Junkyard Dog Read online

Just what was his friend up to? To be honest, part of him didn’t care. Having a friendly Niko talking to him was very pleasant. The other night, Lyall hadn't really taken in just how attractive Niko was. But now, he could see the natural grace and fluidity of movement as they walked together.

  Keeping to an easy stride, Lyall tried not to focus too hard on Niko. He’d already come close to blowing things by jumping the gun over the truck. The last thing he needed was his dick misbehaving any more than it already was. He’d been half hard or more from the moment he’d caught sight of Niko. Neither the shift back to human form nor, so far, the walk back to his house, had caused it to fully diminish.

  For all his intentions, Lyall couldn’t stop himself from scenting Niko. The sweet, alluring aroma was there, with an added spiciness that his libido really liked. He gave himself a mental shake. How could he consider a feline mate? How could he consider a mate at all? He’d never wanted one. Footloose, fancy free, no ties apart from his pack. That had always been Lyall’s mantra. Now he was sniffing around a cat shifter. Literally.

  Fuck! I don't even know what kind of shifter Niko is.

  Stopping long enough to pull on his jeans and muscle T-shirt, Lyall diverted into his shed. The first thing he noticed was his bike, minus its canvas. He jerked a thumb at it. "Was that you?"

  "Yeah." Niko's cheeks colored. "I like the bike. She a good runner?"

  "Sure is. Sometimes I take off for a couple of days. Just sleep in a tent, or even under the stars in summer." Lyall picked up his toolbox and grinned at Niko. "Not that it happens very often."

  "Nice."

  There was a dreamy look in Niko's eyes, and Lyall didn't miss the wistful tone either. He'd be sure to ask Justin to learn as much as he could about the other man. "Let's go check the car."

  Busying himself under the hood, Lyall noticed how much care Niko took of the vehicle, but there were still parts that needed replacing, and it needed a full service. Things that were probably well out of Niko's budget. An idea struck him. He straightened up and rubbed his hands on the towel he'd left nearby.

  "Can you fix it?"

  Anxiety came off Niko in waves, souring his normally sweet scent, which caused Lyall to growl softly with discontent. "Yes. But it's not a five minute job."

  "I don't know that I can afford it." Niko bit at his bottom lip.

  "Look. I still owe you for the scare I gave you over Riley. So how about you let me be your personal mechanic?"

  "I can't expect that of you." Niko shook his head.

  "Yes you can. My decision. Now, I can run you into town. When the car's ready I'll come and collect you and bring you back here. No arguments. The car will stop altogether if it's not sorted now."

  "Okay. Sure."

  Noticing the glance Niko gave his shed, a better idea struck Lyall. "Or how about I run you home on the bike? Give her a bit of a run."

  "I'd like that." Niko grinned.

  Chapter Seven

  Although Niko ensured there was a small amount of space between their bodies when the ride started, as they sped along a little used track, he unthinkingly pressed closer until he realized his chest was flush with Lyall's back. What was more shocking was how comfortable he felt.

  Deciding it was impossible to shift backwards Niko relaxed and gave in to the pleasure. Even through the helmet he wore, Niko was able to scent Lyall. The already familiar musk had an edge to it. He was glad of the helmets they both wore as an almost overwhelming desire to lick the nape of Lyall's neck washed over him.

  As if sensing Niko's enjoyment, Lyall didn't go straight to Niko's address. Instead, he rode around the outskirts of town before heading in the direction of Niko's home. He was enjoying the ride so much that it took a moment for Niko to realize they'd entered his neighborhood.

  He was actually disappointed when his house came into view, but Niko knew the excitement had to end. He'd need to go and collect the twins, and Riley would soon be home. Real life intruded rudely on Niko's fantasies about riding out somewhere secluded where he could ride—

  What the hell am I thinking? Me mate with a wolf?

  Now that he'd thought it, things actually felt right. But Niko had no idea if Lyall entertained a similar idea. Since they seemed to be getting along so well, the last thing Niko wanted to do was ruin a burgeoning friendship. He'd wait and see if anything more came of it, but he wasn't going to put his foot in it and destroy everything.

  When they pulled up outside his house, Lyall even insisted on walking Niko to his door. It was an odd and yet tender gesture for a man who had appeared so hard and uninviting. Niko even wondered about inviting him in.

  "Thank you. Would you care for a coffee?"

  Shaking his head, Lyall gave a wry smile. "I took a little longer getting you home than I intended. I have someone bringing some gear I ordered around. But can I come tomorrow night?"

  "Sure." The word was out before Niko could have stopped it. Not that he wanted to. They may not have had the best of starts, but he was slowly warming to Lyall. For a moment he thought Lyall was going to kiss him, and then the other man just waved his hand and turned away.

  Closing his door, Niko leaned against it. His was surprised to feel disappointment that he hadn't been kissed. Then he smiled. He was looking forward to tomorrow. Thoughts of Lyall and the man's scent were so fresh that he didn't hesitate to open the door at the hard knock.

  Too late, he realized his mistake as the scent of a different hit his senses. "Bryan. What do you want?"

  "What was Lyall doing here?" Bryan was big and powerful, but running to fat. Niko disliked him intensely, but not only was Bryan the alpha of a large local pack, he had money and wielded a lot of influence in the neighborhood. And not for its benefit.

  "That's no business of yours." Niko tried to shut his door.

  He wasn't quite fast enough. Bryan blocked the door and shoved hard at Niko. The shove was enough to send Niko staggering a few paces. Thankful the kids were staying with a friend, Niko's hair bristled and he growled low and deep.

  "So kitty wants to play?" Bryan smirked, then his eyes widened as he was forcibly yanked away from the door.

  "I didn't hear Niko invite you in." Lyall faced Bryan.

  Even from where he stood, Niko scented the fury that poured off Lyall. He hurried forward to stand close to Lyall. "I didn't. Leave me alone, Bryan."

  Looking from Niko to Lyall and then back at Niko, Bryan hawked and spat at Niko's feet. "You're a stupid prick, Niko. What's he got?" Bryan jerked a thumb at Lyall. “A dilapidated junkyard and a bunch of losers he calls a pack. I can make your life a lot more comfortable than this tatty place."

  "But I'm not interested in paying the price you want. Forget it."

  "I'll be seeing you, Niko." Bryan turned away and headed down the path.

  Grabbing Lyall's shoulder, Niko pulled him inside the house and slammed the door shut. Even as he turned back to Lyall, he was caught in the other man's embrace and Lyall's nostrils flared as he scented him.

  The primitive action triggered one from Niko in response. He purred, relaxing in Lyall's grip. The signal was enough to incite Lyall to act. Pushing Niko against the wall, Lyall pressed hard against him and claimed his lips.

  The kiss was hard, possessive, and Niko didn't resist when Lyall pushed his tongue into Niko's open mouth. He didn't felt threatened, he felt protected. He thrust his own tongue against Lyall's, into Lyall's mouth, and his purring became louder.

  Slowly, Lyall eased back. He ran his fingers down Niko's cheek and under his chin. "He didn't hurt you."

  It wasn't a question, but Niko shook his head anyway. "No. He's pestered me for a while, but I'm not interested in him. I hear on the grapevine he's involved in illegal fighting. Humans as well as animals. But he's the big man around here."

  "If you need somewhere else, you can always stay with me. If you can't come to me, I'll find someone who can take you and the kids in."

  The offer touched Niko, and he rubbed his face ag
ainst Lyall's cheek and shoulder. "Thank you. I'll think about it. He's never done that before."

  "He was jealous." Lyall's voice was flat. "Watch him. He thinks of you as his."

  "Never." Niko shook his head. "I'll never be his." He held off saying more, but he gazed into Lyall's eyes.

  Using his greater body weight, Lyall pinned Niko against the wall again. He sealed his lips over Niko's and plundered his mouth. Niko responded, and when Lyall ground his denim-clad erection against Niko's, arousal surged through his veins.

  They slowly eased apart. Niko panted as harshly as Lyall himself, and Lyall's eyes had darkened with desire. Reaching out, Lyall slid a hand around the back of Niko's head and into his hair, gripping him tightly.

  "I'm going to leave. Not because I want to, but because I want this, want you, too much. I don't want either of us to have any doubts about what we both want." Lyall tightened his grip.

  Niko tilted his head, offering his throat. The submissive gesture enticed Lyall into biting the vulnerable flesh. He sucked hard, and Niko thrilled to know there would be a mark. Lyall leaned closer and kissed slowly along Niko's throat.

  "I want you every way there is to have you." Lyall's voice was thick and guttural. "But not just for a quick fuckfest. I knew the moment I saw you I wanted you as my mate. I need you to think about that. About what that means. A lifetime. A lifetime with me and only me."

  "And if I decide yes?" Niko's own voice was a thick, reverberating purr of sound.

  "You have my number. Call me. Day or night. I'll come." Lyall opened the door. "Day or night."

  Nodding, Niko watched as Lyall headed down the path. He shut the door only when he couldn’t see the other man. He had to think of a way to tell Riley.

  Chapter Eight

  A couple hours later, Niko busily fed the twins and got them ready for bed, aware he was only trying to act normally. He was also acutely aware of the puzzled and increasingly suspicious looks Riley sent his way.

  His brother never mentioned Lyall, but he really liked Dylan and Justin and talked about pack life a lot. Niko prayed Riley wasn't hoping he and Justin might be a mated pair. Finally, with just the two of them in the living room, Niko wondered just how to he should approach the subject of Lyall.

  "Okay. Enough. Something's on your mind. Spill the beans." Riley stood with his arms folded, and tapped his foot.

  "Beans?" Niko suddenly wasn't sure this was the right time. Then he sighed. If not now, when? "Look. Well. If ... If I was thinking of seeing Lyall, like in seeing him as a boyfriend, how would you feel?"

  Riley hadn't mentioned anything about his time with Lyall. Even though Niko had no idea how the question would have gone down, the last thing he expected was for Riley to punch the air.

  "Finally! Dylan, Justin, and me thought we'd have to draw you guys a diagram."

  "What? I don't understand." Niko stared at his brother, whose face bore the epitome of the expression the cat that got the cream.

  "Look. I may still be a kid, but I know all about attraction and mating. I saw the way you and Lyall looked at each other. And your scent changed. Dylan mentioned something to me. He, Justin, and I started coming up with ways to get you guys together. If the car hadn't played up of its own accord, I was going to make sure it did."

  "I don't believe this." Niko paced back and forth, running his hands through his hair. Finally he stopped and fixed Riley with a hard stare. "He's a wolf. You understand what that means? Family, his pack, means everything to him. I can't be a casual boyfriend. He wants a mate."

  "Duh, well yeah. Of course I know that." Riley walked over to Niko and hugged him hard. "Me and the kids want you to be happy. You've looked after us and thought nothing of yourself for so long. If it's what you want, if Lyall is meant to be your mate, then go for it."

  Returning Riley's hug, Niko kissed the top of his brother's head. "Thank you."

  "No worries. I'm off to my room now. Just one thing." Riley stopped at the doorway and looked back at Niko. "If you and Lyall … well … you know, play some loud music or something." Grinning widely, he waved and headed off.

  For a moment Niko was speechless, and then he toppled backwards onto the settee, grabbed a cushion, and held it over his face to muffle the sound as he laughed out loud. "Play some loud music. Oh, God. That's priceless." Eventually he was able to bring his laughter under control. Niko tossed the cushion aside and wiped away the tears.

  Rolling casually to his feet, he hurried to the table where he'd left his cell phone. He looked at Lyall's number, but after a minute of debating, he finally opted to send a text.

  I'd like to see you tomorrow. A date?

  He stared at the text for another minute before sending it.

  Unable to stand still, Niko paced back and forth. Maybe he should have rung. Maybe Lyall had changed his mind. He almost dropped the phone when it gave a soft ding to alert him of a message.

  What time? Where?

  Hugging the phone to his chest, Niko thought quickly. Riley would be at school all day. He could take the twins to school and get a friend to pick them up if necessary. He didn't want to rush his time with Lyall.

  Chapter Nine

  The already familiar roar of the bike alerted Niko to Lyall's arrival. He grabbed his backpack, settled it in place, and made sure his door was locked before dashing out. He glanced up and down the road, but there was no sign of Bryan. Despite which, Niko had the uneasy feeling they were being watched.

  Pulling off his helmet, Lyall lifted his head, his nostrils flaring. "I can smell that big bastard. He's not as downwind as he thinks."

  "So long as he leaves us alone." Niko accepted a helmet and settled it in place. Then he clambered behind Lyall. This time he had no concerns about sitting close. Nor about hugging Lyall tightly. He smiled unseen as Lyall patted his arm before starting the engine.

  Nothing had been decided about where they would go. In his backpack, Niko had a cool bag containing mini sausages, club sandwiches, potato salad, and some slices of banana bread for dessert. He'd also put in a couple bottles of water. Not the fanciest of meals but good picnic fare.

  Looking around, he realized they were heading toward Lyall's home, but then roared past it. Fifteen minutes later Lyall slowed and then pulled into a parking area next to a path leading into a heavily forested reserve. It looked spectacular with a green-clad mountain rising up in the distance. Lyall secured his bike and pulled out his own backpack.

  "Let's go." Lyall jerked his head in the direction of the reserve.

  They walked side by side and occasionally their bare arms brushed against one another. Each time Niko felt a frisson that fed his already growing arousal. Turning away from the footpath, Lyall led Niko into the thick native bush. Several minutes passed as they walked, and Niko's cock pressed insistently against his jeans. He was on the verge of telling Lyall to stop where they were, when they stepped into a small clearing.

  A waterfall cascaded gently into a pool which fed a steam that disappeared into thick bush. To the left of the pool was a small area cleared of scrub. Niko turned to Lyall with a delighted smile.

  "This is beautiful."

  "Glad you think so. People who come here follow the footpath that leads well away from here. So it's safe and secluded." Moving over to the cleared area, Lyall slid off his backpack. Rummaging inside, he drew out a blanket. He set it down and smoothed it out. Pulling off his T-shirt, Lyall sat down and patted the blanket. "Care to join me?"

  With deliberate slowness, Niko peeled off his own T-shirt and tossed it to join Lyall's as he reached the blanket. He sank down to his knees in a fluid movement, and the heat in Lyall's eyes almost incinerated him.

  Leaning closer, Niko framed Lyall's face in his hands and kissed him. He didn't resist as Lyall wrapped his arms around him and lay back, pulling Niko to lie on top of him. He wriggled to get comfortable, feeling the obvious bulge at Lyall's groin and ground down against it with his own.

  A growl rumbled deep in Ly
all's chest. Rolling their bodies, Lyall deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue into Niko's mouth. When he slid a hand between their bodies to thumb Niko's left nipple, Niko purred loudly. He loved having his nipples touched and arched into the caress.

  He pushed his fingers under the waistband of Lyall's jeans, tracing the dimples he found at the base of Lyall's spine. Breaking the kiss, Lyall slid down Niko's body and sucked hard on the other nipple, still rolling the left between his thumb and forefinger. Niko shuddered with pleasure at the dual sensations.

  Releasing Niko's nipple, Lyall slid his hand lower. He popped the button on Niko's jeans, tugged down the zipper, and eased his hand into Niko's briefs.

  Niko gave a gasp of relief as his cock was freed.

  "Wanna taste ya." Lyall rumbled the words as he moved lower and took the head of Niko's dick into his mouth.

  His moan of Lyall's name harmonized with his purr. The hot, wet suction was perfect, as if Lyall knew exactly what turned Niko on the most. He dug his fingers into the blanket, reluctant to risk spoiling the perfection of Lyall's attention.

  A very un-feline whine escaped him as Lyall took his dick to the root and then slid his lips off the head on his way back up. Niko stared at him. The whine became an open groan as Lyall stood and unfastened his jeans, shoving them down his legs and then tugging them off.

  Taking a minute to appreciate the sight of Lyall naked and fully aroused, Niko then attacked his own jeans, struggling out of them as he tried to keep looking at Lyall. Finally tossing them aside, Niko lay back and held out his arms.

  "Come back here. I miss you."

  "You are one fucking gorgeous man." Lyall knelt between Niko's spread legs and settled himself down to kiss Niko again.

  The kisses grew in intensity, harder, wetter, deeper, until Niko was sure he was going to come just from them alone. Then Lyall eased back, panting heavily, his face flushed. He locked gazes with Niko.

  "I want you." His voice was thick and guttural, and Niko knew Lyall was as aroused as himself.