Thick & Thin (THIRDS 8)

"I love you." Dex brushed his lips over Sloane's. "Thank you. This means so much to me." He shimmied down to lie on Sloane and rest his head against Sloane's chest. "I feel better now. I was tired of adulting. I don't want to adult anymore today."

Sloane nuzzled the top of Dex's head. He hummed at the softness of Dex's hair and breathed in the familiar scent of citrus shampoo and his mate. "How about I take your mind off things for a while with a different type of adulting?" He traced Dex's jawline with his fingers, his touch feathery, barely there. He lifted Dex's chin and brought their lips together for a sweet, sensual kiss. As he indulged in the taste of Dex's plump lips, Sloane continued to trail his fingers down Dex's jaw and neck, loving the feel of the rough stubble. He reveled in the way Dex trembled in his arms, in the way his breath hitched, and how he dug his fingers into Sloane's biceps.

Dex allowed himself to be seduced, and that was exactly what Sloane intended. So much had happened in such a short time, and although Dex had yet to ask Sloane for reassurance, Sloane knew Dex needed it. Dex was different, biologically, but it was up to Sloane to show him that those differences didn't change what was between them. It didn't change how Sloane looked at him or how much he loved him. If anything, the change seemed to bring them even closer. Dex carried a part of Sloane inside him.

Sloane trailed his fingers down Dex's arm before pushing to sit up. Dex followed him up, and Sloane wrapped an arm around his waist and lifted Dex with him as he stood so he could sit back down on the couch. Dex straddled his lap, his hard erection pressing against Sloane's as Sloane moved his lips to Dex's neck

. He planted kisses, moving his hand down Dex's torso, giving his waist a squeeze. Sloane slipped his other hand under Dex's T-shirt. He returned his mouth to Dex's, teasing his bottom lip with a nip before sucking on his tongue. The taste of sweet coffee lingered. Sloane explored beneath Dex's shirt, sliding his hands up Dex's body. His skin was so soft and smooth, the muscles of his abdomen and chest more defined than they had been months ago, thanks to the intense training sessions Sparks had been putting them through.

"Sloane."

His name was almost a whisper on Dex's lips, Dex's chest rising and falling rapidly. Sloane opened his eyes and was met by stunning pools of glowing amber. He shouldn't be surprised. Dex's eyes were the most beautiful blue he'd ever seen, and now they turned into a smoldering gold. They were brighter than Sloane's, as if flames burned behind them. Dex's lips were swollen from Sloane's kisses, his fair skin flushed.

"I'm sorry for being so selfish," Sloane admitted quietly as he stroked Dex's skin under his T-shirt.

Dex's brows drew together. "What are you talking about?"

"There's so much we don't know about what my blood has done to you, but... I can't help thinking about how you carry a part of me inside you. You'll always have a piece of me. With my claws, I pierced your flesh, and my blood bonded us. Now my DNA is fused with yours." He pulled a hand out from under Dex's shirt so he could take hold of Dex's hand. Embarrassed, Sloane shook his head and brought Dex's fingers to his lips. He kissed the tip of each finger in the spot from which Dex's claws extended. "I've made your life more difficult, and I've put you in danger."

Dex opened his mouth to reply, but Sloane placed his fingers to his lips.

"We both know it's true. God knows what would happen if word got out. A Human with Therian traits? Our strength, speed, enhanced healing, razor-sharp claws and teeth." Somewhere out there, someone--or more likely a group of someones--wanted Humans like Dex dead, and for the most part, they'd succeeded, as far as TIN knew. How long would it take them to find out about Dex? "What if they try to take you from me?"

Dex's eyes clouded over. His canines elongated, and his amber eyes flashed. "They can try."

Despite the ferocity in Dex's hiss, Sloane couldn't help his chuckle. He placed his hand to Dex's cheek. "Look at you. My fierce little Felid-in-training."

All at once, warmth flooded Dex's features, and his expression softened. His eyes returned to their brilliant blue, and he smiled at Sloane.

"The only reason I'm not freaked-out about this is because it's you. Like you said. What's inside me is a part of you. I know you. I know the kind of man you are, and I know how much you love me. I'm not scared." Dex looked up at Sloane from under his lashes. "I am curious, though."

Sloane arched an eyebrow. "About what?"

"What the sex will be like."

"Oh." Sloane hadn't considered that. Dex was stronger now. Maybe even as strong as Sloane. "Oh."

A wicked smile spread across Dex's face, gold spreading from his pupils. "I think it's time to practice my pouncing."

Sloane's eyes widened. His heart skipped a beat, and his pulse soared. He could smell it now. The shift in pheromones. The thick fog of sex and heat threatened to consume him. Well, this is new. He wasn't simply being confronted by his mate, but another predator. For the first time, Sloane was the prey, and his body knew it, could feel it. He gingerly slipped Dex off him, his eyes never leaving Dex's as he stood. Sloane's movements were slow, deliberate as he edged closer to the stairs, his gaze locked on Dex's, but Dex didn't move a muscle. He just followed Sloane with his eyes. Sloane was so hard; the softest touch would be painful.

Dex's lips tugged at one corner. "You should run," he said, voice low and filled with the promise of a good, hard fuck when he caught Sloane.

Sloane took the steps two at a time up to the bedroom, making it just inside the door as Dex grabbed him from behind and lifted him off his feet.

"Holy fuck!" Sloane flailed briefly before he was tossed onto the bed. He rolled onto his back, his pulse racing as Dex crawled over him. Damn, Dex was fast. And strong. Dex kissed the breath out of him before taking hold of Sloane's T-shirt and pulling it off. They clawed at each other's clothes, and Sloane's boxer briefs were wet from precum. Dex trailed blazing kisses down Sloane's body, his fangs grazing Sloane's skin, sending a shiver through him.

"Fuck. Dex."

"Funny, because all I hear is 'Fuck Sloane.'"

Sloane nodded fervently. He couldn't string two words together to say how much he wanted that. He rolled over to reach into the nightstand only to have Dex grab his hips. He pushed Sloane onto his stomach, and when Sloane felt the light graze of Dex's claws down his back, he almost came.

"Oh God, Dex. Please, fuck me. Now. I need you to fuck me right now."

Dex planted a kiss on Sloane's shoulder blade before reaching into the nightstand for the lube. Sloane took fistfuls of the sheets, moaning with need as Dex lifted his hips, shoved a pillow under him, and spread his knees. Dex's claws on his ass almost sent him over the edge.

"If you keep doing that, I'm going to come without you."