They sat silently for a while, just holding one another and feeling the power of their bond. It was peaceful, extraordinary, and exciting; it was so many things rolled into one. "Will you come home with me, Kyle? I want to show you the Pack lands and introduce you to my brother and let you see what Fate has designed for us."
"I should be calling a psychiatrist and booking an appointment, but somewhere in my head and in my heart, I trust you, and I know you," Kyle said honestly, and Lev pulled him across his lap and kissed him as if his life depended on it. Kyle opened easily for him, and Lev slipped inside and marveled once again at the exquisite taste.
CHAPTER FIVE
Kyle was going with his gut on this, or rather, his heart, because that was where Lev Wilder resided. He had become a part of him, a lover and a friend in the span of a day, and it felt like the most natural thing ever.
Kyle was a planner and a take-it-slow kind of guy until he came face to face with Alpha Lev Wilder. One look, one touch, and the best sex ever had sealed his fate, so to speak, and he was not upset about it.
A joyful, giddy feeling filled him, and he was overcome with a sense of belonging and love. He could see it growing between them, and it was good. It was the craziest thing Kyle had ever done, and it was wonderful.
Ethan had called him dull and lifeless, complaining that he was holding him back with his lack of spontaneity and creativity. It was all words to make him feel better about his betrayal, and until Lev entered his life, Kyle had believed it to a certain extent.
Now he understood that his lack of shine had nothing to do with him and everything to do with the man standing next to him. Lev made him smile and had brought him to life withhis care and attention, and it was all natural, nothing faked or forced. His true connection to Lev was amazing and fulfilled in a way that Ethan never could.
He was ashamed to admit that he stayed long after the relationship had soured simply because he was afraid to leave. He was afraid to be alone and thought a troubled relationship was better than no relationship at all.
He suffered when Ethan dumped him, but it was actually the nicest thing he’d ever done for him. Kyle was then forced to face his fears and to stand on his own, and he discovered he liked it. He hadn’t noticed the slow drain of his self-worth and confidence after years of personal put-downs, complaints, and abuse. With Ethan gone, he found himself again. Ethan had done nothing but take from him emotionally, financially, and spiritually.
He looked over at Lev standing beside him, and what he felt was so different from anything he had felt with Ethan. This relationship, although strange in many ways, was shaping up to be the greatest of his life. Once you got past the supernatural and the wolf shifting, it was pretty standard.
He smiled at the absurdity of his thoughts, and Lev took his hand, pulling him close as they left the apartment. Kyle was going to see the Pack lands, which sounded like a compound or forest gated community.
He didn't know what to expect since Lev simply referred to it as a community. It was secret and guarded, hidden under the title of Wilder and Associates, a registered business entity with an address in the capital city.
The residents of the Wilder pack did not frequent Kyle's hometown even though it was only about thirty miles away. They did not want to become familiar with anyone there.
The town was too small, and questions were sure to arise, so they did all their business in a town ten times its size, and about a two-hour drive. It made sense; it's easier to hide in a crowd, and no one was going to follow them back to the forest.
They stepped out into the hall and were heading to the stairway when the elevator opened, and Ethan stepped out. Kyle just stood there staring at him for a moment, confused by his sudden presence. Lev stepped closer to Kyle and squeezed his hand, apparently picking up on the tension.
"Kyle," Ethan said, all casual and friendly. Kyle noticed he looked at Lev and then at their joined hands, and then back at Kyle. "Can we talk?" Kyle had mentioned Ethan to Lev, but did not go into detail, just explained they'd broken up when Ethan had cheated.
"I'm just leaving," Kyle explained. "Maybe another time." Kyle took a step, and Ethan tried to block him. Lev immediately moved in front of Kyle and gripped Ethan with an icy stare.
"He said another time," Lev stated deep and clear. Ethan looked up at him but did not immediately step back. Ethan reached out to grab Kyle, but Lev placed the palm of his hand on Ethan's chest and pushed him back. Kyle could sense that Lev was restrained, but it was tenuous and might not last if Ethan refused to back off.
"I don't have time right now, Ethan. Besides, we have nothing to talk about." Kyle wanted him to go away, but he was not taking no for an answer.
"Just five minutes." He pleaded, and Kyle could tell he was growing angry.
“No.”
"Five minutes, I'm only asking for five fucking minutes, you owe me that . . ." His rant was cut short when he tried to grab the front of Kyle's shirt, and Lev intervened. Lev seized him by the wrist before he got hold of Kyle and twisted his arm, moving Ethan back a step at a time.
"He said no," Lev stated, and for the first time ever, Kyle saw a flash of fear in Ethan's eyes.
"Go home, I'm not interested in giving you one minute, let alone five. Go home and don't bother me again." Kyle felt a rush of confidence, much of it due to Lev standing by his side. Lev pushed Ethan away, releasing him as he did so. "Go home," Kyle repeated.
Ethan stood there for a moment and then turned and got back on the elevator. After the door closed, Kyle took a deep breath and looked up at Leve. "Sorry about that. He must have gotten bored with his new boyfriend."
"Does he scare you?" Lev looked concerned in a let-me-kill-him sort of way. "I can deal with this for you if you'd like." Kyle started shaking his head. He wasn't sure what 'deal with' meant, but he had a pretty good idea.
"He'll go away, he doesn't fight for anything, he'll find someone else to bother, he always does. He used to scare me sometimes, but not anymore. I outgrew him months ago."
"Good, he's not worth your time or your energy." Lev tilted Kyle's face up to his and kissed him softly, slowly, and it felt like the man was marking his claim. Kyle returned the kiss, letting him know that he was the only man in his life.
****
