Chapter Five #2
Matthew leaned in, his lips brushing against Alan’s in a kiss so soft it hurt. It was a question, but also a promise, and Alan answered without hesitation, reaching up to grip Matthew’s shoulders. The kiss deepened, slow and searching, their breaths mingling as they explored each other.
Matthew’s hands slid down Alan’s back, pulling him closer until their bodies were flush. Alan could feel Matthew’s chest against his own now, and the strength in his arms as they wrapped around him. The kiss grew more urgent, and Alan yearned for more.
When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing heavily. Matthew’s eyes were dark, his pupils dilated as he stared down at Alan. “You feel the bond just like I do,” he said.
Alan nodded. He did feel it—the pull between them, the way their bodies seemed to fit together perfectly. It was more than just an attraction—he knew how that felt, and this was different. It was deeper, something he’d never thought he’d find.
Matthew’s hand cupped Alan’s cheek, his thumb brushing over his bottom lip. “Let me bond with you,” he repeated. “Let me be there with you when you face Victor.”
Alan hesitated, but only for a moment. He looked into Matthew’s eyes and saw everything he could ever want from a mate there, so he nodded again. “Yes.”
A slow smile spread across Matthew’s face, and he leaned in, capturing Alan’s lips in another kiss.
This one felt more intense, which Alan hadn’t thought possible.
Matthew’s hands stroked over Alan’s body as if committing it to memory.
Hopefully, Matthew would have plenty of other opportunities to touch Alan this way.
When Matthew’s lips trailed down to Alan’s neck, Alan gasped and tilted his head back to give his mate better access.
Matthew nipped gently at the sensitive skin there, his teeth grazing but not breaking the surface.
The sensation sent a jolt of pleasure through Alan, and he moaned softly, his fingers tightening in Matthew’s hair.
“You taste incredible,” Matthew murmured against Alan’s skin. He kissed his way back up to Alan’s lips, their mouths crashing together.
Alan’s hands fumbled with Matthew’s t-shirt, desperate to feel more of him. When he finally managed to pull it off, Alan couldn’t help but run his hands over Matthew’s chest, marveling at the strength under his fingertips.
Matthew groaned, his hips pressing forward. The friction between them was electric, and Alan could feel the evidence of Matthew’s arousal pressing against his thigh. The thought sent a thrill through him, and he rocked his hips forward, seeking more pressure.
Alan’s hands moved almost of their own accord, skimming over the hard lines of Matthew’s back, tracing the muscles that flexed under his fingertips. He really is perfect, Alan thought. The warmth of Matthew’s skin seeped into his palms, grounding him.
Matthew’s eyes darkened. “You’re killing me,” he murmured.
His hands found Alan’s hips, fingers digging in just enough to make Alan gasp. The pressure was firm and possessive, and it sent a jolt of heat straight to Alan’s core.
He was Matthew’s mate. In a way, he belonged to Matthew, and Matthew belonged to him.
Alan slid his hands lower, exploring the muscles of Matthew’s lower back, feeling the way they tensed under his touch.
He leaned in, pressing a kiss to the hollow of Matthew’s throat, savoring the way he could feel Matthew’s pulse jump beneath his lips.
Matthew groaned, and his hips pressed forward in a sensation that made Alan’s head spin.
“Matthew,” Alan whispered, his voice trembling. He rocked his hips forward, craving more pressure. Their bodies moved together, a slow, deliberate rhythm that left Alan breathless.
Matthew’s lips found Alan’s again. His tongue swept into Alan’s mouth, claiming him and leaving no doubt about who was in control.
Alan moaned, and the bond between them hummed, surprising him.
He hadn’t expected to be able to feel it so strongly before they’d even bonded, but it was there, singing between them.
He couldn’t imagine what it would feel like once they were bonded.
Alan’s hands drifted lower, gripping the waistband of Matthew’s underwear—the only article of clothing he was wearing.
Alan only hesitated for a moment before pushing the fabric down.
Matthew’s breath hitched, his hips slightly thrusting forward as Alan’s fingers brushed against the sensitive skin of his thighs.
“Alan,” Matthew groaned. His hands tightened on Alan’s hips, pulling him even closer. “You’re driving me crazy.”
Alan smirked, a flicker of confidence sparking in his chest. “Good,” he murmured, his lips brushing against Matthew’s as he spoke. He slid his hand around Matthew’s waist to trace a finger up Matthew’s cock. Matthew moaned, his head falling back as he pushed into Alan’s touch.
The sound sent a thrill through Alan, and his body responded to Matthew’s need. He slid his free hand up Matthew’s chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath his palm. “I want to feel you,” Alan whispered. “All of you.”
Matthew’s eyes snapped open. “Yes,” he whispered.
Then Matthew’s hands were everywhere, exploring every inch of Alan’s exposed skin as they both finished undressing.
His touch was firm yet gentle, sending shivers down Alan’s spine.
His lips trailed down Alan’s neck, nipping lightly at the skin there before soothing it with his tongue.
Alan gasped, his fingers tightening in Matthew’s hair as he arched into the touch.
He kept expecting Matthew to bite him, and he was disappointed that he hadn’t yet.
“Matthew,” Alan breathed out. “I need—”
“I know,” Matthew interrupted. He pulled back just enough to meet Alan’s gaze, his eyes blazing with intensity. “I’ve got you.”
Their lips crashed together again. Alan’s hands roamed over Matthew’s body, but he needed more.
So much more.
“Matthew,” Alan whispered, his voice trembling with need. His hands gripped Matthew’s shoulders, holding on as if he might float away if he let go. He felt like he would. “Please.”
Their bodies were aligned perfectly. Alan gasped at the sensation and tangled their legs together.
“You’re so beautiful,” Matthew murmured against Alan’s lips. “I can’t get enough of you.”
Alan’s heart swelled at the words. He’d never known he needed this, but sometimes when he was with Matthew, he felt like a completely different person. He didn’t dislike that. In fact, he liked the person he was when he was with Matthew.
“Matthew,” Alan whispered. He cupped Matthew’s cheeks and looked him in the eyes. “I need you.”
Matthew’s gaze softened, and he pressed a gentle kiss to Alan’s lips. “You have me. Always.”
Alan melted into Matthew’s touch, his body relaxing in a way he hadn’t allowed himself to since that night in the office. Here in Matthew’s arms, he was safe.
Matthew traced the curve of Alan’s spine with a touch that Alan was pretty sure was electric. He trusted Matthew not to hurt him, and the sensation was thrilling. It made Alan’s skin prickle and his breath falter.
“Is this okay? My—my ability?” Matthew murmured. “I can try to stop it, but I promise I won’t hurt you.”
“It’s perfect,” Alan promised.
Matthew’s lips curved into a slow smile. His hand moved to the nape of Alan’s neck, fingers tangling in the short strands of hair there. “Do you trust me?”
Alan didn’t hesitate. “Yes.” He almost couldn’t believe it, but he did.
The word was barely out of his mouth before Matthew’s lips were on his again. The humming of their bond was a steady thrum that seemed to vibrate through every fiber of Alan’s body. It was as if Matthew’s very essence was seeping into him, filling the spaces he hadn’t even realized were empty.
Alan’s breath hitched—not from fear, but from the intensity of the moment. He’d read about people bonding many times, but he couldn’t have imagined it would be like this. The words hadn’t done it justice.
It felt right, like this was where he was always meant to be. Maybe it was too soon to fall in love and to bond, but Alan was starting to realize that maybe falling in love didn’t have a schedule. Maybe love never came too soon.
“Make me yours,” Alan whispered. He wouldn’t change his mind. He knew what he wanted—Matthew, and for their bond to be complete.
Matthew’s eyes flashed with something Alan didn’t recognize. He leaned in, his lips brushing against Alan’s neck. “This might hurt,” he warned. “But I’ll make it good for you. I promise.”
Alan nodded. He could feel the tension in Matthew’s body and the way he was holding himself back, and it made him want more. “I trust you,” he repeated, his voice steady even though he felt like he was about to explode.
Matthew’s lips pressed against Alan’s neck again, this time lingering for longer than a kiss.
Then, without warning, Alan felt the sharp sting of teeth breaking skin.
He gasped, his fingers digging into Matthew’s shoulders as pain and pleasure became one in a way he’d never experienced.
The bond between them surged, leaving Alan reeling.
It wasn’t complete yet, but he was sure that he could feel Matthew’s hunger, his need, but also his affection.
It was too much, but also not enough. Alan needed their bond to be complete.
When Matthew pulled back, his lips were stained with blood.
He didn’t say anything—he didn’t need to.
Instead, he tilted his head to the side, exposing his own neck.
He reached up, and Alan’s eyes widened when he saw his shifted finger.
The claw was out of place, but it didn’t stay there for long, just long enough for Matthew to cut into his neck.
Blood beaded around it. Alan couldn’t look away, but he also couldn’t move. This was it. After he did this, he and Matthew would be bonded forever.
“Your turn,” Matthew said.