Winter’s Caress(Brac Village 19)(3)

His lust interest’s name was Winter. Dasani liked that. “Because I’m not brave enough,” he admitted as he toed the ground. “And because my father would disown me if he knew.”

Chauncey grunted. “Yeah, I know about you Shadow elves. Got one living in my house. Are you scheduled to be mated to some kin folk?” The man blanched. “I can see why you ran.”

It seemed Ahm had told this bear family about their race. “I’m not mating my sister,” he said adamantly. “And I didn’t run, not really. I just try to avoid my father as much as possible.”

“I thought Rakeym took care of that whole inbreeding thing,” Chauncey said.

“Not everyone is willing to embrace the new lifestyle.” Dasani rubbed the back of his neck. “Egbar still believes that outsiders should stay outside.”

Chauncey chuckled. “Egbar.”

“What’s so funny?” Dasani asked.

“Uh, nothing,” Chauncey said a little too quickly. “But you do have to get me home. I’m not fond of standing in a stranger’s backyard without any clothes on.”

Dasani hadn’t paid attention to that fact until Chauncey said something. He could feel his cheeks heating to nuclear levels as he turned, giving the shifter his back.

“Dude!” Kevin said as he stepped outside. “What’s with the naked man in my backyard? I said bring snacks, not a naked guy.” Kevin looked Chauncey over and then wiggled his brows. “But I can do the kinky thing.”

“No kinky thing,” Chauncey said. “Not unless you want one pissed-off human gunning for you.”

“I have to take him home,” Dasani said to Kevin.

“I’m coming,” Kevin said. “I’m not sitting in the house while you have all the fun.”

“Hey, I know you,” Chauncey said as he wiggled a finger at Kevin. “A few years back, you were at that craft show thingy at the rec center.”

“Sorry, I don’t remember you,” Kevin said before he turned to Dasani. “I’m coming.”

“This isn’t a dang field trip,” Dasani said to Kevin.

“I don’t care if you bring every damn grey wolf from Zeus’s pack,” Chauncey said as he stabbed a finger at Dasani. “Just get me home so I can pick Curtis up from work. If he goes all feral because I was late, I’m sending him to you.”

Dasani’s eyes went wide when Chauncey cuffed Kevin on the back of his head. “Stop probing my mind, you little shit.”

“Stop cursing,” Dasani said as he narrowed his eyes at Chauncey. “That’s a sign of low intelligence.”

“Screw. You,” Chauncey said to Dasani. “Home. Now.”

Dasani groaned and wished he’d stayed in bed when not only Chauncey grabbed his arm but Kevin did as well.

Kevin glared at the bear shifter. “Pop me in the head again and I’ll—”

Chauncey popped Kevin once more before Dasani shimmered away. By the time they were back in the woods, Chauncey and Kevin were slap boxing.

“Enough!” Dasani moved between the two and held the men back at arm’s length. “Chauncey, go home. I’m sorry about kidnapping you.” He turned to Kevin. “Behave.”

“He started it,” Kevin groused.

“Think nothing of it.” Chauncey chuckled. “Keeps me on my toes.” He jerked his hand as though he was about to pop Kevin again and then laughed. “Gotcha.”

“You’re an ass,” Kevin said.

“Language,” Dasani snapped.

Chauncey shifted into his bear form, batted at Kevin, and then took off.

“You have some weird friends,” Kevin said as the two watched Chauncey until the bear disappeared. “And if he hits me again, I’m going to rewire his brain.”

“You’re not allowed to do that,” Dasani reminded his friend. “And if you try, I’ll tell Logan.”

“You know Logan is mated to a former FBI agent and a grey wolf soldier, right?” Kevin asked. “Are you trying to get me killed?”

“Then don’t rewire Chauncey’s brain,” Dasani warned. “I don’t think he has much to work with as it is.”

They both started laughing at that, and then Dasani felt someone behind him. Kevin’s eyes rounded as Dasani slowly turned around.

It. Was. Him.

His lust interest. Winter stood there, glancing between the two.

“What did you do with Chauncey?” the guy demanded, and Dasani felt weak in the knees at the man’s deep voice. It was beautiful, breathtaking, sensual, and orgasmic.

“Nothing.” It was Kevin who answered. “He shifted and took off. What business is it of yours anyway?”