Chapter Three

DEV CLOSED THE door to the apartment as Sparks left for the evening. After a few drinks and a couple of bottles of wine, he was a tad tipsy, but feeling happy.

“So, what do you think?” Tully asked while putting the used dinnerware into the dishwasher.

“I think we waited too long to have him over and tell him the truth about what happened. I like Sparks. We shouldn’t have kept him in the dark for so long. For that matter, the rest of the guys from the Night Grove need to know too.”

“Former Night Grove.”

“Agreed. Not saying anything for so long hasn’t set well with me. Sparks is such a good guy and genuinely seemed pleased with your suggestion of starting something new. I won’t lie, I’m intrigued too.” Dev smiled at his lover, his persistently optimistic, always smiling, gorgeous redheaded lover.

“Good. We should invite him over again next week in order to plan for the holiday. A ritual will take some coordination, lots of phone calls to arrange everything, not to mention getting the rest of the guys on board—not that I think we’ll have a problem there. I still think we need to go over to Byron’s place and retrieve what belongs to us.” Tully’s last statement immediately shifted Dev’s mood.

“I have no desire to go over there. I don’t care if I set foot in that house ever again. I’ve had my fill of Byron Radcliffe. I never want to see him again.”

Tully let out a sigh and gave his boyfriend a slight frown. “Hanging on to all this resentment isn’t going to do you any favours. You know, Edmonton isn’t all that big, and the supernatural community is a pretty tight-knit group of folks. You’re bound to cross paths again.”

Dev stared at Tully with a cockeyed sneer. “I know, I know. I need to let go of all this negativity. It just feels like Byron tainted something I’d been chasing all my life. I finally found the Shadow Realm, and you, and magic, and he went and ruined everything.”

Tully pushed the door shut to the dishwasher, wiped his hands on the tea towel, and set the rag on the counter, then moseyed over to his boyfriend and wrapped his giant arms around him, snuggling in. “Well, I hope not everything.” Tully’s grin held a wicked edge. “I know he kind of wrecked a part of the Shadow Realm for you, and I’m sorry about what happened. But I’m trying my best to make up for it. We’re not all like Byron.” Tully nibbled on Dev’s ear.

Dev shivered as Tully’s tongue licked his neck.

“Stop it. You’re bad.”

“The worst.”

Tully slid his hand down the back of Dev’s shorts and gabbed a handful of furry butt cheek. “I promise I will make it all up to you.”

“You already have.” Dev nuzzled into Tully’s beard.

“I think Sparks would like to make it up to you too.” Tully continued to hold tight onto Dev.

Dev pulled away. “What do you mean?”

Tully mimicked Dev’s action so he was face to face with Dev. “You mean to tell me you didn’t pick up on his—how shall we say—overenthusiastic interest?”

“You’re crazy. Or perhaps overly horny?” Dev arched an eyebrow.

“No, seriously. You didn’t think so? I mean, the wine, the flowers…” Tully lost the mischievous undertone and seriously questioned Dev.

“I really don’t think so.”

“Huh, well, maybe I’ve got it wrong. I don’t know, I thought maybe some sexual tension sparked across the dinner table.”

“You just want to get him in bed.” Dev snickered.

“Well, that wouldn’t be horrible.”

“Really? Wouldn’t sex make the coven a little…uncomfortable?”

“Why?”

“Sleeping with someone who you’re also doing magic work with?”

“Ah, my baby witch.” Tully laughed.

“What?”

“It’s not uncommon, especially in all-male covens. I mean, it’s not like sex is rampant, but celebration of sex and sexuality certainly is. And so long as everyone is consenting, in agreement, then where’s the harm? I mean, we’re all adults, right? And it’s only sex.”

“I still haven’t wrapped my head around the nudity thing, and now you’re telling me all-male covens are basically orgies.”

“I didn’t say orgies. Sex is a natural part of life. I can tell this still makes you uneasy. We need to work on you being more comfortable in your own skin. You are beautiful, Dev. Celebrate your body!”

“So, you want to?”

“What, have sex with Sparks? Ah, have you seen him? Don’t you?” Tully teased.

“Well, he’s good-looking, sure…but I have you. I don’t need good-looking.” Dev squirmed, being held fast by Tully.

“Granted, he’s smarter than I am. You could have brains and beauty all at once.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Dev glared at Tully. Not mad, but slightly uncomfortable at where the conversation was headed. But with Tully’s close proximity and the salacious topic of discussion, Dev wouldn’t be able to deny the prospect of all three of them didn’t excite him, judging from the stiffening occurring down below. After all, he’d never had a threesome.

“I know. I’m teasing you. And I’m enjoying it thoroughly.” Tully chortled. “And I can tell from the tent in your shorts you also think it’s kind of naughty. And I know you like naughty!” He reached down and grabbed Dev’s erection and squeezed him gently. He gave Dev a kiss.

“You are a monster.”

“Nope. Not me. That’s your best friend’s boyfriend. He’s the monster. And as I remember, Cam wished for a monster boyfriend, not me. I’ve got you, and you’re perfect.”

“Sparks, huh?” Dev returned the kiss.

“Listen, if the situation presents itself, then sure. I won’t say no. But don’t think I haven’t forgotten our last conversation on this. You have to be comfortable with whatever relationship arrangement we construct. And whatever you decide is okay with me.”

“Well, he is kinda cute.”

“There’s my witchy-poo revelling in sex! Honestly, it’s all about having fun and feeling good. Nobody wants friendships to be weird or get complicated.”

“I don’t know if I’m ever gonna get used to this.”

“I told you. The world of the male witch is sexy.”

“Yes. You mentioned. I’m starting to see how much of that is true.”

“Well, given what happened this year, we missed Beltane. If we have a new coven next year, I promise nothing but flowing wine and sex parties.”

“I take it back. You’re not a monster, you’re a sex fiend.”

Tully roared. “I’ll take it.”

While still firmly gripped in Tully’s strong arms, Dev attempted to switch gears. “So, forming a new coven. Sounds like work.”

“Not as much work as I’m about to put you through.” Clearly, shifting Tully’s focus wasn’t going to work. The corner of Dev’s mouth raised in the beginning of a sly grin. He relaxed into Tully’s muscled arms.

“Oh, do tell.” The heat from Tully’s hand still massaging his crotch had grown Dev’s excitement into a rock-hard attention.

“I’d much rather show.” And with a thrust, Dev got hoisted off the ground and thrown over his boyfriend’s shoulder. Dev giggled as Tully carried him down the hallway toward the bedroom.

The ensuing show lasted a couple of hours and proved to be spectacular.

 

AS THE LAST rays of daylight beamed through the dense foliage of the Ancestral Lands, the thick overhead canopy shone a magnificent lime green while the shadows beneath the sacred grove grew long. An odd branch on every other tree began to show signs of autumn. The green vegetation had begun its transition from summer brilliance to the tawny colours of fall. The change of seasons had started, if only in its infancy.

Everton Lilch raised his brown wet nose and inhaled the drifting scents in the twilight’s breeze. He retracted his lips and exposed a row of dangerous teeth. His tongue lashed out as if tasting the appetizing odours.

The heat of the August sun, descending in the twilight sky, burned. The forest floor, littered with a dusting of shed leaves no longer able to withstand the searing temperatures, crunched and crackled under the weight of his monstrous body. Ev restrained from panting as the noise would give him away.

This deep in the forest, escaping the pungency of the woodland wasn’t possible. From the damp moss covering the north side of the gnarled bark of the coniferous trees to the sweet smell of decaying vegetation and the loamy rich fragrance of the earth, the scents almost overwhelmed Ev.

But nestled in among all those calming aromatics one unmistakable trace rose above all others, reminiscent of an afternoon spent in a spring garden. Ev detected fresh cut grass, clean water, crisp leaves, and the rich, heady balm of patchouli and mint. The odour was excitement. The scent was fresh.

It was Cam Habersham.

The newly formed fae brought back memories of carefree weekend afternoons where there were no chores, life relaxed and slowed, and the day held all sorts of lazy pleasurable possibilities. Everton licked his chops again, let his tongue hang loose as he huffed in the air around him, absorbing as much of Cam’s scent as possible.

Their initial introduction hadn’t been optimal. But after being rescued and freed by the witch boys, Ev was surprised they had helped Cam find his people. Ev had followed them, not wanting to be too far from Cam. He had promised the fae one night in heaven for getting him free from the Coven of the Night Grove’s dungeon. Cam and his witches had made good on their vow. And good witches who kept their word meant Ev also needed to re-examine his stance on the magic slingers.

The Coven of the Night Grove had been his pack’s sole enemy for so long that when Ev took over the alpha role from the former leader, he’d absorbed all the old traditions and beliefs. The most deeply held tenet stipulated all witches were to be destroyed. And he followed through on that course of action at every chance he got. Now, however, with the Night Grove no longer in existence, and having been assisted by a small group of the human magicians, he had reason to question his motivations and previous teachings.

Dev Khandelwal and Toliver Mack had proven to be the exact opposite of Byron Radcliffe and his goons. Cam’s faith in his friends had been accurate. And Ev now needed to make good on his end of the deal. One night in heaven for Cam meant a rollicking good time. A one-night stand. A hook-up.

But despite a silly promise made in the desperate attempt to bargain freedom, Ev had the opportunity and time to study Cam and get to know him.

The young man was brash, ridiculous, and clever as hell. Outlandish and fabulous every waking moment.

He was also the most stunning creature Ev had laid eyes on. Ev had fantasized on how he would position him, grasping his horns, ensuring Cam’s tail wrapped around certain furry bits. So many positions. So many fantasies.

But the more time Ev spent with Cam, the more he wanted the horned and winged fae. One night spent in the throes of ecstasy would never be enough to satisfy the desires he harboured.

And yet, despite his yearning for Cam, he hadn’t mustered the gumption to follow through.

After one taste of Cam, he’d want more, and more, and more. And given Cam’s promiscuous nature and dating history, he concluded Cam would never give him more than a single night of pleasure. And one encounter simply wouldn’t satiate Ev’s needs.

It was easier to sit here, at a short distance, and torture himself with the deliciousness Cam exuded, than potentially risk being devastated by rejection. Ev believed wholeheartedly Cam would have laughed him out the door should he have asked for more than what had been promised.

So he kept his emotional distance and, to some extent, a physical distance as well.

But desires are funny things. They kept pulling him in closer, wanting to see the fae, needing to touch him and stroke his glorious membranous wings. Ev craved the bony and ridged feel of the strong curve of Cam’s great horns.

Tantalizing images that some may have deemed taboo dominated his daydreams. His fascination with the fae wasn’t a first-time thing. There’d been others like Cam, and his packmates were less than approving. But nothing compared to Cam.

And it’s not like a potential mating would produce baby werewolf-fae. It’s not like they had to be worried about offspring, but even still, an alpha in charge of the most well-known witch-exterminating wolf pack in Western Canada connected romantically to one of the fae? Impossible. Unbelievable.

Certainly not respectable.

As the alpha, he’d never be challenged on who he chose as a mate, or even who he selected as a sexual partner, but there would be whispers. And whispers would lead to dissent. And dissent signalled a lack of respect had wormed itself into the pack. And if that happened, he’d lose control of his wolves.

Everton lay his head on his paws and whined while watching Cam and his tutor, Sen, as they practiced fae magic in the sacred grove of the Ancestral Lands.

Cam was everything. The Royal fae made his heart sing, and yet, Ev saw no future with him.

And so, he remained hidden in the dense underbrush. Watching the Eldritch creature with an intensity he normally reserved for prey made him long for Cam even more. Ev’s ears twitched as he listened.

“No, Cam. Honestly, did you not study the scrolls I gave you? They were very precise. You should have this perfected by now. You’re running out of time.”

“Not helping, Sen. Not. Helping.” Cam’s face portrayed his utter disdain for his manservant.

“Watch. It’s simple.” Sen’s long sinewy body reminded Everton of a thin sapling. His limbs were taut and thin. Even his fingers seemed impossibly long. The tone of his skin reminded Ev of the light bark of an ash tree. “Breathe in, hold your breath, and then imagine disappearing into the shadows. Watch.” A lock of Sen’s bright-red hair fell in front of his eyes, and he made an exaggerated gesture while filling his lungs. Sen closed his eyes, and before Ev squinted and leaned in closer to study the sinewy creature, the tree sprite melded into the recesses of the twilight’s oncoming darkness.

“Easy for you to do!” Cam sneered as he mumbled under his breath.

From within the shadowy alcove of a giant elm, a disembodied voice spoke, “I’ve melded into the shadows Cam, not transported myself to Japan. I can still hear you.”

In a heartbeat, Sen reappeared as gracefully as he had disappeared.

“This is a giant waste of time. I’m never going to get this.”

“It is a skill that may save your life one day. What would happen if human hunters found their way here? You can’t appear as you do now to them, and you haven’t mastered your human illusion yet. This is the next best option.”

“I thought you said Lady Aine had ensured this place would never be found by humans? So why would I need to learn this?”

Sen put his long fingers over his face and pulled his hand down. His eyelids stretched, and his lips extended with the yank from his fingers. Cam frustrated the creature. Understandably though. Cam wasn’t being cooperative.

Ev snorted. He agreed with Sen—Cam did need to learn these skills. Watching the banter between the two amused Ev. He stretched out a bit, his hindquarters cramped. The confines of the hollow he had found were becoming uncomfortable for his large, furry wolfen limbs.

A branch snapped.

Sen’s head twisted toward the noise, and he sniffed the air.

The Japanese tree sprite’s face furrowed as he grimaced. His eyes turned red, and his teeth sharpened to points as his lips drew into a snarl. The creature bent into a battle stance, his head bobbed in several directions, and his pointy ears twitched. Sen took a cautious step toward where Ev lay hidden.

Cam, eyes wide, unaware of the present danger, backed up against a tree.

Sen sniffed the air again, then relaxed his stance. He returned to his usual harmless-looking self. He frowned. “Your boyfriend is spying on us.”

“What?”

“I give up. If he’s here, we’re not going to get anything done.” And with that, Sen turned and leaped, disappearing into the branches of the trees. A few leaves fluttered down as Sen retreated to the village on his aerial escape.

“Ev? You there?” Cam called out.

There was no point in hiding anymore. Ev dug his paws into the soft soil and pulled himself out from under a fallen log that had created a hollow, hidden by the underbrush. He stood erect on his hind legs, towering seven foot four, muscular and furred. Anyone other than Cam may have shrunk away from the beast.

“What are you doing?” Cam flung his arms out to his side. Ev smelled a mixture of arousal and annoyance. “Interrupting Sen from one of his instructional lessons will have pissed him off to no end. I’m going to hear about this later.” Cam rolled his eyes, then glanced up at the immense monster. “Quit trying to be imposing. And you’re slobbering. Stop it.” He walked a few paces toward the frightful creature.

Ev dropped onto all fours, then vigorously shook his fur out. Twigs and dirt flew in all directions. Cam halted his steps and lifted an arm to protect his face from the assault of dirt and debris.

Maintaining his wolf form now would be silly, and having a human conversation wasn’t possible. Wolf tongues do not speak human words. Thinking of his bipedal self, Ev pulled up his memories of humanity, and with bone snapping quickness, the wolf disappeared, and Everton the monster-sized human stood in front of Cam.

“Hey.”

“Hey, yourself. You spying on me?”

“No.” Although he had been doing exactly that.

“Hmph.” Cam gave him a suspicious look. “Sure seems like it.” Cam’s gaze wandered over Ev’s naked body, which produced a feeling of pride. He liked his body. He puffed out his chest and allowed the visual exploration. Transforming from wolf to human didn’t involve any clothes, and this deep into the Ancestral Lands, Ev hadn’t stashed any, so he stood before Cam exposed. But after having been a werewolf for several decades, one got used to being nude in front of others. Cam’s wings bent to a strange angle, which Ev interpreted as him attempting to be coy and flirtatious. “You’re looking good.”

“Ah, thanks.” Despite his comfort with his nudity, the compliment stoked heat which rushed across Ev’s collarbones and up into his cheeks. He never understood how others were comfortable with praise. He would have much rather Cam touch him instead.

“So…?” Cam questioned and grew silent, and awkwardly took a step closer to Ev.

“So, I wanted to come out and see you. I’m returning to the city.”

“Oh.” Cam’s entire demeanour changed. Like Ev’s statement had sucked the wind out of him.

“Yeah. My packmates keep calling. Apparently, they need me home. Some emergency.”

“Nothing bad, I hope?”

“I don’t know. They wouldn’t say. Just that I am needed.”

“Oh.” Cam glanced at Ev, then refocused his gaze toward the ground and kicked at a twig on the forest floor. “You gone long?”

“Again, I don’t know. But I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.”

“Like, goodbye, so long? Goodbye, I’ll see you later? Or goodbye, goodbye?”

“I don’t know what all that means.” Ev’s brain jumbled thoughts and feelings. This whole attraction thing confused his normally logical, reasonable thought processes.

“Are you coming back? Or is this goodbye forever?” There was an edge of panic in Cam’s voice.

“Well, I hope not forever.”

“Jeez what kind of emergency is this?” Cam put his hands on his hips and furrowed his brows. This wasn’t going the way Ev had envisioned.

“I’m sorry, Cam. I honestly don’t know.”

“You still owe me. Remember? I haven’t forgotten your promise, and I really want to cash in. Get what I’m saying?”

Ev closed his eyes and bowed his head. “About that.”

“Don’t you dare renege!” Cam’s eyes widened as his lips pursed.

“Look, it’s complicated.”

“Complicated, how? You’re naked, I get naked, and we have fun.”

“There’s, you know, a little more to it. I—” Ev stopped himself. His heart ached and sank. If he spoke his mind, he risked brutal humiliation. Cam’s tongue had delivered many a sharp and pointed retort. He didn’t want to think what his pack would say if they ever discovered how deep his infatuation with the fae went. “I’m sorry, Cam. I really am.”

Ev’s gut twisted with anxious arousal, fear, need, and sorrow.

In the heat of the moment, he grabbed Cam by the shoulders and yanked him closer. Without thinking twice, he kissed Cam on the lips. Not just a peck, but a real kiss.

Cam, obviously shocked, barely had time to register what had happened before Ev let him go.

With a twist away from the fae, and the snap and crack of a few bones, Ev freed his wolf and soared over the bramble of bushes that marked the edge of the sacred grove.