Chapter 12

The morning after the ceremony was quiet. The people stayed up late and sang and ate and drank in the memory of their late Chief. 

Mick was up early, though. He saw the others just starting to get moving in the tents and huts. With a big sigh he started to walk around. 

There were many things to arrange in the community. Firstly, the elders will have to decide who they were going to suggest for the new chief. Coyote and even the Bear was a possible person. Mainly because of their family ties to the late Shawn. But beside that, only one middle-aged warrior was who came into Mick's mind. 

Although he was not sure how the young shaman could handle all the roles and pressure of being the main shaman and the chief too... But time will tell. 

At the end of his thinking he reached the shaman hut and nodded to V-man. The warriors greeted the big hunter in Indian clothes and feathers in his long black hair… Then clearing his throat V-man turned towards the door and loudly called the pair sleeping inside.

The hours of making love high and drunk on the herbs and each other helped the pair into a deep exhausted sleep. The next thing coming to Jim's senses was the calling for them from outside. He woke suddenly to that and as his body moved a bit, he nearly immediately felt the small body tucked half-way under his naked body. Well... he liked to tuck Corey under him like something precious and also to unconsciously shield his sacred man from the world.

Opening his hazel eyes, the first thing he saw was his man still sleeping deeply, drooling a bit onto the soft bear skin under him. Jim found that fucking cute and only the repeated calling for them made him stop admiring his man.

Slowly peeling himself off the small redhead, he sighed as the day's duties came into his mind. It wasn't going to be easy to survive this one either. Gently caressing the redhead, he left kisses on his cheek and shoulder, trying to wake him as gently as possible.

"Give us a few minutes!" he yelled back once he sat up, one hand still caressing Corey's tattooed upper-arm, the other trying to comb his long blondish brown hair out of his stubbly face.

his pair calling out and kissing him was the first thing Corey heard and came through his dream. Opening his eyes, he smiled and hugged his man. Even sat up, feeling a bit dizzy. 

"Good morning. Can you pass the water please?" he said low and not really focused. "I'll be okay. Just… hangover, or what you call it.... You okay?"

Handing the water to his pair, Jim waited for him to drink then did the same. "Morning, my love. Yeah, we call it that. I'm fine. Head a bit heavy but otherwise okay. Could've slept a few more hours longer but oh well..." he smiled and reached for their clothes, handing Corey his then he pulled his underwear on.

"It'll be a busy day. Mick's waiting outside. I guess he wants to talk to you or take us somewhere," he shrugged, not really awake either.

"Yeah... Probably the investigation and the votes... You think I would be a good Chief?" Corey turned to his man. He was not sure that Jim knew that in the tribe they were also choosing who would lead them. And the people would decide who they wanted at the top. 
"Call him in... I make a drink to help us waking up. It's like coffee…" he sighed lost in his thoughts, but got dressed, sharing a small kiss with Jim before starting the fire to prepare the mentioned drinks.

Meeting Corey's sad-ish blue eyes, Jim thought for a second or two then nodded. "Although I know only a little of what a Chief does aside from leading the tribe and trying to protect the people, I think you'd be a great Chief and Shaman in one beautiful package..." he smiled reassuringly at Corey and pecked his lips back. "I believe in you, baby."

And with that Jim let him busy himself with the drinks while he got up and pulled the animal skin aside at the door to greet the men outside and call Mick in.

"Morning, lovebirds. Sorry for waking you, but it's going to be a busy day and couldn't hold off this conversation any longer. And I believe our Sheriff has some news too, don't you?" he asked Jim after they sat down.

Of course the lean man looked surprised and maybe his mouth stayed open for a moment or two. "Yes, but didn't want to bring it up last evening. Everyone already had enough on their plates. Let's enjoy our morning drinks first..." he mumbled.

Mick only nodded and went to Corey to hug him and press a kiss against his head. Uncle habits… Then he sat by the fire too. 

"Here you go…" Corey put a cup with some dark brew in it before them. It surely smelled something like coffee, even tasted like it. 

"I always miss this. This is made from gran. And have the effect just like black coffee. Just tastes better," Mick winked at Jim as he sipped from his cup with clear enjoyment on his face. Then they just looked at Jim in silence, waiting for the news he brought.

The sheriff took the cup carefully, not wanting to pour the hot beverage all over him. Wouldn't be the first time. Pecking his man as a thank you, he took a careful sip too, moaning his approval. "Tastes better, indeed," he hummed then sighed, looking at both men.

"I'm afraid the news isn’t too good. Yesterday morning I found our captive dead in his cell while Sid was sleeping on the couch. His throat was cut and he bled out on the floor some time during the night..." he said with a dark expression. "Clearly 'someone' didn't want us to interrogate him. All I know is that he was called Ray and according to Sid he came around town time after time. He was rumored to be a bandit with some unknown ties to the town..." Jim shrugged clueless then took another sip from his drink.

"He was the little brother of one of Davis’ men... Maybe that is useful information," Mick hummed. "The information I found out is interesting also. I have documents in my bag from Washington. Davis bought up lands after his bandits chased away the farmers. And the reason is the Iron horse," he sipped on his drink. "The American Trading Company already started to build a railway from the Mexican border. Up all the way till Canada. They’re buying the lands on high prices. Or rent it from the owners. So Davis will get a lot of money after the lands he took..." 

"It makes sense… All we have to do is prove it and tell the town people also…" Corey said thinking.

"Yeah, the bigger picture is starting to finally reveal itself," Jim hummed and nodded too. "It also makes sense why he wants to keep up the feud between the Indians and white men. I believe it's to wipe the Indians out as many in the big cities think of them as threats. At some parts of this railway I guess they truly are and it would be bad for business. So Davis would get less money. But an Indian-free territory would let his 'empire' grow rapidly..." Jim added.

"Now I'm even more worried for you and your tribe, Corey. We have to unveil what he's doing and stop it before it's too late. Killing your father was certainly part of his plan to make your people attack and prove that you are nothing more than the savages one should better get rid of..." he thought out loud. "Do you have any more proof of Davis' involvement in this? I mean... buying the lands in itself won't stand in front of the court. Especially that I doubt we have any witnesses who'd dare to testify against him or his men... We need something dirty and more direct that would prove that he's behind all this..." he explained to Mick.

"I have the map with his name on the lands and the blueprint copy of the railway company. The dirty thing we have to dig up at Iowa city, I'm afraid…" Mick said. "But first we have to talk to the Elders. And the old shaman woman to allow and do our tattoos..." 

"Yes. I know…" Corey sighed turning to Jim. "For the memory of my father I get a new tattoo. And Mick is allowed to have one too, as you can see... Also… we are both among those who can be the new Chief. The elders will announce it today and the people will choose."

Jim nodded as agreement. It wasn't going to be easy to dig up that proof that would put Davis and his men behind bars, but the young Sheriff knew that this was going to be his main priority once he got back in town. But for now... they had other things to do in this village.

Glimpsing from one man to the other, he finished his 'coffee' and wondered what they were talking about. But then Corey gave him the explanation he needed. "I see... Can I watch as you get the new tattoo? I find them fascinating in general," he added, hopeful that he would be able to get familiar with this custom too. After all, he wanted to learn as much of his pair's culture as possible.

"And... if the people choose either of you... Do you have the right to say no? I'm just curious, sorry," he smiled a bit apologetically. "I have no idea how these things go."

"We can say no, yes. But if the majority chooses one of us then it's... rude... Errrmm..." Corey started, trying to find the correct phrase. 

"It's the will of the whole tribe. Saying no is like betraying and giving up on them all," Mick helped him out. 

"Yes. And I will ask the Elders about you. You are my pair and my father gave permission... So you're part of the tribe and part of the... Council... I guess…" 

"Yes. We have to ask the Elders," Mick nodded to the unsure look of Corey.

Jim was listening fascinated and so focused in an attempt to drink in all that his brows furrowed and he hummed along. "I think I understood all," he said a bit proud of himself. Not that it was so hard to understand, but it was still a brand new culture to him and he had to learn about the way how it worked.

"And... what would mean to me if they said I was part of the council?" he asked even more curious.

By then Mick couldn't suppress a smirk, but at the same time he approved that Jim was trying so hard to learn. Corey would need a strong supportive mate, no matter if he was chosen by the tribe to lead or not. Losing his father was clearly a big trauma to the redhead shaman.

"That means that you are equal in the tribe. And can and have a say in my name in the tribe issues. Like… if I'm away or something..." Corey said with a frown. He still had a slight headache but he tried to concentrate on the tasks of the day.

"I see," Jim murmured and handed the flask of fresh water to his man to hydrate him more to that headache. "Maybe you should smoke some of that herb you used on my headache when I woke up here for the first time. Damn... it feels like a lifetime ago..." he hummed. "But to be honest... I'm not sure I'm ready for something like that. I mean say things in your name in front of them... I don't even know your language. Maybe I should start learning that too..." he said with an even deeper frown.

Clearly there were so many things he didn't know of Corey and his people that his own head was threatening to start aching from it.

"Yeah, you have to learn that, Mista Sheriff," Mick grinned. He had to admit that he liked it very much how Corey was not alone after all. And with such a devoted pair... 

"I go ahead to talk to them privately. Get yourself together Coyote. And also... Jim needs a name too," and with that the Bear left the pair alone.

The silence was stretching in the hut after that and Jim was blinking at his pair with wide eyes. "He means an Indian name for me?" he whispered in awe and maybe a bit excited from the possibility. He just hoped he wasn't annoying to his headache-y pair with all his questions. "How does that work?"

"Sorry... I should probably just shut up and focus on you and your feelings, but all is just so new to me... and frankly, I want to distract your thoughts a bit..." he sighed, calming down a bit and sat right next to his mate, putting a long arm around his shoulders. "I love you, you know. Just want to catch up on all so I can be a pair you deserve," he murmured softly and kissed the short hair of his shaman.

"Yes. An Ioway name for you and you will get to join the tribe in a ceremony. Like the kids who turn 11. And get an adult name and place in the tribe. I will think about what would suit you," Corey said with a soft smile and leaned against his man. "I love you too. And you are perfect for me. We should smoke the herbs and get ourselves together for the elders. You will also speak with them alone first. And they speak English," he added with a little giggle from Jim's pained expression.

"Thank the Lord!" Jim giggled too then nodded. "Okay, let's smoke some of your stuff. Damn, you'll get me addicted to these things. I'm sure because you don't want me to leave. But baby... you don't have to. I'm already addicted to you," he winked, trying to lighten the mood a bit more.

Then he watched patiently while Corey prepared the herbs with practiced movements then Jim inhaled a few times before leaving the rest for his pair, knowing that he needed it more.

"I'm ready if you are," Jim said already standing and extending a hand to the small redhead, smiling down at him reassuringly. "I'm gonna be with you."

After a few deep breaths inhaling the smoke of the herbs, Corey took his pair's hand and stood up. "Wait. I have to do something..." he said quickly moving around and when he stepped back to Jim he had some colorful strings and a long feather in his hand. "Sit down please, I put these in your hair, like I have in mine," he said with a little blush over his cheeks.

Jim looked at the items in Corey's hand then sat down a bit still surprised. Of course Jim caught that small blush, but didn't comment on that. "Is this something that would signal that we belong together?" he asked with closed eyes, just enjoying the fingers of his mate in his long wavy hair.

"I bet the colors mean something too, right? Can you tell me?" Jim asked, still excited on the inside from another sign of belonging to somewhere and being accepted by Corey and hopefully the other people too.

"Yes... It means that you belong to the tribe. And to me. The eagle feather means our… place in the Council. The higher class if you want to say it the white way," Corey giggled while he rolled the strings around Jim’s long lock of hair. "The indigo blue means shaman. The yellow means we are mixed breed. And the red means we are gay... There. Want to see yourself?" Corey stepped in front of Jim with a little smile.

Jim found himself smiling while listening to Corey's explanation and his heart leaped that his shaman wanted Jim to wear all these things on him to make sure everyone knew who they were and where they belonged.

"Of course I want to," he looked up at his man in front of him and took the small mirror from his hand that he noticed there. Taking a good look of his adorned hair, he smiled brightly up at Corey. "It's beautiful and perfect. Thank you so much," he added on a clearly moved voice and stood just to lean down and kiss this wonderful man with all the love he could muster up from his soul and heart. "Thank you for being mine and giving me a place I can finally call home."

"You are mine too. My Puma..." Corey blushed biting his lip. 

Then grabbing his man's hand he pulled Jim out of the hut and toward the bigger tent put up for the Consul to gather. Followed by V-man who grinned from ear to ear as the pair wore the same colors in their hair. 

"You go in first and talk to them. It will be okay," he smiled reassuringly at Jim.

Jim promised Corey that he belonged only to him too then walked on his side with a straight back and pride on his face for wearing the colors and having his pair on his side, their fingers laced together. It wasn't just to show others how they were one, but more to reassure the shaman of his love and support, no matter what. Jim just hoped that the shaman would understand that without words too.

Though at the tent Jim's confidence dwindled a bit. Swallowing hard he quickly kissed the back of Corey's hand then lips and before he could change his mind, he entered the shadowy hut alone. It looked darker at first after the bright sunlight, but slowly Jim's eyes adjusted and he looked around the much bigger tent.

***

Of course there was a fireplace in the center of the hut like in every other one, but this one wasn't lit at the moment. There were all kinds of animal skins and colorful thick carpets on the floor, drums and jugs stacked to the side walls. Opposite the entrance, Jim could see both older men and women sitting in a half-circle, some space left among them in the middle. Perhaps where Chief Shawn used to sit.

"Come closer, my child. There's no reason to be afraid," an elderly woman waved Jim closer with an encouraging smile.

To that the sheriff"s long legs moved and he sat down to the spot where they motioned to. "Thank you and greetings, honored elders. I hear you would like to talk to me alone?" he asked as politely and humble as he could.

"Yes. Welcome to our tribe, Jim Root. We wanted to meet you. And ask you about the tasks that come with being the pair of our sacred shaman. Are you ready, Jim?" the woman asked smiling at the white man. "Also, I believe you may have some questions on your own. You can ask now."

"It's an honor to be welcomed to your tribe and be accepted as one of yours," he nodded to the elders. "To be completely honest with you... I'm not sure that I am ready, but I know I love Coyote from the bottom of my heart. We are one and I will do everything in my might to keep it that way and help him in any ways I can," he said bowing his head a bit from which his new adorned tuft of hair fell forward as if emphasizing what he just said.

Straightening up, the clear hazel eyes looked up at the elders again. "Please, ask away. I don't know much about the tasks I should do, but I'm listening. About my questions... well, I really have only one in my mind, but I'd like to ask that at the end of our conversation, if it's okay."

"Alright," the elder warrior nodded who sat beside the empty spot. His face and neck was covered in tattoos and his head's sides shaved like how V-man had it. "The tasks will be keeping the shaman balanced. And if needed be here and talk over what is needed to be decided for the tribe. Coyote is one of those we announce to be chosen as the new leader. What are your questions?"

For a moment Jim was lost by the similarities between this tattooed elder and V-man. Not just the same hair style, but the eyes, built and facial features reminded Jim of Corey's guard. And the final piece of the puzzle was when the elder turned his head to the side and Jim spotted the same kind of cubes tattooed there. He was probably a relative of V-man's. Most likely his warrior father.

To that Jim eased up a bit and smiled a little to himself. Though that smile dimmed a bit as Jim thought things through. "As much as I want to be always here for Corey and the tribe, I have my other duties as the Sheriff of Iowa. That means, as I'm sure you know well, that there will be times – sometimes probably extended periods – when I'll have to stay there to keep my people safe from threat too. I swore to do that and I feel like I can't abandon them or break my vow."

"But when I can. I will come and stay and try to keep him balanced. And of course come as fast as I can or send a message through Mick in case I am kept up in Iowa..." he said honestly. "My horse is fast and it takes just half a day on his back if I can come immediately..." he added, but then stopped, feeling that he was starting to overthink this.

"Anyways, I think my pair would be a wise and strong leader of the tribe. I might be a bit bias, but I support your decision of announcing him as one of the possible chiefs," he nodded and straightened his back a bit more, taking a deep breath. 

"Actually I have two questions now. First... I've noticed all kinds of art on your skin. I know some are reserved only for warriors, some to the shamans... I really admire them as they each seem to tell a story of the person's life who's wearing them. My question would be... Is there a way to... maybe get some myself once I've earned the right? I mean... I'd like at least one that represents my belonging to Coyote and the tribe as I feel that I need to prove myself not just to you and the tribe but to Coyote too. I know he loves me as well, but I'd like to give him this gift, this token. I've never loved anyone this deep and I'd like him to know that..." he blushed deep red, glad that some of it was hidden by a few strands of his hair.

"And also my second question connects to him too..." he hesitated but when his eyes met the old lady's who first spoke to him and saw nothing but a smile and encouragement in her eyes, he took another deep breath and looked into the warrior's eye. "Is there a way that at some point... when the grieving of Chief Shawn and the choosing of the new one settled down that I... could tie my life together with Coyote in marriage, if he wants?"

"Of course, we know your position in Iowa Town. We see it as a good way to build peace between our peoplem" the warrior said with his small eyes shining with a smile as he exchanged a look with the others. "Clown, or Shawn, our late Chief saw you coming into his son's life and create that connection between our people. The details will work themselves out as you both will fill your positions," he finished nodding to the female elder with respect, giving the word to her.

"You already belong to the tribe and Coyote. We have a sort of celebration, if you wish to do that before us, Elders. After you get your tribe name, you can also get a tattoo of your own. As a special one and the pair of our high shaman. Do you have any more questions, Jim?"

"Yes, I agree. I think tying our worlds together through Coyote and I will be beneficial. We're already working on things with the Bear and Sid to move towards a peaceful future," Jim nodded then smiled a bit, relaxing a bit more from what the elders told him.

"Thank you again. And for the opportunity of that celebration and the tattoo. I'll honor it and also my pair. I've been searching for him for such a long time. I have no more questions for now."

"Very well, Sheriff. You can go then. We have to prepare for the events. Please, send Coyote in for a few minutes," V-man's father said and nodded to the tall white man who was already standing up.

"Of course. Thank you again," Jim said then bowed a bit to the elders before leaving the hut. "They'd like to talk to you too, my love," he smiled down warmly at his pair then stole a soft peck before watching him disappear from his sight. A new kind of excitement began growing in Jim's heart as the night was getting slowly closer.

***

The night came fast. All the adults of the tribe gathered in the middle of the village as the sun started to descend on the horizon.

The Elders announced Coyote, Bear and two older warriors as candidates after midday and now the four men gathered before the tent, facing the forming crowd with the Elders.

Corey had his richly decorated tribal outfit on. A long tunic with colorful embroidered leaves and symbols all over it. His hair was braided with long colorful ribbons and feathers. His face painted.

Same as Mick, who under the face paint and clothes lost all the features of a well-dressed white man as he was standing there and sent encouraging looks at his nephew.

As the sun sets, the people of the village will choose the next Chief and have a celebration. Corey told all he could about it to his pair, not really looking much away from the tall man standing in the crowd. The others will cheer for them one by one. The loudest cheering chooses the new leader. And Coyote was not sure how to carry on with everything if he gets picked for that position.

Even as the newcomer in the tribe, Jim could tell how the tension was growing steadily as the moment of truth was coming closer. The whole village was buzzing with that energy. Especially his pair. For a while Jim was sitting in Corey's hut in his own dusty dark brown pants and cowboy boots, but instead of his usual white shirt and vest, Jim got an Indian shirt to put on. After all he was going to be welcomed to the tribe later that night too.

He tried everything he could to help ease his man's nervousness. Jim understood Corey's doubts about possibly being both the shaman and the chief of the village, but Jim was also sure that his man would be able to stand his ground in both positions.

That was radiating from Jim all along when he was standing in the crowd, facing the candidates and the elders. It was the matter of minutes by then. And Jim knew to whom he was going to cheer as loud as he could...

It already started to get darker and the elder warrior stepped before them all, raising his hands and let out a short yell to draw attention.

He announced all the candidates in Ioway language to the gathered ones and started with Coyote. Calling the young man out to stand with him before the others. And as the shaman took that place, the crowd already started to yell and cheer, almost everyone joining in, making the vote and voice of the tribe for that choosing deafeningly loud.

Needless to say, Jim was shouting as loud as he could, true to the promise he made to himself. He even grinned at the end, hearing just how many would have liked to see Corey as their new Chief too. It told Jim two very important things: they loved and trusted his pair very much. Which was a good sign.

The next candidate was the black-haired headhunter. Once he was announced, the crowd started cheering again, but it could be felt that it was far from as loud as the cheers Corey got. Jim even mouthed a 'sorry' with a smile to Mick when he didn't cheer for him.

The big guy sent a small smile back to the sheriff. He was there because of the connection to the late chief and all the services he did for the tribe. And as he got a good loud, but little less cheer than Corey got, it really melted his heart. He was an outsider still, even if he grew up with the tribe. The yells were showing that the people of the village loved him after all and it was also a form of gratitude towards the big man.

The middle-aged warrior, who used to be Shawn's guard also got a moderate, but even lesser cheer. The old hunter at the end, with many of the people bowing as sorry, even less of a yell. It was clear who the people chose.

"The village’s new leader is Coyote, our high shaman," V-man's father announced to the crowd that welcomed the news with another loud cheer, by then Mick and the others joining in too.

Corey stood there and watched the whole village before him like he would saw it from outside his body. It felt more unreal like anything before... He knew the elders would help out and they gave the final word in all matters involving the tribe. Suddenly all he wanted to do was drink some and rest. Maybe because of his white man side, but panic and doubt started to creep up inside his being, and it even showed on his pale face.

Seeing Corey's expression, Jim stopped clapping and cheering and walked over to him, taking him in his long arms to both hide him from the watching eyes and give support and love to him. He even went as far as pecking his lips before he let Corey hide in his chest.

"It'll be okay, baby. Take some deep breaths. You can do this. The elders and I will help in every way we can," he murmured into Corey's ear, rubbing his back.

Corey was happy his man hid him away. He peeked at the elders from the safety of the long arms and when the old shaman woman nodded he looked up at Jim.

"Let's go to my hut please... For a little while before the ceremony and celebration." he said low and maybe even a little begging as all the pent up emotions over the loss of his father and the reality of taking over the lead suddenly rushed over his whole being.

"Sure, love," Jim said after noticing that nod from the elder woman. Then he put a long arm around Corey's shoulders and led him away, following the path to the hut illuminated by some torches and fires here and there. 

Back inside he let his pair go and went to get two mugs and that strong herb liquor for them. Once sitting down next to Corey, he poured for both of them and gave a mug for the new Chief. 

"Well, this is done. How will things be now? And why do you doubt that you can do it? You've known these people since your childhood. You know what your father had to do as a Chief. It's in your blood. But I'd like to hear your thoughts. I'm here to listen, love."

Corey looked up at Jim with a grateful expression for the drink. Drowning his at once, being more used and immune to the strong alcohol.

"I know... But I’m also the high shaman. And now both the spiritual and worldy matters and these people are in my hands. The elders will help, of course, in the decisions regarding the tribe... But I don't know... I guess I will be as rooted to this place by duty as you are to your town, " he sighed and gave his mug to his pair for a refill. Honestly... deep down he wanted to be a shaman, what he was born to do with the connecting wild spirit inside him. And to be more with his foolish white man pair. Solving this problem between the two sides and live happily ever after.... A shaman can dream also... or can’t he..?

"You taught me about balance before, remember? This move... was probably orchestrated by the universe to keep that balance, don't you think? I mean... you just got as rooted as I am in my own town. But I'm sure we'll figure out how to meet up and be together if that's what you're worried about. I don't want to ever leave you, my wild shaman. I belong to you and you to me," Jim said determined as he poured another round for Corey and topped up his own mug before drinking.

"I have a surprise for you tonight, though. I think you'll like it. Or so I hope. After we drink this, we'll have a few more minutes before my initiation to the tribe starts then we can celebrate with the tribe and on our own too. Or we can just rest and grieve. Whatever you want to do, my love. I know it's a difficult situation, but I want to help you. I love you, Corey."

"I don't know... I guess I imagined it... being more simple, you know…" Corey said with another sigh and downed the next mug of the strong liquid too. "You should get that as a tattoo…" he added out of the blue as a side thought. "I mean 'root' as your name and you have roots in here and at your town also… Sorry... thoughts messed up..." he added with flushed cheeks and an apologetic smile as he gave the empty mug back to his pair.

"What surprise do you have? I want to be with you as long as I can... Tomorrow I have to move into the center of the village, into my father's hut... And take his feather head gear and all... You know... a part of me wants that peace he was also fighting for. And a part of me wants to gather the warriors and massacre the mayor and his men... Everything is still so fresh and a mess inside me… And the beast feels it... It wants to concur me and I have to fight it constantly to keep him in…" the shaman said silently as a confession about his constant tiredness.

"That's actually a good tattoo idea," Jim finished his second drink too, feeling his cheeks already burning and a nice buzz starting to form in his mind. Feeling how messed up his love was, he slid closer and put an arm around him so Corey could lean against his side.

"The surprise you'll see. I'm sorry you have to move so quickly, but I'll stay as long as I can to be with you and help you adjust and keep the beast at bay. I understand your thirst for revenge, but violence would bring more violence. Your father knew that too and you do as well. The elders want peace too. And we are the key to that future, Corey. The mess inside you will get sorted out step by step. I'll help with the beast after the ceremony, I promise," Jim said at the end of his soft-voiced monologue and tipped Corey's face up so he could lean down for a proper kiss.

Corey kissed his man back like a man who finally got a sip of water after days in the desert. He needed that support and closeness of his pair more than he dared to admit... The little more time alone for just the two of them sounded more than perfect. And he leaned into the long arms of his man returning the deep hungry kiss they shared.

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