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  Hugo squeezed his arm then let him go. “Really?”

  “Please.”

  “If you’re sure.”

  “I’m sure.” Ivan scooted to make room. He opened the covers and climbed under, lying on his back.

  “All right.” Hugo settled in next to him, shoulder to shoulder, and closed his eyes.

  Ivan found himself relaxing more easily than he’d have thought possible. He felt safe with the werewolf at his side. His savior, who’d rescued him from an agonizing death. He turned his head to admire Hugo’s handsome face. His strong jawline, his large nose, and prominent dark brows. Kissable lips, lax in repose, drew his attention. Ivan couldn’t deny his interest, but he also hadn’t confirmed it was returned.

  Hugo’s eyes fluttered open, catching him staring. Ivan looked away sheepishly.

  “Did you need something?” Hugo asked.

  “No, sorry.” Just wondering what it would be like to kiss you.

  “How often do vampires need to eat? I don’t know much about your kind.”

  “Depends. The older you are, the less often you need blood. Being turned only four years ago, I still feed several times a week.”

  An easy silence settled between them. Birdsong floated in from the woods beyond their den. Ivan closed his eyes and breathed in. He could smell the packed soil underneath them, the mineral scent of the creek water they’d both used to bathe, and deeper still, the coppery metallic tang of the blood in Hugo’s veins.

  “You haven’t been a vampire very long.” Hugo’s quiet voice drifted between the notes sung by the birds.

  “No.”

  “Do you like it?”

  Ivan had never really considered it. He hadn’t had a choice. “I suppose I do. To be strong and to find your senses elevated to the point of distraction is surreal. Though being confined to the night took time to get used to. I think I’d have liked it more had I a kind sire. Goddard is a tyrant. Was a tyrant,” he corrected. “Do you like being a werewolf?”

  “I’ve never known anything different.” Hugo wet his lips. “Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be human. It might be easier.”

  Ivan had been human, though he hadn’t found it easy.

  Hugo glanced away.

  Perhaps they’d had enough conversation for one night. Instead of words, Ivan inched his hand toward Hugo’s, brushing fingers over his palm.

  Hugo took Ivan’s hand, entwining their fingers, and Ivan closed his eyes to sleep, a smile on his lips.

  5

  Hugo

  Hugo woke curled tightly against another person. His sleep-sluggish mind took a long moment to catch up with his body, and when it did, he barely managed to stay still. Practically on top of Ivan, Hugo would have to creep away slowly to avoid being noticed.

  Pressed close like this, Hugo could feel the vampire’s lean muscles relaxed for slumber. And Ivan felt so good. Tempting as it was to close his eyes and settle back in, he had to pull away before Ivan woke.

  Hugo inched his leg over Ivan’s and back to his side of the bed. Even slower, he began to move his arm.

  Ivan stirred.

  Hugo froze and held his breath.

  When nothing more happened, he resumed his effort, lifting his arm from Ivan’s waist. Before he could free himself, Ivan woke enough to grab Hugo’s wrist and pull his arm over his chest.

  Shit.

  He’d have to be more cautious.

  Or he could stay. Ivan wanted him to stay, at least subconsciously. But what would he think when he truly woke up? Ivan didn’t strike him as the type to cross easily into anger, but you couldn’t be too careful with people. Hugo waited until he was sure Ivan had fallen back to sleep. This time, he moved quickly, reclaiming his arm before Ivan could snatch it.

  Back on his own side of the bed, Hugo regretted his choice. He missed the comfort of holding Ivan, though at least he’d avoided an awkward moment.

  As night fell, Ivan began to rouse. Hugo watched as he stretched, eyes still closed, and turned on his side to reach for him.

  Now Hugo found himself trapped under Ivan’s arm instead. If he wasn’t feeling so uncertain, he’d laugh, but caution kept him somber.

  Ivan’s eyes opened. He left his arm over Hugo’s chest and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “Good evening.”

  Relieved that Ivan had chosen this closeness, Hugo relaxed into the embrace. “Good evening.”

  “Do you mind this? You held me as we slept, so I thought maybe it’s all right.”

  Ivan knew all along! Now Hugo did laugh. “It’s all right.” He put his hand over Ivan’s. “It’s nice.”

  “Mm,” Ivan mumbled into his shoulder, nestling against him.

  Hugo’s emotions quaked, his attraction taking on a possessive edge. He wanted Ivan for his own. To his core, he knew he’d do anything for him. The shift happened suddenly and without reservation. Hugo should be concerned about the unexpected intensity, but he only found a quiet acceptance.

  Whether Ivan returned the sentiment or not, he had a loyal servant in Hugo.

  “Stay,” said Hugo.

  Ivan shifted to look up at him. “What do you mean?”

  “After you’ve recovered. Don’t go. I want you to stay here with me…if you want to.”

  Ivan studied him with a serious expression that morphed slowly into a smile. “I’d like that.”

  Hugo couldn’t help but grin back. “Really?”

  “Yes. If you’re sure you wouldn’t mind the company.”

  Hugo rolled to his side and pulled Ivan close, face to face. Their legs entangled, making room for each other. “I want your company.”

  Hugo’s gaze traveled from Ivan’s lovely hazel eyes, down the sharp curve of his nose, to his smiling lips and lingered. He leaned in. Ivan met him halfway, and then they were kissing. Simple and perfect, Ivan’s soft, thin lips cool against his own. Hugo pressed in gently, testing the newness. Ivan smelled good, but he tasted even better. Something to be savored.

  Hugo could go on kissing like this all evening.

  “I want you,” Ivan said against Hugo’s mouth, his tongue parting Hugo’s lips.

  Hugo opened for him, inviting him in. As the kiss deepened, his thoughts drifted and his mind honed in with laser focus on the moment. The feel of Ivan against his chest, his back muscles flexing beneath Hugo’s wandering hands, the gentle tongue exploring his mouth. Heat gathered between them. Sweet kisses turned hungry.

  Ivan had Hugo’s backside firmly in his grip, pulling them closer. Hugo moaned at the contact, their erections pressed together.

  “Too much?” Ivan asked, trailing his tongue along Hugo’s jaw.

  “It’s good.” Hugo tilted his head back to make room for the exploration to continue down the sensitive column of his throat to the juncture where neck met shoulder.

  Ivan mouthed at the flesh there until Hugo writhed against him, the hardness between his legs pressed tight to Ivan’s thigh. He hadn’t known this kind of intimacy for years, not since he’d given up his human form. He’d forgotten how good it could be, if it had ever been this good.

  Ivan’s tongue trailed over his collarbone, pushing his shirt aside. “Your skin is so warm.”

  Hugo held him in place by the back of his neck. “Yes. Please, more.”

  The next thought hit Hugo hard. This was a vampire hovering over him, licking his shoulder and nipping at the flesh of his bicep. Surely he wanted to bite. Hugo wouldn’t mind being bitten. Teeth grazed his pec, and he found he wanted it.

  Ivan rocked against him. Their hips found an easy rhythm. Before Hugo lost himself to the erotic motion, he offered, “You can if you want.”

  “What can I do, Hugo?” Ivan’s lips curved into a teasing smile, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You must be specific. May I take your clothes off?” His fingers teased the hem of Hugo’s shirt, nails tickling the smooth skin of his stomach beneath it.

  “Ah, yes, but also—”

  “I will then.” Ivan pushed the s
hirt up over his ribcage. The cool night air felt good on his naked skin.

  Hugo sat up to assist, tugging the worn garment over his head and discarding it to the floor. “I meant—”

  “That I could fuck you?” Ivan lifted a brow and pushed Hugo onto his back with a hand on his chest. He pulled his own shirt off and let it join the one on the floor. “May I do that too?” Scooting down the pallet between Hugo’s legs, Ivan began to unbutton his pants.

  “Oh, god. Please, Ivan…”

  Ivan’s playful smile never left as he tugged Hugo’s pants over his hips and down his thighs, revealing him flushed and hard, leaking at the tip. “I will then.”

  “You…you…” Hugo meant to finish the sentence. He meant to offer his blood. But Ivan wrapped a hand around his length and words were lost to sensation. He’d never been good with words anyway. This was much better.

  “Were you going to let me bite you? Drink from your vein?” Ivan gave him a firm stroke, thumb resting over the head. “Is that what I may do?”

  Hugo managed to nod. He reached for Ivan, who shuffled out of his own pants then came to him, crawling up his body and settling into his embrace.

  “Thank you, dear wolf,” he breathed against Hugo’s throat, kissing him there. But he didn’t bite. Not yet. Hugo’s skin tingled under Ivan’s lips, the anticipation a sweet delight.

  Hugo wrapped his legs around Ivan’s waist and trapped him—right where he wanted him. Ivan kissed him proper, lips moving over lips, tongues dancing together. The luscious moment stretched between them, pleasure sparking warm from fingers to toes.

  Ivan adjusted so their cocks rubbed together, and it was almost too much for Hugo. Too many sensations at once. Too good. He moaned and concentrated on the feel of Ivan’s cool skin under his palms as he ran them up and down his spine.

  They found a decadent rhythm. Sweat beaded between them. Ivan whimpered against his mouth, and it was the sexiest thing he’d ever heard. Hugo held him tighter, wanting Ivan to make that sound again.

  Ivan leaned up just enough that they could meet each other’s eyes. Hugo admired the glittering green and brown mix. Ivan’s lips were reddened from kissing, his cheeks flushed pink. He looked magnificent over Hugo, rocking steadily, chasing his passion.

  “God, you’re perfect,” Ivan said, his hand coming to rest on Hugo’s cheek. “So handsome. What do you want? What can I give you?”

  Hugo turned into the cool hand on his face. Kissed the palm. Words failed him, but Ivan didn’t seem to mind.

  “Should I make you come?” Ivan asked, making things simple. “Should we come together?”

  “Yes,” Hugo breathed out, gratitude swelling in his chest as his need threatened to overtake him.

  Ivan shifted to sit astride Hugo’s hips and took both their dicks in hand.

  Hugo watched, eyes wide, mouth slightly parted as Ivan pumped their cocks together. Two plump mushroom heads, side by side, poking out from his fist on each thrust was more than he could handle. The sight made his toes curl. He held Ivan by the hips, tight grip firm enough to leave bruises, but he couldn’t resist, and Ivan wasn’t complaining. The vampire looked triumphant over him, lips parted and grinning, cheeks aflame, eyes intense and shining with lust.

  Ivan’s thighs squeezed his hips. Hugo’s gaze shot back to their groins. He’d never seen anything so erotic. He couldn’t tear his eyes away. Ivan’s hand worked them steadily. Fervor sizzled in Hugo’s belly, hot and heavy. He’d come soon. No way he could hold back, not when Ivan’s touch was this perfect.

  “So good for me, Hugo. That’s it,” Ivan coaxed, his voice low and rough.

  Hugo drove his hips up, bouncing Ivan on his thighs and holding him in place with his hands. The vampire ground down, meeting him halfway.

  They thrust together in Ivan’s grip, slick with precum, Hugo losing himself in the sinuous motion.

  He was barely hanging on when Ivan said, “Yes, now. Gonna come. Come for me, Hugo.”

  With a wild stutter and a gasp, Hugo did as he was bid. Reaching his peak in wave after powerful wave, Hugo’s pleasure spiked, and he finished in Ivan’s skilled hand, spilling over them both.

  Ivan was coming too, shaking with it, warm all over Hugo’s abs, their releases mixing together. Too much for Hugo’s eyes. He let them flutter shut, basking in the shivering sensations that wracked his entire body.

  Ivan leaned in, hovering over him, and Hugo pulled him down until he collapsed against him, neither of them caring about the mess as Hugo’s offer still stood unclaimed.

  Hugo tipped his head back. “Please,” he begged.

  Ivan mouthed the sensitive skin of his throat. It had to taste salty, Hugo was covered in a sheen of fresh sweat. The vampire lapped at him as if it were fine wine. His fangs found their mark, and without preamble, Ivan bit.

  Sharp pricks claimed Hugo’s throat, stinging for only a second before pleasure took hold, dominating his senses. He was on the verge of coming again. Waves of heat pulsed from his neck to his groin. The tingling tendrils expanded. Hugo held Ivan to him. His cock thrummed between their bodies. Ecstasy.

  Eyes rolled back from the delight of it, Hugo gave himself over to passion, trembling in Ivan’s embrace. As the shivering receded, an unwelcome image formed in Hugo’s mind. Trees materialized around them. Ivan stood at his side, shoulder to shoulder, but they were younger.

  Ten years younger.

  Ivan clasped his hand.

  They were in the woods much like where Hugo lived now, but different. Familiar and haunting. It was the forest that surrounded the pack lands where he’d grown up. The air smelled smoky, of doused cooking fires and dinners long eaten. The middle of the night, dim and eerily silent.

  Hugo knew what would happen next. What he couldn’t stop from happening. He’d be reliving his worst experience in mere moments. His alpha, on his birthday, banishing him to exile.

  Lars strode toward them.

  But why?

  Hugo had wanted to know back then. He wanted to know now. He squeezed Ivan’s hand.

  There was no place for a freak like him in the pack. He had to leave—Lars made that clear. If he stayed, he’d only bring shame to his family. Hugo’s head hung low and his shoulders slumped forward.

  Lars shoved him toward the path into the mountains, then shifted into his wolf form. Dark and menacing, the black wolf nipped Hugo’s heels bloody as he ran, terrified, deeper into unknown lands.

  But this time as Lars chased him away, biting and snapping, Hugo wasn’t alone. Ivan ran with him. Side by side. Into the forest together.

  Never alone again.

  6

  Ivan

  “Shh,” whispered Ivan, pushing sweaty hair from Hugo’s face. “You’re okay. I’ve got you.”

  Hugo’s eyes blinked open, wide and scared.

  Ivan smiled down at him, laying a calming hand on his chest. “Hey.”

  “What happened?” Hugo covered Ivan’s hand with his own.

  “You passed out, but you’re okay now.” Ivan stroked his face. Poor Hugo. The sex, the blood, the memories…they’d overwhelmed him. Ivan had known such a thing was possible, but it had never happened to him, so he hadn’t thought to warn Hugo. His mind and body had been lost in the moment.

  “I saw Lars,” Hugo whispered. “You were with me. We ran.”

  “Yes, I saw it too. We’re safe together.”

  “Safe together.” Hugo collected Ivan’s hand in his own and kissed his knuckles.

  “Will you tell me about what we saw when I drank from you?” Ivan returned the gesture, kissing Hugo’s fingertips one by one.

  “I don’t want to talk about that.” Hugo’s gaze cast downward.

  “I’m sorry. I’m not sure why it happened, but I think it’s important.” Ivan gave Hugo’s shoulders a comforting squeeze.

  Hugo shook his head, his eyes pleading. “It’s not important. Not anymore.”

  “All right. I understand. Some things are hard to talk about
.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” Ivan ran his finger over Hugo’s collarbone, and the wolf gave a soft smile.

  They rested together in silence, comfortable in each other’s space. The rest of the night passed peacefully. Ivan found Hugo’s warm presence reassuring and delighted in his affections. He wanted nothing more than to make the sweet wolf happy for the rest of their days. Never had he fallen for another so quickly and so thoroughly.

  Feeding from Hugo’s vein had helped Ivan to regain most of his strength. The vampires he knew sneered at werewolf blood. Animal blood was derided as unworthy—unbefitting for creatures of their status. From what he’d heard, Ivan assumed it would taste foul, but he’d found the opposite to be true.

  Hugo’s blood flowed strong and powerful, like the wolf himself, and its spicy metallic tang burst bright on Ivan’s palate. Divine. Delicious. The savory hot elixir could easily addict him. Bind him to Hugo. He found that he didn’t care. He wanted to deepen their connection, claim Hugo for his own and be claimed in return. If Hugo was to be Ivan’s destiny, Ivan wouldn’t second guess fate.

  How else would Hugo have been in the right place at exactly the right time to save his life? How if not for the will of the fates? They were meant for each other.

  And another thing.

  Hugo had been wronged.

  That alpha—Lars, with his arrogant posturing and crooked teeth—had no right to exile Hugo from his pack, and Ivan wouldn’t stand for it. He’d seen more than Lars in that vision. He’d seen happy memories too. Flashes of Hugo with his family. A mother and sisters who loved him. Friendships among his pack mates. Hugo deserved his proper place as their alpha.

  Lars had realized Hugo’s potential, Ivan was sure of it. The bully had known Hugo would replace him, and instead of nurturing the young alpha and teaching him to be a leader, Lars had done everything he could to make sure it wouldn’t come to pass. Exploited Hugo’s unique heritage for his own gain.