Chapter 2 #5
“Huh. Even after all this time? Interesting,” Scott mused.
“I was checking some of the exploration sites for abandoned places, and there was chatter about people disappearing near that mine over the years. Those folks seemed to think it was due to Mafia connections instead of creatures. No idea whether it’s true, and a place like that would be dangerous enough that going inside would be crazy, but it caught my attention. ”
“We’ll be high overhead, out of reach of ghosts, monsters, and mobsters,” Justin assured him.
“I couldn’t use the Mob connection or monsters in my article, but the chat room conversation made me look into the company buying the old mine,” Scott said.
“It’s got a shady history with mining code violations and tax problems. There’s speculation that the company might also have Mafia connections, and gossip that the current CEO has a ‘fixation’ on the supernatural. ”
Justin’s Spidey-sense tingled. “If that’s true, please don’t poke the bear. Those people play for keeps.”
“Don’t worry,” Scott said. “I’m not getting paid enough to risk it. But curiosity is the plague of journalists. Even without the article, it’s hard not to keep chasing a good story.”
They were both quiet as he landed, and Justin broke the silence. “Do you like barbecue? ’Cause there’s a great little out-of-the-way place that does it up right.”
“That sounds amazing,” Scott replied.
Justin checked the time. “They’re open now, let’s go.”
“The food smells fantastic.” Scott swooned as they pulled up at the BBQ Shack.
“Good food is what gives us hope through the long winter,” Justin joked. “It’s a reason to survive the cold from one meal to another.”
They paused to read the menu and give their order. “You said Liam booked you for interviews with a bunch of people,” Justin said as they waited. “Tell me, and I might know them too.”
“I lucked out,” Scott said. “Some of the people used to work at the amusement parks or ski areas back in the day. Others vacationed there. Some of them also had connections to the mine. That kind of first-hand information is absolute gold. I think I can sell my editor on a series of articles and podcasts, which would be great.”
He pulled out his phone and read off the names from his notes.
“I don’t know any of those folks well, but I think they’ll give you good information,” Justin said.
“I’m looking forward to hearing their stories,” Scott replied, clearly excited about the interviews.
Justin appreciated Scott’s enthusiasm. “It’s great to see someone who loves what they do. I’m glad you’ve found that and made it work for you.”
Scott sighed and nodded. “Thanks. It took some doing, but things have finally come together. And I’m not stuck in one place or expected to spout the corporate line.”
After they ate, Scott and Justin found seats around one of several fire pits with no one else around. “Thank you for another nice evening,” Scott said, looking at the dancing flames.
Justin admired how the firelight played on Scott’s blond hair and gave his face a golden glow.
“Thank you for the good company. Look, I’m really enjoying spending time with you.
” He reached over to take Scott’s hand and felt the zing once more.
Justin could see in Scott’s face that the other man had registered the reaction.
Scott turned to meet his eyes. “And I feel very comfortable with you. We connect. But I’m not good at vacation flings. If we start something, it needs to have a chance of continuing even with the distance.”
“That works for me.” Justin was relieved they were getting the topic out in the open. “I’m not a fling person, either. Albany’s not that far away. If it’s meant to be, we’ll find a way to make it work.”
Justin took a deep breath and took the plunge. “When our hands touch, I feel a ‘zing.’ Either we’ve got crazy static electricity, or—”
“I think we’re fated mates.” Scott jumped in to ease Justin’s nervousness. “I wondered who was going to bring it up first.”
“You noticed too?”
Scott rolled his eyes. “Yes, and my coyote has been adamant that we were mates from the very first time I caught your scent.”
“Are you okay with that?” Justin held his breath, waiting for the answer.
“Yes.” Scott nodded. “Are you?”
“I’m not a shifter.” Justin put his fear out front despite Liam’s reassurances. “I didn’t know shifters could be fated mates with non-shifters.”
“I’ve heard about it,” Scott replied. “And you’ve got some psychic stuff going, so you’re not a ‘regular’ non-shifter. However it works, I’m glad.”
“I am too,” Justin admitted. “I just didn’t want you to feel pressured.”
“I don’t,” Scott said. “The bond is more like an endorsement, but it’s up to us to explore it and make it our own.”
Justin sighed in relief. “Wow. Good. I was a little nervous about bringing that up.”
“Thank you, I’m glad we got it out in the open. I like it better than dancing around a topic and guessing wrong.” Scott squeezed Justin’s hand before releasing his hold.
“That’s more my speed too,” Justin confirmed. “If you wonder about something, just ask.”
Maybe Scott really will be the one. So far, so good. Now I just have to not mess things up.
When they got back to the hotel, Scott paused after Justin parked the car. “Would you like to come up for a glass of wine?”
Justin smiled. “That sounds perfect.”
They walked together to the elevator, and Justin wondered if Scott felt the same frisson of sexual tension. Their shoulders bumped on the ride up, and as Justin followed Scott to his room, he enjoyed the view of Scott’s very nice ass.
“The room isn’t huge, but it has a lot of character.” Scott stepped aside to let Justin enter.
“I’ve eaten in the dining room plenty of times, but I never had a reason to be in a guest room.” Justin looked around at the retro-resort-chic furnishings that looked comfortable.
“It’s got good pillows, and the shower is hot, so I’m happy.” Scott gestured toward the two chairs next to a small table. He turned the TV to a music channel, then fetched a bottle of wine from the top of the dresser and two glasses, pouring both generously.
“Thanks.” Justin accepted the red wine with a nod. He glanced at the bottle. “Good pick—local winery, gets great reviews. Reasonably priced considering the flavor is great.”
“Wine connoisseur?” Scott settled into the chair across from Justin. Their knees touched, and neither man moved away.
“Hardly.” Justin chuckled. “I just know what I like.”
They chatted about recent shows and favorite bands. Scott refilled their glasses. “To new possibilities.” Scott lifted his glass, and Justin clinked theirs together.
“And new beginnings.” Justin hoped his internal read proved right, that Scott very well might be his forever person.
Scott got up to grab the bottle for another refill, and Justin rose to stand behind him. He made sure he wasn’t crowding Scott, but edged close enough that their bodies pressed together, back to front.
Justin nosed Scott’s hair, liking the mix of shampoo and aftershave. He wondered what Scott’s more sensitive coyote senses picked up from his scent.
If he’s reading arousal, he’s spot on.
Scott turned toward him, leaving the glasses filled on the dresser. “Is this you, or the wine?”
Justin leaned in to press a light kiss to Scott’s lips. “All me. Although the wine is a nice addition.”
“Good. Because this is all me.” Scott returned the kiss with fervor. Justin’s hands came up to cup Scott’s shoulders, and Scott shifted so that Justin could feel his bulge.
Justin let his tongue slip along the seam of Scott’s lips, and Scott opened to him with a quiet moan. Maybe it’s been a while for both of us, Justin thought.
Justin was painfully hard, and from the bulge pressed into him, he thought Scott was as well.
“What do you want?” Scott asked, breathless.
“Can I blow you?” Justin asked.
“God, yes,” Scott said. “And I’ll be glad to return the favor.”
“Let’s see if I last that long.” Justin sank to his knees. Not every touch felt like a spark, thank heavens, but everything about their connection felt like more.
If that’s part of being fated mates, I’m totally on board.
Justin took his time, savoring instead of teasing. From the happy noises Scott made when Justin stroked him through his jeans, he figured neither of them would set an endurance record.
Scott gently tangled his fingers in Justin’s hair, not steering him but caressing. Justin worked Scott’s zipper down and nuzzled his hard package through soft briefs, taking in Scott’s scent.
“Not going to last,” Scott warned.
Justin glanced up, and Scott had let his head fall back, lost in sensation.
Justin worked Scott’s jeans and briefs down just far enough to give him access, and he admired Scott’s uncut length and reddish blond curls.
He gave an appreciative lick from balls to tip before swallowing down several inches of cock.
“Oh. My. God. That’s…so…good,” Scott groaned.
Justin braced one hand behind Scott’s left knee and brought up his other to touch everything he wasn’t sucking.
“Now—” Scott warned and tried to pull back, but Justin kept him in place, swallowing down his load like a champ. He felt himself come, filling his own briefs.
Justin made a couple more deep strokes and then pulled off, carefully licking Scott’s spent cock clean. “Good?” He suddenly felt unsure.
Scott took his hand and raised him to his feet, kissing him deep to taste their mingled flavor. “Very, very good. Now how about you?”
“Too late.” Justin hoped Scott didn’t take that as a lack of stamina. “It’s been a while.” Though it’s likely another sign that we’re mates.
“Then we’ll just have to do it again, and I’ll go first,” Scott murmured in between kisses. Then he dipped his head and licked Justin’s neck, right where a mating bite would go.