But there wereprimalneeds too. Standing still led to watching him pull my zipper down. More seconds had him taking my hardness over his wiggling tongue. Another minute and I would have emptied myself into him.
Before, I wouldn't dare think of such things, in case I gave my father a clue.
Yet, I stayed in my private world, wishing desperately I could go back in time and finish the deed. I'd hold that little man's head so tight and make sure he swallowed. Everyone in the bar would know he was mine.
Mine!
***
"Whoa! TMI!" screamed Kim. "I don't want to think about Mike's mouth full ofyourcum. You guys are ancient."
"Usancientones," I said flatly, "do it more than you young pups."
My Omega nodded with a sly smile.
"So you and your Alpha?" I asked. "You said, you two are—"
"—compatible? Well, only in the bedroom."
Mike stayed quiet, sensing with his extra power Kim needed a moment. After several seconds, he continued. "I appreciate the story, but I don't see how it helps. IknowI'm gay and my dad isn't an asshole." His face paled. "Sorry."
"Don't be. We had the same blood, but he was never a father." Anger bled out from arguments I'd never be able to have or win anymore. "We had to figure out what we wanted. Would we deal with the stigma of our time or hide?"
"Actually," said Mike, "I already knew.Youwere in denial."
"Mister Self-Actualization here kneweverything,especially if it came out of a paperback novel written on acid. I'm surprised he doesn't shift into a parrot instead of a wolf."
"I didn't repeat everything."
I mimed his softer voice. "InStranger in a Strange Land,we can use the coming of the protagonist as an allegory to changes in politics. What changes? What politics, Mike?"
Mike's jaw tightened and he turned to Kim. "This guy! Anyway, the point my big lug is trying to make is we each had to decide what we wanted. Why fight if you aren't sure?" His tone softened. "Life isn't one lesson, but a continual stream. Do you want to go along with your Alpha, swim by yourself, or to another man?"
Kim said nothing.
"No need to decide now," I whispered.
He nodded slowly as if afraid of an answer, and we couldn't give it to him. Forcing two people to stay together would destroy two lives. More if they had pups.
Kim opened his mouth, almost like a wolf trying to howl, but said nothing. Mike met his eyes with a communication only Omegas shared. "What makes it hard, kid?"
It looked like he was about to say 'Nothing,' but he pointed to his bright-red hair that reminded me of eighties punks and the Japanese cartoons Truman—our comic book store owner liked. "He said I embarrass him." He slumped with the same expression I've shamefully seen with Mike. "It's just a hairstyle! Alphas are supposed to fight for their mates."
"We do," I said.
"And generally, we Omegas like to make peace. It's not only hair, is it?" said Mike.
"No. I didn't know I was an Omega until a few years ago. My dad didn't tell me because some kids don't become true shifters. I knew I was gay, and I'd make it big in a punk band. Now I'm expected to be a maid? Should I stay or should I go? Is thereanythingin your story that'll help me?"
"Maybe someone else's story," said Mike. "Once I was like you, and so I went to see a wizard."
"Wait!" Kim's eyes widened. "An actual wizard, like those two ladies in the bayou, except, you know, a guy?"
Mike gestured to us three. "Not this kind of magic, but words, like Gandalf gave Frodo. Although technically there were two… like the lovely ladies you mentioned. David and Abraham. They were kind to a kid who thought he knew it all, and they showed me what was possible. It was real magic if you ask me."
***
Chapter Six
