Thor

Chapter 1-2

Thor couldn’t slow his pounding heart. After nearly a decade, Zach dared to return. A mixture of excitement tempered with outrage and a hint of trepidation rushed through him. It had been that way since a disturbance in the force, so to speak, alerted him to Zach’s arrival. He dropped what he’d been doing, took flight from his cave, and made a beeline here. Ignoring the potent summons wasn’t an option. Following Zach’s unique signature hadn’t been difficult in the least. Not when his whole body locked in on the scent and magical trail like a bloodhound in hot pursuit of its quarry.

Now he stood still, taking in the sight of a man he’d never thought to see again. The one who’d caused so much chaos in their short time together.

Zach turned and met Thor’s gaze. The mix-matched eyes, one blue and one green, captured Thor’s focus with their uniqueness and brilliant, bright colors. He dwelled there for a moment longer before dropping his focus to take in the rest of the man he’d alternately longed for and cursed over the years. His form appeared unchanged. Big. Strong. Muscular. His carriage spoke of boldness and much self-assurance, bordering on arrogance. His face, complete with the square chin, would draw a classical sculpture or painter’s interest in the blink of an eye. It was the rest of his body that would make the same artists sigh in admiration of such a perfect specimen to model for their work. Black hair, trimmed short, contrasted with his amazing eyes, making them stand out all the more.

It was as if the gods themselves designed Zach for awe-inspiring beauty and flawlessness. To get technical, they really had, considering who and what Zach was.

They’d hit the bullseye on it, too. Thor’s long dormant libido sat up and took notice of the man, his sweet scent, and the sureness exuding from him. Zach was nothing if not confident.

And that rubbed Thor like a harsh Brillo pad over an open wound.

Zach hooked a finger in his front pocket of his leather pants and grinned mischievously. Thor had seen that particular expression way too often and every time it cranked up his desire another notch. Sexy didn’t begin to describe Zach when he ventured into play mode.

“Thor.” Zach raked him with his gaze. He never missed anything and wouldn’t again today.

Thor maintained his shifted form, a winged lion. He always kept his human form hidden from the curious eyes of the residents. This time, he left his wings purposely folded, limiting Zach’s appraisal. The less of his body visible, even in his winged lion form, the better. He didn’t need any lectures or reasons for Zach to hang around. “I repeat. What are you doing here?”

Zach rested his free hand on his hip, bringing attention to those form fitting black leathers and the matching jacket with the first few snaps open to show off a bit of gorgeous upper chest, devoid of hair, from his V-neck blue shirt.

Knowing what lay beneath those molded clothes, Thor struggled to keep his attention off his suddenly rampant arousal and onto the situation at hand. No one else had that same effect on him and Thor hated that it was Zach, of all people, that did so. The past was well enough left alone, which brought up the big issue—namely, the fact that Zach had simply dropped in on the Bluebird Valley Preserve like he owned the place. That wasn’t a complete shock. Zach carried an air about him, a way of moving and standing which made everyone believe he did, indeed, own the world. What made Thor want to scratch his head was why, after ten years away, Zach had returned.

Why now?

He knows, his inner beast pointed out.

How could he?

He just does.

Well, hell. Thor sighed inwardly, carefully keeping his expression serious and blank. Just when he thought things couldn’t get much worse, Zach stood right there, challenging him with that saucy grin and casual stance. He dared not dwell on those clothes, either.

“Oh, I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by.” The lie rolled off Zach’s tongue with ease.

Thor snorted. The guy could be an exceptional con man if he chose to do so. He blamed Zach’s creators for his wittiness and ways of skirting the truth.

“You’re looking…tawny.” Zach’s eyes twinkled as his gaze took in Thor once more.

“Who are you hiding from this time?” Nate asked.

Zach spared him a glance. “No one. Don’t you know? Everyone adores me.” The confidence in his statement carried through. Not that Thor didn’t believe him. Zach had a way of making friends and staying on everyone’s good side. Although his arrogance could stand to be taken down a few notches. He’d worry except for one thing—Zach stood firmly on the side of good. There wasn’t a mean bone in his body. His senses told him so as much as his previous experience with the man. Because of that, Thor couldn’t turn his back on him. No matter the cost.

“Uh, huh.” Nate didn’t argue further.

Thor sighed. Zach provided a complication he didn’t want or need. Yet, he couldn’t send him away. Even if he did, Zach would ignore the command and make himself right at home—just like always. A force onto himself, Zach pretty much did as he chose and no one could really stop or sway him otherwise. Normally, that would irk Thor. When it came to Zach, though, it was just another quirk that made up the whole package—and a nice package that happened to be.

“Cocky as ever.” Thor would have grinned if not for the ramifications of Zach’s presence.

Zach smiled. “Yep.”

“Any chance you’re moving right on along?”

“Nope.”

Thor signed in resignation. Zach was there for a reason. Nothing short of Armageddon would make the guy leave and probably not even then. “Your old cabin is empty. I presume you remember how to get there.” Without another word, he unfolded his wings, gathered his strength, and took flight. Pain rushed through his body as he forced his fatigued muscles into the powerful motions. He ignored it and everything else, including a final look at the bane of his life.

Because if he glanced back, he might be tempted—way too tempted. That simply couldn’t happen. For both their sakes.