Page 19 of Hummingbird and Kraken

Sooner or later, Geir would decide that Declan was too needy or too talkative or too something and lose interest. Then Declan would start drifting off into books and loneliness, until there was nothing left of their relationship but tarnished memories.

That was, if he’d even meant it in the first place. People said a lot of stuff during sex that they didn’t mean. He’d learned that one the hard way.

Declan pushed his mind firmly away from that possibility. This was an adventure, a romance. He’d met people who could change into animals and convinced a reclusive beast to fall in love with him. Or at least convinced him to have the hottest, kinkiest sex of Declan’s life.

So that was something.

The shifter thing got him thinking about the other important conversation he’d had. He was supposed to meet some Chief guy, and he had the sense that he’d be under a lot of scrutiny.

He could have just kept his big mouth shut, but he’d been so excited about discovering a new world of magic and mystery that he’d just blurted out everything he was thinking.

There was probably some sort of code where any humans who found out about their secret lives would have to swear an oath never to tell under penalty of death. Maybe there would be an elaborate ceremony, where he would pledge his loyalty and his life under the full moon. He would stand there, bold and brave, having beaten every trial they put before him...

No, he was getting carried away again. He’d just fucked up and now he was in trouble with the person in charge. They might still kill him or lock him away, but with a lot less ceremony.

No, Geir would fight for him. Maybe there would be an epic battle… but of course Declan didn’t want anyone fighting. He’d really liked Ro yesterday. It felt like they could be friends.

That is, if he got to stay. Realistically, this was already an adventure. More of an adventure than he’d ever expected to have. If he could just keep a hold of it for a little bit longer, it would be beautiful and magical and perfect.

Geir had let him move all of his things into his room, but unpacking one small backpack and a duffle didn’t make this permanent. He knew from experience just how easy it was to pack up again.

Maybe he’d still be leaving on Tuesday. Or next month. Or next year. For now he’d make every moment count.

“You’re thinking too much.” Geir’s softly accented whisper danced over the edge of his ear.

Declan hummed in agreement. “Maybe you can help me relax?” He rubbed his naked ass provocatively against the soft flesh that was just starting to grow behind him.

“Maybe I can,” Geir agreed, dropping his broad hand over Declan’s ready cock and started an easy rhythm.

Every moment, Declan thought. He’d take every one.

* * *

Declan ate the last few bites of his breakfast, a sort of bean salad that he’d made with the scattered cans in Geir’s pantry and the vegetables from Ro’s box. It was pretty tasty, if he did say so himself. But they were going to need to do some serious grocery shopping.

He would have happily stayed with Geir for the rest of the day, or really every second of every day. When Ro’s truck pulled up outside, though, he dashed out the door.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come?” he asked one more time.

Geir gave one of his usual grunts. For someone who’d been so sweet and kind to Declan, Geir was certainly antisocial. Or at least shy. Declan was beginning to sense how big a deal it was that Geir had invited him into his home.

“Well, goodbye! Be back soon!” He gave Geir a final kiss and hopped down the weathered steps of the porch.

Ro stood behind a pick-up truck that was only slightly newer than Geir’s rusty monstrosity. His sideburns totally made Declan think of teen werewolf movies. Maybe the neighbors were werewolves? He hadn’t exactly said yesterday. But, man. It was like he was trying to look like the lead in a B-movie.

The possibly-a-real-live-werewolf was handsome in a rugged, scruffy sort of way, which seemed to be the going style in Northern Ohio. His skin was a warm mahogany and his jet-black hair fell in tight curls that were only slightly tamed by the ponytail low on his neck. Declan guessed his ancestry to be mostly Native American, possibly African as well, with his broad forehead and strong, handsome features.

And he was immense, with a towering frame, bulging arms, and a hefty belly. With those muscles he could have easily broken Declan in half, but instead he gave a friendly smile.

Declan hopped into the cab, practically bouncing with excitement. He’d packed his backpack with his sketchbook and pencils, just in case he had some extra time or saw something he wanted to capture.

Ro looked over his shoulder to back out, then stopped to scrutinize Declan.

It took Declan a moment to realize what he must be looking at. He’d tried to dress formally, since it seemed like this meeting might be important. With only a duffle bag of clothes available, a pair of tight, dark jeans and polo shirt was the best he could do. He couldn’t quite help himself from just a touch of eyeliner, though. And his usual lip gloss. And maybe a hint of blush. He had to look his best, after all.

Ro’s eyes darted around his face. When most men looked Declan over, it was with lust. Or occasionally anger and disgust. But this seemed to be more like awe. Maybe a little bit of a very different sort of longing.

The brawny man opened his mouth and closed it again. Finally, he asked, in a much softer voice than Declan had expected, “Does Geir know you’re wearing that?” Like it was a secret between them.