CHAPTER FIVE
D umas aching to have his mate closer. The seating arrangement helped, but he still felt far away, especially when Rowen spoke of his own perceived limitations. They were nonsense; nothing he spoke of concerned Dumas in the least. His species was interesting, as were his connections to the Wazir, a being so shrouded in mystery that his very existence is sometimes questioned. There are few people who claim to have met him.
The whiskey seemed to have relaxed him a little, but his sense of self needed some work. Everything Dumas had heard of the man was glowing and praiseworthy. Rowen did not know his own worth or his importance to those around him. His department was thrilled to have someone of his caliber working there. His success rate was not due to luck. It was due to intelligent, dogged perseverance.
He pulled back from the exquisite kiss reveling in the touch and taste of his mate but kept his hand at his neck feeling the strong muscles and the silky soft hair. Those vivid green eyes stared at him and Dumas could see the insecurities trying to force themselves back to the surface.
"You, everything you are and everything you aspire to be, please know that you will always be enough for me. I don't know where you got the idea that you were somehow less than, but understand that I will not tolerate it." Dumas searched his face and settled once again on those gorgeous green eyes. "You are a stray, and I am a hellhound, and we are destined to become one."
Before Rowen had a chance to respond, Dumas’ phone rang, and it was Master Hadden. He paused for a moment and then excused himself to take the call. He stood and walked over to the large picture window with the stunning view of the city, but he kept his eyes on his mate. Rowen sipped his drink and kept glancing around the room. He was out of his element, but he was holding firm because he wanted this as much as Dumas.
"Michael has everything in hand. The building manager, Cal Grainger, has had his mind swept and has been given memories of attacking and killing the three victims. He will turn himself over to authorities." Master Hadden took a moment and congratulated him on finding his mate. "Det. Dalhousie will be a fine addition to the coven."
"Thank you, sir, and I'll let him know the status of the case."
“The others involved are, as you know, foul magics, and Grainger gave us some valuable information about their plans. For now, enjoy your mate, and meet with me tomorrow morning to discuss this further. Please bring Detective Dalhousie with you." The Master closed the call, leaving Dumas wondering about the morning's meeting, but he soon pushed that away when he saw his mate unbuttoning his shirt and removing his tie. Rowen felt the pull forcefully as Dumas did and was not going to wait.
Dumas slipped off his jacket and then removed his tie while walking towards his mate. They stood a few feet apart with their eyes locked on one another as they slowly disrobed. Rowen was sleek and slim with toned muscles and smooth alabaster skin, and he moved with style and form like a feline.
Dumas was significantly larger than Rowen both in height and weight but based on his expressions and obvious interest Rowen definitely found him attractive. Nothing was said all communication was silent. Rowen opened his belt and slowly unzipped his pants gradually revealing a pair of sage green briefs that matched his beautiful eyes. He kicked off his shoes and dropped his pants first and then the briefs.
The stance and the stare urged Dumas to do the same. Dumas was an old soul who had lived a long life born of darkness and fire and although he was civilized in most respects there were still parts of him that tended to the wild.
Unlike Rowen, he did not wear briefs or underwear of any kind, so he was treated to a wonderful look of shock and surprise when he dropped his pants. Hellhounds were large by nature. There was no such thing as a small hellhound; they did not exist. It was also well-known that hellhounds were large in every respect. Dumas would have been worried if it weren't for Rowen's slow smile and the lustful twinkle in his eyes. He liked what he saw.
They kicked their clothing to the side and took a slow step towards each other and then stopped. “Are you ready for this Rowen?” Dumas would only give him the one warning.
“I’m ready for whatever you got to give Dumas.” Rowen’s cockiness was pleasing. Dumas much preferred this to his previous self-deprecation. Dumas ran his eyes over him, taking in every gorgeous inch. Yes, this was his mate, and he was the whole package.
"I have a lot to give, sweetheart, and I've been saving it all for you." Dumas winked, and Rowen reacted immediately, jumping into Dumas' arms and wrapping his legs around his waist. Dumas held him secure and slammed his mouth against Rowen's in a kiss that was bruising and impassioned. Dumas ate away at his mate's soft and eager lips. The air was charged and snapping with the intensity of their union.
Dumas carried him over to the wall of the living room and pressed him there gaining support and a little leverage. Rowen was not a big man, and Dumas had no trouble handling him with ease. As the kiss went on Rowen’s fingers found their way into Dumas’ hair gripping and forcing them even closer into an embrace that was breathless and exhilarating.
The energy passing between them was considerable. Rowen tightened his legs and rubbed his now stiff cock against Dumas' abdomen, and the move sent a string of sharp sensations through Dumas' system.
He quickly found Rowen's tight opening and began to massage and press until his finger slipped inside. One thing he knew about cat shifters was that, like hellhounds, they were self-lubricating with stimulation, and at this moment, he really appreciated that quality. There was no need to slow down or search for lube. Their union was on track and moving fast. Rowen did not hold back, pushing for more and grinding while Dumas stretched and prepared him.
"I'm going to take you right here," Dumas stated.
"Take me," Rowen responded in a clipped and desperate tone.
Dumas removed his fingers, confident that Rowen was ready, and moved his hips so his hard, thick cock pressed against the opening, forcing and seeking entrance. Dumas used his fingers to help guide him to his goal. He went slow, with just the head popping inside, intending to take him gradually. Then, suddenly, Dumas went into overdrive at the sensation that shot through him in response to the tight, warm embrace of his forever lover. Going slow was no longer an option.
Dumas held Rowen tightly with his back pinned to the wall while he tried to take Rowen deeper and harder and faster.
"I need more." Rowen gasped and dug his nails into Dumas' shoulders. Dumas once again slammed his lips to Rowen's and, while doing so, thrust himself deep inside his mate. The reaction was beautiful and filled Dumas with profound satisfaction.
Rowen was panting into the kiss and grabbing at Dumas' shoulders and hair and thrusting against him, attempting to control the movements, but Dumas was in control. Rowen was fraught with need and an urgency for satisfaction. He was panting hard, and Dumas forced himself to pause and began a slow thrust that gradually picked up speed, matching the rhythm of Rowen's movements. The man was coming apart in his arms, and Dumas was eating it up.
He drove his cock deep, going to the base several times and then followed with a series of rapid shallow thrusts and then repeated over and over until he built a climax on the edge, and he was rushing toward it. At the moment of impact, he came with a roar and bit down on Rowen's shoulder, locking his jaw and marking his mate. It went on for several seconds, the pressure and the erotic ecstasy, and then he felt it the minute Rowen completely shattered and sprayed his hot seed between them.
Rowen sunk his small teeth into Dumas’ neck and held on for several seconds making sure to leave his mark as well. The link between them snapped into place instantly and instantly Dumas felt the heart of his little mate, the strength and the presence of his precious feline.
The stray was a powerhouse mentally and emotionally and a pure wonder spiritually. He was young at a mere twenty-seven, but his struggles had been many, and his life had been filled with abuse and betrayal. The cat had many secrets, but they now belonged to Dumas.
“You see me.” Rowen leaned back with his head against the wall and looked at Dumas.
“I see all of you and you are a wonder a pure and beautiful wonder.” Dumas’ voice was naturally deep but now it was exceptionally deep and gravely denoting the level of emotion rushing through him. He looked over at the mating scar on Rowen’s shoulder and he felt pride at marking such an amazing man. He also felt pride at being marked by this amazing man.
Rowen dropped his head to Dumas' shoulder, and Dumas carried him to the bedroom. He sat down on the edge of the bed, still holding Rowen in his arms. Rowen straddled his lap and once again laid his head on Dumas' shoulder. Dumas loved the closeness and the ease with which his mate held onto him.
"I see you too, Dumas," Rowen said, his voice soft and peaceful. "You are a marvel and one of the strongest people I have ever met, and that strength covers everything about you." He took a calming breath, and Dumas ran his hand up and down his back, steady and reassuring. "You were born into darkness, and you have lived for centuries, and now you are mine. This is going to work out just fine." Dumas smiled, appreciating the pride that was present in Rowen's tone of voice.
"They have Cal, and if he hasn't already told them everything, then they've probably dredged his mind. Whatever he knew, the vampires know."
“Cal needs to be eliminated.”
"They know the score, so he's definitely in protective custody somewhere."
“Or he may already be dead. The vampires are rarely gentle with magics.” The third man entered the room, and he exuded power he was the leader of this pack of dupes, and he held little respect for any of them. They were useful and convenient for now. The two discussing Cal stepped back and remained silent.
"This should never have happened. No one gave permission to kill the cop." His voice steadily rose with each word until he was screaming at the two men. "Instead of running, why didn't you kill Cal before they had the opportunity to scrub his mind?"
"The hellhound was attacking Cal. I thought he would kill him." One of the men said it in his defense, but it wasn't good enough. The leader snapped his fingers, and the man exploded, spreading his insides around the room and all over his companion.
“Do you have anything to contribute?” The leader asked the one remaining. He quickly shook his head afraid to speak but it did not save him. Like his friend he was spread across the room with a snap of the leader’s fingers.
"Useless incompetence everywhere." He yelled and left the room, ordering the guard to have it cleaned. It was his own fault relying on common magics for a job this important and this involved. They had four souls, and they needed one more to complete the invocation. It had been done before, but those blasted vampires had to interfere, and all his plans had been for nothing.
This time he would make sure there were no interferences, and the revenant would aspire to his full potential for destruction and power. The magics were done running from Hadden’s men it was time they took over and put the vampires on the run.
Dumas held Rowen in his arms throughout the night lying in the soft bed covered with plush blankets in the large dimly lit room and the setting was perfect. Sleep came intermittently as his mind was filled with visions of his mate. Rowen Dalhousie cat shifter extraordinaire. They’d enjoyed one another throughout the night eagerly learning each other’s bodies and desires.
Rowen was sometimes hesitant but always pushed through satisfying his wants with Dumas’ ample encouragement. His little mate was fast asleep and purring. It was such a sweet soothing sound and Dumas looked forward to hearing it from now until forever. He slid his fingers through Rowen’s hair feeling the silky softness and pushing it back from his face. That face a marvel of color and symmetry such a handsome man.
“Are you staring at me?” Rowen’s eyes were closed, and he laughed softly. The sound stirred Dumas to his soul. Bringing his mate peace and joy gave him a powerful sense of accomplishment.
“I’m staring with wonder and appreciation, sweetheart." He leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. “Loving you is the easiest thing I have ever done." Dumas rolled to his side and laid his arm over Rowen, who was curled up at his side.
"I want you to move in here, and I want you to let your friends and coworkers know that you're in a committed relationship. I won't do well with anyone getting too close or friendly with you. It wouldn't be good for a homicide detective to have to start hiding bodies." Rowen chuckled. "Hellhounds are very territorial." Dumas finished with a heated kiss to Rowen's swollen lips. "Tell me you'll move in immediately."
“I’ll move in most definitely my cat will not be separated from their mate for long. Strays, like hellhounds, are very territorial. Although it might take some time I have an apartment and belongings and a job to attend to, but I eagerly accept your offer.” Rowen skimmed his palm down Dumas’ side and along his hip raising goosebumps along the way.
"I will help you move. We can get it done in an afternoon." Dumas offered, not wanting to have to wait for his mate. "I have resources. You don't have to wait."
“I would appreciate the help.” He was pleased that Rowen didn’t fight him on this, which showed that he too was ready to get their lives moving forward. “What time is it?” He asked.
"Ten after six," Dumas responded. "Master Hadden asked for a meeting with us this morning to discuss the incident of last evening."
“He wants me there too?”
“Yes, they got a lot of useful information from Cal Grainger.”
“Did they probe his mind?”
"They did, and they removed memories and inserted others. Grainger will confess to the murders, closing your case. This will allow Master Hadden to find the magics responsible and deal with them.” Dumas wasn’t sure how Rowen would take the information. He pulled him a little closer on instinct as he waited.
“That will remove any necessity on my part to cover for Hadden and his men. That works for me.” Rowen was continually surprising Dumas. He was a practical and reasonable man. He didn’t look for trouble when solutions were presenting themselves. “I know I gave you a hard time about this case, but I would never have put any paranormal in jeopardy.”
"I know, we're mates now, so I understand you quite thoroughly." He smiled. "And with that said, I think we have just enough time for me to relieve that insistent pressure you've been experiencing." He reached between Rowen's legs and took hold of his hard cock. "I need to take care of this." He said, pushing back the blankets. Rowen rolled to his back, welcoming the relief.
“I need you to take the pressure off.” He said with a slight chuckle. “It’s in a bad state it will probably need a lot of work.”
"I can give you all that you need, baby, never doubt me." Dumas moved to settle himself between Rowen's legs and then took the hardened cock between his lips, sucking lightly on the tip and relishing the moans produced by Rowen. He began to thrust his hips, but Dumas held him still and took his throbbing cock one excruciating inch at a time.