Sherman's Pride [Spirit of Sage 6] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) Read online

  Spirit of Sage 6

  Sherman’s Pride

  Sherman rolls into town with his biker crew, a pride of African lion shifters. Chaz is left confused and lonely as his long-term relationship with David fizzles out when they finally realize they are friends, not mates.

  The instant Chaz meets Sherman, sparks fly, and all he wants is to climb Sherman’s tree…and his mate is more than up for the idea. The pair has a chemistry that shows Chaz he’s not defective but has just been waiting to meet “The One”…and now he’s found him!

  Meanwhile, Sherman has to deal with those who put him behind bars, and Chaz aims to help him confront the tragedies of his past, as well as his own. Sherman’s step-brother, Kaden, tries to make peace, only to start a brawl that threatens to start a war.

  Tensions run high, old feuds linger on…only love, compassion, and understanding can win through. Will Chaz’s love be enough to tame Sherman’s pride?

  Genre: Alternative (M/M, Gay), Contemporary, Paranormal, Shape-shifter, Western/Cowboys

  Length: 47,110 words

  SHERMAN'S PRIDE

  Spirit of Sage 6

  Jools Louise

  

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK

  SHERMAN'S PRIDE

  Copyright © 2017 by Jools Louise

  ISBN: 978-1-64010-327-6

  First Publication: May 2017

  Cover design by Harris Channing

  All art and logo copyright © 2017 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.

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book or print book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at

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  PUBLISHER

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  DEDICATION

  Spirit of Sage is one of my fave series so far and doesn’t seem in danger of finishing anytime soon. I hope you enjoy reading about this little town and the characters I’ve created. Lots more to come. Enjoy. Xx JL xX

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  I’m a forty-something single female whose love of creative writing goes back to childhood. When getting a “proper” job took priority, writing took a back seat. I took the plunge a little while ago to get serious, wrote a manuscript, then sent it off, and the rest is history…several books published now, and I’m writing plenty more. I love writing LGBTQ erotic fiction because it crosses boundaries and explores prejudice, which is what I try to convey.

  I live in the northwest of England, close to the English Lake District, just a few miles from the sea and with beautiful scenery all around.

  I hope you enjoy the stories I’ve written so far. Feel free to look me up on Facebook, Twitter, or my website, www.joolslouise.com, and leave feedback

  For all titles by Jools Louise, please visit

  www.bookstrand.com/jools-louise

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Epilogue

  Landmarks

  Cover

  SHERMAN'S PRIDE

  Spirit of Sage 6

  JOOLS LOUISE

  Copyright © 2017

  Chapter One

  Sherman eyed the delectable young blond intently, planning his next move. Chaz, a mountain lion shifter and the joint owner of AC’s Automotive Engineering and Car Sales, was looking particularly sexy. His hair was tied back in a nape-length ponytail, secured by a leather thong. His blue eyes, almost turquoise in color, were concentrating on a pile of papers in front of him, and his tongue peeped out adorably as he gave his attention to the work he was doing.

  Chaz was shy, and sweet, and sexy as fuck. Sherman had arrived in town two weeks ago with four of his compadres, and had found the man he now knew was his mate. Chaz was about eight inches shorter than Sherman’s six-foot-five. As far as Sherman was concerned, it was the perfect fit, and for days, all Sherman had thought about was Chaz’s comment when they had first met. The smaller blond had told his friend that he wanted to climb Sherman’s tree…and Sherman was here to collect. The garage was shut now, and Chaz was completing some last bits of paperwork before he shut up shop, as well. Sherman had waited, claiming he wanted to finish working on a truck that had been brought in that morning. Really, he was more interested in working on Chaz’s fabulous ass.

  He sauntered into the office and shut the door, smiling seductively as he met Chaz’s stunning gaze. His smile widened, scenting the man’s instant arousal, permeating the air with a heady aroma.

  “Time to climb that tree,” he said, and began to strip.

  He would remember the stunned excitement on his mate’s face for a long time.

  * * * *

  Chaz drooled as he viewed Sherman, prowling into his office, all predatory, confident male. The man oozed power and sex appeal, and had Chaz in a permanent state of awareness that had lasted for the two weeks since Sherman had first roared into town with his pride.

  The four bikers who had accompanied Sherman were all ex-cons and friends of Aston. Aston was now happily mated to Kieran and Kevin, a pair of twins who Chaz roomed with. Sherman, the leader of the biker gang, was an African lion shifter, and he referred to his friends as his pride. Not family by blood, but in every other way they were brothers. The five together were badass as hell, and a lot of fun. They gave John a lot of shit, wound up Cody and Thomas, and had all found jobs in town and at the construction site just outside of town, although Jester was looking at opening up his own business, subject to planning approval. They worked hard, played harder, and didn’t take themselves too seriously. As bikers went, they were amiable and had a great sense of humor—despite having served some fifteen years in prison, alongside Aston, Kevin and Kieran’s mate.

  Chaz’s thoughts splintered as Sherman closed the door behind him. “Time to climb that tree,” the big guy said, and began to strip.

  Chaz actually whimpered, unable to stop watching. The man was sex on a stick and pure alpha. Chaz had been on tenterhooks, wondering when the man would make his move. He’d known for the last two weeks that there was a strong chemistry, a sure sign that they were mates. “I’m a…” Chaz said weakly. “I mean, that I’ve never really…” he trailed off lamely, seeing Sherman’s eyes soften, the caramel hue liquid with tenderness.

  “I know,” his mate replied, smiling. “Shall we go somewhere more comfortable?” He held out his hand.

  Chaz glanced at the paperwork on his desk and tried to focus. He cleared his throat and then nodded, gathering the papers into a neat pile, and then placing t
hem in the tray for unfinished work before getting to his feet. His cock was as hard as steel, and pushed uncomfortably at the front of his pants.

  “Don’t be afraid,” Sherman urged, moving around the desk. He cupped Chaz’s chin, lifting Chaz’s gaze higher. “I would never harm my mate.”

  Chaz read the sincerity there, and practically melted on the spot. He sighed, his breath hitching in his throat, and went up on tiptoes, wanting a taste of the beautiful lips so close to his. Sherman let out a snarl of hunger and reached around, pulling Chaz closer, his hand squeezing Chaz’s ass firmly, kneading the taut flesh.

  Chaz moaned as he was lifted up. He wrapped his legs around the big man’s waist, feeling a thick steel rod pressing against his ass. His lips met Sherman’s and he clutched desperately at his massive shoulders, feeling the play of muscles beneath his fingers. Sherman took his mouth with a finesse that had Chaz nearly coming right then.

  Sherman’s tongue stabbed inside Chaz’s mouth, probing and exploring every inch as though memorizing the taste. Their tongues mated, swirling around avidly, playing like sleek seals, with Chaz writhing on top of Sherman’s thick rod, trying to fuck himself through their layers of clothing.

  Chaz felt movement and was placed gently on the desk, his legs hooked over Sherman’s shoulders as Sherman quickly disposed of Chaz’s pants. Gasping in shocked surprise, Chaz whimpered as he felt Sherman’s tongue probing his crease, licking over and over again along the shadowy crevice that hid an even more shadowy hole. Sherman was thorough, lapping at Chaz’s balls, and making his way along the perineum before investigating the hard, dripping cock that was throbbing with arousal. Chaz’s lungs were almost bursting as he tried to drag in air, panting now, his head thrown back as the intimate cleansing continued. He’d never felt anything so erotic in his life. Ever.

  “Hmmm, tasty,” Sherman growled, delving into Chaz’s slit, and coaxing more pre-cum out. Chaz’s claws bit into the oak desk as he sought for purchase, his senses so overloaded he thought he’d explode with pleasure.

  A second later, he did explode when Sherman engulfed his cock in one swallow, and began sucking with slow, steady pulls, humming with pleasure. Crying out with a shrill thread of sound, Chaz came hard, his hips bucking as his cock offloaded about a gallon of cum straight down Sherman’s throat. The shifter pulled off, licking his lips and gave Chaz a look loaded with naughty intent. Then he shoved Chaz’s legs higher, lifted his butt and dove for Chaz’s crease again. Chaz’s entire focus dropped to what was happening between his legs. Sherman’s whiskery chin abraded Chaz’s sensitive flesh as Chaz’s hole was assaulted by a long, moist tongue which felt just a little bit rough. Sherman probed relentlessly, pressing past the ring of muscles guarding Chaz’s chute, fucking in and out until Chaz felt his cock fill again in record time.

  “Baby, you’re addictive,” Sherman growled, biting each of Chaz’s ass cheeks and then smoothing away the sting with a lick. “And you respond so beautifully. I’m so glad you’re mine.”

  Chaz nodded helplessly, resting on his elbows and staring down at the erotic sight of Sherman’s face diving for his crack again. Chaz’s head fell back as the tongue-lashing began again, and he felt his cougar fangs descend as his balls filled again, his cock went tight, and he exploded for a second time. Cum spattered his abs and left creamy lines over his pale blue shirt and the peacock-blue tie he wore.

  Sherman came back up, and lapped at the residue, before placing his lips on Chaz’s again, kissing him passionately, devouring Chaz’s mouth as though it was the tastiest of feasts.

  Chaz wrapped his arms around Sherman’s neck, and was lifted into his mate’s arms, surrounded by heat and musk and security he’d never known before. The man had recently been released from one of the most notorious prisons in the world, and yet he made Chaz feel safe. The irony was not lost on Chaz. This guy should be as dangerous a man as any of the monsters of the cult, but he was so sweet and sexy, Chaz was falling for him, hard.

  The kiss ended slowly, both men reluctant to pull back, and Chaz cuddled against his big lion, feeling the power of those strong arms cradling him as though he was spun glass. It was a heady moment. He never wanted to leave.

  * * * *

  Sherman inhaled the delicious scent of his mate, memorizing it, savoring it. The younger man was so damned beautiful, and so responsive. Sherman was pure alpha male, going after his mate with a single-minded focus. He was also mesmerized, completely besotted, and knew he was down for the count. With previous lovers, he had often been more focused on the act itself, seeking only physical relief. With Chaz it was different. With Chaz he felt a deep connection that reached his soul, and he wanted to show off his lovemaking skills, to please his mate. He’d been unsure of how Chaz would react, but it seemed that his mate needed that power and strength. He needed to be able to let go, knowing there was someone there to catch him. Sherman was more than up for the job. He hadn’t known that he’d been lonely until he found Chaz, or at least it hadn’t worried him unduly. Now that yearning emptiness inside him, the feeling that something vital was missing, had shattered, replaced by the man who was now in his arms, sated from two shattering orgasms. Sherman smiled and grabbed his mate’s pants, dragging them up the man’s slim legs and zipping him up. He was going to claim his mate tonight. After just one taste, there was no way he would wait any longer.

  Sherman stood impatiently while Chaz locked up, and helped him check that the garage was secure, too. He stood on the sidewalk, looking at the line of vehicles in the For Sale lot. Most were pickup trucks or SUV’s, but there were one or two sedans and even one convertible. A couple of motorcycles completed the line-up. The dealership side of AC’s was small, but they did a steady trade.

  The town was expanding, with more people visiting, mostly shifters, and then choosing to stay. Some had arrived from the other side of the country, curious about the town that had been the epicenter of the shifter bomb that had dropped on the world. They’d lived in the shadows for the longest time, but now were free to be themselves, and nowhere was that more obvious than the town of Sage. Still more were arriving from abroad, places where being a shifter was considered a valuable commodity—Sherman had heard of shifters being bought and sold on the black market, and the trade was growing. The cult that had put the town of Sage on the map was just the tip of the iceberg. In some countries, shifter rights were as non-existent as gay rights.

  “We’re good to go,” Chaz said, holding Sherman’s hand as they started walking through town. It was a little chilly that evening, and Chaz wore a fleece jacket, which Sherman zipped up, making sure his lover was warm. Sherman was finding inside himself a possessive, nurturing side he didn’t know he had.

  They strolled through town, Sherman using all his self-control to contain his ardor. He’d let Chaz find his pleasure, to the detriment of himself. Now he was eager to have his man’s soft lips caressing every part of his body. He fantasized about fucking Chaz’s mouth, with his mate in a classic submissive pose, on his knees and with his hands behind his back. Sherman wanted to drive his mate out of his mind, and introduce some toys along the way. Sherman had a whole load of stuff he wanted to try out on his lover.

  They met a few people on the way to Chaz’s home. Sherman valued the friendliness of Sage. He’d just spent fifteen years in prison with his pride watching his back, literally twenty-four-seven. Sage was a revelation. He knew, from talking to people, that it had been a cesspit of evil, controlled by people exploiting the residents for profit with their bigotry and hatred very much at the forefront of their regime. Many had died here, or died as a result of what had happened here. Sherman was glad that Sage had turned a corner, eliminating those responsible. He wasn’t naïve, though. There were always bigots, and just because shifters were now out in the open, it didn’t mean there wouldn’t be others equally determined to put them back in the shade.

  Two people walked in front of them, and Sherman tilted his head curiously. He didn’t know why
they had caught his attention, but something about them had his protective instincts coming out. They were short, slim, and wore an interesting mix of clothing, mixing flowing floral prints and denim. He sniffed, scenting shifter, but he couldn’t quite place the species.

  “Hey Harley, Max,” Chaz called. The pair ahead turned, smiling at Chaz. They eyed Sherman with wary fascination and a hint of fear in their eyes.

  “Hey Chaz,” one said timidly.

  “Guys, this is my mate, Sherman,” Chaz said, smiling up at Sherman.

  The duo murmured a greeting.

  “I haven’t seen you for a while,” Chaz said. “Are you okay?”

  “Harley hasn’t been well,” came the reply, and Chaz looked at his friend with concern.

  “I can’t talk about this,” the other man, Harley, said, looking distraught, and scurried off across the street, nearly bumping into someone coming the other way. Sherman watched the brief exchange and the startled wonder on one face. Misty, one of Sherman’s biker crew, turned to stare after Harley, and then continued to cross the street.

  “Who was that?” Misty asked, glancing at Max with interest.

  “My brother,” Max said curtly, and stalked off after Harley, his head tilted at a haughty angle.

  Sherman bit back a laugh at the brush off. Misty looked shocked, and then intrigued, his gaze on Max for several seconds before turning back around.

  “Crashed and burned, buddy,” Sherman said, laughing heartily, and got a punch on the arm for the teasing.