Hunter(Zeus's Pack 5)(16)

Quinn ran his free hand up and down Tristan’s back, his thumb tracing circles over Tristan’s shirt. He took a deep breath and continued. “He became unstable. Wanted to be a dominant while I was the submissive. I told him I didn’t want a relationship like that…and that’s when the beatings began.” Tristan had to stop, the memories making his breath quicken.

“It’s okay, jellybean. It may be hard for you to believe, now that I know. But I promise you on my very soul, I’ll never hurt you.” Quinn twirled him around, his bunny ears flapping as Tristan laughed with pure joy. What would it be like to really believe Quinn? Could he?

“I ran from him a few times, but he always found me and threatened to kill me if I didn’t return. So I did.” Tristan finished as Quinn brought him back into the folds of his arms. The words, when spoken aloud, sounded like a lame reason to return to such a life. He was embarrassed and ashamed that he had allowed another being that much power over him.

“And now you think he’s going to hunt you down to bring you back,” Quinn stated, his lips pressed against Tristan’s temple. He nodded, unable to look his mate in his eyes.

“Not while there is a breath in my lung or a beat in my heart, jellybean. I’ll kill the son of a bitch before I let him near you.”

“Can I have some Skittles?”

Quinn laughed, a full belly laugh, spinning Tristan around once again. He spun, feeling light at heart. Tristan’s arms shot out when his legs hit the coffee table, and he fell over, landing so hard on his ass, he bounced. Quinn covered the three steps in seconds, lifting Tristan to his feet. “Are you hurt?”

Tristan laughed at the look on Quinn’s face. He looked so contrite. “No.” He ran from the room, Quinn giving chase as he ran to the pantry. He squealed when he looked over his shoulder and saw Quinn eating up the distance.

He yelped when Quinn squatted down and grabbed Tristan’s legs, tossing him over his shoulder and carrying him the rest of the way to the kitchen. He kicked his legs back and forth. “Put me down, you caveman.”

Quinn swatted him on the rear and then set him on his feet. “One bag of treats coming up.” His mate reached into the pantry and grabbed a bag of Skittles, handing them to Tristan.

“These are so good,” Tristan said with relish as he snatched the bag from Quinn’s hand.



* * * *



Quinn noticed that Tristan wasn’t using the word sir. So the key to him not using the word was to make him laugh. Once again the thought occurred to him. No problem, he could do that.

“Can…”

“What, jellybean?”

“Promise you won’t get mad, sir?”

Crap. It was back. That was the last thing Quinn wanted. He wanted Tristan to feel like he could ask him anything, without hesitation. “Just ask, baby.”

“Can Hunter come over and dance with us?” Tristan blushed deeply, shoving a handful of candies in his mouth. His cheeks rounded as if he were a squirrel with a mouthful of nuts.

Oh fuck, that thought had Quinn fighting to stop his cock from leaping out of his jeans and tackling the gorgeous little man.

Quinn cleared his throat. “I can call him. He gave me his cell phone number.” Quinn slipped his cell phone out of its sheath, hitting the button as he kept his eyes on Tristan. His jellybean seemed nervous, shoving candies into his mouth, his eyes darting at Quinn and then back down to the bag in his hand.

“Hello?”

“Hunter, it’s Quinn. Get the hell over here.” He hung up, tossing the phone onto the table and grabbing Tristan’s hand. He led him back into the living room, fiddled with the stereo until a song played with a nice tempo.

“I know that song, sir.” Tristan said once he swallowed the treat in his mouth. “I like it.”

Quinn grabbed his man, yes, his. There was no way Tristan was ever going to leave his side unless his jellybean made the choice. And Quinn was determined to make the man the happiest person on earth.

He slid his leg between Tristan’s, swaying his hips, snapping them back and forth as Tristan grabbed the back of Quinn’s neck. “I’m afraid to trust, sir.” Tristan confessed.

“I know, baby. I’ll try my best to never disappoint you.” Quinn buried his face in between Tristan’s neck and shoulder, inhaling deeply. He began a slow kiss from throat to ear. He could feel his jellybean shiver in his arms.

Quinn spun around as the front door slammed open, Hunter looking flushed and his two long teeth showing. It was comical and pulse pounding to see the long teeth when Quinn hadn’t seen them before now.

“What’s wrong?” he demanded as his eyes darted around the room.