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)
“Rogan!” He panicked at the intimate sensation.
The mating bond has snapped fully into place, My Adventurer. Enjoy. It will only get better.
“This is going to kill me,” Brooks muttered as he collapsed onto the bed.
In a couple hundred years or more, hopefully.
Brooks couldn’t process that statement. They lay together until their heart rates settled closer to normal. He grabbed Rogan’s arm when the shifter eased away.
“I’ll never leave you, Adventurer. I need to care for you. Come to the bathroom.”
Brooks appreciated that the darkness concealed his flaming cheeks as the shifter tended to him. Stumbling with weariness, he allowed Rogan to guide him back to bed and tuck him under the covers. As soon as his mate pulled him close, Brooks tumbled into sleep with his head on Rogan’s hard shoulder. His lips curved as he registered Rogan’s soft message.
Welcome home, Mate.
Chapter 3
Kissing his mate’s sweet lips as Brooks roused, Rogan wanted to learn everything about his mate. First, he needed to take care of him. When those brown eyes opened to lock with his, Rogan sent him waves of positivity. He kissed Brooks until he responded with eagerness before lifting his mouth away.
“Good morning, mate.”
“Um… Good morning. I should go to the bathroom,” Brooks said, self-consciously, as he eased away from Rogan and slipped from under the covers.
“Wait, Brooks.”
His mate didn’t listen, but fled toward the open doorway. Rogan followed quickly and caught up with Brooks when his new mate jolted to a stop, panting in pain. He wrapped his arms around Brooks and held him close as he recovered.
“The mate bond is complete, but it wants us together. We’ll need to stay close until it relaxes, My Adventurer.”
“I can’t even take a piss alone?”
Rogan allowed himself to smile since Brooks couldn’t see him. “Of course. This darn bedroom is too large. Let’s go into the bathroom. I’ll run a bath while you use the toilet.”
His mate’s grumbles enchanted him. Brooks was not a morning person. Rogan wrapped an arm around him and guided the sleepy man into the bathroom. While he used the separate toilet area, Rogan triggered the ancient water heater and started the water in the enormous tub.
When Brooks emerged, Rogan handed him a new toothbrush already spread with paste. “Want this? We’ll go get your things soon.”
“I don’t have much. Only what I can carry easily. I don’t stay in anyplace too long.”
Rogan recognized that as a warning. His mate didn’t realize his life had drastically changed when they’d met. Now, his adventuring would happen in tandem. Without replying, Rogan stroked a reassuring hand down Brooks’s back before using the toilet himself.
Exiting the small room, he found Brooks leaning on the wall next to the door. He was afraid to get too far away. Rogan took his hand and led him to the bath. As he passed the sink, he smiled at the sight of two toothbrushes together. Quietly, he celebrated finding his mate, allowing the positive vibes to seep into their connection. He saw Brooks’s tense shoulders lower a bit.
“Step in, Brooks. We’ll soak for a bit,” Rogan suggested, taking his arm to help him step in.
“I’m not an infant,” Brooks said and yanked his arm away.
“That’s enough. Unless you want to sit in the bath with a punished bottom, you’ll get that attitude under control.”
The flair of arousal in Brooks’s eyes told Rogan a lot. Brooks squashed it quickly, but it was too late. “I know you’re probably sore. The warm water will help.”
Without another word, Brooks settled down into the tub. When Rogan followed him, Brooks scooted over to the side, surprised by his company. Rogan pulled him close and wrapped an arm around him before leaning back against the porcelain. When Brooks relaxed next to him, Rogan rubbed his shoulder reassuringly but stayed quiet, allowing his mate to think.
“You’d spank me? I didn’t think I’d face abuse.”
“No abuse, Brooks. Punishment if you earn it.”
Brooks turned to search his face for a clue to Rogan’s mood and intention. “I’m not a kid, Rogan. I mean, you’re old, but I’m an adult.”
Rogan controlled his expression. Brooks was pushing for control when he didn’t want it. Was this why he’d roamed for so many years? “You’re fully grown, Brooks. I appreciate every inch of you. I also suspect that despite your grown-up status, there’s a Little inside you who would love the freedom to live as well.”
“Little? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Rogan wouldn’t let him hide. “You do. Realize that our bond makes all things easier. Sex. Our relationship. My ability to see the real you. And yours to see me.”
He could almost hear the wheels in Brooks’s bright mind churning from those details. His mate sat quietly next to him as they enjoyed the warm water. Finally, Brooks whispered, “Can you read my mind?”