Page 23 of Forbidden

“I think so,” he said. “I don’t know how far into the future it will be, but yeah. I think we’ll be okay.”

Chapter 6

Wolf had never been socomfortable having someone in his private space. He’d spent centuries alone, and suddenly he had Ira, who fit seamlessly into his quiet little life. After his phone call, Ira took a long shower. The urge to follow him into the bathroom and take advantage of the fact that he was naked and wet was difficult to resist, but he didn’t want to push harder than Ira could handle. He was likely already sore from this morning. When he emerged in a cloud of steam with his hair curling and his body smelling deliciously of Wolf’s soap, he sprawled out on top of Wolf on the sofa and promptly passed out.

Wolf spent the afternoon with a book and Ira’s sleep-warm body curled against him, his soft snores filling the air. He could get used to this.

As afternoon waned into evening, he reluctantly pulled the prophet from his nap.

“Time to wake, seidhr,” he said, stroking Ira’s spine.

Ira groaned, shifting up Wolf’s body and throwing his arms around his neck. “Don’t wanna.”

“I’ve got a shift at In Extremis.”

“I know,” Ira murmured in his ear, and a low curl of heat filled Wolf at the sound.

“Are you staying here, or do you want to come?”

Ira groaned again, long and dramatic.

“Seidhr,” Wolf prompted, chuckling. He poked Ira’s sides until the man squirmed.

“I’ll go,” he finally said, though his sleep-lax body said otherwise. “Can you get word to Luke and Alex that I want to meet with them? We’ve got a base of operations to find.”

“The abandoned skating rink?” he asked doubtfully. It didn’t sound like much of a base.

“Don’t judge. We’re poor.”

Wolf snorted out a laugh. “Fine. I’ll let them know, but you’ll have to let me up first.” He’d left his phone in the kitchen after Ira used it to call the captain.

“No can do. Too comfy.”

“Oh no,” Wolf deadpanned, “how terrible.” He spread his legs and wrapped his arms around Ira, settling more comfortably against the cushions. “We’ve got a little time before I have to get moving anyway.”

“Mm, good. Not sure whether I’m excited or nervous to see In Extremis in action.”

Wolf hummed. In Extremis could be overwhelming for first-timers, he knew. “If those two can handle it, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

“You overestimate me. Those two have been exposed to a lot more shocking things than I have. Prophets don’t see a lot of field time. We sit in quiet rooms and meditate. I’m downright sheltered.” He angled his head back to give Wolf an adorable pout.

Wolf stole in for a kiss. “I’m aware of your problematic background.”

Ira chortled at that.

“I’ll protect you, seidhr.” Actually, if he truly wanted to protect Ira, there was something more he could do than simply watching his back. Something to make sure Ira would be stronger, faster, and healthier.

Ira raised his head to inspect him properly. “You have a funny look on your face. What are you thinking?”

“Let me up. I’ll be right back.”

Ira sat back on his heels, and Wolf slid away from him to fetch something from one of the kitchen drawers. He returned with a paring knife, settling back down sideways and drawing Ira between his legs once more.

“Oh,” Ira said significantly, his eyes on the knife.

Wolf offered the carbon fiber handle to him. “Of course you already know. Are you interested?”

His blood could make Ira stronger. It would make him heal faster if he was injured. The idea of Ira drinking his blood sent a little shiver of satisfaction down his spine. He wanted it more than anything. Wanted Ira to not only be safe but to have a part of Wolf inside him.

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