His eyes filled with moisture, blurring Brock’s beautiful face. “I’m sorry.”
Brock inched his way over to Shaw. He reached out a shaky hand and laid it on Shaw’s face, wiping away a fallen tear.
“Please don’t be sad. I’m not. It’s done, and now we can move forward. We don’t have to run and hide from anyone.”
“You shouldn’t be comforting me. I should be taking care of you.” Shaw covered Brock’s hand with his own. “I’m so proud of you, Brock. You’re more than I ever expected. I feel incredibly blessed to call you my mate.”
“I’m proud to be your mate.” Brock smiled at him.
Their eyes locked and everything else disappeared.
They lay there together, just being, until Brock yawned. His eyes slowly slid closed and before long he was sound asleep. With his body limp, Shaw slowly rolled from the bed and grabbed the container of cream. He applied another layer before heading out into the living room, giving Brock some time to rest.
Grabbing his phone off the couch, he called Abram.
“I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon, Shaw.”
“It’s done. I delivered the punishment.” Shaw looked toward the bedroom, imagining his mate sleeping comfortably.
Abram exhaled. “I’m sorry. I know that must’ve been very difficult. I don’t think I would’ve been strong enough to follow through.”
“Worst thing I’ve ever done,” he admitted.
Each lash of the whip caused him an incredible amount of pain. He felt each strike.
“Take some time to help your mate heal. We’ll be ready to welcome Brock into our family when you come back to the compound.”
“Consider me on vacation until further notice. I’d better go. I need to run to town and get some supplies. If you need me, you know where I am.”
Abram chuckled. “I know where everyone in my agency is. You’re all my responsibility.”
“Yeah, well, forget where I am for a while.”
“Will do,” Abram said, and Shaw clicked the end button before pocketing his phone.
Chapter 15
Brock moaned as he moved, slowly waking up. His back still hurt, but the amount of pain was manageable since Shaw applied the cream. Opening his eyes, Brock smiled—beautiful bouquets of flowers were resting on the pillow next to him. Brock plucked a rose from the pile and brought it to his nose, inhaling the amazing fragrance.
Easing himself back, he kept his back straight and carefully stood up. It took him a lot longer than usual, but Brock was eventually able to stand. He kept his movements rigid as he strolled into the living room.
His eyes immediately landed on Shaw. The man was at the stove, his long blue locks hanging loose down the length of his back. Brock loved the man’s hair. His fingers itched to touch and caress the strands. He watched Shaw for a few minutes before finally shuffling forward.
Brock moved in behind Shaw and wrapped his arms around the man’s waist. He rubbed his cheek against Shaw’s silky hair and took a deep breath.
“Thank you for the flowers.”
“Anything for you.” Shaw turned in his arms. Instead of wrapping his arms around Brock’s waist, he placed his hand on Brock’s shoulders. “I wish I could hold you, but I don’t want to touch your back.”
“I need you.” Brock pushed his fingers through Shaw’s hair as he kissed the man’s neck. “I was to feel you inside me.”
Shaw gently pushed Brock back. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t.” Brock shook his head.
“I can’t…not until you’re healed.” Shaw’s face was completely serious and Brock knew he wouldn’t be able to change the man’s mind.
He was standing in front of the wolf buck-assed naked and knew without a doubt that Shaw wasn’t going to make a move. It was completely unacceptable. Even though his back did ache, he needed to feel connected to his mate. Glancing around the room, an idea quickly formed, and Brock smiled to himself. He leaned forward and kissed Shaw before heading back into the bedroom.
He opened the bedside table drawer and grabbed the bottle of lube. Flicking open the lid, Brock coated his fingers before he started preparing himself, stretching his hole for Shaw’s shaft. One finger turned to two as he added more lube. A third digit quickly followed and he pulled his lower lip into his mouth, biting down, keeping the moan from escaping. Once he was lubed up, Brock dropped the bottle onto the bed and headed back out into the living room.
Shaw once again had his back turned toward Brock. It didn’t matter though. Soon, his mate would be sliding his hard shaft into Brock’s ass. Making his way to the couch, Brock carefully situated himself, leaning over the back of the couch. He spread his legs and put his ass on display to tempt his mate.