There was a hollow pit in Shepherd’s stomach. He knew he should be ecstatic. After all, he’d gotten everything he wanted. Right? Except, nothing felt right. There was something just off or missing. Maybe he’d expected that being claimed as anyone’s mate would be different. Special. Instead, Dante and Raff had gone through the steps, and then it was over. They’d spent a few hours curled up together in Dante’s bed. They’d kissed, and Dante had drifted off. It had been… nice. Unfortunately, not long after Dante had fallen asleep, Raff had left to check on his pack. There wasn’t a chance in hell Shepherd could sleep. The sun shone bright around the edge of the blackout blinds. Not to mention, he’d gotten plenty of rest at Stryph’s.

Shepherd lasted all of fifteen minutes after Raff disappeared before he rolled from the bed to wander the house. When no alarms sounded, he checked out each room. The place was huge. A few doors were closed, and Shepherd left them that way. He assumed there were more creatures sleeping he didn’t want to disturb. Along his self-guided tour, Shepherd found a music room, a weapons’ room, and an indoor pool. He’d stumbled into a garage with several expensive cars, which Shepherd found funny, considering he wouldn’t have thought anyone there needed them. When he made it to the living room, voices floated from the kitchen and Shepherd followed the sound. Even though he had no desire to interact, it seemed it was human nature to seek out company. He spotted two men at the table. Jonathan looked different today but still recognizable. His wings were gone, and his eyes were green. Shepherd didn’t have the mental capacity needed to figure that one out. He assumed just as Raff turned into a wolf and Dante’s fangs weren’t always visible, Jonathan sometimes looked human. The other man sitting at the table and eating pancakes was someone new to Shepherd. Long, dark, and curly hair fell over his shoulders. His eyes were two different colors, but never the same two colors. Shepherd gave him a nod as he passed.

Even though Jonathan had a book flipped up and was obviously reading, he motioned the man’s way. “Lire, Shepherd. Shepherd, Lire. Lire is part of my security team.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Shepherd said, because he thought he should.

Lire didn’t return the sentiment. “Would you like some breakfast?”

Shepherd shook his head. “Thank you, but I don’t have much of an appetite.” Which didn’t make sense because he couldn’t recall the last time he’d eaten anything at all.

“We have no sense of time around here,” Jonathan said, sounding absent and obviously misinterpreting the reason for Shepherd’s lack of hunger.

Shepherd could understand meals being eaten at odd times. There were too many creatures with opposing sleep schedules under one roof. In fact, a few of the people living there didn’t seem to sleep at all. He was uncomfortable. Shepherd’s skin felt too tight. He didn’t necessarily want to be alone but neither did he feel like he belonged there. He could feel the eyes upon him, even though when he checked, no one looked his way. Shepherd headed for the back door. The all-glass door let the sunshine in. The outdoors called his name. It whispered freedom. Through the glass, Shepherd spotted a lone man sitting beneath a nearby tree. The sun shimmered against his curly blond locks, making him look like an angel. Shepherd’s hand went for the door knob.

“You should stay with us.”

At Lire’s growled words, Shepherd glanced over his shoulder. He flashed Lire a smile. “I didn’t realize I was a prisoner.”

The man’s mismatched gaze moved over Shepherd’s features, as if he searched for something Shepherd didn’t understand. “You’re not, but I won’t allow you near Tamil.”

Jonathan patted Lire’s arm. “It’s okay. We have to let Tam deal with things on his own if we want him to get better.”

“But,” Lire began, obviously intent on arguing.

“It’s fine,” Jonathan repeated, cutting him off. He focused on Shepherd. “It’s not you, Shepherd. Everyone here is overprotective of Tam. I hate telling anyone’s business, but in this case, you need to know if you’re staying here. Tam was held hostage and tortured for close to ten years. He’s incredibly sweet, but he’s also mentally damaged. We ask, if you go out there, that you please be mindful of that if you interact with him.”

Something dark stirred in Shepherd’s chest, as if Jonathan’s words awoke a protective beast inside him. Shepherd nodded. “I won’t upset him.” But he had to go outside. Shepherd felt like his feet would take him to Tam whether Shepherd chose to go or not.

Jonathan nodded and went back to reading his book. Lire didn’t look as convinced. His gaze never wavered from Shepherd. Shepherd turned away and stepped outside. He was an adult. It wasn’t like he didn’t know how to treat other people. Fuck, he would be glad when he could go home. If he had a home, that is. Jesus, he was mentally exhausted. As he headed Tam’s way, Tam’s chin lifted, and light blue eyes focused on Shepherd. He watched Shepherd’s approach.

“Hi,” Tam said when Shepherd was within earshot.

Shepherd smiled at the sweetness of the boy’s voice. “Hi. Is it okay if I join you? It’s too nice out here to stay inside.”

Tam nodded. “Sure. I don’t like to be inside either. I’m Tam.”

“Shepherd,” Shepherd said as he chose a spot a few feet away and dropped to the ground.

“I know. You don’t remember, but we’ve met. Stryph let me bring you here to Raff.” Tam made the claim while staring at the flowers he was shredding and separating into wooden bowls.

At Stryph’s name, a smile popped to Shepherd’s lips. “You’re the first person here to say Stryph’s name without an ounce of disgust.”

Tamil glanced at him from beneath his lashes. “That’s because he hurt Jonathan, but I know he didn’t mean to. He forgets how strong he is sometimes. Stryph isn’t bad.” He held up a flower. “Do you know if this is lavender? All these purple blooms look the same to me. I can’t tell the difference between lilacs and lavender.”

Shepherd reached for it. “Here. Let me see.” When Tam passed it over, Shepherd brought it to his nose and sniffed. “It’s lavender,” he said, handing the blooms back. “Lilac smells like perfume. Lavender has a fresher scent.”

“I didn’t know that,” Tam said, sniffing the flowers.

Shepherd shrugged. “My mom used to grow lots of stuff when I was a kid. I liked helping her. Landry always stuck to our dad’s side, and I stayed glued to my mom. I was a momma’s boy.” He chuckled at his admission. “So what are you making?”

“Potions. I don’t remember my parents. Would you like me to make a potion for you?”

Tam looked so hopeful Shepherd couldn’t say no. “Sure, but I don’t know what to ask for. I’ve never had one.”

The bright smile that lit Tam’s face made Shepherd glad he’d ventured outside. “It’s probably a good thing that you don’t have a preference. I only know a few concoctions and six spells. I can create a draught for luck, a love potion, sleep stew, a windfall formula, poppets, and a friendship talisman. Those are the few I’m best at making, but I’m not very good at anything.”

“I doubt that’s true,” Shepherd argued. “What’s a windfall formula?”

“It helps you come into money when you’re down on your luck. You don’t really need that one. With two mates, you’ll never want for anything. Go with the friendship talisman. You could give it to Stryph, then he won’t worry so much. He’ll always know you’re still friends, because you can see each other any time.”

Shepherd tilted his head to one side and eyed Tam. He didn’t know how to respond. “I don’t imagine I’ll ever see Stryph again to give it to him.” As he said the words, a wave of sadness rolled over him. He hadn’t known Stryph long, but they’d been part of each other. Their thoughts and memories had mixed. That was closer than he’d ever been with anyone.

“That’s not true. He keeps you safe.”

Before Shepherd could question the statement, a black streak in the corner of his vision pulled Shepherd’s attention away. A large black wolf barreled toward him. Before Shepherd had time to panic, the wolf turned into a man and skidded to a stop next to Tam. Tam giggled as grass flew into his lap. The sound was adorable and made Shepherd smile.

The dark-haired man looked to be no more than a year or two older than Tam. His blue eyes and friendly smile held Shepherd’s attention.

“Hi,” the new arrival said, sounding bright. He placed a loud kiss on Tamil’s cheek before turning to Shepherd. “Hey, Shepherd. I’m Evan.”

“Hey. You’re very nude, Evan.” Shepherd wasn’t a prude by any definition of the word. It just seemed odd to be sitting in the bright light of day with a naked guy half his age.

Tam and Evan both laughed, sounding exactly like they found Shepherd’s words hilarious. “You’re mated to the Southeast pack alpha. Surely you know wolves don’t wear clothes,” Tam said through his laughter.

Pants flew past Shepherd’s head and hit Evan in the chest before Shepherd could think of a response.

“Cover yourself, pup,” Raff growled as he settled onto the ground next to Shepherd. Shepherd bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling. He loved that possessive note to Raff’s voice. No one had ever been proud to be with him, much less jealous. When Shepherd looked Raff’s way, he found himself overwhelmed. Raff hauled him against his side and captured his mouth. There was a tiny voice in the back of Shepherd’s head saying they should rein themselves in with people watching. Raff didn’t seem to have the same concerns. His teeth sank into Shepherd’s bottom lip and tugged. A moan rose in Shepherd’s throat. He swallowed the sound down before it escaped. By the time Raff pulled away, Shepherd’s face bloomed with heat, especially when he noticed Tam and Evan openly watching them. The pair wore matching smiles.

Evan was the first to break. “Awwww, you two are so cute. I want to pinch your cheeks.”

A very wolf-like growl came from the back of Raff’s throat.

Evan held up his hands in surrender. “I won’t. Don’t worry. So, what’s everyone been doing while I was on patrol?”

“I’m making a talisman for Shepherd. He smells like Landry.”

A surprised chuckle escaped Shepherd. “Okay. Well, he is my baby brother.”

Tam kept his gaze locked on his hands. He was braiding some sort of twine. “I like Landry. He helps scared kids and gives them my dolls.”

Shepherd worked his way through that one, surmising Tam meant because Landry was a police officer. He wondered how much Tam understood about the human world. “Any friend of my brother’s is a friend of mine.”

At his statement, Tam froze and glanced up at Shepherd from beneath his lashes. “That’s a nice thing to say.” Tam’s gaze shot toward the house. A blush bloomed on his cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’ll have to finish your talisman later. Risk is looking for me.”

Shepherd didn’t know who Risk was, but Evan laughed. “You’d better hurry. You know how much he hates it when you sneak away while he’s sleeping. Mates miss their cuddle buddies.”

Tam’s blush deepened as he stood and headed for the house. A smile pulled at Shepherd’s lips. He wondered who the lucky bastard was that won Tam. The man had to be amazing. Raff’s palm slid across the small of Shepherd’s back. His head emptied of all thoughts as his brain latched on to the sensation. His stomach growled, but he wasn’t hungry for food.

Evan’s nose hit the air and a loud groan escaped him. “Ugh. That crazy deer shifter is back. I’m sorry, guys. I have to go take care of this. Stupid deer. I’m tired of telling him to move along.” Evan stood.

Shepherd’s interest was piqued. “Why don’t you get some of your wolf buddies together and mark the area you don’t want the deer to cross. He should steer clear of the scent of dominant animals.”

“You’d think,” Evan said, sounding tired. “Unfortunately, he’s a perverted old deer who likes to be scolded. If I pissed right on him, he’d probably come back for more. I think I’ll call Bleidd to take care of it... again. See you later,” Evan called over his shoulder as he headed off toward the brush.

Shepherd chuckled as he watched him go. “I’m having a hard time picturing a deer with fetishes.” The final word came out in a gasp as Raff crowded his space and kissed his neck. His tongue stroked the scar he’d left on Shepherd’s throat.

“When I slipped away to make sure pack business was covered in my absence, I’d hoped you would still be waiting in bed when I got back.”

“I couldn’t hang out in bed, staring at the ceiling any longer,” he admitted as he tilted his chin up to give Raff better access to his neck. Damn, he loved the sensation of Raff’s tongue on his skin.

“Oh yeah,” Raff said, holding out his hand to Shepherd. “I found this while cutting through the woods. It made me think of you.”

Shepherd reached for the small stone Raff held out for him. It was shaped like a heart. Shepherd rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger. It was smooth and warm from Raff holding it. “Thank you.” Shepherd swallowed. His chest ached. “If I asked you a question, would you be honest with me and to hell with my feelings?”

“I don’t know if I can disregard your feelings, but I’ll be honest.”

Shepherd kept his gaze locked on the stone. He took a breath, reaching deep for his courage. “You don’t love me the way you should, do you? I mean, not like it takes to be truly tied to someone forever.”

Raff ran his knuckles down Shepherd’s jaw. “Why would say that?”

Try as he might, Shepherd still couldn’t lift his chin to meet Raff’s gaze. He touched his chest, holding the stone against his beating heart. “Because I feel it here. I think you care about me as much as you would any fated mate, but it’s not the passionate love you feel for someone you spend your life with.”

Raff moved even closer. His voice turned soft and pleading. “I wish you’d tell me what I’ve done to make you feel this way.”

Shepherd felt ridiculous. He didn’t know how to explain the way he felt. It wasn’t in his nature to show his heart. He swiped his palms on his thighs. “It’s not important. Forget I said anything.”

Raff stood. He held his hand out for Shepherd. “Come with me.”

Shepherd took Raff’s hand and allowed the man to pull him to his feet. With their fingers linked, Raff led Shepherd inside. They didn’t encounter a soul as Raff made his way to an empty bedroom. He closed them inside and faced off against Shepherd.

“I failed you last night. You deserved to have me make love to you as I claimed you.”

“It’s okay,” Shepherd said out of habit.

“No. It’s not,” Raff argued, sounding angry on Shepherd’s behalf. He dragged his fingers down Shepherd’s chest. “I remember the first moment I saw you like it happened today. Every second of every day since, I’ve fought the urge to drop everything and run to you. It’s been hell, because I know if I’d shown up on your doorstep, you would’ve thought badly of me, since you’ve never stopped insisting I belong with Dante. I’d rather rip out my heart than have you look at me with disgust.” Raff paused and visibly swallowed. “Outside, just now, I’m convinced if you’d turned your head and looked my way, I would’ve seen that disgust I’ve feared.”

“No.”

At his denial, Raff went flush against him. The moment their bodies met, Shepherd felt Raff go hard. “Tell Stryph to take a break so you can prove me wrong.”

“What?” Even Shepherd heard the confusion in his voice.

“I don’t want him,” Raff said, not backing down. “If he wants to hang around and keep you safe when Dante and I aren’t around to do so, I can live with that. I can feel how much you matter to him, but he needs to leave for this.”

“I don’t un—” The words died on Shepherd’s lips as smoke rose from his skin, solidifying into Stryph’s form across the room. “How... I don’t understand.”

“Hello, beautiful angel.”

Shepherd blinked. “You’ve been here the whole time?”

Stryph didn’t look the least bit contrite. He clasped his hands behind his back. “I’m keeping my promise to fix your life.”

Shepherd wanted to be upset, but he understood Stryph. They understood each other. For different reasons, they were a lot alike. Shepherd had spent his life lonely because he’d been meant for Raff. Stryph had been deeply lonely for more years than Shepherd could fathom because he was meant for no one. He wasn’t a soul to have another half. He’d been created as a tool to keep balance. His happiness had never factored.

Raff kissed his cheek. “When you’re ready, Dante and I will be waiting for you.” His lips brushed Shepherd’s ear. “And, for the record, I absolutely do love you passionately. It’s been hell waiting to have you alone.”

Shepherd took a deep breath, trying to cool his reaction to the heat in Raff’s voice. There was the intensity he’d been missing. Their hands clung until the last second as Raff walked away, leaving him alone with Stryph.

When Shepherd focused on Stryph, Stryph’s mouth lifted in one corner in a wicked smile. “Alone at last, sexy.”

Shepherd ignored Stryph’s flirting. “Why have you stayed hidden? If Raff knew you were here, why would you hide from me?” Shepherd couldn’t hide the hurt in his voice. He’d thought they’d never see each other again and Stryph had been right there the whole time.

“Awww, gorgeous. I didn’t want you to think of me while you chose what you wanted. It had to be your decision whether you stayed here. You deserve to make your own choices without my influence.” His expression turned sad. “And I knew, if you knew I was there, you’d feel how much I believe you’d be better off with me.” He tilted his head from one side to the other, obviously ready to amend his words. “Or at the very least, I would’ve convinced you to sweep Dante away and leave Raff behind.”

Shepherd was taken aback by that response. “Why? I thought you understood I feel equally about both.”

“Honestly?” Stryph asked, as if Shepherd would want him to lie. “I didn’t think he loves you, but I might’ve been wrong. Now I’m starting to think it’s just the whole alpha wolf thing. He’s used to people falling in line and understanding their place. It’s obvious he didn’t realize, as a human, you’d need him to use his words and body to show his love. You weren’t born and bred to recognize how, as his fated mate, you’re always the first and last thing on his mind. It’ll take time for you to accept that everything he does, every decision he makes, it’s all for you.”

Shepherd’s throat burned. He swallowed hard at the sensation. “See? That’s precisely why I need you around. You always say exactly what I need to hear.” Shepherd moved a step closer. “I know I have more than my fair share now, but you’re my friend. That’s something I still need. You can’t be hanging around inside me without my knowledge. That’s not fair to Dante and Raff, but I don’t want you to disappear either. You need me too.” Shepherd knew Stryph wouldn’t like having that last point said aloud, but it needed to be said. He’d known who Stryph was minutes after picking through the man’s thoughts. Stryph was dangerous. Without anyone keeping him in check, someone to cling to, Stryph might choose to turn the world against itself to watch it burn. But there was also a deep well of love and a huge sense of justice inside Stryph. He believed good should always win in the end. Shepherd thought he was amazing.

To his surprise, Stryph smiled. “Well, you know I can’t be hanging around all day. There are other utterly lost souls out there.”

Shepherd fought the urge to snort. He knew that wasn’t why Stryph had chosen to help him. Stryph had spotted him inside Raff’s Pool Hall. He’d felt Shepherd’s longing and loneliness, and he’d seen a kindred spirit. Stryph had watched him. His curiosity eventually turned into a longing of his own. When he’d watched Shepherd make his rage-filled trek to Jonathan’s for help, he’d lost the battle against approaching him. The funny thing was, if Stryph had reached out to him before Shepherd had sliced Raff with that knife, Shepherd knew in his heart he would’ve chosen Stryph.

A sad smile passed over Stryph’s features, as if he heard Shepherd’s thoughts. “I know, babe,” he said, proving he heard more than Shepherd realized. “I’ve never had a good sense of timing.” He shrugged. “Or maybe I just knew I’d make you miserable. Either way, I know I can’t stay. I just wanted to see you happy before I leave.”

A shot of panic hit Shepherd. “Don’t leave for good. When I thought I’d never see you again, it broke my heart. I still need you.”

Stryph’s smile turned sweet. “You don’t need anyone, gorgeous. Haven’t I taught you anything? You’re so fucking strong, it’s blinding.”

“I need you,” Shepherd repeated. “And you need me. We’re friends. Probably closer to partners in crime.”

The chuckle that fell from Stryph’s lips was sexy as hell. “I’ll be back. You know I can’t stay away. Until then, you know where to find me. You’re the only one who does.” Stryph winked and was gone. No long goodbyes or heart-wrenching moments. He simply vanished, leaving Shepherd behind. But he wasn’t gone, not really. Shepherd could still feel him. Stryph was right. He was the only person who understood he was right there, just beyond the veil, and Stryph had left all the knowledge Shepherd would need to get there inside Shepherd’s head. They’d be together again soon. It was fate.

When Raff left Shepherd alone with Stryph, he’d fully intended to show Stryph some trust and hope Stryph showed the same. Unfortunately, the moment he stepped into the hallway, his feet froze. He couldn’t move more than five feet from the room where his mate stood with the man who’d already stolen him once. Raff paced those five feet until he thought his nerves would snap. When Shepherd stepped out, Raff’s guilt over not trusting him showed in his smile.

“Hey.”

Shepherd’s dark expression cleared as his gaze landed on Raff. “Hey. I thought you were waiting for me in bed.” His feet kept moving until he backed Raff against the wall. “Not that I’m complaining about stealing another moment alone with you.”

As if his hands had a mind of their own, they snaked beneath the hem of Shepherd’s shirt and stroked the man’s bare skin. He nodded toward the door. “Is everything okay in there?”

Shepherd nodded. “He’s gone, but we’ll see each other again.”

He could feel how much Shepherd cared about Stryph, so he didn’t argue. “I know. How could anyone stay away from you?”

A mischievous glint entered Shepherd’s eyes. “I don’t know. You’re doing a pretty damn good job of it.”

Raff wanted to tease and drag out the moment. The beast inside him wasn’t in the mood to play. Raff hauled Shepherd closer. His fingers tightened on the man’s jaw as his lips found Shepherd’s. The vibration at the back of his throat was the wolf, showing his satisfaction. The low growl could be felt in their kiss as their tongues stroked. Raff’s teeth scraped Shepherd’s bottom lip. He savored their kiss, even as his gums itched with the need to bite. Raff hadn’t claimed his mate the proper way. The knowledge made his alpha side antsy.

“Did you say that bedroom was empty now?”

Shepherd nodded at his question, even as he dragged Raff in for a deeper kiss. Raff urged Shepherd backward, maneuvering him inside the bedroom. He kicked the door closed behind them. His hands found Shepherd’s ass. He lifted, using his unnatural strength against the man. Raff took Shepherd down on the mattress, covering Shepherd’s body with his. They tore at each other’s clothes while trying not to break their kiss. The sound of material ripping filled the air. It didn’t matter. Raff would buy Shepherd all the things once they were back home. With Shepherd’s massive chest bare, Raff kissed a path down his body. He fucking loved the way the hair on Shepherd’s torso felt against his lips. Raff let his teeth lightly scrape Shepherd’s nipple before moving lower. His tongue traced Shepherd’s ribs. Raff’s dick strained to get closer as Raff reached the button of Shepherd’s jeans. The button and zipper easily gave way beneath Raff’s touch. The instant he set Shepherd’s cock free, his tongue found the salty prize he’d been searching for.

Shepherd tugged at Raff’s hair, pulling him closer. Raff stripped away the rest of Shepherd’s clothes before allowing Shepherd to have his way. He licked and sucked even as he toyed with Shepherd’s asshole. He loved that Shepherd would do anything. The man loved to get fucked every bit as much he enjoyed dishing it out. Eternity was a long time. Experimenting was everything. Raff could show him more pleasure than he’d ever dreamed.

In an unexpected move, Shepherd shoved him away and reached for Raff’s zipper. He took control, stripping away the last of Raff’s clothes. “You have to let me play too,” Shepherd demanded as his fingers encircled Raff’s shaft. Stars popped behind his eyes at the first touch of his mate. Damn, no one had warned him how over the top his every emotion would be. No one had told him his mate’s touch would feel a hundred times better than anyone who’d ever touched him. In one stroke, Raff was ready to come unglued. With Raff’s cock held tight in his fist, Shepherd tugged, urging him higher. “This should be in my mouth when you suck my dick.”

A wolf-like growl escaped him as he went on the attack. Shepherd’s words stirred the flames. In a single move, he had Shepherd down his throat and his dick in the man’s face. Shepherd dragged his tongue down Raff’s length. His skin tightened, and his claws grew. Shepherd’s hot mouth closed around Raff’s crown. Raff sucked—hard, needing Shepherd to feel even a third of what the man did to him. Shepherd’s tongue wiggled against Raff’s overly sensitive nerve endings. Something inside Raff snapped. His head bobbed as he went at Shepherd with everything he had. He gave what he took. His hips rotated, openly fucking Shepherd’s mouth like he took the man’s ass. He fingered Shepherd as he sucked him, determined to make him insane.

Raff’s balls drew up tight. His every muscle tightened. Shepherd massaged the spot between his balls and asshole as his throat tightened around Raff’s dick. Hot cum filled Raff’s mouth. A groan of pleasure vibrated around his cock. An explosion rocked him as jet after jet of cum pumped from him. Shepherd hummed as if he’d been given his favorite treat.

While gasping for air, Raff pulled away and rearranged their bodies until he could claim Shepherd’s mouth. The taste of their fluids combined. Raff couldn’t get enough. He tried licking every place he could reach inside Shepherd’s mouth, seeking every drop of them. They were real. This was only the beginning. He wanted to climb so far up Shepherd’s ass the man couldn’t get away. The only reason it hadn’t happened was because this wasn’t their room. He didn’t have any lube. Raff wouldn’t hurt his angel.

“We should wake Dante. He could bring what we need,” Shepherd said, as if he’d been in Raff’s head, which he probably had. It was difficult to hide thoughts from a mate and most didn’t try. Their bond was too special and vital. They made each other whole.

“Call him,” Raff urged. He needed Shepherd to embrace the fact that he could, at any time, reach out with his mind and connect with them.

“I don’t know how.”

Raff swiped the sweat-soaked hair away from Shepherd’s face and held his stare. “Yes you do. Just open your mind and call to him.”

Shepherd’s eyes lost focus, as if he turned inside himself. Dante.

Raff smiled as Shepherd’s thoughts rolled over him.

We’re waiting.

Bring the lube, Raff added, ensuring Dante hurried.

“You can hear me too when I talk to him?”

Raff nodded. “I can hear you always. Sometimes it’s just a hum in the back of my mind, bringing me comfort. Other times, you drown out everything. Either way, I never get tired of knowing you’re there.”

“Goddamn. Look at all this sexiness just waiting to be ravaged,” Dante said, appearing at the edge of the bed. Raff turned his head just in time to see a bottle of lube go sailing past them as it was tossed onto the mattress. Dante’s green eyes were unnaturally bright. His long hair draped over one shoulder as he pushed his pajama pants down his hips. Raff rolled to the side, exposing Shepherd’s nude body for Dante’s delight as he made room for Dante to join them. “Yum. You’re both already sticky and ready for me.” Dante’s palm slid across Shepherd’s chest as he slipped into bed on the other side of Shepherd. “I wish I knew what I did to deserve to have so much sexiness in one bed.”

“You came when I called,” Shepherd said, sounding amazed. Raff’s gaze shot to Shepherd. He was staring at Dante in disbelief.

Dante’s features softened. “I’ll always come when you need me.”

Shepherd urged Dante’s mouth to his. Raff’s breath caught as he watched them kiss. He loved these men. It sat on his chest all hours of the day. “I’m here,” Dante said so quietly Raff wouldn’t have heard if he didn’t have werewolf hearing. “You should definitely make love to me now.” Even as Dante made the claim, he towed Raff into their kiss.

Their tongues toyed with one another as their hands roamed. Cool lube coated his cock and Raff never saw Shepherd reach for the bottle. “I’m totally going to be the greedy boy in the middle. It’s been too long since I’ve had either of you,” Shepherd said as he rolled Dante onto his stomach.

Raff tried tempering his breathing as he watched Shepherd fuck Raff with his fingers, stretching and lubing his ass. Damn, they were a sexy feast for the eyes. Dante’s flushed face and the way he humped the mattress, openly seeking relief, had Raff hard and ready to go. He stroked himself as Shepherd’s cock disappeared inside Dante. The sound Dante made tightened Raff’s skin. Incapable of taking another second, Raff shifted onto his knees. Shepherd made room for him between his knees. Raff ran his hand down Shepherd’s spine, savoring the moment as he swiped his crown against Shepherd’s asshole. He pushed, slipping inside a hair before retreating. Shepherd’s tight, hot ass was greedy, trying to pull him deeper. Raff surged forward again, watching as his dick slowly slid, inch by inch, inside Shepherd. A soft moan filled the room. Raff rotated his hips, trying to make it happen again. They moved in time, each straining toward the same goal. Dante’s and Shepherd’s thoughts crowded his brain, even as his pleasure grew. It was overwhelming. Even having just orgasmed only minutes earlier, Raff didn’t know how long he’d last. He’d never expected this. Three parts making one whole and he was one big nerve. Every sensation was mind-blowing. He rocked and pumped, taking his pleasure and seeking more. Pressure climbed up his shaft and beat at his crown. Moans vibrated from his throat as the wolf clawed at Shepherd’s skin, leaving marks down his sides and back. Possessiveness ruled his every action.

I love you.

Shepherd’s thoughts caressed Raff’s brain, bringing him even closer to the edge.

I love you both so much I can’t breathe.

The confession sent Raff flying. Lights popped behind his eyes. Love choked him. Wave after wave of ecstasy rocked his soul.

“Goddamn, I love you,” Raff whispered against Shepherd’s back as he fought for air. “I’ll make you feel it.” It was a vow Raff planned to keep. He knew Shepherd would need time to see inside Raff the way Raff saw inside him. Raff wouldn’t stop until they were all so on top of one another in their minds, Dante and Shepherd begged for peace. This was love. He’d prove it.