Feral Northern Shifters 2

don’t be sorry. Just…talk.”
Bram put his face against Ethan’s neck. “I felt stupid.”
Ethan stroked Bram’s back. “Why? Because you came?”
“No.”
“That was supposed to be a joke, Bram.”
“Okay.”
Ethan sighed, but he didn’t let go of Bram. “Help me out here, okay?”
“I got…” Bram’s voice choked up. “ Shit .”
Ethan slowly forced Bram’s head up so he could look into his eyes. His gaze sheered away as the eyes
filled with tears.
“Shh, shh,” said Ethan, wiping Bram’s cheeks before pulling him back into a hug. “That’s okay.” “I want to be with you.” Bram clung closer.
“I want to be with you too. It’s okay to be overwhelmed. Breathe in. Cry if you want.” Ethan rocked
him for a bit, and he couldn’t help thinking rather wryly that it was going to be a while before they moved
on to anal sex. First Bram needed to feel like oral sex was something he could handle okay. Once Bram settled down, Ethan rolled until they were on their sides, looking at each other. He kept
touching Bram’s face, both because he liked the smooth-shaven feel and because he wanted Bram to look
at him.
“So what did you think would happen when I realized you were crying?” Ethan kissed Bram. “Some people don’t like it.”
From which Ethan could only infer that Doug had never allowed Bram to show much emotion. Ethan
tucked away his anger for later. “You know what, Bram? I think you’d better just stick with me from now
on. Okay?”
He spoke casually, lightly, as if he were suggesting a new diet or something. Bram didn’t look away
though. He stared into Ethan’s eyes, searching for a moment, before he smiled shyly. “I’d like that.” “Good.” As Ethan moved to rise, Bram placed a hand on his bare hip.
“Lie on your back, like you wanted to from the time you came home.” Bram scooted down, nuzzled
Ethan’s belly. “I really did want you, you know.”
“I’m all yours, Bram.”

Chapter Nineteen
    Bram spent the morning on the computer, trying to distract himself from the impending visit, Ethan figured. They’d already made love this morning, but Ethan stood behind Bram and leaned over him for a hug. Bram tilted his head back and they kissed. It started friendly and leisurely but moved to more intense.
    Then Bram broke the kiss, his expression indicating he had something to say. Ethan stepped around to prop himself against the desk’s edge, tilted his head.
“I’ve been doing some research.”
Ethan nodded, trying not to feel defensive, because whatever Bram had researched was probably something he didn’t know much about. He kept his expression neutral though.
“Researching about teaching adults how to read. There’s a lot of information.”
Ethan felt his face heat up, and he abruptly pushed away.
“Ethan.”
He turned on him. “What?”
“It’s just something to look into.” Bram looked so earnest that some of Ethan’s anger receded. He had to remember that he wasn’t actually angry with Bram. He was angry at himself.
“I told you I’d teach you.”
Ethan stared.
“What did I say wrong?” Bram lifted a hand in question. “It’s not uncommon—”
“Stop. Okay.” Ethan pulled in a breath because Bram was obviously struggling to understand Ethan’s reaction. “Nothing you said was wrong.” He attempted a smile and utterly failed.
Bram stood. “I don’t think that’s true.”
Ethan smacked his chest. “I’m wrong. I can’t read, remember?”
“And that’s why I’ll teach you.” Bram eyed him as if he was making no sense.
“I couldn’t learn when I was nine. I’m just as stupid now.”
“You’re not stupid.”
“Oh yeah?” Ethan was getting seriously pissed. “How do you know that?”
“I know,” he said in a low voice, as if it were something on which he would not give way.
“Point to one bright thing I’ve done, huh? Besides get caught by wolves. Twice. That was pretty stupid.” Jesus, why did he have to get so upset, with Liam arriving and Bram too fragile for this kind of fight just because of Ethan’s ego. Yet Ethan couldn’t set his pride aside.
Bram’s expression had turned mulish. “You’re not stupid. Don’t say that.”
“You can’t name me one thing clever I’ve done, Bram! One. Thing.”
Bram set his hands on his hips and looked down.
“See,” Ethan said, more bitterly.
“No.” Bram was glaring. His face had heated up, like Ethan’s. They were a matched set, again. “You made me comfortable with