Page 22 of Handcuffs & Honey

Julian cried out, cum erupting from the head of his cock as Dominic growled. Julian wasn’t sure what was going on, but if felt as if something snapped into place, and even weirder, it felt as if his heart had stuttered, held out for just a second, and then started beating again.

His mate licked the wound closed, buried himself deep inside Julian, and came with another growl.

Julian was starting to really love that sound.

He collapsed against Dominic, so content that he was boneless. He didn’t even protest when Dominic lifted them from the tub and carried Julian to their bed.

Their bed.

That idea was growing on Julian more and more. He liked Dominic’s house much better than his rental. This place felt cozy and inviting. Probably because of Dominic’s presence.

They lay in bed, cuddled together, Dominic’s chest to Julian’s back as his mate traced circles on Julian’s stomach. “What was that feeling I felt when you bit me?”

Julian hadn’t been expecting the bite, and had started to protest, until his orgasm had shattered him.

“Our bond snapping into place,” Dominic replied. “Our souls soldering together.”

It all seemed mystical and romantic to Julian. He’d felt a connection to Dominic before, but that paled in comparison to what he felt now. He couldn’t really explain it, either. It was just a deep feeling in the center of his gut. A feeling like he’d known Dominic forever, like he could trust his mate beyond comprehension.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the biting before it happened,” Dominic said. “With your attack, I was afraid that little detail would scare you off.”

“In the future, don’t keep things from me,” Julian said. “But I can understand why you were afraid to tell me, so I forgive you.”

“Good.” Dominic nuzzled his neck.

“How’d your paperwork go?” Julian loved simply lying there in Dominic’s arms.

“Got a lead,” Dominic said. “Do you know anyone named Robert Martin?” Dominic asked.

Julian stiffened, unsure how Dominic knew that name. “He’s my ex-boyfriend. The guy I was running from when I moved to Midnight Falls.”

Chapter Six

Dominic closed his eyes for a moment. That wasn’t what he’d been expecting to hear. He wasn’t even sure Julian was aware he’d been dating a shifter, or he wouldn’t have freaked out when he learned of Dominic’s bear. He wouldn’t have been baffled as to how a wolf could pull him from under the bed by his ankles.

“It was Robert who broke into your house and attacked you.”

Julian remained quiet for so long that Dominic wasn’t sure what to think.

His mate finally took a deep breath. “Are you saying I was dating a shifter?”

“Yes.”

“But…how?” Julian asked. “How would I not know I was dating a shifter?”

“Could you tell that I was one?” Dominic asked. “Until you saw my bear, did you have a clue?”

“No,” Julian said, though he sounded resigned, as if he should have been able to tell. He looked up at Dominic. “Rob was a real asshole, but…his father…”

Dominic frowned. “What about his father?”

Turning over, Julian looked up at Dominic. “Ezekiel was even more of an asshole. He worshipped his son, loved him to death.” Julian bit his lip as he wrinkled his brows. “I had no idea they were wolf shifters. I’m no expert in your world, but Ezekiel is going to want revenge for what happened to Rob.”

Dominic knew that was true. If Ezekiel wasn’t going to let the death slide. Especially if he worshipped his son. Not that Dominic had anything against wolves, but they were dominant, prideful, and sometimes arrogant creatures. Then again, so were most shifters, including bears.

He had to warn Denali. He was the one who’s shot the wolf and killed him. Ezekiel would blame Julian, and also Dominic, because he was sheriff, but when he discovered who killed his son, hell would be unleashed.

Not that Dominic knew Ezekiel, but he would want blood and wouldn’t care who he killed in order to avenge Robert.

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