Submission

Lions of Locust Falls: Book 2

BDSM/MPREG Romance

Jayda Marx

Author’s Note

Thank you for your interest in my book! This paranormal romance features my take on some seriously sexy lion shifters. They share many attributes of shifters found in other fictional works, but not all. Instead of danger, each book in this series tackles a different type of roadblock for our couples. This fluffy book contains fated mates, sweet moments, lots of laughs and some steamy BDSM elements. My stories are low angst and insta-love. They follow relationships on the fast track, and I live for sweetness! Thanks again for taking a look and happy reading!

Chapter One

Cedric

“That…was…amazing!” Brandon cheered as our whole ragtag pride left the convention center, where we’d all attended a comic book convention.

We all dressed up as our favorite characters; Grady was dressed as Black Panther, Hunter was Batman, Felix went as Hulk while his twin brother Enzo dressed as Deadpool, and I was a gender-bender version of Starfire. My look was completed by my bubblegum pink hair, purple crop top, and thigh-high purple boots.

But the person who captured the most attention from all of the other comic book lovers was Talon, and that was because he demanded attention from everyone he came in contact with. But his reasons weren’t selfish.

Talon’s mate Brandon created a comic book series which featured a man named Zero who traveled the lands, talking to animal sidekicks and fighting for justice. All of us thought Brandon’s stories and artwork were fantastic, but of course no one was more impressed or proud than Talon.

Which is why he was dressed as Zero, and why he insisted that every person that walked by him in the convention center stopped and looked at his mate’s comic books (which he carried around in an oversized backpack).

At first, Brandon’s nerves were apparent; he was a little shy and backward, and probably embarrassed to have his mate flag down every passerby just to shove a book into their face. But his anxiety didn’t last long.

Soon, a horde of people were gathered around our little group, each of them eagerly reading Brandon’s comics and commenting on his artwork. The crowd begged for more stories, but, even as Brandon was reaching for the backpack to give them what they wanted, Talon informed them that they’d have to wait until the comics were published to get the rest of the storylines.

That kickstarted a whirlwind of events; a few of Brandon’s fans hurried to booths which held executives from comic book publishers to tell them about their great new find. Those executives approached Brandon and asked to see his work, which in turn attracted more executives to come see what all the fuss was about.

In the end, there was a multi-executive crowd, all bidding for Brandon’s attention and business. My friend collected all of their business cards with promises of contacting each of them to hear their offers.

Brandon had a bright future ahead of him to do what he loved most. We were all so proud of him, but none more so than Talon. His chest was puffed out, he held his head high, and he couldn’t keep his hands off of his sweet mate.

“You were amazing,” Talon corrected before placing a kiss on Brandon’s puffy hair.

“You truly were,” Grady offered with a smile. “I’m so happy for you and I know you will accomplish great things. I believe a celebration is in order.”

Enzo flashed a devilish grin. “Hell yeah! I could definitely go for a night out at Pride Place.” It was the nightclub owned by our pride, and where we’d all spent a few wild nights, but I knew that it wasn’t Brandon’s typical scene. He was more of a homebody like me. Granted, I had my own wild side that few knew about, but I also enjoyed the simple things.

“Tonight is all about Brandon,” I insisted to Enzo and his twin brother Felix, who were already high-fiving at the thought of a ruckus party. “He should decide what we do.”

Brandon gave me a grateful look before replying, “The crowd was a little overwhelming in there. If no one minds, I think I’d prefer a relaxing celebration at home with all of you.” Everyone, including Felix and Enzo, voiced their agreement. More than anything, we all wanted what was best for our friend.

“In that case, I’ll make you a special dinner.” Brandon smiled at my offer. “I’ll just need to stop at the grocery store on the way home to pick up a few things.” With the way the pride ate, I could barely keep our cabinets stocked with food.

Hunter raised his eyebrows in question. “Don’t you want to stop and change clothes before you go to the store?”

I gave him an indignant look and propped my hand on my hip. “And why would I do that? I look amazing.”

Enzo snorted a laugh. “Well, you can’t argue with that. Can we get going, though? I’m starving.” I wasn’t surprised in the least to hear that. We all nodded and loaded into the caravan of SUVs we took for pride outings.

Instead of the grocery store near pride lands where I usually shopped, the caravan stopped at a large supermarket in the heart of downtown, close to the convention center.

My heart fluttered when we pulled into the parking lot. Maybe it was strange, but I always got a little thrill when I got to explore a new market. I loved cooking and taking care of my friends, so finding new ingredients or a larger selection made me positively giddy. I’d never felt this excited about a store before however, but I figured it was from the sheer size of the shop.

My friends offered to go inside with me, but I politely declined; I wanted the chance to look around without hearing Enzo and Felix whine that they were hungry and wanting to leave. And to be honest, the rest of my pack were terrible cooks and couldn’t differentiate between broccoli and brussel sprouts, so they’d be no help. Besides, something told me that I needed to go in alone.

As I walked through the aisles, I smiled at the varieties of fresh produce as my mind spun with possible dinners to prepare. I loaded up my shopping cart with ingredients for not only the night’s meal, but food for the whole week…depending on how much my friends ate.

Once I finished up in the produce section, something in my gut instructed me to go towards the canned food section. It was strange; I never used canned goods, opting instead for fresh ingredients. But, I wasn’t one to ignore a signal from my body.

So, I strolled towards the section, and with each step, my stomach knotted up tighter. My hands tingled and my fangs lengthened and ached. My body was preparing for something big.

I turned into an aisle, expecting to see a fight unfolding before me or another bad situation that required my involvement. But what I saw instead made my heart leap and my breath catch in my lungs.

Standing only a few feet in front of me was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen. He was probably a foot taller than my five-foot-three, with a beefy frame at least twice as wide as my own. His thick belly rested on top of his jeans and I wanted to snuggle my face against it.

Mouth-watering tattoos peeked out from beneath the sleeves of his t-shirt and trailed down to his knuckles. His head was shaved all except for a small bun on top, and he had a neatly trimmed dark blond beard.

He was perfect; his big body called out to mine, demanding my obedience and submission, yet craving my care and devotion. He appealed not only to my eyes, but to my heart and soul, which were both leaping and rejoicing at the recognition that this man…was my mate.

For a brief moment, I thought about running out to the parking lot to tell my pride about my good fortune, but I quickly talked myself out of it. I couldn’t let this man out of my sight until I knew his name and when I’d see him again; when I’d have the chance to make him mine.

I smoothed down the front of my crop top, silently thanking the heavens that I was in a sexy outfit for the most important meeting of my life. I took a deep breath and a step forward.

Chapter Two

Asher

I looked between the can of chicken noodle soup in my left hand and the can of tomato soup in my right hand for the tenth time. And, for the tenth time, neither one appealed to me.

I was sick of eating soup. It was all I’d been living on since I’d lost my job a few weeks ago. But lord knew I couldn’t cook - or afford - anything else. I shrugged and tucked both cans between my forearm and stomach and reached for a third. I was here, so I may as well stock up.

Once the third can had its place next to the others, I decided that I’d take a stroll through the bakery section before I headed home to heat up my liquid dinner; sometimes they had treats marked down, and I was craving something sweet.

I turned in that direction, but was stopped by a sight more mouth-watering than any treat I could imagine. Standing at the end of the aisle was a beautiful young man with light pink hair. His short, thin body looked flawless in a purple cropped shirt, short-shorts, and tall boots of the same color.

His sparkling blue eyes were trained on me as he slinked forward, looking like a prowling animal on the hunt. But it couldn’t be; a beauty like him could get anyone he wanted, so why would he be coming after a chubby unemployed loser?

I peeked behind me to see who the man was stalking, but found no one. Holy shit, is he actually looking at me? I turned around again, and again found the man staring at me, this time wearing an amused smirk as he continued forward.

The look in his eyes made my skin prickle; I loved a sassy boy who knew what he wanted. But more than that, I loved a sassy boy who would put away his ego to give me what I wanted. Not that I’d enjoyed the company of any boy lately. I’d lacked the confidence to approach anyone, and no one had (understandably) approached me. Until now.

The tip of the young man’s tongue peeked out of his mouth and traced across his plump lips as his eyes burned into me. I subconsciously hugged my purchases closer to my chest, causing one can to pop out of my hold and fall onto the floor.

I didn’t move to pick it up, as I was both frozen in shock and entranced by the vision of beauty. Part of me was scared that if I moved, the moment would end.

The man slowly lowered himself to his knees to grab the can from the floor. He kept his eyes locked on mine and stayed there longer than necessary, staring up at me as filthy visions danced through my head.

I pictured him dropping to his knees by my order, to unzip my pants, or suck me, or…his playful smirk returned and told me that he knew exactly what he was doing to me. I wondered if I could even handle this boy, but I sure as hell wanted to try.

“Soup fan, huh?” he asked as he slowly rose to his feet and held the can out for me.

I shook my head as I took it from his fingers, and he arched an eyebrow in question. “I’m a shit cook,” I explained before mentally kicking myself. Great first impression, Ash. Way to go.

The young man wasn’t deterred, though. His smirk widened as he traced a fingertip down the ink on my forearm. “Well, it’s lucky for you that I’m a great cook.”

“Is it?” I was trying to play it cool, but instead I just sounded clueless. My confidence wasn’t what it used to be, and my flirt game was lacking.

“It sure is, because I’m going to cook you a fabulous dinner tonight.” He slid his finger from my arm onto my stomach. “I bet you love steak and potatoes.” There was nothing in his voice suggesting that he was making fun of my size; rather, he wanted to provide something that I enjoyed.

“I love them.” There weren’t many foods that I didn’t enjoy. Well, except for maybe soup.

“Perfect. I just need your address,” the man replied with a slow wink.

I paused for a moment, wondering if it was a good idea to tell a perfect stranger where I lived. This could all be a grand scheme to poison me or chop me into pieces. But, after one more look at his luscious body in that crop top, I decided that it was worth the risk.

“427 Bennett Avenue, apartment 512.”

“Got it. I’ll see you at seven to prepare you the best dinner you’ve ever eaten.”

He winked again and turned around, giving me a drool worthy view of his ass in those shorts as he sashayed towards his shopping cart. Somehow, I managed to come to my senses enough to ask, "Aren't you going to tell me your name?"

Pretty blue eyes glanced over his shoulder. "I was waiting for you to ask for it." His smirk suggested that it was his way of letting me know that I was in charge, or that he liked being told what to do. Or maybe that was my own wishful thinking and it actually meant nothing.

Either way, I pressed my luck and requested in a deep voice, "Tell me."

I swallowed hard at the way his eyes widened and darkened. He licked his lips once more before answering, “Cedric.”

“A beautiful name for a beautiful boy.” Cedric’s lips twitched up into a pretty smile. Okay, maybe my flirt game isn’t totally dead. “I’m Asher.”

“A gorgeous name for a gorgeous man,” he replied with a wink. Well, I’ll be damned.

My jaw slowly dropped as I watched Cedric’s hips swish as he walked to the back to the end of the aisle, and I swore I heard him chuckle before he turned the corner. Damn, I hope I’m ready for him.

Chapter Three

Asher

My heart pounded in my chest when a knock sounded at my door. He’s really here. I’d spent the last several hours mentally preparing myself for the likely possibility of Cedric never showing up.

However, I tried to keep the hope alive, so I’d also been stringently cleaning my apartment for the past several hours. I wouldn’t say that I was a messy person, but I spent all of my time alone with no one to try to impress, so I’d definitely let my housekeeping get a little lax.

But I desperately wanted to impress Cedric. I’d known the man for all of three minutes from a brief encounter at the grocery store, but something about him spoke to me. Maybe it was his confidence, which I wished I had more of. Maybe it was his stunning beauty. At any rate, I couldn’t wait another moment to see him again.

I hurried to the front door and threw it open. My pulse sped up at the sight of the dazzling blue eyes and bubble-gum-pink hair I’d been dreaming about all day. Unfortunately, Cedric was no longer wearing the crop top and thigh high boots, but he still looked gorgeous in a pair of tight jeans and a lavender t-shirt.

“You came,” I blurted out dumbly, and my chest warmed at the smirk I received.

“Well not yet, but the night is still young,” Cedric quipped with a wink. The man was sassy, funny, and filthy; a blend of my favorite things. “Will you help me with these?” he asked as he passed over several plastic containers.

“Sure. What are they?”

“Dinner.”

I raised my eyebrows in question; I’d scrubbed my stove because I assumed Cedric would be cooking at my place. Granted, it needed a good scrubbing anyway, but I was still confused.

He explained, “My friend had an exciting day and I promised to cook him a congratulatory dinner. I made extra to bring here, but don’t worry; it’s still fresh and I’ll heat it up.”

That wasn’t what I was worried about; I was really looking forward to a meal together. “Have you already eaten?”

“Yeah, but I plan on eating again; I’m a big eater.” I inspected his slim stomach skeptically, but Cedric just smirked. “You’d be surprised by what I can fit inside me.”

I choked on a mixture of my own spit, shock, and horniness while Cedric just chuckled and waltzed inside like he owned the place. “Will you show me to the kitchen?”

There wasn’t much showing necessary since my studio apartment was small and could easily be seen in its entirety with one look (unfortunately including the corner that served as my bedroom), but I obliged by leading the way as Cedric pranced happily behind me.

“I like your place,” he complimented as he rested the plastic containers he carried onto the countertop and I did the same. “It’s so cozy and tidy. Do you enjoy cleaning?”

“Umm…” I didn’t want to lie to the guy, but I didn’t want to seem like a slob either.

Cedric gave me a knowing smile and a nod. “That’s okay; I enjoy cleaning. And cooking, baking, doing laundry…all domestic stuff, really. You won’t have to worry about any of that.”

I blinked, unsure what to say or even what to think about the little beauty. He’d insisted on coming to my home, prepared a meal for me, and now sounded as if he was planning a life of caring for me.

Is this guy for real? Is this his way of flirting? What if he really does want to kill me? He’s so tiny, though; I could take him. And I don’t see any weapons. Wait a second; the food! What if he poisoned the food? Is this some kind of sick game?

Cedric peeled the lid off of one of the containers, revealing two huge cuts of meat. “I fixed the steaks rare, but I’m happy to cook yours a little more if you’d like.”

“No, I like mine rare too.” As long as it was poison-free.

“Good, because my animalistic side loves red meat,” Cedric replied calmly, like it wasn’t the hottest thing I’d ever heard.

Deciding to try and be a bit sexy myself, I leaned in towards him and said, “I have an animalistic side too, boy.”

Cedric’s eyes narrowed momentarily and I wondered if I’d gone too far, but then his smirk returned when he answered, “I’d love to see it some time. But first, we need to get you fed.”

I shook my head, still trying to figure Cedric out as he dug through my cabinets until he found a skillet and several pots. While humming a quiet tune, he seared the steaks on the stovetop until they were sizzling once more, and then he reheated all of the side dishes; mashed potatoes, broccoli, corn, and mushrooms. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a feast like this, and no one had ever cooked one for me.

Which brought around a thought that popped out of my mouth before I could stop it. “How do I know that you actually cooked all of this?” Technically someone else could have fixed it and he could just be reheating it.

An expression that was a mixture of hurt and confusion flashed across Cedric’s pretty face before a sassy smile returned. “I guess I’ll just have to prove it by fixing your breakfast in the morning.”

Once upon a time, I’d have a flirty or suggestive reply at the ready, but I was way out of practice and instead fell into stunned silence. Cedric didn’t miss a beat, however, and asked, “Will you please grab us a couple of drinks while I set the table?”

I had nothing more than a card table propped against the wall, but Cedric unfolded it with no judgment and placed dishes and silverware on its top, making it look better than ever before.

Then he served each plate, beginning with mine, to the brim of delicious-looking food. We sat facing one another in folding chairs and I placed a can of soda in front of each of us.

Cedric didn’t move; didn’t even raise his fork, just sat there watching me expectantly. Paranoia reared its ugly head again; What's wrong with this food?

But the longer I waited before taking a bite, the more hurt Cedric appeared until I couldn't take it anymore. I decided that disappointing this sweet man was worse than a potential poisoning.

So, I scooped up a bite of potatoes and passed it between my lips. The moment the rich, buttery food hit my tongue, I didn't even care if it was poisonous.

I hummed my pleasure at the flavor and Cedric's smile stretched from ear to ear. "This is the most delicious food I've ever tasted," I said as I shoveled in another big bite.

"I'm so glad you like it." Cedric loaded his own fork, but instead of eating, he flapped his hand at me, motioning for me to continue to eat. “Is your steak cooked okay?”

I cut into the meat, finding it to be perfectly red and tender. I stuffed a bite into my mouth and hummed again. “It’s incredible.” I gobbled down several more bites before moving on to the array of vegetables.

It wasn’t until I had tried each thing on my plate that Cedric took his first bite, and bobbed his head back and forth. “Not bad.” Before I could argue that ‘not bad’ didn’t begin to cover it, he requested, “Will you tell me about yourself?”

It was at that moment that I realized we knew very little about each other. It felt so natural and right to be sitting there with Cedric that I forgot that we were practically strangers.

Then I realized how little I wanted to tell him about myself. It wasn’t that I was trying to hide anything, but I knew that Cedric wouldn’t be impressed. For some unbeknownst reason, my physical appearance had been enough to make him approach me, but once I divulged details about myself, I worried he’d lose interest.

“What do you do for a living?” he pressed when I didn’t answer.

Shit. I chewed my bite carefully, savoring it along with the sight of Cedric in case it was my last. “Actually, I was recently laid off from my work.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he replied before placing his fork on his plate and reaching across the table to place his hand on mine. His touch was warm and soothing, and I hoped he didn’t take it away.

“Before that I worked in sanitation.” I waited for the look of disgust that generally followed when I told people about my job, but Cedric only gave me a kind smile. Assuming he didn’t understand what I meant, I added, “I was a garbage collector.” His smile didn’t budge. “Does that not gross you out? Most guys are grossed out by that.”

Cedric’s face folded up into an offended look. “Well most guys are assholes and I’m not.” I snorted a laugh of surprise and his expression softened again. “It’s an important job that should be appreciated. Did you enjoy it?”

I blinked at him as I processed the question I’d never been asked. “It probably sounds weird, but I did. I didn’t mind getting my hands dirty and I liked how physical the job was. Sitting on my ass at a desk all day would drive me crazy. I liked getting a good workout on the job.”

“Mm, I would love to see those muscles in action.” As he spoke, Cedric hungrily roved his eyes over my body. He wasn’t shy and ordinarily I wasn’t either, but I couldn’t deny that I was a bit intimidated by the beautiful man. I also couldn’t deny that it had been a while since I had a good workout and some of the muscles he seemed to enjoy so much had begun to shrink while my stomach had begun to grow.

To take the attention off of my body, I continued on, “But my favorite part of the job was working with my dad. He worked in sanitation all of my life. He was a single parent who didn’t have anyone to watch me, but he needed to work to support me.”

“So when I was little, I used to ride along in the garbage truck with him and he’d let me pull the levers. Back then, nobody cared and I thought it was the best thing ever. When I grew up, I wanted to continue to have that special time with my dad and got a job working alongside him.”

“I’m glad you got to experience that,” Cedric said with a dreamy smile and a squeeze to my hand. “Are you two still close?”

“We are. We talk often, but we don’t get together in person as much. My dad retired a little over a year ago and bought a place on Lake Michigan where he can relax and fish. I’m glad he got out when he did; a few months ago, our company sold out to its rival, which is a bigger corporation. They laid off all of our former company’s employees who had years of experience and had earned higher wages, and replaced them with new employees who would work for bottom dollar.”

“I’m sorry that you’re going through this, but I’m glad your dad retired when he did too; now he can enjoy the break he earned without having to worry about income.” I nodded, appreciating that Cedric cared about my dad’s welfare even though he didn’t know him.

“I’ve been looking for work since I was let go, but I don’t have any experience or qualifications outside of sanitation work. Plus, the job market isn’t the greatest right now.” Cedric looked so sad at my words and I realized that I was dragging down the conversation. “But enough about me. Tell me about your folks.”

That certainly didn’t cheer him up; his expression melted into one of sadness and pain, and I kicked myself for the topic change. “My family kicked me out when I turned eighteen and now refuse to have anything to do with me.”

“Shit, I’m so sorry. It’s none of my business, but can I ask why?” I couldn’t imagine why anyone would turn their backs on someone so sweet.

“You can ask anything about me,” Cedric replied seriously. “I want to tell you everything.” My heart beat a little faster at his words. I couldn’t explain it, but I somehow knew that this thing between us wasn’t a fling or superficial. I wanted to get as close to him as quickly as possible. I’d never felt this way about anyone, but I didn’t want to fight it.

He sighed and answered, “I’m…different from the others in my family. I’m not as strong or as fast. I like to cook and clean rather than hunt or fight. I want to serve my spouse and raise children with him. My family saw my characteristics and interests as being ‘too feminine’ and ‘against nature’, so they disowned me once I became of age. I’m not welcome back.”

“Cedric, I’m so sorry,” I offered again, unsure what else to say. I wished that I was smarter, wiser to know what words to give him to offer comfort. As I tried to conjure the right thing to say, questions bloomed and burned in my stomach. I couldn’t fight them and needed to know, “Are you okay? Do you have a place to stay? Do you have anyone to talk to or lean on?”

A toothy smile slowly stretched Cedric’s plush lips and my cheeks heated. I was being so pushy and personal for a first date. But I cared about this man and couldn’t help but show it.   

“At first, I was a wreck,” he admitted. “I lost my whole family and everything I’d ever known. But I found a group of guys who took me in; wonderful friends who have become family. We encourage, support, protect and love each other. We built a home together in the forest where we live and thrive.”

“I’m glad you have them,” I told him honestly. I kept to myself, however, my jealousy over the fact that he lived with and loved a group of other men. I didn’t want to seem too crazy. I shoved that away and changed the subject with, “What kind of work do you do?”

“My friends and I own a nightclub together. It’s called Pride Place; have you ever heard of it?”

“I have,” I told him with wide eyes. “I used to visit almost every Friday after my shift to relax; it’s a great bar and it plays the best music.”

“I don’t visit too often,” Cedric replied with a shrug. “I’m more of a homebody. But now I wish I had visited more Friday nights; I could have met you sooner.”

Unable to wrap my mind around his words, I blurted out the heaviest question burning in my brain. “Why are you here?” Cedric blinked sad eyes and I hurried to explain, “You are so gorgeous and you have a successful career. You could have anyone you want. Why are you wasting your time with someone like me?”

Cedric’s gaze only grew sadder as he trapped my hand in both of his. “Someone like you is exactly who I want to be with. When I saw you in the grocery store, I couldn’t look away. I was drawn to you and had to come talk to you. Do you feel the pull between us?”

“I do. I know we’ve just met, but it feels like I’ve known you for so long. I don’t understand it but I can’t fight it.” I also didn’t understand how I was speaking about this so easily with Cedric. But everything felt natural with him; like we really were meant to be there together.

“And when I called you gorgeous, I meant it,” Cedric added. “I wish you weren’t so hard on yourself, because your body is amazing. I love how thick and strong you are. Just by being near you and looking at you, I know you can give me what I need.”

I swallowed hard, my pulse racing at the heat in his voice and eyes. “What do you need?”

“I told you that I want to serve my man in the domestic sense of cooking and cleaning, but I want to serve him in every way. I need to take care of him while he takes care of my body. I want my man to take total control and make me feel cherished in a very special way. Do you understand what I mean?”

I nodded. I knew exactly what he was talking about, and his words made my cock thicken and my fists clench. Even though it had admittedly been a while, I wasn’t a stranger to taking control in the bedroom. I loved the feeling of owning and dominating a partner as much as I loved snuggling and soothing him in aftercare. Unfortunately, I’d never shared it with someone I loved.

Wanting to judge his comfort levels and expectations, I asked, “Do you have experience with those needs?” The question left a bad taste in my mouth and a heaviness in my chest.

He nodded and while I appreciated his honesty, I also hated the answer. I didn’t want to think about Cedric with anyone but me. “Growing up, I was never allowed to explore my sexuality or needs. When my family abandoned me, I went a little wild; I guess I was making up for lost time.”

It didn’t make sense why the words were difficult to hear. I’d had my share of fun and one night stands and was the last person to judge. I swallowed my discomfort and nodded for him to continue.

“I learned pretty quickly what it was that I needed; how I craved to submit to a man while offering my body…” I gripped my thigh so tightly I worried that I may draw blood. “But I learned almost as quickly that I didn’t want to share that experience with just anyone. Sex is great, but I’m looking for the right partner.”

I kept my voice as steady as possible when I asked, “And you think that could be me?”

Cedric gave another one of his sassy smirks and stood up from the table. I was once again locked in his sights as he walked towards me, slowly yet with purpose. He was stalking me once again, yet he wanted to be my prey. He made my head spin in the best way.

He pushed the table away from me so that he had room to sit sideways on my lap. His smile widened when he surely felt the growing bulge in my jeans. “I know it’s you, and now I want you to prove me right.” 

Chapter Four

Cedric

Yes, I was being forward, which was the exact opposite of what I told Asher I needed, but I couldn’t help it. I was in the presence of my sexy, incredible mate and I couldn't fight my desire for him. I knew he was mine and wanted him from the moment I saw him.

I would have dropped to my knees right there in the grocery store. Hell, I did, but I would have done anything he asked of me, then or now. I wanted to feel his control, strength, and touch. I wanted to give myself to him. I wanted him to take me.

Asher’s eyes darkened as he snaked his arms around my waist. I knew he could feel the pull between us; it was impossible for fated mates not to feel it, but I didn’t miss the tell-tale signs of his large pupils or the way his hands trembled with nervous excitement.

“Let me get this straight,” he said in a low, gravelly tone which made my stomach warm. “You want me to show you how I can control your perfect little body, so you think you can walk over here and demand it?”

Oh yes, this is going to be good. I widened my eyes in the best innocent look I could muster and nodded.

“That’s not how this works, sweet cheeks,” Asher replied gruffly, and I could have came from his tone alone. “You need to ask nicely.”

Yep; so, so good. Before I answered, I slowly licked my top lip, fighting a smile as his gaze dropped to watch. “I’m sorry. You’re right; you’re in charge. Will you take control of my body and show me how good I can feel?”

“That’s better.” His eyes snapped back to mine and were serious when he asked, “Any hard limits?” I shook my head no. I wanted everything and then some. “Tell me your safe word.”

“Coyote.” I’d never met a coyote shifter who wasn’t a dick, so the word came naturally; not that I thought I’d need it. Even though I wasn’t as tough as other shifters, I still had more strength and resilience than most humans.

“Stand up.”

I quickly jumped to my feet; following Asher’s words was like second nature. I wanted to do everything to please my mate in every aspect of life, and that would never change.

Asher stood up as well, towering over me as he looked down on my body. He didn’t touch me, but I could still feel the caress of his gaze as he inspected his property. He didn’t know it yet, but I was his for an eternity.

“Take off your shirt.”

I gripped the hem of the fabric and lifted it off of my body before tossing it to the ground. Asher walked around me in slow circles, humming in appreciation as he devoured my torso with his eyes. “And the pants.”

I toed out of my shoes and socks before lowering my jeans to the floor and kicking them away. I may have prepared for this moment by not wearing underwear to Asher’s apartment and shaving my groin smooth for his enjoyment. His eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quickly trained his face back to neutral.

Asher stood in front of me, licking his lips as he took in the view of my long, slender, uncut cock, which was hard from his examination and aching with need.

His thick hand cupped over his crotch and he massaged himself through his jeans as he stared at me. I didn’t dare touch myself or even move until he gave me instruction.

“You are so damn sexy, boy,” Asher grumbled, squeezing his bulge through the denim. “I’m going to do nasty, wonderful things to you. Is that what you want?”

   “Yes, Sir,” I replied, though another name tingled on my lips, waiting to be spoken. It had always been my fantasy, but I’d never wanted to use it with any other man. I trusted fate’s pairing and the bond I had with Asher and added, “Please, Daddy?”

Asher growled as he popped the button of his jeans, allowing the zipper to inch down on its own under the pressure of his cock. The name meant as much to him as it did to me.

He fished his hard flesh out of his boxers and it was my turn to growl; Asher wasn’t quite as long as I was, but he was twice as thick. Juicy veins led up his shaft to his cut head, and his hairy, heavy balls looked delicious.

Asher gripped the base of his cock and gave himself a slow, firm pull. “You like what you see, boy?” The question was hot as hell, but I didn’t miss the tinge of uncertainty in his voice. My man didn’t know how incredible he was.

“I love it. Can I please see more, Daddy?”

Asher’s hands hesitated for a moment before they removed his t-shirt. My breath caught; he looked better than I imagined. Tattoos of pretty black designs ran up his arms and onto his shoulders, spanning across his collar bone. Hair coated his chest and his thick belly that rested atop of his jeans.

“You’re perfect,” I told him in a whisper, and the slightest smile stretched over Asher’s lips before his expression turned determined. He stripped the rest of his clothes off and stood before me in all of his glory; his thick thighs, strong shoulders, and fat cock made my mouth water.

He lifted his hand and crooked one finger, beckoning me forward without a word. I stepped up until our toes touched and Asher wrapped both of his big hands around the back of my head, hauling me into a deep kiss.

Our lips touched and my eyes rolled back to my brain. His mouth was warm and soft against mine as he took control, gently sucking my lips between his and nibbling on my skin.

He parted my mouth with his and slid the tip of his tongue along mine, forcefully enough to let me know not to move until he’d had time to explore. And so I stayed still and let him get his fill as he licked along my cheeks, tongue, and roof of my mouth. He studied my flavor and soaked it all in. I’d never been kissed like this.

With a tap of his tongue to mine, I knew that he was ready for me to kiss him back, so I tangled my slick appendage with his. I tickled each taste bud, lapping up the flavor of steak and lust.

Asher pulled his mouth from mine and before I could protest, he squatted down to wrap his arms around the tops of my thighs. I squealed in surprised delight as he scooped me off of the floor and took a few steps to his bed in the far corner of the room.

He tossed me onto the mattress, which was neatly dressed in navy blue blankets. When I stopped bouncing, Asher climbed onto his knees, grabbed one of my ankles in each hand, and spread my legs apart. He lifted them into the air and told me, “Hold them here.”

I quickly did as he asked, lying spread eagle and exposing my hole to him. Asher growled in approval before placing a large, warm palm on each of my ass cheeks. He rolled my body up like a sleeping bag until my feet were above my shoulders and my ass hovered in the air.

Without warning, Asher lowered his head and tossed it back and forth, motorboating the hell out of my cheeks. The coarse hairs of his beard grazed against my tender skin and his nose bumped against my sack, making me moan with delight.

He stuck out his tongue and flattened it against my hole as he shook his head, painting my skin with his slick saliva. The wet warmth of his tongue made my cock pulse, and pre-cum drizzle down my shaft. Asher licked away the stream and hummed at my flavor.

When he pulled his face away, my breath was ragged and my pulse was wild. I watched with wide eyes as he climbed off of the bed to grab something from beneath it.

When he reappeared on the bed, he was holding a half-empty bottle of lube and a foil wrapped condom. He didn’t need protection with me; as a shifter, I couldn’t carry or transmit human diseases, but this wasn’t the most opportune time to have that conversation. I just wanted to be with him, in any way that made him feel safe.

Asher ripped the condom wrapper open with his teeth and rolled the latex down his thick length. He pressed a finger to each side of my hole and stretched out my skin before pouring a glob of cool lube inside me.

He clicked the lid shut, tossed the bottle away, and positioned the tip of his cock against my hole. “Ready, boy?” he asked in more growl than word, and I nodded my head enthusiastically.

Asher pushed forward, stretching my skin as he sank his thick cock inside me. He burst through my ring of muscle and didn’t stop until his pubes brushed against my cheeks.

I didn’t have time to catch my breath before he slid back and slammed inside me again, drawing another burst of clear liquid from my dick. I gripped my ankles and spread myself wider for him as he mercilessly pounded my hole; just the way I liked it. He trusted me to use my safe word if I needed it, and I trusted him to stop if I asked.

His wide hands slid up my stomach and onto my chest. He pinched both of my nipples between his thumbs and forefingers, squeezing and rubbing my pointed flesh. Electric shocks of pleasure bolted through my torso, resting in my balls with every twist of his wrist and thrust of his hips.

As I moaned, “Daddy, it feels so good,” I grinded my ass down onto him, but Asher wasn’t having it.

“That’s enough, boy.” He let go of my nipples to slap them, causing my body to erupt in a shudder.

“Sorry,” I lied. When the punishment felt so good, I couldn’t feel bad.

I cried out when he went back to pinching and rolling my tight beads. He slammed into my ass and his balls bounced against my body. He had me on the brink in minutes; I’d never felt so incredible.

“Daddy, I’m close,” I warned, and received another light slap to my chest, only to give another shudder.

“Don’t you come yet, boy,” he growled, staring down at me with dark, burning eyes. “Not until Daddy does.”

Hearing him refer to himself as ‘Daddy’ nearly threw me over the edge, but I distracted myself by biting the tip of my tongue to gain some control. Asher grunted through his teeth as sweat beaded on his brow. His hips pistoned and his fingers squeezed. He submerged his cock inside me again and again until he tipped his head back onto his shoulders and groaned.

His dick pulsed against my rim as he filled the condom with his warm seed. I craved the day when he would fill my channel instead; to mark me as his. I wanted to bite his neck and mark him back in return. Soon.

The look of unbridled ecstasy on his face had me on the edge again immediately; knowing that I gave my mate pleasure was the sexiest, most fulfilling experience I could imagine. My teeth gnashed and I silently begged Asher with wide, wild eyes when I couldn’t form words.

“Come now, boy!” he called, squeezing his fingers around my nipples. “Do it!”

I tightened my grip on my ankles and arched my back off of the bed as I cried out to the ceiling. My cock erupted, painting my stomach with thick white gobs. Asher didn’t even have to touch my dick. His sheer sexiness and effortless control gave me the most powerful orgasm I’d ever experienced.

After a moment of catching our breath, Asher eased my ankles from my hold and rested my legs on the mattress. He gently pulled his cock from my body and leaned over to give my lips a quick kiss before he climbed off of the bed.

He made a quick trip to the kitchen to grab a wet cloth before returning to my side. Asher pressed the warm fabric to my stomach and gently scrubbed my cum from my skin.

“Do you feel okay?” he asked quietly, before slipping the cloth between my legs and massaging my tender hole. “Are you sore?”

“I’m great,” I replied with a smile, and he gave me a wink.

“Yeah, you are.”

I chuckled as he finished cleansing my skin before folding the cloth and placing it on the floor.

Asher laid down beside me and pulled me on top of him. His warm, soft body was more comfortable than the mattress, and I fit so perfectly in his arms. I nuzzled my face into his chest, and his hairs tickled my nose when I breathed in. He slowly traced his hands up and down my back, relaxing my body and soothing my soul.

This is what I’d been longing for; my perfect mate who could not only rule me physically, but pacify me spiritually. It was what I knew I would find in no one else. Of all the men on Earth, I was blessed to have found the one to complete me.

As we lay together, I thought about what our future may look like; how he would make love to me, what adventures we may go on, and how our family would grow. After sharing such a wonderful experience, I didn’t think it was the right time to drop the ‘Hey, I can have a baby’ thing on him, but I was curious to hear his thoughts about children.

“Would you ever want to have kids?”

At my question, Asher’s hands paused on my back. I worried that I scared him until they resumed their slow caress. “I’d love to have kids one day. I treasure all of the memories I made with my dad, and I’d like to make some with my own child.”

“That’s beautiful,” I replied with a sigh.

“You know, no one has ever asked me that before.”

I propped my chin onto his chest to look at him with furrowed eyebrows. “Why not?”

He shrugged and answered, “I guess most guys don’t see me as ‘dad material’. They look at my tattoos and big frame and think I’m just some hard ass or that I’m only good for a rough romp.”

“Well, you’re definitely good for a rough romp.” Asher snorted a laugh, but his smile was short-lived.

“Maybe they’re right, though; as much as I’d like to have kids, I don’t think I’d be any good for them. I’m unemployed, broke, unable to cook…I can barely take care of myself, let alone a child.”

I carded my fingers through his hair and regarded him seriously. “I was just teasing you to make you smile. All you’re seeing right now is your job situation, but listen to me; you are so much more than that.  I see all of you. I see your strength, and also your warm, caring, gentle side too. I feel it in the way you’re holding me. I can picture you cheering on your son as you teach him how to ride a bike, or brushing your daughter’s hair. I think you’d make a great dad.”

He smiled at me and rubbed my back a little faster. “Thank you.” He sighed and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “How did you know just what I needed to hear?”

Because I knew him; knew his soul. Sure, we had more to learn about one another; that was the fun of a relationship. But I knew what his heart needed, and that I could give it to him, and to do so would give me happiness and fulfillment. “I just speak the truth.”

“You are the sweetest man I’ve ever met.” He kissed my head again before I nuzzled it back onto his chest. A few moments of silence stretched between us before he asked, “Will you…stay with me tonight?”

A few minutes ago, the man had me folded in half while he pounded my ass, but now he was being shy. Because my mate was more than just a Dom or a ‘rough romp’. He was kind, thoughtful, and sweet. He was a teddy bear with a rough side. And I was lucky that he was mine.

“I’d love to stay with you.” No one could drag me out of his apartment. I needed to be close to him; to make sure he was happy and taken care of.

“Good, because I want to hold you all night.”

“Mm, sounds good. But first, I need to get our dinner mess cleaned up.” Seeing the empty containers on the counter and our dishes on the table was giving me anxiety.

“Oh, I’ll help with-” Asher began, but I shook my head.

“No, no, I’ll get it.”

“Really, I don’t care to-”

“I want to do it.” It was a little way to care for him, and I wanted to make my mate’s space clean and organized. “You just get comfy and I’ll get things cleaned up.”

“If you’re sure, I’ll get ready for bed and meet you back here.”

“I’m sure.” I stole a quick kiss and jumped off of the bed to get things picked up. I got it clean in no time, humming and smiling the whole time, happy to do something for Asher. His smile was the best thank you I could ask for.

We climbed back into bed together and snuggled under the blankets. I rested my head on his chest and Asher wrapped me in his arms. I was warm and safe, and exactly where I wanted to be. We said goodnight and I sighed happily. In my mate’s arms was already my favorite place.

Chapter Five

Asher

Cedric’s reassuring smile from the passenger seat soothed my nerves, which had been frazzled since we got into my truck to head to Cedric’s house.

The morning started out great; amazing, even. After dreaming of Cedric’s slim, sexy body all night long, I worried that I’d wake up to find it was all a wonderful dream. But when I opened my eyes, there he was, in the flesh, wrapped up in my arms.

He insisted on making me breakfast and lucky for me, he cooked me a huge stack of pancakes in the nude. I got so turned on watching his little booty bounce while he flipped the flapjacks that I took him on the kitchen counter.

But it wasn’t run of the mill kitchen sex; Cedric deserved much more than that. I covered his torso in syrup and dipped my pancakes into the puddles on his stomach before devouring the delicious breakfast, making sure to lick his skin clean.

Then I drenched my cock with the sticky liquid and fucked Cedric’s throat until i gave him a mouthful of my own sticky liquid. I jerked his long cock until he came all over his stomach, and I ate one more pancake with his special, tangy topping.

Sated, satisfied, but sticky, we took a shower together. We couldn't keep our hands off of each other in the tiny cubicle, washing every inch of one another’s skin and then patting each other dry. I’d never shared such an intimate moment with someone.

Sure, I’d slept with guys before, but things were different with Cedric. It wasn’t just physical with him. I enjoyed being near him and I wanted his happiness. I wanted to grow closer and learn everything about him.

That’s why I agreed to visit his home when he asked. Cedric wanted me to meet the men he lived with, and who he considered to be his family. It was a huge step; I’d never met anyone’s family before.

While I was a little nervous about what the guys would think of me, I was ready to take the step with Cedric. I wanted to immerse myself in his world; to be his world. It was sudden and admittedly a little scary, but undeniable.

“Are you doing okay?” Cedric’s sweet voice asked from beside me as he rubbed my knee. I thought I was doing a good job of appearing stoic and calm, but the man could already read me like a book.

“Yeah, I’m okay. I’m just a little nervous; I want your friends to like me.”

“They’ll love you,” he insisted with a squeeze to my leg. “I can’t wait to get there and show you off to everyone.” He sounded so proud of me, which boggled my mind; I was nothing special, but Cedric made me feel like I was. “Turn here.”

I followed Cedric’s pointed finger and my eyes widened when a large wooden lodge came into view in a clearing in the woods. We’d been driving along a dirt path for a few miles and I was wondering if we’d ever arrive at his place, but it was worth the wait.

“Your home is beautiful,” I told him as I pulled to a stop, parking alongside a few SUVs in front of the house. It was certainly nicer than my tiny apartment in a shady neighborhood.

“Thank you. Me and the guys built it together several years ago.” I blinked in surprise; when Cedric told me that his friends ‘built a home together’, I thought he was speaking metaphorically. I had no idea that he was so talented. “Let’s go inside and meet everyone before their curiosity gets the best of them and they come snooping.”

As if on cue, the front door of the lodge opened and six men stepped out onto the porch. I gulped at the sight of them. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t five tall, muscular men who looked a hell of a lot tougher than I did. There was only one guy who was similar to Cedric’s size.

“Told you,” Cedric said with a giggle. “Come on!”

He leapt from my truck and I followed suit. I was more nervous now that I’d seen the titans Cedric lived with, but I can’t deny that I felt better once my pink haired beauty took my hand and proudly marched me up onto the porch.

He greeted his friends with a wide smile and a wave with his free hand. “Hey guys! I’d like everyone to meet Asher.”

“Asher,” one of the men repeated in a deep voice as he stepped forward. He crossed his arms over his thick chest and looked me up and down from beneath his dark furrowed brows. “So what makes you think that you’re good enough for our Cedric?”

My heart pounded, and try as I might to search my brain, I couldn’t come up with a good reason.

“You just better never hurt him,” the man continued, “Or you’ll get my boot right up your ass.”

“Oh, put your dick away, Enzo,” another man said with an eye roll as he stepped forward, extending his hand out to me. “You’ll have to excuse him, he’s just protective; we all are. I’m Hunter, by the way. It’s really nice to meet you.”

Still a little shaken from Enzo’s words, I shook Hunter’s hand with the best smile I could gather. It turned genuine when I saw Cedric marching up to Enzo and slapping him on the shoulder for threatening me. Enzo hung his head and looked sheepish. My man was so much smaller than him, but had confidence and sass which made him mighty.

“This is Talon and his partner Brandon,” Hunter introduced, pointing first to a man who was as tall and broad as he was, and then to the man he was holding hands with; he was much shorter, slim, and had messy hair, glasses, and a sweater that looked straight out of the 90s. They were a mismatched pair that somehow looked perfect together.

I shook each of their hands and received a warm welcome before Hunter pointed to a man who looked nearly identical to Enzo. “And this is Felix.”

“Also known as the good twin,” Felix added with a wide grin. Enzo slapped him in the back of the head and Felix turned on his brother, raising his fists.

Just before they came to blows, Cedric barked, “Stop it!”, and the two of them hung their heads and apologized at the same time. My man was incredible.

“Welcome, Asher,” the final man on the porch greeted, with a smile dazzling against his dark skin. “My name is Grady and it is my greatest pleasure to welcome you to our home. I thank Fate and her blessings for bringing you and Cedric together.”

I shook Grady’s hand, and as sweet as his words were, they also gave me pause. Yes Cedric and I had met by chance, but did he feel like it was by Fate; meant to be? Could I live up to that? What if I disappointed him?

“I’m so glad you’re back,” Felix told Cedric as he threw an arm around his shoulders. “I barely made it through breakfast. I thought I was going to starve.”

Cedric rolled his eyes. “There’s plenty of cereal in the cupboard. Your big ass wouldn’t have starved. Plus, you could cook something; even if it’s just some toast.”

“But I can’t cook like you. No one can cook like you.” Felix was trying to butter my man up, and it seemed to be working like a charm. Cedric had a wide smile plastered on his face and his chest was puffed up with pride.

“Well, come on then; let’s get you inside so I can cook something before you waste away.” Cedric took my hand and led me inside his home, followed by all of his friends.

“Wow,” I whispered once the door shut behind me and I got a good look of the lodge. The walls and flooring were crafted from wood, as well as the stairway and high ceiling of the foyer. A banister ran along the upstairs hallway, which was lined with thick wooden doors. “Your home is gorgeous.” I’d been impressed by the outside, but the interior took my breath away.

“I’m so happy you love it,” Cedric beamed. “It’s your home too, if you’ll have it.” My heart raced with hope and panic as his friends all nodded their heads with smiles. Were they teasing me? Being polite? It was too much to process, so I just smiled tightly and squeezed Cedric’s hand, and thankfully he changed the subject.

“This is my favorite room,” he told me as we stepped into the dining room, where a long wooden table and a dozen chairs sat. “We all gather here to eat and talk.” Cedric pulled out a chair for me and patted the seat. He was such a gentleman who loved taking care of me, even when I was unsure that I deserved it.

I sat down and the other men followed suit; all except Cedric. He looked around the table and said, “I’m going to fix us some lunch. I expect you all to be on your best behavior and take care of my man.” After receiving a flurry of promises, Cedric leaned down to kiss my cheek before practically floating off into the kitchen.

Panic coursed through me again. I was alone with a room full of strangers; big, buff strangers. One of whom had already threatened to put his boot in my ass. But they were all smiling at me now, which put my nerves at ease.

“So Asher, what do you do for a living?” Grady asked.

Well, shit. My nerves skyrocketed again at the prospect of telling the group that I was an unemployed loser. “I’m actually…between jobs right now. I worked in the sanitation department, but my company got bought out and I was laid off.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Hunter offered. He sounded sincere and without judgment, but I couldn't help but feel inadequate.

“So…I hear that you guys own a nightclub,” I said, shifting the focus from myself.

“We own several businesses together,” Felix corrected. “Nine to be exact, but Pride Place is our most lucrative venture, and definitely our most fun.”

“That’s great that you enjoy your work so much,” I offered.

“My Brandon has a very special job he enjoys,” Talon cut in proudly. When I raised my brows in question, he added, “He’s a very talented artist who makes comic books. Just yesterday, he was approached by several publishing companies who want to represent him.”

“That’s amazing,” I replied, and Talon nodded in agreement. I looked at a blushing Brandon and told him, “I read all kinds of comic books when I was growing up. I’d love to see your work sometime.”

“I’ll get it!” Talon insisted as he popped out of his seat before running out of the room. His friends good-naturedly chuckled at his excitement until he returned with a large cardboard box, which he placed on the table in front of me.

I reached into the box and lifted out a laminated, hand-drawn copy of a book titled, “The Adventures of Zero: Volume 1.” I flipped through the pages, smiling at the story of an outcast and his animal companions. “Do you write the words as well as draw the pictures?” Brandon nodded and I complimented, “That’s very impressive.” Talon thumped me on the back in thanks.

“He’s working on a book now which features all of us,” Grady added with a grin. “He’s drawing us each as an animal he feels represents us.”

“Being immortalized in a comic book is the most awesome thing I can imagine,” I replied seriously.

With a shy smile, Brandon told me, “I’d love to draw you in the book too. I’ll need a little more time to decide on your animal, but I want to include the whole family.”

I could practically hear all of the hearts melting around the table, including mine. I could tell instinctually that Brandon was a kind and genuine person. So why the hell was I feeling uneasy?

It took only a moment of inward reflection to figure it out; these men were accepting me so easily, even opening their home and counting me as family. But they didn’t know me. They didn’t know I lived in a tiny place with barely a dime to my name.

What if Brandon did draw me, only for Cedric to get tired of me? What if I disappointed him? Then I’d be in a book as a permanent reminder of my failure. I could ruin something that Brandon - that everyone - enjoyed.

These men were successful, wealthy, and talented. They’d built a home with their bare hands and I could barely do minor home repairs. They’d turned hobbies into mind-blowing careers, and there was nothing special about me. Some boyfriend I was, let alone a Dom; Cedric needed someone to take care of him, and any one of these men would do a better job than I could.

What could I offer? A good time in bed? Cedric deserved so much more than that; he deserved everything. In the short time I’d known him, he’d shown me more kindness than anyone I’d ever met. He was beautiful, sweet, thoughtful, non judgemental…he was perfect. I was developing fast, deep feelings for him, but how could I ever satisfy someone so incredible?

A melodious call of, “Here we go,” drifted through the room when Cedric reappeared, carrying a tray of sandwiches. “I know it’s nothing fancy, but I didn’t want to stay away from my Asher too long.” My heart leapt and squeezed from my man’s sweetness.

Talon removed the box of comics from the center of the table and Cedric replaced it with the platter. Enzo reached for a sandwich, but Cedric slapped his hand away.

“My man gets first pick,” Cedric insisted. With a kind smile at me, he added, “Go ahead, Daddy.” I gave a quick peek around the table to see if anyone would tease us for the name use, but nobody seemed bothered.

Once I took a sandwich from the top of the pile, Cedric announced, “Okay, go crazy,” and the group did just that. They grabbed two or three sandwiches at a time and began munching down ravenously. Cedric sighed. “It makes my heart so happy.”

He took a seat next to me and gave my cheek a kiss before taking the last sandwich on the plate, reminding me once again just how selfless and good-hearted he was.

And it was then that I made a decision that threatened to rip my heart in half, but my brain knew it was the right move.

“Cedric, where is your bathroom?” I asked through a tight throat.

“Down the hall where we came in, the second door on the right.”

“Thanks.” I scooted my chair back and he kissed my cheek again before I stood up.

“Hurry back.”

With a tight smile and a nod, I walked out of the dining room. I entered the hallway he spoke of, but instead of heading towards the bathroom, I stepped closer to the front door.

My chest ached at the sound of laughter behind me. I wanted to rejoin them and become part of their world - their family. But I didn’t belong. There were too many glaring differences between us. Cedric would be better off without me.

I took a deep breath and opened the front door. I stepped out onto the porch and silently pulled the door shut behind me before padding out to my truck. Everything inside me screamed to go back, but I shook off the noise. It was my own selfishness and greed. It was better this way.

I started my truck’s engine and gripped the steering wheel with shaking hands. I had to convince my foot to step on the gas. This is for Cedric.

Chapter Six

Cedric

My ears perked up at the sound of a dull roar. “Did you guys hear that?” My friends fell silent and we listened to the unmistakable noise of tires on a path.

“Is someone here?” Felix asked.

My heart dropped into my stomach as I shook my head. “Someone’s leaving.”

I leapt from my seat and ran to the front door. Scraping wood and footsteps sounded behind me as my friends followed. I threw open the door just in time to see Asher’s tail lights as he rounded a corner in the clearing.

“I don’t understand,” Grady said sadly. “I thought we were getting along wonderfully. Did we do something wrong?”

I shook my head again. I’d heard every word that was said when I was in the kitchen preparing lunch, and everyone had been getting along great.

“Maybe he just needs some space,” Brandon offered. “We can be a lot to take in, especially all at once.”

My human half knew that he was probably right; Asher surely needed some time and space to process things. He was all human, so maybe hearing us inviting him into our home and family was too much, too soon. Rationally, I knew that I could speak to him or visit his home to explain my situation.

But my lion half was anything but rational. It didn’t care about space or conversations. It only wanted to take and claim. It wanted its mate. It wanted Asher back. Now.

My spine curved and snapped as my hands touched the floor of the porch. My palms widened and my nails sharpened into claws. My clothes ripped as my body thickened and sprouted hair over its surface. And then a roar of despair and need rumbled in my chest, shaking the ground beneath my paws.

I took off like a shot, slapping the ground and sending dirt flying as I chased after my mate. Footsteps thundered behind me and I knew my pride was in tow in their lion forms. They were with me through everything and would support me in anything.

At lion’s speed, it didn’t take long before we caught up to Asher’s truck. The sight pushed me harder, faster. I, along with my pride mates (including Brandon, who was riding on Talon’s back and hanging onto his mane for dear life), ran ahead of the vehicle before turning back to face it.

Felix and Enzo leapt at the truck, placing their wide paws on its headlights while sinking their back paws into the earth. Asher let out a cry and slammed on the brakes. The vehicle squealed and fishtailed as the twins slowed its speed to a stop.

Before I even had a plan, I jumped onto the hood of the truck and eyed Asher who was sitting behind the steering wheel and looking as if he’d seen a ghost. His skin was pale and his eyes were huge. I definitely didn’t think this through. If meeting my friends all at once was too much to handle, having a pride of lions chasing you was probably over the top.

Asher’s wide gaze flicked back and forth between my blue eyes and the crop of pink hair on top of my scalp; two features I kept in either form I took. After about six glances, he whispered in shock and disbelief, “Cedric?”

I quickly shifted back into human form, but seeing me change from an animal to a butt-naked human on his truck did nothing to calm my man down. His eyes rolled back in his head and he slumped against the window.

“Holy shit, we killed him!” Enzo cried when he too shifted into human form.

“He’s not dead, dumbass,” his brother scolded, but I missed the rest of their argument as I slid down onto the ground.

I opened the driver’s side door at the same time that Grady opened the passenger door. He reached in and put the gear in park and unbuckled Asher’s seatbelt. Hunter appeared at my side to help me pull my mate’s thick, soft body out from behind the steering wheel. We settled him onto the ground, propping his back against the side of his truck.

I felt his neck and gave a sigh of relief when I felt the steady thump of his heart beneath my fingers. “He’s okay,” I sighed. “He’s just in shock.”

“Thank heavens,” Grady said from behind me. “Is there anything we can do to help?”

I looked at my poor mate and guilt over scaring him bubbled in my gut. “I think Brandon was right; he needs some space right now. I’ll stay with him until he wakes up and I’ll explain everything to him, but I think it’s better if we’re alone.”

“We understand,” Hunter said with a pat to my shoulder. “But if there’s anything you need-”

“I’ll give a roar,” I finished.

“Best of luck,” Grady offered, and I smiled in thanks.

Talon, who was still in lion form simply because his mate loved to ride on him so much, approached me and gently butted my head with his in a show of support.

“Thanks, Tal. I’ll talk to him about everything and hopefully we’ll be home together soon.”

“You got this,” Felix offered with a thumbs up, which was copied by his brother.

I nodded and watched as my friends shuffled back towards home. If I needed them, they’d be back in a blink, but for now, all of my attention was on my mate. I brushed my fingers through his hair and hummed a gentle tune as I waited for him to wake up.

*****

Asher

Quiet humming filled my ears. It was a pretty tune that settled my swimming brain. I know that sound. I blinked my eyes open until a blurry Cedric came into view. A blurry naked Cedric.

Why is he naked? I looked around and saw that I was on the ground, leaning up against my truck. Why am I here? Was I in an accident? My truck doesn’t look damaged. But then everything clicked and came pouring back to me at once.

“You! Cedric! Lion!” I shouted. I wasn’t making a bit of sense, but Cedric nodded his head in understanding anyway.

“I am,” he replied calmly.

“Everyone! Lions!”

Another nod. “They are.”

“I…they…you…how?” 

“I told you that I had an animalistic side,” he said with a teasing smile, but it didn’t reach his pretty blue eyes. I lifted my hands to my temples and massaged their dull ache. “I have a lot to tell you.” That’s an understatement. “But first, will you tell me why you left? Did I do something wrong?”

The pain in his gaze shredded my heart. “Of course not. It’s just…when I was sitting there in the beautiful home you built with your talented, wealthy friends, it was obvious that I didn’t belong there. I’m not rich. I’m not skilled. I can’t offer you what those guys can offer you. You deserve someone who is as great as you are. I thought it would be best if I left you alone so that you could find him.”

“Oh, Asher,” Cedric sighed before running his fingers through my beard. “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. Then you’d know that I could never want anyone else.”

I scoffed my disbelief and Cedric tucked in his eyebrows in what looked like both irritation and determination. “I know you didn’t just scoff at me, Mr. Man.” Damn, I love his sass. “You’re a kind, selfless family man who makes me smile. You do your best to take care of my heart - even when it was the exact wrong fucking thing to do - and you take care of my body how I need. You’re everything I want and have been waiting for. If I have to pound the fact that I love you into your head for the rest of time, so be it.”

My heart leapt into my throat, making it difficult to squeak out, “You…love me?”

“Of course I do.”

“But we haven’t known each other very long.”

“And?” Cedric looked genuinely perplexed by my statement. “How do you feel about me? Not in your mind, but…” He pressed the palm of his hand to my chest and asked, “In here?”

It was easy to answer when I quieted the doubts of my mind. “I feel like I know you; that you’re a kind soul who I want to be with. I want to put your wants and needs ahead of my own and make you happy. I feel…I feel like I love you, but I think that you shouldn’t love me back.”

“Have you ever been in love before?” I squirmed at the question and Cedric stroked his hand over my chest. “It’s okay; you can tell me anything.”

“I thought I could be once. I dated a guy a few years ago and thought that things were getting serious. But then he left me for a guy who made a lot more money and who was a lot better looking.”

“First of all, no one is better looking than you,” Cedric argued, and I couldn’t help but smile. “And you don’t have to be scared; I’m not him. I will never leave you.”

“Never is a big promise.”

“It’s a promise that I can easily make.”

“How?”

“Because of my animalistic side.”

“Oh shit, I forgot you were a lion.” How could I possibly forget that? Maybe Cedric’s confession of love took precedence in my brain.

“Technically, I’m only half a lion.” I blinked at him, unsure if that helped or not. “My friends and I are what is called a shifter. We can change between human and animal forms.”

“Pride Place,” I whispered as it all started coming together. “But how can that be?”

“Shifters were created by the gods many centuries ago to protect humans. But over time, humans created weapons, medicine, and technology to protect themselves, and shifters became more or less obsolete. In fact, humans came to fear us because of our enhanced strength and senses. They decided to eradicate our kind before we could do the same to them, even though we would never hurt them.”

“The shifters that weren’t hunted and killed were forced into hiding. Humankind thought that they’d destroyed us and over time forgot about us. It’s like we never existed, but we still survive and thrive.”

It would be hard to believe, except that I’d seen him change from lion to human with my own eyes. It wasn’t hard to believe that people could get so scared of something that they didn’t understand that they’d grow to hate it. Unfortunately, prejudice and bigotry were very real in many forms.

“I’m sorry your people went through that,” I offered.

“Thank you. It’s a hard history, but I wouldn’t change being a shifter even if I could. Like I said, we have enhanced strength and senses, although I’m not as strong as other shifters.”

“You mentioned that before. That’s why your family abandoned you? Just because you aren’t very strong?”

“It’s a big part of it. I’m an omega, which means I’m weaker than most of our species and…it also means something else.”

I took his hand and brushed my finger along his knuckles. “You can tell me, Cedric.” Now that I knew his whole story, I felt like an ass for trying to leave him. He’d been abandoned enough and even though I was trying to do it for the right reasons, I never should have turned my back on him. Whatever he told me wouldn’t change the way I felt about him.

He took a deep breath. “It also means that I can have children.” I blinked at him, unsure what he was trying to say. “Biologically. I can carry a child.”

I opened my mouth but no words came out. I shut it again and let my frazzled brain try to work things out. When it couldn’t, I asked, “How?”

“By design,” he shrugged. “The gods knew that love was universal, and that some males were destined to be with other males, and they granted them the gift of family. My father saw it as a flaw or disgrace in nature, but I think it’s so beautiful. I can carry a child in a special pouch in my abdomen.”

“And the baby comes out…where?”

Cedric snorted a laugh. “I think you know where.” I cringed at the painful thought, but he just laughed again. “Another good thing about shifters is that we have a high pain tolerance and we heal immediately.”

“Well thank the gods for that,” I replied, making him giggle again.

“Definitely. Our quick healing is one reason why we are immortal.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Oh, right. I didn’t mention that part yet. We are immune to human diseases and our bodies are quick to heal, so we don’t die of natural causes. Unless we are decapitated or something, we live forever.”

“Holy shit,” I whispered, my mind spinning to take in everything I’d heard over the past ten minutes.

“But that’s not the best part of being a shifter.”

“What could be better than an immortality filled with good health?”

Cedric smiled sweetly. “Finding true love. Every shifter is promised a mate by Fate; a person who is their perfect match and everything that they need. Our soul recognizes our mate and our heart is incomplete until we bond together. Once we meet our match, we can never love or desire anyone else. We devote our immortal lives to our mates and to making them happy.”

I swallowed hard as my heart ballooned with hope. “So when Grady said he thanked Fate for bringing us together…”

“It was because she brought me my perfect match. You’re my mate, Asher. I knew from the moment I saw you that I’d love you forever. I can’t live without you; that’s why I want you in my home. You are my home. I want to grow our family and spend my lifetime pleasing you and showing you how much you deserve to be loved.”

“But my lifetime will be a lot shorter than yours,” I reminded him sadly.

His smile only brightened as he shook his head. “When we bond, you’ll take on my immortality. I literally can’t live without you. If you were to be killed, so would I.”

“And you’d be willing to risk your immortality just to be with me?” My eyes prickled at the question.

Cedric leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips. “I’d do anything to be with you.”

“I’m so sorry I left. I thought I was doing the right thing but I’m just an asshole.”

“No you’re not,” he chuckled. “I understand why you did it. I should have told you all of this sooner, I was just trying to find the right moment. I’m sorry that I chased you down as a lion.”

I laughed too as I nodded my head. “So how exactly do we bond?”

“That’s the fun part,” he answered while flicking his brows. “I get to bite your neck and put my mating mark on you. Everyone will know that we belong together.”

“That’s hot as hell. Get over here and bite me.”

A wicked smile crossed his lips. “You know I live to please you, Daddy, but first I want you to take me; hard, fast, intense. Show me your animalistic side. Make me feel your love.”

Chapter Seven

Asher

Cedric’s words set my blood on fire. I wanted him the moment that I laid eyes on him, but now that I knew him; knew his soul and that we were truly made to be together, I desired him on a level I’d never experienced.

I didn’t just want him; I didn't just crave him. I needed him. I needed to take him as my own and show him how I could make him feel this day and for the rest of time. I needed to show him that Fate was right in our pairing; that I could love and own his body the way he sought.

I was admittedly afraid at first; afraid that I wasn’t good enough or that he’d leave to find someone better, but now I knew that we were destined for this. My job didn’t matter. My finances didn’t matter. All that mattered was that I was head over heels in love for the first and only time in my life. Cedric was everything to me. We had each other and nothing superseded that.

He told me to make him feel my love, and I couldn’t wait one more second. I wanted him right then, right there in the dirt. If he wanted to see my animalistic side, I’d fuck him in nature until his body trembled.

I was surprised by the huskiness in my voice when I told him, “Undress me, boy.”

Cedric didn’t question me, the location, none of it. He simply smirked the way that made my heart race, and flames of desire danced in his pupils. He crawled towards me on his hands and knees, stalking me yet again, and now I understood why. He was my lion, but I was still king of his jungle.

He raised a hand and extended claws from his fingers, which he used to shred my clothing off of my body. Cedric slowly traced his eyes over each inch of skin he exposed and told me how sexy I was. For the first time in my life, I believed it. He made me feel it. How could I deny it when I was everything he needed? I was finally good enough in his eyes and mine.

“I love your cock, Daddy,” Cedric moaned when I was finally naked. He tried to grab my hard flesh, but I stopped him with a hand to his wrist.

“Did I say you could touch?” Truth be told, I was afraid that I’d blow if he so much as brushed against it; I was more turned on than ever before.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be naughty.” The gleam in his eye told me that it was bullshit; my little lion loved being naughty.

“But you were, weren’t you? Does Daddy need to punish you?”

“Yes, please.”

I bit my cheek to keep from laughing at my sarcastic little shit. “Lie down on your back.” He quickly did as I asked. “Put your hands over your head.”

Once he was in position, I searched the ground and nearly cheered out loud when I found what I was looking for. I picked up a large stone (making sure it wasn’t too hefty - I didn’t want to hurt him) and placed it on his overlapped palms.

“I better not see this rock move, do you understand?”

Cedric nodded eagerly. “Yes, Daddy.” He was surely strong enough to toss the rock away, which made the moment even better. He was under my control because he wanted to be; because he trusted me and needed my touch.

“Good boy. Now it’s time for your punishment.” What I had in mind would actually be a reward for both of us, but I loved playing the game. I stood up and snapped a branch off of a nearby tree before kneeling between Cedric’s legs again. “Tell me your safe word.”

“Coyote.”

“Good boy,” I repeated before raising the stick and slapping it gently against Cedric’s torso to judge his comfort. His loud moan proved that he was enjoying himself.

I lifted the branch a little higher and cracked it down over his chest, creating a bright pink line that stretched between his nipples. It was beautiful, but it faded quickly since he was such a fast healer.

“Please, Daddy,” Cedric moaned, rolling his head from side to side on the ground, “More.”

I obliged, raising the switch again and again just to slap it on his skin. I moved quickly so that he had multiple stripes at once before they faded away. My lion looked like a beautiful tiger.

The more I struck him with the branch, the harder his cock became. A large, clear drop of pre-cum slid down his shaft as he chanted “Daddy.” His skin went from creamy and fair to bright pink and back. His neck corded and his slim body quaked with each strike. He begged me to fuck him, and I couldn’t wait any longer.

I cupped my hands behind his kneecaps and lifted his legs into the air. His little pink pucker was so pretty, pulsing as it waited for me to wreck it.

I gathered saliva in my mouth and spit it onto his hole, and I groaned as I watched it slide down his crack. I pressed my tip to his opening and hissed at the slight friction. I was so turned on that the slightest touch had me ready to blow. My crown was soaked with precum and my balls ached with need.

I gritted my teeth to try and rein myself in while I pressed my hips forward. His flesh stretched around me, accepting me into his tight, warm opening. Our bodies fit perfectly together; we were made for each other.

His muscles gripped and milked me as I pulled my hips back and then slammed home again, fully sinking myself inside him. I’d never had unprotected sex, but I knew that both of us were safe and I wanted to share everything in every way with Cedric; with my mate.

I pumped back and forth, burying my cock into his tight ass as he moaned and called out my name. It was primal and wild, fucking him in the dirt and hearing the sounds of nature all around us.

“Daddy, it’s so good,” he groaned as a steady stream of pre-cum dripped from him, settling around his balls. It was too pretty to ignore.

I dropped his knees from my hands but told him, “Keep them up.” They floated in the air and I wrapped my palm around the slick girth of his cock. I stroked him wildly, pulling his flesh with one hand as I picked up the branch in the other.

I whipped his chest as I pumped faster with my wrist and hips. I was in him, all around him, and commanding him. He was so beautiful under my touch, writhing but unmoving under the weight of the stone on his hands and his body beneath mine.

“You want to come?” I asked through my teeth. I was so close, but I wanted Cedric to claim his pleasure.

“Yes!” His back slowly arched off of the ground and his chest heaved with quick, heavy breaths. Red stripes welted on his skin before melting away.

“Not yet.” Cedric grunted in protest, but he bit down on his lip to ebb his release. Fiery pressure ballooned in my gut and my balls tightened and rolled. “Now!” I yelled as I submerged myself inside him.

Cedric and I both screamed at the sky as we erupted. Thick white stripes burst over my hand and rained down over his stomach while my cock pulsed against his ring. Warm cum pumped inside him, marking him on the inside as mine. And speaking of marking.

“Bite me,” I told Cedric, lowering my neck towards him as I knocked the stone off of his hands.

I didn’t have to ask twice. He wrapped his fingers around the back of my neck. My eyes widened as his canine teeth elongated into fangs, which he sank into the soft skin of my throat.

I cried out and shuddered when his teeth brushed against my collar bone. My cock gave another valiant jerk and dumped more seed inside my lover.

“Watch,” Cedric whispered, and my jaw dropped when pink lights floated out of his chest. “These are spirit lights. When a shifter bonds with their mate, they accept and take in the core characteristics of one another, which are represented by these lights. Pink is the color of love, compassion and understanding.”

The color was perfectly suited to my lover. He was patient with me and lifted me up when I was down on myself. “Breathe me in, Daddy.” I took a deep breath and the lights entered through my nose, illuminating my chest from the inside.

From my own chest escaped small black orbs, making Cedric smile and explain, “Black is the color of power and control.” It is what he craved from me more than anything else.

Cedric breathed in the colored lights and I watched as both of our chests glowed a deep purple as our colors mixed and melded. It took both of us to achieve happiness and a perfect match.

“We are now bonded together forever,” my love explained. “Nothing will ever come between us. I love you.”

“I love you too.” I pressed a gentle kiss to his lips and then his forehead.

“Will you hold me for a while, Daddy?” he asked with a sweet smile, and how could I possibly say no to that?

I lay on the ground and pulled him into my side. We were both sticky and dirty, but I didn’t care. I would always want to be close to Cedric, no matter where, when, or how. I needed him, and now I understood that he needed me too. I was no longer afraid of love or the loss of it, because I had my perfect man forever.

Epilogue

Cedric

4 Months Later

My leg bounced beneath the table as my mate and friends ate the dinner I prepared for them; teriyaki chicken, fried rice, and wontons. Cooking for them and watching them enjoy their meals was the biggest happiness in my life.

That happiness had increased ten fold once Asher and I bonded. He moved into the lodge immediately, and we spent every night kissing, cuddling, and making love. It wasn’t always rough and wild; sometimes it was sweet and gentle, and it was always incredible.

Our love grew and stretched every day, and so did Asher’s confidence. He became closer to the rest of the pride, who of course accepted him as family. Wanting to do his part (even when we all insisted that it was unnecessary), he took a position at Pride Place, stocking the bar when we received alcohol shipments. It helped him feel like a provider and he just loved the work. He spoke to all of the bartenders and made many new friends. He smiled constantly and the sight was breathtaking.

“Aren’t you hungry, sweet boy?” Asher asked, eyeballing my still-full plate. Everyone else around the table was shoveling the food in with two hands, but my stomach was feeling a little queasy, as it had been for the past several days.

“I guess I snacked too much throughout the day,” I fibbed. But I was planning a surprise, so fibbing was okay.

“You’re missing out,” Felix insisted through a stuffed mouth. “This is great.”

“Everything you make is great,” Asher added with a wink, making me beam. I liked feeding the pride, but I loved feeding my man.

Once everyone was finally done, I rushed into the kitchen to return with dessert; homemade fortune cookies. I passed them out around the table, making sure to give Asher a particular cookie.

“Your comic book release will be a roaring success,” Brandon read aloud when he snapped his cookie open. “Aw, thanks, Cedric!”

I gave him a wink. He’d chosen a publishing company and was expecting his debut release in a week, and I knew it would be a smash hit.

“A fun time is in the near future,” Enzo read from his own slip of paper. “Hell yeah! Sign me up!” He and Felix high-fived while the rest of the table laughed.

“Let’s see what mine says,” Asher said as he split the cookie and my heart raced in my chest. He pulled out the slip of paper and read, “You’re the perfect Dom and Daddy, and now…” His voice cracked and his eyes filled with tears.

“What’s the rest?” Hunter asked curiously.

Asher cleared his throat and tried again. “You’re the perfect Dom and Daddy, and now you’ll be the perfect father.”

The table erupted with cheers as my mate stood up and scooped me into his arms. “I’m going to be a dad?” I nodded and tears ran down his cheeks. “I’m going to be a dad!” he yelled, bouncing me in his hold. “Oh shit, I shouldn’t do that, huh?” He placed me gently on the floor and rubbed my stomach. “I’m sorry, little one. I’ll be more careful.”

Everyone laughed again at my big man showing my non-existent bump such tender care. What I’d hid in the cookie was true; I knew without a doubt that Asher would be the most perfect father, and I couldn’t wait to grow our family with him.

Thank you for reading “Submission”! Read more about Cedric’s pregnancy in the next book of the series, titled, “Temptation”, which features Hunter’s single dad romance. I hope you enjoyed this story. If you did, please consider leaving a review.

Lets Connect!

Patreon

Facebook

Newsletter

Look below for other titles by Jayda Marx!

Other Reads (Free with Kindle Unlimited):

M/M Paranormal Romance:

Once Bitten: Javier Coven Book 1 (Vampire M/M)

Twice Shy: Javier Coven Book 2 (Vampire M/M)

Twice Bitten: Javier Coven Book 3 (Vampire M/M/M)

Release Me: Duff Coven Book 1 (Vampire M/M)

Take Me: Duff Coven Book 2 (Vampire M/M)

Tame Me: Duff Coven Book 3 (Vampire/Shifter M/M)

Mine to Save: Pine Ridge Pack Book 1 (M/M Wolf Shifter)

Mine to Keep: Pine Ridge Pack Book 2 (M/M Wolf Shifter)

Mine to Protect: Pine Ridge Pack Book 3 (M/M Wolf Shifter)

Shadow Walker: Bay City Coven Book 1 (Vampire M/M)

Into the Shadows: Bay City Coven Book 2 (Vampire M/M)

Magic Touch (M/M Mage)

Daddy’s Bite: Love Bites Book 1 (Vampire M/M Age Play)

Bite Size Daddy: Love Bites Book 2 (Vampire M/M Age Play)

Untitled: Love Bites Book 3 (Vampire M/M Age Play) Coming soon!

Redemption: Lions of Locust Falls Book 1 (Shifter M/M)

Submission: Lions of Locust Falls Book 2 (Shifter M/M BDSM)

Temptation: Lions of Locust Falls Book 3 (Shifter M/M Single Dad)

Soaked (Dating a Demigod Novella Series) (M/M Demigod)

Rage (Dating a Demigod Series) (M/M Demigod) Coming soon!

Horny (Hot Holidays Novella)(M/M Demon)

M/M Series:

Arrested Hearts Book 1: Gage & Tyson (M/M) *Can be read as standalone

Arrested Hearts Book 2: Chris & Lyle (M/M)

Arrested Hearts Book 3: Mike & Jonah (M/M)

Arrested Hearts Book 4: Sam & Jordan (M/M)

My Everything (M/M) *Can be read as standalone

My Forever (novella sequel to “My Everything”) (M/M)

Head Over Wheels (M/M) *Can be read as standalone

Head Over Wheels: Book 2 (M/M)

Care for You (Head Over Wheels: Book 3) (M/M)

My Grumpy Old Bear (Loveable Grumps: Book 1) *Can be read as standalone

My Confused Cub (Lovable Grumps: Book 2)

Beautiful Dreamer (M/M Age Play) (Secret Desires: Book 1) *Can be read as standalone

Lost Boy (M/M BDSM) (Secret Desires: Book 2)

Good Boy (M/M Puppy Play) (Secret Desires: Book 3)

Finding Timmy (M/M Age Play Romance) (A ‘Nervous Nate’ prequel novella)

Nervous Nate (M/M Age Play Romance) *can be read as standalone

Nate’s Halloween Surprise (A ‘Nervous Nate’ sequel novella) (M/M Age Play)

Boss Daddy (M/M Daddy Kink) (Naughty Daddies Series)

Big Daddy (M/M Daddy Kink) (Naughty Daddies Series)

Bad Daddy (M/M Daddy Kink) (Naughty Daddies Series)

Horny (Hot Holidays Novella) (M/M Demon/Human)

Thankful for You (Hot Holidays Novella) (M/M Twincest)

Daddy’s Lap (Hot Holidays Novella) (M/M Age Play)

Resolution (Hot Holidays Novella) (M/M BDSM)

M/M Standalone

Ours to Love (M/M/M)

Chasing Jackson (M/M)

Like Father, Like Son (M/M/M)

Theirs (Sequel to Like Father, Like Son, M/M/M)

Valentine Shmalentine (M/M)

More to Love (M/M)

M/F Series:

Housewife Chronicles: Complete Series (M/F)

Luscious: Complete Series (M/F)