Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 42796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
“Good job, Mate. We’ve avoided this discussion for too long.”
Brooks met his gaze, and a shiver ran down his spine. His mate’s eyes seemed to see into his soul.
“All my previous mates dreamed of a secret lifestyle. One that I am also wired to lead. I thought perhaps you were the exception, and that was fine. Each mate is a special individual.”
Rogan paused to brush Brooks’s hair from his forehead. “I found your stuffie, Brooks. Can you tell me what his name is?”
His heart raced. Rogan seemed to know—to see deep inside him. Brooks shook his head, trying to buy himself time to think. Maybe he could excuse keeping the stuffie by saying it was a childhood memento… He didn’t want to do that to Rogue. The plush dragon meant too much.
“It’s okay, Adventurer. There shouldn’t be secrets between mates. If you can’t tell me, there’s another way. Would you like to try that?”
Not sure what he suggested, Brooks shrugged.
“I understand. Close your eyes, Brooks.”
Rogan waited until he’d complied. Brooks heard him shift slightly then Rogan’s fingers pressed to his forehead. “Concentrate here for a minute. My touch is your anchor. When you’re ready, mentally turn your attention, putting the press of my hand directly behind you.”
When Brooks opened his eyes to meet Rogan’s gaze, his mate reassured him. “I know it sounds impossible, but we can do this together. You must keep your eyes closed for this adventure. Can you be brave?”
Brooks slammed his eyelids shut as Rogan tugged the bottle from his mouth. Instantly, he could concentrate more. Resolve filled him. Whatever happened, he trusted his mate. He focused on the warmth of Rogan’s hand and slowly turned to peer back into his mind. Overwhelmed by the sight that spanned in front of him, Brooks backed up to brace himself against Rogan’s touch.
“That’s it. Good job. Look around a bit. Can you see all the colors zipping past? I want you to search for a red line. It will shoot past several times before you can focus on it and pin the light in front of you.”
Rogan caught a glimpse to his left. Then another on his right. Determined, he mentally jumped on the next one and saw it stretch in front of him.
“That’s it, Brooks. You’re doing so well. Trace that line as far as necessary until you find a door.”
Zigging and zagging, Brooks slid his attention along the red line. It was slippery in several places, and he struggled to continue. Finally, a huge wooden door rose before him. Three locks spanned the front with the red line piercing the center.
“Yes. Brooks, you’re there. Write your name on the door with your finger. That is your door.”
Brooks saw his hand appear in front of him and he pressed a fingertip to the wooden surface. Solid and slightly weathered, the surface held a dot now where he’d tapped it. Slowly, he stretched out the letters. On impulse, he added Rogan’s name and drew a heart around it.
“So sweet, Brooks. I love that.” Rogan’s voice sounded emotional. Brooks almost opened his eyes to check on his mate but controlled that desire.
As if he’d followed Brooks’s thoughts, Rogan rubbed his forehead. “Stay steady, Adventurer. You’re almost there. The first lock is open. That happened when we consummated our union. I want you to open the second lock.”
Brooks shifted his hand away from the door and took hold of the lock. He hesitated, debating whether or not this was wise. Rogan said nothing, just held him close as he sent gentle support through their connection. Trusting his mate, Brooks powered the stubborn lock open.
Instantly, their bond intensified. Brooks opened his eyes as Rogan’s emotions and desire for Brooks flooded into him. “You love me.”
“I do, Brooks. I love every part of you, inside and out.”
Images of Rogan caring for him over the last few days flooded Brooks’s mind. He could also sense his mate’s enjoyment of tending him intimately. Brooks’s fantasies of submitting to someone had always seemed impossible. Could he have that type of relationship with Rogan?
“Rogue,” he blurted.
“Ah, so close to my name. I will thank your stuffie for guarding you before I could find you.”
“My mom always said I wouldn’t leave the store without the red dragon. It’s the only stuffie I ever wanted,” Brooks shared before whispering, “I can feel you so much more.”
And we can talk easily in any form. Try it.
You can hear me?
Loud and clear, Little boy.
You know I’m Little? I haven’t admitted that to anyone.
And I suspect you would have hidden that from me as well.
Brooks nodded. Concealing that part of him had been a priority. He had thought no one would understand. How did you know?
You called me Daddy. I would love it if you’d use that name for me.
Brooks forced himself to be brave. He didn’t want to hide anymore. He was safe with Rogan. Daddy, I love you, too.