A week later
Beau grinned as he watched Liam trying to stuff yet another cooler into the back of the already packed SUV. “The shops are only fifteen minutes’ walk from the cabin,” he laughed. “I have no intention of starving you.”
“Chicken wings,” Liam huffed as he pushed the cooler in as far as it would go and quickly slammed the back door on it. It wouldn’t close, but the cooler took a hammering. “Brutus thought we might get hungry on the trip. I’m not leaving them behind.”
Making his way to Liam’s side, Beau moved a couple of bags and boxes out of the way. This time the vehicle door closed. Liam leaned on it and pulled Beau close. “I can’t believe we have an entire two weeks to ourselves.” Liam’s voice took on that husky edge Beau was coming to love. His cock twitched in anticipation.
“Two whole weeks of sun, sand and complete privacy unless we want to explore the area.” Beau’s plan for taking Liam away was two-fold. One, he wanted to show off one of his homes; albeit his smallest one and this was the perfect chance.
Two, he was hoping that by encouraging Liam to spend time with him alone, they might be able to have the housing conversation he wanted to have. It wasn’t that he didn’t love Liam’s pack. They were friendly, welcoming in every way and laid back about most things. But if he stepped on one more toy, or was interrupted one more time when he was trying to get his mate up to the bedroom for an afternoon siesta, he was sure he was going to scream.
“Are you leaving your phone at home?” The quirk of Liam’s brow made Beau think his mate could read his mind. “This is supposed to be a holiday. Deputy Joe was right pissed I got leave when technically I’ve barely been on the job.”
“My secretary has been told that even if the economy crashed and every one of my businesses went down the toilet, she is not to contact me for any reason.” It was Beau’s turn to lower his voice and as Liam’s pupils widened, he knew it had the desired effect. “Nothing short of a tsunami is going to spoil this holiday of ours and before you worry about that too,” he leaned forward and licked the end of Liam’s nose, “my house is right next to a small bay that hasn’t seen wave traffic in centuries. Now hop in the vehicle and let’s get on the road.”
“I thought Lucien would come and say goodbye,” Liam looked back at the house.
“He went to town earlier. I’m sure he’s busy with his new bookstore.” Beau understood Liam’s worries about his brother, who’d gotten even quieter after the “death” incident as the pack called it. He hadn’t heard from Noah either, but he wasn’t about to put his holiday with his sexy mate on hold a minute longer. “Now move along, I can’t wait to see you in those sexy swimming trunks you bought.”
“Trunks?” Brushing his lips over Beau’s cheek, Liam moved away from the SUV long enough to open the passenger door and hopped in the front seat. “When you’ve got a body like mine you don’t buy trunks; you buy speedos,” he leaned back out of the door and whispered, “tiny, shiny, skimpy ones.”
“You’re too damn sexy for your own good,” Beau laughed. The urge to take his mate in the front seat of the SUV was huge, but his need to get away from Arrowtown, even if it was just for a break was stronger. Restraining himself to just one kiss, he made sure Liam was secure before hurrying around to the driver’s door. The two-hour drive was going to be hell on his crotch region.
/~/~/~/~/
“Is this it? My gods, it’s beautiful.” Liam leaned forward, his eyes riveted to the scene in front of him. The two hours in the vehicle had been fun. Playing I-Spy with silly clues; twenty questions and just generally joking with each other. It was the sort of lighthearted fun Liam hoped for when he dreamed of having a mate. The sex was amazing, but even his dick needed a rest sometimes. Now faced with sparkling blue water, soft golden sand and what looked like a large comfortable cabin set back a bit from all that brilliance, Liam was in heaven.
“Sunning rocks.” Liam pointed to some gray flat forms rising from the sand not far from the homestead. “Are there many people around here? Can I be in my lion form?”
“Not all the time, I hope, babe.” The crinkles at the corners of Beau’s eyes warmed Liam’s heart. “No one comes here. This is the only road for miles and I own all the land for more than a mile’s walk in any direction.”
“I’m so glad I landed myself a sugar daddy,” Liam teased as Beau brought the SUV to a stop. “Last one in bottom’s tonight,” he yelled flinging open the door as he unbuttoned his clothes. Kicking his shoes across the sand and pushing his shorts down, Liam had his shirt over his head just as his feet hit the water. “Shit. Cold.” Liam forced himself not to cup his poor balls that were trying to burrow up inside him. Only one way to do this. Wading in a few feet, Liam noticed the way the water darkened as it got deeper. Taking a deep breath, he formed a V with his arms and hands and dived under.
The water was crystal clear, cool on his heated skin and exactly what Liam needed. Arrowtown was a rural place; surrounded by hills and mountains. There were lakes and rivers within an hour’s drive, but with them being sourced from the mountains, they were cold even in the middle of summer. Liam couldn’t remember the last time he’d been swimming in the sea. Gasping as he surfaced, Liam flicked the hair from his face, looking round for his mate.
“It’s not that cold,” he yelled swimming back towards the beach. As he got closer, he could smell a tinge of anxiety in Beau’s scent. “Babe, are you okay? I was joking about the bottoming comment.”
“I got a bit too much sun, I think.” Now Liam was closer he could see Beau did look pale. “You enjoy your swim. I’m going to head inside and have a lie down for half an hour. We can get the gear out of the truck later.”
“Oh no,” Liam splashed out of the water, wringing the worst of it from his hair. “Why didn’t you say something during the drive? I could have driven, and you could’ve rested in the back. Do you get carsick? Is that why you usually travel by bike?”
“Not as a rule, no babe.” Beau chuckled quietly. “Look at you; here for five minutes and already looking like a beach bunny.”
“I’m not sure I’ll even unpack. Who needs clothes in a place like this.” Liam looked around, still stunned they were in such a beautiful paradise. All he could hear was the lap of the water against the sand, a slight breeze through the banana palms and the occasional cry from a seagull. Then he noticed Beau wavering on his feet and quickly slipped his arm around him. “Come on big guy, let’s get you inside. You’re not looking good.”
“Oh no, the romance is gone from our relationship already,” Beau pretended to swoon. Liam laughed, because he was supposed to, but he worried as he helped Beau over to the homestead. It was beautiful, inside and out. Soft casually placed furnishings, a gleaming kitchen in one corner. The architect had gone for an open plan style and it worked. High vaulted ceilings showed the wooden beams and huge picture windows took advantage of the amazing view.
But all Liam could look at was Beau, who’s eyes were half-closed and he could barely support himself. The homestead only had two bedrooms and Liam steered Beau into the larger of the two, holding onto him until Beau was supported by the mattress.
“Water? Something to eat?” Inside Liam was heading towards panic stations. Shifters didn’t get sick, unless they were injured in a fight or accident. Liam had a horrible thought, thinking about what he knew about phoenixes from legends. “Babe, is this is phoenix thing? You’re not going to catch fire and then disappear into a pile of ash, are you?”
Beau croaked a laugh. “No, that sort of behavior died out with my ancestors. Can I get some water, and then I’m going to take a short nap. When I wake up, I promise I’ll be my old self again. I’m sure it’s just a delayed reaction from all that’s been going on lately. I’m not used to living in a house full of so many people.”
Liam wasn’t convinced that was all it was, but his mate wanted water and in the absence of any other ideas, he decided he’d get that and then make himself as useful as possible. He’d unpack the truck and find some food for an evening meal. His caring mate had been running around after him for the last week. It was time for him to show he was capable of doing the same.
/~/~/~/~/
Beau waited until he heard Liam’s feet on the steps and then pulled out his phone. Half an ear on his mate, he quickly tapped his speed dial for his brother, praying Noah would pick up. It rang three times and then went to voice mail. Fuming at his brother’s obvious screening he opened a text message screen.
Thanks for screening me asshole. Haven’t got a clue what’s going on with you, but enough is enough. Answer your damn phone.
Less than a minute later, Noah responded. I can’t come to Arrowtown. Please don’t ask me to. Not yet.
His own worries forgotten, Beau hurriedly replied. You know I’m always here for you. Are you okay?
The delay in replying took longer this time. All I can say is there’s a lot of shit father-dearest didn’t tell us about meeting our mates. Will fill you in when I’ve found out more.
Beau heard Liam’s footsteps returning, and quickly typed, Find out about male pregnancies among our kind. Am at the beach cabin with Liam. Reply needed urgently. As soon as he clicked send, he turned off his phone and stuffed it back in his pocket just as Liam stuck his head around the door frame. “I’m unpacking the food and thinking about cooking dinner. Anything you fancy in particular?”
There was something about Liam’s fresh face that had Beau’s blood boiling every time he saw it. Suddenly he was feeling a lot better. Holding out his arms, he wiggled his eyebrows. “You’ll do for a start.”