No. I mean, I understand some words since I have this one around”—he pointed to Orion—“but I’m no language geek. I was raised in an English-speaking household.”
“And I was raised in a Spanish one.” Orion shrugged. “I grew up bilingual, Spanish at home, English in school, and a mixture during family gatherings. I enjoy confusing Talon whenever I can. Much of my extended familia live in Mexico while my los padres and hermanas live in New Mexico. ”
“His parents and sisters live in New Mexico,” Talon said by way of translation. “My parents live not too far from them. We grew up in Albuquerque.”
Dexter snickered.
“What?”
“Sorry, just thought of those Bugs Bunny cartoons. You know, ‘I knew I should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque.’”
Orion laughed and Talon rolled his eyes.
“Do you speak any other languages?” Orion asked.
Dexter shook his head. “I learned a little German for my English major, but I don’t remember any of it.”
“Math is its own language,” Talon said. “The language of the universe.”
Dexter grinned, and it was Orion’s turn to roll his eyes. “Do you have any siblings?”
Talon shook his head. “Only child. But since I grew up blocks away from most of my cousins, and Orion’s family, it felt like I had siblings.”
A moment of silence passed, and Dexter sipped his coffee. “Do your families celebrate Christmas?”
Talon and Orion exchanged a glance.
“No,” Talon said. “But we do celebrate New Year’s like crazy people. That’s our big holiday gathering. Why?”
“No reason, just curious.” Dexter smiled slightly. “Trying to get to know you a little more, I guess.”
“Do you?” Orion asked, leaning forward.
“Sure, my family’s big on Christmas.”
“So you’re traveling to them this year?” Orion asked, looking sad.
“No, actually. I don’t think so. I’d rather be here. They don’t… we don’t connect. We never have.”
“I’m sorry.” Orion gripped Dexter’s hand.
“Where did you grow up?” Talon asked.
“Indiana.”
“Where in Indiana?” Talon asked, feeling like he was pulling teeth.
“Notre Dame. It’s my parents’ alma mater so my brother and I went. He was the jock and I was the nerd. My parents like him better.”
Orion hopped up and walked around the table before plopping into Dexter’s lap and hugging him close. Talon and his owl wanted to slice the idiots that couldn’t appreciate their kind and loyal son. Dexter closed his eyes and pressed his face into Orion’s shoulder, allowing the comfort. That was a step in the right direction, at least.
“I need to take a shower.” Dexter gently pushed Orion of his lap and disappeared into their bedroom to get his clothes before stepping into the bathroom.
Orion pouted and Talon knew why. Orion would much prefer showering with him. Talon sent him a warning look.
“Slow and steady, Orion.”
That only made him pout harder. He was still sullen as Dexter stepped into the living room, fully clothed and smelling nice and clean. It made Talon want to muss him up again.
Dexter smiled slightly at Orion’s look. “Hey, baby, this isn’t goodbye. We can’t stay holed up in here forever.”
He sat next to Orion and pulled him into his arms. It was the first time Dexter had made such a move and Talon felt warmed from the inside out. His owl puffed out his chest in pride, more determined than ever to claim him.
“You can take a shower with me when Dexter leaves,” Talon said.
Orion’s eyes widened. “You never let me do that.”
“I’m feeling generous. Don’t spoil it.”
Orion mimed zipping his lips shut and throwing away the key.
Dexter laughed softly at them. “Let’s plan something soon, okay? Whatever your schedules allow.”
“We’d like that.”
They walked Dexter to the door and Orion kissed him passionately before stepping back with a small smile. Talon kissed him as well and Dexter moaned before pushing away.
“Stop it, you two, or I’ll never leave.”
Orion opened his mouth, but Talon cut him off. “Drive safely and we’ll see you later.”
Dexter smiled and nodded before walking to his car. They waited until he’d driven out of sight before stepping back inside and shutting the front door. True to his word, Talon let Orion shower with him and pushed past his discomfort at the touching.
They reached campus in good time, and Talon knew something was going on in Orion’s mind since he was far too silent.
Before they parted, Orion said, “I love him.”
“I know.”
Orion looked at him intently. “And you?”
“I don’t fall as hard or as fast as you.” Talon stroked Orion’s hair a couple of times before sticking his hand into his pocket. “I like him very much.”
“What about your owl?”
“Pissed off I haven’t claimed him.”
“That’s something.”
“What about your owl?”
“Bouncing around like he’s on speed.”
Talon snorted. “Good luck today, little elf.”
“Te amo.”
Talon felt his entire person soften, and his owl hooted tenderly. He gently stroked his knuckles down Orion’s cheek.
“I love you too.”
IT WAS midafternoon, and Talon walked across campus and pulled out his phone to text Orion about venturing out as their owls that evening. He couldn’t remember if Orion was in an exam or not, so he didn’t use their telepathic communication. It was too distracting and intrusive, especially when Orion needed to concentrate.
He barely typed a single word when he heard his name called. He turned and glared, shoving the phone back in his pocket. Audrey hurried over to him, her curly hair made wilder by the moisture and wind. If she noticed his cold demeanor, she ignored it.
“We need to talk,” she said.
“I’m going to be late for an experiment.” Talon turned on his heel and strode away. She didn’t get the message and scurried after him.
“Talon—”
“You know I detest being late.”
“This is about the human.”
Talon stopped short and pinned her with another glare. His owl ruffled his feathers in irritation and clacked his beak. “His name is Dexter, and he’s none of your business.”
His route took him down a path between two buildings and she followed swiftly before jogging forward and stepping in front of him. Her wolf glowed in her eyes.
“Don’t dismiss me, Talon.” A faint growl colored her words.
Talon’s owl gave a shrieking bark in his head, and he knew his own eyes were glowing. His muscles slithered under his skin, though not in fear. No. In aggressive protection.
“Don’t threaten what’s mine, Audrey,” he said softly.
There wasn’t anyone around them in the cold, but he still kept his voice low.
“He threatens our very existence.”
“Don’t get on your fucking high horse,” he said, never once backing down. “Plenty of humans know about us and haven’t said a word. We have allies, Audrey. We also have Haven, where plenty of humans live side by side with shifters.”
“Times are different,” she said. “You haven’t had your head in the sand the last few years, so you know what I’m talking about.”
“The Knights are disbanded,” he said, though his heart jumped in his chest.
“But still active. We can’t take chances. We can’t let any more humans know about us. Who’s to say they aren’t a knight in disguise?”
“Dexter is not a fucking knight!” Of that he was dead certain.
“Doesn’t matter if he is or isn’t. He’s a fucking human. Can’t you see that? Why can’t you and Orion choose another bird shifter to fuck? Another owl? It would be the natural thing to do.”
Talon reared back, and his owl ruffled his feathers and shrieked in fury. Some of that sound escaped his control and pierced the air. Audrey growled and took a step toward him.
“What are you talking about?” Talon said, grinding out each word. “Natural, my ass. Plenty of shifters mate with humans.”
“And that’s exactly why our world is going to shit. That’s exactly why the Knights have managed to slaughter us wholesale. We’re weak. You get that? Mating with humans has made us weak. Mating outside our species has made us weak. We aren’t pure anymore, but mongrels to be hunted down.”
Talon stared in horror at the woman before him, one he had thought was a friend.
“I don’t know who you are anymore,” he whispered.
“I’m finally seeing the truth,” Audrey said and shoved her hair out of her face. “Wolves with wolves, birds with birds, and cats with cats. That’s the only way we survive. That’s the only way we grow stronger. It’s her punishment for soiling ourselves.”
“The Phoenix,” he said. “You’re talking about Phoenix? She loves all of us. We’re all her children! Why would you accuse her of such a thing?”
“Because it’s true! Just open your eyes, Talon. Look at the world around us. Look at the savagery and desolation of shifters. Look at what we allowed to happen to us!”
“We’re fighting back, Audrey. The Knights are disbanded and being hunted down. We’ve made alliances with the Agency and—”
She tossed her head and growled again, her skin slithering. “We don’t need their help. Abominations, all of them. Human and yet not. They think they know what’s best for us. Treat us like children and inferiors.”
“No, they don’t. My own master shifter has allied with them. More Knights are being tracked down and eliminated. We are making great strides in eliminating the murderers. And none of this has anything to do with my and Orion’s relationships with Dexter.”
“Of course it does!” She threw her hands in the air. “It’s part of the whole problem. Or are you so blind to your lust you can’t see that? It’s disgusting how Orion moons over that waste of life.”
Talon lashed out with a shriek from his owl and shoved her back a step, struggling against a shift. She snarled and swiped at his face. He blocked her punch and shoved her back again.
“You stay away from him. From us. Or I swear to God and Phoenix and whatever other deity is out there I will shred you and peck out your eyes. We’re done, Audrey. Take your damning zealotry elsewhere.”
“You can’t stop what’s coming. You can’t stop the truth. My pack sees the right of things, and if you pursue the fucking human, don’t expect us to lie down and take it. He risks all of us. He damns all of us.”
He nearly lost it then. But she spun around and stalked away. He turned and closed his eyes, struggling against his owl. He clenched his fists and took precious minutes to calm himself and comprehend her vicious words. His mother had warned him about a new movement in the shifter community, led by a few wolf packs that touted a return to “pure” ways, to the “natural order” of things. Audrey and her pack seemed to be followers of the fanatic movement. Great. Perfect.
That was the group she’d wanted him to join. That was the poison she wanted to make him swallow. It was all in front of his face and yet he’d refused to see. He couldn’t keep this from Orion any longer. They had choices to make.
He ran a gloved hand through his hair before texting Orion.
We need to talk ASAP. This was a conversation that had to be face-to-face.
Then he jogged the rest of the way to the lab, five minutes late.
ORION STARED at Talon in disbelief from the couch in their apartment. Talon sat on the table in front of him. “She said what?”
“You heard me.”
Orion’s owl squeaked in distress and fear, bouncing around in confusion. He rubbed his chest and shook his head, trying to calm the other half of his spirit.
“How could we have missed that in her? We’ve dated other humans, and she’s never said a word.”
“Either she wasn’t fully indoctrinated into their fanatical thinking, or she knows we’re both serious about Dexter. She saw the way you were with him at your birthday party, and how long I was alone with him in the bathroom.”
“But he….” Orion panted in panic. “He’s sweet and kind, and he’d never do anything to harm us. She doesn’t even know him.”
“He’s human. That’s all she cares about.”
“So our choices for a third mate are limited to bird shifters? Because we’re bird shifters? That’s not fair. That’s not right!”
“No, it’s not.” Talon moved over to sit next to Orion and gripped his hand. “Don’t start hyperventilating. Take deep, even breaths, my little elf. That’s it, deep breaths.”
“She threatened our mate.” Orion’s eyes glowed, and despite the cheerful disposition of his owl, they were both in tandem in wanting to scratch her eyes out.
“And I nearly shifted and went after her,” Talon said.
The shock of that froze him. “On campus?”
“Yes. Then she would have shifted, and suddenly a wolf and a great horned owl would have been fighting for all the world to see. I can’t say I would have won either.” He sighed and shook his head. “We need to decide on a course of action.”
“What do you mean?”
“Keep Dexter or let him go.”
Orion reared back as if Talon had slapped him and scrambled to his feet. His elf owl screeched at the betrayal. “How can you say that? We’re not letting him go!”
Talon stood and narrowed his eyes. “Calm down, Orion Teodoro Matias. We need to have a rational conversation about the risks involved in pursuing Dexter.”
Orion bared his teeth and ranted in Spanish, insults and crude suggestions Talon wouldn’t understand, but Orion felt better for having spewed them.
“Puta de mierda,” he said, finally ending his rant. He sucked in air and looked at Talon, who simply stood there, watching warily.
A long moment of silence passed before Talon spoke. “Are we going to talk like civilized adults now?”
Orion felt slightly ashamed at his outburst but didn’t show it. He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded.
“Dexter is in danger if we continue to pursue him,” Talon said bluntly. “You know that. I know that. Audrey threatened him, and she has a pack to back her up. If we let go of him now, most likely Audrey will stand down, thinking she’s won.”
Orion’s eyes burned, and he couldn’t hold back the tears.
Talon considered him carefully, the length of the room between them. “But if we both decide we want him, we have to tell him everything. He needs to be prepared. We have to tell our families about him and fold him into our parliament, granting him their protection. We’ll also have to warn our families about Audrey’s pack.”
“Do you really think they’d attack him?” Orion asked in a small voice.
“I honestly don’t know, and we can’t take any chances. Listen to me. If we let him go, he will most likely be safe. If we keep him and tell him about us, we could still lose him if he doesn’t accept us. Then he’s made even more vulnerable because he knows our secret and is out in the world without any shifter connection.”
“A loose end.”
“Yes.”
Orion squeezed his eyes shut and whined pitifully, his owl drooping with sorrow. It was only a moment before Talon hugged him close. He clutched at his mate, burrowing into him, breathing in his scent.
Talon said softly, “I don’t want to let him go either. I like him a lot. Tell me what you want to do, and I will stand beside you one hundred percent. If you want to keep him, then we damn well will keep him and cherish him. He’s already halfway ours, and I’m willing to risk everything to make that complete.”
Orion cried and sniffled, using Talon as an anchor for his emotions. When he finally found his voice, he pulled back and met Talon’s gaze.
“We should talk to our families. Get their thoughts. Ask them if they’d even protect our human.”
Talon nodded and wiped away Orion’s tears with his thumbs. “Excellent idea.”