BlackMoonRising Read online

  “Maybe Barbara gave him a key.”

  “Possible.” Steve nodded. He winced as he pulled off his shirt. Bruised areas were starting to show up on his arms and chest.

  “That looks painful.” Herman glanced at his injured lover’s body.

  “A little.”

  “Let me help you get cleaned up. You’ll take some anti-inflammatories and rest tonight.”

  They moved to the bathroom, where Herman tugged off Steve’s pants. There were areas on his legs where bruises showed. As he pulled down Steve’s briefs, he moved to his knees on the floor and kissed each perfectly protruding hipbone. He felt horrible that Steve was hurt.

  He moved to Steve’s cock and pulled it fully into his mouth. His lips sucked and his tongue twirled as Steve’s rod grew larger. He only wanted for Steve to feel better. He kissed the velvety head gently.

  “This will make me forget my bad day.” Steve tried to smile but lost his balance and stumbled to one side. “Oops. Almost fell.”

  Herman stood. He refused to let Steve get hurt further today. “Let me turn on the water and you can sit on the shower seat. It’s less dangerous than you standing.” An elderly woman had lived in the apartment before Steve, and had left a shower seat intact inside the tub. It was perfect for relaxation and, hopefully, the sex that hadn’t yet been attempted.

  As soon as the water was hot, Steve sat down on the thick plastic seat and closed his eyes. The water rushed down and quickly steamed up the bathroom. Herman removed his own clothes and climbed in. He went to his knees in front of Steve and spread his legs. He caressed his dick and balls with wet fingers and pressed his mouth to Steve’s inner thighs with quick licks and kisses.

  Herman looked up. “If you’re able to scoot your butt to the end of the seat, I can suck your cock and finger your ass at the same time.”

  “Mmm.” Steve grinned and did what he was told.

  Herman moved his mouth to Steve’s shaft and swirled his tongue around the beautiful head. He took it completely into his mouth, and savored the slickness in the back of his throat. His finger slid over Steve’s balls and into his tight ass. Steve moaned as Herman’s slippery finger moved back and forth through the thick ring of muscles, so he added another. The only thing that mattered right now was for Steve to feel better.

  Herman moved a finger up farther until he found the spot he wanted to be. As he touched Steve’s prostate, Steve arched his back in ecstasy. It wasn’t long before Steve cried out, his release pumping into Herman’s ready mouth as he sucked every drop.

  The water rained over them and Herman closed his eyes while Steve’s glorious dick was still in his mouth. He didn’t want to let it go. It gave him a sense of peace knowing he had made his lover come. His tongue spun around the shrinking rod until he kissed it goodbye.

  He savored each sensation with this handsome man. He already loved bringing this man pleasure—he knew he was in love. It hadn’t taken long. Thirty minutes ago he’d felt anger at Steve for hiding that he was a shapeshifter. Now he would give him the world on a platter if he could.

  Herman lifted his head. “What happens to your beautiful muscles when you shift?”

  “I become the size of whatever dog I’ve shifted to.”

  Herman took soap and lathered Steve’s body. There were already too many bruises to count. The bruising made him ill and he had to stop thinking about it. He turned the showerhead at the correct angle and rinsed off Steve’s strong arms and legs, his muscular chest and abs. Steve was every man’s fantasy. A wonderful lover and overwhelming in bed.

  “You’re a gorgeous man and exactly the kind of man I’m attracted to. You’re strong and you’re smart. Perfect. I love sucking your cock and fucking your ass.”

  Steve smiled. “You do a great job of both.”

  Herman turned off the water and they stepped out of the shower. They dried the dripping water off each other and fiercely kissed until they couldn’t breathe. Leaning against one another in a clutch, no words were spoken. Their bodies were already warmed from being in the water and the bathroom had steamed up. They held each other close, keeping their eyes locked. Their dicks hardened as they touched each other.

  “Yum,” sighed Steve. He wrapped his hands around their rods and held them together. He slid the hard lengths through his hands and smiled.

  “That feels wonderful.” Herman closed his eyes and concentrated on the sensation of their cocks bound together in Steve’s hands.

  “Let’s move to the bedroom,” Steve whispered into Herman’s ear. “I’ve started to sweat in his hot bathroom. It’s my turn to take the lead and I can’t wait to fuck that tight ass of yours long and hard.”

  Herman opened his eyes wide. “You just came and you’re ready again?”

  “A perk of being a shifter is a fast recovery. Some days are faster than others, so don’t automatically think this will happen every time.”

  “Color me happy.” Herman grinned. He didn’t need to be asked twice. “Guess I have the right boyfriend.”

  “You do.”

  “I’d be unable to resist you even if I wanted to. I want that shaft deep inside me as soon as possible.” He leaned over and kissed Steve. “I can almost feel it sliding in.”

  “Oh, you’re going to feel it.” Steve grinned. “Right now.” He pulled Herman to the bedroom and pushed him onto his stomach on the bed. He took a condom from the nightstand and put it on. He slathered lube over his already-hard cock.

  Herman felt a tickling and couldn’t help but smile as Steve brushed his dick down the seam of his butt. “Like that.”

  “There will be more to like shortly.”

  As Steve teased his tight opening with his rod, Herman reared up, trying to shove himself against Steve. He couldn’t have him as quickly as his body wanted. The cock head disappeared inside Herman and he moaned as it entered. He wanted that shaft deeper inside him and the sooner the better.

  “You don’t have to be gentle right now,” hissed Herman. “I want you.”

  Steve inched into his ass and Herman let himself be carried away with emotion and need. It only took moments until Steve slammed into him, filling him completely. Steve’s dick inside his ass was pure ecstasy. The intense pleasure shot through his body and made him shiver.

  Herman moaned with pleasure as the fucking intensified. Steve wrapped an arm around Herman for support as they grunted and panted and groaned. His shaft pushed, deeper and harder. Every inch was buried inside Herman. Steve was in control, the lover who Herman had always wanted in his life. He didn’t want this to end.

  When arousal caused Herman’s eyes to close, Steve’s cock jerked inside him. Herman shuddered and Steve shouted as he came.

  Collapsing on his back, Steve let out a deep breath. “That was fucking great.” His hand cupped Herman’s ass cheeks and squeezed. “I hate to tell you this but you’re not going to be able to leave the apartment anymore.”

  “What?” Herman turned over and sat up. “Are you a crazy Dom or something?”

  “No. Not at all.”

  “I will tell you that I’m not against handcuffs. I assume you have a pair.”

  “I do.” Steve smiled. “I’ll remember that for another day.”

  “Okay. Getting back to your original thought, why can’t I leave the apartment? Is there another secret that you’ve decided I’m allowed to know?”

  “It’s for your safety.”

  Herman crossed his arms. “What the fuck am I supposed to do here every day?”

  “Easy, boy.” Steve put a hand on Herman’s chest and let it glide down to his dick. He wrapped his hand around it and fingered the head. “You wait for me to come home from work, maybe have a little dinner ready, and then you can suck my rod while I relax in front of the television after a hard day. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds like I’m a house husband. I have to get back to the station, Steve. I have a job. They’re short of help without me. I’m needed. Seriously.”

&nbs
p; “I respect that but I need you too.”

  Herman stared into his eyes. “Do you?” His heart throbbed fast and he felt afraid of what Steve might say next.

  “Yeah, I do. Our time together has meant everything to me but we have to clear your name and keep you safe.” He pulled Herman’s face to his. “Don’t worry. We’ll get this figured out soon. In the meantime, you can fuck me with your big axe anytime you want.”

  Herman stiffened. “I know you’re trying to make me feel better, but that isn’t enough. I’m worried about you too. You were hurt today because of me.”

  “Herman, this is my job. It isn’t the first and it certainly won’t be the last time I’m hurt. If you’re going to be with me you have to get used to it.”

  “Get used to it? It seems like me worrying about you will be my life.”

  “Hello Mr. Fireman. Did you forget what your job entails? Going into burning buildings where things are collapsing all around you? Come on, Herman. Don’t you think I’ll worry about you too?”

  Herman swallowed hard.

  Steve gently pressed the head of Herman’s cock until a drop of arousal gathered at the slit. He gave a squeeze and the drop became larger. “Damn, I’d love to see you in your gear. I’ll bet you’re the hottest firefighter around.” He bent down his head and licked across the wet slit.

  “That feels great.” Herman exhaled. “I haven’t had many lovers, but you’re the most exciting one I’ve ever had. I don’t know if this is the right time to say it, Steve, but I think I’m falling for you.”

  Steve moved up to Herman’s mouth. The kisses were tender, passionate and deep.

  “I already know I’ve fallen for you.” Steve broke off the kissing and touched Herman’s chin. “Herman Fleming, I love you, and I’ve never said that to anyone before.” He kissed Herman’s neck and ran his tongue down his chest, stopping to gently kiss each nipple.

  “I was afraid to say it.” Herman rolled his eyes. “Ha! Listen to me. Afraid again.”

  Steve glanced up at him. “You don’t have to be afraid around me.”

  Herman smiled. “I won’t be afraid any longer. Yes, I already love you too.”

  Steve moved his mouth down to Herman’s shaft and kissed the head. “I crave this gorgeous dick slipping in and out of my mouth as I suck it and pounding in and out of my ass as it fucks me. I want it like I’ve never wanted anything else.” He slid his mouth over the head and twirled his tongue. “I want it forever.”

  Pleasure spiraled up and down Herman’s spine as Steve started a gentle suction.

  It wasn’t long before they were intertwined together in the throes of passion once again. The rest of the world disappeared as they surrendered everything to one another.

  Chapter Six

  Steve walked into his apartment after work and saw Nahla drinking tea with Herman. “What’s going on here?”

  “Since I’m not allowed to leave the apartment, I can see who comes and goes in the building. I saw Nahla the other day and we talked in the foyer. We ran into each other again this morning, so she offered to make me tea.” Herman held up his cup. “This is an organic herbal tea blend.”

  Nahla smiled. “Hello, Steve. Nice to see you again.”

  Steve let out a breath. “I think I’ll skip the tea and go right for a beer.” He went into the kitchen and took a beer from the refrigerator, smelling a strong aroma of cleaning supplies. He sniffed and glanced around him. The kitchen had been cleaned to perfection and so had everything else in the apartment. Guzzling half of the beer, he walked back into the living room.

  Herman stood and hugged Steve. “Rough day?”

  “I paid a motel clerk a hundred dollars to call me when a fugitive showed up. I waited for two hours and got the call. Took him down in the lobby with thirty people watching.” He finished his beer. “Then I fell down five steps while chasing someone this afternoon and lost my mace down a sidewalk grate.”

  “Oh no!”

  “But since I’m already sore, I guess none of it matters. I have bruises on top of my bruises. Goes along with the job. My eye will look worse before it looks better.”

  Nahla stared. “I’m sorry that your incident yesterday was no accident.”

  “I had shifted to a little dog to eavesdrop on a werewolf in human form. He threw rocks at me and my brother.” Steve glanced at Herman. “Don’t worry. She knows I’m a shifter.”

  Herman’s eyes widened.

  “Did she tell you she was a witch?”

  “She told me she might be able to give you advice on what to do about your bad dreams. Perhaps stop them.” Herman turned his head to Nahla. “The ‘witch’ word never came up.”

  Nahla nodded. “That’s right.” She put a hand over Herman’s. “But I wasn’t being evasive. It isn’t within my nature.”

  Herman looked up at Steve. “I hate seeing you so upset when you have a nightmare. I want you to be able to sleep. Will you be open about her trying to help?”

  “She told me things aren’t without a price the day I met her. Did you ask how much it costs?”

  “Of course I did,” confirmed Herman. “All she wants is a job. Maybe as an occasional contractor at Beck Recovery. She might be able to help find the bad guys.”

  “We’ve done fine on our own up until now.” Steve looked over to Nahla.

  She lifted her long braids and let them fall behind her shoulders. “What Herman says is correct. I work at a shop in Logan Square that sells teas, oils, herbs and spices. It doesn’t pay much and I’m always looking to add another job. Why not use my skills to help others and pay my bills at the same time? I’m looking for harmony in my life.”

  “All right. I understand where you’re coming from.” His nostrils flared but he wasn’t angry. It was time to let things out. Maybe Nahla could help. “Here you go. I could have been put on prescription drugs years ago and the nightmares might have gone away, but I didn’t want that. I wanted to feel things.” He let out a breath. “I’m tired some days from not sleeping. Other days, I know I’ve had them but I’m so used to it, nothing seems to matter anymore.”

  Nahla nodded.

  “How would you get rid of my nightmares?”

  “Sometimes they’re the mind trying to fill in the missing pieces. They can express anxiety about something that happened.”

  “That’s for sure. I’ve been to therapy. It helped some but the nightmares never completely went away.”

  “You’re re-experiencing a stressful event of the past.”

  “My father’s death. I saw it.” Steve took a sip of beer. “I was twelve.”

  Nahla stared into his eyes. “There is a spell we can use to stop the dreams.”

  Steve let out a breath. “For real? After all these years?”

  She nodded. “But first, you’ll need to trust me.”

  “Come on, Steve,” prodded Herman. “At least give it a try.”

  Steve hesitated. “What do we need to do?”

  “I’m busy this evening but can come back tomorrow after work. If you have the nightmare tonight, write it down.”

  “It’s always the same. I know it by heart.” Steve shrugged.

  “Turn on the lights. Wake up Herman. Put any kind of pieces together that you haven’t before. There are things missing that you need to know. That is one reason why you have continued to have the dream all these years. Let Herman ask any questions and you give the answers the best you can. Providing clarity can get rid of the nightmare. Meditate and try to clear it out of your head. It will help provide mental flexibility and the strength to move forward. You’ll reach another spiritual level. Remember there is nothing to be afraid of. Your heart wants to live in the present. Your home is a safe place.”

  “We can do that.” Herman nodded.

  “I wasn’t encouraged to talk about the details of the dream during therapy. It consisted of trying to accept my father’s death and move on.”

  “Therapists all have different ways of healing.”
Nahla smiled. “This is the natural way. For tomorrow night, get three white candles, a yard of a silver ribbon and a piece of silver that you don’t usually wear. I’ll be over after work. Around ten.” She stood. “You’re lucky. Tomorrow night will be the perfect time in the month to cast a spell. The black moon is rising tonight. Tomorrow will be the second of the three nights.”

  “The black moon?” Steve frowned. “Shifters don’t think of the black moon like witches do.”

  “It is a powerful force for us. The black moon rises only once a year and three nights are all we get. Any magic worked during this time can be very potent.” She smiled. “After I leave you tonight and tomorrow evening, I’ll spend time with my own kind developing the powers of the mind. We will be up until the black moon has passed and bestowed more power upon us. Every year we get stronger because of it. It’s all a part of my spiritual evolution and enlightenment.”

  Herman embraced her. “Thank you for coming over. I enjoyed our visit and look forward to tomorrow night.”

  “I’ll do as you say.” Steve swallowed hard. “I’m open to it. Thank you.”

  After Nahla left, Herman moved in front of Steve. He put his arms around him. “I gave Nahla your phone number since I can’t use my phone. Hope that’s okay.”

  “I guess.”

  “How are you really?”

  “It was a difficult day for me, but I see you’ve kept busy sprucing up the place.” Steve glanced around the living room.

  Herman gave a weak smile. “Couldn’t help it. Sorry.”

  “It’s all right, if it makes you happy.”

  “I found your box of toys in the bedroom closet.”

  “Sex toys?” Steve winked.

  “No. Dog toys.”

  Steve chuckled. “I wondered when you’d find those. I may as well tell you that I love going to the park and playing fetch.”

  “Okay,” Herman said slowly. “I’ll have to remember that for the future.”

  Steve looked up and became lost in Herman’s chestnut-colored eyes. “How do you always look so gorgeous without even trying?”

  Herman met his gaze. “Want to talk about what’s troubling you?”