Page 36 of In The Shadow of The Wolf

“Just the usual dickhead stuff I’m always pulling.” He laughed, but not with humor. “I want to show Henry that I’m serious and let him know that he is everything to me as my mate. I don’t know how to do that without looking fake or insincere.” He waited for some advice. Jamie’s parents were poster children for the perfect mates. They met young and had many kids, and have loved every day of their lives. Everyone wanted a relationship like theirs. He knew that Jamie understood what a good relationship looked like.

“What have you done so far?”

“I took him to dinner last night and then went for a walk in the park.” Terry knew he would have to be completely honest if he wanted real advice. “I got spooked at the restaurant. People came in and sat next to us, and I freaked a little. I tried to make up for it at the park, and I begged his forgiveness.” He took a deep breath and then rushed on. “I met him for lunch at the Black Bean today to show him that I am not ashamed to be seen with him.”

“But you are ashamed, Terry. Everything you do supports that assumption. Your mate is your life, Terry; without him, you’ll end up like . . .” He trailed off, but Terry knew where he was going.

“Like Kelvin Minter.” He supplied

“Yeah, is that what you want?”

“No, I’d rather live the rest of my life alone than have his shallow, empty relationship,” Terry admitted.

“Give it all you got, Terry, and open up. Be real with him and treat him like your mate. If he were a woman, a member of the Pack, and socially acceptable as a companion in the eyes of your so-called friends, what would you do?”

Terry smiled as he thought about the question. “I’d take him home to my house and never let him leave.”

“Take him home with you tonight and see where it goes.” Jamie finished the call with a heartfelt ‘good luck.’

Terry felt like he had a plan. He hadn’t even invited Henry to his house, yet the realization made him uneasy, and the need to get him there was overwhelming. Jamie was a good friend and always gave the best advice. He was lost in his own thoughts when a deep voice spoke from behind him.

“Was that Officer McCormick?” He turned to see Ivan standing behind him.

“Yes, it was.” Terry didn’t want to go into any further explanation than that and hoped Ivan didn’t ask for more.

“I look forward to meeting him.” That comment completely confused Terry, but he simply nodded and stated, “He’s a good officer and a good friend.” Ivan smiled and headed back to where Jordan Randall was being held.

CHAPTER FIVE

Henry was completely surprised when Terry walked out onto the back porch that evening. He walked over and sat down next to Henry like it was the most natural thing in the world. He reached over, took Henry’s hand, and placed it on his thigh as they sat there together.

“I’d like for you to come over to my house.” Terry broke the silence. “We could have a few drinks, and I could show you where I live.” Henry stared at him for a few minutes before speaking. He wasn’t sure what Terry was asking, but he sort of had a hunch the evening might end with the two of them in Terry’s bed.

“Are you sure you’re ready to have me over to your house?”

“Very.” Terry stood and held his hand out to Henry. “Come on, gorgeous, let me show you my etchings.” Henry started to laugh while Terry took his hand and led him out to his car.

He was pleasantly surprised by Terry’s home. It was warm and welcoming in its structure and landscaping. Terry had a split-level home tucked back into a wooded area about two miles from the main Ranch house. It was sided and had a wrap-around porch. The yard was full of plants and trees expertly tended, or so they seemed.

Terry came around his side of the vehicle and took his hand, holding it loosely as they walked together towards the front door. “This home used to belong to my uncle. He was Beta to Lance’s father when he was Alpha. He left it to me when he died.”

“Sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks, Uncle David was a good man and a loving man. This house means a lot to me, and I try to keep it nice in a way that he would like.” He looked proud of his home.

“I’m sure your uncle is very pleased with how you care for his home.” Henry was touched by the tenderness exhibited by Terry’s words and actions.

“Is this someplace you could see yourself living?” Terry threw it out there as they reached the door, and he held it open for Henry to enter.

“Here in Lonepine?”

“No, here in this house with me.” Terry closed the door and instantly took Henry into his arms. Terry’s mouth covered his, and his arms crushed Henry against his chest. Slowly he moved his lips in a sensual massage feeling the stiffness of Henry’s lips. He moved slowly, pushing Henry’s back flush against the door behind him. Terry marveled at the feel of his mate in his arms. He’d been dreaming of this for days, and the reality was so much better than even his wildest imaginings. Henry took his breath away.

Finally, Henry started to relax and opened to him. His lips, soft and inviting, reciprocated the desire Terry was feeling. “This will be your home Henry, just you and me for always.” He whispered the words between soft kisses. He moved his hands to cup Henry’s face while his body kept him pressed to the door's surface.

Henry lost himself in the feel of Terry’s hard muscular body pressed against him. His lips explored and penetrated Henry’s mouth until he thought he would go mad with the exquisite intensity of the pleasure Terry was eliciting. Henry gripped Terry’s hips for balance. It was a heady experience, to feel so out of control and at the mercy of the man touching and tasting.

At this moment in time, he decided that he would do absolutely anything to get Terry to make love to him. All his reservations and concerns over Terry’s opinions and ability to commit meant nothing in the face of the overwhelming fire and need that raced through his body and mind. He pulled Terry’s hips closer and ground his cock into Terry’s thigh, trying to gain some relief.

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