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Royal Mates, Love’s Diamond 4

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Roger Newcomb has had his fill of men who don’t want a
committed relationship. He wants one man to love and have a

family with. It seems that he is alone in his quest for true love.

Prince Kendrick Sorenson knew that Roger was his aheri from the
moment their eyes met and their souls connected. Roger is the

perfect mate for him. But Kendrick is a broken man who cannot
give Roger the future he deserves or the family he desires.

Spending time with Kendrick has torn down all of Roger’s barriers.
He knows nothing about Kendrick’s royal lineage or that the men

of Sanzel can have babies. All he knows is, this strong soldier
belongs to him. Kendrick insists that there will be no kids in their

future and leaves, making Roger decide to move on to a new life
in Colorado. It will take more than magic to make things right. It
will take a miracle.

Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Contemporary, Fantasy
Length: 81,982 words

PRINCE KENDRICK

AND THE COACH

Royal Mates, Love’s Diamond 4

Lyssa Samuels

EROTIC ROMANCE

MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK
IMPRINT: Erotic Romance ManLove

PRINCE KENDRICK AND THE COACH
Copyright © 2014 by Lyssa Samuels
E-book ISBN: 978-1-62741-545-3

First E-book Publication: April 2014

Cover design by Harris Channing
All art and logo copyright © 2014 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without
express written permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance
to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers

Dear Readers,

If you have purchased this copy of Prince Kendrick and the Coach by
Lyssa Samuels from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank
you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy

This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or
group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing
rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this
book.

The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying
readers high-quality reading entertainment.

This is Lyssa Samuels’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect
Ms. Samuels’s right to earn a living from her work.

Amanda Hilton, Publisher

www.SirenPublishing.com

www.BookStrand.com

PRINCE KENDRICK

AND THE COACH

Royal Mates, Love’s Diamond 4

LYSSA SAMUELS

Chapter 1

Roger Newcomb jogged off the baseball diamond toward the

bleachers. His childhood friend and neighbor Lena Jamieson stood
waiting for him. She looked nervous and upset. A sick feeling hit the
pit of Roger’s stomach immediately.

“Hey, Lena,” he said softly. “How are you?”
Lena’s big brown eyes filled with tears. This was not good at all.

Roger saw the way she was twisting her hands together. She often did
that when she was extremely upset. He had known her since they had
been children. She was his partner in crime, despite her being five
years younger than he was.

“I’m good,” Lena said softly. She looked up at him sadly,

reaching out to take his hand lightly. “I’m so sorry, Roger.”

“For what, Lena?” Roger asked warily. He did not like where this

conversation was going at all.

Lena shrugged, releasing his hand and turning away from him. He

saw her sadness, but he also saw something that concerned him. He
saw guilt. He reached out and touched her shoulder lightly. Instead of
pulling away from him, Lena turned toward him and tucked herself

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

beneath his chin and against his chest. He surrounded her with his
arms without hesitation.

“Lena, you’re scaring me a little,” he told her gently. “What

happened?”

Lena pulled back slightly so she could look up at the six-foot

three-inch man who had been her best friend and protector since she
had been a kid. He was sinfully handsome, with brown eyes and black
hair that had curls that fell over his forehead when he allowed it to
grow.

She had loved him from the time he had picked her up off the

street when she had been learning to ride her bike without the training
wheels. He had taken her into his parents’ home and stayed with her
while his mom had cleaned up her skinned knee and hand.

He had helped her put back on her bike helmet and stood by her

while she tried to ride the bike again, running alongside of it with his
hands spread out to catch her if he needed to. He had been there when
she had gone on her first date. He had been there when Timmy Evans
had broken her heart the night of her junior prom.

She owed him so much. She had promised him so much. But she

had to tell him the truth.

“I’ve met someone, Roger,” she whispered.
“That’s great!” he said without hesitation.
“Yeah. It is,” Lena agreed. “He’s a really good guy, and he treats

me like a queen.”

“You should be treated like a queen,” Roger insisted. “You

deserve it, Lena.”

“Thanks, Roger.”
“So what’s the problem?”
Lena hesitated then stepped out of Roger’s embrace. “We’re

talking about getting married.”

“Already?” Roger asked, surprised. “Wow. That’s pretty fast. Are

you sure you know him well enough?”

Lyssa Samuels

“Yeah. I know him pretty well,” Lena said, her voice suddenly

quiet. “I’m pregnant.”

“You’re…” Roger couldn’t get the word out. He staggered back

and sat down on the lowest bleacher seat with a thud.

Lena knelt down in front of Roger quickly, reaching up to rest her

small hands on his massive thighs. She had always loved Roger’s
strength. He was not only a physically strong person with a body that
was packed with muscle, he was also strong in his convictions and his
love. When Roger was your friend, he loved with a fierceness that
was deep, and he protected those he loved without hesitation.

“I’m so sorry, Roger,” Lena whispered, tears spilling down her

cheeks. “I know we had agreed to have a baby together. It’s not
something I planned. It just happened.”

Roger nodded, reaching up and touching Lena’s face gently. He

rubbed the pad of his thumb across her delicate cheekbone. “I
understand, Lena,” he said quietly. “I wish you the best. I really do. I
was just taken by surprise.”

Lena nodded and turned in to press her cheek against the warmth

of Roger’s palm. “I’m sorry,” she whispered once again.

Roger nodded and leaned forward to kiss Lena’s forehead

tenderly. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You have nothing to be sorry for.
You have a life of your own to live and a future with a great guy to
make that life with. That’s wonderful that you’re having a baby.
There’s nothing better than finding the one person you belong with
and creating a beautiful child together.”

Lena nodded and stood slowly, looking down at her friend. She

felt guilt deep in her heart, but she also felt that everything that Roger
had just said to her was completely honest and from his heart. She
knew that he was sincere in his good wishes.

Roger had always wanted to find that one special guy to settle

down with, and he had always wanted to have a houseful of kids.
That’s why they had talked about her being a surrogate for him. He
had been the one who wanted children.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Over the past few years, Roger had been discouraged by the men

he dated. None of them had been the kind of men who wanted a
commitment or a future that included a family. He had given up on
finding love. He had not given up on having a kid.

The way Roger was sitting on the bleacher seat showed Lena just

how devastated he was. His posture was slumped, and his gentle
brown eyes were filled with despair. There was nothing she could do
to help him now. Being pregnant changed everything.

“Go on and go home, Lena,” Roger encouraged her as he stood

and hugged her gently. “Go on and be with your guy. Don’t even
think about anything except how great it’s going to be having your
baby. You’re going to be a terrific mom. Good luck with your guy. Be
happy, sweetheart. You’re going to be a beautiful family.”

Lena nodded, unable to say another word. Turning, she walked

away from the baseball field, the tears flowing freely now as she
thought about how she had ruined her friend’s hopes for a family of
his own.

Roger watched Lena walk away. Something inside of him broke.

His heart hurt. He felt a lump of emotion in his throat and did his best
to calm down. He couldn’t lose it and get all emotional on the
baseball diamond.

“I should have known better,” he whispered to himself. “I guess it

just wasn’t meant to be. I’m destined to be alone.”

* * * *

Prince Kendrick Sorenson watched as the man meant to be his

leaned forward and rested his arms on his thighs, hanging his head
down as all strength seemed to bleed from him. Everything within
him demanded that he go to his aheri—his beloved mate. When he
had seen the strong coach that was the protector of all of his friends
on the baseball team, he had known that he had found his destined
mate.

Lyssa Samuels

His name was Roger Newcomb. His friends called to him often as

he stood in the area that was called a dugout. So many new things and
new terms were so foreign to Kendrick, but he was determined to
know and understand all of them. His mate was from this world called
Earth. Kendrick wanted to understand his world, and he wanted to get
to know and understand the man who seemed to be the one who
guided and protected his friends. How he wanted to have this gentle
man share his kindness and compassion with him.

For so long, Kendrick had believed that he would never be blessed

with an aheri. It was as it should be—he truly believed that. It would
not be fair to be the cause of future disappointments to the man who
was bonded to him. He never wanted to be the one who caused such
unhappiness. Now, his resolve was weakening. When he had seen
Roger, he knew a longing so deep within his soul, he couldn’t help
but be drawn to him. He wanted him with an ache that pulled at him
more than he had ever thought possible.

Taking a calming breath, Kendrick slowly stepped down the

wooden bleachers to take his place beside the obviously upset man.
He took the chance he had been wanting to take for the past few
weeks. He reached out and touched his aheri’s shoulder.

Roger looked up at him immediately, his gentle brown eyes filled

with pain as he faced him. Kendrick had to clench his hands into fists
to keep from taking this beautiful man into his arms and holding him
until his sadness went away. Just touching his baseball jersey was not
enough. He needed the connection of touching the man’s skin. He
needed to feel his warmth. He needed to feel the bond that he knew
would snap into place and strengthen once that touch was made.

The meeting of their eyes was the first step in the bonding

process. It was during that look that their souls recognized the bond
and called to each other. Touching was the next step. Making love
and spilling their seed inside of each other would complete the bond.
Doing that would not only cement their mating, it would also cause
what would be considered miraculous changes to the bodies of the

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

men of Sanzel. Kendrick felt a surge of sadness as he thought about
the way he would disappoint his mate.

Roger looked up in surprise as he saw the man who came out of

nowhere to stand before him. He was a big guy, at least as tall as
Roger was. The man standing so close to him was broad, muscular,
with stunning black hair that fell in waves almost to his shoulders
with a royal blue streak at his left temple. He had the most unique
eyes Roger had ever seen. They were a beautiful shade of brown with
the gentlest edging of amber, and they called to him, pulling him into
the depths of the guy’s soul. He had never been so affected by the
physical presence of any man like he was affected by this man right
then.

Roger always liked men who were as big as he was. He was a

powerful, strong guy, and he needed the reassurance that the man he
held and was intimate with would not be hurt by him. He was a gentle
lover, but he was always afraid of inadvertently hurting someone with
his strength. He knew that wouldn’t happen with this guy. He could
picture being held down by this man and loved to unconsciousness.

Holy crap! Where the hell did that thought come from?
Roger pulled away from the man sharply, feeling a sense of panic.

He didn’t know why he had thought about this man in a sexual way.
There was no reason for him to have those thoughts. He must be
seriously delusional if he was fantasizing about this man. He had to
stop. He couldn’t allow his needs to cloud his judgment. Never again.
He had learned that lesson the hard way.

Roger pulled away from Kendrick so quickly that he stumbled

when he tried to stand and was barely able to right himself. Kendrick
reached out to grab for his hands, but Roger wouldn’t allow it.
Kendrick needed to touch Roger again. Not just his shoulder where
the warmth of his skin was hidden from him by the barrier of his
baseball uniform. In order to continue the bonding process with him,
he must touch him with nothing preventing him from connecting with
his aheri’s body.

Lyssa Samuels

The first step in the bonding process had already been completed.

Their eyes had met and their souls had called to each other. It was
then that Kendrick had known that this kind soul belonged to him.

“Are you well, Roger?” Kendrick asked him gently.
“Yeah, sure,” Roger answered quickly. “Sorry to be rude. It’s nice

to meet you.”

He offered his hand and smiled when the large man took his hand

gently and shook it slowly. He felt a tingle race up his arm that he
couldn’t explain, but he ignored it. Instead, he enjoyed the gentle
strength of the guy’s hand. It had been a long time since he had
experienced the warmth of another man. The way this man’s large
hand surrounded his own was perfect. Roger loved that his hand felt
smaller within the stranger’s hold. He had never felt that way before.
It made him feel protected somehow. That was certainly something
new for him. He was usually the one who took care of and protected
everyone else.

Kendrick felt a rush of power coursing through his system as he

made the physical connection to the warmth of his aheri’s skin. When
Roger pulled his hand from Kendrick’s hold with such determination,
pain filled Kendrick’s body. The loss was instant. The fear and anger
that touched his heart from his mate’s panic hurt him deeply. He
didn’t want to be the cause of anguish for the man who was meant to
be his.

“I am sorry, Roger,” Kendrick apologized immediately, taking a

careful step back to lessen the anxiety that filled his man. “I did not
mean to startle you.”

Roger smiled sadly and shook his head. “No problem,” he

mumbled. “It’s my fault, not yours.”

“My name is Kendrick Sorenson,” he introduced himself. “I am

from Sanzel.”

“Sanzel? I’ve never heard of it,” Roger answered as if on

autopilot, doing his best to push aside the thoughts of being physically
close to this man who suddenly made him ache. “Nice to meet you.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

This guy had no idea that Roger found him attractive. He had no

idea that Roger pictured doing incredibly delicious things to his body.
Wiping his hands across his face, he did his best to calm his nerves.
Talking to Lena and finding out that his dream of having a family had
been destroyed had thrown him. He needed to go home and process it.
Meeting this man right now was only adding to his stress. It was also
filling him with guilt. He couldn’t treat the guy with disrespect or
rudeness. It wasn’t Kendrick’s fault that everything in Roger’s life
had gone to shit.

“Roger Newcomb,” he said finally as he looked at the man.

Kendrick. That was a nice name.

Calm down, boy. Focus.
He looked at Kendrick and smiled, doing his best to push aside his

sadness that the conversation he had just had with Lena had caused
him. “I guess you already knew that, huh?”

“I have watched you and your friends play baseball every week,”

Kendrick admitted. “I heard them call out your name and remembered
it.”

Roger nodded. He was having a difficult time keeping his mind on

the conversation. Even though this man was gorgeous, built like a
linebacker, and had the sexiest deep voice he had ever heard, Roger
couldn’t let go of his sadness.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not really up to conversation right now,” he

apologized. Sitting back down on the bottom seat of the bleachers, he
sighed as exhaustion filled him.

Sitting down beside Roger, Kendrick was careful not to crowd

him. Reaching out tentatively, he took Roger’s hand in his and held it
gently. He saw the way Roger tensed and looked at him in surprise,
but he did not relinquish his cautious hold on the handsome man.

“You are upset,” Kendrick said gently. “Mayhap there is

something I can do to help.”

“Why would you want to help me?” Roger asked him warily.

“You don’t even know me.”

Lyssa Samuels

“No. I do not,” Kendrick admitted, smiling. “But I would like to

know you, Roger. I think that we may have a connection that I would
like to explore further.”

Roger attempted to pull his hand free from Kendrick’s gentle

hold. He didn’t want to feel the warmth of Kendrick’s hand. He didn’t
want to feel the tug of emotions that having this man next to him and
touching him was drawing from him. He couldn’t allow himself to
feel anymore. He hurt too much.

Kendrick’s slight tightening of his hand gave Roger a moment of

worry. Carefully but firmly pulling his hand free, Roger stood and
walked over to where his gym bag and the equipment bag rested on
the ground next to the dugout bench. He bent down to heft it up onto
his shoulder, steadying the assortment of baseball equipment within it
then grabbed his athletic bag and held it firmly in his left hand.
Turning to face Kendrick, he smiled briefly and nodded his head.

“I’ve got to get going,” he told him, his voice clipped and hard.

“Nice to meet you.”

Kendrick stood, starting to walk toward him before realizing that

he had to give Roger the space that he obviously needed. Kendrick
could not force the bonding. Doing his best to control himself, he
stopped and made the effort to take a step away from Roger. He
wanted to reach out and grab for the man’s shoulders and draw him
back so he could embrace him. He could feel the sadness rolling off
of his aheri. He wanted to hold Roger and make him understand that
he would do everything within his power so that Roger would not feel
sadness any longer.

They were meant to be together. They were meant to create a

future together—one that was filled with joy and laughter. But he
could not act upon his impulses. It would not be fair to this kind man.
He chastised himself for even thinking that he should try to initiate or
further the bonding. It was wrong of him to do so. It was unfair of him
to expect Roger to give up the hope of a future that Kendrick could
not possibly provide for him.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

He wanted to grab hold of Roger Newcomb and hold him tightly

within his arms. Instead, he fisted his hands by his sides and stayed
where he was standing in the sand before the wooden bleachers.

He watched with great frustration as his destined mate walked

away from him.

* * * *

Roger turned and walked away from the man who made his heart

race and his cock harden. He didn’t want to even think about hooking
up with anyone. He was sick to death of his life of emptiness. He
laughed without mirth as he thought about his buddy Jimmy Burrows.
Jimmy was a pretty famous singer who had found himself in a world
of obsessive fans and abundant sexual favors, but had come to hate
his life of emptiness as well.

“Jimmy, let’s go,” he called out to his friend, shaking his head as

he saw the small group of adoring fans pawing at Jimmy, asking for
his autograph, and begging for his attention.

“Wait up, Roger!” Jimmy called to him from where he stood at

the edge of the diamond near home plate.

Jimmy returned the borrowed pen and paper to the last fan

standing there, his lips held in a practiced smile as he looked down at
the man who waited for his autograph. A shiver ran through him as an
uneasiness filled him when the fan ran his hand down Jimmy’s
tattooed right arm. It seemed as if the guy wanted to run his hand
down the entire length of the sleeve tattoo, which made Jimmy cringe
at the intimacy of the touch. He didn’t like being touched without his
consent. Who did?

“I need to get going, dude,” he said firmly, doing his best to

remain kind as the little man held onto his right forearm tightly. “I
have to get ready for tonight’s concert.”

The fan refused to release his hold, and Jimmy tried to step away

from him. A flash of an old memory burst through him, making

Lyssa Samuels

something within his stomach clench until he thought for sure he was
going to throw up. He looked toward Roger, hoping his friend was
close enough to help him, but Roger was too far away.

Looking around desperately, his eyes settled on the biggest man

he had ever seen. He should have been frightened by the monstrosity
of a man, but he wasn’t. Something in the man’s unique brown eyes
called to him and gave him feelings of peace and safety. He pulled
down his sunglasses to look over the top of the lenses, his unique
violet eyes meeting the man’s in an instant. In that moment, Jimmy
was filled with something close to peace—something he didn’t ever
remember feeling in his life. The man’s eyes flashed between brown
and amber, making Jimmy feel a moment of fear. He pushed his
glasses back up to hide his eyes, doing his damnedest to remain calm.

When the huge man strode toward him with determined, sure

strides, he felt a rush of excitement filling him. He had the distinct
feeling that the man walking toward him was his protector.

“You will not touch this man,” the man’s deep voice resonated

across the field as he reached out and removed the fan’s hand from his
forearm.

“Move it, buddy,” the fan said angrily. “I was here first.”
“You will not touch him,” the man repeated. He stared down at

the smaller man with a fierceness that dared the man to defy him.

Within seconds, the fan released Jimmy’s arm and stepped away.

“See you at tonight’s concert, Jimmy,” he said, anger filling his voice.
“I’ll come backstage after the concert. Maybe we can go out
somewhere, or maybe you can come back to my place for the night.”

Jimmy rolled his eyes behind his sunglasses, glad that no one

could see his annoyance and frustration. Before he could say one
word, the large man who had taken up a protective stance before him,
reached out to keep the insistent fan from stepping around him and
getting to Jimmy.

“You will not come any closer to him,” the large man said firmly.

“He will not meet with you tonight.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“Hey, Sasquatch,” Jimmy said angrily. “I’ll do what I want to. I

make my own decisions.”

The large man turned around and faced Jimmy, smiling softly. He

reached up and touched Jimmy’s jaw lightly, tracing it slowly as he
reached up and removed Jimmy’s sunglasses with his free hand,
smiling as unique violet eyes looked up at him. Those eyes tugged at
his heart and called to his soul. He was going to love looking into
those beautiful eyes for the rest of their lives.

“I acknowledge your rights, aheri,” the man said softly. “I am

here to assist and protect you. We belong to each other.” He leaned
forward so that his lips brushed against his beloved’s ear. “I am
Drake. You are mine.”

Jimmy stepped away from the large man, not liking the way the

man’s words or his touch made him feel. He prided himself on being
able to take care of himself. He had done so his entire life. He had
weathered childhood bullying and abuse. He had persevered and had
achieved his dream of becoming a successful musician and singer
despite the odds against him. He had conditioned his body and had
learned how to defend himself so that no one would ever have the
upper hand over him again.

As much as he would love to be a part of a relationship where his

man would be willing to protect him just as much as Jimmy would be
willing to protect and take care of his man, he couldn’t take a chance.
He had learned over the years by way of some very brutal lessons not
to trust anyone, and he wasn’t about to change that now, despite the
unmistakable draw he had toward this man. He was handsome, had
long black hair with a royal blue streak at his left temple, and had a
body built for strength. Jimmy wanted to reach up and surround him
with his arms and hug him to death.

Hell! Where had that thought come from? I have to get out of

here!

Turning, he grabbed for his athletic bag and quickly sprinted

toward Roger and away from the man who pulled emotions from him

Lyssa Samuels

that he didn’t want to feel. He resisted the urge to look back at the
guy. He couldn’t weaken in his resolve. He had to remain isolated. He
had to stay safe.

“Ready to go, Jimmy?” Roger asked as Jimmy caught up with

him.

“More than you know,” Jimmy muttered. “Let’s get out of here,

Roger. I need a drink.”

Roger smiled and nudged Jimmy’s shoulder with his own. “Yeah,

right,” he said, chuckling softly. He knew that Jimmy didn’t drink
anything stronger than soda. “Let’s get back to my place. We can
order Chinese takeout and just relax.”

“That sounds good. I’m pretty hungry,” Jimmy admitted. “I didn’t

eat much this morning.”

“Jimmy, you have to take care of yourself,” Roger told him

quietly as they walked off the diamond and headed toward the parking
lot.

“Yeah, Dad, I know,” Jimmy said, teasing the man who looked

out for him and all the guys since the time they had been kids.

Roger looked at Jimmy, hesitating slightly. Pain filled his eyes at

the innocent word that Jimmy had used. It broke Roger’s heart as he
realized that he would never have a kid to call him that.

Jimmy looked at his friend as they climbed into Roger’s truck.

“You okay, buddy?” he asked worriedly.

“No,” Roger answered, his voice strong despite the way he was

aching inside.

“What’s up?” When Roger remained silent, Jimmy leaned over

and touched Roger’s forearm lightly. “Come on, Rog, what
happened?”

Roger looked at his friend and smiled sadly. “Lena just told me

she has a boyfriend she’s really serious about.”

Jimmy’s stomach clenched with anticipation and dread. This was

not a sentence that was going to lead to anything good.

“She’s pregnant,” Roger said quietly.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“Shit.”
“Yeah.”
“So what’re you gonna do now?” Jimmy asked softly.
“Nothing I can do, Jimmy,” Roger said sadly. “My plan to have a

kid has just been shot to hell.”

“Maybe you can find someone else to be your surrogate?” Jimmy

offered.

Roger shook his head. “No. Not possible. I don’t have the money.

Lena was going to do this for me as a favor. She didn’t want kids. She
was going to give me full custody.” He started the engine, put it in
gear, and pulled away from the baseball diamond.

“She didn’t want kids?” Jimmy asked, surprised.
“No. But I guess that’s changed,” Roger answered, his voice

heavy with sadness.

I guess she just didn’t want to have a kid with me, he thought.
The memories of years of bad dates, cold men who didn’t want

anything from him but one night, and thoughts of a future of
emptiness filled him. He often wondered why he alone thought about
sharing his life with one man, raising a few kids, and being loving and
faithful. Why was it so unique to want those things?

He thought about the man who had just approached him at the

baseball field. Kendrick had seemed like a nice guy. He had felt
something with him that he hadn’t ever felt before. He had felt like he
belonged with him—which was absolutely ridiculous.

Pushing that thought aside, he drove with determination toward

his apartment. He knew better. He didn’t belong anywhere. And he
most certainly didn’t belong to anyone—especially not to the man
with the gentle, unique eyes that tugged at his soul.

Lyssa Samuels

Chapter 2

Roger sat in his office at Diamond’s Rec Center staring out the

window and looking at the baseball diamond. It was a cold, dreary
day. It had been raining all night and all morning. The weather
certainly matched his mood.

Maybe he needed a change. Maybe it was time to move away

from his childhood home and begin a new life in a new place. His job
at Diamond’s Rec Center had always fulfilled his need to give back to
the community. He loved being the athletics director. Seeing the kids
he worked with enjoy sports in the local games and activities he
scheduled throughout the school year as well as during the summer
months always made him happy.

He loved being able to give the kids a safe place to play and learn

the importance of good sportsmanship. Giving those kids lessons in
the values that would allow them to be outstanding adults had always
been his main goal. He didn’t encourage the hard schedule of
competitive sports. He wanted kids to enjoy their activities without
the pressure put upon them by so many factors in this crazy world.
Luckily, the man who owned Diamond’s Rec Center agreed with him.
Parents and children knew that when they chose to play their sport
there, they would be safe, happy, and able to compete in a healthy
way without the pressure that most kids felt on other teams.

Roger stood and stretched his arms over his head to work out the

kinks in his back. He thought about how his body was changing. He
wasn’t a young guy anymore, but he was still in good shape and was
strong. His body was filled with muscle and his face only showed
lines at the corners of his eyes. They were called laugh lines, but he

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

had very little to laugh about anymore. Age was starting to creep up
on him. He wasn’t old by any means, but forty was right around the
corner.

His black hair was cut short and soft streaks of gray were just

starting to dust his temples—not bad for a guy of thirty-eight. He
scrubbed at his face tiredly, scratching at his whiskers. He had two
days’ worth of stubble going on, and he had no desire to do anything
about it. It wasn’t like he had a man to kiss who might be irritated
with his scruff.

A picture of the handsome man who had spoken to him after last

Saturday’s game came to mind. He would love to rub his face across
Kendrick’s cheeks and kiss him soundly. He smiled at the thought. He
had to admit to himself that he wanted to do more than just kiss that
man. He wanted to hold him in his arms and make love to him. He
wanted to bury himself deep inside of the man and pound into him
until they both came and lost consciousness.

“And what would that get you, Roger?” he muttered to himself.

“Just another hookup who will leave you in the morning.”

Walking out of his office, he climbed the stairs to the office that

belonged to Fred Jensen. He knew he was going to have a
conversation with his boss of nearly fifteen years that his boss wasn’t
going to like. Hell, Roger wasn’t going to like it any better than Fred
did. But it was something he had been thinking about for a while.
Sitting in his office just now, he knew he had to act on his thought. It
was time.

Standing in the open doorway, he looked at Fred and smiled at the

elderly man. Fred had the sweet look of Santa Clause without the big
belly. He had gray hair, a gray beard, sparkling blue eyes, and half
glasses that were always perched at the end of his nose. His
disposition was caring and understanding. You couldn’t help but love
the guy.

“Morning, Roger. What can I do for you?” Fred asked calmly,

leaning back in his old wooden chair and looking up at him.

Lyssa Samuels

“Can I talk to you a minute, Fred?”
“Sure. Have a seat,” he said, indicating the worn leather chair that

was set directly in front of his desk.

Roger sat, leaning forward and rubbing his hands over his thighs

nervously. Looking up at Fred, a wave of sadness washed over him
that he was about to put Fred in a bad position.

“What’s the problem?” Fred asked, cutting to the chase. “You

look like you just killed a baby rabbit.”

Roger laughed softly, looking at the man who had been a good

friend and surrogate father to him. “You always know.”

“Yup. What’s on your mind, son?”
“I’ve decided to move on.”
Fred nodded. “Okay.”
“Okay?” Roger asked, surprised by the complete acceptance of

what he had decided.

“Son, I’ve known you’ve been unhappy for a while,” Fred

explained kindly. “I know it’s not the job. You like working here and
you like working with the kids.”

“I really do, Fred,” Roger said softly.
“I know. You’re a good man, Roger.” He smiled softly at him and

reached out to touch Roger’s forearm as he rested it on Fred’s desk.
“What you’re missing is someone to love.”

To say that Roger was shocked was a massive understatement.

“What?”

“I’ve seen you have your heart broken many times over the years,

son,” Fred said kindly. “The men you chose to give your affection to
didn’t want the same things that you do out of life.”

Roger flushed with embarrassment. He had always thought he had

been so discreet when he had dated. How the hell did Fred know that
he had been disappointed with each man?

“Now, don’t get all embarrassed,” Fred said, his voice calm but

firm. “I’ve seen you come into work and get through each day with
such sadness, it broke my heart.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Roger nodded. “I did,” he admitted. “Something’s wrong with me,

Fred.”

“Bullshit!”
Roger blinked in surprise. He saw the anger on Fred’s face and

couldn’t help but smile. He had rarely seen the man angry.

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with you, Roger Newcomb,”

Fred told him firmly. “The men you chose to spend time with were
the problem. When are you young men going to realize that the
people you date are potential mates? If you find that they’re not
someone you want to spend the rest of your lives with and build a
future with, you need to drop those suckers like a hot potato.”

“I figured that out a while ago,” Roger admitted. “That’s why I

haven’t dated anyone in a long time.”

“Good.”
Roger couldn’t prevent the grin that escaped him. “Good?” he

asked when he was able to speak without laughing.

“Yeah. Good,” Fred said angrily. “You need to be looking for

someone who will love you and will want the same things out of life
that you do, Roger. You deserve to have someone who will cherish
you. I know you want a life with someone you can spoil and love. I
think you should adopt some kids, too. Don’t settle for anything less,
son.”

Roger nodded, his chest tightening at Fred’s words. “Thanks,

Fred.”

Fred smiled and patted Roger’s arm lightly. “You’re welcome. So

how long before you’re going to be leaving me?”

“I’m going to see if I can sell my parents’ house,” Roger told him,

shrugging. “I’ve had a couple approach me a few times over the past
year who wanted to buy it. I wasn’t ready to let go of it before. Now I
am. I need to move on, Fred. I’m not finding what I need around here.
I’ve heard that people in the Midwest are family-oriented people.
Maybe I’ll find a guy who wants to make a home with me out there.”

Lyssa Samuels

“Good choice,” Fred said, smiling. “I have a cousin who lives out

in Colorado. Paul is good people. He has a horse ranch and would
probably appreciate your help if you want to work there. If you want,
I can tell him you’ll be heading out that way. Maybe he can help you
out until you get settled and figure out what you want to do.”

“Thanks, Fred. I’ll let you know.”
He stood and extended his hand, shaking the elder’s hand firmly

when Fred clasped it. Stepping back, he nodded his respect then
turned and left the office to head back to his own office.

Taking out his wallet, he pulled the small piece of paper from

within it that had the young married couple’s name and phone number
on it. He hoped that they were still interested in his house.

“I guess this will tell me if what I’m doing is meant to be,” he said

softly as he picked up his cell phone from off his desk and quickly
keyed in the number that might possibly change his life.

As he listened to the call connect, a picture of the man named

Kendrick filled his mind. His heart actually hurt as he thought about
the kind man. He wished things were different. He wished he could
take a chance and get to know the man, but he couldn’t. Kendrick
probably wouldn’t want the same future that he did. No man did, it
seemed.

Roger sighed with frustration. It was so hard to be so different. It

was so hard to be alone.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Chapter 3

Kendrick walked toward the small white house that his aheri

called home. He was unaccustomed to the nervousness he was feeling
in his stomach. He was a warrior. He protected his people. He fought
bravely against the dark magic of his world. Yet here he was, reduced
to a simpering mass of nerves as he stood on the front lawn of the
modest home.

The front door opened, revealing the man who had not left his

thoughts for many weeks. Roger was standing there in pants that hung
low on his hips. He wore no shirt. Kendrick’s mouth watered at the
sight of his future mate’s naked chest. It was tanned and filled with
muscle. The black hair that graced his chest made Kendrick growl
with need.

“You look well, Roger,” he said with some effort.
Roger’s head snapped toward the sound of the familiar, deep

voice. Seeing Kendrick Sorenson standing at the edge of his property
caused a nervous flutter to fill his stomach.

“Are you stalking me?” Roger asked warily.
“Stalking? I do not understand.”
Roger looked at Kendrick and couldn’t help but smile at the

confused expression on the handsome man’s face. The last thing he
had expected when he had opened his front door was to find Kendrick
out there waiting for him. And that’s exactly what it looked like.
Kendrick had been waiting for him, but for what he had no idea.

“Why are you here?” Roger called out, suddenly angry. He didn’t

want to hope that there might be something positive in their
interaction. He had learned a long time ago not to hope.

Lyssa Samuels

Kendrick was taken aback by the anger in his aheri’s voice. He

wondered suddenly if he had been wrong in coming to see him.
Mayhap he should not be trying to initiate the bonding. He had a
bleak future to offer him.

“I apologize for bothering you,” he said softly. “I thought we

might be able to talk and get to know one another.”

“And just how did you know where I lived?” Roger snapped.

“That’s just a little creepy, you know.”

Kendrick bowed slightly, knowing that what Roger perceived was

correct from his point of view. “I spoke with a man named Fred
Jensen. He was at the baseball diamond. I asked him if he knew where
you might be. We talked for a while. He gave me your address so that
I may speak to you. I am sorry that this has upset you, aheri.” He
bowed one more time and turned away from the man he already cared
greatly for.

Roger watched as Kendrick turned away from him. Something in

him made him walk down the porch stairs and take one hesitant step
forward before he had a chance to think about what he was doing. He
paused just a moment before he started walking down the sidewalk.

Coming up beside Kendrick, he touched the bigger man’s forearm

to stop him. When Kendrick turned to face him and looked at him
with the most incredibly beautiful eyes Roger had ever seen, his
breath caught in his throat as he saw the sadness that they held.

“Fred told you where I lived?” he questioned softly.
Kendrick nodded.
“You must have had an interesting conversation with him,” Roger

said thoughtfully.

“He is a very kind man,” Kendrick offered. “It is obvious that he

cares a great deal for you.”

“Yeah. Fred is like my father,” Roger admitted, smiling as he

thought about the older man. “He’s always looked out for me. He’s a
good man.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“He is of the same opinion about you,” Kendrick said, smiling at

the happiness he could feel rushing through his mate. “We talked for
quite a long time.”

“What did you tell him that made him think it was okay for you to

come to my home?” Roger asked, looking at Kendrick and wishing in
that moment that he could trust this man.

“I told him that you were very important to me,” Kendrick

answered honestly.

“Yeah, right,” Roger said, snorting with disbelief. “And he

believed that?”

“Yes, Roger,” Kendrick said softly. “I told him the truth. I believe

we are very important to each other. I do not know if you will agree,
but I wanted to have the opportunity to prove it to you. The only way
I could do that was to sit with you and talk.” Kendrick reached up and
touched Roger’s forehead, wiping away the layer of perspiration that
covered his brow. “You have been working very hard, Roger. Do you
need my help?”

Roger froze at the gentle touch. Closing his eyes briefly, he gave

in to his enjoyment of the light caress. For such a big man, Kendrick
was exceedingly tender.

Stepping away from him quickly, Roger cleared his throat

nervously as he opened his eyes and saw the tender expression on the
large man’s face. He also saw the disappointment that flashed in his
eyes when Roger broke the connection. He had to control his impulse
to lean back into Kendrick’s space to make the connection again.

“I apologize for being forward,” Kendrick said, bowing slightly.

“I should not have touched you without your permission.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” Roger agreed.
Kendrick nodded, bowing once again. “I will remember that in the

future,” he said softly.

Future? Did this guy think there was going to be a future with

him?

Lyssa Samuels

Roger looked at him with a discerning eye. He had to admit that

nothing the man had done so far had raised any red flags—if you
didn’t count him showing up at his house. But that wasn’t a concern
as long as Fred Jensen had given him his address. If Kendrick had
followed him to find out where he lived then it would be seriously
stalkerish.

“What is it you want to talk to me about, Kendrick?” he asked

finally, crossing his arms across his chest and realizing suddenly that
he was not wearing a shirt.

Oh, hell. This isn’t good.
“I am very pleased that you remember my name,” Kendrick said,

smiling softly. “Mayhap I have made a good impression on you
already.”

Roger fought the smile that threatened to come. He couldn’t let

this guy know he was enjoying this conversation. He couldn’t allow
him to realize that he was seriously considering beginning a
relationship with him. Maybe the years of loneliness were finally
getting to him, and he was willing to take a chance with a complete
stranger.

“Kendrick, you need to stop.” His voice held a definite warning.
“Stop? I do not understand.”
“You need to stop being charming. I won’t get suckered in by it.”
“You think that I am charming?” Kendrick asked, smiling as he

took the one step needed to stand directly in front of his future mate.

Roger couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Yeah, you’re charming,” he

admitted.

“I believe that you are very special, my heart,” Kendrick

whispered as he stepped even closer.

Roger raised his hand and placed it on Kendrick’s chest to stop

him. “No, handsome. You need to keep your distance.”

“You think me handsome as well, Roger?” Kendrick teased him,

his eyes sparkling with merriment as he looked at him.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“You’re fishing for compliments?” Roger asked, smiling at the

soft blush that covered Kendrick’s cheeks. Maybe this guy wasn’t so
sure of himself after all.

“I am not,” Kendrick answered softly. “I am pleased that you find

me to your liking.”

“What’s not to like?” Roger asked, embarrassed by his admission,

but glad to see the relief that came to the man before him. “You’ve
got to know that you’re not hard on the eyes.”

Kendrick shrugged. It was not something that crossed his mind.

He had lived a rigid life training with his brother’s soldiers. Magnus
was a competent leader, and his soldiers were well-trained and strong.
He counted himself lucky that he had the strength and skills to do his
family proud. To think of himself as handsome was not something
that had ever occurred to him. All he ever thought about himself was
that he was strong, competent, and undesirable as a potential mate. No
one would ever want such a flawed person.

In that moment, he realized that he was being selfish. He was

initiating a bonding with a man who deserved a life that he could not
give him. It was unthinkable of him to be so callous. His Roger
deserved more.

He took a step back, missing his aheri’s touch immediately. He

bowed slightly and faced the man he ached to claim as his.

“Roger, please forgive me for my forwardness,” he said formally.

“I will leave you to your work. I wish you well in your future.” He
turned and began walking away.

He’s leaving? What? Why?
Roger knew in that moment that he couldn’t allow that to happen.

Something in him screamed at him that if Kendrick left, it would be
the worst thing that could ever happen to him.

“Wait,” he called out, glad when Kendrick stopped and turned

back to face him. “If Fred trusts you enough to give you my address, I
suppose I can give you a chance,” he said finally.

Lyssa Samuels

The brilliant smile that Kendrick gave him made butterflies dive

bomb inside Roger’s stomach. It should be illegal for one man to be
so devastatingly handsome. He found himself smiling back before he
could stop himself.

“It is good to see you smiling,” Kendrick said, relieved.
Pushing aside the fact that he shouldn’t do this, Kendrick stepped

forward and drew in the warmth and the scent of his man. He was
weak in his determination to stay away from him. He knew he
shouldn’t be here. He even knew he shouldn’t draw this man into his
life. But he was unable to allow the chance to love him to slip away.

He reached out and touched his aheri’s face, framing it within his

large hands and drawing him closer. He searched Roger’s beautiful
brown eyes for any fear or hesitation. When he saw neither, he smiled
slowly and took a calming breath.

“I have missed you.” His words were a whisper. To say more was

not possible.

Roger didn’t want to lean into Kendrick’s touch, really he didn’t,

but he couldn’t help it. The warmth of the man’s hands on his face
and the gentleness of his words made him nearly moan with the need
to be touched so tenderly. He ached for a man to hold him, for a man
to be gentle with him, and for a man to care about him. In that
moment, hope sparked within him that maybe Kendrick might be the
one who would be that man.

“Come on inside,” Roger said finally as he pulled out of

Kendrick’s caress. “I have to finish packing.”

Kendrick followed Roger as he turned and walked toward his

home. “You are packing? Why are you packing?”

Roger opened the front door and entered, relieved to feel the

coolness of the interior of his home. Boxes were stacked everywhere,
ready to be loaded into the truck that would take him away from the
home that he had grown up in. It made him sad, but he knew it was a
good thing. He needed to move on with his life. He was tired of living
in a rut.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“Have a seat,” he said, indicating the maroon, overstuffed couch

with a patchwork afghan hung over the back of it. His mom had made
that afghan. When he pulled it around his body on cold nights, he
remembered the love and the comfort that both of his parents always
gave him. When his mom had died when he had been a senior in high
school, it was his father who had stepped forward to make sure that he
had gone to college.

His dad had been his support, his influence, and his role model of

what a good father should be. He never questioned his dad’s love. His
father had been a caring man who had given him hugs and kisses from
the time he had been a small child. That was how a father was
supposed to love his child. Roger ached to be that kind of a father to
his own child. But it was never going to happen for him. He accepted
it, but he didn’t have to like it. Hell, he more than didn’t like it. He
hated it.

Pushing the sad thoughts aside, he faced Kendrick and smiled

sadly. “I’ll get us something to drink. Is there anything you’d prefer?”
Roger asked politely. “I don’t have any beer, but I do have soda or
water.”

“Water will be fine,” Kendrick answered, his voice soft as he took

in the many boxes that were stacked against the wall beside the front
door. “Are you packing for a reason, aheri?”

Kendrick looked at Roger in a panic, not even caring that he had

just used the word that identified Roger as his beloved mate. Roger
didn’t understand the importance of that word, and it was too soon to
explain it to him.

Roger turned to face him, shaking his head as he saw the look of

concern on Kendrick’s face. Turning, he focused on getting to the
kitchen. He had the overwhelming urge to take Kendrick in his arms
and soothe him.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Lyssa Samuels

His own panic was growing with each moment he spent with this

man. He couldn’t want to hold him and soothe him already, could he?
He barely knew him.

Walking into the kitchen, he opened the refrigerator and pulled

out a bottle of water before grabbing the carton of milk and closing
the door. Picking up two cups from the counter, along with the platter
of cookies he had just made that morning, he made his way back into
the living room. He set the plate with the chocolate cookies with
chocolate frosting on them in front of Kendrick on the coffee table
that was in front of the couch. Quickly placing the bottled water, the
carton of milk, and the two cups beside the cookies, he looked at
Kendrick and smiled.

“I made cookies this morning. Thought you might like a snack,”

Roger offered. “I needed to use up my food stock. I’ll be leaving
soon.”

“You are leaving?” Kendrick asked, his voice soft as he looked at

his mate and knew that he was losing him before he even had a
chance to bond with him.

“It’s time for me to move on,” Roger answered.
“Why?”
“Because there’s nothing here for me,” Roger said, shrugging.

“So, what about you? Do you plan on staying in town?”

“I am only here for a short time before I return to Sanzel,”

Kendrick told him honestly. “I am currently staying in a house that is
providing me with a room.”

“A boarding house?” Roger asked, knowing of only two in town.
“It is next to your local apothecary,” Kendrick explained.
“Apothecary?” Roger asked, smiling at the term that hadn’t been

used in a long time.

“Is that term incorrect?” Kendrick asked, suddenly awkward.
“No. It’s the correct term,” Roger assured him. “It’s just not one

that most people use too often. We just call it a drug store.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“I apologize for the error,” Kendrick said, bowing slightly from

his seated position on the couch.

Roger picked up the plate of cookies and laughed softly. “Have a

cookie,” he told him. “Chocolate always makes a person feel better.”

Kendrick took one of the small desserts and bit into it as he looked

at Roger, smiling at the soft twinkle in his mate’s brown eyes. The
flavors that burst across his tongue made him moan. He looked down
at the item that Roger had called a cookie and smiled.

“This is very good, Roger,” he said honestly. “You made this?”
“I’m a man of many talents,” Roger told him, laughing softly. “I

can fix a car, bake a cake, throw a baseball, and sing a song. I might
just surprise you.” He picked up a cookie and bit into it hungrily. “I
used to help my mother when she baked. I still use her recipes when I
have the guys over for dinners or holidays. These are my favorite
cookies.” He reached out and poured them each a cup of milk,
offering one to Kendrick and laughing as he watched the man finish
the cookie he had given him and reach for another. “Cookies always
taste better with a cup of milk.”

Kendrick smiled and took the cup from him, taking a sip of the

milk and humming with appreciation. “You are a very good cook,
Roger,” he complimented him.

“Thanks.”
Roger laughed as Kendrick reached for another cookie. He had a

sudden flash of sharing meals with this man for the rest of their lives.
To have Kendrick be his man was a really nice thought. He could
picture a small home with a few kids. His stomach actually hurt with
the want he had for that vision to be true.

Kendrick looked up and blushed at having been caught taking

another treat. “I have a weakness for desserts,” he admitted. “I think
that you would make me increase in size with all the creations you
will make for us.”

Roger laughed softly. Looking at Kendrick, he saw the man’s

unique eyes sparkling with happiness. He was glad that he gave him

Lyssa Samuels

that moment. Picking up another cookie, he offered it to him and
smiled when Kendrick took it without hesitation.

“Cold milk is the best. It complements the cookie,” he told him,

laughing when Kendrick immediately took another drink. At the
expression of complete satisfaction on Kendrick’s face, he winked at
him. “Good, huh?”

“Very good, my heart,” Kendrick answered, without thinking

about what he was saying.

Roger was serious in an instant. Kendrick’s words touched him.

How he wished that they could be sincere. He reached out and
brushed away the crumb of the cookie that was at the side of
Kendrick’s mouth, gasping when Kendrick grabbed for his hand and
turned into it so he could kiss his palm lightly.

“Kendrick,” he said nervously, trying to pull his hand free and

finding that Kendrick only held on more firmly.

“Please do not pull away,” Kendrick whispered.
“I don’t know what you want from me, Kendrick,” Roger said

softly. “I’m not into hookups.”

“I do not understand what that means,” Kendrick said softly, the

honestly obvious in his voice and in his eyes.

“I don’t fuck men for the night,” Roger said firmly. “I don’t want

that. I want a relationship. I want a future. Don’t play with me.”

Kendrick’s slow smile made Roger want to tackle him down onto

the couch and take the kiss that he knew would be spectacular. But he
couldn’t. It wouldn’t serve him well. It would give them a night of
torrid sex and then they would part, making Roger feel empty and
alone once again.

Kendrick pulled Roger’s hand toward his mouth for a light kiss

against his palm before he placed it over his heart, covering it with his
hand and holding it in place. He saw the panic in his aheri’s eyes and
wanted to hold him in his arms until he calmed. He wanted to hold
him forever.

“I think you should let go of me, Kendrick,” Roger whispered.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“I do not think I should release you, my heart,” Kendrick

whispered back.

“Why do you call me that? You don’t even know me,” Roger said,

frustration evident in his voice.

“That is where you are wrong, my heart,” Kendrick whispered. “I

have watched you with your friends on the baseball field for many
days. I have seen your kindness. I have seen the way your friends look
to you for help and advice. I have seen you help the children of your
community.” He leaned forward and kissed Roger’s forehead lightly,
cuddling against his temple and rubbing his face against his day’s
growth of dark whiskers. “I know you are a good man. And I know
you are meant to be with me.”

Pulling away, Roger couldn’t help but be affected by Kendrick’s

words. The man called to him as no other ever had. He wanted to
believe what Kendrick told him. He wanted to believe that there
might be a possibility of a serious relationship. Maybe he needed to
take a chance.

“I have to go to the baseball diamond,” Roger said after a

moment. “If you want to meet me later, maybe we can have dinner
together.”

“I would like that,” Kendrick said, smiling. “Is there something

you need to do at the baseball diamond? If you need help with
something, I offer my assistance.”

Roger looked at Kendrick and tried to judge the man’s sincerity.

Kendrick seemed honest enough. What could it hurt to ask him along?
He would be able to evaluate Kendrick’s real reason for wanting to
spend time with him.

Kendrick was going to be given a crash course in coaching

children. It might be the best thing. He could see the type of guy
Kendrick was by the way he handled himself around the two
teenagers he was supposed to meet at the diamond and help with their
grounding and fielding techniques.

Lyssa Samuels

“You can come with me if you want to,” Roger said finally. “I’m

meeting Jeff and Nick Palmer. I promised them I would help them
with their game skills. It’ll only be an hour or so. Afterward, we can
grab something to eat.”

Kendrick smiled slowly, nodding his head in agreement.

Happiness filled his heart. Roger was giving him an opportunity he
was not going to allow to pass him by. Any moment spent with Roger
would strengthen their bond. He hoped that Roger would find that he
was comfortable with him and enjoyed the time spent with him.
Kendrick knew he was not much of a potential mate, but he also knew
that he would love Roger and cherish him every moment of their life
together.

“I will help you with Jeff and Nick Palmer,” Kendrick said,

standing up and waiting for Roger to stand up beside him. “And I
would be honored to share an evening meal with you.”

Roger smiled softly. “I’ll just get changed,” he said quietly. “We

should get going so we won’t be late meeting the boys.” He left the
living room and headed to his bedroom, closing the door behind him
and walking over to his closet to pull out a clean pair of jeans and a
red T-shirt with the Diamond’s Rec logo in black on the front of it.

Kendrick waited, doing his best to remain calm as he thought

about Roger removing his clothes in the next room. He wanted to help
him undress and drink in the sexiness of the man. But he knew that
keeping himself under control and biding his time was the only way
to prove to Roger that he wanted him in his life forever. He wanted
his aheri to accept that they were destined mates and make the
decision to spend his future with him.

The bedroom door opened and Roger walked out dressed in his

comfortable jeans and a T-shirt. Kendrick couldn’t help but smile at
the sight of his man. He watched Roger as he walked over to the front
door and picked up the canvas bag that was in the corner.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“Okay, let’s go, Kendrick,” Roger said, opening the door and

waiting for Kendrick to walk over to him and lead the way out of the
house. “I hope you’re ready to be part of teenage craziness.”

Kendrick only smiled as he led the way out of Roger’s house.

Roger had no idea how used to spending time with teenagers he was.
His younger brothers had been his responsibility. His older brothers
shared the responsibility, but Kendrick was the one who looked after
them the most. Kendrick was a natural guardian for all of them. He
was a nurturer down to his bones.

Roger stepped up to his truck and waited for Kendrick to walk

around the front end to stand at the passenger door. He felt a flutter of
nervousness filling his stomach and did his best to push it aside. They
were only going to the field to throw the ball around with Jeff and
Nick. It was no big deal.

* * * *

They arrived at the baseball diamond pretty quickly. Roger was

actually surprised by how comfortable the ride there had been.
Kendrick was an easy man to talk to. It was obvious that he was new
to the concept of baseball, but he had a genuine interest in the game,
and his enthusiasm as he commented about the individual members of
Roger’s team made Roger smile.

Kendrick held himself straight and tall as he sat in the truck. The

way he spoke had a cadence to it that made Roger know that Kendrick
was much more than he appeared to be. It was obvious that the man
was educated. He was looking forward to learning the mysteries of
this man who came from a place called Sanzel.

Pulling into the parking spot beside the bleachers, Roger shut of

his truck and turned to face the man whose presence he was enjoying.
Kendrick looked back at him and smiled, his unique eyes sparkling
with happiness.

“Ready, Kendrick?” Roger asked.

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“Yes.”
Roger nodded and opened the driver’s side door, stepping out and

reaching into the bed of his truck and grabbing for his equipment bag.
He turned and headed toward the diamond, aware that Kendrick was
right beside him the entire way.

“Hey, Jeff! Hey, Nick!” Roger called out to the brothers as he and

Kendrick rounded the bleachers and he saw the two teenagers sitting
in the dugout with a stroller between them. Uh oh, that wasn’t a good
sign.

“Hi, Coach,” Jeff said as he stood up and faced him. “My mom

had to work today, so me and Nick had to watch our little brother.”

Roger nodded and stepped forward, his heart squeezing with

emotions as he looked at the cute baby that was sitting in the stroller
seat surrounded by toys. Seeing the little boy really tugged at his
heart. It was just another moment when he realized that he would
never have a family of his own.

“We can do this tomorrow, Jeff,” Roger offered.
“Please, Coach Newcomb,” Jeff stopped him. “Nick and I really

want to practice. We’ll take turns. He can watch Stevie while I
practice, and then I’ll watch Stevie while Nick practices.”

“There is no need to do that,” Kendrick spoke up as he stepped

closer to the stroller and looked down at the child. “I will watch your
brother while you both practice with your coach.”

“Really?” Nick asked, completely astonished by the large man’s

generous offer. “Are you sure?”

“I am certain,” Kendrick said without hesitation. “I would often

take care of my brothers when they were young. I am quite capable of
watching this little one.”

“If he gets fussy, you can let him have his blue bunny,” Nick told

Kendrick. “That’s his favorite stuffed animal to hold.”

“I will give him his bunny if he is fussy,” Kendrick promised,

knowing he would have to figure out just what exactly a bunny was

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

before he could give it to Stevie to hold. “I am certain we will be fine.
Do not worry.”

Roger looked at Kendrick in shock. At first he thought Kendrick

was playing some kind of game in order to get Roger to take a chance
on having a relationship with him. But when he saw Kendrick reach
down and lift Stevie out of the stroller and hold him securely against
his wide chest, Roger knew that Kendrick had been honest in his
statement that he had plenty of experience with kids. He looked
completely comfortable and at ease holding Stevie. The soft smile that
Kendrick gave the thirteen month old tugged at Roger’s heart.

“You’re sure you’re good with this, Kendrick?” Roger asked him

gently, stepping closer to him and leaning forward to touch the little
boy’s soft, rosy cheek with the back of his index finger.

“I am good with this, Roger,” Kendrick said, never taking his eyes

off the little boy. “Go and practice with Jeff and Nick. Stevie and I
will be fine.”

Roger looked at Kendrick for a minute then smiled at the

handsome man. “Thank you, Kendrick,” he said finally.

Kendrick nodded, smiling at Roger and seeing the best gift he

could have hoped for. Roger was looking at him as if he actually
valued him. He watched as Roger turned away from him and led the
teenagers out onto the field. It wasn’t long before they were caught up
in their baseball drills. Kendrick watched them for a while, admiring
the way Roger was so capable and strong.

The babbling of Stevie drew his attention. He looked down at the

adorable baby and smiled as Stevie reached up and batted at
Kendrick’s chin. Kendrick laughed then hugged Stevie gently. There
was nothing better than holding a happy baby. Hell, there was nothing
better than holding a baby. It didn’t matter the disposition. What
mattered was that he was holding the sweet child.

Walking back to the stroller, Kendrick reached down and pulled

the soft blanket from the seat and carefully wrapped it around the
baby. When the baby started to fuss and tried to reach down into the

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stroller, Kendrick lowered him so that the little boy could grab for
whatever it was that he wanted.

The first thing the baby grabbed was the blue stuffed animal that

Kendrick assumed was a bunny that was made of the softest material
Kendrick had ever touched. He helped the baby pull it toward him and
cuddled it against his chest. The baby began to fuss and Kendrick
looked down at him in confusion.

“What is it that you want, Stevie?” he asked him gently.
“Ba, ba,” Stevie babbled.
Kendrick’s heart thudded against his chest. When he realized that

the baby was pointing to the bottle of milk that was tucked into the
seat of the stroller, he sighed softly. Reaching for the bottle, he
handed it to Stevie and smiled sadly as the little boy popped the
nipple into his mouth and began to drink.

“Baba is the term for father in my world,” Kendrick whispered as

he ran his hand lightly over the soft, dark hair on the baby’s head.

Stevie cuddled against Kendrick’s chest as he drank. Kendrick felt

such longing as he held the little one. Old, familiar feelings of
loneliness and sadness filled him. Holding the baby gently against his
chest, he started walking toward the patch of grass that was beside the
bleachers.

Stevie looked up at him and smiled around the nipple, dribbles of

milk escaping from the corners of his mouth. Kendrick couldn’t help
but smile back at him. This little boy was adorable. His parents were
very lucky people to have him as well as Jeff and Nick as part of their
family.

As Stevie drank, Kendrick walked around the grassy area,

humming lightly the song that his fathers often sang to him as a child.
It had always made him relax to hear the song, and he was glad to see
that it had the same effect on Stevie.

“You are a good little one,” Kendrick told Stevie softly.
Stevie smiled around his mouthful and hit his blue bunny against

Kendrick’s chin. Kendrick laughed softly and gently removed the

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

bunny from Stevie’s grasp. Calling upon his magic, he surrounded the
bunny and lifted it only a few inches above Stevie’s head. The sphere
of magic that surrounded the bunny sparkled with blue and white as
the bunny animated and danced happily for the little boy.

Stevie’s squeals of laughter made Kendrick chuckle as the little

boy reached up with his free hand to grab for his toy. Kendrick held
the baby tightly against his chest, kissing his forehead lightly as the
baby enjoyed the impromptu slow.

“Do you like the dancing bunny, Stevie?” he whispered, smiling

when the little boy grabbed hold of the bunny’s foot and pulled him
down toward him.

Kendrick allowed his magic to dissipate, causing the bunny to

slump against Stevie’s head. He pulled the bunny lower and tucked it
against Stevie’s chest, holding it gently between them as the boy
continued to drink from his bottle.

Kendrick walked in a continuous trek around the small grassy

area. He rubbed the little boy’s back as he lulled him to sleep. When
Stevie was completely asleep, Kendrick took the bottle from his lips
and tucked it away in the folds of the blanket. He kept walking, loving
the closeness of holding such a precious bundle of life as he slept.

Roger stole quick looks at Kendrick as he walked with the baby

around the area next to the bleachers. To see the large man so patient
and gentle with Stevie tugged at Roger’s heart. It seemed that
Kendrick had a depth to him that Roger really wanted to explore.

He turned his attention back to Jeff and Nick, enjoying their

enthusiasm for the game and their determination to hone their skills.
Both of them were really becoming great at scooping up ground balls.
They were already adept at catching high flying balls, the only thing
Roger thought they could use extra time practicing was their stealing
skills. But that improvement would come with time. Both teenagers
were strong athletes. Roger knew that they were going to be
outstanding ballplayers. He was going to miss working with them.

Lyssa Samuels

“I think you guys are gonna be just fine,” Roger called out to Jeff

and he scooped up the grounder that he had just hit out to him.

Jeff threw the ball to Nick, knowing that his brother was going to

whip it back at him. Raising his glove, he caught the return throw
with ease. He jogged toward Nick where he stood at first base and
together they made their way toward Roger.

“Ready to call it quits?” Roger asked, smiling down at the two

teenagers.

Even though the two boys were one year apart, they looked like

twins. Jeff was an inch taller than his older brother, but they looked
like mirror images of each other. Both of them had dark hair that hung
below their collars and covered their foreheads. Their brown eyes
sparkled with mischief. Roger enjoyed them more than he could ever
say.

“Thanks, Coach,” Jeff said as he and his brother made their way

toward the older man.

“We really appreciate your help,” Nick said, extending his hand to

shake the hand that their coach automatically offered.

“You boys take care of yourselves,” Roger said, his voice gruff

with the thought that he probably wouldn’t ever see these kids again.

“We will,” Jeff answered for the both of them. “We’re gonna miss

you, Coach.”

“I’ll miss you guys, too,” Roger answered honestly. “I know

someday I’ll be reading about the two of you leading your teams into
wins.”

“They are very talented,” Kendrick said as he walked toward

them, holding a sleeping Stevie against his chest.

“Thanks for watching our little brother,” Nick said, stepping

forward and gathering Stevie in his arms and rubbing his back when
his little brother started to fuss.

“It was an honor,” Kendrick said, bowing formally. “He is a

wonderful child.” Kendrick felt the loss of the baby immediately. He

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

admitted to himself that he felt an ache within his heart at the loss and
did his best to push aside the pain.

“Yeah, he’s pretty cool,” Jeff agreed.
Nick went to retrieve the stroller and held it steady while his

brother tucked Stevie into the seat and fastened the belt to keep him
secured. Once his baby brother was settled, he turned to face his
coach and smiled.

“Take care of yourself, Coach,” he said quietly.
“You, too, Nick.”
“Thanks for everything,” Jeff said, his voice rough.
Roger nodded, unable to speak. These kids were the best. He was

really going to miss them. Watching them walk away was one of the
toughest things he had ever had to do.

Feeling the warmth of Kendrick’s hand as he took gentle hold of

his hand, Roger was surprised by the tenderness with which Kendrick
held him. The compassion Kendrick was feeling for him at that
moment was pretty damned obvious, and he was humbled by
Kendrick’s caring nature. Turning to look at Kendrick, he saw the
concern in Kendrick’s unique eyes.

“Are you well, Roger?” Kendrick asked softly.
“I guess so,” Roger told him, smiling. “I will be.” His words were

said with more determination than he really felt. “Ready to go and get
something to eat?”

Kendrick smiled slowly, nodding his head. “It would be an honor

to share an evening meal with you, Roger,” he said, doing his best not
to complete the respectful bow that his upbringing demanded that he
execute for his aheri. The last thing he wanted to do was to make
Roger think him different.

“Let’s go. I know a great place that serves the best ribs in the

world,” Roger told him, starting to walk away and realizing that
Kendrick still held his hand. It was pretty nice.

Walking toward the bleachers, he bent down to retrieve his

equipment bag, surprised when Kendrick reached for it and picked it

Lyssa Samuels

up before he was able to. The kindness Kendrick showed him was
something he had never experienced with any man before. Kendrick
was genuinely concerned for him and his comfort. It was a pretty
good feeling to be treated so nicely.

Kendrick was quiet as they walked toward the truck. He carefully

tossed Roger’s bag into the open bed. Roger laughed softly when it
seemed that Kendrick wasn’t willing to let go of his hand.

“Kendrick, you’re going to have to let go of my hand so we can

get into the truck and I can drive us to the restaurant,” Roger said with
a soft laugh.

“I do not want to release my hold,” Kendrick told him, drawing

Roger’s hand up to his mouth so he could place a gentle kiss on the
back of his knuckles.

Roger froze in shock. Wow. This guy was going to destroy every

one of the barriers he had built to protect his heart.

* * * *

Roger opened the front door of his home, pushing it open wide as

he turned to face Kendrick. The man really was too gorgeous.

“Would you like to come in?” Roger asked him softly.
“I would like that very much,” Kendrick said, smiling.
Oh, man! I’m in trouble! Roger admitted to himself. Kendrick was

the kindest, gentlest, and sweetest man he had ever met. Everything
about him was exactly what Roger wanted in a partner.

Their time together at dinner had been the most enjoyable date he

had ever experienced. Kendrick had been so appreciative of the food,
the service, and his company. Not only was Kendrick attentive and
kind, he had a wicked sense of humor. Roger enjoyed his teasing. He
enjoyed hearing Kendrick’s laughter even more.

When Roger had spilled his glass of water all over the table,

Kendrick had taken his own glass and tipped it over. The

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

thoughtfulness of the man was unbelievable. He hadn’t wanted Roger
to feel bad about the accident.

“Have a seat on the couch, Kendrick,” Roger told him as he

walked toward the kitchen to grab a few more treats to place on the
plate of cookies they had left uneaten from earlier.

Walking back into the living room, he smiled as he saw how

Kendrick sat so straight and alert on the couch. He really needed to
relax, and Roger was going to do his best to help him do just that. He
placed the added delicacies to the plate of cookies on the coffee table
in front of the couch, smiling as Kendrick looked at the cookies
before returning his attention to him.

“I had a wonderful day with you, Roger,” Kendrick told him,

reaching up and touching Roger’s cheek lightly.

Roger leaned into Kendrick’s touch, closing his eyes and soaking

up the gentleness that the man gave him so honestly. “I had fun, too,”
he admitted, opening his eyes as he looked at Kendrick and saw the
flash of happiness that crossed the handsome man’s face.

Leaning forward, he pressed Kendrick against the couch cushions,

covering his body from shoulder to thigh. Leaning down, he kept his
mouth an inch from Kendrick’s and smiled at the surprise on the
man’s face.

“You should probably know that I like taking charge sometimes,”

Roger told him, laughing softly when he saw the decidedly wicked
smile that came across Kendrick’s full lips. “Do you have a problem
with that, honey?”

“I do not,” Kendrick said without hesitation. “Do you feel safe

with me doing the same? I know I am a big man, but I promise I
would never hurt you.”

Roger looked at him in surprise. Kendrick thought he feared him?

Why would he think that?

“Tell you what, honey. You can make love to me first,” Roger

told him gently. “I have no fear that you’ll hurt me.”

At least not physically, Roger amended in his mind.

Lyssa Samuels

Kendrick reached up and framed Roger’s face with his large

hands, not sure what to do first, kiss him or laugh with pure joy. He
decided that kissing was the way to go. Slowly pulling Roger down
toward him, he claimed his lips lightly, loving the flavor of his mate
and the softness of his lips. Intensifying the kiss, he opened his
mouth, laughing softly as Roger’s tongue immediately sought
entrance. He allowed it with great joy, meeting his tongue and
sucking on it lightly. The sweet sounds of excitement that escaped his
aheri made his cock harden to the point of pain. He wanted this man.
He needed to claim this man.

“You make me want so many things I have no right to want,”

Kendrick whispered, wrapping his arms around Roger’s back and
hugging him tightly against him.

“I don’t understand,” Roger whispered, kissing his neck lightly

and breathing in the wonderful, masculine scent of him.

“I know. We have much to discuss,” Kendrick said sadly.
“We can talk later,” Roger stopped him. “I want you naked and

deep inside of me within the next few minutes.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Chapter 4

Kendrick growled softly, his need overpowering his common

sense. He knew that he should explain what it meant to go through the
bonding process, but he could not think beyond the incredible feeling
of the man in his arms. When Roger kissed him with such intensity
and reached between him to cup his shaft, he thought he would
explode with the joy and desire it caused him.

Roger pushed up on his chest, reaching down to pull at Kendrick’s

black T-shirt. Kendrick eased up and allowed him to remove the shirt
from his body. He watched his aheri with open desire in his eyes as
Roger removed his own shirt. He stood and reached out to gather
Roger into his arms, groaning as Roger’s naked chest made contact
with his. He loved the strength of this man. His broad chest, filled
with muscles and scattered with black hair, made him realize how
destined this man was for him. Their bodies aligned perfectly. Their
souls were already calling to each other.

“Come with me,” Roger said suddenly, grabbing for Kendrick’s

hand and pulling him out of the living room.

Kendrick followed, loving the fact that although Roger said he

would allow Kendrick to take charge this time around, he was still
exerting his dominance. The excitement built within him as he
realized that this man was going to be the perfect mate for him.

Roger pulled him into his bedroom, grabbing him by the shoulders

and pressing him against the open door to take a kiss that showed
Kendrick exactly how intense making love with his aheri was going
to be. When Roger pressed his body against his, he could feel the

Lyssa Samuels

hardness of their shafts aligning. He groaned as Roger moved his hips
against him with just the right amount of pressure.

“Roger, you are going to make me lose my seed,” Kendrick

moaned.

“We can’t have that,” Roger said, kneeling down before him,

unbuckling Kendrick’s belt, opening the top button of his jeans, and
unzipping them slowly.

When he saw that Kendrick wore no underwear, Roger had to grip

his own shaft through his jeans and squeeze it firmly so he wouldn’t
come at the damned sexiness of it. Leaning forward, he pressed into
the black curls of Kendrick’s groin, breathing in deeply to take in the
musky scent of him. He licked at the base of his shaft, opening his
mouth and sucking against the warmth of his skin as he slowly pulled
down Kendrick’s jeans.

Easing back, he watched in complete fascination as Kendrick’s

thick cock was slowly revealed to him. He ran his hand down the left
pant leg and felt Kendrick’s shaft, amazed by how far down it went.
Reaching up, he tugged at the open waistband of his jeans, anxious to
have Kendrick’s body fully exposed to him. When he pulled the
material down past Kendrick’s thick thighs, his cock bounced free,
shooting up and pointing directly at Roger’s mouth—exactly where
Roger wanted it to be.

“You might be too big for me to take, Kendrick,” Roger

whispered, impressed with the size of him. “But I’m sure going to
try.”

Leaning forward, he gripped Kendrick’s cock and held it still

while he kissed the tip before opening his mouth and slowly sliding
the thickness of him into his mouth. Licking at the underside of his
shaft, he hummed lightly as he heard the gasp that left Kendrick. He
pressed as far down Kendrick’s shaft as possible, swallowing to take
him deep before pulling back and releasing him with a loud slurp.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“You’re going to have to take your time with me, honey,” he said,

smiling up at Kendrick as he rubbed his face along the silky hardness
of his shaft.

“I will be very careful,” Kendrick promised. “I will love you with

tenderness. You are my gift.”

He reached down and slowly traced Roger’s jaw, seeing the way

his eyes softened as he looked up at him. Was this man not used to
tenderness? He would show Roger every day how much he cherished
the life that they were lucky to share with each other, and that he was
a worthy mate to be treasured.

“Come here, my heart,” he whispered, leaning down to take

Roger’s hand and draw him up to stand before him. “Remove your
clothes.”

Roger smiled and did as he was told. He didn’t even think to deny

Kendrick’s demand. His deep voice sent shivers through him. He was
going to enjoy spending time with this man. Everything about
Kendrick pushed all of his buttons.

Reaching for the fastening of his jeans, he unbuttoned them and

pushed them down his legs, bringing his black boxer briefs with them.
Standing, he watched Kendrick’s eyes as he looked at his cock and
smiled. He may not be as long or as thick as Kendrick was, but he was
no slouch in the size department.

“Not disappointed, are you?” he asked Kendrick softly, gasping as

Kendrick reached out and took gentle hold of his shaft.

“You are perfect,” Kendrick whispered. “You will feel perfect

inside of me.”

“You’re serious about that?”
“Of course, my heart,” Kendrick said softly. “We will have many

years ahead of us sharing and making love. I will love taking you as I
will love you taking me.”

Roger pressed against him, taking Kendrick’s mouth in a

scorching kiss. He had found few men over the years that were
willing to switch positions. To know that Kendrick was not only

Lyssa Samuels

willing, he was looking forward to it, made his cock bounce in
anticipation.

“Get on the damn bed,” Roger said, excitement filling him as he

thought about loving Kendrick’s body. “I need you inside of me,
now.”

Kendrick laughed softly, quickly stepping out of his boots and

reaching down to tug off his jeans and socks. He reached out and took
hold of Roger’s hand, leading him to the large bed. He waited
patiently while his aheri slipped out of his jeans. Looking at the man,
he wondered how it was possible for everything about him to be so
incredibly beautiful. Even his feet.

“Enjoying what you’re looking at?” Roger teased him, laughing

softly when Kendrick’s head snapped up and their eyes met.

“Yes,” Kendrick whispered.
All teasing and humor left Roger as he saw the intense look that

Kendrick gave him. He felt completely raw and exposed. He saw the
need in the man’s eyes. He also saw the appreciation and the desire.

“If you keep looking at me like that, Kendrick, you’re going to

make me think that you really want to claim me,” Roger said softly,
almost afraid to put into words what he truly wanted. He wanted a
man who respected him, enjoyed him, and desired him. It looked as if
Kendrick did all of those things. It was frightening.

Kendrick gathered him within his arms, pulling him close and

hugging him tightly. When Roger felt the way Kendrick was gently
caressing his back, he was overwhelmed with the tenderness of the
man. This man was not one who would use him. He was a man who
would cherish him.

Pulling away, he looked up at Kendrick and smiled softly. “You

make me feel good, honey,” he told him softly.

Kendrick’s smile was immediate. He loved Roger’s words. Being

called by such a tender expression that was used for lovers, made him
happy.

“Roger,” he whispered. “I need you.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Roger smiled. “Good thing, because I seem to need you, too,” he

said, laughing softly. “Lie down, honey. I’ll get the condom and
lube.”

“Condom?”
“Kendrick, there’s no way I would chance any intimacy without

one,” Roger told him, leaning forward and taking a quick kiss from
him.

Kendrick nodded. It didn’t matter what Roger asked of him.

Whatever he wanted, Kendrick was going to be sure to give it to him.
Roger was his aheri. He was his heart.

“I will do whatever you ask of me,” Kendrick promised. “I ask

that you place the condom on me, for I have never worn one.”

“Never? Kendrick, that’s not safe,” Roger said worriedly.
“I have not been intimate with anyone in a very long time, my

heart,” Kendrick told him softly. “I could not be with someone whose
soul did not call to mine.”

Roger walked over to the bedside table, pulling open the drawer

so forcefully it went flying and hit the floor. Bending down, he picked
up the bottle of lube and a strip of condoms.

“Kendrick, you need to lie down right now so I can put this

condom on you,” Roger said, his voice nearly growling as his desire
for this man filled him.

Kendrick sat back onto the bed, lying down and getting

comfortable as he settled himself on the stack of pillows beneath his
head. He watched in fascination as Roger tore a small packet off the
long strip and clenched it between his teeth. It would have been funny
to see the way the packet hung from his mouth if he had not seen the
intense look of need that flashed within Roger’s gentle eyes.

A moan left him as Roger took hold of his shaft and pulled up on

it firmly. He knew that if his aheri continued to stroke him, he was
going to lose control and spew his seed before he even had the
privilege of entering his mate’s body.

Lyssa Samuels

“Be careful, my heart,” he warned him through clenched teeth. “I

will not be able to remain in control if you keep touching me in that
manner.”

“I know exactly how you’re feeling, honey,” Roger said softly, his

cock already dripping pre-cum in a steady stream. “The way I want
you right now is not only intense, it’s surprising.”

Kendrick reached out and touched Roger’s forearm, caressing it

lightly. “To want me is surprising?”

“No,” Roger said, laughing lightly. “You have seen yourself,

right?” At Kendrick’s confused look, Roger leaned forward and
kissed his lips tenderly. “You’re a very good looking man, Kendrick.”

“As are you, Roger,” Kendrick said without hesitation.
Roger shrugged off the compliment. “But that’s not what’s

drawing me to you,” he said softly, rubbing his face across Kendrick’s
short whiskers. “Something about you calms me. I don’t know why
you make me feel so at peace, but you do. I can feel your kindness
and your goodness. That’s pretty weird, huh?” He hesitated a
moment, looking down at Kendrick and smiling softly. “It surprises
me that I’m feeling the way I do about you. I’ve never needed to be
with any man the way I’m finding I need to be with you.”

Kendrick closed his eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks. To

have his aheri feel those things about him was a relief, but it was
more than that. For the first time since he had been twelve years old,
he thought that he actually might be worthy of a mating. He knew that
he shouldn’t commit someone to a lifetime of emptiness with him, but
he wanted Roger to spend his future with him more than he could
have ever imagined.

“You see things in me that no one else ever has,” Kendrick

admitted. “I pray that I am worthy to be with you.”

Roger eased back slightly so he could look down at him. He saw

the hopeful happiness in Kendrick, but he also saw his pain. It
confused him. He thought at that moment that he would do all that he
could to take away the pain from this kind man.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Kissing him gently on the cheek, he hugged him lightly then

leaned back and picked up the condom package that he had dropped.
Lifting it to his mouth, he tore it open with his teeth then pulled the
lubricated sheath from it. He smiled at Kendrick then took gentle hold
of his cock and pumped it three times. The hardness of Kendrick’s
shaft made Roger’s desire for him shoot to the stars. He wanted this
man more than he had ever wanted any man in his life.

“Kendrick, do you have any idea how much I want you right

now?” Roger asked quietly.

“Of this, I am very glad,” Kendrick whispered. “I want you as

well, Roger. I need to be buried deep inside of you.”

Roger growled at the picture that flashed in his mind. He wanted

Kendrick inside of him so badly, it nearly scared him. Taking
Kendrick’s cock, he tipped it toward the ceiling and placed the rolled
condom at the tip. When he started to roll the condom down his
length he realized that they might have a problem. Although the
condom was the largest available, the eight-inch length was far short
of what Kendrick needed.

“Um, Kendrick,” he said worriedly.
“Yes?”
“I don’t think this condom is going to work. You’re pretty big.”
“I apologize,” Kendrick said softly.
Roger laughed and leaned forward to kiss him quickly. When he

pulled back to sit at his hip, he saw that Kendrick was pleased by the
quick kiss but completely confused.

“Kendrick, I’m pretty lucky to have you here with me,” Roger

said softly. “You make me calm. You make me feel important. And I
can’t wait to have this deep inside of me.” He wiggled his eyebrows
as he tugged lightly on Kendrick’s cock and was glad to see that
Kendrick relaxed and smiled.

“I want that as well,” Kendrick admitted.
“Okay, we’ll just do the best we can,” Roger said as he slowly

rolled the condom down Kendrick’s impressive length, smiling at the

Lyssa Samuels

growling sounds that were escaping the large man. “Am I hurting
you?” He was worried. The condom was rolling on, but the fit was
snug and he was concerned that the tightness might be too much.

“It is tight but not painful,” Kendrick said through clenched teeth.

“I do not know how long I will be able to last if you continue to touch
me, Roger.”

Roger smiled then became serious when the condom reached its

end and there was still another three inches of Kendrick’s shaft left
bare. He ran the pad of his thumb around the base and sighed at the
hardness, the texture, and the warmth of him.

“I think we’ll be okay,” he said softly. “Just place your hand

around the base of the condom so it doesn’t come off while we’re
making love.”

Roger cringed at the words he had just used. He didn’t know how

Kendrick would respond to the intimate words. He didn’t want to
think about them being together in such a beautiful and loving way,
but he did. He didn’t want to think of what they were having as just
sex. He didn’t know how Kendrick was thinking about it, but he
didn’t want to be made to feel convenient.

“I will be sure to keep hold of the condom,” Kendrick promised.

“I will do anything you need me to do while we are together. I want
you to enjoy our time together. I want you to want to make love with
me again and often, my heart.”

Roger smiled, releasing the tense breath he hadn’t realized he had

been holding. Kendrick’s words may be practiced and insincere, but
Roger needed the illusion. He needed to feel cared for—even if it was
only going to be for a short time before he left for Colorado.

“Do you want to prepare me or do you want to watch while I do it

myself?” Roger asked, smiling when he saw the way Kendrick’s eyes
flashed with desire at his words.

Before Roger could comment, Kendrick grabbed for his hips and

lifted him until he was comfortably straddling his hips. The show of
strength caused Roger’s cock to jerk with excitement.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

This guy is exactly what I’ve always wanted. He’s the perfect

combination of strength and gentleness.

“Did you want something, Kendrick?” Roger teased him as

Kendrick dragged him closer to his chin.

Before he could say another word, Kendrick licked at the tip of his

cock. Roger moaned the moment he made the connection. When
Kendrick opened his mouth and drew the head of his cock into the
wet warmth of his mouth, he couldn’t have put two words together if
his life had depended on it. Kendrick’s mouth was decadent. He
licked and sucked with such intensity, Roger could feel his orgasm
racing toward realization.

“Kendrick,” he was finally able to get out, reaching out and

gripping Kendrick’s long hair in his fists.

Kendrick closed his eyes in pure bliss as he sucked harder. His

mate’s flavor was addictive. The intimacy of the act was something
that he craved. He loved being with Roger. He loved talking with him,
and he loved touching him.

Roger thought he was going to lose his mind. With each draw of

his mouth, Kendrick was pulling him deeper into his soul. His
attraction to him was more than physical, and it scared him. It made
no sense, but it was true. Kendrick suddenly pulled off his cock,
leaned forward, and kissed his belly just above the pubic bone. It was
the kindest and sexiest damned thing he had ever experienced.

“I am going to turn you around now, aheri,” Kendrick whispered,

waiting for Roger’s nod before he lifted him, turned him around, and
settled him so that he was comfortably straddling his hips.

Kendrick tugged gently on his hips to get Roger to place his knees

securely on either side of his waist. Roger couldn’t prevent the moan
that left him as Kendrick touched his ass and rubbed his cheeks
lovingly before parting them. He waited in anticipation as Kendrick
slowly kissed each of his cheeks and bit lightly on his right one.

Lyssa Samuels

“Kendrick,” he whispered, moaning once again as he realized that

Kendrick was taking his time appreciating the intimate view before
him.

“You are beautiful,” Kendrick whispered, leaning forward as he

tugged on Roger’s hips to draw him closer to his mouth.

He kissed the puckered star before him, breathing in the musky

scent of his lover and mate. Pressing the flat of his tongue over the
tight muscle, he pushed the tip inside. At Roger’s responding groans,
he pulled away just slightly and smiled. He was going to enjoy loving
this man for the rest of their lives.

Laving at the beckoning hole, Kendrick growled with desire as

Roger’s star pulsed in front of him. Roger’s body wanted his. He was
about to intimately kiss him once again when he realized that Roger
was passing something back to him. Taking the tall bottle, he pushed
open the cap and poured the fluid within it onto his fingertips.

“Enjoy my touch,” he whispered to Roger as he spread the thick

fluid around his hole, rubbing against it over and over again with the
pads of his thumbs.

Roger should have been embarrassed by the mewling sounds of

need that escaped him, but what Kendrick was doing just felt too
damned good to give a shit. He pressed back against him, anchoring
his hands on Kendrick’s massive thighs and leaning down to kiss the
man’s heavy sac as it was presented so beautifully underneath him.

“Aheri,” Kendrick whispered as he raised his hips, searching for

the touch of his mate.

Roger sucked on Kendrick’s sac, drawing the delicate contents

into his mouth and swirling his tongue around them with utmost care.
He felt Kendrick stretching him slowly. His thick fingers filled him
with each insertion of lube. It was making him mindless with need.

“Kendrick, I’m ready to take you,” he said firmly.
“One more finger, my heart,” Kendrick told him calmly. “I must

not hurt you.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Roger was going to argue, but the insertion of Kendrick’s four

fingers stopped him. He was about to tell Kendrick that he was
stretched enough to take him when he felt Kendrick pushing deeper.
He panted softly as his body opened to his lover and he was able to
take all of Kendrick’s hand to his wrist. The fullness was immediate.
It caused a rush of excitement to course through him. Never in his life
had he ever allowed any man to do this to him, but with Kendrick he
felt no fear or pain at all.

Kendrick watched in fascination as Roger’s body opened to him

and he was able to sink his fisted hand deep inside of his aheri’s
body. He lifted the bottle of lube and dribbled more along Roger’s
crack, pushing his hand in and out of him slowly to press more of the
liquid inside of him. Kendrick knew his shaft was longer and thicker
than most men’s. He had to be sure that Roger was stretched enough
so that he would only feel the fullness and the pleasure that awaited
him during the mating. He had a moment of sadness when he thought
about the sheath he wore that would prevent his seed from filling
Roger’s body.

Only the exchange of their life’s essence would complete the

bonding process. Once that occurred, the mating marks on the inner
left wrist of each of them would finally be able to be seen by Roger.
Kendrick could already see the royal script in black that marked
Roger’s name upon his wrist. He could also see his name on Roger’s
wrist, but Roger could not. He wanted the bonding completed so
Roger could see his name claiming the man as his. But he would not
push Roger.

“You are ready for me, my heart,” Kendrick whispered, removing

his hand from Roger’s body and carefully easing his body up so that
he knelt behind the muscular man. Draping his body across his back,
his cock nudged Roger’s sac from behind.

“I’m ready, Kendrick,” Roger said quietly. “Go ahead.”

Lyssa Samuels

“No, Roger,” Kendrick said softly, kissing the side of Roger’s

neck lightly and biting down on his shoulder with just enough
pressure to elicit a moan from his mate.

“No?”
“No, aheri.”
Kendrick took gentle hold of Roger’s waist and chest, turning him

over slowly until he was comfortably settled on his back with his head
resting on his pillow. Kendrick looked down at him and smiled.
Roger’s eyes were wide with surprise as he looked up at him.

“I need to see your face,” Kendrick told him softly. “I want to see

you when you feel me filling you. I want you to see how much I
treasure you as we make love.”

Roger was silent as Kendrick slowly lifted his legs, resting them

on his forearms as he pressed forward and spread him wide for him.
When Kendrick released one leg to once again press his hand deep
inside Roger’s rectum, he gasped with pleasure as he dragged his
fingertips over his prostate.

Kendrick smiled at the gasp of pleasure his aheri released. Taking

firm hold of his shaft, he was certain to hold tight to the edge of the
condom that did not reach the base of his cock. Placing the head of his
cock at the stretched entrance to his man’s body, he pushed inside him
slowly, groaning at the tight heat that immediately surrounded him.

Roger grabbed for Kendrick’s forearms and held on as the big

man filled him to capacity. The feeling of fullness was incredible. The
way Kendrick’s cock stretched him made him pant as his body
accepted him.

“Kendrick,” he whispered as Kendrick bottomed out and his balls

kissed his ass cheeks.

“Yes, my heart?”
“Please don’t move.”
“Have I hurt you?”
Kendrick was about to pull out when Roger used his internal

muscles to clamp down on his shaft. Kendrick’s gasp made him smile.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“You haven’t hurt me,” Roger assured him. “You’ve filled me

deeper than I would have ever thought possible.”

“Have I?”
Kendrick’s devilish smile made him laugh softly. It was good to

see the man so happy. He had a feeling that Kendrick didn’t have
many moments of happiness in his life. He didn’t know how he knew
that, but Roger sensed a deep sadness within Kendrick that he had an
urgent need to help erase.

“I like it. A lot.” Roger winked up at him and was rewarded with

the most killer smile he had ever seen. “How about if you start
moving, big guy?”

Kendrick laughed softly, leaning forward to take a sweet kiss from

Roger’s soft lips. “If you are ready,” he said quietly.

“I am. Go ahead.”
Kendrick took him at his word. Pulling his hips back slightly, he

eased his shaft almost all the way out of his mate’s snug channel.
Pressing back inside of him, he was certain to tip Roger up just
slightly with his forearms so that he dragged across his gland with
each thrust and retreat.

He watched Roger’s face, determined to see that his man only

received pleasure from their time together. Roger looked up at him
with the most intense expression he had ever seen. He saw joy. He
saw need. But he also saw tenderness. To see that expression of
tenderness directed at him every day for the rest of their lives would
make him a very happy man.

“Roger, you are my heart,” he couldn’t refrain from telling him.
Roger reached up and carded his fingers through Kendrick’s hair,

pulling on it firmly as his pleasure grew. His right hand gripped the
royal blue streak at Kendrick’s left temple, and he realized how
unique this man was in more than just the unusual coloring in his hair
or in his eyes. This man was kind and caring. He hadn’t met anyone
like him in…well, in forever.

“Kendrick,” he said quietly, unable to say more.

Lyssa Samuels

Kendrick took his mouth in a kiss of possession. He showed how

much he ached to have him as his in that kiss. Snapping his hips in
increasing speed and intensity, he chased his orgasm. The condom
dulled the sensation, but the feeling was still incredible. The tightness
and the heat of his mate made him long for a lifetime of sharing his
body and his life with this man.

“Kendrick, I’m going to come,” Roger told him, gasping for

breath as Kendrick pressed deep inside of him over and over again.

“Do this for me, aheri,” Kendrick told him as he snapped his hips

faster, determined to bring his beloved ultimate pleasure.

“Help me,” Roger begged.
Kendrick balanced himself on his left hand, placing it securely

beside Roger’s hip. He never ceased his own movements as he
reached down with his right hand and gripped Roger’s thick cock,
pumping it in tandem with his movements deep inside of his aheri’s
body.

It only took five strokes before Roger cried out as his orgasm was

ripped from his body, the pleasure making white lights sparkle behind
his eyes as he shot long ropes of white seed from his cock. The
orgasm shattered him, racing through his body and causing wave after
wave of release until his balls had nothing left to give. As he clenched
down with the muscles of his rectum, he heard Kendrick groan and
saw the big man’s movements lose rhythm as he, too, achieved his
orgasm.

Roger could feel the pulsing of Kendrick’s cock deep inside of

him and had a moment of sadness that they didn’t have the
commitment that would allow Kendrick to bathe his insides with his
seed. For some reason, that thought wouldn’t leave Roger’s mind. He
had never wanted to have anyone’s cum inside of him before. It was
too personal. But with Kendrick, he wanted that connection. He
wanted that intimacy. He wanted to feel completely possessed by him.

Kendrick panted against his neck as he tried to gather his strength.

Loving his aheri had been all that he had hoped it would be and more.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Roger was a giving lover. He was also kind and understanding. He
could have never asked for a better mate or a more perfect man.

Roger’s soft chuckle beneath him made him smile. He eased back

to look down at him and was pleased to see the satiated and happy
expression on his face.

“Are you well, Roger?” Kendrick asked him quietly.
“I am well, Kendrick,” Roger teased. “Are you well?”
“I have never been better in my entire life,” Kendrick told him

honestly.

“Good,” Roger whispered, leaning into Kendrick’s neck and

kissing it lightly.

He hugged Kendrick against him, running his hands up and down

his muscular back as he tried to catch his breath. He smiled when he
heard the contented sigh that Kendrick released. Geez. This guy was
easy to love.

Love? Oh, crap! No. Calm down, Roger.
Even though he chastised himself, he had to admit that Kendrick

was a man who he could easily love. It was too soon, of course. But
the beginning feelings for this man were definitely there.

Roger could feel Kendrick slipping from his body and groaned at

the loss. Looking up at the big man, he smiled softly. Kendrick leaned
forward to kiss his lips lightly then pulled away as he held himself
above him with his hands at either side of his head.

“That was wonderful,” Kendrick whispered.
“Yeah. It was.”
Easing back carefully, he allowed Roger’s legs to fall to the

mattress. Reaching down, he gripped the base of his cock where the
condom still was tight around him and pulled back. What he saw
concerned him.

“Roger,” he said quietly. “I am sorry.”
Roger scooted up and looked down at Kendrick’s cock. It was still

hard and encased within the condom, but the tip of the condom had
been broken open. Kendrick’s seed was dripping from it.

Lyssa Samuels

Reaching down, he placed his hand at his rectum and felt the seed

that was dripping from it. He looked at Kendrick in a panic. Kendrick
had come inside of him. He had filled him with his seed.

Pulling his hand away from his body, he showed the white

thickness that covered it to Kendrick. He saw the sorrow on
Kendrick’s face and knew that Kendrick was not guilty of doing it on
purpose. Roger chastised himself. He should have known that the
condom would not be safe. Kendrick was too large, and the motion of
lovemaking had to have put that much more strain upon the condom.
No wonder it had broken.

“I am sorry that this has happened, Roger,” Kendrick said softly.

“I would never fill you with my seed without your consent.”

“I know,” Roger told him, accepting the truth of his words. “I

guess I’d better go and get tested tomorrow.”

“Tested?”
“For diseases.”
“I carry no diseases, my heart,” Kendrick told him gently. “You

are safe with me. I would never harm you.”

Roger nodded. He didn’t really know why he believed Kendrick,

but he did. Getting up from the bed, he walked to the bathroom and
did his best to clean up. There was no sense in panicking. There was
nothing he could do about it at this point.

Walking back into the bedroom, he saw Kendrick sitting on his

haunches in the middle of the bed. He still wore the broken condom
and hadn’t moved from his spot from the moment Roger had left the
bed. He could see the worry within the large man.

Walking over to him, he reached out and carefully removed the

condom. Seeing the way the latex snapped when he pulled it free,
Roger realized that it probably hadn’t been very comfortable, yet
Kendrick had worn it without complaint. Because of him.

“I’m going to take your word for it that you’re clean, Kendrick,”

Roger said softly as he took gentle hold of Kendrick’s softening cock
and wiped it carefully with the warm cloth he had brought with him.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“There’s no point in getting upset over something that can’t be
changed. I’ll get tested this week.”

Kendrick nodded, unable to speak. The gentle way that Roger

cleaned him so intimately took his breath away. He was glad that his
aheri hadn’t gotten upset with him. Although he would never force
the mating by filling Roger with his seed without his understanding of
the whole mating process, something filled him with happiness and
pride that his seed had found its home within his mate’s body.

The mating would not be completed until Roger filled him with

his seed, but it was a wonderful beginning. He must tell Roger the
process of mating for the men of Sanzel. He must tell him about the
life that he could be a part of if he chose to bond himself to Kendrick.
He must tell Roger that he was a prince and a part of the Royal
Family. He also had to tell him the secret that filled him with such
sadness.

“Kendrick?”
Roger’s voice called to him, pulling him out of his internal

dialogue. He looked at the precious man and smiled. Reaching out, he
gathered Roger into his arms and kissed him tenderly.

“I have a need to talk with you, Roger,” Kendrick said quietly.
“Okay.”
“I would like us to have a future together.”
Roger didn’t know how to respond.
“Do you think you might be willing?” Kendrick asked.
“This is kind of fast, don’t you think, Kendrick?”
“I know that you may think so, my heart, but it is not. It is the way

of my world.”

“Your world?”
“Yes. The world of Sanzel has the blessing of true mates.”
Roger sat back against the headboard as he looked at Kendrick

and tried to figure out what he was telling him. It didn’t make any
sense.

Lyssa Samuels

“I think you should know that I want my future partner to be

committed to me and to be faithful,” Roger said after a moment.

Kendrick nodded.
“I also want kids to be a part of my future. Do you see kids in

your future?”

“No.”
Roger looked at Kendrick in stunned silence. Kendrick’s answer

had been quick and firm. He felt a sickness in the pit of his stomach.
He had to give Kendrick credit for being honest. Not every gay man
wanted children. But he did, and he wasn’t going to settle for a life
with someone who wouldn’t even consider it as a possibility.

“I need to get going, Kendrick,” he said finally. “I promised my

friend Jimmy that I would meet him later.”

Kendrick remained silent. He could feel the way Roger was

pulling away from him. He didn’t blame him.

“I will leave you so you may meet with your friend,” Kendrick

said finally, reaching out to touch Roger’s face to caress his cheek
lightly. “I would like to spend more time with you—if you would
allow it, Roger.”

Roger sighed softly, leaning into Kendrick’s touch and closing his

eyes as incredible pain and loss filled him. As much as he wanted to
see Kendrick again, he couldn’t. He was going to go through with his
plan to leave the area and try to find a new life and maybe a new love
in Colorado.

“It’s been wonderful being with you, Kendrick,” he said finally,

opening his eyes and looking directly at the man he wished he could
forge a future with. “But I don’t think we want the same things out of
life. I think it’s best if we end things right now.”

“Roger,” Kendrick whispered, pain lacing through him and

squeezing his heart so hard he thought he would expire.

“Sorry, Kendrick. I need you to leave. I think it’s best if we don’t

see each other again.”

“Are you certain, Roger?”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Roger nodded, not trusting himself to speak
Kendrick removed himself from the bed, picking up his clothes as

he left the bedroom and walked to the front door of Roger’s home. He
dressed quickly by the front door, his heart breaking as he thought
about leaving Roger’s home and never seeing him again.

He would not argue with his aheri. He would do what he should

do and walk out of his life. Roger deserved someone who could give
him the future that he wanted.

Kendrick knew that he was not that man.

Lyssa Samuels

Chapter 5

Roger pulled his baseball cap down firmly on his head as he bent

over to pick up his athletic bag. It had been a pretty good game. His
buddies played great as always. He had talked to Vance about him not
being able to focus, but he was the one who didn’t have his head in
the game. He could see Kendrick watching him from the top of the
bleachers. Just feeling his eyes on him had caused him to experience
such nerves, he could barely concentrate.

Thinking about Kendrick Sorenson from the world of Sanzel had

distracted him all day. His memories of the night before kept playing
over and over in his mind. Kendrick was a great guy. He was kind and
gentle. He was a good soul—Roger could feel that deep within his
bones. The sex had been terrific even if he had been terrified when the
condom Kendrick had been wearing had broken.

He had gone to the clinic for testing but knew that the negative

results were inconclusive. He would only know for sure if he was safe
once he was tested again in three months. He couldn’t dwell on it. If
he did, he wouldn’t be able to function. He had to trust that Kendrick
had been honest with him and was free of any diseases. He couldn’t
blame the man for what had happened. It wasn’t Kendrick’s fault that
the condom had broken.

Roger cleared his throat as feelings of need and desire filled him

at the memory of seeing Kendrick’s large, thick shaft dripping with
cum as it peeked through the broken sleeve of the condom. As much
as he knew he shouldn’t, he couldn’t help but want to make love to
the man again. He wanted to bury himself deep inside of Kendrick’s
ass and show him how much he desired him. It broke his heart to

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

accept the fact that it would never happen. He had told Kendrick to
stay away. He would never touch or hold or make love to the man
again—even though everything within him demanded that he do
exactly that.

He had admitted to Vance that he was quickly becoming obsessed

with Kendrick. He had also admitted to Vance that he wasn’t sure
about having a relationship with the man from Sanzel. He privately
admitted to himself that although he had told Vance that there was too
much going on in his life right then to start a new relationship, he
knew that he wasn’t being completely honest. He knew that the
reason he wouldn’t consider a relationship with Kendrick was because
the man had been adamant that there would be no possibility of
children in their future. It had been the deal breaker as far as Roger
was concerned.

Kendrick had kept his distance. He hadn’t come to his home or

tried to talk to him. But Roger couldn’t let go of how he felt about the
man. He looked at his friend Jimmy and saw that the same man who
had approached him the Saturday before was once again in
attendance.

Turning to face his friend, he waved him over, glad that Jimmy’s

usual band of groupies wasn’t in attendance. Jimmy trotted over to
him quickly, grabbing for his own bag in the dugout as he took his
place beside him.

“You ready to hit the road, Rog?” Jimmy asked, looking over his

shoulder and scanning the crowd through his dark sunglasses.

“Yeah. Let’s get going,” Roger answered, starting to walk toward

the parking lot. “I think I’ll pass on the pizza place today. Hope you
don’t mind if I just bring you home.”

“That’s okay. I have to get to the concert hall,” Jimmy said softly.
“You look like you’ve got something on your mind, Jimmy,”

Roger said worriedly as he looked at his friend. “Is everything okay?”

Jimmy threw his gear into the open bed of Roger’s truck, then

walked to the passenger side door and pulled it open. Climbing up

Lyssa Samuels

into the cab, he slammed the door behind him and buckled his
seatbelt. Watching Roger throw his stuff into the back of the truck, he
waited for his friend to take his place behind the steering wheel.

“There’s this really weird guy stalking me,” Jimmy said as Roger

started the truck and put it in gear to pull out of the parking lot.

“Weirder than usual?” Roger teased.
“Roger, this guy is seriously creepy,” Jimmy said as he pulled off

his sunglasses and folded them closed to hold them on his lap. “And
there’s this other guy who keeps telling me that I’m his.”

“Really?”
“Yeah. His name is Drake.”
“Is he a seriously creepy fan, too?”
“No. He’s been really nice,” Jimmy admitted, his voice soft.

“He’s also been pretty protective of me. I don’t think he really knows
who I am, which is kind of nice. He looks at me and sees me—not the
rock star. I’m kind of attracted to him.”

“That’s great, Jimmy.”
Roger reached out and squeezed his friend’s hand as it rested on

the bench seat. He knew Jimmy had a pretty rough childhood. He
didn’t trust many people. To say that he liked someone right now was
a big deal.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” Jimmy admitted, looking out the

side window and seeing the horrors of his childhood rather than the
beauty of the small town that they were passing through.

“Jimmy, there’s no hurry,” Roger assured him. “You take all the

time you need. Get to know this guy. See if he’s sincere.”

Jimmy nodded and turned to face Roger. “I’m really tired of being

alone,” he said softly. “And I’m sick to death of having what those
bastards from high school did to me ruin my future.”

Roger’s heart hurt for his friend. “You need to go for your

dreams, Jimmy. And I don’t mean your music career.”

Jimmy nodded. “I agree.” He took a calming breath. “Maybe it’s

time.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“I think so, too.”
“How long before you’re leaving?” Jimmy asked.
“Probably soon. I doubt if I’ll be here by the end of the month.

The new owners are supposed to be closing on my house by then.”

“You okay with leaving your parents’ home?” Jimmy asked him,

knowing how much Roger loved it.

“It’ll be tough,” Roger admitted. “I’ve thought about it a lot, and I

know my dad would want me to be where I could be happy. I don’t
think that will be here, Jimmy. I’ve been having thoughts about a
different place to live for most of the summer. I keep dreaming about
a secluded lake somewhere with a nice little cottage and a light purple
sky.”

Jimmy laughed softly. “I don’t think you’ll find that here or in

Colorado,” he said, teasing him.

“No, I don’t think so either,” Roger admitted. “I don’t think it’s an

actual place that I’m dreaming about, Jimmy. I think it’s just symbolic
of my need for change.”

“I think I could use a change in my life, too,” Jimmy said quietly.

“The guys are going to miss you.” He hesitated a moment then turned
to face his friend, his violet eyes filled with emotions. “I’m going to
miss you, big brother.”

“I’ll miss all of you, too,” Roger admitted. “I don’t know if what

I’m doing is the right choice, but I have to do something, Jimmy. I’m
just so damned tired of my life.”

Jimmy nodded. “I get it, Rog,” he admitted softly. “Me, too.”
They drove in silence for a while, each man filled with their own

thoughts. Roger looked at Jimmy briefly, seeing his friend’s sadness.
It bothered him to see Jimmy so upset. He didn’t like that his friend
was being pulled into old memories that would do nothing but hurt
him.

“I’ll be able to play out the rest of our Saturday games then I’ll be

heading out to work for Fred’s cousin in Colorado,” Roger said after a
moment, determined to draw Jimmy out of his dark thoughts.

Lyssa Samuels

“Are you sure that’s the best thing for you?” Jimmy asked, turning

to face his friend.

“It’s the best choice for me right now. I thought I might have

found someone to spend my life with, but I was wrong,” Roger said,
his voice strong.

“I didn’t know that. What happened?”
“He was a great guy. Very kind and caring.”
“Then what was the problem?”
“He didn’t see kids in his future.”
“Oh,” Jimmy said, understanding immediately. Roger had been

the one who had always wanted to be a dad. Jimmy knew Roger
would never be happy if his life partner didn’t want kids. “Maybe you
can get him to change his mind.”

“I can’t force someone to accept that part of my life, Jimmy,”

Roger said wisely. “A person has to want kids in their life. It wouldn’t
be fair to the person or to the kid if I forced my partner to accept
something that he didn’t want.”

Jimmy nodded in agreement as he looked out the front window of

Roger’s truck. “You’re right.” He was quiet for a minute then turned
his attention back to the man who all of his buddies went to for help.
“I think I’m done with my music career, Roger.”

Roger’s head snapped toward Jimmy in surprise before returning

his attention to the road ahead of them. “Really?” he asked calmly.

“Yeah. I might still write and record, but I don’t want to perform

anymore.” He hesitated then wiped his face with his hands as he
sighed heavily. “I’m really tired. I don’t like being on the road alone.
I can’t really trust anyone. Everyone who travels with me works for
me, so they don’t really care about me as anything more than a
paycheck. Not that they’re not good to me, they are. It’s just that I
want someone to be with me who doesn’t care what I do for a living. I
want someone to love me—Jimmy—the guy who likes pizza, science
fiction books and shows, and likes to cook.” He looked at Roger and
smiled sadly. “Know what I mean?”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Roger nodded and smiled softly. “Yeah. I do.”
“I’m tired of guys who want to be with me who don’t even know

who I really am.” He laughed softly, the sound more sad than happy.
“I’m tired of the blow jobs.”

Roger barked out a laugh. “Yeah, I bet that’s a real hardship,

Jimmy,” he said between his laughter.

“It’s not that great, Roger,” Jimmy insisted. “Well, okay, it feels

good, but it also makes me feel used and empty afterward.”

Roger looked at his friend and saw the truth in his words. Jimmy

had always been a sensitive kid. Roger had lost track of the times he
had to help him get over being bullied in school and in his home.
What was it about all of the guys within their circle of friends? Except
for him and Vance, the rest of them weren’t exactly lucky in the
parent department. Of all of them, Archie, Bryce, and Jimmy had it
the worst. Their parents had been physically violent, and he and the
rest of the guys had often had to step forward to take care of them.

Despite the various levels of abuse or mistreatment, all of the men

had become successful, caring men. Roger really believed that it was
because they looked out for each other and supported each other.
They had also been lucky enough to have some caring role models in
their lives.

Roger’s parents had been amazing parents who instilled within

him just how important family and children were. He also had Fred
Jensen who had looked out for him and had supported him throughout
his high school and college years. He had provided Roger with a place
to work and thrive. Vance’s parents were loving and accepting of all
of them. Adam’s mother was the kindest woman he had ever met. She
had died violently in front of her son at the hands of Adam’s father.
Blake’s aunt had been a great lady who had basically raised him from
the time Blake’s parents had been killed in a car accident. But
Michael, Grant, Jimmy, Archie, Bryce, and Tommy hadn’t been as
lucky.

Lyssa Samuels

Thinking about all of his buddies, Roger couldn’t help but offer

up a silent prayer that each of them would find someone to share their
lives with who would truly love and respect them. Hell, he wished the
same for himself!

Pulling up in front of the small home that Jimmy rented, Roger

turned off his truck and turned to face his friend. Despite all the
money and fame, Jimmy still loved the quiet and the family feeling of
their hometown. He was on the road performing concerts so much, he
never really felt at home anywhere else. Roger knew that Jimmy
trusted only the guys they had grown up with. They knew him for
himself. They had supported him through the hard times and were
there to encourage him through his many disappointments. They
shared in the success as one would with a brother who did well.

“So, what do you think about the guy you met?” Roger asked him.

“Are you going to give him a chance?”

Jimmy shrugged. “Not sure,” he said honestly. “Something about

him is pulling me in.”

Roger nodded, understanding completely. He felt the same draw

to Kendrick, even though he knew it was a hopeless cause. He
couldn’t allow any relationship to continue with the guy—not without
an understanding that they would at least look at the options that
might help them to have a family together.

“Give it time, Jimmy,” Roger advised. “If it’s right, it will

happen.”

Jimmy nodded as he unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the truck

door. Stepping down from the cab, he turned to face his friend,
slamming the door shut and leaning his tattooed forearm on the open
window.

“We’ll see,” he said finally. “I have a gig tonight at the Palace

Theater. Can you make it?”

“I’ll be there,” Roger promised. “If your mystery guy shows up,

give him a chance.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Jimmy laughed softly. “We’ll see,” he said again. “You should

give your guy a chance, too, Roger. Maybe he has a reason for saying
no to kids. Maybe you can help him see that it might be a good future
for him.”

Roger nodded but remained silent. He watched as Jimmy pulled

his athletic bag from the bed of the truck and ran toward the small
house. He couldn’t help but think about what Jimmy had said. If he
were to be honest with himself, he would have to admit that he
already had the same thought.

It was a little disconcerting to think about the way Kendrick filled

his thoughts all the time. He saw the way the man looked at him with
kind and gentle eyes that were so unique and mirrored the man’s soul.
He remembered the gentle touches, the careful loving, and the mind-
blowing orgasm Kendrick had given him.

And he remembered the sadness that surrounded the big man as he

had walked out of his house. It had been one of the saddest moments
of his life as he watched the door close behind Kendrick, leaving him
feeling alone and empty in his house. He wanted to gather Kendrick
into his arms and tell him that everything would be fine—but he
really didn’t know how it could be.

Maybe he could talk to Kendrick about raising some kids together.

He could say no. But he might say yes.

Lyssa Samuels

Chapter 6

Roger straightened and wiped at his sweaty brow. The living

room, the small office, the kitchen, and all the storage closets had
been cleaned out and packed. There were two piles of boxes stacked
in the living room. One was considerably smaller than the other. The
larger stack was going to be donated to local charities. The smaller
stack would be taken with him to Colorado.

He had already decided that he would only take the things that he

absolutely needed or meant the most to him on his trek to his new
home. Fred’s cousin Paul Gordon had told Fred during their last
phone conversation that Roger would be living in a small cabin on his
property. It was set close to the barn and had only two small
bedrooms and a combination living room and kitchenette.

The living room already had a couch and the kitchenette had a

counter with stools and a small table with four chairs, so Roger didn’t
really need any furniture. Paul had told Fred that there was a bed that
had been specially made that was in the cabin. Since Paul was a pretty
big guy, he had ordered the bed made when he had first bought the
ranch so he could live comfortably in the cabin while his house was
being built.

A sudden flash of Kendrick sharing that bed made Roger groan.

Even after nearly two weeks, thoughts of Kendrick and the way they
had made love filled nearly every moment of his waking hours as well
as every moment of his time sleeping—not that he had done much of
that lately.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“Geez, how is it possible to miss him so much?” Roger whispered

out loud, as he walked back into his bedroom and sat down heavily on
the bed.

Lying back against his pillow, he closed his eyes and willed

himself to relax. He was exhausted. When he tried to sleep, thoughts
of Kendrick haunted him. The unique brown eyes of the big man
called to him and tugged at his soul.

The ringing of his cell phone interrupted his thoughts. Pulling his

cell from the front pocket of his jeans, he looked at the display and
saw that it was Bryce who was calling him. Connecting the call, he
drew the phone to his ear.

“Hey, Bryce. How are you?” he asked softly.
“Roger, can you meet me at the baseball diamond? I need your

help.”

Roger sat up quickly, hearing the desperation in Bryce’s voice.

Something was not right.

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” Roger answered without

hesitation. “Will you be okay until then?”

“I’ll have to be,” Bryce said softly. “I’ll see you in twenty.”
“Bryce, is everything okay?” Roger asked gently, his deep voice

radiating concern.

“No. Everything is all wrong. But I think you might be able to

help me make it right.”

“Okay, buddy. I’ll be there as soon as I can. No more than twenty

minutes,” Roger reminded him. “You can do twenty minutes, Bryce.”

“Yeah. I can do twenty minutes,” Bryce repeated.
Roger listened as Bryce disconnected the call. Worry filled him as

he walked toward the front door, grabbing his keys from the kitchen
counter.

“Hang in there, Bryce,” he whispered as he jogged to his truck.

“I’m on my way.”

As he drove toward the baseball field, Roger thought about Bryce

and was more than worried. Bryce was the youngest of all of them.

Lyssa Samuels

He had been through hell and back in the last six months since his
date had attacked him. All of the guys were worried about him. Roger
hoped that whatever Bryce was facing now was something he could
help him with. He hated that his friend was hurting.

Turning his truck left onto Main Street, he drove quickly toward

the baseball diamond, praying that Bryce would stay strong until he
got there. Whatever was wrong, he was determined to help his buddy
get through it.

* * * *

Roger took a calming breath as he walked up the stairs of the

boarding house beside the local drug store. It had only been thirty
minutes since he had seen Bryce, but he was filled with worry for his
friend. He needed to talk to Kendrick. Bryce had said a lot of things
that he didn’t really understand. Kendrick had told him that he was
from Sanzel, and Roger had assumed that it was a small country that
he had never heard of. Wrong. There was a world called Sanzel. On
this world, there were destined mates. Apparently, there was also
magic.

His head was spinning with all the information. He didn’t really

know what to believe, but Bryce had been adamant that everything he
said was the truth. Bryce needed Kendrick’s magic to help him get to
his mate Dax. Kendrick’s magic! Roger was certain he was either
having a major psychotic episode, or there really was the possibility
that Kendrick was from another world and had great power and magic
to wield. Either scenario scared the shit out of him.

He knocked on the front door of the small building and waited, his

stomach clenched tightly as his nerves took hold. He hoped Kendrick
would be open to helping Bryce. He heard someone call to him to
enter, so he turned the doorknob and stepped inside the main room of
the boarding house.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“Can I help you?” an elderly man asked as he sat behind the long

counter at the far end of the living room.

“I’m looking for Kendrick Sorenson,” Roger said politely. “Is he

here?”

“Saw him this morning,” the man answered, smiling up at Roger

as he stood before him. “Top of the stairs on your left. Room 2B.”

“Thanks,” Roger said, allowing a relieved sigh to escape him.
Turning, he walked up the stairs, taking them two at a time, to

stand before the door with the black lettering that identified the room
as 2B. Raising his hand to knock, he hesitated as nerves overwhelmed
him.

He had to do this for Bryce. Taking a calming breath, he knocked

solidly two times. There was silence then the distinct sound of heavy
footfalls. The door was pulled open, and there before him stood the
man who haunted his mind and made him ache with how much he
missed him.

“My heart,” Kendrick whispered, shock obvious on his face as he

saw Roger standing before him.

He reached out to gather his aheri into his arms, realizing at the

last moment what he was about to do and stopping abruptly. He fisted
his hands and drew them back, keeping them stiffly at his sides.

“Kendrick, do you have a brother named Daxton?” Roger asked

him, not wanting to think about how disappointed he was that
Kendrick hadn’t taken him within his arms and hugged him.

“I do.”
“Will you come with me, please?” Roger said softly. “My friend

Bryce said that he’s mated to Dax. He said Dax was taken by some
guy name Mohar. He said Mohar hurt Dax with some kind of energy
ball and knocked him out. Bryce needs you to help him get to his
mate.”

“His mate?” Kendrick asked, surprised that Roger would

understand the relationship that his brother had with his aheri.

Lyssa Samuels

“Bryce said that Dax is his mate,” Roger said calmly. “I don’t

understand it, but I accept it. Bryce wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true.”

Kendrick nodded, smiling softly as he thought about the mating of

his brother Daxton. He was happy for him. Daxton was a kind and
giving man who deserved to have claimed his aheri.

“Bring me to your friend Bryce,” Kendrick told him, stepping out

into the hall and closing the door to his room.

He growled softly as Roger didn’t move back quick enough to

accommodate him. When his chest brushed against Roger’s, his
control snapped. Reaching up, he gripped Roger’s face with his hands
and drew him closer. His lips hovered over Roger’s for a brief
moment before he released him and stepped away.

“I will not touch you again,” Kendrick promised, fighting with

everything in him to hold true to his vow.

Roger looked at Kendrick with sadness. He wanted Kendrick to

touch him. He wanted the man to hold him.

Damn it! Why did life have to be so difficult?
He turned and led the way down the stairs, through the boarding

house, and out to where his truck was parked. He remained silent as
Kendrick took his place beside him in the cab. He watched him out of
the corner of his eye as they drove toward the baseball field. With
each mile that they traveled and each moment that passed, Roger
became increasingly agitated with the uncomfortable atmosphere in
his truck.

“Want to tell me about the markings on your wrist and mine,

Kendrick?” Roger asked him, breaking the silence.

Kendrick looked at him, shock and surprise on his face before he

carefully schooled his features. “Why do you ask this?” he questioned
finally.

“Bryce showed me the marking on the inside of his left wrist,”

Roger said, never taking his eyes off the road ahead of him. “It was
Daxton’s name. He said Daxton has one of Bryce’s name on his
wrist.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“That is the way of bonded mates,” Kendrick answered curtly, not

willing to give any more information.

“Is that all you have to say?”
“What is it you want me to say?” Kendrick asked gruffly.
“How about the truth?” Roger looked at Kendrick briefly and saw

the way his jaw was clenched tightly.

“You have made your choice,” Kendrick said quietly. “It does not

matter what is on my wrist or what is on yours. I will not force you to
be with me.”

“Stubborn man,” Roger muttered.
Kendrick’s head snapped toward Roger, such fury flashing from

his eyes, Roger nearly lost control of the truck. He watched Kendrick
clench his fists on his thighs. He saw the way his chest heaved with
exertion as the man obviously fought to control himself.

“Do you have something to say, Kendrick?” Roger taunted him.
“I have nothing to say,” Kendrick snapped. “You have said all that

there is to be said for both of us.”

“Do you want to tell me about the magic that you can control?”

Roger asked.

“I am able to control magic,” Kendrick said with as much calm as

he could manage.

“Do you want to elaborate on that, Kendrick?” Roger asked, anger

evident in his voice. “Do you think it was fair of you to keep
something like this from me?”

Kendrick opened his hand, palm up. He looked at Roger with eyes

that were flashing with fury, the amber in them nearly hiding the
brown in his eyes. Roger had to fight to keep from looking at him as
he had to keep his eyes on the road.

There was a burst of energy within the cab of the truck. White

sparkles surrounded Kendrick’s hand before a sphere of blue appeared
above his open palm and shimmered with what Roger could only
assume was power. Kendrick pushed out with his hand and the blue
sphere of magic flew at Roger, brushing against his forehead and

Lyssa Samuels

whipping his hair into disarray before disappearing in a soft sparkle of
light.

Roger looked at Kendrick in surprise then narrowed his eyes in

anger. Kendrick had rustled his hair with his magic, but he could also
feel the gentle touch that the magic made against his cheek. It was
amazing, it was beautiful, and it pissed him the hell off. How dare
Kendrick not tell him about this unbelievable thing?

Bryce had told him that magic existed. His friend had shown him

the markings that proved his mating with Daxton. He had even told
him that Kendrick would be able to open a portal to the world of
Sanzel. To be honest, Roger thought Bryce was delusional, but he was
not going to deny his friend’s request for help. If, by some miracle,
the world of Sanzel did exist, magic was real, and Kendrick was some
kind of superhero who would save the day for Bryce and Dax, who
was he to deny it by being skeptical?

“Is that enough proof for you, Roger?” Kendrick asked calmly.
“You can stop busting my ass, Kendrick.”
“There are many things that I want to do to your ass, aheri, but

busting it is not one of them,” Kendrick said angrily, turning and
focusing on the road ahead of them.

Roger had to try very hard not to smile. He was relieved to know

that Kendrick still wanted him just as much as he wanted Kendrick.
Now all Roger had to figure out was what he was going to do about it.

* * * *

Roger sat on the bleachers just behind home plate and waited. It

was getting really late. Kendrick and Bryce had been gone for more
than an hour. Seeing Kendrick open a portal to the world of Sanzel
had been a sight he would never forget. He was completely blown
away by the fact that, not only were Kendrick and his brothers from
another world, they had the ability to call upon magical powers that
they were able to wield with an astounding accuracy.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

The little blip of magic that Kendrick had shown him in his truck

was nothing compared to what he had witnessed the man from Sanzel
do to help Bryce. The power Kendrick had complete control over was
astounding. Roger was not ashamed to admit that it scared him down
to his toes to see Kendrick’s magic and the ability the man had to
control it so precisely.

He looked down at his left wrist, rubbing the pad of his thumb

over it lightly. He didn’t see any marking there, but he knew that there
had to be. After what Bryce had told him, he knew that he and
Kendrick had the same destined path as mates as Bryce and Daxton
did. Kendrick’s eyes called to his soul. Kendrick’s touch cemented
their connection.

When Kendrick returned, he was going to have a serious talk with

him. He was going to learn everything that he needed to know about
the world of Sanzel and the way that mates were destined.

“No wonder he sometimes slipped and called me aheri,” Roger

said angrily as he thought of the word that Bryce had explained had
meant beloved mate. “Asshole! Why didn’t he just tell me?”

He stood up and started pacing, shoving his hands deep into his

jacket. He remembered how Bryce had explained that he had to get to
Dax because he had been injured. Bryce had told them that he could
channel Dax’s healing magic in order for him to heal Dax’s injuries.
Kendrick had been surprised by that. Roger could only assume that it
was something that was unique to bonded mates.

Roger had asked Kendrick if he was injured. When Kendrick had

turned to face him, Roger could see the sadness in the man. Kendrick
had said that he was broken.

“What the hell does that mean?” Roger whispered. He worried

about Kendrick. How was he broken? Could he help him so that he
wasn’t broken anymore?

Roger thought about the way Kendrick had kissed him before he

and Bryce had left. It was a kiss that had told him that Kendrick still
cared about him, maybe even loved him. Was he ready for that?

Lyssa Samuels

Could he accept that, knowing it meant that they had two different
ideas of what their future should include?

Kendrick had promised him time to think about things, but he had

also been adamant that they were meant to be together. It was a little
frightening to think about the words that Kendrick had spoken to him.

“Know this, aheri. You are destined to be my mate. I know that

we have a lot to discuss, but you will find that I am a patient man who
will always hold you close to my heart.”

When Kendrick had raised his hands toward the baseball diamond

and an arc of blinding white light had emerged from the palms of his
hands, Roger had been rooted to his spot. He had watched the crackle
of energy form a portal the size of a garage door, flashing blue as it
opened before them. To know that Kendrick somehow controlled the
magic that opened a freaking portal between two worlds made him
stagger back and watch in amazement. Bryce’s parting words to him
were to give Kendrick a chance. Then Bryce ran through the opening
of the portal without hesitation to go and save his husband.

Kendrick had turned to him then, a hunger flashing in his eyes as

he faced him.

“I will be back for you shortly, my aheri,” he had promised, his

voice firm. “Do not try to hide from me. I will find you and we will
talk about our future.”

Those words had caused Roger a great deal of anxiety, yet they

calmed him at the same time. He secretly ached for the man who
wielded incredible magic and was from the world of Sanzel.

Roger looked down at his watch, checking it once again to see

how long Kendrick had been gone. It had only been an hour but it felt
like three times that. He worried that something had happened to him.
He couldn’t deny it any longer. The man had ingrained himself deep
within his heart. He didn’t know if they would be able to work out
their differences. He didn’t know if Kendrick would ever be willing to
adopt a kid or two with him. But he wanted to try.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Kendrick was a kind and gentle soul. Yeah, he had a temper on

him, but who didn’t. Despite his anger, Kendrick had never lashed out
or directed his anger toward Roger. He was a guy who was in full
control of everything he did.

Even his display of magic in the cab of Roger’s truck had lightly

brushed across his forehead and tenderly caressed his cheek. Kendrick
probably could have taken Roger’s head off with the power of his
magic, yet he had done nothing more that brush away his hair and
touch Roger’s cheek in gentleness.

He looked out across the baseball diamond and thought about

what it would mean to be mated to Kendrick. Did the man have a job?
Would Roger be able to find a job in his world? Could he be happy on
another world far away from everything that he knew? He didn’t
know, but the thought of spending his future with the big man, being
held tenderly by him, and being cherished and loved by him, was not
something he was willing to toss aside. As long as Kendrick was
honest with him, he thought they might be able to move forward with
their relationship.

A blinding white light flashed before him, making him take a step

back in caution. The air around him crackled with power and magic.
He could feel the intensity of it on his skin, but he didn’t feel
threatened by it.

Watching as the white light opened a wide area before him so that

the area glowed blue, Roger smiled as Kendrick walked through the
portal and stalked over to him with determined strides. Kendrick
turned momentarily to raise his hands and close them to draw back his
power, the portal snapping closed in an instant. Turning back to face
Roger, he walked the remaining two steps it took to reach him. Before
Roger could say a word, Kendrick grabbed him, wrapped his arms
around his back and pulled him toward his powerful chest.

“We will talk later,” Kendrick promised.
“We need to talk now,” Roger insisted.
“After I kiss you,” Kendrick countered.

Lyssa Samuels

Roger sighed. “If you must,” he said with resignation.
Kendrick laughed heartily, his brown eyes sparkling with

happiness. Roger noted that the brown of Kendrick’s eyes had
changed and was swirling with a beautiful amber color. It must be
from his use of magic, just as it had happened when he used magic in
Roger’s truck.

“Roger, you give me such joy,” Kendrick said softly before he

leaned forward and took the kiss he had been dying to take for so
long. He missed his aheri. He missed his taste. He missed the feeling
of Roger’s powerful body within his arms.

“I’m glad,” Roger said softly as Kendrick gently kissed him again.
“I have missed you, my heart,” Kendrick whispered.
“I’ve missed you, too,” Roger admitted. “That doesn’t change the

fact that we have talking to do.”

Kendrick nodded and released his hold on his mate. Sadness filled

him as he realized that Roger would soon know the truth about him.
When he chose to deny him, Kendrick would not blame him.

A blinding white light flashed above the pitcher’s mound, drawing

both of their attention. Kendrick took a stance of protection in front of
Roger, knowing his mate was going to be subjected to danger.

“Roger, I need you to go to your truck and go home,” he said

calmly, extending his hands and calling on his magic. Two spheres of
blue energy hovered above his palms as he waited for the portal to
form and present the danger that he knew awaited them.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Roger told him firmly.
“You cannot fight against the magic,” Kendrick told him.
“I’m not leaving you,” Roger insisted, standing behind Kendrick

and wrapping his arms around the big man’s waist. He leaned his
head on his shoulder so he could whisper in his ear. “If we’re going to
be a couple, we do things as a team.” He kissed his neck then, smiling
at the immediate growl that left Kendrick at the contact.

The energy above Kendrick’s palms flamed brighter, surprising

the prince with its intensity. He was shocked and amazed that his

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

aheri had increased his magic so profoundly. He should have known
that it was possible. Mohar had told him and his brothers that their
mates would increase their magic and aid them in their quest to find
the missing children of Sanzel. Kendrick realized that he still had
much to tell his mate. That would have to wait until after they faced
this threat together.

In an instant, the portal opened, blue energy filled the area, and

two large figures emerged from the gateway between the two worlds.
The Legari warriors who stood before them were ready for battle.

“Holy shit! Who are these guys?” Roger asked, shocked by the

two men who were walking toward them.

They had to be nearly seven feet tall. They had long white hair

that fell to their waists and wore black uniforms with wide golden
sashes surrounding their waists. They were imposing, but what made
them scary as shit was the way their eyes glowed red, making Roger
view them as something otherworldly, almost like demons.

“They are the Legari,” Kendrick explained, throwing several

spheres of energy at the warriors as they advanced on them. “They are
the warriors who serve Kiernan. We believe he is the one responsible
for the kidnapping of our children and the selling of them to other
worlds. My brother Magnus has told us that these warriors are
responsible for the murder of my parents.” Kendrick never stopped in
his continuous assault against the warriors, his magic slamming
against them repeatedly as they got closer to them. He was not going
to allow them to hurt his aheri.

Anger filled Roger at Kendrick’s words. These men under the

direction of some asshole named Kiernan had killed Kendrick’s
parents. They had also taken children from their families and sold
them into God only knew what horrors. They had to be stopped.

The Legari warrior that Kendrick hit with his magic directly in his

torso stumbled, going down to his knees. Kendrick drew more magic
from his hands and threw another sphere of magic at him, making the
warrior fall back. Instead of going down to the ground defeated, the

Lyssa Samuels

warrior growled as he fought to stand, drawing one long sword from
the sash at his waist and a short blade from his hip. The second
warrior did the same.

As they got closer, Roger knew that he was going to have to let go

of Kendrick so they could fight beside each other. To stay where he
was would only hamper Kendrick’s ability to fight. He released his
hold on Kendrick’s waist and stepped to his side, taking a defensive
stance and raising his fists in preparation for the fight.

“Fists against swords are a bad idea,” he said angrily. “But these

pieces of shit are going down.” All the anger in him boiled to a fever
pitch. Not only were these warriors there to attack Kendrick, they
were helping a man kidnap and sell kids.

“No, aheri!” Kendrick yelled as Roger advanced on the smaller of

the two warriors and pulled back his arm.

Roger ignored Kendrick’s warning. Letting his fist fly, he felt the

satisfying crunch of bone beneath his hand. He knew that he had just
broken the guy’s nose, but he was also pretty sure that he had just
broken his own hand.

He groaned in pain but continued his assault, his time in training

at the punching bag coming forth as he continued to pummel the
guy’s torso. The warrior slashed at Roger’s body with his sword,
successfully tearing into his shoulder, but Roger ignored the flash of
heat that pierced through him from the injury.

He continued to pound at the man, joining his hands together to

get more force in his hits. With each one, he was able to force the
warrior back toward the portal. He thought he was successful in his
efforts when he realized that the warrior was just toying with him. He
was making shallow cuts on Roger’s body with each swipe of his
sword. Roger felt like a mouse being played with by the cat just
before the cat killed it.

One particular swing of the sword was too close for comfort.

Roger pulled back, but not in time to save his left cheek from the slice

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

it had received. Roger bit his lower lip to keep from crying out in
pain. That’s when he heard Kendrick roar.

Kendrick kept throwing magic at the warrior who was attacking

him, not giving the Legari any moment of reprieve between strikes.
Despite the power of Kendrick’s magic, the warrior was able to use
his blades effectively against him. Kendrick was sure he was going to
have a long and painful recovery from the many injuries he was
sustaining.

Pushing the warrior back toward the portal, Kendrick watched in

horror as his aheri fought the other warrior. Roger was a strong man
who fought well and bravely, but he was no match for the size, the
strength, and the cruelty of the Legari warrior. When he saw the
multitude of times the warrior’s blades sliced at Roger’s body, he was
nearly mindless with rage. The last strike to Roger’s face made the
fury in him blaze hot. He roared in anger that such an act of violence
was directed at his mate.

Turning his attention to his mate, he threw spheres of magic that

had turned molten red with his anger at the warrior, successfully
pushing the Legari warrior away from the man he loved and throwing
him through the open portal. Turning back to face the remaining
Legari warrior, he drew every bit of magic he had left within him and
threw it at the warrior just as the warrior reached forward and stabbed
him deep in his gut.

The roar of pain only served to make the magic in him course

brighter. Pushing out his magic, he pressed against the warrior and
threw him through the open portal. Kendrick dropped to his knees as
he lifted his hands and drew the magic from the open portal to snap it
shut in an instant.

Roger yelled out Kendrick’s name in horror as he saw the warrior

stab his short sword into his man’s stomach. Kendrick would never
have been stabbed if he hadn’t ignored the warrior fighting him in
order to protect Roger.

Lyssa Samuels

Roger pulled himself up from the ground, staggering over to

Kendrick and holding him in his arms as Kendrick slumped forward.
The short sword was still embedded low in Kendrick’s abdomen. He
knew from first aid training that it was best not to remove the impaled
object so that it would not cause more damage or allow the blood to
flow freer.

“Kendrick,” Roger croaked, trying his best to stay in control.
“You are injured, my heart,” Kendrick told him, reaching up and

touching his left cheek gently. “I will heal you. Do not worry. You
will be well.”

“Kendrick, I don’t give a shit about myself,” Roger stopped him,

reaching up and holding his hand. He realized that Kendrick’s hand
was emitting a blue glow and he felt a tingle within his cheek. “We
need to get you to the hospital. I’ll call 911.”

“No, my heart,” Kendrick stopped him.
“Oh, hell, yes,” Roger yelled. “I have to get you help.”
“Just take me to your home, Roger,” Kendrick said calmly,

gasping slightly as the pain in his stomach took his breath away.

“I’m taking you to the damn hospital,” Roger said angrily.
“No, aheri,” Kendrick whispered, touching the healed skin of

Roger’s cheek lightly. “Take me to your home. We will take care of
each other when we get there.”

“No. If we can heal each other, we’re going to do it right now,”

Roger insisted.

The sound of sirens filled the park. Roger could see the flashing

red and blue lights of the police cars as they rounded the far end of the
park. Someone in the area must have heard the commotion in the park
and called them.

“We must not stay here, my heart,” Kendrick said gently. “I need

to heal you quickly. If we are taken to your hospital, we will be
separated, and we both will be subjected to a long and painful
recovery. Please, take me to your home so we can be healed by my
magic.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Roger grumbled as he helped Kendrick stand. He walked them as

quickly as he could to his truck, helping Kendrick into the front seat
and foregoing the seatbelt when he saw the way the blade was
sticking out of his body just at his pubic line. The seatbelt would only
serve to press the blade in deeper and cause more pain and injury.

Closing the door quickly, he made his way to the driver’s side of

the truck and pulled open the door, swearing softly as the broken
bones in his hands protested the movement. Slamming the door shut
behind him, he started the truck and carefully maneuvered it away
from the baseball diamond. Thankfully, he was able to leave the park
before the police cars made it around the perimeter.

He looked over at Kendrick and saw the paleness of the man’s

complexion. Worry filled him as he realized how badly injured
Kendrick was. He just hoped he would be able to direct Kendrick’s
healing magic to heal him as Bryce had told him he had been able to
do for Dax’s injuries.

The longer it took for them to get to Roger’s house, the weaker

Kendrick became. Roger saw the blood pooling in Kendrick’s lap,
completely soaking his clothes and dripping onto the floor of the
truck.

“This is taking too long to get home,” Roger whispered. “I have a

really bad feeling about this.”

Lyssa Samuels

Chapter 7

It was nearly ten minutes before Roger pulled his truck into the

garage and pressed the button to close the garage door behind them.
Kendrick seemed to be unconscious when he pulled open the door and
carefully maneuvered him out of his truck.

“I will help,” Kendrick said firmly, startling Roger.
“You will relax,” Roger demanded, trying to gather Kendrick in

his arms to carry him inside.

“My heart, please allow me to walk with you,” Kendrick said

softly, knowing he was far too heavy for Roger to carry him inside.

“No.”
Kendrick chuckled softly, coughing immediately. He carefully

wiped away the blood from his mouth before Roger could see it then
stood to his full height and placed his arm over Roger’s shoulder. He
leaned on his mate heavily, glad for his strength when he realized and
accepted that he was not able to walk on his own power.

Roger wasn’t about to argue. Kendrick was moving, that was all

that mattered, and he was determined to get him inside as quickly as
possible. It took great effort, but they were finally able to get to his
bedroom and he was able to settle Kendrick on the bed. By the time
he was lying back against the pillows, they were both exhausted.

“Okay, give me your healing magic,” Roger said firmly, reaching

for Kendrick’s hand and tugging on it to get Kendrick to open his
eyes and focus.

“I will heal you first,” Kendrick insisted.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

“Kendrick, you’re a stubborn ass,” Roger told him angrily. “You

can heal me after I help you. My injuries are not as severe as yours
are.”

“Aheri, I am bound by honor to protect you above all else,

including myself,” Kendrick explained weakly. “I must see to your
comfort and healing before I will allow you to see to mine.”

“This is some fucked up idea of honor, Kendrick,” Roger said

softly. “Please, honey. Let me help you.”

“I will,” Kendrick promised. “Take off your clothes so I may heal

your injuries, my heart.”

Roger huffed in exasperation. He was wasting time arguing with

him. “Do this quickly, buddy,” he demanded.

“I will,” Kendrick promised, smiling up at him weakly.
Roger ripped the shirt from his body, revealing several deep

gashes on his torso and left shoulder where the Legari warrior’s blade
had made contact. He watched in awe as Kendrick raised his hand and
covered each injury, his hands glowing a soft blue and his eyes
turning their unique amber shade as he used his magic. Within
seconds, each injury on Roger’s body was healed. Only the blood that
still stained his body gave testament to the fact that there had been
any wounds at all.

Roger thought he was finished, but Kendrick would not be swayed

from his mission. Taking Roger’s right hand in his, he sent his healing
magic through it to straighten and knit together each broken bone
within it. Roger had to admit that he was relieved not to have the
throbbing pain of the broken bones, but he would have gladly suffered
far more if it meant that Kendrick would allow him to work on his
injuries.

Once Kendrick was satisfied that all of Roger’s injuries had been

healed, he allowed his hand to fall to the bed. He was completely
exhausted. He allowed Roger to fuss over him, smiling as he heard his
mate muttering about his stubbornness.

“Do not be angry, my heart,” he whispered.

Lyssa Samuels

“Be quiet!” Roger snapped.
Taking careful hold of Kendrick’s black tunic, he pulled it up

slowly to reveal the bloodstained skin of his abdomen. Using the
material of the tunic, he wiped away the blood with gentle strokes,
and saw that the short blade was embedded deep within Kendrick’s
body just above his groin.

Going into the bathroom, he quickly returned with a small pair of

scissors. Cutting down the waistband of his dress slacks, he was glad
that they had an elastic waistband and resembled the soft material of
sleep pants. Peeling back the material that was saturated with
Kendrick’s blood, he was almost sick at the sight that greeted him.

Kendrick’s body was pumping blood in tandem with his heartbeat.

The wound was deep. The hilt of the knife was nearly flush against
Kendrick’s body.

“Kendrick, give me your healing magic,” he whispered as he

gently took Kendrick’s right hand within his left and squeezed it
lightly.

He was relieved to see the soft blue glow of magic that covered

his hand and traveled up his arm to fill his body. When he saw the
blue magic reach his right hand, he covered the wound at Kendrick’s
groin and concentrated on healing his man.

“You’re mine, Kendrick,” Roger said firmly. “I’m not letting you

go.”

Kendrick just smiled as he closed his eyes and slumped into the

pillow beneath his head. Roger focused on the blue healing magic that
coursed through him.

Suddenly, the blue glow wavered and weakened until there was no

glow at all. Roger looked up at Kendrick in a panic. The soft amber in
Kendrick’s eyes was fading.

“I love you, my heart,” Kendrick whispered softly as he took one

final, shallow breath.

Lyssa Samuels

Chapter 8

Roger froze in disbelief. Kendrick was dead. The man he had

denied was dead. The man he knew was meant to be his was dead. He
had thrown away the opportunity to love this man for the rest of his
life. Kendrick had suffered loneliness and rejection because Roger
had been so damned stupid. Was having children so much more
important than loving a mate? Was it worth missing out on the time
that he could have spent with such a kind and loving man?

“No!”
The word was shouted in the quiet bedroom. The anguish he felt

was deep and tortured him to his soul. Reaching out, he gathered
Kendrick in his arms and pulled him up against his chest to hug him
tightly.

“Kendrick, please don’t leave me,” he begged. “I love you. I want

to be with you for the rest of our lives. Please, honey, you can’t leave
me.”

Kendrick lay limp in his arms, his head falling back away from

the tender embrace. Roger settled him back against the pillow, lying
across his chest as he rested his head against his shoulder. The tears
came slowly at first, turning to deep sobs as he refused to accept the
reality of the situation.

He begged, he pleaded, he bargained with God, but nothing

worked. His mate was dead. He traced the contours of Kendrick’s
strong face, threading his fingers through his silky black hair and
tugging on the royal blue streak that was so uniquely Kendrick.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Fisting his hand in Kendrick’s hair, anger filled him. Pulling back,

he looked down at him and made a sound deep in his throat as the
power of his anger took hold.

“You will not die on me, Kendrick Sorenson!” he yelled, placing

his hand in the center of Kendrick’s chest and pushing down in even,
quick thrusts. “You will not leave me. I forbid it.” He pressed harder,
making Kendrick’s body bounce on the bed with each press against
him.

Stopping the compressions, he leaned forward and breathed two

deep breaths into Kendrick’s mouth. Easing back quickly, he
continued with his compressions

“Kendrick!” he screamed, pushing with all his strength to keep

Kendrick’s heart beating.

Breathing into his mouth once again, he leaned back then pounded

on his chest with his hands joined into a combined fist. Pressing
against him once again, he couldn’t stop the tears that were flowing
freely down his face.

“Kendrick!” he screamed again, his voice hoarse.
Leaning forward, he covered Kendrick’s mouth with his own,

about to breathe for him again when he felt the soft whisper of air that
escaped him. Leaning back, he saw Kendrick gasp and take a deep
breath.

“Kendrick, honey, listen to my voice,” he said desperately. “You

need to give me your healing magic.” He reached down and gripped
Kendrick’s right hand once again, squeezing it so tightly he was sure
he had to be causing great pain, but if it took pain to bring Kendrick
back to him then that’s what it took. “Give me your magic!” He
tugged on his hand, squeezing it harder. “You stubborn ass, give me
your magic! I demand it!”

A soft glow of blue light left Kendrick’s hand, filling Roger with

its warmth and power. The strength of it was weak, but it was there.
He tugged on Kendrick’s hand, pulling his arm firmly to jerk his body
and draw him back to the present.

Lyssa Samuels

“I need you to give me more, Kendrick,” Roger told him firmly.

“You have to make your magic stronger so I can help heal you and
bring you back to me.” He leaned forward and kissed Kendrick’s lips
lightly. “Please, mate.”

Kendrick’s eyes fluttered open. He looked up at him and smiled

softly, his brown eyes flashing amber as his magic increased. Roger
smiled down at him and winked.

“Good job, Kendrick Sorenson of Sanzel,” he told him gently.

“Not bad for a sexy, handsome, and spoiled man.”

Kendrick chuckled softly. “I have never been spoiled, my heart,”

he said softly.

“Well, I’m going to make sure to change that,” Roger told him. “I

hope you won’t mind if I spoil you for the rest of our lives.”

“You may have to fight me on that, aheri,” Kendrick said,

laughing softly before he started coughing once again.

“Okay, Kendrick. You need to shut the hell up now and let me

heal you. Make sure you keep your magic strong until I tell you
otherwise.”

Kendrick nodded then closed his eyes and concentrated on

keeping his magic at a high level. He gasped only once when Roger
slowly pulled the short sword from his abdomen but quickly sighed
with relief when Roger covered his wound with his hand and filled
him with warmth and healing.

As each moment passed, the warmth increased, and the tingling of

the healing coursed through Kendrick’s body, making him stronger.
The love that filled him with each pulse of healing magic that his
aheri directed into him filled him with hope.

Roger looked at the injury to Kendrick’s abdomen, sighing when

he saw the wound healing. The gaping hole closed with painstaking
slowness, but he didn’t care if he had to wait forever for the healing
process to be completed.

“Kendrick, are you feeling stronger?” he whispered.
“Yes.”

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

Roger smiled at the way Kendrick squeezed his hand lightly as he

spoke so softly. He didn’t care how weak Kendrick was. He was
alive. And he was growing stronger. That was all that mattered.

Kendrick suddenly bolted upright, his body folding in half as pain

filled his abdomen. Kendrick’s groan of agony filled the bedroom.
Roger nearly pulled his hand free, but he wasn’t about to take a
chance that the healing would stop. He didn’t know why Kendrick
was feeling such pain, but he was damned sure going to keep the
healing magic focused on him until it was gone.

“What’s wrong, Kendrick?” he asked as Kendrick’s stomach

muscles clenched in spasms beneath his palm.

“I do not know,” Kendrick said, gasping as the pain intensified.
“I’m not stopping,” Roger said firmly. “I need to heal you

completely. Can you hang in there and breathe through the pain for
me, honey?”

Kendrick nodded, doing his best to take deep, even breaths as he

felt the pain ripping through him so deeply he thought he would never
be free from it. He felt Roger rubbing his belly lightly as he continued
to focus the healing magic into his body.

“Is it better?” Roger asked, worry filling him as he felt the

tightness of Kendrick’s body.

“Mayhap a little,” Kendrick admitted.
Roger smiled at the formal cadence of Kendrick’s words. He

should have realized that Kendrick spoke formally. He assumed it was
something unique to his world or his position. Whatever it was, he
liked it. It endeared Kendrick to him even more.

“So I guess when you told me that you carried no diseases, you

were telling me the truth,” Roger said, smiling as he heard Kendrick
laughing softly.

“Yes,” he answered quietly, sighing as the pain in his abdomen

started to ease somewhat. “Please, my heart. Do not stop. The pain is
lessening.”

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“I’m not stopping until you’re ready to jump off of this bed and

wrestle me to the floor,” Roger said firmly.

“Why would I do that?” Kendrick asked, horrified. “I would never

hurt you in any way.”

Roger looked up at him and smiled. “Even if I want you to?” he

asked, laughing softly when he saw the moment Kendrick realized
what he was asking of him.

“Aheri,” Kendrick whispered.
“Of course, you’re going to have to wait, Kendrick,” Roger told

him, thinking about it as he looked at him very seriously. “You
promised me that I could make love to you. I really want to sink
myself deep inside of you. Are you going to tell me that you’ve
changed your mind?”

“No. I want you to,” Kendrick told him, his voice stronger.
“Good.”
Roger looked back down at his hand and saw that the blue of the

healing magic was growing lighter in intensity. Looking back up at
Kendrick, he saw that his eyes were slowly returning to his usual
brown color that was edged in amber.

“Did you stop your magic?” he asked worriedly.
“No, my heart. The healing magic stops when it is no longer

needed.”

“Thank God,” Roger whispered, taking his hand away from

Kendrick’s body slowly.

Kendrick was still covered in blood, but the wound from the blade

was completely closed and the skin was smooth and pink with health.
He still gripped Kendrick’s hand and squeezed it lightly.

“We’re not finished yet, Kendrick,” he told him softly. “You still

have two injuries left.”

Kendrick nodded and called forth his magic once again, sighing as

he allowed his aheri’s touch to heal the wounds across his shoulder
and along his right arm where the Legari warrior’s long sword had
sliced at him during their fight.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

101

Roger concentrated on the two slashes, glad when they healed

much quicker than the wound in Kendrick’s abdomen. Looking over
the rest of Kendrick’s body thoroughly, he was glad to see that no
other wounds plagued him. Pulling Kendrick’s hand toward his
mouth, he kissed the back of his knuckles lightly and held his hand
against his chest.

“We’re a mess, Kendrick,” he said finally, looking down at the

two of them. They were both covered in blood. “If you’re up to it, I’ll
take you into the shower and wash away all of this.”

Kendrick nodded and smiled, grateful for his mate’s

consideration. Allowing Roger to ease him forward, he rested against
him as Roger walked them both into the bathroom. Roger pulled off
their remaining clothes and shoes then slid back the shower curtain.
He steadied Kendrick as his handsome mate stepped over the lip of
the tub and made sure he had steadied himself with a hand against the
tile wall before turning away from him and grabbing the small, metal
chair that sat in the corner of the bathroom. It was a chair that his
father had often used when he had become weaker and couldn’t stand
to shower. Roger had never been able to throw it away. He was
thankful now that he hadn’t.

He placed the chair in the center of the tub, making sure that the

rubber feet were securely stuck to the floor of the tub before he
allowed Kendrick to sit. Once he was sure Kendrick was comfortable,
he stepped into the shower and drew the curtain around them.
Reaching down, he started the water, waiting until it was warm to the
point of hot then turned on the shower. He smiled as he heard
Kendrick’s groan of pleasure when the hot water cascaded over his
body.

Roger reached for the soap and cloth on the chest-high ledge,

whipping up a full lather before setting aside the soap and starting to
wash every inch of Kendrick’s body with gentle thoroughness. He
was glad to see his that his skin showed no scars or indications of his

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injuries. Once all the blood was washed away, he breathed a sigh of
relief.

“Your healing magic is a very good thing,” he said softly, leaning

down and kissing Kendrick’s neck lightly before reaching up and
grabbing the bottle of shampoo from the ledge.

Pouring a good amount of the shampoo into his hand, he replaced

the bottle and started scrubbing at Kendrick’s hair. He laughed softly
as he saw the way Kendrick closed his eyes and enjoyed being
pampered. Roger had to admit that he was enjoying pampering him.

Once Kendrick’s hair was rinsed, Roger grabbed for the cloth and

started to clean all the blood from his own body. When Kendrick took
the cloth from him and finished the job, he remained silent. Whatever
way Kendrick turned him so he could clean the remnants of the fight
from him, Roger moved willingly to accommodate him. When
Kendrick pulled him onto his lap so he could reach his head and
shampoo his hair, he couldn’t stop smiling.

“I could get used to this,” he said as Kendrick tipped his head

back under the stream of water to rinse the shampoo from his hair.

Kendrick leaned forward and kissed his throat, biting down just

slightly. Roger looked at him with obvious desire, but he knew this
was not a time for romance.

“As much as I want to make love to you right now, I need you to

rest, honey,” he whispered, kissing Kendrick’s lips lightly.

Kendrick nodded, making Roger know that Kendrick still must be

feeling a little shaken from the attack of the Legari warriors. Turning
off the water, he slid open the curtain and stepped out of the tub.
Grabbing two towels, he quickly rubbed down Kendrick’s body and
hair then wrapped the dry towel around his shoulders.

Grabbing another towel for himself, he dried off quickly and

rubbed at his hair before wrapping the towel around his waist and
standing before Kendrick. He smiled down at the man who sat
patiently in the metal chair. Reaching out, he touched Kendrick’s jaw
gently.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

103

“I’m going to go and change the sheets on my bed and clean up

the room so there’s no blood,” he told him calmly. “I’ll be only a
couple of minutes. Just sit here and stay warm. I’ll bring you
something to sleep in as soon as I finish.”

“I do not need anything to sleep in, Roger,” Kendrick told him,

smiling devilishly as he winked at him.

“Oh, yes, you do,” Roger told him, laughing. “You’ve lost a lot of

blood. Your body temperature is considerably lower and you need to
stay warm. I can’t have you going into shock on me.”

Before Kendrick could protest, Roger left the bathroom. Walking

into the bedroom, he felt his stomach bottom out when he saw the
amount of blood that covered the bed, the floor, and the clothes that
they had been wearing. Quickly pulling the sheets from the bed and
the pillowcases from the pillows, he threw them into a pile on the
floor. He used the sheets to wipe up the blood that was there. Going to
the closet in the hallway, he pulled out fresh linens and blankets and
returned to make the bed as quickly as he could. Once everything was
settled and the blankets were in place, he folded them back then went
to grab a pair of black pajama pants and a maroon sweatshirt from his
bureau.

Walking back into the bathroom, he smiled when he saw that

Kendrick still sat in the metal chair. Reaching out, he held him steady
as he stood and stepped over the edge of the tub. He took the towel
from Kendrick’s shoulders and wiped him down one last time then
helped him put on the sweatshirt and pants. Wrapping one arm around
Kendrick’s waist, Roger led him back into the bedroom and brought
him to the bed, waiting for him to sit and lie back so he could cover
him.

“Where are you going, Roger?” Kendrick asked him worriedly

when he saw his mate turning to leave the bedroom.

“I’m going to clean up the rest of the house so there’s no blood

anywhere,” Roger explained calmly. “I’m going to throw all of this in

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the washing machine. It will only take a few minutes. Go ahead and
go to sleep. I’ll get into bed as soon as I can.”

“I will not sleep without you,” Kendrick told him firmly.
“Okay. Just rest until I get back.”
Kendrick nodded and settled back onto the pillow, being sure to

leave enough room for Roger to fit comfortably beside him when he
returned. Roger smiled at his consideration. Turning, he walked out of
the bedroom and took stock of the mess that he needed to deal with.

There was a trail of blood from the door that led from the garage,

through the kitchen, and all the way to the bedroom door. Doing his
best to wipe up everything with the already soaked sheets, he threw
them into the washing machine and turned it on, leaving the lid up so
he would be able to add the towels he was going to use to finish the
job.

Going out to the garage, he went to work cleaning the interior of

his truck. The last thing he wanted to do was leave any remnants of
the attack so Kendrick would have to relive the horror of it when he
came out in the morning and looked at the house or got into his truck.
It took him nearly thirty minutes to fully clean the truck, but he didn’t
care how long it took him to clear away the proof of Kendrick’s pain
and suffering.

Satisfied that everything inside the truck was clean, he made his

way back into the house. Taking a mop, he filled a bucket with
cleaner and washed down the cream tiled floor of the kitchen and the
hardwood floors in the living room and his bedroom. He saw
Kendrick watching him silently, but he didn’t stop his cleaning.

Once he was finished and drained the bucket of the bloody water,

he threw all the towels into the washer and closed the lid, glad to hear
it immediately begin to agitate. Walking back into the bedroom, he
went into the bathroom and took a quick shower to rinse off any blood
or perspiration. Coming out into the bedroom, he grabbed for a T-shirt
and a pair of boxer briefs, pulling them on quickly and walking over
to the bed.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

105

Easing back the covers, he carefully climbed onto the bed and

settled beside Kendrick, turning onto his left side to lightly rest his
head on the big man’s shoulders. Settling his hand on Kendrick’s
chest, he sighed with relief as Kendrick immediately covered his hand
with his own.

“Thank you, my heart,” Kendrick whispered, kissing his forehead

lightly.

“You’re welcome,” Roger whispered back. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For coming back to me.”
Kendrick pulled him closer and held him gently against his chest.

Roger was content to be right where he was. When he finally fell
asleep he was comforted by the warmth of the man beside him and
was reassured of his man’s health by the strong beating of Kendrick’s
heart beneath his hand.

Kendrick called Roger my heart, but Roger knew in that instant

that Kendrick was going to have to share that endearment. Kendrick
was his heart, and Roger was never going to let him go. He closed his
eyes and settled closer against Kendrick’s body, making a silent wish
that Kendrick would be willing to belong to him.

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Chapter 9

“Roger,” Kendrick whispered against the back of his mate’s neck

as he held him gently against his chest.

Roger pressed back against the warmth behind him. He was

comfortably wrapped in strong arms. He could feel the strong beating
of his man’s heart as he rested his back against Kendrick’s chest. The
slow thumping of his heart reassured Roger that Kendrick was indeed
well. He was strong. He was embracing him. And he was hard.

Smiling devilishly, he rubbed his ass against Kendrick’s erection,

loving the low growls that resulted. Opening his eyes, Roger could
tell that it was barely dawn. The bedroom was still mostly dark, but
the summer sun was starting to peek through the navy curtains of his
bedroom windows.

Turning over, he smiled as Kendrick immediately loosened his

hold on him so he could face him. Reaching up, he touched
Kendrick’s face, tracing his strong jaw before passing his index finger
across the fullness of his bottom lip.

“Good morning, Kendrick,” Roger whispered.
“A very good morning,” Kendrick agreed, taking gentle hold of

Roger’s hand and kissing the tip of his finger before sucking it into
his mouth and swirling his tongue around it provocatively.

“Someone wakes up horny,” Roger teased him.
“Horny?”
Roger pulled his hand free and reached down between them to

palm Kendrick’s hard shaft through the sleep pants that he was
wearing. “Horny,” Roger repeated as he caressed the length slowly.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

107

“Excited.” He squeezed the bulbous head through the silky pants.
“You want to make love.”

“Yes,” Kendrick whispered. “I am horny.”
Roger chuckled softly. This incredible, kind, and sexy man made

him happy. He didn’t know what to expect from their time together,
but he hoped Kendrick would stick around for a while. He thought
they might be good together. Once they talked a few things through,
they might even have a future together.

Before he could say another word, Kendrick pressed him back

onto the mattress and covered his body, slowly grinding his hips
against him. Their cocks rubbed against each other through their
clothes with just the right amount of pressure.

“Are you feeling up to this, honey?” Roger whispered, looking up

at Kendrick’s face and trying to judge his health.

Kendrick moved his hips, pressing his length firmly against him.

“Do you think I am up to this, aheri?” he teased.

Roger smiled as he reached up and tugged on the length of

Kendrick’s hair that fell forward, passing the royal blue streak
through his fingertips and enjoying the silkiness of the man’s hair.
How unique this man was. From the special color of his eyes and the
unusual streak of color in his hair, to the gentleness of his heart,
Kendrick Sorenson was one of a kind.

“I don’t think you should exert yourself, Kendrick,” Roger said

calmly. “You’ve been through a pretty rough time. I don’t want you
to have a relapse.”

“I am fine, my heart,” Kendrick told him quietly. “But I would

agree with you. I must not exert myself. That is why I will lie back
while I take you into my body.”

Roger’s eyes flashed with desire. “You want me to take you?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”

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“I’ll grab the lube and a condom,” Roger said, pushing against

Kendrick’s shoulder to get him to lie back on the mattress.

“We will not use a condom,” Kendrick told him as he reached out

and touched Roger’s forearm to halt his movement away from him.

“Kendrick,” Roger began. “I would never put you at risk. I could

be carrying diseases. You don’t know if I’m safe.”

“Are you safe?”
“Yes, but you don’t know that, and you shouldn’t trust someone

just because they say they’re safe.” He sighed softly as he reached out
and touched Kendrick’s cheek tenderly. “You should never trust any
man to be truthful with you. I’ve learned in my life that men say
what’s convenient in order to get what they want.”

“I, too, have found men to be duplicitous, my heart,” Kendrick

agreed. “I am a soldier who has spoken the oath to protect others. I
have encountered many who have been drawn by dark magic and
selfish motives.” He caressed Roger’s hand slowly as it rested against
his chest. “You are not one such man.”

“You’re sure about that?” Roger asked, amazed by the faith that

this man had in him.

“With all that I am,” Kendrick answered.
“Why?”
“Because you risked your life for me. You brought me back from

death despite your own pain and injuries. And one more very
important reason.”

“What’s that?”
“You are my aheri.”
Roger’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Bryce talked to me about

this. That means beloved mate, right?”

“It does, but it means much more. It means destined mate. It

means that of all the men of our worlds, you are meant to be mine and
I am meant to be yours. You are destined to walk the path of life with
me. And to do that you must make love to me as I have already made
love to you.” He hesitated a moment, realizing that he had not been

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109

completely forthcoming with everything that Roger had a right to
know before the claiming. “You should know that I am unable to
offer you the future that you deserve.”

“I don’t know what that means, Kendrick,” Roger said softly. “We

don’t have to make any life-altering decisions right now. If we decide
to enter into this relationship and you will consent to be monogamous,
that’s as far as we need to decide right now.”

Kendrick nodded, the ache in his chest lessening somewhat. He

knew that he should say more. He owed Roger so much more.

Roger leaned forward and kissed Kendrick slowly, infusing into

the kiss just how much he valued him. Kendrick’s soul called to his.
His kindness eased his loneliness. His gentleness touched his heart.
He believed that they might be able to have a good future together,
but it didn’t have to be decided now. For now, he would take the
commitment Kendrick gave him and trust him to be faithful. Roger
would honor the same promise to him.

Reaching down, he slowly dragged the sweatshirt up Kendrick’s

body, following the material with his mouth as he placed gentle kisses
and licks up his torso. Kendrick placed his hand behind Roger’s head
and held him tenderly as he explored. When Roger kissed, licked, and
suckled his left nipple, Kendrick’s groan of pleasure made him smile.

“Your nipples are very sensitive, honey,” he whispered as he

kissed his way across Kendrick’s broad chest to pay his other nipple
the same attention.

Kendrick squeezed his eyes shut, pushing aside any thoughts

except how Roger made his body sing with pleasure. He floated away
on the gentle touches of his beloved mate. He knew he did not
deserve this man, but he could not help but be selfish in his
determination to keep him.

Roger tugged off Kendrick’s pajama pants, smiling as his man’s

thick cock bounced free. Leaning forward, he opened his mouth and
licked at the wide head, pressing lightly against its spongy softness
and groaning with pleasure as he tasted the drop of pre-cum that

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pooled at the slit. Reaching up, he took firm hold of the head and
squeezed it lightly, encouraging more of the intimate goodness to
dribble out.

Latching his lips around the flared ridge, he sucked deeply,

drawing him deeper into his mouth until the entire length of him slid
deep into his mouth and down his throat. He hummed lightly as his
nose nestled against the dark curls of Kendrick’s groin, pulling back
slowly and kissing the tip before repeating the motions.

He could hear Kendrick panting as he experienced the pleasure

that Roger was determined to give him. He slid his hands beneath
Kendrick’s thighs and lifted them so that his ass was tipped at just the
right angle to present his hidden hole. He nuzzled against Kendrick’s
sac, sucking on it lightly before licking around the delicate orbs.
Kissing his way down the inside of Kendrick’s legs, he bit softly into
the delicate area at the crease of his groin, smiling as Kendrick
released a long moan of pleasure.

Kissing the small bite he had made, he found great satisfaction in

seeing that he had left a mark of ownership on his man. He nudged
Kendrick’s leg, smiling when the man spread wide for him without
hesitation and exposed himself to him. Roger took full advantage.
Breathing in the scent of his man, he leaned closer and swiped his
tongue across his star, pressing tightly against the puckered skin.
When he felt Kendrick’s muscles loosening, he smiled and hummed
against his hole, smiling at the way Kendrick’s hips shot upward.

“Like that, honey?” he asked, leaning up and looking at Kendrick

as the man looked back at him with the most incredibly needy
expression on his face.

Reaching up, he took hold of Kendrick’s cock and caressed it

slowly, pressing up and down his shaft and feeling the three bumps at
the base. Running his fingers over it, he wondered if it was something
to be of concern.

“All men of Sanzel have the same attribute, my heart,” Kendrick

said softly. “We are made to please our mates.”

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111

“How did you know what I was thinking?”
“When I touched your shaft, I knew that we were different in this

way,” Kendrick said, shrugging.

“I guess I’ll just have to please you the way I know how,” Roger

said, reaching out to grab for the lube.

Kendrick stopped him with a hand to Roger’s forearm. Roger

looked at him and saw how serious Kendrick was.

“You please me when you care,” Kendrick whispered. “You

please me when you are gentle. You please me when you laugh. You
even please me when you become angry.”

“Why?” Roger asked, laughing. “You like me being angry?”
“I enjoy you being yourself.”
Roger couldn’t speak. To be so valued was something new for

him. No man had ever stuck around long enough to know him the
way Kendrick did.

“I’m going to make love to you, Kendrick,” Roger said as he

leaned forward to steal a quick kiss. “Are you okay with that?”

“It is what I want very much, my heart,” Kendrick said softly.

“When you come deep inside of me, you will claim me as yours. Are
you certain you want to do that?”

“Very certain,” Roger whispered.
Taking the bottle of lube, he opened the cap and squeezed some of

the fluid onto his right hand. Bringing his hand to Kendrick’s rectum,
he pressed the fluid against the tight muscle, rubbing gently and
smiling at the responding moan that escaped his lover. Pouring more
lube onto his fingertips, he pressed the lube deep inside of Kendrick,
following the slick with two fingers. Searching and finding the gland
he knew would make Kendrick zing with pleasure, he rubbed over it
lightly, smiling when Kendrick gasped and clamped down on his
fingers.

“And that’s how we men of this world please our partners,” Roger

told him, laughing softly when Kendrick lost all ability to speak.

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Pressing in deeper, he made sure to stretch him slowly. When he

added another finger and then another, Roger thought he would come
just from the sight of Kendrick’s body taking every bit of him. He
wanted inside of him more than he ever thought possible.

“Kendrick, I need to be inside of you,” he nearly pleaded as he

leaned forward and allowed his hand to slip free from Kendrick’s
body as his cock bobbed to bump Kendrick’s hole.

“Yes,” Kendrick whispered.
Roger grabbed for the condom packet and ripped the edge with his

teeth. Before he even had a chance to pull the condom free, Kendrick
touched his hand to stay his movement.

“No condom,” he said firmly.
Roger hesitated, thinking through the ramifications of this step.

Smiling softly, he nodded and tossed the condom packet onto the
bedside table. Turning his attention back to Kendrick, he knew he
would never find anyone who called to his heart like this man did.

Pouring a line of lube down his erect shaft, he wrapped his hand

around its girth and spread the fluid equally. This was going to be the
first time in his life he had ever gone without a condom. He was glad
it was with Kendrick. It felt right with him.

Taking firm hold of his shaft, he pointed the tip at Kendrick’s

stretched hole and pressed forward. When the head of his cock
popped through the guardian muscle, Roger’s groan of ecstasy was
matched by Kendrick’s. It took all his power to remain still as
Kendrick’s body fought to relax and allow him further entrance.

The incredible tightness and heat that gripped him was

unimaginable in its beauty. He had waited to experience this with this
incredible man. Pressing deep inside of him very slowly, he groaned
as Kendrick’s body opened further to accept him. When he was as
deep as he could go, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms beneath
Kendrick’s shoulders to pull him up into his arms and hold him
tightly against his chest. He kissed him softly, loving the way

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113

Kendrick surrounded him within his embrace and hummed against his
lips.

“Are you doing okay, Kendrick?” he whispered, easing back to

look into his eyes.

“I am quite well, my heart,” Kendrick told him, smiling.
Kendrick’s eyes were half-lidded with passion yet held such

tenderness and caring as he looked at him, Roger knew without a
doubt that this man truly loved him. He moved his hips slightly,
drawing a gasp of pleasure from both of them.

Pulling out of Kendrick’s warmth until just the flared head of his

cock was at the very edge of his channel, Roger pushed back inside of
his man, grunting as pleasure fired through him. Hearing Kendrick’s
gasp and subsequent moan, he knew that he was at the perfect angle
to peg his gland each time he moved. Perfect.

“Hold on, Kendrick,” Roger warned him. “I’m going to love you

now.”

“Love me,” Kendrick whispered, his voice betraying his need not

only to be physically loved, but to be emotionally valued.

Kendrick had never found anyone to ever treat him with such

caring or had ever shown him such joy as Roger Newcomb did. He
knew he didn’t deserve Roger’s love. Kendrick had an empty future
to offer him, but he wanted that future with Roger. He hoped that he
would be enough to keep this man happy and content.

Pressing deeper inside of Kendrick with each thrust of his hips,

Roger knew he wasn’t going to be able to hold off coming for much
longer. He grabbed Kendrick’s shoulders tighter, holding him in place
as he pressed deep inside of him over and over again.

Kendrick met his lips in a kiss so filled with love and passion, it

was difficult for either man to breathe. As Kendrick pressed his
tongue deep, Roger sucked on it with the same rhythm he pressed his
shaft deep within Kendrick’s body.

Kendrick suddenly moaned against Roger’s mouth, his body

convulsing as his orgasm exploded within him, sending shockwaves

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of pleasure through his body and shooting his warm seed between
them to be trapped between their bodies and dribbled down to pool at
their groins.

Roger felt Kendrick’s chute clamp down on his cock and lock him

in place. He groaned and pulled Kendrick closer, kissing his neck and
biting down as his body found its release. For the first time in his life,
he filled another man with his seed. As spurt after spurt of cum left
him, he felt a connection being made that he didn’t understand, but he
acknowledged that it was there. In that moment, he felt the bond
between them solidify.

Easing back, he looked at Kendrick and smiled softly at the lazy

expression of satiation that looked back at him from Kendrick’s eyes.
He saw the way Kendrick’s eyes were completely amber and was
mesmerized by their beauty.

“Your eyes are amber, honey,” he said softly. “Does that mean

you’re using your magic?”

“No,” Kendrick whispered, leaning forward and kissing Roger’s

lips lightly before resting his face against Roger’s neck so he could
whisper in his ear. “It is the magic of our bond, my heart. We now
belong to each other.”

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115

Chapter 10

Roger looked down at Kendrick as he slept soundly. He reached

out and brushed back the soft lock of hair that had fallen across his
cheek. He smiled as Kendrick sighed and stretched, opening his eyes
and looking up at him sleepily.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” Roger teased him.
Kendrick smiled as he reached out and took Roger’s hand in his to

bring it to his mouth and kiss his left wrist. Roger should be able to
see his name now. It was a mating mark that Kendrick never thought
would ever become evident on any man. It was wonderful to have it
displayed on Roger’s wrist. This man was now his.

“I have to get to work,” Roger said softly. “Are you warm

enough?”

Kendrick nodded, looking at the maroon sweatshirt that he wore.

Roger had dressed him after they had made love that morning. He had
been concerned that Kendrick would be chilled as he cooled down
from their joining. Roger still worried about his encounter with the
Legari warriors, but Kendrick knew that he was perfectly fine. He
suffered no lingering effects of the attack. Roger’s ability to direct his
healing magic toward him had done that for him.

“I am warm,” Kendrick said softly.
Roger nodded, taking a calming breath as he tried to center

himself. He needed to talk to Kendrick about their future. He was
worried because Kendrick had already shut down the conversation
once before, but he had to know.

“Kendrick, I need to know if you would consider having a family

with me sometime in the future,” Roger said finally.

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Kendrick’s heart thudded within his chest. Pushing himself up, he

sat against the headboard and looked at the man that he adored. It hurt
his heart to have to say what he had no choice but to tell him.

“Roger. I have told you before that there will be no children with

me,” he said firmly. “I am aware that this is a great sadness to you,
but I cannot change what is.”

“I don’t understand,” Roger said softly, his stomach clenching

with pain at the disappointment Kendrick’s words gave him.

“If you stay with me, you will not have a family,” Kendrick said

simply. “I will step aside so you may realize what you need.”

“You’ll step aside?” Roger asked, shocked by the way the

conversation was turning.

“If you will be happier with another. Yes. I will step aside.”
Roger stood up and took a step away from the bed. Kendrick was

willing to put aside their relationship? Did he mean that little to him?

“The men of Sanzel are able to have children,” Kendrick said

quietly.

“What?”
“My world of Sanzel has a very low female birth rate. Over time,

men’s bodies have adapted. Each man is born with reproductive
organs that remain dormant within their body until they form a mating
bond with their aheris. Once their seed is shared and finds a home
within each of their bodies, the organs become viable, giving them the
ability to have a child together. My fathers had ten children between
them.”

Roger knew he shouldn’t believe any of what Kendrick was

telling him. It was ridiculous. It was not possible. But so was magic.
Until recently, he would have never believed that magical powers
existed. He knew better now. Not only had he witnessed the magic, he
had helped channel it to heal Kendrick. Why would he question this
newest revelation of something that was unique to Kendrick’s world?

“Are you telling me that you can get pregnant, but you don’t want

to have a baby?” Roger asked softly, amazed by the miracle that the

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117

men of Sanzel could have a child, and saddened that Kendrick refused
to have children with him.

“No. I am telling you that I cannot have a child. I am broken.”
“Broken?”
“When I was entering puberty, my fathers brought me to our

healer to check on my health. It was found that the dormant organs
within me had not matured as they should have as I grew. They told
my parents that I would never be able to conceive and carry a child.”

Roger sat down on the bed and reached for Kendrick’s hand to

hold it gently. “I’m so sorry, honey,” he whispered.

“I am the one who must apologize to you, Roger,” Kendrick said

softly. “I should have revealed this to you before our joining. I was
remiss in my duty to fully inform you of what our bonding could and
could not do. You have every right to deny me. You deserve someone
who can give you the family that you desire. You are not obligated to
stay with me. I will leave so that you may find another mate who is
able to give you what you deserve.”

“Wait. Stop,” Roger said as he shook his head. He couldn’t allow

him to continue with that type of attitude.

“I will stop,” Kendrick said softly. “I know that nothing I say to

you will excuse my lack of honor.”

“Kendrick, this is all a lot for me to take in,” Roger said finally. “I

need to process this. Give me some time. We’ll talk about it later.”

Kendrick said nothing, accepting Roger’s quick kiss and watching

him silently as he walked out of the bedroom. Now that he had told
Roger how much he was lacking, he knew that he had to decide what
would be best for his aheri. If he was an honorable man, he would do
what was best for the man he loved and leave him.

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Chapter 11

Roger walked into Diamond’s Rec Center, throwing his keys onto

his desk so hard that they bounced and slid across it to slam against
the wall behind it. Turning, he walked out of his office and made his
way to the gym at the far side of the facility. Going over to the corner,
he stood before the heavy weight bag and started punching. He wore
no gloves and no protection for his hands. His anger didn’t give him
the chance to think about anything but punching the bag. He hated
everything at that moment.

So many thoughts rushed through Roger’s head. The irony of the

situation wasn’t lost on him. All he had ever wanted was a child. He
fell in love with a man from another world where men of that world
were able to have children, yet his man was unable to conceive and
carry a child. Anger blazed through him at the injustice of it all. He
ached for Kendrick, and he ached for himself.

With each punch, he damned life’s cruelty toward Kendrick. He

couldn’t imagine how much the man hurt because of what he had just
revealed to him. He was such a kind and loving man. Roger knew
Kendrick would have made a great dad.

Time held no measure for him. He punched the heavy bag before

him until he was covered in sweat and his hands were bloodied.
Gasping for breath, he slumped to the floor and hung his head down
as he rested his arms on his bent knees. He had to pull himself
together. He had to accept Kendrick’s situation and move forward.

Closing his eyes, he centered himself with calming thoughts. If he

thought about things from his perspective, he could work through it
logically. Yes, Kendrick’s world had the possibility of men having

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119

children, but his world did not. Since he already knew that in order to
have a child he had to think of other options, he could easily include
Kendrick in those options. He wondered if Kendrick’s world offered
surrogacy or adoption. He also wondered if Kendrick would be open
to either option.

He would discuss everything with him when he got home.

Whatever the decision would be that they came to together, there was
one thing that Roger knew without a doubt. He was not going to live
the rest of his life without Kendrick Sorenson by his side.

* * * *

Kendrick pulled himself out of bed and walked into the bathroom.

His heart was heavy. He knew that he had disappointed his mate. He
had been wrong to keep the truth from him until after Roger had
claimed him and they had bonded. He was ashamed of himself for
breaking the code of honor that he fought to uphold and defend in his
world.

He needed to talk to his brothers. Since he only knew where one

of them was at the moment, he decided to go back to Sanzel to talk to
Daxton. He could easily speak to any one of his other brothers
through the telepathic link they shared, but he didn’t want to interfere
with their quests in wooing their own mates. It was better for him to
talk to Daxton in person. He needed the connection and the calming
influence that Daxton always provided to all of them.

He had the sudden need to be alone and lick his wounds. He

wanted to go home to Sanzel. He needed the peace of the quiet
countryside. He wanted to see his cottage. He didn’t know why things
had turned out the way they had for him. Why had he been born
broken? Why did he have to let his mate down?

Walking out to the small yard behind Roger’s home, he realized

that he had to wait to use his magic until he was far away from his
aheri’s home. He could not risk drawing the Legari warriors to his

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mate. He quickly made his way to the street that ran behind Roger’s
home and continued walking until he found himself behind an old
building that looked to be deserted.

Looking around to make sure that he was not seen by anyone, he

raised his arms and extended his palms outward, calling upon his
magic and throwing it forward in a blinding bolt of white energy. The
portal he created opened instantly, flooding the area with blue light as
the entrance to the world of Sanzel was presented before him.
Stepping forward, he walked into the portal and disappeared as the
portal snapped closed behind him.

Entering the world of Sanzel, he looked at the courtyard of the

Royal Castle and sighed. Taking determined strides toward the main
entrance, he made his way toward Daxton’s suite of rooms. Nodding
at the soldiers that guarded the doors to the private rooms, he raised
his hand and pounded on the door just twice.

“Daxton,” he called out.
Kendrick? Daxton’s concerned voice entered his mind through

their link.

I need your help, my brother, Kendrick responded softly.
It seems that I have two brothers who need my help, Daxton said

as he washed feelings of comfort over Kendrick to help soothe him.

Who else needs your help? Kendrick asked, concerned.
Drake is here, as well.
The double doors opened immediately. Daxton embraced him

then pulled him into the sitting room of his suite. Bryce sat on the
cushions in front of the fireplace. He looked up at Kendrick as he
entered.

“You are in pain,” Daxton said as he looked at his brother.
Kendrick nodded. He accepted Daxton’s embrace then turned to

greet Drake and saw that his brother was not doing well either.

“You are well, Drake?” he asked, taking in the defeated stance of

his brother.

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121

“I am not,” Drake admitted. “I believe that I have frightened away

my mate.”

“Drake, that is not in your nature,” Kendrick said softly.
“I would not have thought so, Kendrick, but I am ashamed to say

that my temper got the best of me,” Drake admitted.

“It’s because you were jealous,” Bryce spoke up. “That’s

something you can fix, Drake.”

“Mayhap,” Drake said quietly. “What about you, Kendrick. Why

are you upset?”

“What has happened?” Daxton asked Kendrick, drawing him into

the room and waving his hand at the doorway to seal the entrance
with his magic.

“Is Roger okay?” Bryce asked as he closed the lid on his laptop

and put it aside so he could stand and walk toward Kendrick.

“My mate is well,” Kendrick said softly. “I have not treated him

honorably.”

“What will you do to remedy that?” Daxton asked, crossing his

arms across his chest and looking at his older brother sternly.

“I do not know that I can do anything to make up for what I have

done,” Kendrick admitted, shame filling him.

“What the hell did you do, Kendrick?” Bryce asked, fear filling

him.

He thought about his friend Roger and realized that Roger had not

had good luck with the men in his life. They had all treated him as if
they would only keep him temporarily and throw him away when it
was convenient. If Kendrick was doing the same thing, Bryce knew
that Roger would be devastated.

“You know, I told Roger to give you a chance,” Bryce said

angrily. “If you’ve hurt him, I will kick your ass.” He stepped forward
and got right in Kendrick’s face. “I don’t care how big you are. I’ll
take you down.”

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Daxton wrapped his arm around Bryce’s waist and pulled him

back so that Bryce rested against his chest. “My love, you must give
my brother a chance to explain,” he said gently.

“I did not reveal to him that I am unable to have a child until after

we had bonded,” Kendrick admitted. “I have shamed myself and our
family.”

Bryce’s eyes widened at Kendrick’s admission. Bryce knew more

than anyone how much Roger wanted a family. Bryce had hoped that
Kendrick would have been able to work things out with him. He had
wanted them to fall in love like he had with Dax. With Kendrick’s
admission, Bryce understood why Dax’s brother thought Roger would
be upset. His heart broke for Roger—and for Kendrick.

“Is there a possibility that you may work this out?” Daxton asked.

“He is meant to be with you, Kendrick. He is fated to be yours for a
reason. He is meant to make your life complete.”

“I know this, Daxton,” Kendrick said quietly. “But I fear that I am

not made to complete his. Roger is a good man who deserves more
than I am able to offer him.”

“Kendrick, I do not believe that you are correct,” Drake told him

gently. “You have much to give your aheri.”

Bryce settled back against Dax’s chest, allowing his husband to

soothe him with his tender caresses on his arm as he held him.
Looking at Kendrick and seeing how much Dax’s brother obviously
loved his friend, he just knew that Roger would be very happy to
spend his life with the man.

“Kendrick, I think you’re looking at this situation wrong,” Bryce

said gently, reaching out to touch Kendrick’s shoulder lightly.

“I do not understand,” Kendrick said, his eyes mirroring confusion

and sadness as he looked at his brother’s aheri.

“Roger is a really kind man who’s been looking for someone who

wants a committed relationship with him,” Bryce explained. “He’s
always felt like he didn’t belong because he thought he was so
different from the guys that he dated.”

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“Do not tell me about the men my aheri has dated,” Kendrick

said, growling as anger filled him. He did not want to hear about any
other man touching his mate’s body. He did not want to think about
any other man knowing the sweetness of his aheri’s heart.

“Okay. Down, boy,” Bryce said, laughing softly. “I’m only telling

you about them so you’ll understand that Roger is not a guy who
takes things lightly. He wants the husband, the nice home, and the
family.”

“I cannot provide him with those things?” Kendrick insisted

firmly.

“You can’t be his husband?”
“Husband is the same as mate?”
“It is.”
“Yes, I am able to be his husband,” Kendrick admitted.
“You can’t give him a nice place to live that you’ll share with him

and make it a home?” Bryce asked him, smiling when he saw the
confusion on Kendrick’s face. He knew that the prince was struggling
with what he was thinking and feeling, but Bryce wasn’t going to ease
up. He was going to keep pushing until Kendrick realized that he
would be able to provide everything that Roger desired.

“I would share with him my cottage at the lake,” Kendrick said

softly. “I do not know if he would enjoy living at the palace, but this
is also my home.”

“And what about a family, Kendrick?” Bryce asked gently,

knowing that was the sore spot that hurt Kendrick deeply.

“I have already informed you that I could not provide Roger with

the children that he desires,” Kendrick said firmly. “I am unable to
have a child.”

There was an edge to his voice that told Bryce that Kendrick was

not only upset by it, but he was beyond saddened by his perceived
lack of worthiness. Bryce stepped out of Dax’s hold and eased
forward to stand directly in front of Kendrick. He folded his arms

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across his chest and waited for Kendrick’s eyes, which so reminded
him of Dax’s eyes, to look down at him.

“Kendrick, you are aware that Roger and I, and all of our friends,

are from Earth?” Bryce asked, smiling up at him.

“I am aware of this, Bryce,” Kendrick said, fighting his urge to

smile as he looked down at his brother’s mate.

“And you know that the men of our world can’t have babies,

right?” Bryce continued.

“Yes, Bryce. What matter does that make?”
“Kendrick, Roger doesn’t see you as lacking,” Bryce explained

patiently. “He would have never thought it would be a possibility that
you could give him a child. He’s not disappointed in you. How could
he be?”

“He wants a family,” Kendrick said, stopping him. “He has asked

me two times about it.”

“Yes, he does,” Bryce agreed. “Roger has always wanted a

family. He was a great big brother to all of us. He’s one of the most
loving and caring guys I’ve ever known. He’s meant to be a father.”

“That is why I must step aside so that he may find another who

can give him that future,” Kendrick told him firmly.

“Yeah? And who would you want him to mate with? Someone

here on Sanzel?”

“What?” Kendrick growled.
“Well, if you want him to find someone else to have a child with,

he has to find someone from Sanzel,” Bryce reasoned. “Only the men
here can give birth.”

“He is correct, Kendrick,” Drake agreed.
Kendrick remained silent, not wanting to accept the fact that his

mate would bond with another from his home world. It would rip his
heart out to see him with another—even if he knew Roger deserved
that happiness and that gift.

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125

“Roger talked about having his friend Lena act as a surrogate to

have his baby,” Bryce explained calmly. “That didn’t work out. Lena
found someone that she fell in love with and got pregnant with.”

Kendrick’s eyes closed as he thought about the pain and

disappointment that his aheri had gone through. It just served to make
him more determined than ever to ensure that his mate found the
happiness and the life that he deserved.

“Roger rolled with it, Kendrick,” Bryce told him, waiting for

Kendrick to open his eyes and concentrate on him once again. “His
plan was to adopt a child. He didn’t care where that child came from.
He just knew that he had so much love to give that baby. Once he had
him or her, that child was going to be his.” Bryce hesitated, narrowing
his eyes at Kendrick to size him up. “I don’t know much about you,
Kendrick, but I wonder if you’re arrogant enough to think that only a
child that you gave birth to is worth loving. If you are, Roger is better
off without you.” Bryce took a step forward and raised his hand to
point his index finger into Kendrick’s hard chest. “Let me tell you
something, buddy! Every child is special. Every child deserves to be
loved. It doesn’t matter how that child comes into your life. Once
they’re there, they burrow their way into your heart, and you sure as
shit better hold onto them and love them with everything in you. Are
you man enough to do that with Roger, Kendrick? Can you just put
aside your insecurities and your sorrow and see that you and Roger
can provide some lucky kid a loving home. You just have to find him
or her.”

“I do not understand,” Kendrick said honestly.
“You can adopt a kid,” Bryce said, frustration evident in his voice.
“Adopt a kid?”
“Kendrick, are you being a wiseass?” Bryce asked, his eyes

narrowing in suspicion.

“I am not. I want to understand what you are saying, Bryce, but I

do not.”

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“There have to be kids who are in need of a home and someone to

take them into their families because they don’t have anyone to take
care of them.”

“There are no children in need of parents on Sanzel, Bryce,”

Kendrick said softly.

“Well, there are on Earth,” Bryce told him without hesitation.

“You need to trust Roger. Be with him. Stand by him and help him go
through the process of finding a child that will belong to both of you.”

“And you think that Roger will be accepting of this?” Kendrick

asked softly.

“Yeah, he will. Will you?” Bryce asked. “Are you willing to open

your heart to love a child who needs you both?”

Kendrick looked at his brother Daxton and saw the pride and love

that flashed in his brother’s eyes as he looked at Bryce. He wanted to
have Roger with him and share that same kind of love.

“I have a mate to speak with,” Kendrick said firmly. “Daxton,

Drake, will you help me get my cottage and suite of rooms ready for
my mate and my new family?”

“I will,” Daxton said, smiling widely.
“I will also,” Drake said. “I think my mate will appreciate the time

away from me. It will give him time to soothe his anger at my
foolishness.”

“What have you done, Drake?” Kendrick asked, concerned for his

brother.

“I allowed my temper to interfere with my better judgment,”

Drake admitted. “Jimmy was not appreciative of it.”

“You’re lucky Jimmy didn’t punch you out, Drake,” Bryce told

him. “He’s had enough of people taking their anger out on him.”

“I would never hurt him,” Drake protested.
“Then you need to go back to him and ask him to forgive your

foolishness,” Daxton told him calmly. “A mate cannot be forced to
accept you. Do you not want your aheri to want you as you want
him?”

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127

“More than you know,” Drake whispered.
“I am well aware of all of our needs, brother,” Daxton told him.

“We are all the same in that we ache for the love of our destined mate.
It is how we go about achieving that goal that makes us different.”

Drake nodded, understanding that Daxton was speaking the truth.

Daxton, of all the brothers, had a sense of compassion and caring that
was what drew all of them to him when they were in need of counsel.

“We will help you ready your home for your mate,” Drake told

Kendrick softly. “Do not worry, Kendrick. Go to your aheri and bare
your heart to him.”

“Thank you, my brothers.” Looking at Daxton and Drake, he

realized just how blessed he was to have such a caring family. He was
looking forward to bringing Roger home and including him within
that family. “Drake, you must go to your aheri and talk things over
with him. Do not hide from your shame. You must face it, admit it,
and ask for his understanding and forgiveness.”

Drake nodded curtly. He knew that his brother was correct. He

just hoped that Jimmy would be open to his apology.

Turning, Kendrick walked to the main entrance of Daxton’s

chamber. Reaching out, he waved his hand in an arc across the doors,
pushing his magic outward to open them. As he stood on the other
side of the doorway, he turned to face his brother’s mate and smiled.

“I thank you for your words, Bryce,” he said sincerely, bowing

formally. “My brother is a very lucky man to have such a wise aheri.”

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Chapter 12

Kendrick walked out of his cottage that had been built at the

perfect location beside the sparkling lake. It was a beautiful home that
he was anxious to share with Roger. He hoped the man would be
happy here. He walked down the three steps of the front porch and
traveled a good distance away from the house that would soon be a
home. He turned to face it, raising his arms and extending his hands
with his palms out toward the home, and called upon his magic. He
placed an additional shield of protection around it to add to the layer
of magic that already surrounded the small home and the area beyond
it to keep the cottage hidden from those who wished the Royal Family
harm.

Once he was sure that the protection was in place, he turned and

walked toward the open field across from the cottage. He was soon
surrounded by a sea of aqua flowers that filled the area. Looking up at
the light purple sky, he breathed in deeply, the scents and sights of the
world of Sanzel calming him immediately. He couldn’t wait to bring
Roger here to share his future.

Since he had left his brother’s chambers that morning, he had

been busy getting his cottage ready for his mate. His fathers would
have laughed at him. Never in his life had he ever cleaned as if a fire
was lit under him—and to use his magic to help him with the cleaning
had been the biggest surprise of all to him. All he knew was, he was
determined to finish preparing the cottage so that he could go to
Roger and take his mate home to his world. He wanted to bring Roger
to the small cottage that would be the perfect place for them to have a

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129

future together with the children he hoped they could bring into their
family.

As he worked readying their cottage, Kendrick thought about the

children that he and Roger would raise there. Bryce had been correct.
Roger probably did not hold any disappointment in him. He was the
one who was disappointed in himself. The sorrow that he felt was
justified, but he knew that he had to move past it. There was a future
with his mate that was going to be a happy future—a future filled with
love and children that was waiting to be realized.

He had thought a lot about what Bryce had spoken to him about.

There were no thoughts of arrogance in Kendrick’s mind. He never
thought that only a child that he birthed would be worthy to be a part
of his life with his destined mate. He had thought about that very
deeply. He realized that he had been so overwhelmed with sadness by
the broken state of his body, he had never thought about anything
except that he couldn’t provide his mate with a child. Since the world
of Sanzel had no children looking for a home, the thought of taking
another child into his family had never occurred to him.

Sanzel was a very kind and giving world. Communities took care

of each other. Families looked out for each other. Any child in need of
care was immediately taken in by those around them and were loved
and supported without hesitation. He thought about the many children
on Earth who might be in need of protection and love and knew that
he and Roger would be able to provide a loving home and family for
any child to be a part of. Roger was a good man, a kind man, and a
gentle and loving man. He was going to be a wonderful father, and
Kendrick was looking forward to sharing that experience with him.

After walking a good distance from the lake where his cottage sat

hidden by his magic, he was comfortable enough to open a portal to
return to Earth. He reached down to pick one of the aqua flowers. He
wanted to bring something to his mate to show him the beauty of the
world Kendrick was ready to take him to if he was willing to give life
with him a chance.

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Just as he was about to raise his hands to call upon his magic, he

felt an ache tugging at his heart. Lowering his hands, he turned
toward the direction of the town of Blail. Closing his eyes, he sent out
tendrils of his magic toward the people there, realizing immediately
that something was very wrong. Without hesitation, he started running
toward the small town. It didn’t take him long to reach the road that
led to the entrance of the town.

Closing his eyes, he centered on his feelings, using his magic to

reach out to the people. He could feel the fear, and he could feel the
pain. It was coming from the small house at the very edge of the
village. Running toward it, he slowed as he approached the small
yellow home that looked so much like all of the other small homes
that were built so close together.

The small patch of aqua flowers that edged the property reminded

him of the flower he had just picked to bring to Roger, making him
realize that the flowers were somehow calling to him. Walking up the
three steps of the front porch, he was cautious to get closer as he
realized that the front door had been smashed open. A signature of
dark magic surrounded the small home. He could feel the goodness of
the people within, but he could also feel the evil of those who had just
left.

Gathering a sphere of blue magic within the palm of his right

hand, he walked slowly into the home, searching it carefully for the
intruders he knew had been there. The interior of the home was a
disaster. Furniture had been turned over, cushions and draperies had
been ripped and scattered. Whoever had been here had been searching
for something and had directed their anger toward this home.

Walking into the small room off of the kitchen area, Kendrick had

to take a calming breath as he saw the carnage within the bedroom.
Two young men were lying on the floor. Both of them were covered
in blood. Moving to their sides quickly, Kendrick called upon his
healing magic and covered the wounds in each man’s stomach and
concentrated on healing them. He increased his magic, saying a silent

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131

prayer that he could help these innocent men, but no matter how much
magic he infused into their bodies, they still looked up at him with
lifeless eyes.

Tears slid down his cheeks as he realized that he had failed these

men. They were young men who probably had just joined and had
committed themselves to each other. Kendrick looked at the way the
two men had their hands gripped together. Even as they lay dying,
they had reached out to each other to connect with their love. It broke
Kendrick’s heart to see such love being taken away.

Reaching out, he gently closed their eyes, doing his best to calm

himself. His brother Merek had to be told of this horror. Their people
had been attacked and murdered. And not one member of the Royal
Family or their cadre of soldiers had been there to stop it.

Merek! Kendrick yelled through their link, his pain and guilt

evident in his tone.

What is it, Kendrick?
A young couple has been attacked and murdered in their home. I

tried to heal them, but there was nothing I could do.

Where are you?
Blail.
Do you know the names of the couple?
I do not. I will try to find out. You need to come here.
Vance and I are leaving the palace now. We will be there shortly.

I will bring Mohar and Daxton with us.

There is much evil here, Merek. I can feel the dark magic.
Try not to disturb the home with any more of your magic,

Kendrick. Mayhap Mohar and Daxton will be able to trace the
darkness to find those responsible.

Yes, my brother.
Kendrick stood slowly and walked around the small home, trying

to find any clue as to who these men were. If he could not find
something that would identify them, he would speak to their

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neighbors. Surely, someone would be able to tell him who these men
were.

Looking around the small living area, he spotted a framed image

that had been placed in a spot of honor upon the mantle over the
fireplace. Looking at the two happy people within the image, he saw
the two young men, happy and vibrant as they hugged each other. At
the bottom of the photograph, there was a gold etching on the black
frame that surrounded it.

Aril and Zain

Sorrow filled Kendrick once again as he looked at the image of

the young men. He could see the mating marks on each of the men’s
wrists as they held them up to show them to the person who had
captured their image. It was obvious that it was taken to show off
their bonding. He ached for the loss of their lives. He ached for the
beautiful love that had been cut short. These men had deserved a full
life together to share their love and the blessings of their mating.

Leaning forward, he rested his forehead against the gray stone on

the face of the fireplace. He spotted another, smaller picture on the
edge of the mantel that must have been knocked over and smashed
during the attack on this home. Reaching out, he picked it up and
turned it over, looking down in horror at the image of the beautiful
baby.

Anger filled him as he realized that the young men had been killed

trying to save their child. Their baby had to have been taken by the
same people who had been stealing the children of Sanzel for years.
Kendrick roared in pain and anger for the loss of these men’s lives
and for the kidnapping of their child.

A soft whimper reached his ears. Turning, he followed the sound,

going back into the small bedroom where the young couple had been
murdered. He stood silently in the doorway, willing the sound to
happen again.

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133

He was about to give up and walk out of the room when he heard

the soft whimper again. He moved toward the far wall of the small
bedroom, waiting, afraid to make another sound.

“Little one, can you hear me?” he asked softly. “Where are you,

baby?”

Silence greeted his words.
“You must tell me where you are,” Kendrick called out, raising

his voice just a little. He didn’t want to frighten the child.

After another agonizing moment of silence, there was a soft cry,

drawing Kendrick toward the left corner of the room. He could hear
the baby crying behind the wall. Looking for a way to open the
wooden panel, he saw the small loop of metal at the bottom of the
wood. Slipping his index finger into the circle of metal, he tugged on
it lightly, glad when the wooden panel pulled open to reveal the most
amazing sight he had ever seen.

A beautiful baby blinked as the bright light flooded the darkened

spot behind the false wall. Wide, intelligent eyes looked up at him.
They were the exact same aqua color as the flower he had just picked
for Roger. He still had the flower tucked into the long sleeve of the
maroon sweatshirt that he wore. Reaching forward, he pulled the baby
out of the hiding place that his fathers had tucked him into and held
him gently against his chest.

Gathering the soft blanket from the small basket where the child

had been contained, he pulled it up and around the baby to give him
more of a sense of warmth and security. Looking down at the
beautiful child, he judged that he was no more than five months old.

“My name is Kendrick,” he said softly, laughing gently when the

baby looked up at him then popped his right thumb into his mouth and
sucked on it fiercely. “You certainly appear to be doing well.”

The baby reached up and gripped Kendrick’s long hair with his

free hand, tugging on it lightly as he cuddled against Kendrick’s neck
and continued to suck on his thumb. Kendrick was smitten at once.

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Kendrick, we are on the outskirts of Blail, Merek’s voice entered

his mind gently. Mohar and Daxton are joining their magic to follow
the dark signature that you spoke of. We should be with you shortly.

Merek, I have found a child, Kendrick told him.
Is the child alive?
Yes.
Kendrick could feel the relief that coursed through his brother.

Merek was a good king who had a kind heart. He knew that Merek
would ensure that this baby would be taken care of.

He made his way out of the room, not wanting to be in the same

place as the dark magic. The less time this child was in the presence
of the evil, the better. Going to the fireplace mantel once again, he
picked up the two images there. He would be certain that this child
would have the keepsakes so he would know the love and happiness
that his fathers had in the brief time that they had been together.

Looking around with a discerning eye, he saw items strewn

around the room that should have alerted him to the fact that there
was a child in the home. There were wooden toys in one corner,
obviously handmade for the child. He picked up the cloth bag that lay
on the counter in the eating area and placed the images inside it. He
did the same with the small, wooden toys.

There was a stack of folded clothes on the chair beside the

wooden table. Carefully sorting through the clothes, he picked up
whatever belonged to the child. That was when he saw the tiny,
yellow shirt with the name embroidered across the front of it.

Kellin

It was stitched in the same aqua color that was currently looking

up at him. Kendrick traced the beautiful child’s cheek, smiling as the
baby giggled sweetly and pulled on his hair.

“You are beautiful,” he whispered, leaning forward and kissing

the child’s head tenderly. “I am so sorry for your loss, Kellin.”

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135

He breathed in the wonderful scent of the infant, smiling when the

baby cuddled closer against him. He hugged him carefully, smiling at
the way the sweet child leaned against him, closed his eyes, and
settled. It was not long before the baby was sleeping peacefully
against him.

Hearing a noise at the front of the small home, Kendrick turned

and sighed with relief when he saw his brothers Merek, Magnus, and
Daxton enter, followed by Mohar and Merek’s aheri Vance. Bryce
was the last to enter the home.

“The child is well?” Merek asked as he walked over to him.
Kendrick nodded, touching the back of the child’s head to hold

him more securely against his chest. “His fathers had hidden him
behind a false wall in their bedroom. They saved their child’s life by
forfeiting their own.”

“Daxton, check the magic signature,” Merek said as he looked

down at the child. “I want those responsible for making this child an
orphan.”

Daxton nodded, closing his eyes, extending his hands out in front

of himself, and concentrating on focusing on the dark magic within
the small home. He opened his eyes and looked at Mohar, nodding
toward the bedroom where the higher concentration of evil was
resonating.

“It looks like you’ve found yourself a cute one, Kendrick,” Bryce

said, smiling as he reached out and lightly touched the sleeping
baby’s cheek.

“Yes,” Kendrick whispered. “I am concerned for this child’s

welfare.”

“Your concern is valid,” Merek said quietly, thinking very

carefully about the future of the child.

“Who will take care of the baby?” Bryce asked, looking at Merek.
“We must ascertain if the child has relatives. If there is no one to

offer the child a home, we will take the child to the palace,” Merek
said firmly. “I will offer him a life of comfort and protection.”

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“He needs love, too, Merek,” Bryce said quietly.
“Yes,” Kendrick agreed, looking at his oldest brother.
“I will ask the neighbors what they know about this family,”

Magnus said, his deep voice filled with authority. “Mayhap they have
something to tell me that would help us identify who has committed
this crime.”

Kendrick nodded, an ache filling his chest at the thought of

releasing the child who rested against him so trustingly. Bryce had
just told him that he should open his heart to a child that was not
biologically his. He hadn’t thought it would happen so quickly, but
this little baby had already wrapped himself around his heart and was
holding on tightly. Mayhap he and Roger would be able to raise this
child and fill the baby’s life with love.

Daxton and Mohar came out of the bedroom, their faces grim.

Merek went to meet them, looking into the room to see for himself
what had taken place. Kendrick saw the way his brother’s body filled
with anger at the sight before him. He knew exactly how Merek was
feeling.

“I want to bring the child outside,” Kendrick said softly.
Merek turned to face his brother and nodded. He saw the

protective way that Kendrick was holding the baby. He had the
sudden thought that it might be possible that Kendrick had finally
found his destiny.

“Vance, will you go with Kendrick?” Merek asked his mate. “The

people of this town will be open to talking to you. They may be able
to help us locate this child’s family.”

Vance nodded, walking over to Merek and taking a quick kiss

from his lips. “I’ll see what I can find out,” he whispered. “You take
care of yourself, sweetheart.”

Merek smiled and reached up to touch his mate’s cheek. “You are

a treasure, aheri,” he whispered.

“Back at ya, baby,” Vance said, winking and smiling when he saw

some of the tension leaving his man. He worried about the pressures

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137

that Merek lived with daily. Taking one last kiss, he turned and
walked toward the front door of the small home, knowing that
Kendrick was right behind him.

“What were you able to discover?” Merek asked Mohar and

Daxton once Kendrick and Vance stepped outside.

“There are three distinct magic signatures,” Daxton said quietly.

“I could not recognize two of them but I did identify the third one.”

Merek’s eyebrows rose in surprise. This was the first time they

had ever been able to find any clue to anyone involved in the taking
of the missing children. He hoped it was Delegate Kiernan. He
wanted definite proof to charge the man with treason, kidnapping,
murder, and every other crime he could think of.

“Was it Kiernan?” Merek asked, carefully controlling his voice.
“No.” Daxton was certain in his answer, but smiled nonetheless.
Frustration and anger filled Merek. “And that pleases you,

Daxton?” he snapped.

“Yes, Merek,” Daxton said gently. “Because the magic signature

belongs to Abrin.”

A slow smile spread across Merek’s face. “We have Kiernan,” he

said after a moment.

Daxton nodded. “I agree,” he said with satisfaction.
“We must call them both to the castle to be questioned,” Mohar

spoke up. “I have contained the evidence.” He indicated the three,
clear spheres of magic floating above his palm. It was obvious by the
murky color that the spheres contained true evil within them.

“Wait, I don’t get it,” Bryce spoke up. “How do you have Kiernan

if the magic signature belongs to some guy named Abrin?”

Daxton walked over to Bryce and slid his arms around his mate’s

waist to tug him close. “Because, my love, Abrin is Kiernan’s mate.”

Bryce smiled as the implication of Daxton’s words sank in.

Maybe they had finally nailed Kiernan for his atrocities.

“Abrin has been with Kiernan for many years,” Daxton explained,

leaning his head against Bryce’s temple and breathing in the goodness

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that was unique to his husband. Bryce’s scent calmed him. Everything
about his husband was exactly what he needed. He knew how lucky
he was to have found such a loving and caring mate.

“Let me guess. He’s not a good guy,” Bryce said, laughing softly

as he felt the featherlike kisses that Dax peppered his temple with.

“No, my love,” Daxton said quietly. “Abrin is a man who has

treated many with disdain over the years. He has made a fortune on
the hard work of the members of the Trinian class, paying them a
mere fraction of what they deserved for their skills.”

“Archie’s not gonna like this guy,” Bryce said softly.
“No, Archer will not,” Magnus said as he and Kendrick reentered

the small home. “Abrin has not only disrespected the members of the
hard-working laborers, he has caused many of them injuries because
of unsafe working conditions.”

“And you allowed this to happen, Merek?” Bryce asked, shocked

and upset as he faced the king.

“I am ashamed to admit that these injustices were unknown to me

for many years,” Merek said sadly. “When I became aware of them, I
took measures to shut down Abrin’s businesses and took care of those
workers who had been injured.”

Vance came up behind Merek and wrapped his arms around his

man’s waist. “You’ve been a good king, sweetheart,” Vance
whispered against Merek’s neck. “You did what you could as soon as
you knew of the problem.”

Merek nodded and accepted Vance’s warmth. “Abrin has been

shielding Kiernan for a long time,” Merek said firmly. “We now have
a way to draw him out.”

“We do,” Mohar said, walking to the doorway of the home before

turning to face his king and princes. “Did the men of this home have
family close by?”

“They did not,” Magnus spoke up. “Kendrick and I have been told

that Aril and Zain were alone with their son Kellin.”

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139

“Is there anyone willing to come forward to take care of their

son?” Merek asked, worry filling him.

“This is a very hard-working community, Merek,” Magnus said,

sighing sadly. “They are all struggling to survive. The couple two
houses down the street have offered to take in the child if we can find
no one to care for him, but they have four sons of their own and it
would be a difficult life for them to add another into their family.”

Merek nodded, completely understanding. “We have much to do

to help our subjects,” he said firmly, looking at his brothers and
seeing that they were nodding their heads in agreement with him. “It
would not be right to add another burden onto the already struggling
home of the generous couple. Daxton, I want you to make sure that
this community has enough food and supplies. It is time to ensure that
the neighboring cities communicate with each other in order to share
their talents and supplies. We will help them to become self-
sufficient.”

Walking over to Kendrick, he placed his hand on his brother’s

shoulder and waited for him to look up. “Kendrick, I would ask a
favor of you, my brother,” he said cautiously.

“Whatever you need, I will give you. You know that, Merek,”

Kendrick said without hesitation.

“This is not something I can demand of you or expect you to do,”

Merek cautioned him. “You must think about this very seriously. I
would suggest you discuss this with your mate before you decide.”

“What do you mean?” Kendrick asked, confused.
“It seems that the child has already bonded with you,” Merek said

carefully. “I believe you would have a good future with him as your
son.”

“My son?” Kendrick whispered, the feelings that filled him nearly

overwhelming. He was a jumble of emotions as he looked down at the
beautiful sleeping child in his arms.

“I believe that you would be a good baba to him,” Merek

continued. “If your mate is willing to take in this child with you, I

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believe it would be the right thing for all of you.” He hesitated a
moment, looking to Vance for guidance.

“I think so, too,” Vance said, nodding. “If you aren’t ready for

this, Merek and I will raise him.”

“You would be willing to take this child, aheri?” Merek asked,

smiling at the man he adored.

“Absolutely,” Vance said without hesitation.
Vance walked over to Kendrick and reached out to take the baby

from him. Before he could even cuddle the child against him, the
child began to whimper. Kendrick eased the baby back against his
chest and rubbed his back in soothing circles, smiling when the baby
settled against him immediately and made soft sounds of happiness.

“I think the baby has a vote in this,” Bryce said, stepping forward

and smiling up at Kendrick. “I think he’s voting for you, Kendrick.”
He smiled at the immediate grin that covered Roger’s mate’s face.
“What’s your vote, Kendrick?”

Kendrick smiled as he kissed the top of Kellin’s head lightly. “I

think that this sweet boy belongs with me and Roger,” he said softly.
“What do you think, Bryce? Would Roger be willing to raise our son
with me?”

Bryce laughed, looking at Vance and seeing that his buddy was

standing there with a wide smile on his face. He knew that Vance was
thinking the exact same thing that he was thinking.

“I think Roger will be out of his mind happy, Kendrick.”
“I must go to him and discuss this,” Kendrick said softly.
“I will have the guards take the slain men to the palace,” Mohar

spoke up. “We will give them a proper burial in a place of honor.”

“Mohar, you will stay behind and see to it that this home is

cleansed of all evil here. We will create an area of beauty to take the
place of this home,” Merek said thoughtfully.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Mohar said, bowing slightly.
“We should go through the home and take whatever mementos

that should be given to Kellin to remember his fathers,” Kendrick

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141

said, his voice strong. “He should always know how much they loved
him.”

“I’ll take care of that,” Bryce offered.
“I thank you, Bryce,” Kendrick said, nodding his thanks.
“Let’s get back to the palace,” Merek said firmly. “We will take

care of your son while you go to speak with your aheri.”

Kendrick looked down at the baby that was resting against him.

His heart was filled with love for the little one already. “I will settle
Kellin before I leave to speak to Roger,” he said softly, unable to
leave the baby so soon.

For the first time in a very long time, Kendrick felt as if his future

with his aheri would be a happy one. He could not wait to get to
Roger to talk about their son.

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Chapter 13

“What do you think, Kellin?” Kendrick asked the baby, reaching

down and touching the tip of his nose with his index finger as the
baby sat in the circular chair that he had hovering only a short
distance above the wooden floor in his suite at the palace.

The baby’s happy squeals made him smile. His beautiful aqua

eyes stole Kendrick’s breath away. This baby was such a gift. He just
knew in his heart that he was meant to help this little boy grow to
manhood.

“You guys don’t really play fair,” Bryce said, laughing as he came

into the living area and settled down on the floor next to the hovering
chair. These Sorenson brothers didn’t realize how amazing it was that
they controlled magic, and they controlled magic so effortlessly.

“I do not understand, Bryce,” Kendrick told him, laughing softly

when the baby grabbed for his finger and pulled it toward his mouth
to suck on it then bit down and kept pressure on it with his gums. “I
think you are getting some teeth, aren’t you, Kellin?”

“You’re a natural, Kendrick,” Bryce told him, reaching out to

touch Kellin’s soft hair. “Except for the aqua eyes, this kid looks like
you and Roger, right down to the black hair and the dimple in his
chin.”

“Yes, Roger has that same dimple in his chin,” Kendrick admitted.

“I like it.”

“I’ll just bet you do, big guy,” Bryce teased him. “Are you and

Roger doing okay?”

Kendrick heard the concern and worry in Bryce’s voice. He was

glad that his mate had such caring friends. He was also glad that each

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143

of his brothers was destined to mate with the men of Earth who were
the friends who had formed not only a baseball team but also lifelong
friendships. Kendrick knew that the men would be happy to be able to
spend their futures together.

“I told Roger that I could not provide him with a family,”

Kendrick explained softly.

“Well, you’re wrong about that one,” Bryce said, laughing as he

indicated Kellin.

“Yes. I was wrong,” Kendrick admitted. “But I did not know that I

was wrong. You have helped me to understand that a family is one
that can be created in many ways.”

“That’s what Roger helped me to learn,” Bryce said quietly. “He

was the one who brought me into the circle of his friends. They all
became my brothers. Vance’s parents became my parents. Blake’s
aunt became my aunt. Mrs. Lowe became our protector. We were the
scruffiest group of guys you ever saw. Not one of us ever took it for
granted that we had formed a family—a unique family, but a family
nonetheless.”

“I hope that Roger will be willing to come home to Sanzel and

make a family with me and Kellin,” Kendrick said softly. “I believe
that I hurt him badly when I refused his love.”

“You refused his love?” Bryce asked, his voice barely above a

whisper. “You’re an ass!”

The happy squeal of the baby made Bryce cringe. He was going to

have to watch his language around this little one.

“Yes. I am.”
“And what are you going to do about it?”
“I am going to go to Roger, explain that it was my own

inadequacies that caused me to pull away from him, and ask for
forgiveness,” Kendrick said quietly. “I hope that my aheri is willing
to understand and accept that I can be a fierce lover and friend, as
well as a fool.”

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Bryce laughed, loving that Kellin looked at him and smiled a

toothless smile at him. “Your baba is a smart man, Kellin,” he said to
the little boy, knowing that his words had a major impact on Kendrick
when he saw the way the man was blinking away suspicious moisture
from his eyes. Bryce knew it was because he had used the term baba,
which meant the same as daddy on Earth.

“You should get going,” Bryce said finally. “Roger is probably

wondering where you are.”

“Yes, I need to see him,” Kendrick agreed. “You will be able to

look after Kellin?”

“Oh, yeah,” Bryce said happily. “I can’t wait to get to know this

little guy.” He reached out and plucked Kellin from his floating chair,
throwing him into the air and catching him. He cuddled the giggling
child against his chest and kissed the top of his head.

“Daxton will be with me to take care of Kellin as soon as he

finishes with Merek, Magnus, and that Abrin guy,” Bryce said softly.

Kendrick nodded. “My brothers have been keeping me informed

through our link,” he told Bryce. “They are frustrated with the
duplicity of Abrin. He admits to nothing. Is it not interesting that the
sphere of evidence that Mohar preserved with his magic that holds the
proof of Abrin’s guilt has been destroyed?”

“You know, Mohar needs to understand that he’s not as powerful

as he thinks he is,” Bryce said angrily. “He needs to trust others to
help him. He has a great team of people working for him who are
capable of protecting the spheres that he creates.”

“Mohar has learned this lesson at the expense of the taken

children,” Kendrick told him, trying very hard to keep his tone light
so as not to upset his son. “There are still two others whose evil magic
has been contained. I have suggested that the spheres that contain that
evidence within them be given to Charl, Rachil, and Shain in order to
keep them safe from harm.”

“Good suggestion,” Bryce said. “They’re great people. I really

enjoy working with them.”

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145

Kendrick nodded then started walking toward the door. Kellin’s

whimper of sadness stopped him immediately. He turned back to face
Bryce and the baby and smiled at the sweet tremble of the baby’s
lower lip. Walking back to him, he took him from Bryce’s arms and
kissed his cheek, hugging him tightly before looking down at him.

“Kellin, you must be a good son and stay with Uncle Bryce,”

Kendrick told him firmly. “I must go and get your daddy. He will
want to meet you and love you, too.”

Kellin’s beautiful aqua eyes looked up at him, such trust and

intelligence in them. Kendrick’s heart was permanently taken with
this sweet boy. Kissing the child one last time, he handed Kellin back
to Bryce then turned and left his suite of rooms before he was unable
to leave. He wanted to stay with his new son, but he had a mate to
apologize to and ask a very important question of.

He walked through the palace corridors quickly, determined to get

to Roger and bring him home to Sanzel. He wanted Kellin to meet
Roger and love him just as much as Kendrick did. Walking outside to
the courtyard, he knew he should position himself a safe distance
from the castle before opening a portal.

Quickly making his way outside the palace walls, he walked

directly into the field of aqua flowers that was across from the palace
courtyard. Bending down, he picked another flower and tucked it
carefully into the small pocket of the black sweatpants that Roger had
dressed him in. He wanted to show Roger the beauty of Sanzel as well
as the color of their little boy’s eyes.

Raising his hands, he called upon his magic, preparing to open the

portal between Sanzel and Earth. It was time to go and bring his aheri
home.

A sudden blast behind him made him spin around to face the

threat. He saw two men raising their hands and directing another
discharge of magic toward him. The last one had fallen short by the
merest measure. Raising his hand to ward off the magic, he was able

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to deflect the second strike, but the third and the fourth came too
quickly upon the heels of the ones before them.

“Your interference has cost us the loss of a child to sell, young

prince,” one deep voice said, permeating through the haze of pain that
was filling him. “You will pay with your life.”

Kendrick tried to raise his hands to defend himself with his magic,

but found that he was unable to do more than lift his left arm and
extend his hand ineffectively. He heard the deep laughter of the men
as they looked at him.

“We will take him,” the second man said. Kendrick was chilled by

the happiness he heard in the man’s voice. “He will provide us with
that which he had taken from us.”

Kendrick was confused by his words. They made no sense. Trying

to stand to defend himself, he felt his magic being weakened and was
at a loss as to what to do. He knew that he was going to lose this
battle.

He felt the dark magic surrounding him, paralyzing him and

drawing upon his strength. In a matter of seconds, he lost all ability to
stand and slumped to the ground. The last thing he remembered was
the dark magic crackling over his skin, blocking his ability to fight
back with his own magic.

As hard as he fought the dark magic, it just served to weaken him

further. He looked at the cold eyes of the two men as they stood over
him and surrounded him with their evil. He could not withstand their
power anymore.

Slumping unconscious to the ground, his last thoughts were of his

aheri who he that had left that morning, and the son that he would
never see grow to manhood.

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147

Chapter 14

Roger was exhausted. Pulling his truck into the garage, he shut it

off and took a deep breath to calm himself. It had been a long day at
work. Fred had been great, as always. Saying good-bye to him had
been really difficult. It was like saying good-bye to his father.

Fred had given him the name and address of his cousin out in

Colorado. He had told Roger that if he wanted to move out there,
there would be a job waiting for him on his cousin’s horse ranch.
Roger had thanked him, but hadn’t committed himself to taking the
job or making the move until he talked things over with Kendrick. He
was hoping that the man would want him to begin a life with him on
his world of Sanzel.

Bryce had told him that all of their buddies were the intended

aheris of all of the Sorenson brothers. That had made Roger very
happy. He wouldn’t have to miss any of them if they were all going to
be living on Sanzel.

He thought about the things that Kendrick had told him about the

men of his world. Never in his wildest imagination would Roger have
ever thought it possible that men could become pregnant. Thinking
about what Kendrick had told him about the internal organs within
him that had never matured made Roger’s heart ache for him. He
realized that Kendrick must suffer every day when he thought about
the organs within him that had never developed as they should have.
Kendrick must have been overwhelmed with the knowledge that he
was the reason that they would be denied a future that would include
children.

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Roger now understood the reason that Kendrick had shut himself

off to the possibility of children. Kendrick’s pain settled deep inside
of Roger and made Roger know the pain of loss that his man felt. He
could feel the sorrow in his man. Roger knew that he would have to
prove to Kendrick that they would have a fulfilling life loving each
other. If kids were a part of their future—great. If not, they would
both just have to deal with it. Knowing that he would be sharing his
life with a man who loved and cherished him was enough. It was
much more than Roger had ever thought would be a part of his future,
and Kendrick was the reason for that blessing.

Getting out of his truck, he slammed the door closed and made his

way into the house through the kitchen entrance. Looking around, he
realized that the house was quiet. Was Kendrick sleeping? Was he
still affected by his injuries?

Just thinking about holding Kendrick’s lifeless body in his arms

made his blood go cold. He needed to hold Kendrick in his arms right
now. He needed to reassure himself that the man who meant
everything to him was okay.

“Kendrick?” he called out quietly as he walked toward his

bedroom. If Kendrick was sleeping, he didn’t want to wake him. “I
missed you today, honey.”

Entering the bedroom, he was disappointed to find it empty. The

bed was still rumpled from their morning lovemaking. The memory of
being deep inside of Kendrick made him smile and his cock harden.
He was looking forward to a lifetime of making love with his man.

Looking down at his left wrist, he ran the pad of his thumb over

the marking of Kendrick’s name. Bryce had told him that the name
was a mating mark that was able to be seen once the couple had
bonded. Obviously, making love with Kendrick was the key to the
bonding, because the mating mark was there in beautiful royal script.
The black lettering was something he was going to enjoy looking at
every day for the rest of his life.

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149

Stripping the sheets from the bed, he brought them to the washing

machine. He was going to get everything ready for when Kendrick
came home. He didn’t have much in the way of food because
everything was pretty much packed away, but he could throw together
some spaghetti for dinner.

He was looking forward to a quiet evening at home with his

husband. Bryce had told him that the mating was the same as being
married. The thought that he was now married to Kendrick made him
pretty happy. He hoped that his mate felt the same.

He smiled as he thought about his plans to make love with

Kendrick again. Hey, he had to strengthen the bond, right?

* * * *

Roger looked at the digital clock on the kitchen counter. It was

already nine o’clock at night. There was no sign of Kendrick, and he
was starting to worry. He knew that Kendrick was really upset when
Roger had left him to go to work that morning, but was he so upset
that he wouldn’t come back home?

Getting up from his seat at the kitchen table, he walked into the

living room and sat on the couch. He sat there silently, thinking over
the time he had spent with Kendrick. He remembered the way
Kendrick looked at him, touched him, and cared for him. He relived
every caress, every kiss, and every gentle hold. He ached from
missing the man.

By midnight, Roger had given up. He dragged himself to bed and

lay there, unable to sleep. He closed his eyes and tried desperately to
will himself to calm down, but it was useless. When he tried to free
himself from any thoughts of Kendrick, the man’s unique eyes looked
back at him in his mind.

Around four in the morning, the horrors began. Roger kept seeing

the blood that saturated Kendrick’s shirt and pants. He saw the short
sword sticking out of Kendrick’s stomach. He saw Kendrick dying.

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He saw Kendrick dead. He saw the way he tried to bring Kendrick
back to life. But in his thoughts, he wasn’t successful. Kendrick lay in
his bed completely lifeless. His beautiful eyes were open, staring up at
him—unseeing.

Fear gripped Roger and held him between its icy fingers. What if

something had happened to Kendrick? What if he was injured? What
if he was dead?

By seven in the morning, Roger could barely hold it together. He

dragged himself out of bed. It had been a useless night anyway. There
hadn’t been one second of it that had allowed him any peace within
his jumbled thoughts in order for him to get any rest at all.

Walking through every room in his small home to make sure that

everything had been packed away, he was satisfied that everything
had been dealt with. The couple that had bought the house had asked
for some of the furniture to remain. Roger had donated the rest to the
families of the community that he knew were in need.

There was nothing that he wanted to take with him except his

father’s recliner. He remembered sitting with his father in that recliner
when he had been a kid while his dad had read him book after book.
That chair represented the quiet times he shared with his dad, the love
that his dad had for him, and the importance Roger always felt
because his dad made him know every day how much he cherished
him.

He kept busy, carefully carrying and packing the bed of his truck

with box after box of his belongings. Before he knew it, the entire day
had passed and he was sitting once again on the couch waiting for
Kendrick. He never showed.

By the second day, Roger knew that Kendrick was not coming

back to him. He stood in the doorway of his home and looked around
one last time. Leaving the keys to the house in the small bowl on the
table in the entranceway, he pulled the door closed behind him.

Walking to the driveway, he made sure that the ropes holding the

recliner in place in the bed of his truck were secure. Checking one last

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151

time that all of the metal snaps on the canvas that covered the filled
boxes with all of his belongings were snapped, he sighed with
resignation. This was it.

Opening the driver’s side door, he slid in behind the wheel and

settled his phone on the dashboard while he buckled his seatbelt.
Grabbing for his phone, he searched for Fred Jensen’s number and
connected the call, smiling when Fred answered on the second ring.

“Hey, Fred,” Roger said softly. “Can you do me a favor and let

your cousin know that I’m leaving now. I should be at his ranch in
about a week.”

“Sure thing, Roger,” Fred said gently. “It didn’t work out with

Kendrick?”

“No,” Roger said, his voice strong. “I guess we didn’t want the

same things.”

“Son, I’ll miss you,” Fred told him gently. “I’ll text you Paul’s

cell number in case you need to call him for anything. I know you’ll
be happy on his ranch.”

“You know, I think you’re right,” Roger said, sighing. “I’ll miss

you, Fred. You take care of yourself.”

“You, too. Keep in touch.”
“I will.”
Roger disconnected the call and tucked his cell phone into the

front pocket of his jeans. Starting the truck, he carefully backed out of
the driveway and pulled out onto the street. In just a matter of
minutes, he was on the highway, driving away from the only home he
had ever known, and the only man he had ever truly loved.

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Chapter 15

Kendrick pushed through the buzzing in his head. It was really

annoying him. The constant, thundering pain that slammed against his
skull wasn’t helping either. He groaned, fighting to control the nausea
that filled him. He felt like he was about to be sick.

Kendrick! Where are you?
Merek’s voice thundered in his head making the pain throb even

harder against his temples. Did he have to yell so loudly?

Merek, stop yelling, he snapped back, regretting his own voice as

it echoed in his head.

Kendrick, where are you? You said you would be back within one

day. Your son is not happy. We can barely contain his sadness. He
has been fussing and crying since you left.

My son?
Everything was a jumble within Kendrick’s mind. He had a son?

How was that possible? He was broken. He could not have a child.

Then the memories of Aril’s and Zain’s deaths slammed into his

stomach. He remembered the beautiful aqua of Kellin’s eyes, and he
ached to hold his son.

Kellin, he whispered, remembering the beautiful child that now

was his.

Your son is waiting for your return, brother. Why have you not

come back with Roger as you said you would? Daxton’s voice asked
softly in his mind.

How long have I been missing, Daxton?
This is the end of the third day, Kendrick.
Three days!

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153

We assumed you were spending the time with your mate, Merek

spoke up. Where are you, Kendrick?

I do not know.
Kendrick looked around and saw that he was in an isolated room

made of stone. There was one wall made of metal bars with a door in
the center. It was obvious that he was in a restraining cell of some
sort.

The light was dim, but he was able to make out the small bed he

was currently sitting on, a sink, and a toilet. He was also very aware
that his arms were restrained above his head with short chains that
were attached to the wrist cuffs that he wore. The restraints on his
wrists were more than just restraints for his hands, they were of a
metal source that completely surrounded his hands as if someone had
pulled a small blanket made of the same metal as the cuffs over his
hands and had encased them securely.

Looking at the cuffs at each of his wrists, he saw the blood that

dripped from each restraint and had soaked the sleeves of the maroon
sweatshirt that he still wore. It was obvious that Kendrick had
struggled to free himself even when he had been unaware of his
actions. His heart hurt at the thought of the loving way his aheri had
dressed him in the sweatshirt he was still wearing to ensure his
comfort and warmth.

There were two men who were waiting for me when I left the

palace. I was unable to defend myself from their dark magic,
Kendrick told his brothers.

Did you recognize the men? Magnus asked, his voice holding

anger that Kendrick knew had to be stemming from his frustration at
not having been able to protect him.

I did not.
Do you know where you are being held? Magnus asked. Are you

able to recognize anything about your surroundings?

I am in an underground cell. I am unable to see anything but the

sky through the high window, Kendrick admitted, glad to know that

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the view of the light purple sky attested to the fact that he was still
somewhere on Sanzel.

“Are you awake?” a man’s hushed voice called to him from

outside of Kendrick’s cell.

“I am,” Kendrick said quietly.
“That is a relief,” the man whispered. “I was concerned when you

were carried in and you were unconscious.”

“Do you know who the men were that carried me here?” Kendrick

asked softly, determined to ascertain his attackers.

“They were the warriors who are assigned to guard us,” the man

told him. “We are all being kept here until we give birth.”

Kendrick’s heart thudded within his chest as anger filled him.

“There are others here?”

“I am unsure of the exact number. I am only certain of four other

men,” the man admitted. “Two other men have already given birth,
and one man is currently in the birthing tub.” The man hesitated.
“Once the men are taken from these isolation cells to give birth, they
do not return.”

Kendrick gritted his teeth as he realized that the men were

probably dead or sold to other worlds, along with their children.
Would this horror never end?

Merek, there are other men here with me. They are all pregnant.

Some have given birth and have not returned to their cells.
Kendrick’s voice was angry, but he knew Merek could sense his fear,
his compassion, and his caring for these men.

Kendrick, are you able to use your magic to break free? Merek

asked quickly. I want you out of there. Now!

I do as well, brother, Kendrick answered immediately.
He tried to move his hands and groaned at the pain that shot

through them within the confines of the metal restraints. A feeling of
nausea came over him and he had to breathe through the urge to be
sick. The feeling of a full bladder was also causing him a great deal of
discomfort.

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155

“Are you well?” the man’s voice called to him.
“I am chained to the damn wall!” Kendrick said with angry

frustration as he tugged once again on the cuffs.

“We are all chained,” the man admitted. “Try to remain calm so

you do not injure your child.”

Kendrick froze in his attempt to free himself. A deep sadness

filled him. It would make sense that the man would think that he had
been taken because he was pregnant, but that wasn’t the case.

“I feel as if I may be sick,” he muttered, trying to take deep, even

breaths to calm himself.

“I was the very same way at the beginning of my pregnancy,” the

man admitted, laughing softly. “My little one also seems to press
down just right to make me need to relieve myself all the time. My
name is Solin.”

“I am not carrying, Solin,” Kendrick told him softly.
“You are,” Solin insisted. “You may not know you are, but when

the two warriors were carrying you toward your isolation cell, they
dropped you. Your left arm fell directly in front of my cell. I saw your
mating mark. You are carrying.”

Kendrick looked up at his left wrist in shock, needing to see the

proof of the miracle. To his ultimate frustration, he saw that his wrist
was completely encased within the metal that kept him chained to the
wall.

“Solin, I promise you, I am going to get us out of here,” Kendrick

vowed, his voice strong. “Together, you and I will find the rest of the
men who have been isolated here.”

Kendrick closed his eyes and concentrated on drawing forth his

magic. He had to get free. He had to find the rest of the men being
detained here and ascertain their well-being. And he had to look at his
wrist. He knew that Solin was incorrect in what he thought he had
seen. It was impossible. How could the man be right? He was broken.
He was unable to conceive and carry a child.

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He had to destroy the restraints that held him. He had to save all

of them from the men who held them prisoner. He could feel the
magic building within him. His hands grew hot with the concentration
of power. It was only mere seconds before the metal coverings that
contained his hands burst in a shower of dark energy and disappeared.
Turning his left hand toward his right, he concentrated on directing
his magic to the cuff that restrained him, smiling with relief as the
cuff snapped under the power of his magic and fell away. He repeated
the process toward his left hand, sighing with relief when he was
finally free.

Raising himself from the bed, he stumbled slightly as his head

protested the sudden movement. He clenched his stomach and willed
the nausea to go away. Moving quickly to the toilet, he pushed down
the waistband of his sweatpants and freed his cock, sighing with relief
as he relieved himself. With one final shake, he covered himself and
walked to the sink, turning on the warm water and carefully wiping at
his cut wrists to remove the dried blood. Seeing that his skin had been
cut and torn from the cuffs, he did his best to clean the injuries. He
thought about Roger helping him to heal and sighed at the thought of
the man he loved taking care of him.

His head snapped up as realization hit him. Roger had healed him.

The man he loved had healed him. Covering his lower abdomen with
his large hand, he remembered how Roger had channeled his healing
magic and had healed him from the sword wound. He also
remembered the sudden pain that he had felt at the end of Roger’s
healing touch. His aheri‘s healing must have touched the reproductive
organs that had never matured within him. Maybe they really had
created a child when they had made love and completed the bonding.

Looking down at his left wrist, he wiped away the blood that was

flowing from the newly opened wound there and looked at his mating
mark. Roger’s name was still displayed in royal script, but instead of
it being black in color, it was now a beautiful amber. He was
pregnant.

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Happiness filled him, his chest expanding with such joy he

thought for sure he would explode from the pleasure of it. Roger had
healed him and had given him the gift of a baby. Kellin was going to
be a big brother.

Turning with purpose, Kendrick raised his hands and drew upon

his magic, throwing a sphere of red power at the locked panel of the
barred wall. It blew open with a bang, bouncing off the metal bars and
slamming closed. Kendrick walked toward it and pushed against the
door within the panel, swinging it open and stepping through before
walking to the cell beside his and smiling at the young man who sat
on the bed inside it. He was small in stature with blond hair that fell to
his shoulders and beautiful blue eyes. Despite his unclean appearance,
Kendrick could tell that he was a handsome man.

“Hello, Solin,” Kendrick said, bowing formally. “I am Kendrick

Sorenson.”

“Your Highness,” Solin whispered, his blue eyes wide with

surprise.

“Are you well, Solin?”
“I am.”
“And your child?”
“He is strong,” Solin answered, smiling as he touched his fully

rounded belly and petted his son as it moved within him.

“Good.”
Kendrick raised his hands and directed his magic toward Solin’s

cell door, making quick work of destroying the lock and opening the
door. He stepped inside the small isolation room and knelt down
before Solin, wrapping his hands around the restraint that surrounded
Solin’s left ankle. He concentrated on destroying the metal restraint
without injuring the young man in any way. Directing the power of
his magic at the metal, it crumbled beneath his hands as if it was only
sand.

“Thank you, my prince,” Solin whispered.
“Kendrick,” Kendrick corrected him.

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“Kendrick,” Solin repeated, smiling. “I am most grateful for your

help.”

“You are most welcome,” Kendrick said, laughing softly. “We

need to find the rest of the men and leave this place before we are
discovered by the warriors.”

Solin nodded and stood quickly, allowing Kendrick to help him to

his feet. He was a little awkward because of the advanced stage of his
pregnancy, but he could still move fast. Quickly leading the way out
of the cell, he turned to the right and followed the dark hallway to
another area of isolation cells.

Kendrick stood before the cells, horrified by the dirty conditions

in which these men, who were in various stages of their pregnancies,
were living. Stepping forward, he looked each man in the eye and
bowed formally, introducing himself and asking if each man was well
before using his magic to destroy each and every locked door. Once
he dissolved each of the restraints on every man’s ankle, he led them
toward the end of the hallway.

“We still have to find Bayin,” Solin whispered. “I am unsure

where the birthing tub is.”

A scream of pain filled the air, making all of them cringe.

Kendrick nodded toward the end of the hallway to the one room that
had a door and not a barred cell.

“I think we have found the room with the birthing tub,” he said

quietly. “I believe we will find your friend in there, but I also believe
he will be guarded. All of you must stay here while I deal with our
guards.”

Waiting for his fellow prisoners to nod their agreement, Kendrick

made his way toward the room where Bayin was struggling to birth
his son. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath to center his magic,
Kendrick reached out with his left hand to open the door while his
right hand filled with the power of his magic. In a move that had been
perfected through his many hours of training as one of his brother’s
soldiers, he pushed open the door, leaped forward to tuck and roll his

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159

body before twisting to throw his magic at the two Legari warriors
that stood guard beside the birthing tub. Both men were hit with the
full blast of his energy and fell to the floor unconscious in an instant.

Standing quickly, Kendrick called forth more magic as he

advanced on the tub. Seeing the small man inside it pushing his child
from his body, he hesitated. The man in the tub with him was aiding
in the birth, carefully taking the newly born baby and placing it gently
within Bayin’s arms before cutting the cord. In just moments, the
other man helped Bayin deliver the afterbirth then pressed the red
button on the control panel of the birthing tub to wash away the
contaminated water and replace it with clean, treated water that would
help Bayin and his son heal from the birthing.

“Do you wish harm to this man and his child?” Kendrick asked as

he kept the magic sphere of power floating above his palm as he faced
the man.

“No, sir,” the man answered quickly.
“Prince Kendrick, he is a healer,” Solin explained as he came into

the room and saw Prince Kendrick ready to direct his magic at the
man. “He has been kept prisoner here with us.”

“Your Highness,” the healer said quickly, bowing. “I have been

forced to remain here to help birth the children of these men. But I
would not leave them on their own even if I had not been made a
prisoner here. My mate Jarin is one of the men being held.”

“Jarin,” Kendrick called out, turning to look at the group of men

who stood on the other side of the open doorway.

“Yes, my prince,” Jarin said, stepping forward and bowing. He

looked into the room and saw his mate in the birthing tub. Tears filled
his eyes as he drank in the sight of his mate. “You are well, my
aheri?”

“Yes, Jarin,” the healer said gently. “Are you and our baby well?”
Jarin nodded, wiping at his eyes and smiling. “We have missed

you, Faris,” he whispered. He rubbed his fully rounded belly tenderly,

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happiness filling him as he looked down at his handsome mate. “You
are the best sight I have ever seen.”

Faris smiled as he looked up at his mate. No matter how many

times he looked at Jarin, he still counted his blessings to have been
gifted with such a kind and loving man.

“You are as well, Jarin,” he said softly, taking in the gorgeous

man who gave him a life of happiness.

Faris sometimes wondered how such a tall and handsome man as

Jarin had ever been attracted to him. Where Jarin was large and
muscular with black hair and beautiful blue eyes, Faris was shorter
and sleeker in his musculature, with light brown hair and brown eyes.
He thought of himself as ordinary, but Jarin always made him feel as
if he were the most important and handsomest man in the entire world
of Sanzel.

“Faris, we must leave this place,” Kendrick said gently. “I will

carry Bayin and his child when it is safe to remove them from the
healing water.”

Faris nodded, waiting a moment before reaching forward to help

Bayin stand. Kendrick helped lift him from the tub, picked up the
large blue towel that was folded on the bench beside the tub, and
wrapped it carefully around the man and his child. Gathering him
carefully within his arms, he held him safely against his chest before
turning and leading them out of the room. The men followed him as
he led them up the narrow staircase to the main floor of the building,
careful to check that there were no more warriors there to stop him
before they made any forward movement.

“Your child is beautiful,” Kendrick said gently as he looked down

at the newly born child.

“He is,” Bayin said, smiling down at the beautiful boy in his arms.

“Will you take us home, Prince Kendrick?”

“I will ensure that all of you are reunited with your families and

that all of you are safe,” Kendrick promised. “Are any of you able to

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161

tell me where we are so that I may contact my brothers to come to our
aid?”

“This dwelling is located behind Blail’s water purification center,”

Bayin said quietly.

Merek, I am in a dwelling located behind the water purification

center in the town of Blail. There are five pregnant men. One man has
just given birth, and there is a healer with us.

We will be there soon, Kendrick. Bring everyone inside the

purification center for protection.

We are on our way there now, Kendrick told his brother. Is my son

well?

He is missing his baba.
Kendrick smiled, a flutter of happiness filling his chest. I miss my

son, he whispered to his brother.

Keep safe, Kendrick, Merek told him gently. We will be there

shortly, and you will be reunited with your son when you come back
to the palace.

Kendrick smiled, glad for the support and love of his family. He

was looking forward to having that same loving unit with Roger and
Kellin—and the baby he was carrying.

“Do you know who is responsible for your kidnappings?”

Kendrick asked, turning to face the group of men who followed him.

“We do not, my prince,” Faris answered for all of them. “The

Legari warriors took each of us from our homes. We never saw
anyone other than the warriors, although I did hear the voices of two
men who spoke to them when they took Jarin. Once they realized that
I was a healer, they made the choice to take me, as well.”

“Do you think you might be able to recognize them if my brothers

bring them forward?” Kendrick asked, hoping they would finally be
able to find those responsible for the crimes against their people.

“I am not sure,” Faris said honestly. “I was more concerned about

Jarin at the time.”

“Understandable,” Kendrick said without hesitation.

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He walked toward the water purification center, climbing the two

flights of metal stairs slowly. He looked over his shoulder to ensure
that the men were following him and sighed with relief as he viewed
the group behind him. He was not happy about being kidnapped and
having been kept from Kellin and Roger, but he would not have been
able to save these men if he had not been.

As they waited for Merek, Magnus, and Daxton to arrive,

Kendrick said a silent prayer of thanks for his brothers and the family
that he and Roger were going to have together. It was still very new to
him, but he knew that it was true. He could sense the child growing
within him. It was a truly miraculous feeling. Roger had given him
this gift. He could not wait to share it with him.

* * * *

Kendrick looked down into the beautiful aqua eyes of his son,

smiling at the happy gurgles that the baby was emitting. His son had
cuddled into his chest the moment he had reached for him. Bryce was
correct. The boy had bonded with him. It was wonderful.

“I need to go to Roger,” he said softly as he looked down at the

baby. “We need to go to your daddy, Kellin. I believe that he will be
very happy to meet you.”

He looked up and saw the way Merek and Vance, Magnus and

Archer, and Daxton and Bryce were watching him from their places
around the living area in Daxton’s suite.

“As much as I do not want to leave my son again, I need to go to

Roger,” he told them all.

“About damned time!” Bryce said for all of them.
“We have to be careful with our words, Bryce,” Archie chastised

his best friend. “We have to be good role models for Kellin.”

Archie walked over to Kendrick and reached out to scoop the little

boy into his arms, throwing him up into the air and catching him

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163

before kissing the baby’s neck. Kellin’s sweet laughter made him
smile. He sure loved this kid.

“We’re gonna be good friends, huh, Kellin!” he told the baby

happily. “Kendrick, go and get Roger. He’s missing out on this
special time with your baby boy.”

Kendrick smiled as he leaned forward and hugged Archer quickly

then kissed Kellin’s cheek lightly. “I will be home soon, little one,” he
promised.

He turned to leave Daxton’s suite and found Magnus walking with

determined strides beside him. He looked at his brother and saw the
seriousness of his expression.

“Where are you going, Magnus?”
“I shall be with you while you open the portal to Earth,” Magnus

told him firmly. “I will make sure that no disaster befalls you this
time. I apologize for being remiss in my duties earlier. It would have
prevented you much pain and loss if I had escorted you the last time,
Kendrick. For this I am very sorry, my brother.”

Kendrick turned to face his brother, shock clearly evident on his

face. “You blame yourself for what happened, Magnus?” he asked
quietly.

“I was not there to protect you,” Magnus said, nodding.
“Magnus, I did not give you the opportunity to protect me because

I did not need you to shadow my moves,” Kendrick explained
patiently. “I am a fully trained soldier within your ranks. I was the one
who did not assess the danger before I walked out of the palace.” He
raised his right hand and set it gently on his brother’s shoulder,
squeezing it lightly. “Our fathers have always told us that everything
that happens to us in our lives is for a reason.” He saw the flash of
pain that raced through his brother’s eyes. “If I had not been taken, we
would not have been able to save the men who had been kidnapped.
Think of those men and their children, Magnus. I am certain that they
had no hope in having their future end well, yet our help has given
each of them a chance for a new beginning.”

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Magnus nodded curtly, making Kendrick smile. His brother

blamed himself for too many things that he had absolutely no power
over preventing or changing.

“Come with me to the field outside the palace gates, Magnus,”

Kendrick said, smiling when he saw the way the tension in his
brother’s shoulders eased somewhat. “I would appreciate it if you
would stand guard while I open the portal and travel to my aheri.”

“It would be my honor, Kendrick,” Magnus said, bowing slightly.
Kendrick smiled as he turned toward the main entrance and made

his way outside the palace. Quickly passing through the front gate, he
walked directly toward the field of aqua flowers, knowing that
Magnus stood behind him, scanning the area for danger and keeping
him safe.

Bending down, he picked one of the flowers and tucked it into the

cuff of his maroon sweatshirt. He wanted to show Roger the color of
their son’s eyes when he told his mate about him.

Straightening, he raised his hands and extended his palms toward

the open field, calling forth the power of his magic and directing it
before him to open the portal. Once opened, he turned to face Magnus
and nodded.

“I will return shortly, Magnus. You do not need to wait for me.”
“I will be here,” Magnus told him firmly.
Kendrick nodded, knowing that there was no arguing with his

brother. Facing the portal, he walked through it without hesitation. It
was time to talk to Roger and bring him home.

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165

Chapter 16

Kendrick stood in front of Roger’s home, a sick feeling settling in

the pit of his stomach. Even though it was dark, he could tell that his
mate was not inside the small house. Stepping closer to the front door,
he raised his hands and settled them on it, closing his eyes and
sending his magic through the home.

He searched for the life force of his aheri. He felt nothing. From

the coldness of the atmosphere, he could tell that it had been a while
since his man had been there. Walking around to the back of the
house, he tried to pick up on the feelings of his mate. All he felt was
sadness.

He ran the short distance to the empty area behind one of the

deserted office buildings and allowed his magic to burst through him,
opening a portal back to Sanzel and running through it. Magnus was
there waiting for him as he sped through it.

“What is wrong, Kendrick?” Magnus called out, running toward

his brother and pulling his body behind him to protect him from
whatever danger might be following him through the portal.

“My mate is gone,” Kendrick yelled, pushing away from Magnus

and running through the palace gates and into the great hall.

Magnus did not try to stop his brother. Turning, he closed the

portal behind them then raced after Kendrick. He could feel the anger
and panic racing through his brother and knew that he had to help him
somehow. He was right behind him when Kendrick rushed to
Daxton’s suite of rooms and used his magic to open the doors as he
barreled inside to face their family.

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“What has happened, Kendrick?” Merek asked immediately as he

saw the wild expression in his brother’s eyes.

“My mate’s home is empty,” Kendrick said as he walked over to

Bryce and Archer. “Do you know where he might have gone?”

Bryce and Archie looked at each other in concern. Both of them

knew that Roger had planned to leave the area. They just didn’t think
he would continue through with his plan now that he had bonded with
Kendrick.

“Roger talked about moving out to Colorado,” Bryce offered.
“Where is this Colorado?” Kendrick demanded. “I will go there to

speak with him.”

“Colorado is a big state, Kendrick,” Archie explained carefully.

“You can’t just go there. We have to find out where Roger is going.”

“How will we find out where my aheri is?” Kendrick asked,

rubbing at his face tiredly. “I need to see him. He must think that I
have deserted him. He needs to know that I would never leave him.”

“I think you may be right,” Bryce said softly. “Roger is a caring

man who’s been hurt by a lot of guys who have left him once they
find out that he wants a future and a family. He might have thought
you left him when you found out what he wanted, Kendrick.”

Kendrick nodded, horrified that he had caused such pain even if

he did not mean to. “I had every intention to go back to him before he
returned home from his job,” Kendrick said softly. “I was taken.”

“I know,” Bryce said, looking to Archie for help.
Archie wrapped his arms around Kendrick’s shoulders and

hugged him gently. “Me and Bryce will help you find Roger,
Kendrick,” he promised. “I bet I know who would be able to help us.”

“Who?”
“Fred from the Rec Center.”
Kendrick nodded. Fred had already helped him once to find

Roger. He was a nice man who had told Kendrick that he thought of
Roger as his son and really wanted to have him find happiness.
Archer was correct. Fred would help him find Roger again.

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167

“We can go and see Fred tomorrow,” Bryce offered.
Kendrick nodded, reaching out and taking his sleeping son from

Bryce’s arms. He loved the way Kellin automatically cuddled against
him.

“I thank you both,” Kendrick said softly.
Roger, please do not give up on me, he whispered in his mind.

* * * *

Kendrick, Archie, and Bryce stood outside Diamond’s Rec

Center. Both Archie and Bryce could feel the anxiety rolling off of
Kendrick. They understood his nervousness. What Fred decided to do
would determine Roger and Kendrick’s future.

“I don’t think you need to worry,” Bryce said firmly. “Fred loves

Roger like a son. He’ll figure out that you’re sincere, Kendrick. He
wants Roger to be happy, and I know he’ll figure out that being with
you is what’s going to make him happy.”

Kendrick nodded, stepping forward and pulling open the front

door to the building. Walking inside, he made his way up the stairs to
the office that he had sat in once before when he had spoken to Fred
about helping him talk to Roger. This time, Kendrick needed Fred’s
help to find his mate. He needed his aheri. Kellin needed him. The
baby that Kendrick was carrying needed him.

Knocking on the open door to Fred Jensen’s office, Kendrick felt

a tinge of worry when he saw the way Fred looked up and scowled
when he saw him. It was obvious that the man was not happy to see
him.

“You’d better have a damned good reason to show your face here,

boy,” Fred told him firmly, his blue eyes flashing with anger.

“Please allow me time to speak with you, Mr. Jensen,” Kendrick

said politely, bowing before him. “I promise you, I am sincere in my
need to find Roger.”

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“Yeah?” Fred asked warily. “You’ve got a heap of explaining to

do, Kendrick.”

“I am aware of this,” Kendrick admitted softly.
“Archie? Bryce? What are you two boys doing here?” Fred asked,

standing as he saw the two men who stood behind Kendrick.

“We need your help, Fred,” Archie said softly, stepping inside the

office and going over to Fred to hug him tightly.

Fred returned the hug, smiling at the sweet kindness that Archie

always displayed. Looking around Archie’s shoulder, he faced Bryce
and saw him standing beside Kendrick.

“Fred, we need you to tell us where Roger is,” Bryce said calmly.

“There was a misunderstanding. When Kendrick went back to
Roger’s home, he was already gone.”

“What took you away from Roger?” Fred asked, his voice angry.

“You hurt my boy. What possible reason could you have had to leave
him?”

Kendrick looked directly into Fred’s eyes. The older man was

completely justified in his anger toward him. He had the same anger
toward himself. He had made more mistakes with Roger than he had
ever made in his entire life. He knew he had made those mistakes
because of his own lack of confidence due to his inability to give
Roger the future he knew his mate deserved.

“I went to talk to my brother because I feared I did not possess

what it took to make Roger happy,” Kendrick admitted quietly.

“And what did your brother tell you?” Fred snapped. “Did he tell

you to stay away from Roger and break his heart?”

“No, but that is what happened. For that I will be forever sorry,”

Kendrick admitted. “Bryce made me realize that Roger would not be
disappointed in me.”

Fred turned to face Bryce, searching the young man’s crystal blue

eyes. “Do you think Roger would want me to tell this guy where he is,
Bryce? I don’t want to cause him more hurt.”

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169

“Fred, what happened to Kendrick was not something he could

have prevented,” Bryce explained. “He’d been attacked. By the time
we were able to find him and he was able to come back here, Roger
had already left.”

“Someone attacked you?” Fred asked, turning his attention back

to Kendrick. “Are you okay?”

Kendrick nodded. “I need Roger,” he admitted softly. “Would you

please grant me the knowledge that I need to go to him, Mr. Jensen?”

Fred stepped back and folded his arms across his chest, looking

Kendrick over and trying to determine his honesty. He was not about
to give him any information that would cause Roger to be more
unhappy than he already was.

“Fred, Kendrick loves Roger a lot,” Archie said softly as he

wrapped his arms around Fred’s shoulders and hugged him lightly.
“He will be a good husband just like Mag is a good husband to me,
Merek is a good husband to Vance, and Dax is a good husband to
Bryce.”

“You think so, Archie?” Fred asked quietly. “I don’t want him

hurting my boy.”

“Kendrick is a good guy,” Archie said very seriously. “I think that

he is perfect for Roger. I really think that Roger needs him just as
much as he needs Roger.”

“I love Roger more than my life,” Kendrick vowed. “I want him

to come home with me.”

“Roger wants kids, Kendrick,” Fred said firmly. “You willing to

help him with that?”

Kendrick smiled at the secret he was keeping. “Yes, Mr. Jensen,”

he said finally. “I would be honored to raise a family with Roger.”

“Kendrick has a son that he’s adopted,” Bryce offered. “He’s a

beautiful baby, Fred. He’s worried that Roger may not want to help
raise him. What do you think?” Bryce’s blue eyes twinkled as he
winked at Fred Jensen. Fred knew just as much as he and the rest of
the guys did that Roger was a sucker for kids.

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“You adopted a baby?” Fred asked, surprise evident in his tone

and his expression.

“Kellin’s parents had been killed,” Kendrick explained softly.

“When I held that little one, I just knew he was meant to be a part of
my life.”

Fred lowered his arms and relaxed, a gentle smile covering his

face as he looked at Kendrick. He could see the honest affection
Kendrick had for his new son. He knew Roger would be happy to see
the big man so taken with a child.

“That’s how it happens,” Fred said finally. “Kids have a way of

taking up space in your heart.”

Kendrick nodded. “He has. He is a wonderful child.” He hesitated

a moment. “Would you tell me where Roger is, Mr. Jensen? I need to
explain to him what happened and ask him if he would be willing to
come home with me.” At Fred’s hesitance, he could feel his stomach
rolling in protest. “I love him very much.”

Kendrick’s words were whispered, but they were exactly what

Fred was waiting to hear. He looked at Bryce then turned to face
Archie and saw the way the sweet man was nodding his head.

“Do you believe him, Archie?” Fred asked quietly.
“Yes.”
Turning to look at Bryce once again, he saw that Bryce was

nodding his head to indicate that he agreed with Archie. Fred had the
same feeling but had been afraid to go with it. Roger’s life and future
were dependent upon his decision, and he didn’t take that
responsibility lightly.

“I’m only going to tell you this once, Kendrick,” Fred said to him

calmly. “If you don’t love my boy with all your heart, treat him well,
and keep him happy, you will have to deal with me, and they won’t
find your body for dust!”

Kendrick blinked as the threat Fred made sunk in. He smiled

slowly, loving the warrior in this man. He extended his arm and

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171

placed it on Fred’s left shoulder, bending to touch his forehead to the
elder man’s.

“You have my oath,” he promised. “I will keep my promise to

love and protect Roger Newcomb with all that I am. He is my aheri—
my destined mate. I will honor him always and count my blessings to
have him in my life.”

Fred pulled back slightly and looked into Kendrick’s eyes. He

always felt that you could judge a man’s honesty by looking into his
eyes. Kendrick’s mirrored his emotions and sincerity. Fred had no
doubt in his mind that Roger had found a true mate in this man.

“I believe you,” Fred said finally, his entire body relaxing with his

admission. “Okay. My cousin Paul has a ranch in Colorado that I’ve
sent Roger to. He’s going to be helping out with Paul’s animals until
he can figure out what he wants to do. Paul knows it’s a temporary
thing, so he’s not depending on Roger to stay with him. If you go on
out there and have your conversation with him, you have to promise
me that you’ll give Roger the time and the space he’ll need to make
his decision.”

“This, I vow,” Kendrick answered without hesitation.
“You vow this, huh?” Fred asked, trying hard not to crack a smile

at the formality of Kendrick’s words.

“I do.”
“All right, son. I believe you.” Fred sat down at his desk and

pulled out an index card. He wrote his cousin’s name and the name of
his ranch on the card. Below that, he wrote the address and Paul’s
phone number.

“Do you have Roger’s cell number?” Fred asked.
Kendrick shook his head. Fred nodded, turning his attention back

to the card and writing it down for Kendrick. Standing up, he walked
over to the man he really thought would be a good husband and
partner to Roger and handed him the card.

“Don’t make me regret giving this to you, Kendrick,” Fred

warned him.

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“I will not,” Kendrick promised, taking the card and turning

toward Bryce. “Will you do me the favor of helping me find this
place, Bryce?”

“Try and stop me,” Bryce said, walking over to Fred Jensen and

hugging the man tightly, laughing when he felt Archie’s arms
surrounding them both and joining in on the hug.

“I miss you, Fred,” Archie said softly.
“Aw, Archie, you know you can come and visit any time you

want,” Fred told him, patting his back lightly as he returned the hug.
“Now, you two go and help Kendrick get to Roger. You’re gonna
have to give him some time to get out there, though. It will probably
take him close to a week to make the trip.”

Releasing his hold on Fred Jensen, Bryce turned and faced

Kendrick. “He’s right, Kendrick. We’ll have to go home. You can
wait there until Roger can reach the ranch.”

“No.”
“What do you mean?”
“I will go to the ranch now.” Kendrick faced Fred Jensen and

bowed slightly. “Would you do me the favor of informing your cousin
that I will be arriving at his ranch?”

“Sure, son. If that’s what you want me to do,” Fred said, confused.

“Are you going to fly out there?”

“In a manner of speaking,” Kendrick said, smiling. “Please ask

your cousin if I may stay where he will be allowing Roger to reside.”

“Paul said he was going to be giving Roger the guest cabin near

the barn,” Fred said, nodding. “If Roger wants to share the cabin with
you, I doubt Paul would say no. I’ll call my cousin right now.”

Sitting down at the desk, Fred picked up the phone and quickly

called his cousin. He watched Kendrick, Bryce, and Archie walk to
the door of his office to give him privacy for his conversation.

“Paul,” he said quietly into the phone once his cousin answered.

“You know that Roger is heading out to you now. He should be there
within the week, but we have a situation.”

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173

“What’s the situation?” Paul Gordon asked, his voice tinged with

humor.

“Roger’s boyfriend is on his way to your ranch,” Fred said

quietly. “He says he never meant to stay away from Roger and needs
to talk to him so they can get back together.”

“Do you believe him, Fred?”
Fred sighed and wiped at his forehead as he turned in his chair so

that his back was to the three men. He hunched forward, folding his
body in an effort to speak quietly into the phone.

“Yeah. I guess I do,” he admitted. “His name is Kendrick. He said

he’ll be heading out to you if you say okay. He’ll be there by
tomorrow. What do you think?”

“If you believe this guy is sincere, I’ll welcome him,” Paul said

quietly. “You’re sure, Fred? I don’t want to make your friend Roger
unhappy. It wouldn’t be fair to him to surprise him with this.”

“I agree,” Fred said, standing and looking out his window to face

the baseball diamond. “I’ll take care of it. If you don’t hear from me,
welcome Kendrick to your ranch.”

“What if I hear from you, Fred?” Paul asked, his voice clearly

mirroring his concern.

“We’ll figure that one out together.”
“Okay. Good luck.”
“Yeah. You, too.”
Fred turned back to look at the three men who stood at the

doorway to his office. He really hoped everything was going to work
out. He didn’t know why, but he really felt that Kendrick was sincere
in his feelings for Roger. Unfortunately, he had been wrong before,
and he couldn’t take a chance that his old romantic soul was
influencing his judgment. This was way too important for Roger.

“My cousin knows you’ll be showing up at his ranch,” he told

Kendrick calmly. “I told him you would probably get there
tomorrow.”

“I thank you, Mr. Jensen,” Kendrick said, bowing in respect.

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“Just don’t make me regret helping you,” Fred warned him.
Kendrick nodded and turned, leaving the office. Bryce and Archie

both went over to hug Fred. Fred accepted their affection and returned
it with his own strong hugs. He was so proud of the men that all of his
boys had become. He was also glad that each of them was finding
their destined partner. He had always wanted them to find someone
who would truly love and respect them.

“You take care of yourselves, boys,” Fred said softly as Bryce and

Archie stepped away from him and smiled at him.

“You, too, Fred,” Bryce said for them both.
“Make sure to visit when you can,” Fred told them, waving as

they walked down the stairs to the front of the Rec Center.

“We will,” Archie promised, turning and waving enthusiastically

before leaving the building.

Fred smiled sadly as he turned and walked back into his office.

Sitting behind his desk, he lifted the receiver of the phone and made
the phone call he needed to make. It only rang three times before it
was answered.

“Hi, Roger,” he said softly. “I have something to tell you.”

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Chapter 17

Roger saw the large wooden sign that identified the entrance to

Gordon Ranch. Turning into the driveway, he traveled the mile that
led to the large ranch home.

The long trip out to Paul Gordon’s ranch had been filled with

many sleepless nights and days that were filled with a myriad of
emotions. Since Fred’s phone call, he had gone from disbelief, to
anger, and then to acceptance.

He had assured Fred that it would be okay if Kendrick came to

Paul’s ranch to speak with him. Despite the fact that Kendrick had
blown him off and hadn’t come home, he was curious to hear his
explanation. He didn’t have hopes that things would work out, but he
couldn’t help but think about the man all the time.

Looking down at his left wrist, he saw the constant reminder that

Kendrick was in his life. The mark was supposed to mean that they
were bonded. Bullshit. If they were bonded, Kendrick wouldn’t have
left him without a word.

Pulling up to the main house, he saw a very tall man who had to

be Paul Gordon step down the stairs from the front porch. He had
dark black hair despite his age, a black mustache, and he was wearing
a black cowboy hat. Roger couldn’t help but smile at the cowboy who
was waiting for him.

Parking his truck directly in front of the porch, he turned off the

engine and opened the door. Stepping out, he stretched out the kinks
in his back then walked over to Paul and accepted the hand he offered
in greeting.

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“It’s nice to meet you, Roger,” Paul said as he shook Roger’s

hand firmly. “You are aware that your man Kendrick is here, right?”

“Yes, Paul,” he said quietly. “I don’t know that he’s my man, but I

am aware that he’s here.”

“I had him go to the cabin next to the barn that I’ve set up for

you,” Paul explained. “If you’re not happy with that, I’ll take care of
it.”

“No, that’s okay,” Roger stopped him. “If something needs to be

done, I’ll do it.”

Paul stepped back and folded his arms across his chest. “If there’s

anything you need from me, just say the word,” Paul offered. “If you
feel up to it, I’ll come by tomorrow afternoon around three to show
you around the ranch.”

“Sounds good,” Roger said, taking a deep breath and doing his

best to remain calm. “I’d like to keep busy, so when you think I’m up
to helping, I’d really like to start.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal,” Paul said. “Go on and get settled.

Do you need help unloading your gear?”

“No, thanks. I didn’t bring much with me.”
“Just follow the road down to the barn,” Paul told him, pointing

toward the barn in the distance. “The cabin is off to the left of it. Far
enough away from the animal sounds and smells.”

Roger chuckled softly. “I appreciate that.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Roger nodded and walked back to his truck. As he drove toward

the small cabin, he wondered what was going to happen when he got
there. As he parked his truck, he noticed that the chimney was
billowing smoke, which meant that there was a fireplace that was lit.
He hadn’t realized how cold it had become since the sun had set, but
the coldness suddenly permeated his body. He hoped that wasn’t an
omen for what was to come.

Just as he walked toward the cabin, the front door opened and his

heart slammed against his chest as Kendrick filled the doorway. He

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177

had to take a calming breath to keep from moaning. Emotions filled
him and he fought to keep them contained. This man was gorgeous.
This man was tender. This man had hurt him beyond endurance.

“I’ve had a long trip to think about you being here, Kendrick,”

Roger said calmly, determined to take control of the situation so he
wouldn’t weaken his resolve to be strong.

“We have much to discuss, aheri,” Kendrick said softly.
“Don’t call me that,” Roger said firmly. “I’m not your aheri.”
“Yes. You are.”
“If I were your aheri, you wouldn’t have left me, Kendrick.”
“I did not leave you, Roger.”
“Really? I’m pretty sure that when I got home from work, you

weren’t there.” Roger was proud of the way he spoke calmly even
though he wanted to scream every word. “I’m pretty sure I sat in my
house for two days waiting for you, and you didn’t come back
because I wasn’t worth coming back for.”

Kendrick sighed, pain filling him at the words that his man spoke.

“There is much that has happened that you must hear, Roger,” he said
finally. “Please allow me the opportunity to tell you.”

Roger didn’t want to give him a chance, but he would be foolish

not to. Why had he told Fred it was okay that he had given Kendrick
information about where he was if he didn’t want to speak with him?

Nodding, he stepped up onto the small deck of the cabin and

walked inside, doing his best to make sure that his body did not brush
against Kendrick’s as he walked past him. When he entered the cabin,
the warmth and coziness of it filled him with need.

Looking around the main room, he saw that the fireplace was

beautifully lit, and the fire was roaring within it. The brown suede
couch that faced it was filled with comfortable cushions of different
shades of gold, amber, and black. Walking over to the couch, he sat
down and waited for Kendrick to sit beside him. He was glad that
Kendrick was careful to keep himself a little apart from him. He
didn’t think he could handle it if Kendrick touched him right then.

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“When I told you about my inability to have a child with you, I

was torn,” Kendrick began. “I did not want to force you to share your
future with me when I could not give you what you wanted.”

Roger remained silent. What was he supposed to say?
“I felt the need to talk with my brother Daxton,” Kendrick

continued. “He is a very understanding person. He has always helped
me and the rest of my brothers talk through whatever concerned us.”
Kendrick sighed, doing his best to remain focused and in control. “His
aheri Bryce made me realize that you would never expect us to have a
child together since that is not something that the men of your world
are able to do.”

“He’s right,” Roger said firmly, unable to keep some of the anger

from his voice. “You didn’t give me a chance to talk it over with you,
Kendrick.”

“I am truly sorry, Roger,” Kendrick apologized.
Roger nodded, rubbing at his temple lightly as he tried to calm

himself. There was so much he wanted to say to Kendrick, but he
wasn’t going to say one word until Kendrick was finished telling him
whatever it was that he had to tell him.

“Bryce made me realize that in your world, children could be

taken in and given a family to love. It never occurred to me that
something like that was possible because on Sanzel, there are no
children in need of someone to take care of them.”

“There aren’t?” Roger asked, surprised. “Your children are very

lucky.”

“Some children are not lucky, my heart,” Kendrick said, unable to

prevent the endearment from escaping him. “We have children being
taken and sold to other worlds. Merek and the rest of my brothers
have been tracking those that they suspect are behind the
kidnappings.”

“The kids need to be helped, Kendrick,” Roger said, reaching out

and touching Kendrick’s forearm, gripping the maroon sweatshirt he
was wearing. When he realized what he was doing, he released his

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179

hold on him, trying really hard not to think about the fact that the
sweatshirt Kendrick was wearing was the one he had dressed him in
after they had made love.

“We are doing what we can,” Kendrick promised.
Roger waited. It wasn’t up to him to continue the conversation. He

really had nothing to say. It was Kendrick’s ballgame.

“Bryce made me realize that we could be a family if I helped you

to find the child that was meant to be ours,” Kendrick continued.

“You would be willing to do that?” Roger asked, completely

surprised by this new revelation.

“I am,” Kendrick said firmly. “I went to my cottage to ready it for

you and our child, if we were ever lucky enough to find one. When I
was leaving to go back to your home, I felt a disturbance among our
subjects.”

“Your subjects?”
“I am part of the Royal Family,” Kendrick admitted, blushing

lightly.

“Geez, Kendrick! When you keep secrets, you really keep

secrets!”

“I am very sorry,” Kendrick apologized. “I did not try to keep this

a secret. It just never presented itself as part of our conversations.”

“Just like men having babies never came up,” Roger said angrily.

“What else have you kept from me, Kendrick? Or am I supposed to
address you as Duke Kendrick or Lord Kendrick?”

“I am Prince Kendrick,” he muttered.
“Okay, Prince Kendrick, what else do you have to tell me?”

Roger was trying to be understanding, but his patience was running
thin.

If Kendrick was a prince, did that make him a princess? Roger

cringed at the thought. He would make the ugliest princess ever.

“When I was leaving my cottage, I stopped to pick a flower to

bring back to you,” Kendrick said softly. “I wanted you to see the

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beauty of my world. I wanted you to want to come back to it with
me.”

Roger said nothing. He didn’t want to admit that Kendrick’s

thoughtfulness was affecting him. He didn’t want to crumble. He had
to stay strong and keep his heart hardened to Kendrick. But what
Kendrick was telling him was so incredibly thoughtful, he couldn’t
help the way his heart was slowly thawing.

“I encased the flower in a sphere of my magic to bring it to you,”

Kendrick told him. Standing slowly, he walked over to the fireplace
mantle to retrieve the clear crystal sphere that displayed the beautiful
aqua flower and brought it to Roger. He extended his hand to offer the
precious flower to him. “I want you to have this, Roger.” His voice
was quiet as he spoke. He was afraid that Roger would shun his gift.
He was afraid that Roger would shun him.

Roger reached out and accepted the magical sphere, amazed by

the sparkling beauty of it. The single aqua flower that floated within
the sphere was the most unique color he had ever seen.

“The color is beautiful,” he whispered, looking down at the

sphere. “I’ve never seen such a vibrant aqua color before.”

“It is beautiful,” Kendrick agreed, thinking about Kellin’s eyes

that were the same beautiful color.

“Thank you, Kendrick,” Roger said gently. “That was very

thoughtful of you to save this and bring it to me.”

Kendrick smiled, his heart light at Roger’s kind words. He sat

down next to Roger and took a calming breath.

“When I was preparing to open a portal to come back to you, I

heard my people calling out to me,” Kendrick said softly, the
incredibly sad experience still raw in his heart. “I followed the pain
that filled me. I came to a small home at the edge of a town called
Blail. When I entered the home, I found two men who had been
killed.”

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181

Roger clutched the sphere tighter, afraid to speak. He could feel

Kendrick’s pain and knew that what Kendrick was telling him was
taking its toll on him.

“I tried to use my healing magic to help them, but I was too late. I

could not heal them,” Kendrick whispered. “They were a humble
couple who worked very hard at their crafts. Their names were Aril
and Zain. They were very young.”

“Why were they killed?” Roger whispered, horrified. “What could

someone possibly have wanted from them?”

“Their son,” Kendrick said softly. “There were three distinct dark

magic signatures in the home.”

“Did they kidnap their son, Kendrick?”
“No. Aril and Zain had hidden him behind a false wall in their

bedroom. He was a quiet baby and was not found.”

“Thank God,” Roger whispered.
“He is a beautiful baby, Roger,” Kendrick told him gently. “His

eyes are the color of the flower that I picked for you.”

Roger looked down at the sphere in his hands and smiled at the

beauty of the flower. It amazed him that the baby would have such a
unique color for his eyes.

“Is it usual for babies on your world to have this color eyes?” He

looked up at Kendrick and realized how unique Kendrick’s eyes were.
“It must be something special in your world because your eyes are
unique, too.”

“My eyes are common for my family,” Kendrick said, smiling.

“All children born into the Sorenson lineage have this color. Black
hair with the royal blue streak at the left temple is also something that
every member of the Sorenson family has.”

“Of course they do,” Roger said dryly. “It must be a royal trait.”
“It is, my heart,” Kendrick said gently, trying to contain his smile.
“What happened to Aril and Zain’s son?”

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He was determined to get Kendrick back on track. He needed to

hear the whole story. As much as he was hurt by Kendrick staying
away, he realized that maybe the man had good reason to be delayed.

“We found that the men did not have family,” Kendrick told him.

“There was a couple who was willing to take in the baby and raise
him as theirs, but it would have been a hardship for them.”

“So, what happened?”
“My brother Merek said he would take the child and raise him,”

Kendrick said softly. “His aheri Vance was willing to accept the baby
into their family.”

“Vance is a good guy,” Roger said, smiling. “He’ll make a good

father.”

“I believe he will, as well,” Kendrick admitted.
“But?” Roger asked, hearing the hesitation in Kendrick’s voice.
“Roger, when I held that child against my chest, I felt a bond

between us,” Kendrick said gently. “I believe that Kellin is meant to
be our son.”

“Our son?” Roger whispered.
“Yes, my heart. I left our son Kellin with Bryce and was on my

way back to you to discuss this with you when I was attacked.”

“You were attacked?”
“I believe it was by the same two men who had a hand in

murdering Aril and Zain,” Kendrick said firmly. “I attempted to fight
back with my magic but they blocked my ability to draw upon my
power. I was restrained with chains in an underground cell. I did not
regain consciousness for three days.”

“Kendrick,” Roger whispered. “Are you okay?” He reached out

and touched Kendrick’s hand, taking it gently within his own and
squeezing it lightly.

“I am now, my heart,” Kendrick told him honestly. “I had been

restrained, but I was able to use my magic to break free. When I was
able to escape the cell, I found that there were several other men also
being held prisoner. They were all pregnant, and one man was giving

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183

birth. Fortunately, the mate of one of the men taken was a healer who
had been taking care of all of them. He was delivering a child while I
was releasing everyone from their cells. I was able to get all of us out
of there, and my brothers came to our aid once I told them where we
were.”

Roger had the sudden feeling that Kendrick still carried injuries

from his attack. Putting the sphere that held the beautiful flower down
on the low table in front of the couch, he reached out and carefully
pushed up the sleeves of the sweatshirt that Kendrick was wearing,
Roger nearly got sick at the sight of the raw and broken skin that
circled his man’s wrists.

“Kendrick, give me your healing magic right now,” Roger

demanded, never looking away from Kendrick’s wrists.

Kendrick smiled as he saw the determination on his aheri’s face.

He drew his magic forward, bathing the both of them with the subtle
blue light that emanated from his hands.

Roger surrounded Kendrick’s right wrist with both of his hands as

Kendrick gently covered his hands with his own, closed his eyes, and
concentrated on healing the injuries that must have caused him great
pain. Kendrick must have struggled against cuffs to have sustained the
raw cuts that he had.

When he saw that the blue energy of Kendrick’s magic eased, he

pulled his hands away carefully and looked at the bruises, glad to see
that only healthy skin graced his prince’s wrist. Reaching for
Kendrick’s left wrist, he surrounded it with both of his hands and
closed his eyes to direct Kendrick’s magic to heal it as well. He
sighed with relief as the warmth of Kendrick’s power tingled through
his entire body.

He could sense the comfort and healing that his touch was giving

his mate. As much as it hurt him to have thought that Kendrick hadn’t
come back to him, he couldn’t help but admit to himself that there
was a connection with this man. Bryce had called it a bonding, and
Roger accepted that a bonding was exactly what it was.

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Pulling Kendrick’s hands toward his mouth, he lightly kissed the

healed skin of both of his wrists, rubbing his cheek across the
knuckles of Kendrick’s hands before easing back and smiling at him.
Seeing the gentleness in Kendrick’s eyes, he cleared his throat
nervously as he realized how he had allowed his guard to lower
considerably.

Emotions seeped into his body, but they were not his own. He

knew it was Kendrick who was feeling them. He could feel the deep
connection and was happy to know that their bond was returning, and
it was returning with a strength that surprised him. He could feel that
Kendrick cared for him. He could feel the deep need Kendrick had to
have him as a permanent part of his life and his future. He felt the
sorrow Kendrick experienced when he had come back to Roger’s
home to find that Roger had already gone.

“I love you, aheri,” Kendrick whispered. “Please give me the

chance to prove to you how much. Please spend your life with me and
help me raise our son.”

Roger opened his eyes and watched as the amber in Kendrick’s

eyes slowly eased back to his gentle brown. “You love me?” he
asked, afraid to hope.

“With all my heart,” Kendrick said softly. “Do you think you will

learn to love me?”

“No.”
Kendrick nodded and pulled away. “I understand,” he said sadly.

“I have hurt you, and I have dishonored our mating. For this I am very
sorry.”

Roger eased forward, smiling as he saw the confusion on

Kendrick’s face as he pushed him down onto the couch and covered
him with his body. He leaned forward and kissed his lips lightly,
catching Kendrick’s gasp of surprise and pressing tightly against him
to taste the delicious flavor of his man. When Kendrick wrapped his
arms around his back and pulled him closer, Roger laughed softly
against his mouth.

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185

“Kendrick,” he whispered against his lips.
“Yes, my heart?” Kendrick answered, almost afraid to speak and

break the spell of Roger’s affection and desire.

“I can’t learn to love you because I already love you,” Roger told

him, kissing his neck lightly as he whispered in his ear. “When you
died in my arms, I realized at that moment just how important you
were to me. I made a promise to myself that I would never waste
another minute holding my heart away from yours. You’re a kind and
gentle man. I was devastated when you didn’t come back to me.”

“I am truly sorry,” Kendrick started, his words muffled by the

immediate kiss that Roger gave him.

“I know,” Roger whispered, licking at Kendrick’s lower lip lightly

before easing back and smiling down at him. “Do you promise never
to leave me again, Kendrick?”

Roger’s words were soft, but Kendrick could feel the pain within

his aheri’s heart. Reaching up, he framed Roger’s face with his hands,
running the pads of his thumbs across his dark whiskers.

“You are my mate,” Kendrick said softly. “We will be together

until the end of time.”

“I like that,” Roger said, smiling.
“I do, as well, aheri.”
Kendrick pulled him tighter against his chest, smiling as Roger

leaned into his neck and bit down on his shoulder. Kendrick growled
softly and held his aheri tightly.

“You make me need, Roger,” he whispered.
“Good.”
Kendrick laughed and softly kissed his mate’s temple. “Yes, it is

very good,” he agreed.

The sudden cry of a baby interrupted them. Roger pulled back in

surprise and looked down at Kendrick. He saw the slow smile that
covered Kendrick’s handsome face.

“Kendrick?” he whispered, his heart racing.

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187

Chapter 18

Roger watched as Kendrick walked out of the small room beside

the kitchen area. He had a baby cuddled against his chest. Roger
realized in that moment how natural it was for Kendrick to care for
that child. There was no awkwardness in the way he held him. The
baby was holding onto Kendrick’s long hair, clutching it in his little
fist and making Roger smile at the sweetness of the picture before
him.

“Kellin, this is your new father,” Kendrick said softly as he turned

to the side so that the little boy could look at Roger as he rested
against his chest.

Large aqua eyes stared at him, making Roger fall in love with the

little boy immediately. Reaching out, he carefully touched Kellin’s
cheek with the back of his index finger.

“Hello, buddy,” Roger said, smiling. “I’m very happy to meet

you.”

He took hold of Kellin’s hand and drew it slowly toward his

mouth to kiss the palm of his hand lightly then blew a raspberry into
it. The baby’s immediate giggle made Roger smile widely.

“I think our son likes you, my heart,” Kendrick said softly,

reaching out and drawing Roger toward them by slipping his hand
around the back of his neck and pulling him close.

Roger wrapped his arm around Kendrick’s waist, kissing his

cheek lightly before leaning in and kissing Kellin’s forehead. He
loved the way the baby cuddled into his touch. The feeling that filled
him was instant. A warmth spread through him and settled around the
three of them.

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“I feel like we’re joined,” Roger whispered.
“We are,” Kendrick told him firmly. “My magic has joined us.

We are a family.” He looked down at their baby and smiled. “We
would not be able to feel the connection if it was not our destiny to be
a family.”

“I want to hold him,” Roger said, needing to have the baby in his

arms.

Kendrick eased Kellin into Roger’s hold, smiling as he saw the

way Kellin smiled up at Roger and patted his whiskers, laughing
sweetly at the feel of his scruff. Seeing the joy on Roger’s face, he
knew that this man was going to be a wonderful father to their little
boy.

“Is he really ours?” Roger asked, touching the dark curls on the

baby’s head. “Kendrick, look at his eyes. They’re the exact same
color as the flower you gave me.”

“When I picked the first flower for you, I had not met this little

one,” Kendrick said, smiling. “I believe it was a magical omen that
drew me to him.” Kendrick hesitated a moment as he looked at the
way Roger held Kellin so gently. It was a beautiful sight. “He is truly
ours, Roger. He is our son.”

“Our son,” Roger echoed. He looked at Kendrick and smiled,

unashamed to allow Kendrick see the tears of happiness in his eyes.
“Thank you for giving me a son, Kendrick.”

Kendrick was too overwhelmed to speak. He thought about the

baby he was carrying and knew that he had to tell Roger about his
pregnancy. He was never going to keep anything from him ever again.
Walking with him to the couch, he reached for the bag that was filled
with the items he had taken from Sanzel in order to take care of
Kellin.

Once Roger sat on the couch and held Kellin in the crook of his

arm, he handed his aheri the wooden toy that had been made for
Kellin. It was a highly polished thin post with round wooden pieces
made of many vibrant colors. Roger took it and held it in front of

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189

Kellin, lifting the red block on the post and allowing it to slide down
the post to clack against the other pieces.

Kellin’s immediate squeal of delight and deep laughter made them

both laugh. Roger repeated the process, lifting the red and the blue
block and allowing them to slide down the post one at a time. Kellin’s
little arms waved with excitement as he reached for the blocks.

“He’s so observant,” Roger said proudly. “I think he’s going to be

a genius, Daddy.”

“On my world, baba is the word used for father,” Kendrick

explained, smiling as he knelt on the floor in front of the couch and
watched Roger play with the baby.

“Kellin, I think you’re going to be as smart and as magical as

Baba,” Roger said as he looked at the baby in amazement.

Kendrick’s chest ached with happiness at the picture before him.

The words Roger spoke were the most beautiful words he had ever
heard. “I never thought I would ever have a child call me baba,” he
said softly.

“He can call me daddy,” Roger said happily. “I never thought I

would ever have any child call me daddy.”

“Daddy,” Kendrick said, smiling at the happiness the filled his

aheri. “Our son has your dimple.” He reached out and touched the
cleft in Kellin’s chin then did the same to Roger’s. “He will be as
gorgeous as you are.”

“Kendrick, you don’t have to pay me compliments. I already love

you,” Roger said, laughing.

“Aheri, I will always tell you how important and beautiful you are

to me. I will never let a day go by without showing you how much
you mean to me. I will love you forever, and I will want to make love
with you always,” Kendrick said seriously, his voice husky with the
desire that raced through him at the thought of making love to his
mate. “I truly hope that you realize how important you are to me, my
heart.”

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Roger looked at Kendrick and saw the way his brown eyes flashed

the beautiful amber color that was so unique to him. “Your eyes are
amber, Kendrick,” he whispered. “What does that mean?”

“I believe my magic is filling me,” Kendrick said softly. “I need

to join the three of us. I did not know that it was possible, but I cannot
seem to stop the magic from calling to me to join the three of us.”

Roger reached out and wrapped his arm around Kendrick’s

shoulder, pulling him closer and sandwiching Kellin between them.
The minute the three of them connected, Roger could feel the power
of Kendrick’s magic rushing through his body. He looked down at
Kellin and saw the way the little boy’s aqua eyes flashed to a soft
amber color before returning to his normal color.

“Kendrick, did you see Kellin’s eyes?”
“I did,” Kendrick said, leaning down and kissing Kellin’s cheek

lightly.

“What happened?”
“I have given him the gift of my magic,” Kendrick said, smiling.

“I have given it to you, as well, aheri.”

“Kendrick! I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Roger protested. “I

don’t know how to deal with it. What if I hurt someone with it?”

“You will not hurt anyone,” Kendrick assured him. “Together, we

will teach Kellin how to control his magic and use it to help others.”

“You’re an amazing man,” Roger whispered. “No wonder I love

you so much.”

* * * *

Roger and Kendrick stood over the small crib in the tiny room

next to the kitchen area. Kellin was sound asleep, sucking on his
thumb as he held onto the yellow blanket that had his name
embroidered on the right corner.

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191

“He’s beautiful,” Roger whispered, leaning back into Kendrick’s

body as his man wrapped his arms around his waist and rested his
chin on Roger’s shoulder.

“He is,” Kendrick agreed.
“We’re a family,” Roger said, smiling.
“We are.”
Kendrick kissed Roger’s neck and breathed in the manly scent of

his mate. He could feel the happiness in him and was relieved that he
had given that to him.

“You deserve to be happy, Roger,” he told him quietly.
“We both deserve happiness, Kendrick,” Roger corrected him.

Turning in Kendrick’s arms, he encircled him within his embrace and
leaned in to kiss his lips lightly.

“I want to make love to you,” Kendrick whispered. “I need to feel

your body wrapped around mine.”

Roger stepped out of Kendrick’s arms and pulled him out of the

small room, careful to leave the door open not only so that they could
hear their son if he woke up, but also to keep the room heated from
the fire that was burning in the fireplace.

“Is it safe to have the fire burning throughout the night?” Roger

asked worriedly as he looked at the roaring fireplace.

Kendrick nodded as he led Roger over to the couch, sitting down

and tugging at Roger’s hand to have him sit next to him. “Paul has
taught me quite a bit in the few days Kellin and I have been here,”
Kendrick told him, holding Roger’s hand and squeezing it lightly.
“He has been very welcoming to us. I believe that he was hoping that
you would accept us back into your life.”

“Fred Jensen did me a big favor by calling Paul to give me a job

and a home,” Roger said thoughtfully. “Do you think we could stay
here for a while? It would be kind of like our honeymoon. It would
give us time to become a family.”

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“I am not sure what a honeymoon is, Roger, but I like the idea of

us taking time to become a family,” Kendrick said, smiling as he ran
the pad of his thumb across the knuckles of Roger’s hand.

“A honeymoon is a vacation two people go on after they get

married,” Roger explained, his voice soft as he realized that he truly
felt that he and Kendrick were married.

“To be married is to be mated?” Kendrick questioned.
Roger nodded. “A formal ceremony joining two people is called a

marriage ceremony. Once that ceremony is completed, a couple is
considered married. You and I would be joined as husbands.”

Kendrick smiled, pulling Roger’s hand toward his mouth so he

could kiss the mating mark on his inner wrist. “This mating mark has
done the same thing,” he said softly. “You are now my husband,
aheri.” He placed Roger’s hand over his heart and covered it with his
large hand. “I would like for you to be my husband forever, but I
would not force you to do something you are not ready for.”

Roger smiled and leaned closer to Kendrick, stealing a quick kiss

from him. “I’m ready, Kendrick. I hope you’re ready because as far as
I’m concerned, you belong to me. You’re my mate. You’re my
husband. Are you okay with that?”

“I am okay with that,” Kendrick whispered, smiling.
“Good. So, what about staying here for a while? I’d like to be in

this beautiful place and keep you all to myself.”

“I think that would be a very good thing, my heart,” Kendrick

agreed. “But it may be dangerous to stay here for very long. It would
be a risk we cannot chance taking.”

“What do you mean?”
“Roger, I have something that I must tell you. I do not want any

secrets between us.”

“Oh, hell! You’re going to tell me something really bad,” Roger

said, pulling out of Kendrick’s embrace. He sat facing him, waiting.
“Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it together.”

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193

Kendrick smiled at the bravery in his mate. He was a worthy

aheri. He did not know why he had been given such a man who had
gifted him with such miracles.

“When we were attacked by the Legari warriors and I was injured,

you channeled my magic to heal me,” Kendrick began, choosing his
words carefully.

“I remember. I have never been so scared in my life, Kendrick,”

Roger told him honestly. “When you died, I thought I was going to
lose my mind.”

“Your healing gave me back my life, but it also gave me

something else.”

“What else?”
“You caused the reproductive organs within my body to become

viable,” Kendrick told him, his eyes bright with unshed tears.

“I don’t understand,” Roger whispered.
“Because of your healing, I am able to carry a child,” Kendrick

explained, smiling at the shock on Roger’s face.

“You can carry a child?” Roger asked, his voice barely above a

whisper.

“Yes, aheri,” Kendrick told him.
“Do you want to have a child, Kendrick?”
“I want many children with you, my heart,” Kendrick told him

honestly.

“Wow,” Roger whispered, completely overwhelmed by

Kendrick’s revelation.

“I need to explain to you how a man knows when he is fertile,

aheri.”

“How?” Roger asked, confused. “You mean you receive a sign or

something?”

“The mating mark on a man’s wrist will turn golden when he is

fertile,” Kendrick explained.

“Well, that’s convenient,” Roger said, smiling. “We’ll always

know when you’ll be able to get pregnant.”

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Kendrick nodded. “When a man conceives, the marking will turn

amber to signify that he is carrying,” he explained further.

“That’s amazing, Kendrick,” Roger said softly. “The mating mark

is a miracle as it is. I always like looking at mine. I like having your
name on my wrist.”

“It makes me very happy to see your name on my wrist, as well,

my heart,” Kendrick whispered.

Roger took Kendrick’s left hand in his and turned it over to look

at the mating mark on his wrist.

It was amber.

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Chapter 19

“Kendrick,” Roger whispered. “Your mark is amber.”
“Yes, my heart,” Kendrick answered quietly. “I am carrying our

child.”

Roger’s eyes snapped up to face Kendrick. He suddenly felt dizzy.

Kendrick grabbed for him as he started to fall off the couch, pulling
him up until he was lying on top of him as he lay back on the couch.

“It is all right, Roger,” Kendrick said quickly. “Breathe. Please

breathe.”

Roger took deep breaths, trying to suck in oxygen and push aside

the panic that was making him lightheaded. He reached out and
gripped Kendrick’s shoulder, needing to ground himself with his
man’s strength.

“Are you well, aheri?” Kendrick asked worriedly. “I am sorry that

this has happened without your knowledge or consent.”

Roger pushed up on his hands, looking down at Kendrick in

complete shock. His mouth opened and closed several times as he
fought for some semblance of control over his words.

“Kendrick! You’re having our baby!” he finally blurted out.
“Yes,” Kendrick said softly. “I am truly sorry that you did not

have a say in this pregnancy. I did not realize that I was able to carry
our child. I did not know that I was fertile. I did not think that it was
even possible. I would never do this without your consent.”

“Kendrick, be quiet,” Roger said firmly.
Kendrick nodded, contrite. He did not know what more to say

anyway.

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“I’m not upset,” Roger told him calmly. “I’m just stunned. Holy

shit! You’re really pregnant, Kendrick?”

“Yes.”
“Well, I think that’s wonderful,” Roger said, smiling broadly. “Do

you think it’s wonderful?”

Kendrick sighed with relief. “I think it is wonderful,” he said

finally. “I am very happy about it.”

Roger smiled and leaned forward to kiss him tenderly. “I am,

too,” he whispered against his lips. “Thank you for this gift.”

“I thank you, my heart,” Kendrick told him sincerely. “You not

only healed me from my injury, you have given me this miracle.”

Roger was so overwhelmed with everything, he really didn’t

know what to say or do. He just knew that this felt right. It felt
incredible. It felt freaking amazing!

“Oh, God! I’m squishing the baby,” he said suddenly, easing off

of Kendrick and looking down at his flat abdomen. Reaching out, he
pushed up the sweatshirt Kendrick was wearing and caressed his belly
lightly.

“You are not hurting the baby,” Kendrick told him, laughing

softly.

“I’m going to enjoy watching our baby grow inside of you,

Kendrick,” Roger told him quietly, bending forward and kissing his
man’s belly lightly. “Hello, baby. You’re our little miracle.”

He eased back and looked down at Kendrick, never taking his

hand from his mate’s abdomen. When Kendrick covered Roger’s
hand with his own and pressed down firmly, Roger realized that this
was very real. It was actually happening.

“So this means that we’ll be seeing you bloom in what, three

months or so?” Roger teased him.

“My pregnancy will be roughly seven of your months,” Kendrick

told him calmly. “We will need to be back on Sanzel when I give
birth. I will need the birthing tub to help me bring our child into the
world.”

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197

“The birthing tub?” Roger asked, confused.
“Yes. It is necessary in order to ensure a safe delivery,” Kendrick

explained gently, aware that he was giving Roger a lot of information
that was completely foreign to him. He worried that he might send
Roger into a panic with all the information.

Roger nodded, realizing that he had a lot to learn about the

pregnancy and birthing process of the men of Sanzel. He was going to
enjoy every minute of it.

“I will need you to be in the tub with me to help me birth our

child. Would you be willing to do that?”

“I’m going to be with you every step of the way, Kendrick,”

Roger promised. “You’re going to have to teach me everything I’ll
need to know to help you and our baby.”

“I will help you,” Kendrick promised. “I would feel more

reassured if I saw a healer to ensure that our child is healthy. I fear
that my body may not give the baby what is required for him to
grow.”

“Or her,” Roger said, leaning forward and kissing his lips quickly.
“No, aheri,” Kendrick told him honestly. “Female births are very

rare in my world. We are most likely having another son.”

Roger smiled as he thought of their two sons. “Kellin is going to

be a good big brother,” he said knowingly. “He has a gentle soul. I
can tell.”

Kendrick laughed softly. “I think that you are biased, Daddy,” he

teased him.

“Yeah, maybe I am,” Roger admitted. “But when I held Kellin, I

felt the goodness in him. I believe he will be a good protector of his
siblings.” He looked at Kendrick as he thought, reaching up to brush
back Kendrick’s silky hair before twisting his finger around the soft
length that had the royal blue streak at his left temple. “It’s almost as
if I could sense his soul. Does that have something to do with you
sharing your magic with me, Kendrick?”

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“What gift you received from my sharing is determined by who

you are,” Kendrick told him softly, reaching up and touching Roger’s
chin with the back of his knuckles.

“What do you mean?”
“You are a good and caring man,” Kendrick explained. “It is in

your nature to know the true hearts of those that you meet. You have
been taking care of your friends and looking out as the keeper of their
safety. It would only make sense that the magic that now lives within
you will magnify that ability.”

“I’m not sure how I feel about that, Kendrick,” Roger told him

honestly. “I don’t know how it will affect me.”

“You need not worry, my heart,” Kendrick assured him. “The

magic will become a natural part of you. You will be able to call upon
it when you need it. It is something that the greater powers have
decided is important for you to possess.”

“The greater powers?”
Kendrick nodded. “It is meant to be, aheri. Do not worry over it.

Allow it to grow within you and mature as it is needed. My brothers
and I have been told that our aheris would magnify our magic and
help us to solve the mystery of the taken children,” Kendrick
explained. “I am proud to have you embody this special magic and
have such an important role in the future of Sanzel.”

“Well, that really puts a lot of pressure on me,” Roger said

worriedly. “How can I ever live up to your expectations?”

“Roger, I expect you to be the man I love,” Kendrick said softly.

“I expect you to be a loving and caring father to our babies. Whatever
you do to protect the taken children of my world is destined. Do not
let it worry you. What is meant to be will be, my heart.”

Roger sighed, doing his best not to become overwhelmed by

everything. “I need to hold you, Kendrick,” he said finally. “Is the bed
in this cabin big enough to hold us both comfortably?”

“It is big enough,” Kendrick said, his eyes flashing with desire for

his man.

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199

“Good, let’s go.”
Roger eased himself up off the couch, pulling at Kendrick’s hands

gently until he was standing beside him. “Is it safe to make love?”

“Safe?” Kendrick asked, confused.
“We won’t hurt the baby?”
A fresh wave of love rushed through Kendrick as he looked at the

incredibly sweet man before him. “I do not think that is possible,” he
said gently.

“You don’t think? That’s not good enough, Kendrick,” Roger told

him, his voice deep with worry.

“Aheri, I am in need of having you in my arms,” Kendrick

protested. “Please do not deny me.”

“I’m not denying you, honey,” Roger said softly. “I’m just going

to make sure I don’t hurt you or our baby.”

“Roger,” Kendrick began.
“No, sweetheart,” Roger stopped him. “We’re going to go into our

bedroom and we’re going to make love, but you’re going to sink your
beautiful cock deep inside of me.” He wrapped his arms around
Kendrick’s waist and kissed his neck lightly. “Once you’re checked
over by a healer from your world, and we can make sure that you and
our baby are not at risk I’ll be more than happy to take your sweet
ass.” He smiled against Kendrick’s neck as he heard him growl softly.
“Is that okay with you, honey?”

“We will go to Sanzel to see the healer tomorrow,” Kendrick

vowed.

Roger laughed and kissed Kendrick’s neck, nuzzling his nose

against his man’s ear. “Once Paul finishes showing me around his
ranch tomorrow afternoon and tells me how I can help him while
we’re here, we’ll go to Sanzel.”

Kendrick bent forward and hefted Roger over his shoulder,

carrying him quickly into their new bedroom. The need he had for his
man was so intense, he didn’t think he would ever get enough of
making love with him.

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“Kendrick, put me down, honey. You shouldn’t be exerting

yourself,” Roger told him firmly.

Kendrick smiled as he eased Roger down onto the large bed,

covering him with his body as his aheri lay back against the soft
mattress. He loved the way Roger immediately opened his legs so
Kendrick could settle himself comfortably in the cradle of his body.

“I have missed you,” Kendrick whispered, looking down at the

beautiful softness of Roger’s eyes.

“I ached without you, Kendrick,” Roger told him softly.
“I am sorry to have caused you such pain,” Kendrick apologized.
Roger nodded, reaching up to touch Kendrick’s face tenderly.

“You’re just going to have to love the sadness out of me,” he told
him.

Kendrick smiled as he looked down at his mate. “I am going to

love you each and every day for the rest of my life,” he promised
softly.

Easing back, he helped Roger remove his shirt, kissing his chest,

his shoulders, his neck, and his face as he dropped the piece of
clothing onto the floor. He felt Roger fumbling between them and
leaned away to give him room to unbuckle his belt and unfasten his
jeans. Kendrick helped him remove his boots and socks and pulled his
jeans down his legs. Seeing his mate wearing nothing but his black
boxer briefs, he couldn’t help but growl as desire slammed through
him.

Reaching out, he caressed the hard length of Roger’s shaft as it

pushed against the soft material of his underwear. He traced the
length of him to the mushroomed head as it peeked over the top of the
waistband, running the tip of his finger over the spongy head to touch
the wetness there. Gathering the clear drop of fluid that dripped from
the slit, he drew his finger to his mouth and sucked on it.

“Your taste is addictive,” he whispered as he tugged at Roger’s

underwear and pulled it down his thickly muscled legs.

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201

Leaning forward, he kissed his way up the inside of Roger’s

thighs, pushing open his legs until his man was spread wide for him.
He nuzzled the heavy sac that hung between his legs, opening his
mouth and sucking it carefully into his mouth, running his tongue
around the delicate orbs within it.

“Your seed has filled me with your child, Roger,” he whispered,

kissing the swollen sac. “We will have many children together, my
heart.”

“Yes,” Roger agreed, his chest constricting at the thought of

having a large family with this man—the man that he loved beyond
description.

“I love you, aheri,” Kendrick whispered, licking at the crease

between Roger’s leg and hip. He sucked up a mark on the sensitive
skin and breathed deeply of the scent of desire that surrounded his
mate.

“Kendrick,” Roger moaned, reaching down and gripping his long

hair between his fingers. He held Kendrick’s head in place as he lifted
his hips to press closer to the wickedness of Kendrick’s mouth.

Kendrick released his prize and kissed Roger’s sac lightly then

licked a long, slow line up the underside of Roger’s shaft until he
reached the tip. He sucked the bulbous head into his mouth and
swirled his tongue around the bundle of nerves beneath it that made
Roger’s hips snap up as pleasure rushed through him.

Pressing deep, he took his man’s shaft into his mouth, swallowing

and massaging the silky heat of it. Hearing Roger’s moans and feeling
the way his fingers tightened in his hair, he knew he was giving his
mate the pleasure he was determined to give him and erase all pain
and loneliness from his mind.

“Kendrick,” Roger whispered, tugging on Kendrick’s hair and

moaning as his cock was sucked deeper. “Stop, honey.”

Kendrick pulled off with a slurp, kissing the tip one last time

before sliding up Roger’s body and kissing his mouth. He smiled

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against his mate’s mouth, loving the way Roger gripped him and held
him tightly.

“Kendrick, you need to take your clothes off. Now.”
Kendrick laughed as he bit down on Roger’s shoulder before

kissing the muscle gently. Easing back, he stood beside the bed and
watched his aheri as he slowly removed each piece of his own
clothing.

“I hope like hell there’s some lube somewhere in this cabin,”

Roger said, leaning over to the bedside table and yanking open the
drawer. It pulled out all the way and fell to the floor with a crash.

Kendrick laughed softly as he bent down to retrieve the fallen

bottle of lube that he had put there when he had arrived. “You must be
quiet, aheri,” he cautioned Roger as he straightened and handed the
bottle to him. “You will awaken our son.”

“Oh, hell!” Roger muttered. “How do you expect me to be quiet

when you’re standing there completely naked, and you’re doing
wicked things to my body?”

Kendrick climbed up onto the bed, crawling on his knees toward

his mate, his cock hard and pointing the way to ultimate pleasure.
Before he could say a word, Roger reached out and took firm hold of
his shaft, tugging him closer and biting down on his chest in a display
of ownership.

“You’re mine,” Roger nearly growled. “I will lose my mind if you

ever leave me again.”

“I will never leave you, my heart,” Kendrick whispered. “I am

yours as you are mine. You are my future. Our children will love you
as I love you.”

“Kendrick,” Roger whispered to him, completely overwhelmed by

emotions. “You need to be inside of me within the next two seconds.”

Kendrick laughed as he reached for the bottle of lube and

unsnapped the cap to pour a good amount of the fluid onto his fingers.
Tugging at Roger’s hip with his left hand, he drew him up onto the
incline of his thighs to tip him at the perfect angle so he had easy

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203

access to his hole. Reaching down, he swirled his thumb around the
puckered star, smiling when Roger moaned with pleasure at his touch.

“In me, Kendrick,” Roger demanded.
“So impatient,” Kendrick told him, laughing.
“Damn right!”
His words ended on a long groan as Kendrick pressed deep inside

of him with two fingers. The thickness of his invasion made Roger
gasp with pleasure as excitement fired through him. Kendrick moved
his hand slowly, rubbing deep within him and passing lightly over his
gland, sending sparks of pleasure jolting through him. Roger
tightened his thighs and pressed up, searching for more. Kendrick
didn’t disappoint him.

He felt the loss of him when Kendrick pulled his fingers out of his

channel. Hearing the sound of lube being squirted out of the bottle,
Roger sighed with pleasure as Kendrick returned to press three and
then four fingers deep inside of him. When he felt Kendrick pressing
his entire hand inside of him, he bore down to accept all that Kendrick
gave him.

“Kendrick, please,” Roger whispered. “I’m ready for you. I need

you.”

Kendrick pulled his hand free then quickly poured a thick line of

the lube onto his shaft. He spread the fluid around his cock and down
the length, gasping at the pleasure that shot through him. Taking a
calming breath, he pointed his shaft toward his aheri’s hole and
pressed forward before Roger’s hole could flutter closed. He groaned
as he was immediately surrounded by the slick heat of Roger’s body.
He pressed deeper, sighing with satisfaction as he buried his entire
shaft deep within his man.

He held still, allowing Roger’s body to adjust to him. Looking

down at his mate, he smiled at the happiness that was radiating from
his aheri. Bending forward, he slid his hands beneath Roger’s
shoulders to hold him tightly while he slowly moved his hips to start a

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rocking motion that pulled his shaft out slowly and then pressed it
deeply within his man.

“God, I love the feel of the ridges on your cock,” Roger told him

as the three distinct bumps on Kendrick’s shaft repeatedly pegged his
prostate, sending sparks of pleasure through him with each plunge and
retreat.

“I am happy that you enjoy them,” Kendrick said breathlessly as

he worked hard to continue his thrusts at just the right angle.

Roger’s burst of laughter morphed into a long moan as Kendrick

loved him to perfection. “So good,” he whispered.

Kendrick pulled Roger up so that he sat on his thighs, keeping him

close and snapping his hips with more force. Making love with his
aheri was the most beautiful thing he had ever experienced. He felt
connected to him, body and soul. He had no doubt that this beautiful
mating was destined.

Roger gasped as each thrust made his cock rub against the tight

muscles of Kendrick’s abdomen. The constant stimulation of his
prostate was making him mindless with pleasure.

“I’m going to come,” he pushed out through clenched teeth.

“Come deep inside of me, Kendrick.”

Kendrick could not even answer. He was so consumed with

pleasure at their connection that he could not put into words any
thought or emotion he was feeling. He was overflowing with pleasure
and love—all because of this man he held so tightly and was buried so
deeply within.

When he felt Roger’s shaft pulse between them, scented the

unique aroma of his mate’s seed, and felt the clamping down of his
channel on his shaft, he was lost. He could do nothing but follow his
mate into bliss, shooting his seed deep within Roger’s body.

When he felt Roger hug him tightly and bite down on the sensitive

skin between his neck and shoulder, he yelled out Roger’s name
against his mate’s shoulder, glad that the muscle of his man muffled

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205

the noise. He felt Roger laughing against him and couldn’t help but
smile. This man gave him such joy.

“That was pretty good,” Roger said softly.
Kendrick raised his head and looked directly into the teasing eyes

of his aheri. How was it possible to be so lucky to have found such a
kind, loving, and enjoyable mate who was not only giving and
compassionate, but also passionate and fun?

“It was pretty good?” Kendrick asked, kissing Roger’s forehead

lightly. “I am certain it was much better than that, my heart.”

“Yeah? Well, maybe it was better than good,” Roger agreed,

smiling at the twinkle in Kendrick’s eyes.

“Better than good?” Kendrick asked. “It was only better than

good?”

Roger laughed as he wrapped his arms around Kendrick’s neck

and hugged him gently. He leaned in and kissed his neck lightly.

“It was beautiful,” Roger whispered. “I love you.”
Kendrick closed his eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks for the

man he held in his arms. This man had given him so much. He had
healed his body and his heart. There was no more perfect place to be
than with his aheri.

“I love you, my heart,” he whispered, hugging Roger tightly.
It was a very long time before either man moved. Neither man

wanted to break the spell of their lovemaking. They were thankful for
the bond and the reconnection. There was nothing better than the
knowledge that they were together—forever.

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Chapter 20

Roger held Kellin within the crook of his arm as he stood beside

Kendrick as the healer examined his husband. He had to touch
Kendrick’s hand, gripping it tightly as the healer used instruments that
he couldn’t imagine the purpose of.

He saw the concentration on the healer’s face and worried every

time he raised an eyebrow or cleared his throat. It was the most nerve-
wracking experience he had ever been through. Kendrick had told him
that the healer was the same one who had been with the group of men
that Kendrick had helped free from their imprisonment.

“Is my mate okay, Faris?” Roger finally asked, unable to contain

his worries any longer.

“He is very well,” Faris said with certainty. “I have looked over

your history, Kendrick. Your internal reproductive organs are
completely healthy. There is no indication of the previous lack of
maturing of them. From your explanation of the healing that Roger
performed on you, I would say that he was the catalyst for your
miraculous recovery.”

“Yes, my aheri did this for me,” Kendrick agreed.
“What about the baby?” Roger asked. “Kendrick is worried that

he might not be able to provide the baby with the nourishment he’ll
need to grow. Is that something we need to worry about?”

“You have no reason to be concerned about that,” Faris told them

calmly, smiling at the two of them. “Your pregnancy is progressing
normally. You do not ever need to worry that you are not nourishing
your babies.”

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207

“That’s good,” Roger said, sighing with relief. “See, Kendrick.

You don’t have to worry. You’ll be nourishing all of our babies with
each of your pregnancies.”

Kendrick laughed at the use of the words babies and pregnancies.

It made his heart light to know that Roger wanted to continue with
their desire to have more children.

“No, you misunderstand me,” Faris said gently. “I am talking

about the babies you are currently carrying.”

“What?” Kendrick asked, sitting up and facing Faris in confusion.
Roger sat down on the examination table so that his body was

touching Kendrick’s right hip. Kellin pushed out of Roger’s arms and
reached for Kendrick who took him and settled him against his chest,
petting his dark hair lightly as the baby cuddled against him and
sucked his thumb. He smiled down at their son as their little one
gripped Roger’s shirt and held onto him.

“Kendrick is carrying more than one baby?” Roger spoke up.
“Yes. He is carrying two children,” Faris said, turning the small

instrument he held toward the two men. He activated the switch that
lit the small display and pointed to the image there. “Here are your
two babies.”

“Twins,” Roger whispered, looking down at the image of the two

babies cuddled close together. Reaching out, he covered Kendrick’s
belly and smiled.

“Well, Kendrick Sorenson,” he said softly. “When you do things,

you do them big.”

“Roger, we are having two babies,” Kendrick whispered, shock

obvious in his voice.

“Yeah, honey. We are.” He leaned down and kissed Kendrick

tenderly. “Thank you.”

Kendrick smiled, unable to speak. He looked up at his aheri and

was amazed by the calm acceptance he was displaying.

“You are certain that all is well, Faris?” Kendrick finally asked.
“I am certain,” Faris said without hesitation.

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“Faris, is it safe for us to make love?” Roger asked, determined to

find out so he wouldn’t hurt Kendrick or their twins.

“I would recommend that you make love often,” Faris responded,

looking at both men very seriously.

“You would?” Roger asked, surprised.
“Yes. It is necessary to continue to strengthen your bond,” Faris

explained. “It will also provide something that is needed to aid in the
birth of your children. Your seed will help Kendrick’s body to open
when the birth is imminent. A good orgasm is the perfect way to help
relax his body.”

Both men laughed at the healer’s words. Kendrick looked at

Roger and smiled with a definite devilish glint in his eyes.

“I told you that you would not cause injury to me or our child,” he

said softly.

“Children,” Roger corrected.
“Children,” Kendrick amended.
“Baba,” Kellin interrupted them, touching Kendrick’s face lightly.
“Kellin, you are such a smart little boy,” Roger said, beaming

down at their son.

Kellin looked up at Roger and smiled widely, his beautiful aqua

eyes sparkling and flashing amber as Kendrick’s magic rushed
through him. Both men looked at their son and were filled with the
love that they had for him.

“Da Da,” Kellin babbled, reaching for Roger and giggling as he

was suddenly kissed by both of his fathers.

When Roger looked at Kendrick, he was unashamed that his eyes

were filled with tears of happiness. Never in his life had he ever
expected to have such happiness. The little boy nestled between them
and the babies growing within Kendrick’s body were miracles that he
would never take for granted. Kendrick had given him these miracles.
He would be forever thankful that he had found his husband. To be so
blessed with such a man who loved him so deeply and loved the

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209

family that they were creating together was the most wonderful
miracle of all.

“We have an amazing little boy,” Roger told Kendrick proudly,

his voice soft with love as he looked down at him.

“We do,” Kendrick agreed, his own eyes moist with emotion.

* * * *

“You are well, Kendrick?” Merek asked as he looked down at his

younger brother as he sat on the floor in the greeting area of Daxton’s
suite.

“I am well,” Kendrick answered without hesitation. “Faris has

examined me thoroughly.”

“I don’t understand,” Archie said worriedly. “Why did you have

to get examined? Did you get hurt?”

“Roger and I were attacked by Legari warriors,” Kendrick

explained. “We were both injured, but I was able to heal Roger with
my healing magic and he was able to heal me.”

“The warriors were found shortly after your arrival when you

came to speak with Daxton, Kendrick,” Merek told him. “They were
both injured. We brought them to the palace and healed their wounds
and have been caring for them.”

“Why would you do that?” Roger snapped. “They tried to kill us.

They actually succeeded in killing Kendrick. Yet you brought them
here to care for them? That’s just fucked up, Merek.”

Kendrick reached out and touched Roger’s hand, pulling on it

gently until his man was sitting beside him on the floor. Bringing
Roger’s hand to his mouth, he kissed the mating mark on his mate’s
wrist before holding his hand tightly against his chest.

“Merek is a wise man, my heart,” he told him gently.
“He’s also the king, Roger,” Archie told him, kneeling down

beside his buddy and touching his shoulder lightly. “He’s a really
good guy. He cares about all of us a lot. I think you should trust him.”

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Roger looked at Archie and saw the concern on the big man’s

face. “You trust him, Archie?” he asked quietly.

“Yeah. I do,” Archie told him, nodding. He looked up at Merek

and smiled. “He’s a really good king, and he’s really smart. His magic
is really strong. Did you know that all of Mag’s brothers have
magic?”

“I do now,” Roger answered, looking at Kendrick with a raised

eyebrow.

Kendrick had the decency to look ashamed. “I am sorry for

keeping things from you, aheri,” he said sincerely. “It was never my
intent to do so. I was unable to tell you what I needed to tell you
before you left your home that morning.”

“We’ve already established that it was not your intention to leave

me, Kendrick,” Roger said gently. “I’m just glad you were able to free
yourself and the men who were captured.”

Kendrick nodded and looked at his brother Merek. “The men are

safely home with their mates, Merek?”

“Yes. They have all returned to their homes once I was assured

that their health and the health of their babies were not
compromised,” Merek told him, reaching out and wrapping his arms
around Vance’s waist to pull him back against him and rest his chin
on his aheri’s shoulder. “I need your touch, Vance.” His words were
whispered against Vance’s neck, followed by the gentlest of kisses.

Vance understood Merek’s need for comfort. He often worried

about the stress of his man being king and was glad that his touch
calmed his mate’s soul.

“Whatever you need, Merek,” he whispered, turning his head and

softly kissing Merek’s temple.

Merek smiled and hugged Vance tighter. He loved the feel of

Vance’s strong body pressed against his. It took all of Merek’s
strength not to pull Vance from Daxton’s suite to drag him to their
bedroom and make love to the man.

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211

“I can hear you thinking,” Vance teased him quietly, pressing

back against his husband and feeling the hardness of his cock as it
rested firmly against his lower back. “Be careful, Merek. I just may
drag you to our bedroom and have my way with you.”

Merek’s chuckle against his neck made him smile. It was amazing

to him that their connection was so deep that they knew each other’s
thoughts and feelings. It was further proof that they were destined
mates.

“Roger, Kendrick, we have discovered that the Legari warriors

have been ruled by a device that has been implanted within their
heads,” Merek explained seriously. “These men have not been
allowed the freedom of thought or action for many years.”

“They have been directed by another,” Kendrick said

thoughtfully. “I have often wondered how these warriors were able to
act without honor. That is not the mindset of a soldier or the way he is
trained.”

“No, it is not,” Magnus agreed. “Merek has been successful in

removing the devices from a select few of the warriors.”

“Were the warriors restored to their normal behaviors and training

once the devices were removed?” Kendrick asked, concerned.

“Thankfully, yes,” Merek told him. “We have them isolated for

now to ensure that they are not tracked. We need to be certain that
notice is not given to those controlling them that we are aware of the
devices used to take their free will from them. Bryce is helping us to
find a solution to deactivate those devices while still ensuring the
safety of the warriors involved.”

“Can you do that, Bryce?” Roger asked, impressed once again by

the intelligence of his young friend.

“I think that we may be able to deactivate all the chips

simultaneously,” Bryce said, nodding. “Rachil, Charl, and Shain have
been working with me.”

“They are very intelligent, hard workers,” Kendrick spoke up.

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“Yeah. I like them a lot,” Bryce said, smiling. “It may take us a

while to figure it out, but I think we’ll be able to crack the code and
fix the problem.”

“I am very proud of you,” Daxton spoke up, sitting down on the

cushions beside his husband. He leaned forward and kissed his lips
tenderly.

Bryce blushed lightly, looking at Roger, Vance, and Archie. “I

think my husband sees me the way he wants to,” he said softly.

“I think he sees you exactly as we see you, Bryce,” Roger told

him quietly. “We’ve all known how smart and kind you were for a
long time. It’s about time that you’ve found someone who values
you.”

“As I value you, my heart,” Kendrick said gently, reaching out

and touching Roger’s cheek with the back of his knuckles.

Roger faced Kendrick and smiled. He leaned forward and kissed

Kendrick’s lips, humming with appreciation as his man responded to
his touch. Feeling the tiny hand of their son tugging on his collar, he
eased back and looked down into the beautiful aqua eyes of the little
boy.

“Hello, Kellin,” Roger teased him, smiling at the wide grin the

baby gave him. “I love you, little one.”

Kellin reached up and grabbed for his face, squealing with delight

when Roger immediately leaned down and kissed his cheek soundly
before pulling him into his arms and hugging him carefully. Looking
at the men who surrounded him, he knew that they held happiness for
his joy.

“He’s great, isn’t he?” Roger asked.
“He’s terrific,” Archie spoke up. “You’re a good dad, Roger.”
“He is,” Kendrick agreed. He turned to his brothers and smiled. “I

need to ask a favor of you, my brothers.”

“Whatever you need is yours, Kendrick,” Merek spoke for all of

them.

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213

“I would request that you help ready my cottage,” Kendrick

asked.

“I was certain that your cottage was already prepared for Roger

and your new family,” Daxton said, confused.

“It was, Daxton,” Kendrick admitted. “But that was before I had a

son, and before I was aware that I was pregnant with two babies.”

“Kendrick!” Merek nearly yelled, pulling himself under control

immediately. “That is wonderful.”

“It is,” Roger agreed, reaching down and covering Kendrick’s

abdomen with his hand and caressing it lightly. “We’ll have three kids
pretty soon.”

“You must stay here on Sanzel now,” Magnus said, stepping

forward and standing before his brother, concern flashing in his
brown eyes. “You must be where you and your babies will be safe.”

“Roger and I have decided to stay at the ranch in Colorado for a

while,” Kendrick told his brother, smiling at the concern Magnus had
for him. “I will be safe. Our babies will be safe. We have decided to
take some time to bond. Roger has called this a honeymoon.”

“A honeymoon?” Merek questioned. He turned to face Vance and

raised his eyebrows in question. “Should we experience a
honeymoon, aheri?”

Vance laughed as he pulled Merek into his embrace and kissed

him soundly. “We’re already on our honeymoon, Merek,” he
whispered against his lips.

“What about us, baby?” Magnus asked Archer.
Archie laughed and wrapped his arms around his husband. “I

think our honeymoon is at our cottage, Mag,” he told him gently. “I
love being there with you. Do you like being there with me?”

“Very much,” Magnus answered, kissing his mate’s forehead

tenderly. “You must know that.”

“Yeah. I do,” Archie said, smiling at his handsome mate.

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“What about us, Dax?” Bryce whispered, tugging on Dax’s hand

as it rested on his thigh. “Do you think being with me here is like
being on a honeymoon?”

“I do not really understand what a honeymoon is, my love,”

Daxton said honestly. “If it is time to spend with the man who makes
you happy, bonding and making love, then I believe that we are
experiencing our honeymoon.”

“Good answer,” Bryce said, laughing and winking at his husband.
“What is it you need us to do, Kendrick?” Daxton asked, squatting

down in front of him and reaching out to touch Kellin’s head lightly.

“We are going to need two more cribs,” Kendrick said quietly.

“There is already one for Kellin at the cottage.”

“You’re gonna need more stuff than just cribs,” Archie said,

getting down on the floor and opening his arms to Kellin, laughing as
the baby pushed into his arms without hesitation.

Merek couldn’t help but smile at the way Kellin was crawling

around the floor, climbing into the laps of every man there and
cuddling with them for brief moments before pushing out of their
arms and going to the next man for the same hugs and cuddles.

Merek had the thought of all of his brothers home with their

aheris and filling the palace and their lives with children. It was a
future he was looking forward to.

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215

Chapter 21

“I’m pretty thankful to have had your help these last few months,

Roger,” Paul Granger said as he rode his black stallion beside Roger’s
chestnut mare. “I’ll be sad to see you and Kendrick leave.” He clicked
his tongue to get his horse to move a little faster. “I’m gonna miss
your son, too. He’s taken ownership of a good chunk of my heart, you
know.”

Roger laughed softly. “Yeah, he’s going to be breaking someone’s

heart when he grows up,” he admitted. “I don’t want to even think
about that.”

“Value your time with him now, Roger,” Paul advised. “They

grow up so fast. Before you know it he’ll be on his own and starting
his own family.”

Roger’s heart thudded against his chest at the thought of missing

their son. Kellin was just a baby. How was he supposed to let him go?
Geez! He just started his life with them. Roger couldn’t even imagine
Kellin growing up, moving out, and starting his own family.

“Did I just get you all worked up?” Paul asked over his shoulder.
“Yeah,” Roger admitted. “I don’t like thinking about him moving

away from us.”

“We’re only given the gift of our kids’ youth for a very short time,

Roger,” Paul told him sagely. “That’s why it’s so important to
cultivate the bond with them when they’re young. What we show
them as children will be their foundation for their future. If they
receive our love and support when they’re growing, they’ll want to be
with us when they’re older. It always amazes me when people
complain about never seeing their kids when they’re grown when

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those same people never made time for them when their kids were
young. Don’t make that mistake, Roger.”

“I won’t,” Roger promised, meaning it to the depths of his soul. “I

love Kellin, and I love spending time with him. I love reading him
books and playing with blocks. Hell, I even love changing his stinky
diapers.”

Paul laughed as he led his horse into the barn. “It’s good to enjoy

the good as well as the stinky,” he joked.

“Yeah,” Roger agreed. “I’m looking forward to helping him with

his homework, pulling his loose teeth, holding him when he’s sick,
and teaching him how to play baseball.”

“What if he wants to do something else?” Paul asked as he

dismounted and led his horse into his stall.

“What do you mean?” Roger asked as he also dismounted and led

his mare into her stall.

“What if he’s not into sports? Are you gonna give him grief?”
Roger looked at Paul in shock. “Of course not,” he said firmly,

meaning it sincerely. “Whatever Kellin is interested in, I’ll help him
learn it. If I don’t know how to do something he wants to do, maybe
Kendrick can help him. We’ll make sure that he always knows our
love and support. Where would I be without my parents and Fred?
They accepted me just as I was. How can I do anything different with
my own kids?”

“You’re a good man, Roger Newcomb,” Paul said softly. “Fred

sure was right about you. And he was right about Kendrick, too.”

He looked over at Roger and nodded at him, satisfied that the

young man would raise his and Kendrick’s son with love and support.
They were silent as they removed the saddles from their horses,
brushed the animals down, and put away the horses’ tack. It was a
while before they left the barn. They worked in silence, but it was a
comfortable silence spent together.

“Thanks for your help, Roger,” Paul said as they walked out of the

barn. “You and Kendrick and Kellin are welcome here any time.”

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217

“Thanks, Paul. I’d like to come back and visit,” Roger said

honestly. “We’re going to be adding to our family. Hope you don’t
mind if we bring along our kids when we visit.”

“The more the merrier,” Paul said, laughing. “I’m really glad

things worked out for you and Kendrick. You’re a good match.”

“I think so, too,” Roger said, smiling. “See you in the morning,

Paul.”

“Sure thing.”
Roger turned and walked toward the little cabin that he and

Kendrick and Kellin had shared for the past five months. It was the
perfect home for them. It was comfortable, cozy, and safe. Roger
never worried about any attacks from Sanzel. Kendrick’s use of magic
was pretty limited, but as Kellin grew, the little boy was experiencing
great fun from using his own magic. He often used his powers to call
his fathers to him.

The first time Roger had experienced Kellin’s magic, it had scared

the shit out of him. He felt a rush of power over his skin. There were
tingles dancing across his scalp and he felt a tugging on his hair. He
called to Kendrick in fear, but Kendrick was laughing as he ran
toward Kellin as he sat in front of the fireplace playing with his
blocks. Kendrick picked Kellin up before rushing to Roger and
wrapping him in a shared embrace.

Now he knew that when he felt Kellin’s magic, it was a very good

thing. He loved that their son wanted him close. He also loved that
Kellin was such a happy baby. He was nearly eleven months old and
was about ready to walk. He was already babbling words, laughing as
he and Kendrick made a big deal about everything that he said and
did.

Walking through the front door, he saw Kellin sitting in the

middle of the floor, surrounded by the small plastic horses that Paul
had given him. He raised the black stallion that looked exactly like
Paul’s horse and smiled at Roger.

“Da Da,” Kellin said loudly. “Horse!”

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“That’s right, Kellin. That’s a horse,” Roger said, hanging up his

hat and coat on the rack by the door. He pulled off his boots and
laughed as he felt Kellin’s magic pulling at him. “I’m coming, baby.”

“He’s been calling for you all day, my heart,” Kendrick told him

as he reached for the platter of roast beef and potatoes that he had just
set on the counter.

Turning to face their son, Roger stopped short as he saw Kellin

stand on wobbly legs then take one tentative step toward him, waving
the horse as he made a determined effort to walk toward him. Roger
held his breath as he watched the miracle of their son’s first steps.

“Kendrick,” he called as loudly as he dared so he wouldn’t startle

Kellin.

Kendrick turned around from his place at the kitchen counter,

smiling at Roger as he stood in the doorway, freezing when he saw
the astonished look on his aheri’s face. Looking at Kellin, he was
afraid of what he might see. Instead of something frightening, he saw
something amazing.

Kellin walked with short, determined steps toward Roger. His

arms were held high as he reached for his daddy. Kendrick felt a lump
in his throat as he saw their son take his first steps.

Roger dropped to his knees and outstretched his arms, waiting for

their little one to reach him. When Kellin was within his reach, the
baby lunged toward him, trusting that his daddy would catch him.
Roger scooped him up into his arms and kissed him repeatedly on his
cheeks and neck.

“Kellin, I’m so proud of you, baby,” he told him, smiling at the

excited giggles that erupted from their son.

Kendrick was suddenly there behind them, kneeling down behind

Kellin and wrapping his arms around him. He kissed his cheek loudly,
laughing when Kellin reached up and grabbed for his hair.

“Baba,” Kellin squealed.
“You are such a smart little boy,” Kendrick told him happily.

Prince Kendrick and the Coach

219

Roger eased over the top of Kellin’s head to give Kendrick a

gentle kiss. He felt the magic their little boy was surrounding them
with and smiled at the strength of it.

“He wants us to hold him together,” Roger told Kendrick,

laughing softly.

“We will always hold you together, little one,” Kendrick promised

their son, kissing the top of his head lightly before looking at Roger.

“I think you love me,” Roger teased him as he saw the gentleness

in his husband’s eyes as he looked at him.

“I think mayhap you are correct,” Kendrick told him, laughing.
“Come on, Kellin,” Roger said as he stood, taking his son with

him. “I’m hungry and I think Baba has made a delicious dinner for
us.”

He helped Kendrick to his feet, loving the sight of his mate’s

pregnant form. Walking over to the table, he helped Kellin into his
wooden highchair then helped Kendrick place the rest of the food on
the table. Taking his seat, he helped set Kellin’s small plate of food in
front of him, laughing softly as their boy immediately dove in to his
meal. He was becoming more and more independent, making both of
them so proud of his accomplishments.

Watching Kendrick move slowly around the counter to grab the

cold pitcher of water, he melted at the beautiful sight of him. When
his mate came back to him and set the pitcher on the table, he reached
up and took his hand to hold him in place before him. He tugged at
Kendrick’s hand to have him stand between his open legs.

“I missed you today,” he told him, happiness filling him at the

instant smile that graced his man’s lips. Reaching up, he pushed the
heavy black sweatshirt up to expose Kendrick’s belly. He touched it
gently, smiling as he felt their babies moving within him. Leaning
forward, he kissed each sweet bump as it moved. “Hello, babies.
Daddy loves you.”

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Kendrick smiled as he threaded his fingers through Roger’s hair

and held him gently as he loved their babies. Not a day went by
without Roger’s gentle touch or loving words.

“How are you feeling, honey?” Roger asked, rubbing his cheek

across the firmness of Kendrick’s baby bump.

“I am well, my heart,” Kendrick said, smiling. He tugged on

Roger’s hair until his aheri looked up at him. “I think that we need to
go to Sanzel soon.”

“Why? Is something wrong?”
“No. But I will need the birthing tub in our home on Sanzel in

order to be able to deliver our babies safely.”

“We have a birthing tub in our home, Kendrick?”
“Yes. It is in our cottage. There is also one at the palace. It is

designed to keep men free from germs during delivery,” Kendrick
explained. “It also contains healing herbs in the water that will aid in
the recovery of the man after giving birth.”

“I think I have a lot to learn about this, Kendrick,” Roger told him

worriedly.

“You will learn,” Kendrick assured him. “I think it would be best

if we have a healer with us as well.”

“You mean you don’t usually have a healer?” Roger asked,

shocked.

“No. Mates deliver their children together,” Kendrick explained.

“You will be in the birthing tub with me to help me.” He looked at the
worry on Roger’s face and knew that his aheri was starting to panic.
“Do you want to be in the birthing tub with me, Roger?”

“Yes,” Roger answered without hesitation. “I don’t know what to

do, though. You’re going to have to help me help you.”

“It is not something that you should worry about.”
“Of course I’m going to worry,” Roger said quickly. “I don’t want

to do anything that would jeopardize your health or the health of our
babies. What if I don’t do something that I should do?”

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221

“You will do exactly as you are needed to do,” Kendrick assured

him. “But since we are having two babies, I think it would be best if
we have Faris with us to help. He will aid in the care of the babies
while you and I are busy birthing them.”

“That’s a good idea,” Roger said, relieved. “Faris is a very

capable healer. I trust him to be with us.”

“I do as well.”
Roger smiled up at him, kissing his belly one more time and

leaning in to Kendrick’s hand as he ran his fingers through his hair
and pulled on the length of it lightly.

“I thought about you a lot today,” Kendrick said softly.
“Did you?”
“I always think of you.”
Roger stood up and wrapped his arms around Kendrick’s waist.

He kissed his lips lightly before easing back to look at his husband’s
handsome face. “I’m looking forward to loving you tonight,” he told
him, winking.

Kendrick laughed softly. “You want to make love to me even

though I am so big? My belly will get in the way.”

“Not if you kneel on the couch,” Roger suggested, wiggling his

eyebrows suggestively. “Or you can kneel on the bed. Whichever is
more comfortable for you, honey.”

“Roger, you are not helping me remain calm,” Kendrick told him

softly, kissing him quickly before moving out of his arms and sitting
in the chair to the left of Kellin’s highchair. He handed Roger the
basket of rolls that were still warm from the oven and smiled as Roger
chose one for himself and one for their son. “You are always spoiling
our son.”

“I spoil him with love,” Roger defended himself. “Right, Kellin?

Does Daddy spoil you to pieces with love?”

Kellin grinned around his mouthful of roll. He mumbled

something unintelligible, making both Roger and Kendrick laugh

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softly. They felt the magic from their son surrounding them as he
hugged them with his power.

“It seems that our son is spoiling us to pieces with his love, too,

Kendrick,” Roger whispered as he reached out and touched Kellin’s
head and smoothed back his curly black hair.

Kendrick just sat back and smiled. He rubbed his belly soothingly

as their babies moved within him. “I think Kellin is hugging our
babies, as well,” he said softly.

“Really?” Roger looked at Kellin, stunned. “You are one powerful

little dude, baby.” He looked at Kendrick and became worried as he
saw Kendrick closing his eyes and taking deep breaths. “Kendrick?
Are you feeling okay?”

“Yes,” Kendrick whispered. “I am concentrating on Kellin’s

magic to sense its path. He is definitely surrounding the babies with
his hug.”

“That’s so nice,” Roger said softly. “He already loves his little

brothers or sisters.”

“Brothers,” Kendrick corrected him.
“Maybe,” Roger corrected him right back, smiling.
He turned to Kellin and handed their little boy the tiny spoon that

Paul had given him. He waited patiently while Kellin attempted to
pick up his potatoes. He looked at Kendrick and saw him shaking his
head and smiling.

“You’d better eat up, Kendrick,” Roger told him quietly. “You’re

going to need your strength tonight.”

Kendrick’s soft growl of desire made him smile. He was going to

love hearing him make that sound and more when he made love to
him tonight.

“Get ready to make those sounds for me later, honey,” he told

Kendrick, laughing softly. “I love hearing them.” He reached across
the table and took hold of Kendrick’s hand, rubbing the pad of his
thumb across the back of his mate’s knuckles.

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223

“I believe I will be hearing the same sounds from you, my heart,”

Kendrick teased him.

“Honey, if you’re throwing down a challenge, I accept,” Roger

said quietly. “I wonder which one of us will make the most noise.”

Kendrick smiled slowly. “I am looking forward to finding that

out, aheri,” he said quietly.

* * * *

Roger lay back in the recliner that belonged to his father. Kellin

lay against his chest sound asleep. The picture book he had been
reading to him was tucked against his right hip. It was something that
he loved doing every night before their son went to sleep. It reminded
him of the many times his father had read to him and had cuddled
with him when he had been a young boy. He was happy to be
continuing the tradition with Kellin. He hoped Kellin would always
know how much he was loved and cherished every moment of his
life.

Kendrick knelt down beside the recliner, reaching up and running

his hand over Kellin’s soft hair. “I love seeing you holding our son,
Roger,” he whispered. “I am blessed to have you as my aheri.”

Roger smiled at Kendrick, reaching out and tugging on the royal

blue streak in his husband’s hair. “You are one sexy guy, Kendrick,”
he whispered. “How did I ever get so lucky to have found you?”

Kendrick laughed as he stood slowly, rubbing his lower back as

he stood next to the recliner. He waited while Roger eased forward,
closing the recliner and standing as he cuddled their son in his arms.
He followed Roger into the small room where Kellin’s crib was,
kissing the little boy’s head and waiting for Roger to kiss him and
settle him carefully within the crib. He loved watching Roger put their
baby boy to bed each night.

“You are a good daddy,” Kendrick whispered.

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Roger smiled as he took Kendrick’s hand in his and led him from

the small bedroom. Taking him directly into their bedroom, he turned
to face Kendrick and helped him pull his heavy sweatshirt over his
head. He touched Kendrick’s belly tenderly and smiled.

“A pregnant belly looks good on you, Kendrick. I love the way

you look with our babies filling you,” he said softly. “Very sexy.”

Kendrick laughed, shaking his head. “I do not think my big belly

is sexy, Roger.”

“Well, I do,” Roger stopped him. “Everything about you is sexy,

honey.”

He knelt down before him and tugged at his husband’s

sweatpants, kissing Kendrick’s hip and biting down on it lightly. He
smiled against the warmth of his man’s skin as he heard the soft moan
that left him. Not giving Kendrick a chance to think, he pulled off his
pants and socks, loving that his mate wore no underwear.

Sucking the head of Kendrick’s cock into his mouth, he swirled

his tongue beneath it, pressing against the sensitive bundle of nerves
and humming. Kendrick moaned his name.

He pulled off with a slurp and gently kissed the head, pressing the

tip of his tongue into his slit and capturing the liquid essence that
pooled there. Looking up at Kendrick, he caressed his belly lightly
then stood and touched his face. Slowly tracing his jaw line with the
pad of his thumb, he smiled at the need he saw in his husband’s face.

“Are you tired, honey?” he whispered.
“A little,” Kendrick admitted.
“Sore?”
Kendrick laughed softly and nodded. “Just my lower back,” he

said quietly.

“I thought you might be,” Roger said, leaning forward and kissing

his chin lightly. “I’m going to make you feel good.”

“I have no doubt that you will,” Kendrick said, laughing softly.
Roger smiled as he turned and walked toward the bathroom. He

knew Kendrick didn’t have a clue what he was planning. That was

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225

exactly as he wanted it to be. He wanted to surprise and spoil him.
Kendrick had been so tired lately. He knew that carrying their twins
had taken its toll on him, although he never complained. Quite the
opposite, in fact. Kendrick loved every minute of being pregnant. He
was thankful for the miracle that had been bestowed upon them.

Returning to the bedroom, he spread out the large bath towel on

their bed, turning it sideways so that he could reach Kendrick easily
for what he had planned. He removed his clothes slowly and waited.
He smiled at the confused look that Kendrick gave him.

“Lie down, honey,” he said softly. “I’m going to give you a

massage.”

When Kendrick climbed up onto the bed, he helped him to lie

sideways so that his arms and feet hung over the sides of the bed.
Reaching for the bottle of baby oil he had brought with him from the
bathroom, he flipped open the cap and squirted a line of oil across
Kendrick’s shoulders, down his back, over his muscled ass, and down
the back of his thick legs, smiling as he saw how one of Kendrick’s
legs was bent to allow his belly room against the bed. Snapping the
cap closed, he started massaging Kendrick’s tight shoulders.
Kendrick’s immediate moans of approval made him smile. He knew
that this was exactly what his man needed.

“Close your eyes and enjoy, honey,” Roger told him gently. “Just

feel.”

Kendrick closed his eyes and allowed the magic of his aheri’s

hands to relax him. Roger’s touch was firm but gentle, just like the
man. Roger melted the tension within each and every muscle he
touched. Kendrick could feel his aches leaving him. In their place,
there was warmth and beauty. How could it be that this man had such
an effect on him? To say that being a bonded couple truly made a
connection that was soul deep was a great disservice to the level of
importance that their mating embodied.

Roger could feel the tension leaving his mate. Each press of his

fingers into Kendrick’s tight muscles made the man emit such sounds,

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Roger’s cock sprouted to full erection and stayed that way despite his
intention of keeping this time easing his husband’s aches completely
non-sexual. He just wanted to help his man, not ravish him. Although
ravishing him was something that was looking more and more
appealing as he touched every inch of Kendrick’s sexy-as-hell body.

Walking around to the other side of the bed, he squirted more

baby oil onto Kendrick’s ass, dropping the closed bottle to the side of
his hip. He massaged each perfectly formed globe, squeezing and
separating the cheeks to see the pink pucker between them. Leaning
forward, he swiped at the star with the flat of his tongue, humming
with appreciation at the taste of his man.

“Roger,” Kendrick moaned, pressing back into his man’s mouth

and searching for more.

Roger didn’t disappoint him. He licked and sucked at his star with

fervor. Kendrick thought he would come just from the pure pleasure
of it. When Roger slipped two fingers inside of him and twisted his
hand to brush over his gland, he called his name out softly.

“Like that, honey?” Roger teased him.
Kendrick couldn’t even speak. He wanted more. He needed more.

He needed his man to fill him. He needed to feel the warmth of his
seed coating him and soothing his aching body. Faris had told them
that it was an important part of carrying their child, and he was
correct. Every time Roger filled him with his life’s essence, Kendrick
could feel his body relaxing and readying for the birth of their babies.
Telling Roger about it had caused his aheri such happiness. He loved
being an important part of their children’s gestation and birth.

Roger eased back and smiled down at his mate. Everything

Kendrick did or said made him so happy. He had never in his life
thought he would ever find someone who fit him so perfectly.
Reaching down, he carefully gripped Kendrick’s hips and turned him
over. Kendrick’s sleepy smile greeted him.

“Hi, honey,” he said happily.

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227

“Hello, my heart,” Kendrick said, reaching out with his left hand

to touch Roger’s face tenderly

Roger turned into Kendrick’s hand and kissed his palm lightly,

reaching for his husband’s wrist and drawing it toward his mouth to
lick at the beautiful amber marking there.

“Do you know that amber is now my favorite color, Kendrick?”

he whispered.

Kendrick smiled. Roger’s meaning was very clear. “Is it, aheri?”
“Yes. I hope we will see this color again,” Roger said very

seriously. “What do you think about that?”

“I think that you are a good man, and a wonderful father,”

Kendrick said softly. “When I see you holding Kellin or reading to
him or even changing his dirty diapers, I realized that you love being
his father.”

“Yes. I do.”
“And I know you will be the same with our twins.”
“Yes. I will.”
“If we never have more children, I will always be thankful for the

miracles we have been given.” Kendrick hesitated, touching his belly
and caressing it slowly. “I would like us to have more children,
Roger, but I will be more than content with our family as it is.
Whatever miracles are in store for us in our future will be welcomed.”

Roger smiled, picking up the bottle of baby oil and opening it. He

poured a long line of the oil up Kendrick’s legs, across his belly and
chest, and down each arm. Closing the cap, he started massaging
Kendrick’s thighs, squeezing the strong muscles and smiling as he felt
them relax beneath his ministrations.

He ran his hand up Kendrick’s hips, massaging them firmly.

When Kendrick moaned softly, he knew that what he was doing was
relaxing the tension in his pelvis. Carrying two babies inside of him
had to be putting a great deal of stress on his pelvis and his back. He
wanted to do everything he could to help him relieve that stress.

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When he slowly caressed Kendrick’s hard belly, he felt the

responding movement of their babies. Looking down at his hands, he
saw the gentle roll of the tiny lives beneath the muscles of Kendrick’s
abdomen. It made his heart fill with joy.

Continuing with his massage, he passed his hands carefully over

Kendrick’s swollen breasts, circling his nipples carefully and smiling
when Kendrick moaned at his touch. Kendrick had told him that he
would be able to nurse their babies—another miracle he was looking
forward to sharing with his man.

Squeezing his man’s shoulder muscles and neck, Roger finished

by slowly massaging down Kendrick’s arms until he was at his hands.
When he entwined their fingers, he smiled at the look of complete
pleasure that was mirrored on Kendrick’s face.

“I love you, my heart,” Kendrick whispered.
“Good thing,” Roger told him. “Or I would have to tie you down

and do wicked things to your body until you accepted just how much I
want you.”

Kendrick’s bark of laughter made him smile. He leaned forward

and hovered over him, holding his hands above his head and resting
beside him with their fingers still entwined.

“You know I love you, right, Kendrick?” he whispered.
Kendrick nodded, his eyes flashing amber as emotions sparked his

magic. “I do.”

“Good.” Roger leaned closer and blew a soft breath over

Kendrick’s mouth, licking at his lower lip seductively. “I love you so
much it sometimes scares me.”

“Why do you have fear, aheri?” Kendrick whispered. “There is

nothing to fear. We are together. We have a beautiful son and we will
soon be having two more beautiful babies. Our life together could not
be more wonderful.”

Roger nodded, taking a sweet kiss from his husband. “That’s what

scares me,” he whispered as he rested against his neck. “I’ve never

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229

been so happy. I’m afraid it will all be taken away from me. I
wouldn’t want to live without you, Kendrick.”

“You will not have to live without me, Roger,” Kendrick told him

firmly. “If you leave me, I will chase you down. Then I will tie you
down and make love to you until you scream with pleasure.”

Roger laughed against his husband’s neck. “Deal,” he agreed

quietly.

“There is one thing that I need, my heart,” Kendrick whispered.
“What’s that, honey?” He took another kiss from his mate.
“I need you inside of me.”
Roger growled against Kendrick’s lips. “Whatever you need,

Kendrick.”

Pulling back, he slid his body between Kendrick’s legs, carefully

pulling him up onto the incline of his thighs as he opened him wide.
His cock was heavy and hard, aching to fill his husband. Taking the
baby oil, he poured a line down his shaft then dribbled a good amount
down Kendrick’s cock, balls, and taint. He rubbed the oil into his
man’s skin, spreading it along the sensitive skin between his balls and
hole. When he pushed in three fingers, Kendrick’s resulting moan was
long and loud.

“Press out, honey,” Roger told him, gripping his own cock and

pressing against Kendrick’s body, ready to slip inside the moment
Kendrick pushed out.

The slide inside his man was immediate and deep. His moans

matched Kendrick’s as each of them felt the bliss of their joining.
When he was settled as far as he could go, he hesitated, waiting for
Kendrick’s body to relax around him.

“Feeling okay, honey?” he asked, gritting his teeth as he fought to

remain still.

“Yes.”
“I need to move, Kendrick.”
“Yes.”

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Kendrick tipped his hips slightly and Roger’s cock slid in just that

little bit deeper, drawing a moan of pleasure from him once again.
Gripping his hips, he held Kendrick still as he pulled out until just the
head of his cock remained inside of his husband then pressed deep
once again. The hot velvet of his man’s channel made him feel such
pleasure he was nearly unable to breathe.

The thrust and retreat was a dance that they knew well, each on

the receiving and giving end many times since their bonding. No
matter who was in what position, the loving was always the same—
beautiful. This time was no different.

Roger reached down to take Kendrick’s shaft in his hand and

pumped it in time with his loving. In no time at all both men were on
the edge.

“Please, Roger,” Kendrick whispered.
“Please, what, honey?”
“Fill me with your seed.”
Roger smiled as he pumped his hips faster, pressing deeper and

tipping his hips at just the right angle to peg Kendrick’s prostate with
each movement. Kendrick’s shaft erupted, sending long strings of his
release across Roger’s hand and across his pregnant belly. The sight
and smell of it was enough to cause Roger to shout his pleasure and
follow his mate into the chasm of bliss.

His hips stuttered as he reached orgasm, filling Kendrick with his

seed. Sighing against his husband’s lips as he leaned forward, Roger
took Kendrick’s mouth passionately. Turning them both so that he
wouldn’t crush Kendrick with his weight, they lay side by side, still
intimately joined.

Lifting his hand, he licked Kendrick’s seed from it, never

breaking eye contact with his mate. Kendrick’s eyes flashed amber as
his magic burst from him and surrounded them both, hugging Roger
to him in a cloud of warmth and love.

“Love you, honey,” Roger whispered, wrapping his arm around

Kendrick’s back and petting it soothingly.

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231

Kendrick smiled as he realized that he had truly found the life he

had always hoped for but had never dared to believe would ever be
his. Roger had made that fantasy future his reality.

“Roger. My heart. I love you,” he whispered finally, smiling as he

felt Roger’s magic joining with his and making him know that it
would always be this way.

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Chapter 22

Roger walked around the back deck of the cottage that belonged

to him and Kendrick on Sanzel. This world truly amazed him. The
sky was a beautiful light purple and the water was the deepest blue.
He especially loved the fields of wildflowers that were the exact aqua
color of Kellin’s eyes.

The magic sphere with the flower that Kendrick had picked for

him had a place of honor on the mantle of the fireplace in the living
room. It shared that place of honor with the picture of Kellin’s
biological fathers Aril and Zain. He and Kendrick were determined to
keep the memory of those men alive in Kellin’s mind and heart. The
little boy would always know that his fathers had loved him and had
protected him with their lives. Because of their sacrifice, Kellin had
been able to be loved by two new fathers.

“Da Da,” Kellin babbled as he pointed out at the water.
“That’s a lake, Kellin,” Roger told him, cradling his son’s head

against his chest as the little boy fought the draw of sleep. “When you
wake up, Baba and I will take you swimming. But you need to take a
nap now, baby.”

Kellin rubbed his face against Roger’s T-shirt, rubbing at his eyes

tiredly. Roger laughed softly. He loved when Kellin cuddled against
him. There was nothing better than holding the soft bundle of
innocence and love. Kellin gave him such unconditional love and
acceptance, just as Roger would always give Kellin and the babies
that Kendrick was carrying. Hell, he would be the same with every
child they raised together.

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233

“Is Kellin ready to sleep?” Kendrick asked as he came out onto

the deck. He walked over to Roger and rested his head on his shoulder
as he wrapped his arms around his aheri’s waist, also encompassing
their son within his embrace.

“I would say our son is ready for his nap,” Roger said quietly. “I

think you should take a nap, too, Kendrick.”

“I will if you lie down with me,” Kendrick said softly as he kissed

his mate’s neck lightly.

“Okay. It’s a deal.”
Turning, he looked at Kendrick and saw the lines of fatigue on his

face. He reached up and brushed the pad of his thumb across the dark
circle below Kendrick’s left eye.

“You need to rest, honey,” he said gently.
Kendrick nodded, sighing softly. “It is necessary to take care of

our babies,” he whispered.

“Come on,” Roger urged him.
He took Kendrick’s hand and led him into the cottage that was his

favorite place to be. He didn’t really mind going to the palace and
living in the suite of rooms that belonged to Kendrick, but he much
preferred the cottage. It was their little home. It was comfortable,
cozy, and filled with joy and love as their little family lived so
peacefully there. Knowing that Kendrick had surrounded their cottage
with his magic to protect them from the evil factions of the kingdom
made Roger love being there even more. It truly was their safe haven.

They walked through the small cottage that was already filled

with the personal items that made it their home. Kellin’s toys were
strewn about the living room. Kendrick’s swords hung above the
fireplace mantle, safely encased in clear casings of magic for the
protection of their children. Roger’s recliner had a place of honor in
front of the fireplace. Two of the bedrooms held beds and cribs for
their children. There was still one empty room that might serve as
another bedroom for their future babies if they decided to bring them
into the world.

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The one room that Roger had been in awe of was the one that

housed the birthing tub. Bryce had given him a book on the
reproductive systems of the men of Sanzel. It had helped Roger to
gain knowledge about the men of Sanzel’s pregnancies. Most
importantly, Roger had spent a lot of time with Faris, asking many
questions of the healer to prepare himself for the upcoming birth of
his and Kendrick’s babies.

He watched as Kendrick eased himself down onto the bed and

settled on his left side. He walked over to him and carefully put Kellin
in the spot beside him. Climbing in to lie beside Kellin, he pulled the
light covers over the three of them and sighed contentedly as the three
of them rested.

“My brothers are all due to give birth around the same time,”

Kendrick whispered. “It seems that the men from your world are very
potent.”

Roger laughed softly. “I guess we are,” he agreed. “I never would

have imagined that all of us would actually make babies with our
partners.”

“You are happy, Roger?”
“Very,” Roger whispered. “Are you happy, Kendrick?”
“I am happy and thankful,” Kendrick said, smiling as he closed

his eyes and pulled the blanket tighter around him as he wrapped his
arm carefully around Kellin and cuddled him against his chest.

Roger smiled as he looked at Kendrick and their son. He was

happy and thankful, too, but he really felt that happy was a term that
fell far short of what he was feeling.

“My brother Magnus has told me through our link that our fathers

are alive and have been in hiding for the past few months,” Kendrick
said after a moment of silence.

Roger reached out and held Kendrick’s hand as he felt the tension

return to his mate. “Are you okay, honey?”

Kendrick nodded, opening his eyes and looking at his aheri. There

were tears in his eyes as he thought about his fathers. “I am glad that

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235

they are alive. I am also angry that we were not told of the plan to
keep them hidden.”

Roger nodded. He knew how much Magnus had suffered because

he thought he had been responsible for their fathers’ deaths. He also
knew how the Sorenson brothers had suffered as they had mourned
the loss of the two men who were wonderful parents to them.

“Why did they pretend that they were dead?” Roger asked gently.

“Didn’t they realize how that would hurt you and your brothers? They
must have had a reason.”

“I believe so. Magnus was hurt most of all,” Kendrick spoke after

a moment. “Mohar was the one who suggested that my fathers keep
us uninformed.”

“Bryce is not a fan of that guy,” Roger said, clenching his teeth as

he thought about the man who had hurt Daxton from the time he had
been a teenager.

“I know this and agree with him,” Kendrick said, grinning at the

way his brother Daxton’s aheri had protected his brother. “Your
friend is a strong man and a good protector.”

“Yeah, he is,” Roger agreed. “He’s always been very protective of

all of the guys we grew up with. He’s really great with kids, too.”

“As are you, my heart,” Kendrick said softly, his eyes closing as

his exhaustion tugged at him.

“Bryce is going to be a great dad,” Roger said, smiling as he

carefully took Kendrick’s hand in his and brought it to his mouth to
kiss his knuckles lightly.

“You are a great dad, aheri,” Kendrick whispered, smiling softly.
“Thank you, honey,” Roger whispered back. “You’re a wonderful

baba.”

Kendrick smiled and relaxed into his pillow. He was so content

and at peace he couldn’t imagine life ever being any more wonderful
for the two of them.

“Magnus has informed me that my fathers will be visiting us soon.

They want to explain what happened and why they had come up with

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their plan to go into hiding. They also know of you, Roger, and want
to welcome you into our family.”

“When are they coming?”
“I do not know. It could be any day.”
“When they come, we’ll welcome them,” Roger said gently.

“We’ll introduce them to our son and let them know that we’re having
twins. Do you think they’ll be happy about becoming grandparents?”

Kendrick smiled as he closed his eyes and leaned forward to kiss

the top of their sleeping son’s head. “I believe they will be more than
happy, my love. I believe we will have them visiting us often so they
can share in our children’s lives.”

“Is that a good thing?” Roger asked warily.
Kendrick laughed softly. “Yes. It is a very good thing. They are

kind and loving parents. They will cherish our children as we will.”

“That’s good,” Roger said, relieved. “What am I supposed to call

them?”

“Their names are Vail and Mazon,” Kendrick said softly, his

voice fading as sleep called to him.

“Sleep, honey,” Roger whispered.
His words were lost on Kendrick. His husband was already

snoring softly. He waited a few minutes, just enjoying the time with
his two men. There was plenty of time to get up and make dinner. For
now he would soak in the warmth and love that emanated from his
little family.

* * * *

Looking around the cottage, Roger was content that everything

was neat and orderly. He smiled as he realized that this little cottage
had truly become their home. His father’s recliner had several books
on its cushion attesting to the fact that a child lived here who loved to
read stories with both of his fathers. The small wooden container in

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237

the corner of the room was filled with handmade toys, soft stuffed
animals, and plastic horses.

The furniture was comfortable and filled with overstuffed pillows

and soft blankets—something that Kendrick preferred when they sat
and cuddled every evening with their son. Everything about their
cottage was representative of the love and comfort they had for each
other and the family that they had become. Roger couldn’t be happier.
He had come a long way from the day he had been devastated when
Lena had told him that she was pregnant and his dream for having a
family had flown out of his life.

Turning, he checked on the dinner that was cooking in the oven.

He couldn’t wait for Kendrick to try his lasagna. He had gotten the
recipe from Bryce who had already adapted it to the food and spices
available on Sanzel. It certainly smelled delicious.

Setting the table, he thought about making tonight’s dinner extra

special. He had a feeling that they would soon be welcoming their
twins, and he wanted to make Kendrick feel as special as he was to
him. The table looked like it needed something extra.

His eyes strayed to the mantle above the fireplace. He couldn’t

help but smile as he saw the aqua flower forever suspended in beauty
within the crystal sphere Kendrick had created with his magic.

He thought about the field of wildflowers that was across from the

front of their cottage and knew that what their table needed was a
display of the beautiful flowers. The display would not only be an
attractive decoration for the table, it would also be a sweet reminder
of their son Kellin’s eyes. The flowers would always hold a special
place in his heart because of that.

Walking over to the front door of the cottage, Roger opened it and

hesitated. Kendrick had cautioned him repeatedly not to go past the
small boarder of bushes that lined the front walkway of their home.
The area beyond it was not shielded by Kendrick’s magic. Only the
cottage and the area behind it that extended to the lake were protected.

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Roger could see the sea of aqua flowers swaying with the

afternoon breeze. It wasn’t far from the cottage door—only about
three hundred feet or so. What could it hurt? He could pick just a few
of the beautiful flowers and be back inside the protection of the
cottage in less than five minutes. Kendrick would never have to know
of his short journey or worry that Roger was unsafe.

Roger hesitated. He felt a surge of guilt rushing through him at the

thought of doing something that Kendrick was sure to be upset about
because it would put Roger in harm’s way. But the call of the flowers
was too great. He rationalized that five minutes out of the safety of
Kendrick’s magic would not be so long or so dangerous. With the
merest of hesitation, Roger stepped down off the front porch and
quickly jogged toward the field of flowers.

Carefully pulling up a handful of flowers with their roots intact,

he smiled at the color that was so like Kellin’s eyes. He would plant
them in a small wooden planter and nourish them. Keeping them on
the back deck to receive the daily sun would keep them healthy and
blooming, but he would be able to take them inside and keep them on
the table as a special bond to their family.

Standing, he wiped his right hand on the front of his jeans to brush

off the soil. Turning, he started walking toward the cottage. That’s
when he saw the two men who stood looking directly at him. They
didn’t look threatening. They certainly didn’t look like Legari
warriors, but he was still wary. Kendrick had cautioned him often that
there were many who would try to hurt the Royal Family—especially
the newest members. Kendrick and his brothers were extremely
protective of their mates.

Looking at the two men who stood before him, he realized that

Kendrick looked a lot like the two of them, complete with the royal
blue streaks in their hair at the left temple. He could also feel the
goodness in them. At that moment, he was thankful for the magic that
Kendrick had gifted him.

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239

“I hope you do not mind that we have come to meet you,” the

shorter man said, bowing formally. “I am Mazon.” He turned to look
at the taller man who stood by his side and smiled. “This is my aheri
Vail.”

“You’re Kendrick’s fathers,” Roger said softly, suddenly nervous

to meet his in-laws.

“We are,” Vail answered proudly. “Is our son well?”
Roger smiled as he thought about his husband. “He is,” he said

finally. “He’s sleeping right now. We have a beautiful son named
Kellin and we’re expecting twins any day now.”

“That is wonderful,” Vail said, smiling wide. “We would like to

see Kendrick and meet our grandson. Do you think we might be able
to come back another time to do so?”

“If we are intruding, we will wait for your invitation,” Mazon said

softly.

Roger looked at both men and felt their worry. As they stood

proudly before him, he could sense their strength, their honor, and
their pain. They were good men. Kendrick had inherited their
handsome features, their sense of family, and their openness. He knew
that his husband would want to see that his fathers were okay. He also
knew that Kendrick ached to ensure that his fathers were part of his
life and the lives of their children. Roger had the same needs.

“If you’d like to come inside, we can wait for Kendrick and Kellin

to wake up from their naps,” Roger offered. “I’ve made lasagna for
dinner. I would like it if you stayed to eat with us and visit.”

“We would be honored,” Mazon said, bowing regally.
Roger smiled at the formality. He knew he was going to like these

men. He also knew that they would give Kendrick happiness. That
was all that was important, after all.

Stepping toward the men, he offered his hand to Mazon and

smiled. “My name is Roger Newcomb.”

Mazon took his hand and shook it firmly. “It is an honor to meet

our son’s aheri,” he said, smiling.

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Vail accepted Roger’s offered hand and shook it, covering it with

his other hand and squeezing gently. “We are very happy that
Kendrick has found such a wonderful mate,” he said softly. “Merek
has told us of the miracle you performed when our son was attacked
by the Legari warrior. Thank you for saving his life and for healing
him.”

“We have always worried about Kendrick,” Mazon added. “He is

a strong and capable man, but he has always felt lacking because of
his inability to bear children. You have given him your unconditional
love. For this we are eternally grateful, son.”

“We are so happy for you both,” Vail told him, his brown eyes

flashing amber with the power of his magic and emotions. “We know
of the son you both have taken into your hearts. To be carrying twins
is something that is rare. Kendrick has been doubly blessed because
of you.”

Roger could barely keep his emotions under control. Their sincere

feelings would be evident to him even without the magical ability he
now had to understand the true feelings of others.

“I’m the one who’s been blessed,” Roger protested gently. “My

life was nothing until Kendrick came into it. I love him very much.
And I’m thankful for the family he has given me.”

A sudden flash of pain laced through his chest, causing him to

drop to his knees and groan with the anguish he was feeling. Vail and
Mazon knelt beside him immediately, wrapping their arms around his
shoulders and holding him securely.

“What is wrong, Roger?” Mazon asked, holding him against his

side securely.

“I don’t know,” Roger whispered, groaning as the pain increased.

“Something’s wrong.”

“What is wrong?” Vail asked, looking at Mazon with worry.
“I feel children calling out to me,” Roger whispered, pushing out

of their arms and turning toward the dirt road that led to the town of
Blail. “I have to go to them. Someone is scaring and hurting them.”

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241

“We will go with you,” Mazon said, helping Roger to stand.
Roger nodded and focused on the draw of the children. He could

hear them crying. He could feel their fear. It was breaking his heart.
He had to do something. He had to save them.

He found himself running down the dirt road. He had no idea

where he was going. He just felt a pull toward an unknown
destination—a destination where children were crying out their plea
for help.

He could hear the pounding of Vail’s and Mazon’s feet as they ran

behind him, but he never once looked back at them. He had to get to
the kids. He had to help them.

On the very edge of the town, there was a large white building

that was set off apart from the rest of the homes. He saw that there
was a high gate made of some kind of black metal that had to be at
least six feet high. As he got closer he saw that the fencing was
around the entire building. It was obvious that this was not a
welcoming home. He could feel the pain of the children intensifying
as he got closer.

He ran toward the gate, using his height and weight advantage to

grip the top rail of it and vaulting himself over it smoothly. He heard
an explosion behind him and looked briefly to see the gate bursting
open and Vail and Mazon running through it. Damn! They had some
powerful magical abilities. He was glad they were with him.

He stood directly in front of the main door of the house, his chest

heaving with exertion and worry. He could feel the draw of the kids
pulling him to the left of the building. He walked around the building,
looking for some way inside. Vail and Mazon came up behind him,
waiting for him to tell them what he felt.

“The kids are inside,” Roger said quietly. “I can feel them.

They’re scared.”

“We need to get them out of there,” Mazon said, anger filling him

that the children of their kingdom were threatened and afraid.

“Can you tell where they are?” Vail asked quietly.

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Roger nodded. “They’re in the basement. I can feel that they’re

cold. There’s a dirt floor.”

Mazon closed his eyes as he took Vail’s hand in his and merged

their magic. “I don’t know where to direct our magic,” he said in
frustration.

Roger reached out and covered their joined hands, sending his

feelings to them through his touch. He saw the way both men smiled
and realized that he was about to witness some serious magic.

He saw the veil of magic that pressed against the side of the

building. It was clear but held a shimmer to it that spoke of its power.
Within seconds, the side wall of the house was gone and a bright
white portal replaced it. The entrance into the house gave testament to
the powerful magic that both men wielded. It was strong, it was
controlled, and it was exactly what they needed to help the kids.

Roger walked through the opening without hesitation. He

followed the pull of the children. As he neared a small doorway, he
heard the soft crying and knew real fear. He reached out and tried to
turn the handle on the door, not surprised to find it locked. He was
about to ram the door with his shoulder when he felt a hand on his
forearm.

“If you break the door down, son, you will frighten the children,”

Vail said softly. “Mazon and I will open the door.”

Roger nodded, understanding the logic of Vail’s words. He

stepped back and watched as Kendrick’s fathers raised their hands
and together formed a soft, sparkling ball of white magic then pushed
it toward the door. It didn’t burst open. It didn’t even make a sound.
The door gently swung open and a soft yellow light illuminated the
room.

“My name is Roger,” he said as he stepped inside the room. “I

came to take all of you home. Is anyone hurt?”

He looked around the room quickly, noting that the children were

huddled on a big bed in the far corner of the dingy basement. There
were thin, dirty blankets on it, and he knew that they were not

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243

sufficient enough to keep the children warm. Four children of various
ages sat on the bed. Roger judged them to be between five and twelve
years old. There was a baby being held by one of the older boys.
Roger nearly cried at the look of fear that each child gave him.

Vail and Mazon entered the room, taking in the situation and

schooling their reactions so as not to upset or frighten the children.
Mazon squeezed Vail’s hand and pulled him closer. The suffering of
the children tore at his heart.

“We have called to Mohar through our link,” Mazon said. “He is

sending soldiers to us.”

Roger nodded, squatting before the bed where the older boy held

the infant. “You’re being a good protector,” he said quietly. “What’s
your name?”

“Michil,” the boy answered.
There was no fear in his voice. Roger was impressed by his

strength and defiance. “It’s very nice to meet you, Michil. Is this baby
your little brother?”

“No. He was taken yesterday,” Michil told him, looking down at

the baby and smiling at him softly. “He has been very quiet. He is a
good baby.”

“And you’ve been taking care of him?”
Michil nodded. “I heard the men talking about giving us away

today,” he said softly. “Do you think you can make them let us go
home?”

“Are the men that took you here, Michil?” Vail asked gently.
“I do not know.”
The sudden sound of movement above them made all of them

remain still in an instant. The children huddled closer against each
other in fear. Roger could feel their terror and it broke his heart.
Reaching out, he gathered them carefully within his arms, sending
them comfort and love. He didn’t know these children, but he truly
loved each one of them.

“You are a nice man,” the littlest boy said, smiling shyly.

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“Thank you,” Roger said, his heart filling with happiness that the

children were only feeling safe and happy at that moment. “We’re
going to take you home to your babas.”

“Yes, please,” the boy sitting next to Michil said quietly. “I want

to go home.”

“Take the children outside,” Vail said firmly. “Mazon will stay

with you. I will go up to apprehend the men who are responsible for
this atrocity.”

“Be careful, aheri,” Mazon whispered, kissing Vail’s lips lightly

before reaching forward and lifting the smallest child into his arms
and leading the way out of the cold and dirty room.

Roger was the last one out of the room, making sure that the

children stayed close to Mazon as he led the way to freedom. Once
they were outside, he turned to look at the house, worrying about
Vail’s safety.

“Do not worry, Roger,” Mazon told him gently as he brought the

children around the house and through the front gate that was still
wide open. “My Vail is a powerful man. He will not have trouble
restraining whoever is responsible for this crime.”

“But there might be two of them,” Roger said quietly. “Maybe

you should go back to help him. I’ll stay with the kids.”

Mazon looked at Kendrick’s aheri and was proud of the brave

warrior who belonged to his son. He was a worthy mate, just as Vail
was to him.

“Thank you, Roger,” Mazon said after a moment of hesitation.

“You will bring the children to the center of Blail. I will inform
Mohar that you will be there waiting for him.”

“Tell him I’m taking the kids to the healer Faris,” Roger said as he

gathered the kids and ushered them down the dirt road.

Mazon nodded, quickly telling Mohar through their telepathic link

that he was to go to the healer’s home to guard the children and
Roger. By the end of the afternoon, he hoped to return all of the

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245

children to their parents, and capture the two men who had the gall to
take them.

Running back to the side of the house, Mazon saw the bright light

of Vail’s magic lighting up the back of the house. Taking a level
stance just outside the rear door, he raised his hands and sent a sphere
of power through the wooden barrier. It exploded open, allowing him
entrance. As he rushed inside, he saw that Vail was being held down
by two Legari warriors and a third man was standing above him with
his hand raised and a sphere of black magic was hovering above his
open palm.

Mazon roared his fury, throwing his magic at the man and taking

him down. He trapped him in a sphere that not only imprisoned him
but also incapacitated his power. Throwing two more bursts of magic
at the warriors, their strength was tested and they were knocked to the
side from the powerful blast of his magic.

Vail pushed free from their hold and turned to join his magic with

Mazon’s to create spheres to trap each warrior. Once the magic
particles sparkled to the ground and the dust settled, Vail walked over
to Mazon and embraced him fiercely.

“Thank you for coming back to help me, aheri,” Vail whispered

just before taking Mazon’s mouth in a crushing kiss.

Mazon laughed against his man’s lips, groaning as Vail’s hard

body pressed against his. “You make me crazy with desire for you,
Vail,” he told him softly, leaning his forehead against his mate’s.
“You are a worthy warrior. How would I ever live without you?”

“It is a good thing we will never have to find that out,” Vail said

gently as he held onto Mazon a little less fierce. “We make a good
team, you and I.”

“Yes. We do.”

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Chapter 23

Kendrick stood in the center of their cottage, rocking from side to

side, looking down at Kellin as he took short, unsteady steps around
the room. When their son got too close to the fireplace, Kendrick
rushed forward to make sure that he didn’t fall into the stone.

Kellin looked up at him and giggled, lifting his hands and

showing him the toy horse that Paul Gordon had given him. Kendrick
reached down to take the offered toy, laughing as Kellin immediately
pulled his hand back and turned to rush away from him, stumbling
and falling. Kendrick reached down to right their son but pulled back
when he saw Kellin push himself up and continue on his journey amid
peals of laughter.

“You are a sly one, Kellin,” Kendrick said, laughing softly. He

straightened and watched as Kellin looked through the box of toys.

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes to center himself. When

he had woken from his nap, Roger had not been in bed with him. He
was still struggling to control his worry about that. He did not like
being at the cottage without his aheri. Even the short time Roger was
not there was too much for Kendrick to handle.

After a moment, Kendrick opened his eyes and looked at the table.

Everything had been set for dinner. The meal Roger had made was
fully cooked. Kendrick had taken it out of the oven a little while ago.
Now all he needed was to know where his aheri was.

He was worried. Roger would never leave without telling him

where he was going. He closed his eyes once again and concentrated
on his mate. He could sense that Roger was well. That eased his
worries somewhat.

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247

“Roger, where are you, my heart?” he whispered, rubbing at his

tightening belly to soothe the ache.

Hearing a noise at the front of the cottage, he started walking

toward the door, scooping up Kellin into his arms as he went. Before
he had a chance to open the door, it opened on its own and his love
stood there smiling at the both of them.

“Da Da,” Kellin said happily, reaching out for him.
Roger took their son into his embrace, kissing his cheek quickly.

“Hello, little man. Did you have a nice nap with Baba?”

“We both had a nice nap,” Kendrick told him. “I missed having

you lying next to me.”

“I like lying next to you,” Roger whispered, stepping closer to

accept his husband’s affection.

Roger smiled as he leaned into Kendrick’s embrace. He kissed

him lightly and bit down on his lower lip, tugging on it gently and
smiling at the responding groan that Kendrick made. Kendrick held
him tighter, his belly pressing against him firmly. That’s when Roger
felt the tightening of his abdomen.

“Kendrick, are you okay, honey?” he asked, touching his belly

lightly and caressing it soothingly.

“Yes, aheri,” Kendrick whispered. “I believe our children will be

born tonight.”

“Holy crap!” Roger nearly yelled, shocking Kellin and causing the

little boy’s lower lip to quiver. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry.” He kissed
Kellin quickly, blowing on his neck noisily and taking the little boy’s
mind off of his worry. Looking at Kendrick, he saw that his husband
was calm and smiling. “You’re not worried?”

“A little,” Kendrick admitted. “But I do not want to dwell on it.

All will be fine.”

“Kendrick, we’ll be having company in a couple of minutes,”

Roger told him calmly, leading him over to the table and helping him
to sit comfortably.

“We will?”

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“Yes. I went outside to get some flowers for the table after you

fell asleep,” Roger explained calmly, sitting down beside Kendrick
and holding Kellin on his lap. He reached out and handed the little
boy a green vegetable that tasted exactly like a carrot. Kellin chomped
down on it enthusiastically, making him smile.

“I do not like that you went outside the area of protection, Roger,”

Kendrick told him firmly.

“I know. I’m sorry. I just wanted to get the flowers the color of

Kellin’s eyes so I could put an arrangement of them on the dinner
table,” Roger said honestly.

Kendrick reached out and touched Kellin’s head gently. “I do not

blame you, my heart. He is beautiful.”

“When I was outside, I felt children calling out in pain,” Roger

admitted.

Kendrick’s eyes widened in surprise. “The same thing happened

to me the day I found Kellin,” he admitted.

“Well, I guess when you shared your magic with me, I inherited

that particular ability from you,” Roger said thoughtfully. “When I
felt the children calling to me, I was glad that your fathers were with
me.”

“My parents were here?”
“Yes. They were very welcoming,” Roger said, reaching out and

touching Kendrick’s hand and holding it tenderly.

“I am pleased,” Kendrick whispered.
“I had a feeling that the children were afraid,” Roger told him, not

wanting to keep anything from him. “I knew that I had to help them,
Kendrick. Vail and Mazon came with me. We found some kids that
had been kidnapped.”

“Aheri, you should never have put yourself in such danger,”

Kendrick told him firmly. “You should have woken me so I could
help.”

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249

“Your fathers were more than enough help, Kendrick,” Roger

said, effectively cutting off his mate’s protests and worry. “They
wield some seriously strong magic.”

“Yes, they do,” Kendrick agreed.
“You should have seen them,” Roger continued. “Vail and Mazon

are amazingly powerful men, Kendrick. They blasted through the
front gate of the house where the kids were being hidden. And they
did some serious fighting to take down two Legari warriors and one
man who had orchestrated the kidnappings. Mohar said his magic
signature matched one of the signatures they had taken from the crime
scene of Kellin’s fathers’ deaths.”

Kendrick’s eyes flashed amber, fighting to control his magic as he

remembered the cruelty of Aril’s and Zain’s deaths. Roger’s grip on
his hand helped him to center himself.

“Thank you,” he whispered, leaning forward to accept the kiss

that Roger offered him.

“Baba,” Kellin called up to him, leaning into him and hugging

him.

“Thank you, my sweet boy,” Kendrick whispered, his heart aching

for their son’s loss.

“Don’t dwell on it, Kendrick,” Roger told him gently. “You did

what you could.”

Kendrick nodded. “I did,” he said softly. “Are the children safe,

Roger?”

“Yes.”
Kendrick nodded and kissed the top of Kellin’s head. He couldn’t

imagine how he would ever survive if their son was ever taken away
from him.

“If Kellin was ever taken,” Kendrick began.
“He won’t be,” Roger said firmly. “We will always protect him.”
“Yes. We will,” Kendrick said softly. “What happened to the

children that you found?”

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“I took all the kids to Blail. Faris helped me find out who the kids

belonged to,” Roger said softly. “I stayed with him until all of the kids
were given back to their parents. It was the best feeling to see them
safely reunited with them. Faris checked them over first to make sure
they were all okay.”

“Were they?”
“Yes, thank God,” Roger said, touching Kellin’s hair lightly,

needing the connection to their child.

“Their parents must have been thankful for your help in finding

their children,” Kendrick said gently. “The people of the town now
know how brave and strong you are.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Roger said, blushing lightly. “I just couldn’t

let anyone hurt those kids.”

The knock on their front door drew their attention. Roger got up to

open the door, shifting Kellin in his arms and turning to face his mate.
He couldn’t help but smile at his pregnant husband as Kendrick
struggled to stand. He helped Kendrick steady himself before walking
over to the cottage door and opening it. Kendrick’s fathers and Faris
were standing there.

“Welcome,” Roger greeted them. “This is our son Kellin.”
“Hello, Kellin,” Mazon greeted their grandson.
Vail reached out and touched Kellin’s cheek lightly. “You are a

very handsome young man,” he said softly. “You are correct, Roger.
Your son’s eyes are the exact color of the wildflowers.”

Vail and Mazon turned and looked at their son Kendrick, smiling

at the happiness that was emanating from him. His very pregnant
belly gave them much pleasure. Their son had found his miracle in his
mate.

Kendrick walked toward his fathers, suddenly nervous. He was

having a hard time controlling his emotions. Thinking that his fathers
had been killed, he had felt blinding anger and deep sadness,
mourning their deaths. As he stepped closer, he didn’t know how he

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251

was going to react to seeing them alive, standing before him so calm
and happy.

That choice was taken from him the moment his fathers wrapped

their arms around him and hugged him carefully. He melted into their
warmth and their love. Years of support and caring washed over him,
and he knew that he would be forever thankful to have his fathers
back in his life. How often he had thought about having just a short
time with them to speak to them, ask their opinions, and be gifted
with their guidance. Now, he had them in his life again, and he was
going to cherish every moment with them.

Hugging them tightly, he was unashamed to allow his tears to fall

freely. “I have missed you so much, Babas,” he whispered.

“We have missed you, Kendrick,” Vail said softly, kissing their

son’s cheek. “You are happy, my son?”

“Very happy,” Kendrick said, laughing softly as he accepted Baba

Mazon’s kiss as well. “I am carrying twins.”

“Kendrick, that is wonderful. Roger has told us of this miracle,”

Vail said, happiness bursting from him. His magic sparked slightly as
he touched his son, surrounding them in a shower of white and blue
bursts of his power.

“Are you well? Are the babies well?” Mazon asked, ever the

worrier. He touched Kendrick’s hand and allowed a cascade of blue
magic to drift over their son from the top of his head to the tips of his
toes.

“Yes, Baba,” Kendrick assured him. “I am well and the babies are

healthy.”

Faris stood back, waiting to be invited into his prince’s home. He

knew that he was privileged to even be invited to this royal home. It
had been hidden by magic, and he had vowed to keep the secret of its
location for the rest of his life. Prince Kendrick had shown him such
kindness. He had saved his mate from a future without their child. He
had put his own life at risk to save all of the men from certain death

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once they had delivered their babies. He could never repay the gift of
life that the royal prince had given to all of them.

“Faris, it is good to see you again,” Kendrick said as he suddenly

saw the man standing just outside the door of the cottage. “Please
come into our home.”

Faris entered, carrying his healer’s bag. Roger had expressed

concern over Kendrick’s health. He was going to make sure that his
prince was healthy and his pregnancy was progressing well.

“I am happy to see you, as well,” Faris said, bowing slightly.
“Please, everyone sit and partake of our food with us,” Kendrick

invited them. “My aheri has made a delicious meal.”

Stepping back, he allowed everyone to enter, taking his seat at the

table and holding Kellin while Roger readied the table for their
guests. Once Roger took Kellin from him and settled him in his high,
wooden chair that Archer had made just for him, Kendrick was able to
allow his body to relax just slightly. He took several deep breaths,
trying to focus and control the pains that were increasing in frequency
and intensity.

He saw Roger watching him and smiled gently at him. He knew

that his aheri realized that he was in labor. When Roger winked at
him and reached out to hold his hand, bringing it to his mouth and
kissing Kendrick’s knuckles before lowering his hand and placing it
strategically on his husband’s lap, Kendrick knew it was done so his
aheri could feel the tightening of his belly. In their own way, they
were sharing his labor despite the many people who were surrounding
them.

“We were able to capture Curran Prohn,” Vail said as they ate.

“He is refusing to tell us who was with him when he kidnapped the
children.”

“I saw him when they were taking him to the transport,” Faris

spoke up. “He was one of the men who had taken the men I was
isolated with. I do not know the other man’s name, but I would be
able to identify him if he was brought before me.”

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“That is good to know,” Mazon said. “Mohar was certain he could

break through Curran’s magic to draw his memories from him. We
will soon know who he was working with.” He hesitated a moment,
unsure if he should voice his belief. “I believe we are closer to
shutting down the evil that has befallen our children. We will soon
find them and bring them home.”

“That is good, Baba,” Kendrick said softly. “Have Mohar check

the magic signatures for the ones we took from the cottage where
Kellin’s parents were murdered.”

Vail reached out and touched Kendrick’s shoulder lightly. “We

will, son,” he promised. “Are you not eating tonight?”

“I do not feel up to eating,” Kendrick admitted. “Our babies are

getting ready to be born.”

Vail choked on his food, grabbing for Mazon’s hand and

squeezing it tightly. “Mazon, help him,” he demanded.

Mazon laughed softly. “What would you have me do, aheri?”

Mazon teased him.

“You always helped me when I was delivering our sons,” Vail

said quickly. “You must do the same for Kendrick.”

“Vail, it is not my place to help our son,” Mazon told his mate

gently. “That is Roger’s honor. We will be here to help take care of
Kellin while they bring their children into the world.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Faris,” Roger spoke up as he felt

Kendrick’s abdomen tighten once again. He watched Kendrick’s face
and was amazed that he was so strong. He barely blinked each time he
experienced another contraction. “Kendrick, honey. Are you doing
okay?”

Kendrick nodded, smiling gently at him. “I think I would like to

walk around for a while,” he said quietly.

“Is that okay, Faris?” Roger asked, panic making him clutch

Kendrick’s hand tightly.

“That would be a good way to advance his labor,” Faris offered.

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“Is that what we need to do?” Roger could feel his heart racing.

He hadn’t thought this whole labor and delivery thing through. He
intellectually knew what to expect, but the actuality of it was making
him fall into a deep, bang your head into the wall and run screaming
kind of panic.

“That is what I need to do,” Kendrick spoke up firmly, pushing

slowly away from the table and standing carefully.

Roger stood quickly and was by Kendrick’s side in an instant. He

reached up to embrace him then pulled back, clenching his hands by
his sides.

“Is it okay if I touch you, honey?” he asked quietly.
Kendrick smiled and opened his arms, gathering Roger within his

embrace and holding him gently. “It is exactly what I need, my heart,”
Kendrick whispered against his neck.

“Okay. Good.”
Roger hugged him carefully, closing his eyes and allowing

Kendrick to hold on to him as long as he needed to. He could feel the
tightening of Kendrick’s abdominal muscles and knew that he was
having another contraction.

“Finish your meal. Kendrick and I will be walking outside,”

Roger said quietly.

“What about our son?” Kendrick asked worriedly.
“You do not need to worry,” Vail told them. “Mazon and I will be

just fine getting to know our grandson, right, Mazon?”

“We will have fun together, won’t we, Kellin?” Mazon said,

leaning in and kissing Kellin’s cheek lightly.

Kellin giggled around the piece of bread he was eating. Roger

leaned over and kissed the top of their son’s head.

“Kellin, this is your Grandpa Mazon,” he told their little boy.

“And this is your Grandpa Vail. They’re going to play with you, okay,
buddy?”

“Pa, Pa,” Kellin parroted, laughing sweetly.

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255

“You are going to steal my heart, Kellin,” Mazon said, shaking his

head as he looked over at Vail. “He is exactly like our Duncan when
he was young.”

Vail nodded, smiling at the memory of their shy son. “He does

remind me of Duncan,” he said softly. “I worry about him, Mazon.”

“I know you do, aheri,” Mazon said, taking Vail’s hand and

bringing it to his mouth so he could kiss the mating mark on his inner
wrist. “I still remember you carrying and birthing him. I loved that
time. I love you.”

Vail leaned in and kissed Mazon’s lips lightly. “And I love you,”

he whispered.

“Pa, Pa,” Kellin called out, outstretching his arms and demanding

without words to be held.

Vail laughed as he carefully removed Kellin from his chair and

cuddled him against his chest. “I believe we will be having a fun night
with our grandson, Mazon,” he said, laughing.

“I will enjoy every moment of it,” Mazon said softly.

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Chapter 24

Roger helped Kendrick ease his body into the birthing tub, glad

for the warmth of the water and the scent of the medicines that filled
it. For the past three hours, he had walked with Kendrick along the
edge of the lake, stopping and holding him with each contraction,
allowing Kendrick to squeeze his hands as he breathed through each
pain. Roger had never been so scared in all of his life.

Holding Kendrick against his chest as he leaned back against him,

Roger could feel the medicinal qualities of the water affecting the
both of them. Kendrick physically relaxed and breathed deeply
despite the pain he was experiencing. There was very little reprieve
between contractions, and Roger was worried for his husband.
Kendrick was already exhausted, and he had so much more to do in
order to birth their babies.

Rubbing his hands lightly over Kendrick’s belly, he was happy to

hear his husband sigh with relief. He knew that Kendrick was a strong
man. He was a soldier who trained daily to keep in shape and remain
at his peak of fitness. But even that strength was being tested during
this birthing process. He worried for the man he loved. He worried for
the children who were struggling to be born.

“Kendrick,” Roger whispered against his temple, kissing him

lightly.

“Yes, my heart?”
“I love you so much, honey.”
“I love you, aheri.”

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257

“I don’t know how you can love me, Kendrick,” Roger said softly,

his eyes filling with tears as he watched his man breathe through
another contraction. “Because of me you’re in so much pain.”

Kendrick bent forward, gripping the handles of the birthing tub

and moaning deeply. Roger knew the birth of their children was going
to be very soon.

“Faris!” Roger yelled, relieved when the door to the birthing room

opened immediately and Faris came in carrying a small container and
wearing what looked like swim trunks even thought Roger knew that
wasn’t what they were.

Faris eased himself down into the sunken tub as calmly as he

could, keeping far away from Kendrick and Roger until the treated
water disinfected him completely. Roger was glad for his
consideration. He didn’t really realize just how on edge he was until
he experienced the relief he felt when Faris came into the room. He
was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to do what he needed to do to help
his mate. He was afraid something would happen to Kendrick or their
babies because he wasn’t doing what he was expected to do in order
to help in the birthing process.

“You are doing very well, Roger,” Faris encouraged him, smiling

at the natural way Roger held and comforted Kendrick. The slow,
caressing touch that Roger naturally had with his mate was exactly
what Kendrick needed in order to calm his emotions and therefore
ease his pain.

Kendrick moaned as another contraction gripped him, easing his

body forward to fold in on itself. “Roger,” he whispered.

“I know, honey,” Roger said gently against Kendrick’s neck. “Can

you give me your healing magic? Let me help you. Remember how I
was able to channel your magic when you were injured. Let me do it
again.”

Kendrick nodded. “I remember,” he said on a groan. Closing his

eyes, he concentrated on calling his magic, allowing it to flow through

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him and fill his mate. Roger’s hands began to glow with the blue
healing magic immediately.

Roger felt the warmth and power of Kendrick’s magic filling him.

Placing his hands on Kendrick’s belly, he concentrated on giving the
man he loved some relief from the pain of the contractions that were
wracking his body.

“Is this better, honey?” Roger whispered, feeling the way

Kendrick’s body slumped back against him.

“Yes. It is much better,” Kendrick said softly, smiling over his

shoulder at his mate.

“Thank goodness,” Roger said, laughing nervously. “Keep giving

me your magic, Kendrick. I’m not letting go of you until our babies
are born.” He kissed Kendrick’s neck, nuzzling against it lightly.
“And maybe not even then, honey.”

Kendrick smiled and leaned back against his aheri. The pain

wasn’t as bad. The warmth Roger was filling him with was flooding
his body and sending healing magic through him. Even though the
contractions were one upon another, the intensity of them had
diminished greatly. He knew that he would be able to deliver their
babies now. It was not as overwhelming. Not with Roger there with
him and filling him with his love.

“I need to push,” Kendrick said suddenly.
Leaning forward, he gripped the hand rails and rolled himself

nearly in half, taking a deep breath and bearing down. Roger reached
his hand down and pressed against Kendrick’s rectum. He could feel
the bulge of something that he knew was the head of one of their
babies. He looked over his shoulder at Faris in a panic.

“Am I doing this right, Faris?” he questioned quietly, determined

not to upset Kendrick.

“That is exactly right, Roger,” Faris assured him. “Just keep a

firm pressure and help ease the baby’s head free as Kendrick pushes.”
He came closer and looked down at the placement of Roger’s hand

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259

and nodded. “Very good. Once the baby’s head and shoulders are
free, pull him above the water to allow him to take his first breath.”

Roger nodded, keeping his right hand in place against the baby’s

head while his left hand held Kendrick’s belly firmly. He was relieved
to see that the blue glow of the healing magic was still strong.

“Roger,” Kendrick called out, groaning as he pushed with every

bit of strength that he had.

Roger looked down in stunned amazement. Carefully cradling

their baby’s head and shoulders, he helped ease him from Kendrick’s
body. Pulling him above the water, he looked down in awe at the
beautiful child that he held.

“Kendrick,” he whispered. “Look at what you’ve done.” He

leaned down and kissed their sweet child’s forehead. “She is
beautiful, honey.”

“She?” Kendrick’s voice was soft with disbelief. Turning slowly,

he looked at the child in his aheri’s arms. “She is beautiful.”

Roger handed their daughter to Kendrick, pressing against the two

of them and hugging them both. “Thank you, honey. You did such a
good job.”

Kendrick could say nothing. He was in complete awe at the

miracle in his arms. “Not only have you given me the miracle of
children, but you have also given me the miracle of a daughter,” he
whispered as he looked up at Roger and smiled tenderly. “Thank you,
my heart.”

Roger nodded, taking a soft kiss from his husband before easing

back and smiling at the soft sounds that the baby was emitting. “She’s
so cute,” he whispered.

“We need to cut the cord,” Faris spoke up behind them.
“Help us, Faris,” Roger said gently, unwilling to release his hold

on either Kendrick or their daughter.

Faris smiled and moved to the side of the two men. Opening the

small container he had carried with him into the birthing tub, he
removed two small lengths of surgical thread and quickly tied off the

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umbilical cord. He handed a small cutting instrument to Roger and
smiled.

“You will need to cut the cord, Roger,” he said calmly. “Your

little princess needs her freedom.”

Roger nodded, taking the sharp tool and cutting between the two

lengths of thread as Kendrick held their daughter. He loved the sight
before him. Reaching out, he touched their daughter’s left cheek and
smiled.

“Look, Kendrick,” he whispered. “She has the same royal blue

streak in her hair that you do.”

Kendrick smiled, reaching out and touching their daughter’s head

lightly. Another contraction gripped him and he moaned at the
intensity of it.

Roger carefully eased the baby out of Kendrick’s arms and turned

to hand her to Faris. “Please hold our daughter so I can help
Kendrick,” he said quickly.

Faris nodded and took the baby to cuddle her against his chest. He

took the time to wash her off with the treated water and smiled at the
soft cooing noises that the baby made as he cleaned her.

“I have to push again, Roger,” Kendrick said through gritted teeth.
“Give me your healing magic again, honey,” Roger said as

Kendrick turned around and gripped the handles once again.

He saw his man nod and felt the warmth of his magic as he

touched Kendrick’s belly. He lowered his right hand to Kendrick’s
rectum once again and waited as his husband pushed and the head of
the second baby within him started to emerge. He heard Kendrick
take another deep breath and watched as he bore down again.

Their baby entered the world in hesitant increments. When only

the head and the left shoulder were able to press free, Roger panicked
as he saw that the umbilical cord was wrapped around their baby’s
neck.

“Faris, help,” Roger said quickly, turning to look at the man and

indicating the crisis before him.

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261

Faris stepped forward immediately, reaching out and slipping his

first two fingers between the cord and the baby’s neck. Using the
birthing fluids and the healing waters, he carefully maneuvered his
fingers around the baby’s neck to slide the cord free.

“Push, Kendrick,” Faris said firmly. “We need to save this child.”
Kendrick bore down, grunting with the effort. Their baby finally

was expelled from his body, sliding into her daddy’s waiting hands.
Roger pulled the baby above the waterline and kissed her cheek,
whispering words of love as he allowed his fear of losing their baby to
rush free.

Kendrick turned around to face them, worry filling him. “Is the

baby well?” he asked, his voice hushed.

“She is,” Roger said, smiling widely as their second daughter let

out a howl of protest. “She healthy and pink, and she has the lungs of
a warrior.”

Kendrick laughed softly, reaching out and accepting their little

girl. He cuddled her against him and kissed her possessively. “I
thought we were going to lose you, my sweet, little girl,” he
whispered, looking up at Roger with tears in his eyes. “We have two
daughters, Roger.”

Roger nodded and laughed softly. “I guess we’re pretty damn

lucky,” he said quietly. He leaned forward and kissed Kendrick’s lips
tenderly. “I’ve known we had a charmed life for quite a while, honey.
Look how we’ve found each other, found our son, and had our
miracle girls.”

Kendrick nodded and laughed. “You are right, my heart,” he

agreed. “We are truly blessed.”

Roger reached out and took their daughter from Faris and eased

back so the healer could tie off their second daughter’s umbilical
cord. When Faris handed him the cutting tool once again, he carefully
cut between the threads.

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“You must deliver the afterbirth, Kendrick,” Faris told Kendrick

quietly. “Then we will settle you and your daughters in your bed for
some much needed rest, my prince.”

Kendrick nodded and allowed Faris to take the baby from his

arms. Turning, he gripped the metal handles one last time and gave in
to the renewed contractions needed to expel the afterbirth. Just when
he thought he would lose strength, he felt Roger’s arm around him
and his healing magic being directed into his body. With Roger’s
help, he finished the birthing process and slumped back against his
aheri as all strength left him.

Faris reached up and pressed the button on the top of the birthing

tub to drain the tub of the birthing fluids and the afterbirth. A new
rush of warm, clean water swirled into the tub, filling the room with
the soothing scent of the medicine within it to aid in the healing of
Kendrick and the babies.

Roger watched in awe as he saw how the babies stretched and

mewled, smiling as he saw that both of their daughters had healthy,
pink complexions. Looking at Kendrick, he watched as all the tension
left his husband and his skin took on a healthy glow. Roger sat on the
ledge seat, easing against the wall of the tub to allow the water to rise
above his shoulders. Carefully pulling Kendrick onto his lap, he held
him gently against his chest, handing the daughter he was holding to
him. Looking at Faris, he smiled as the healer immediately placed
their other daughter within Kendrick’s loving arms.

“Thank you, Faris,” Roger said softly. “What’s this?” he reached

up and touched the baby girl’s wrist where Faris had tied a piece of
string.

“It is a way to identify the first born daughter,” Faris explained.

“They may want to know who was born first when they are older.”

Kendrick laughed softly as he watched the two little girls cuddle

against each other. “I do not know if that will matter to them, Faris,”
he said quietly as he leaned forward to kiss each of them tenderly. “It

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263

looks as if they will only be concerned about looking out for each
other.”

“I think they might have a fight on their hands, Kendrick,” Roger

said, smiling as he held his family gently within his arms.

“What do you mean, my heart?”
“I think Kellin will be the one who will be the fierce protector of

both of our girls.”

Kendrick nodded as he relaxed against Roger’s chest. “I believe

that you are correct,” he said after a quiet moment. “Our son already
loves them.”

“It’s not hard to love perfection, Kendrick,” Roger said gently.

“Look how easy it is for me to love you.”

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Epilogue

Roger pressed closer against Kendrick’s body, wrapping his arm

around him and kissing the back of his neck lightly. Kendrick turned
in his arms and smiled at him, leaning forward and kissing him
gently.

“Why are you awake so early, my heart?” Kendrick asked

sleepily.

“I’m just happy to be back on Paul’s ranch,” Roger whispered. “I

love coming here every year. It’s the best vacation place. I enjoy
spending time with Paul. I’m really happy that Fred will be coming
out next week to visit with us this year. Fred loves our kids. So does
Paul. They love being uncles to them.”

Kendrick smiled, leaning forward and kissing Roger’s forehead

lightly. “This is a good place to be,” he agreed.

“Are you very tired, Kendrick?” Roger whispered.
“I am fine,” Kendrick insisted, never opening his eyes as he sank

into the warmth and comfort of their bed.

“Do you need me to help you relax, honey?”
Kendrick cracked an eye open. “That sounds very interesting, my

heart. What do you have in mind?”

Roger smiled wickedly, easing up on his forearms to lay his body

on top of his husband’s. “Just relax and let me take care of you,” he
whispered as he kissed Kendrick’s throat and hummed against his
collarbone.

Kendrick’s moan of approval made him smile against his

husband’s warm skin. He loved making love to his man. Kissing his
way down Kendrick’s body, he licked at his sensitive nipples

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265

carefully, lapping at the tiny drops of milk that leaked from them. He
loved watching Kendrick nurse their children. He loved drinking the
sweetness of his milk.

Kendrick’s body was beautiful. Roger loved touching him, kissing

him, and being held by him. Everything about Kendrick turned him
on.

He felt Kendrick’s fingers tighten in his hair, holding him firmly

but never pressing him to move in any direction. He licked down the
center of his torso, kissing his abdomen and thinking about the
children who had been nurtured inside of him. The thought of filling
Kendrick with his seed once again and creating another baby made his
cock jerk with excitement.

When he reached the curly black hair at his groin, he breathed in

deeply, inhaling the scent of his mate. Kendrick’s hard cock bumped
at the underside of his chin, making him smile at the need his man
showed for him. Licking at the drop of pre-cum at the wide head, he
pressed his tongue deep into the slit and gathered the delicious taste of
him.

Kendrick moaned softly, the moan quickly turning to a gasp of

pleasure as Roger opened his mouth and took his shaft to the back of
his throat and swallowed repeatedly.

“Roger, I cannot hold off,” Kendrick warned him.
Roger didn’t want him to. He reached up and took gentle hold of

Kendrick’s sac, fondling his balls gently and pulling down on them as
he continued to pump Kendrick’s cock in and out of his mouth.
Pulling off his mate’s shaft with a wet slurp, he looked up at Kendrick
and smiled.

“Don’t hold off, honey,” he whispered. “I want to swallow

everything you can give me.”

Sticking his first two fingers in his mouth, he made sure they were

slick with saliva then rubbed them against Kendrick’s hole. He circled
the puckered star as he swallowed his cock once again.

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Kendrick’s moan was accompanied by the raising of his hips as he

fought to choose what he wanted more—Roger’s finger in his hole or
his mouth swallowing his shaft. It was a difficult choice. They both
felt incredible.

Spreading his legs wider, he gasped as his aheri pressed his

fingers deep inside of him, rubbing the tips of them carefully within
him and brushing across his gland. Intense sparks of pleasure shot
through Kendrick’s body. He pressed his hips up to sink his shaft
deeper into his mate’s mouth over and over again. He was so close.

Roger hummed, pushing Kendrick over the edge into the abyss of

pleasure. He cried out softly, holding Roger’s head still as his cock
pulsed his release.

“Aheri,” he whispered, sighing as his mate pulled off his cock and

kissed it tenderly.

Roger kissed Kendrick’s hip then slid up his body to rest against

him carefully. When he eased forward to take Kendrick’s mouth,
Kendrick reached for his face and held him in place as he devoured
him in a passionate kiss. He tasted his flavor on Roger’s tongue and
growled at the intimacy of it.

“I am going to suck your cock, Roger,” Kendrick told him, his

voice gruff with need. “I want you to come in my mouth.”

Roger laughed softly. “Too late, honey,” he said.
“What?”
“When you came and I heard you call out your pleasure, I came,

too.”

Kendrick growled at the erotic picture that raced through his mind

at Roger’s words. Reaching down, he carefully cupped Roger’s groin
and smiled as he felt his cock still hard but wet with his spent seed.
Gathering his man’s release, he brought his hand to his mouth and
licked off his aheri’s life essence with obvious relish.

“Kendrick, if you keep doing sexy things like that, I’m going to

get hard again and love you until you scream,” Roger warned him.

“That would be agreeable, my heart,” Kendrick said softly.

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267

Roger laughed as he wrapped his arms around Kendrick and drew

him closer. When Kendrick rested his head upon his chest, he smiled
as he thought once again that this man was the best thing that had ever
happened to him.

* * * *

“Daddy, Sharon and Susan are being dangerous,” Kellin called out

to Roger as they rode horses along the trail on their Uncle Paul’s
ranch.

Roger laughed softly as he looked at their son as he rode the small

pony that Paul always had ready for Kellin whenever they visited.
Kellin was such a mature little boy. At the age of five, he was able to
sit a horse with confidence and was the fierce protector of his two
younger sisters, just as they had predicted.

“Do not worry, Kellin,” Kendrick called over to his son as he

settled their oldest girl Sharon more securely on his lap as he rode the
white stallion that Paul said matched him in size and temperament.
“Princess Sharon, you must not fall from this horse. I will be very
upset if you are hurt, sweetheart.”

Sharon looked up at him and smiled sweetly. “I will be careful,

Baba,” she promised.

Kendrick brushed her soft hair from her forehead, laughing at the

way their oldest daughter always loved to have her hair free. He
looked over at Susan as she sat in front of their Uncle Paul and
smiled. Her hair was up in an adorable ponytail, and she was reaching
back and patting Paul’s face happily.

“You’re gonna fall if you keep squirming around, darlin’,” Paul

cautioned her. “I don’t want to have to end up under Midnight’s
hooves.”

“I love Midnight!” Susan said happily.
“I know you do, darlin’,” Paul said laughing.

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Kendrick smiled at their twin girls. It was obvious that Princess

Sharon Laura and Princess Susan Chantal looked alike in so many
ways, but their individuality was also obvious. There was no
mistaking which child was which. Each of them was a sweet and
caring child. Sharon was the more adventurous of the two. Susan was
more on the shy side. Kellin was extremely protective of both of
them. He was careful to keep them safe and was often the one who
taught them how to control the magic within them. Both girls were
smart, voracious learners, and powerful in their growing magic. And
both girls absolutely adored their big brother.

“We’re going to head back to the cabin for hot chocolate,” Roger

called out to them, holding their eighteen-month-old son Vicktor to
his chest as he cuddled against him in his baby carrier. “What do you
think, Vicktor? Are you ready to go back to the cabin and have some
hot chocolate?”

Vicktor looked up at him and babbled nonsense words happily.

Roger thought that if he had any more love and happiness within him
he would have exploded. Kendrick had given him such a beautiful
life. He had a mate that he loved and who loved him in return. He had
four children that were miraculous blessings. He had friends who
were a permanent part of his life and a part of their children’s
extended family. The children loved their uncles almost as much as
their uncles loved them. And he had two worlds that accepted and
cherished all of them.

Urging his horse forward, he rode alongside Kendrick’s horse.

Reaching out, he took the hand that Kendrick automatically offered
him.

“Are you enjoying yourself, my heart?” Kendrick asked, smiling.
“You know I am,” Roger said, laughing.
“That is good. I am happy when you are happy.”
Roger leaned over and pulled Kendrick’s hand toward his mouth,

kissing the mating mark on Kendrick’s wrist. Looking at his husband,
he winked at him.

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269

“Roger, you are dangerous,” Kendrick said, laughing softly.
“You think so?”
“Yes, my heart.”
“I think you’re going to have to keep me under control,

Kendrick.”

“Why would I want to do that?” Kendrick asked him, raising his

eyebrows as he looked at his aheri.

“Because if you don’t, we’ll be adding to our family tonight,”

Roger told him, smiling at the golden marking on his mate’s wrist.

“And that would be a bad thing?” Kendrick asked softly.
“Kendrick, it’s too soon.”
“If you think so,” Kendrick said, shrugging.
“Don’t you think so?”
Kendrick pulled on the reins to halt his horse. Roger did the same.

When Kendrick looked at him, he remained quiet, unsure what his
husband was going to say.

“Roger, you have given me such love,” Kendrick started gently.

“Because of you I am no longer broken.”

“Kendrick, you were never broken,” Roger told him softly.

“You’re the one who has made me whole. You took my old, beaten
heart and showed me that I was someone who could be loved.”

Roger could feel the magic that surrounded them and knew that

Kellin was once again wrapping all of them within his protection and
love. Their little boy continuously amazed him with the level of
caring that he had for all of them.

“Kellin is loving us,” Roger said gently.
Kendrick smiled at their son, his heart swelling with pride at the

kindness and love of their boy. He looked at their two girls and saw
them smiling at their big brother, reaching their arms out and joining
their magic with his. Even Paul could feel the sense of warmth and
love that surrounded all of them even thought he didn’t understand
exactly what it was. There were still many things that they kept from
him in order to keep him safe.

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“Do you see our children?” Kendrick asked finally, sensing the

magic in their youngest son Vicktor reaching out and joining with his
siblings’ magic.

“Yeah, I see them,” Roger said, laughing softly.
“Each one is a miracle. Each one is precious. You have given me

them.”

“We’ve given them to each other,” Roger corrected him.
“Yes, aheri, we have,” Kendrick agreed. “And we are going to do

it again.”

Roger laughed softly. “We are, huh?”
“Yes, my heart,” Kendrick said gently.
Roger was silent for a moment as he looked at the man that he

adored. “You know what, Kendrick?”

“What, aheri?”
“I think you’re right.”

THE END

WWW.LYSSASAMUELS.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lyssa Samuels can often be found in her comfy cave with Wi-Fi,

creating on her netbook that is permanently attached to her hip. She is
the happiest when she is writing, and she loves to create worlds of
love and acceptance. Her stories are always romantic, and her goal is
to send the readers away with a positive, happy outlook on life. When
she isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her children, her
family, and her friends. She loves receiving e-mails and messages
from her readers.

E-mail her at lyssasamuels@gmail.com.

For all titles by Lyssa Samuels, please visit