"You were a wolf. You and your friend were big, ferocious wolves. You tore that monster off me and killed it. I saw your friend go head to head with those beasts. You're a wolf." Lowell paused and stared at the man seated next to him and waited for a denial or an explanation that would make everything seem normal, but silence ensued for the next couple of minutes.

  Sean took a deep breath and first glanced away looking toward the door and then turned back to Lowell and caught his gaze once again. “Tell me what you saw.” He said finally. Lowell waited and sat up a little straighter, but he noticed Sean did not release his hand which seemed nice. “Start at the beginning when you first realized you were in danger.”

  Lowell started further back and explained their arrival and then the discussion about the fishing gear that Patrick forgot in the car and his use of smores to calm everyone down. That brought a shadow of a smile to the man’s face, and it softened those dark eyes and that firm jaw making him even more attractive.

  “We turned in early since the mood was a bit tense. I really had no idea that Patrick and John were interested in the same girl. I would not have brought her up if I’d known.” He explained himself and Sean nodded his understanding.

  “It was after two when I heard something outside the tent. It was loud enough and out of place that it woke me.” He fidgeted, feeling a little tension overtake him as he relived the incident. The memory was charged and painful.

  “It’s okay, you’re safe. Take your time.” He must have noticed his stress, so Lowell tried to bury the discomfort a little deeper.

  "I grabbed the bear spray and the flashlight and stepped out of my tent to look around. Everything got too quiet at that point. The tension was building, and I knew something was watching us I could feel it." Another pause, but he made it brief. "I rousted out Patrick and John and they joined me, but we couldn't see anything for several seconds. Then one of those beasts broke out of the woods and we simply focused on survival at that point.”

  “They gave you no chance for escape?”

  "No, they were going to kill us. That was made very clear." Lowell looked squarely at Sean and continued but was careful with what he said and how he said it. "You arrived, and the power shifted. They were still coming at us, and the bear spray helped, but only temporarily. John's stick kept them off balance a little, but still, Patrick was hit with a set of claws that tore a big slice in his upper arm." The memory of that wound was upsetting, and fear for his friend was renewed.

  “Is Patrick going to be okay?” He pleaded fearing that Sean might be sugar coating the truth.

  “You got pressure on it in time, he will be okay.” Sean squeezed his hand and unexpectedly brought it to his lips and kissed Lowell’s knuckles. “Patrick and John are both going to be fine.” Lowell needed to hear that. He let out a long breath before continuing.

  "We stood over Patrick and did our best to protect him and ourselves, and I watched you." He stopped and coughed, clearing his throat, which gave him a moment to gather his words. "I was on the ground next to Patrick, and I watched you kill that wolf. You were a wolf, but as you moved and walked toward your friend, you slowly turned into the man you are now. Your friend shifted as well. You were wolves and then you were men, and you were naked."

  Lowell again expected an immediate denial and explanation, but like before, he got a steady stare and silence. "Let me get you something to drink. How old are you?"

  “Twenty-two.”

  “I’ll make it whiskey.”

  Sean went to the kitchen and poured himself a whiskey. He drank it in one go and then refilled his glass and poured one for Lowell. He loved that name. It was a gentle, sweet name for his sweet mate.

  His desire and regard for the young man steadily increased the longer they stayed in close proximity. The pull was powerful and filled him with the urge to stay by his side. He could see that Lowell was experiencing some of the same.

  He held tight to Sean's hand throughout his report of the incident, even though it was clear that Lowell was experiencing flashbacks and should be afraid of Sean. There was no fear in his eyes or his actions. He worried about his friends and struggled with confusion, but he was very clear in stating what he saw.

  Sean had to decide what he was going to tell him. He didn't want to start their relationship with lies, but Lowell was far from being in a state of mind to accept the fact that the world isn't quite like he thought it was.

  He took the two glasses and headed back to the bedroom. Lowell was still seated leaning back against the pillows and waiting. His wounds were healing rapidly due to his mate, being close by and tending to the injury. His healing abilities were enhanced by Sean’s presence, but could he tell him that, probably not right now. There were so many things he wanted to share but Lowell had been through too much as it was.

  Sean handed him the whiskey and sat back down on the edge of the bed. Lowell took a long swig and seemed to enjoy the warmth and the flavor. Sean set his glass on the bedside table and took hold of Lowell’s hand once again. “You were attacked by rogue wolves.” He began and watched Lowell’s eyes and expression gauging his acceptance and his grasp of the information.

  "Eamon and I were out for a run. I am an enforcer with my pack in Saco, Maine, and Eamon is an enforcer with his pack here in Salida. We often work together on issues regarding the safety and security of our community."

  “What is your collective community?” Lowell had been through hell, but his mind was sharp.

  “Your eyes did not deceive you.” Sean did not want to overwhelm him, but he didn’t want to insult his intelligence either. “There’s much more going on here than you’re prepared to understand. Just let me say that humans are not the only species existing in this world.” Lowell’s eyes grew and his breath caught as he grabbed and held Sean’s hand with both of his.

  "You're a wolf shifter; both you and your friend Eamon are wolf shifters," Lowell said with clear conviction, and Sean knew at that moment that he had to be completely honest. Any lies or subterfuge would work against him when he sought to secure Lowell's love and trust.

  “You brought me back here instead of sending me with Patrick and John because you knew I saw something that I shouldn’t have.” Lowell was extremely sharp, and Sean found himself both proud and conflicted.

  "I brought you here because I wanted to speak with you." Sean was going to tell him everything and hope for the best. "What do you know about the town that you live in. I know you were born here, and you grew up in care here in Salida in three different foster placements. According to all reports, you're a civic-minded, well-rounded, and well-liked individual. You care about your city, and you care about your neighbors.”

  "I worked on a ranch in Wyoming for one summer and couldn't get used to the dryness of the land or the cold nature of the people, so I moved back. I like this town and most of the people in it. You seem to know a lot about me, but it's just the surface. It's what's written in reports and stored in files. It's just the parts of me that people see." That response brought Sean's attention to a keen focus.

  "I know you're concerned about sharing your secret with me, so I'll share one with you. I have a heightened sense of perception, insight, and sensitivity." He began, and Sean was intrigued. "I usually see things for what they are and can predict outcomes with staggering accuracy. My friends call it my gut feelings, and they never question it, but it's more than that."

  Sean looked at Lowell closely and scented him, taking in every air and nuance, having an idea as to what he was eluding. There was something there, something he'd missed before. Lowell's eyes held an ethereal ring that was very light and barely there but noticeable if you looked closely. "Your eyes, they have the obscure ring."

  "You're only the second person to ever notice. The first person was an old man who I met in the park downtown when I was twelve. He explained a lot of things to me, wished me luck, and then left." Lowell was blowing his mind at the moment. Instead of Lowell being the one to have to process and catch up, it was Sean who was suddenly in the middle of something he had never imagined.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Sean couldn't believe what he was looking at, but it made everything clear. Lowell's wounds had started to heal before they'd left the clearing, and his instincts while fighting were spot on. He fended off the wolves longer than should have been possible, but clearly, he could see what was coming and reacted accordingly. Nothing was blatantly obvious, but it was there, and Sean had written it off to being near his mate and simple adrenaline.

  “You’re part of a legacy of magic.”

  “The old man said I was charmed but only lightly so.” He smiled but it looked grim.

  “You knew shifters lived here?”

  “No.” He said quite definitively. "I knew there was something strange in town; I could feel it. I suspected there were mystical beings by the energy I sensed coming off some people, but I knew nothing for certain until tonight when I watched you shift."

  “There’s a situation happening in Salida of which the human population is blissfully unaware, and it has the potential to blow this town apart.” Sean took a sip of his whiskey before he continued. "It would seem that you, Patrick, and John found yourselves in the middle of the nastiest parts of the upheaval."

  “Is it a fight for dominance? I felt a power rush when the wolves attacked us not the true organic kind that can stop you in your tracks but rather it was a forced sense of supremacy the kind that bullies employ.” Lowell interjected and again Sean was impressed with his shrewd awareness. “I would add that the rush of power dissipated when you and your friend Eamon arrived.”

  Just then, the front door opened, and Eamon called out to Sean. "In the guest room." He called back and did not let go of Lowell's hand; rather, he moved closer to him when Eamon entered the room.

  Eamon took in the scene and nodded to both Sean and Lowell before taking a seat in the chair off to Lowell’s left against the wall. Eamon understood the relationship between him and Lowell and was careful not to get too close.

  “How are Patrick and John?” Lowell asked eagerly for an update.

  "John is doing fine. He's awake and moving around. Patrick had some deep wounds to his upper left arm, but the doctors have him stitched and bandaged, and currently, he's asleep." Eamon told him, and Lowell was visibly relieved.

  "Thank you," Lowell said, and Eamon smiled with a nod.

  Sean then went ahead and gave Eamon a rundown of what he and Lowell had discussed so far. He, too, was surprised by Lowell's link to magic. Sean didn't blame him when he leaned forward and looked deep into Lowell's eyes.

  "That's so cool," Eamon commented as he sat back.

  “I was just explaining the trouble that has come to pass and that more than the paranormal will be effected by it.” Sean could feel Lowell’s struggle to process and keep up and he wished he could take this slower. Unfortunately, most of the information was already out of the bag so it was necessary to complete this explanation and persuade him to keep their secret.

  "What is happening?" That's a logical question from Lowell.

  "The Salida pack alpha recently died and left no heir. There is a challenge for leadership coming up, and many are positioning themselves for a chance to become one of the three chosen by the elders to compete." Sean explained and then handed it off to Eamon for further detail.

  “The wise ones are taking their time coming to a decision, so my people are becoming restless, and some are looking to cause trouble or chaos in order to push their candidate to the forefront. It's messy and violent, and I'm sorry that you and your friends got caught up in it." That was clear and concise.

  The discussion went on a little further, with Eamon answering all of his questions and explaining the leadership challenge and the factions involved. Sean continued to hold Lowell's hand and reassured him throughout. Then, the time came to make their point. Sean took over, and Eamon provided backup as he approached the subject of secrecy.

  “It is vitally important to us and to the human population that you keep this secret that you now hold. If even a theory of the existence of paranormal beings got out into the mainstream, it would be devastating . . . for everyone." Sean made his pitch. "We are asking you to tell no one what you saw. Don't allude to it, don't write about it, don't joke about it, and please tell no one."

  "It could blow up this town and this world if the truth got out," Eamon added in a dire tone. Lowell stared at the two of them for several seconds and then shook his head vigorously.

  “I would never share this information with anyone. It would be disastrous and I don’t need magics to see that.” He continued to shake his head. “You have my word I will say nothing.”

  “Thank you sweetheart.” Sean leaned over and took Lowell into his arms and pulled him close. He didn’t balk or resist, which was a wonderful feeling. Eamon took that moment to leave and closed the door behind him. They held each other quietly just drinking in the significance of this minute. Sean knew that bonds and connections were forming, and he was certain that Lowell felt it too.

  "Why don't you stretch out and try to get some sleep? You've had a night and then some. Give yourself time to relax and get used to your new reality." Sean finished with a smile as he stood and began tucking Lowell into bed. Lowel grabbed Sean's hand and looked up at him with concern, as if he were apprehensive.

  “Where will you be?”

  "I'll take the sofa in the living room. I won't be far away." He told him sensing that a fear was rising. "You're safe here, Lowell."

  "Stay, please stay." Lowell pulled at his arm and then reached for his other arm, grabbing hold and trying to pull him closer. "Don't leave me." Sean could not ignore those words. His mate was begging for him, and he would not deny him. Lowell moved over and pulled back the comforter. "I won't bother you; I just want you close. I need you near me, please."

  “There is no way in which you could ever bother me, Lowell. You are a lovely young man, and I will stay with you if that is what you wish."

  “I need you Sean your touch soothes me, and your smell makes me feel relaxed and safe.” Lowell had closed his eyes but opened them when Sean switched off the lights and got into bed beside him. “Thanks Sean, thank you so much.”

  “My pleasure, love.” Sean gathered him close and tucked Lowell’s head against his shoulder. There was nowhere on earth he’d rather be.

  Lowell snuggled into Sean's side and wrapped his arm around him. He was resting his head on Sean's shoulder and could feel the steady beat of his heart and the rhythm of his breath. He'd never felt this safe and secure in the whole of his life, and he did not understand it at all.

  Even though he did not understand what he was feeling it did not stop him from taking complete advantage of this man. Sean was pure perfection, and he’d give his left arm to have a chance with a man like him. He was a wolf shifter that had to be taken into consideration but in Lowell’s mind it just made him sexier and more mysterious.

  Sean was the man from his vivid dreams, there was no doubt, and his dreams were usually messages. The wolf was meant to be. He could feel it in his bones, and Lowell would not deny what he felt, but did Sean feel the same.

  His touch was gentle, and his treatment was kind, but Lowell lamented that the only heat being generated was from him. His dream lover was just that, only a dream. It was time to clear his head and his feelings and focus on getting through this new reality of wolves and conflicts.

  It was time to buck up and begin to handle himself in a more masculine manner. He should never have begged him to stay. It was so unlike him and left him feeling a bit cringy. His overthinking got the best of him, and he started to pull away, realizing that Sean probably wanted some personal space but would be too kind to say so under the circumstances.

  He no more than lifted his head and began pulling back, and Sean tightened his hold on him, preventing him from moving away. "I like you right where you are." He mumbled under his breath and placed a kiss on his forehead before settling back against the pillows. Now, Lowell didn't know what to think, so he settled in and closed his eyes. He'd think about it later.

  Eamon prepared breakfast the following morning. Sean had arranged for some clothes to be dropped off for Lowell, which he greatly appreciated. He offered to pay, but Sean was adamant that he accept the gift, and after a little back and forth, Lowell accepted with a heartfelt thank you.

  He didn't like being in anyone's debt, but this was small, considering he owed Sean for saving his life the night before. He was feeling like himself again, except the memory of the wolf attack remained on the edges of his mind, along with the fear that more was to come for this community.

  Sean was a perfect gentleman the previous night and had not pushed beyond a few kisses, chaste kisses. Lowell wasn't sure how he felt about it. The dream had set him up for expectations that were not a part of reality, unfortunately. Sean was attentive and caring, but he didn't get the sense that he was interested in the way Lowell was interested.

  They sat down, and Eamon served steak and eggs, a favorite of Lowell's but something he rarely indulged. Sean took good care of him, pouring his coffee and helping him get comfortably seated before taking his own seat next to him.

  Eamon sat across from them. Eamon was a nice guy, serious and intense but a nice guy. He didn't interest Lowell the way Sean did although he was handsome and strong he did not give off the sexy vibe that radiated from Sean.

  Sean and Eamon were discussing the shifters from last night and theorizing their intent and what they hoped to gain by it. "They were probably drunk or high or both and using the turbulent time as an excuse to hurt people." Eamon threw it out there, and it sounded plausible.

  “But that doesn’t account for the level of hatred that I felt coming off them as they went after their human targets. They were angry and they wanted those men dead.” Sean gave his opinion.