DULCE: M/M Short Story in the *Midnight Seduction~ManLove Anthology*

 

Wolf shifter, Griffin Royale, is back in his hometown of River’s Junction, Colorado, for his mother’s annual Halloween masquerade party. It’s his first time back since he left three years ago, but the instant Griff steps foot in his brother’s club, he senses his mate.

Bartender, Dulce O’Brien, is a shifter as well, but he instantly rebuffs Griffin’s advances, denying their connection. Denying his sexuality. Now Griffin has to find a way to claim his mate despite the many obstacles standing in their way.

 

Evernight Pub | Amazon | Bookstrand | All Romance

 

Scary music—or what my mother perceived to be scary music—flowed over the din of voices and the clinking of glasses. All over our house costumed people milled about, laughing, talking. Some danced, some stood around, all with their faces covered. The ever-popular Scream masks made an appearance, as did many others from other horror movies. They blended effortlessly with those from Phantom, and the cheap dollar store horned demons, complete with pitchforks.

I sank deeper into the shadows of the room, sipping on a Stoli behind the zombie mask my secretary picked up last minute. I didn’t dress up, preferring to wear jeans and my black motorcycle jacket over a black T-shirt.

My mom wasn’t happy. She’d chosen to dress as Joan Crawford, wire hanger and all. My dad dressed as a cowboy. For the life of me, I had no idea what Gavin was under the red and white half mask and white flowing gown. Idiot.

Dulce hadn’t made an appearance yet. If he ever would. My fingers tightened around the glass I held. If he didn’t show I’d have to take that as his decision about us. I tried not to think about that. Tried not to think about what I’d do.

I watched the couples dancing on the dance floor, wrapped in each other’s arms, and I wanted that. I wanted it with Dulce. I wanted the opportunity to wrap my arms around him and sway, surrounded by a room full of people, everyone witness to our love.

Wait, love? I coughed. When had love entered the picture with Dulce?

Honeysuckle floated to me on a heavy cloud. My head snapped up, heart thumping. Through the thick crowd of people I spotted him. He stood on the threshold to the house, staring straight ahead. A half mask covered his eyes and nose, leaving those delectable lips uncovered.

I licked mine.

He wore jeans and a sweater, no costume, and he looked so fucking good. God help me, but I needed that man. My cock hardened under the rough material of my jeans. I shifted and let out a low moan. Going commando at a time like this. Fuck.

Dulce moved, pushing through the crowd with purposeful intent. The glass in my hand slipped, dropping to the carpeted floor. I barely noticed. My mate was here, he’d come to me and the implications of that wasn’t lost on me.

My skin tightened, my clothes hurting my suddenly sensitive skin. Dunno what the fuck was happening, but damn I needed to get Dulce alone.

Now.

He reached my side, finally, and just stood, those blue eyes intense. Piercing even in the dim light.

“You came.” Stupidest words that fell from my lips. His mouth curved up slightly, but tension rode his shoulders. I moved toward him and his eyes flickered.

I halted. “Follow me.” I hurried from the room without looking back. Dulce remained close on my heels as I took the backstairs two at a time up to my bedroom. I didn’t allow myself to think beyond this moment. Anticipation and lust burned through me at record speed. I knew whatever I felt, he felt, and that was the most arousing of all.

I quickly opened my door after making sure the hallway was empty. Not that I was ashamed, never that, but Dulce wasn’t ready. He stepped in after me, stripping off his mask, and I kicked the door closed, tearing off mine.

I opened my mouth, but he was on me, kissing hard, needy, his body weight pushing me back into the door. I went with his domination, sensing instinctively he needed to be in charge. I could give him that. I’d always give him what he needed.

 

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