Page 66 of When Shadows Dream: Shadow Hounds

Athon’s serpentine pupils dilated with a flare of awareness, his body leaning in closer to Roth’s in such a natural way he was sure his male didn’t even realize he was doing it.

How anyone could look as downright sexy as Athon did in a simple pair of jeans, a tight white v-neck undershirt that pressed against the well-defined contours of his generous abs, and an open, worn, black leather jacket was crazy. His pouty bottom lip just begged for Roth to lean slightly forward and nip the supple flesh between his teeth.

Athon’s pupils dilated even further, his shallow breaths quickened, those sexy ass pecs heaved a little harder, making Roth’s cock grow thicker behind the thick fabric of his pants. But alas, they had a job to do . . . the sex would come later, and the waiting would make it all the sweeter, make the hurt feel so damn good.

Reaching down he pressed his palm against his hard length and adjusted it with a silent rebuke to behave, with the promise of satisfaction later if it did. The thought of never finding their mystery woman flashed across his mind before he could stop it, but even if they didn’t, he and Athon would be fine. Surely, they’d be fine with just each other. Or maybe there was another woman out there for them if this one ended up being Luc’s . . .

Pain gripped him in its throes, and he buckled to his knees on the cold, hard asphalt. What the fuck was happening? When he looked down at his groin his shadows covered the front of his cargo pants, curling and writhing in what felt like an attempt to twist his fucking dick off. His balls were probably turning purple by now, not even they were safe. Shit! What the hell? Reining them back in took all of his not inconsiderable effort as Athon fussed and freaked on the ground next to him, but they quickly stopped as his hard-on deflated and attempted to shrivel back up, and into his body.

“Az, babe, you okay? Tell me what’s wrong.”

He felt Athon’s rough hands cup his cheeks, and stroke along his sweat covered brow. As he looked up, he saw the concern which dominated his lover’s gaze, fear laced the beat of his heart as it pressed up against Roth’s own chest.

“My shadows just tried to rip off my cock and balls!?” Roth gasped out, his breaths short and sharp, confusion laced his words, as well as shock.

Never had an angel’s shadows caused harm to them before, never had they acted independently, outside of keeping them safe from harm. An instinctive reaction thought to be the angel’s own subconscious doing.

Athon helped him gingerly to his feet as the few people walking by stopped to stare. He guided them toward the quaint coffee shop across the street. The smell of fresh bagels and apple and cinnamon pie flooded his senses, taking some of the sting away the closer they got. They sat in a quiet corner, ordered their favorite brews—an iced caramel frappé with extra cream for Ath and a triple shot espresso with two sugars for himself. As they sipped their drinks they questioned this newest disturbing mystery, and came up blank before they decided to bring it up to Luc and Deus later . . . after their date was complete, and after Athon got the chance to kiss it all better. Roth’s eyes strayed to Athon’s mouth and watched his pink tongue flick out to lap up the cream from his lips. The sight of his black silicone piercing sent his thoughts further south in the direction of his pants. It gave him comfort to feel his cock responding to his x-rated thoughts. Thank fuck, it still worked!

Catching a movie was next on their agenda, there was an 1980s sci-fi classic movie marathon Athon had been bugging him to go see for the past few weeks. He’d made a show of putting up some resistance, but truth be told he loved sci-fi as much as Athon did, more so when he got to see Ath’s excitement and joy. Yeah, they had a theater at the fortress and all, but sometimes you just had to get out of the house. Away from the chaos of your normal day to day.

Outside the window a flash of something caught Roth’s eye. Their ride had arrived.

The movies were fantastic. He’d seen them all before of course, but never with Roth. He’d actually been pretty engrossed in them, even as he’d watched Roth from the corner of his eye. Noted the way he placed the popcorn in his mouth, the way he licked the salty butter from his fingers, wrapped his lips around the thin straw and sucked the fizzy liquid down his throat. His heart raced as he recalled it now, just as it did every time he watched Roth do mundane, everyday things like eating and walking.

The sexy bastard had pulled off such an epic surprise, if he hadn’t been so excited to be headed to the most epic movie marathon ever, to him anyway, in none other than a decked out, movie accurate, pristine, and drool worthy DeLorean, he’d have dragged Roth back home in a heartbeat and allowed Mr ‘Full of Surprises’ to have his wicked way with him in an “anything goes” haze of blinding lust.

He hadn’t expected it. Honestly, he’d almost forgotten how romantic and generous his Az could be. This newest reminder of the male he used to be, the knowledge he was still in there just waiting for opportunities to bust out, made Athon’s heart skip a few more beats.

Dinner had been delicious. None of that 5-star bullshit. Mrs Briars fed them better than any Michelin restaurant ever could. No, sometimes what you needed most was a greasy triple cheeseburger with extra bacon, and topped french fries and aioli from a little diner, the gem of downtown, over on Locust Street.

Thankfully, it was close to the nightclub they were making their way to. Seriously, he was stuffed full of beefy deliciousness and ready for it to soak up some alcohol. Not the human stuff, which didn’t do all that much for his kind. There was only one place in Philly that served ambrosia at its finest.

Epiphany looked like a regular bar from the outside. Stone and dark wood paneling. Elegant, yet unpretentious. The neighbors didn’t hear a sound from the place thanks to magical soundproofing. The noise hit them as the door closed shut behind them. Music and voices shouting to be heard over it. Bodies writhed to the music.

Athon knew the nightclub’s main floor held no allure to Roth, it didn’t really capture his attention either. The humans grinding away on one another to the ceaseless repetitive beat of the music, colored lights strobing over them as the smell of sweat and spilled liquor filled the air were a nuisance their OtherRealm senses could have done without.

As they approached the cordoned off stairs they flashed their exposed wrists, baring the stamp no human eyes could see to the burly bouncer, the wolf in human skin stepped back, taking the thick red rope with him.

The first shot slid down his throat like icy fire, electrifying every cell in his body. The second, like smooth nectar, warmed the blood in his veins. The third took the tension out of every tight muscle and left him relaxed and at ease.

The human chaos had ceased the moment they hit the top of the stairs. The music still sunk its beat into their bones, but the sounds of the humans below had dimmed to a mere hum thanks to a magical filter. The booth-like seats offered them privacy, but still with a view out over the flock below. All sorts of beings were present. Wolves and bears, a vamp or two. A ghoul sat on the other side of the room and gave a quick nod of acknowledgment of his perusal.

Below, a nymph danced in a cage on the stage, enticing the humans to frivolity and fornication. It seemed to be working as more and more couples made their way to bathrooms and booths. One or two passed bills over to the bartender and found their way to private rooms out back.

His eyes latched on to long red hair and creamy porcelain skin. She ground her ass back into some random guy’s groin, rolling her hips to the beat of the music, her hands stroked over her curves and cupped her assets. Her face hidden as she looked away. He knew it wasn’t her, but his desire rose anyway. Not for the woman he was watching, but for who she reminded him of. Roth’s hand slid up his thigh and over his hard cock, giving it a gentle squeeze. Lips and teeth grazed the column of his throat, hot breath took his desire higher.

“Want me to take care of that for you, Ath?” Roth all but groaned.

“Not here. Come with me?” Athon asked.

“Anywhere you lead, I’ll gladly follow.”

Athon shoved him from the booth and all but dragged him to the stairs. Shoved his way through the crowded dance floor and out the exit door to the alley. As soon as it slammed shut he found himself pressed against the far wall across from the dumpster. His shoulders pinned by the fists gripping his jacket. Soft firm lips crashed against his as Roth’s tongue demanded entry. One thick thigh pressed between his legs, and he ground the evidence of his desire in the hard muscles hidden by his lover's pants, the seam of his jeans taunting him with an edge of discomfort that had nothing to do with his lust.

He couldn’t help the giggle that escaped him at the realization he was basically humping Roth’s leg like a horny dog.

“Come on, horndog, tell me what you want from me,” came Roth’s raspy, desire filled voice.

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