Yuri’s chest heaved from the exertion. His smile didn’t dim even after Brownie made it clear he was ready to rip into that tight asshole of his. “What did we decide was your prize again? I don’t remember.”
If Brownie wasn’t in full alpha mode, he wouldn’t have answered. He was too far gone to think about who was beneath him. “A kiss.”
The happiness swimming in Yuri’s eyes didn’t dim. “I don’t remember agreeing to that, but okay.”
Reality struck, hitting him like a truck. It was Yuri. Yuri was beneath him, hard, and agreeing to let Brownie kiss him. He didn’t know what to do. Hellhounds didn’t kiss. He didn’t even know why he had suggested it. He had never wanted a kiss before. Brownie knew it had been his idea, but hellhounds weren’t gentle. They came together violently. It wasn’t like they could trust each other not to rip out the other’s throat. Brownie just thought about Yuri’s lips more than he understood. He was frozen.
Brownie didn’t have to decide how to proceed. Yuri lifted his head and gave Brownie the kiss he had won. Brownie jerked back. He didn’t know if he liked the way that felt—like he could lose himself. Then he watched Yuri turn skittish. He felt the way he withdrew. His chest hurt. He didn’t think. Brownie just lowered his head and touched his mouth to Yuri’s. He had no idea what he was doing.
Yuri’s tongue slid across his bottom lip before his teeth lightly sank into it. He tugged. Brownie was transfixed by every sensation. Butterflies fluttered in his gut. His skin tingled. Brownie’s brain itched. His lips automatically parted. Yuri’s tongue slipped inside his mouth and curled around Brownie’s tongue. A soft moan escaped him without his permission. He already pictured Yuri doing that to his dick. The idea equally pissed him off because his Yuri kneeled for no one. Damn. He really hadn’t realized how sexy and vulnerable he would feel with Yuri’s tongue in his mouth.
“That does look yummy. Care to share?”
Brownie was full hellhound again in an instant, keeping Yuri protected beneath his enormous, solid body. “He’s mine.” He kept his gaze leveled on the red-eyed demon that stood, ready to pounce. It was a lust demon. One touch to Yuri’s skin and he would be addicted.
“What’s the fun in that? Two is always better than one.”
Turn wolf and run. Don’t look back. Go home. No detours.
Proving he was a smart wolf, Yuri immediately did as told. Brownie only shifted his weight enough for Yuri to run free. Otherwise, he stayed planted and ready for anything.
The demon's eyes followed Yuri. “Awww. It’s a sweet puppy.” His gaze moved back to Brownie. An evil-looking smile stretched his lips. “I have his scent now. I can wait.”
Fuck, Yuri definitely wouldn’t be allowed to leave the castle unguarded again now. Brownie knew he could declare Yuri’s position to Lucifer’s mate. That would only protect Yuri for now. It would do more damage in the future when word spread. No one knew Lucifer’s business. He couldn’t reveal any weak spots.
“Move along. You’re on Lucifer’s land.”
“Everything is Lucifer’s land, but I know you’re doing your job.”
Yuri says there’s a problem. Show me what you see.
Brownie could handle one stray demon, but Lucifer was his master. He obeyed.
Oh. It’s Jetaime. He’s harmless.
It was obvious Jetaime saw Lucifer in his eyes. He took a step back. “The scent of lust called to me. Hunger won. Have a good night, beast.” Jetaime wandered away.
Brownie watched until he no longer had any scent of the guy. Only then did he head back home. He walked slower than necessary. His head was all over the place. Like a coward, he slipped inside through the dungeons and made his way through back channels to get to his bedroom. Brownie couldn’t see Yuri again tonight. That kiss had him fucked up.
Chapter Two
Yurispenthourspacinghis bedroom floor. He kept the door open so he could see Brownie’s door. Yuri didn’t want to miss him. Worry ate him alive. He was too young to always feel this sick, but life never took it easy on him. He walked until his paws ached and he passed out in the middle of the floor. Yuri woke tucked perfectly in his bed and no memory of how he had gotten there, but Brownie’s scent lingered in the room.
He rolled and stared at the wall. The way Brownie had looked at him when Yuri kissed him wouldn’t leave his head. The poor guy had been horrified, but then he had come back for more. How far would things have gone if they hadn’t been interrupted? He had a bad feeling he would never find out. Yuri swore he felt Brownie missing from him. He rubbed his chest. Sometimes, when he focused really hard, he swore he felt Brownie in his head. It was comforting, knowing Brownie could feel what he did. Brownie was an alpha. Of course he could read Yuri. Yuri had alpha blood too. Maybe he just needed to hone it a little better. It was equallypossible he needed to stop depending so much on Brownie. In his heart, he knew they would never happen. He just wasn’t enough or something. It had been that way his entire life. He had to get out of here. Being this close to what he could never have all the time was breaking him.
Yuri climbed from the bed and headed for the bathroom. He went through his entire morning routine while avoiding his reflection. Apparently, there was nothing to see. A deep self-hatred had settled into his soul. He had to escape. He dressed in his new outfit, hoping anything at all would help his mental health. Nothing worked. He headed for the sitting room while praying he didn’t run across anyone along the way. Riku was on the couch, reading. He barely glanced up as Yuri strolled through the room.
“I’m going to visit Frost.”
Riku flashed him a smile. “Okay. Is Brownie not going with you?”
Yuri ground his back teeth for a second before responding. “Haven’t seen him, but I survived all on my own before I met any of you. I’ll be fine.”
Riku held his stare. His expression stayed blank. “Do you want to talk about it?”
He couldn’t. Everything felt wrong. He had to be free. “No.”
Riku stood. “Come on. I’ll give you a leg up.”
