by
In 1920, a werewolf attack changed Malachi Powers’s life forever. Now, a decade later, Malachi lives near Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, as a lone wolf, avoiding humans and other werewolves alike.
Two young men, Roger and Jonathan, arrive on the beach below Malachi’s cottage with a boat full of illegal hooch. Captivated by his unexpected visitors, Malachi wants them to stay. But bringing the men into his life would mean letting them in on his secret—and endangering his heart.
Once again, Malachi’s life is changing. Forever.
This book includes a scene in which the main character spies, without consent, on two people having sex. It also contains references to past sexual assault and underage male prostitution.
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M-M
Heat Level: 5
Romantic Content: 4
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 26-35
Protagonist 2 Age: 18-25
Protagonist 3 Age: 18-25
Tropes: Class Differences, First Time, Lone Wolf, Menage, Wide-Eyed Innocence
Word Count: 34000
Setting: Nova Scotia, Canada
Languages Available: English
“I’m starting to think I don’t like being alone,” Malachi answered as honestly as he could. “And I don’t like the thought of you and him returning to the streets after this. You might be able to make your way out west, but it would be a dangerous trip. I have money. You can ask for work with the fishermen in town, either Lunenburg or Mahone Bay, and live here with me meanwhile.”
He held his breath. He knew how he sounded: desperate and lonely. Roger was clearly neither accustomed nor willing to accept help from others, and given his protectiveness of Jonathan, he would likely be skeptical of Malachi’s reasons for the offer. But the words were out now, and he couldn’t take them back.
“Why?” Roger asked again. “You liked fucking us so much you want to keep doing it?”
READ MORE“It doesn’t have anything to do with that.” Though that added to the appeal of having the two humans around. He certainly wouldn’t mind a repeat of what they’d done on the beach. “Look, has no one ever offered to help you without wanting something from you?”
“Nope.” Roger folded his arms. “You’re helping us now, getting Jonathan away from the rumrunners. At least, you will be if you keep your word. I already wonder what you want for doing that.”
“I want to know that he’s safe,” Malachi said. “That both of you are. You saved Jonathan from being beaten, right? You did things I can’t even conceive of to support him so he wouldn’t resort to those means himself. Did you do that so he’d let you fuck him?”
“Of course not! I told you, I waited for him two years. I wanted him to do it because he wanted, not because he owed me.” Roger’s glared deepened. “I don’t know what you think of me, but I ain’t like them!”
Malachi didn’t need to ask whom Roger meant by “them.” The scorn that dripped from the man’s voice made it all too clear. “Nor am I,” he said calmly. “I apologized for yesterday, didn’t I? I wasn’t thinking clearly. I saw you and Jonathan together and I let my cock lead me instead of my reason.” He didn’t mention the alcohol, though that more than anything had been responsible for his actions. Roger wouldn’t have understood how he could have gotten drunk from a smell.
“And I told you I didn’t mind it. Truth be told, I liked having your cock in me while I fucked him. Done it before. That’s why I offered you to join in. I knew I’d like it.” He chuckled. “Knew you were watching and that you’d have a stiff prick from what you saw. I thought I might as well offer you some relief since I was part of the cause of it.”
“I shouldn’t have watched you to begin with.” Malachi sipped his water. “You and Jonathan deserved privacy, not a stranger viewing and taking part. As I said, I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
“You don’t owe me no apology.” Roger relaxed, but only slightly. “I fell for Jonathan. I ain’t ashamed to say so. That’s why I helped him and didn’t ask him for anything. What’s your reason?”
“Let’s call it friendship for now.” Malachi didn’t believe in “falling for” someone so quickly. Lust could certainly be instantaneous, and friendships could form rapidly especially when forged by a situation like their current one. To Malachi, love required more time.
He wasn’t falling for Jonathan or Roger, but he did care for them, despite how illogical it seemed. And he wanted them to remain with him.
“So you wouldn’t expect anything?” Roger abruptly knelt in front of Malachi and fumbled at the fastenings on his trousers. “You wouldn’t ask for this?”
“Stop.” Malachi grabbed the other man’s wrists. “No, I wouldn’t ask. If you offered, I doubt I’d say no, but I wouldn’t want you here just for an easy fuck. You don’t believe me, and after what you told me of your past, I can’t blame you a bit, but I am telling you the truth. I don’t want anything from you or Jonathan. I just want to know you’re safe. And I admit it would be nice not to be alone anymore.”
“You’re touched in the head.” Roger looked up at him, and Malachi saw in the man’s eyes how much he wanted to believe Malachi’s words. His sad life had taken away hope. Roger had learned too early that he had to trade himself for anything that was offered. Malachi’s heart nearly broke for what this young man had gone through.
“I’m not touched.” He stood and pulled Roger to his feet. Still holding the other man’s hands, he said, “Sometimes people just do things because they want to. I don’t want anything from you except friendship. Any more than that, it’s your choice to give or not. The same goes for Jonathan. If you stay, you and he can share a room if you like and have your love affair, and I’ll leave you be unless you invite me. I won’t touch either of you unless one or both of you ask. You have my word.”
Roger opened and closed his mouth a few times before tears began to trickle down his cheeks. He tried to speak again, but managed only a sob. Instinctively, Malachi pulled the younger man into an embrace, and Roger cried in earnest, shaking as he let out over a decade of pain.
COLLAPSE
