Page 15 of Handcuffs & Honey

As they walked, Dominic pointed out different places in their town and shared stories about certain people. Julian tried to keep up, but his mind kept drifting to the sense of ease that seemed to be radiating from Dominic. The man walked with a relaxed sway, his posture open and inviting. Julian had always found it difficult to let his guard down around people, but with Dominic, it was increasingly easier.

Julian glanced at Dominic, watching the way the wind ruffled his hair. The sight of the burly bear shifter was breathtaking, and Julian struggled to keep his emotions in check. He could smell the other man’s musky scent, and he knew that he was drawn to him in a way that was more than just physical attraction.

Dominic had called it the pull, and since Julian had no other explanation, he assumed it was true.

“So, tell me more about this mating thing,” Julian said, trying to sound casual as they walked down the street.

Dominic grinned. “It’s simple. When two preternatural beings mate, it’s like bonding on a deep primal level, and it’s something that can never be broken.”

“But we’re different species,” Julian pointed out.

“It doesn’t matter, Julian. When you’re mated, you’re mated. End of story.”

Julian nodded, taking it all in. He couldn’t believe that he was having this conversation with a man who could turn into a bear at will. But something deep inside of him whispered that Dominic was telling the truth, and part of him wanted to give himself over to the bond completely.

Julian sipped on his cocoa, relishing the warmth it provided against the chilly autumn air.

“You know, I’m surprised you’re taking this all so well,” Dominic said, glancing at Julian.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, finding out about the preternatural world, learning about mates and bonding…” Dominic shrugged. “It can be a lot to take in.”

Julian chuckled. “Trust me, I’m still processing everything. But it’s not like I can just run away from it.”

“True,” Dominic agreed. “And you’re not afraid?”

Julian thought about it for a moment. “I guess there’s more than a healthy dose of fear,” he admitted, “but I’m also intrigued. And you’ve been nothing but honest with me, so it makes it easier.”

Dominic smiled, a hint of relief in his expression. “I’m glad. I want you to trust me, Julian.”

“I do,” Julian said without hesitation. Until that moment, he hadn’t realized just how much he trusted Dominic. Not because he was a cop or because people seemed to like Dominic. The trust felt much deeper than that.

They ended up in a park. The pine needles rustled in the trees as the wind gusted, and Julian watched as the branches bent and swayed. The park was empty except for them, and Julian relaxed on the bench. They sat in silence for a while, just enjoying each other’s company.

Julian looked over at Dominic and found the man watching him. Dominic smiled softly, and Julian felt his pulse quicken. There was a heat in the man’s eyes that made Julian feel exposed and vulnerable. Dominic leaned in, and before Julian could say anything, Dominic was kissing him.

The kiss was hot and hard, and Julian melted into it. He could taste the sweetness of the banana nut bread on Dominic’s lips, and he found himself craving more. Dominic’s tongue slid against his, and Julian groaned, his body responding eagerly. Dominic’s hand moved from Julian’s cheek to his neck, and as they pulled apart, Julian gasped for breath.

“Let’s go somewhere more private,” Dominic said, his voice low and husky.

Julian hesitated, but then he found himself nodding. He stood up from the bench, his body humming with desire. He had never felt like this before, like he was the most desirable man in someone’s life.

Even if that desire might only last as long as the sex would.

Just as they stood, Dominic’s phone rang. He kissed Julian’s temple. “This’ll only take a second.”

Julian shoved his hand into his jacket pocket and walked a few steps away to give Dominic some privacy, but from the look on the guy’s face, the call wasn’t going so well.

“Okay, I’m on my way,” Dominic said before he hung up.

“It’s okay.” Julian smiled. “I wanted to stop by work and let Roman know I was coming in tomorrow, anyway.”

“Are you sure?” Dominic tucked his phone into his back pocket. “Roman is giving you all the time you need.”

“What I need is a paycheck,” Julian answered. “Go take care of whatever you have to do.” Julian looked down the street where the diner was located a block away. “I can walk from here.”

“The hell you can,” Dominic said. “I’ll give you a ride.”

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