Wait, does that mean this guy knows that I’m more than an animal, too?
But how?
Then the stranger told him, “My name’s Craeg, sweets.”With an eyebrow waggle, he stated, “Maybe I can convince ya to shift?That way I can learn your name, too?”His expression grew to one of concern as he added, “And ya can tell me if ya hurt anywhere.Ya were unconscious when I found ya, after all.”
Silas was so entranced by the pleasant-sounding cadence of Craeg’s voice that it took him a few seconds to realize what he was asking for.When he registered the fact that the man was answering his silent question, that he did indeed know that Silas could change into a human, and that he wanted him to do it right there in front of him, Silas squeaked in surprise.At the same time, he backed up a step as wariness and uncertainty filled him.
“Please, sweets?”Then perhaps Craeg noticed Silas’s reaction, for he crooned, “Hey, easy, pretty bat.”His expression creased with concern.“I promise you’re safe.I’d never let anythin’ happen to ya, my mate.”
Swiftly weighing the pros and cons, Silas decided to take a chance.He’d never met a person who could turn into an animal like he could.Perhaps he could get some answers about it.
Plus, Craeg really did smell wonderful, and he talked so nicely.If he was going to hurt him or yell at him, surely he would’ve done it while he was unconscious and defenseless.
Right?
With those hopeful thoughts in mind, Silas took a deep breath.He focused on his human form.It took a moment to recall fingers and toes, arms and legs, and a head that didn’t have pointed ears and fur.
Finally, Silas felt his transformation begin.He breathed through the painful experience as his muscles popped and tendons twisted.His bones felt as if they cracked and reformed, and maybe they were.
What do I know about it?
Finally, Silas felt the pain begin to ebb.He breathed slow and deep, helping to ease the pounding of the blood rushing through his ears.His nostrils filled with Craeg’s fantastically masculine smell, and he inhaled deeply.
That was when Silas realized a few things.
First off, Silas was half-sprawled over the other man, who, at some point during his change, had reclined onto his back and pulled him close.His face was now tucked against Craeg’s neck.The man was also rubbing his back and crooning words of encouragement, telling him to breathe and relax and everything would be all right.
Next, the way the guy smelled was heating him in a completely unfamiliar way.His stomach had butterflies bumping within, and his groin was tingling.Even his penis was beginning to plump.
Silas knew about attraction and arousal and sex.He hadn’t fled to the caves until after puberty.Except, he’d never experienced it quite like this, and he didn’t know how to process the sensations.
Finally, Silas was naked.That meant surely the big man holding him and soothing him could feel his...feel where he was pressed against his hip.
Oh, crapola.
Jerking away, Silas scurried backward.He pressed his back against the stone wall, drawing his knees up to his chest.Wrapping his arms around his legs, Silas crossed his ankles and did his best to hide as much of his exposed private areas as possible.
“Whoa,whoa, sweetheart.”Craeg leaned up on his elbows and gave him a concerned look.“It’s okay.You’re safe, remember?”Looking him over, he furrowed his brows in obvious confusion.“Are ya, uh, concerned about showin’ your arousal?”Craeg’s smile turned wry as he glanced at his own groin.“Ya doona have to be.I’m not.Not with you.”Waving at the huge erection he sported, and wasn’t even trying to hide, the big bearded man scoffed.“Shite, this is normal between mates.Ya have to know that.Nothin’ wrong with it.”
Silas was having a hard time tearing his gaze away from the massive flagpole jutting from Craeg’s groin.His breath caught in his throat as he watched the thick length twitch.The foreskin had pulled halfway off the crown, revealing a wide slit, and a bead of pre-cum gleamed there.
For some weird reason, Silas actually felt his mouth water...as if he wanted to taste that pearl.
Swallowing hard, Silas managed to jerk his gaze up to Craeg’s face.A smile curved the man’s bearded lips.His green eyes gleamed with what Silas figured was heat.
Although, what the heck do I know?
That was when Craeg held out his hand, palm up.“Come on, sweets,” he encouraged, wiggling his fingers.“Come on back to me.”His eyes gleamed as he continued to smile at him.“I really wanna hold ya while we talk about ourselves.”Clearing his throat, Craeg told him, “I’ve been waitin’ for my mate for over a hundred years.Although I didna expect to meet ya so young, I still wish to hold ya so damn bad.”
Meeting Craeg’s gaze, Silas admitted, “I don’t know what that means.”
Craeg’s fingers froze.His lips parted in obvious surprise.After a few seconds, he tipped his head to the side quizzically and asked, “Uh, w-which part?”
Considering Craeg didn’t appear upset—instead, he seemed to be just as confused as Silas felt—he admitted, “A-Any of it.”The big man blinked a few times as he slowly lowered his hand.He clearly seemed to be trying to decide what to say.Figuring it was his own turn to explain, Silas murmured, “I’ve never met anyone who can turn into an animal like I can before.”
“Y-Ya haven’t?”Craeg whispered, his shock evident.
Nibbling his bottom lip, Silas shook his head.
