He knew Ahm was wounded, but his body didn’t seem to notice a damn thing except the man’s gorgeous looks and exhilarating scent. His bear wanted to bathe in that scent and leave his own on Ahm.
“Are you all right?” Ahm asked, his brows furrowed.
If wanting the man despite his injuries was all right, then Bryce was doing mighty fine. No, that wasn’t right. Bryce’s cock was starting to think for him. “Honestly, I can’t stop thinking about fucking your brains out.”
Ahm gaped at him as a blush stole over his cheeks. Bryce was floored that the strong leader of the Shadow elves even knew how to become embarrassed. It seemed so out of character for him. It also made the man seem reachable.
Bryce brushed the hair away from Ahm’s shoulder and then lowered his head, taking possession of Ahm’s lips. He tasted just as wild and masculine as the first time they kissed. Bryce was careful of his mate’s injury as he leaned closer, placing his hand on the other side of Ahm’s hip. There was an explosion of heat from Ahm’s mouth to his, and Bryce nearly lost his mind.
His tongue traced the soft fullness of Ahm’s lips, feeling the long-denied hunger begin to build inside of him. Bryce forced Ahm’s lips to part, thrusting his tongue inside the moist cavern, devouring the taste of his mate. The kiss sent the pit of Bryce’s stomach into a wild swirl, making him move closer as he wound his hand in Ahm’s long hair.
Finally—because neither Bryce nor Ahm could live without air—they parted. But his mate didn’t pull away. Instead, Bryce felt warm, moist lips ghosting along the curve of his neck. They brushed the line of his jaw, sending arousing waves of need through Bryce.
“If you don’t stop, I won’t be held responsible for what I do to you,” Bryce said, but didn’t move. He desperately wanted to give himself freely to the passion of Ahm’s tender lips, but knew the man was injured. As badly as he wanted the guy, Bryce forced himself to back away.
“And what do you think you would do to me?” Ahm asked, a twinkle of challenge in his blue eyes.
“Let you heal.” Bryce stood, heading toward the bedroom door. The only thing his bear wanted to do was go back to their mate, but Bryce knew Ahm had suffered a near-fatal injury. He wasn’t going to let his libido hurt the man.
“Running?” The question was filled with a tone Bryce couldn’t mistake for anything but lust. He swallowed hard.
“No, stopping both of us from having to call the doctor back here once I put a damn crook in your back.”
Ahm’s nostrils flared as Bryce gave a low laugh and left the room. He closed the door and then leaned against the wall, fighting not to go back in there and show the man exactly how fucking horny he truly was.
The guy had no idea just what he was doing to Bryce. Or did he? Either way, Bryce pushed from the wall and went downstairs. Distance was what they both needed.
And lots of air.
“How’s he doing?” Pa asked as Bryce entered the kitchen.
“Much better.” And driving Bryce to the brink of insanity.
“Good. I called Maverick and told him about the attacks. He’s sending some men over here to help keep an eye on things until Ahm is healed.” His pa grabbed the mug from the counter and took a seat at the table. “We also need to get our work finished. The fences need mending and cattle need to be turned loose. I have Riley separating the mature ones that need to be driven to the market.” His pa leaned back in his chair. “I hired extra help this year. We need all the hands we can get for the cattle drive.”
Bryce grabbed a glass from the cupboard and poured himself some juice. “Who do you have coming?”
“Maverick gave a few recommendations. There are some townsfolk who could use the work.”
“I’ll see who I can hire to help with planting the crops. Since Chauncey can’t drive the tractor anymore, I’ll need someone to work the field.” Bryce took a sip of his juice. He was talking ranch business with his pa, but his mind was on Ahm. His bear was trying to convince him to go back upstairs and claim the man.
He may be giving Ahm another chance, but Bryce wasn’t going to claim him until he knew Ahm was serious about them. Bryce took mating to heart, and he wasn’t about to get played again.
“I’ll have the mates keep an eye on Ahm.” Pa got up and set his cup in the sink. “You go on into town and hire the men I need.” Bryce was handed a list with names on them. “I want them here first thing in the morning.”
Bryce grabbed the list and shoved it into his pocket. He knew his mind wasn’t going to be on work today, but his pa was right. They had a ranch to run. There wasn’t much Bryce could do at the moment. Ahm was not only injured, but things were still uncertain between them. He wasn’t going to open his arms wide for the man. Ahm had to earn Bryce’s trust this time around.