As soon as Cash stepped out of his truck, he could smell something burning and hear the smoke alarm going off inside his house as well as… music. Loud, upbeat music that thundered against his eardrums.

​

What the hell?

 

He’d almost followed when he’d seen Ore leaving with Robbie at the lake, but Saint had met his eyes and shaken his head, swimming to shore and shifting back into his human form. Cash had decided to trust that his friend would keep an eye on the mischievous human and his little bird and continued to play with the cubs. An hour passed and then Saint returned, letting him know that the two had simply gone to the grocery store and then returned to Cash’s place.

 

He'd assumed—incorrectly apparently—that the two would be safe there and hadn’t asked Saint to go back and watch over them until Cash returned.

 

He’d failed to take into account who he was dealing with.

 

Hustling into the house, he grimaced at the volume of the music and jogged into the kitchen. Smoke was seeping out of the oven and beginning to fill the room with a gray haze. He punched the Start/Stop button to turn it off, then grabbed an oven mitt and held his breath as he opened the door. Dark smoke billowed out, stinging his eyes and clouding his vision.

 

Coughing, he waved his hands until the air had cleared enough for him to grab the pan with twelve hunks of charcoal on it and dump the entire mess into the sink next to him. He slammed the oven shut and turned on the cold water, grateful that whatever they’d been trying to bake hadn’t caught on fire but not taking any chances.

 

His eyes were watering as he moved around the downstairs, removing the smoke detector’s battery and opening all the windows and doors. Reaching the living room, he shut off the entertainment system, blanketing the house in blessed silence.

 

For a second.

 

“Oh shit,” Robbie said with a laugh. “Did we break it?”

 

“I don’t know how we could have!” Ore giggled, and Cash heard feet hit the ground and start moving toward the stairs. “Wait… Do you smell that?”

 

He waited at the bottom of the stairs, arms crossed over his chest, as the two came into view, frowning at each other. They were both hobbling awkwardly on their heels, toes lifted in the air and separated by those pink foam things they use at nail salons. The pungent scent of nail polish was fighting with the burnt baked goods now that some of the smoke was getting sucked outside.

 

“The cookies!” they screamed at the same time, turning for the stairs and freezing when they saw him scowling up at them.

 

“Unsalvageable,” he said evenly. “You two are lucky you didn’t burn the place down with yourselves inside.”

 

"Uh-oh, I know that tone," Robbie said to Ore out of the corner of his mouth and took a step back. "I think I should just leave you two alone to sort this out."

 

That boy was such a menace.

 

He disappeared from sight for a minute, reappearing a moment later with flipflops in hand. Ore hadn't moved, his gaze locked on Cash. With the overpowering pungent scents filling the house, Cash couldn’t get a good read on him, but he seemed unsure and a bit wary. Which was for the best. Cash wasn’t pleased with how dangerous things could have become while he was on the other side of the pack’s territory playing with the cubs.

 

Robbie paused next to Ore and clasped him on the shoulder, smiling warmly. "Even without the cookies, this was fun. I'll call you."

 

Ore gave the tiniest nod before tucking his chin down, cheeks a soft pink.

 

Thundering down the stairs like a graceless cub, Robbie stopped a couple of steps up so he was directly into Cash’s face. "Don't you be too hard on him. It was an accident."

 

Rolling his eyes, Cash stepped to the side and jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "Get out, Robbie."

 

Huffing, his Alpha's nephew hurried out of the house, calling one last goodbye before disappearing. The silence between him and Ore felt heavy in a way it never had before. His panther didn’t like that he was upset, but he refused to just play it off as a simple mistake. There could have been dire consequences if he hadn’t come home when he did.

 

"Come here, Ore," he said clearly, crossing his arms over his chest once more. They needed to have a serious conversation, and they couldn’t do it while his little bird hovered in the loft.

 

He didn't even care that much that his whole house smelled like smoke and was giving him a headache. It was the fact that the two had been completely unaware and could have gotten seriously injured. His panther prowled inside him, agitated. The desire to check Ore over and scent him nearly overwhelming.

 

Ore bent down and removed the foam spreaders from his toes, trotting into the bathroom and coming back a second later. He hurried down the steps, barely making a sound he was so light on his feet. He stopped on the same step that Robbie had so they were face to face, fingers twisting together in front of him.

 

"I'm sorry, Cash," he said quietly, eyes glistening. "I'm so sorry. Did we ruin the oven?"

 

Cash sighed and shook his head. "No, the oven is fine."

 

"That's good," Ore murmured.

 

"It's better than the alternative," Cash said. "The two of you could have burned the house down.”

 

“I probably would've noticed before then," Ore said with a small smile, like he was hoping he could charm his way out of being in trouble.

 

Cash raised a brow at him, unimpressed. "Considering the state of those things, I'm surprised you couldn't smell them before I came home."

 

Ore's hands fluttered in front of him, agitated. "All I could smell was nail polish," he said quickly. "I really am sorry. We didn't mean to do it."

 

Sighing, Cash took a step up so they were closer, their bodies nearly touching, and cupped the side of his face. "I know you didn't. That's not why I'm upset."

 

Ore's glassy eyes met his, the tiniest pout on his lips. "But you are upset with me."

 

"I'm upset that you could have been hurt. I'm upset that the two of you were so oblivious and distracted that you could have caused real harm to the house or to yourselves."

 

"I get that, really.” Ore grabbed the front of his T-shirt, clasping it lightly in both hands and edging closer on the balls of his feet. His knuckles brushed against Cash’s stomach, heating his insides. “I know it seems like the two of us are always getting into trouble—"

 

"The two of you are trouble."

 

"Are you mad at me?" Ore said softly, nibbling on his bottom lip.

 

"I'm not mad—"

 

Ore peeked up at him through his lashes. "Because if you are, I'm happy to make it up to you."

 

Cash had to press his lips together to keep from smiling. "You can't just always offer to suck my dick, little bit."

 

That got him a real pout, lower lip fully stuck out. "Says who?"

 

"Ore." He said his name firmly, letting him know he was serious and that he wouldn't be coaxed out of being upset with some flirtations or an apology blowjob. Though the sight of that plump lip was making his dick question what he was thinking.

 

Ore ducked his head, properly abashed at his gentle reprimand, then he gave Cash's T-shirt a tug and glanced up at him. "I have a better idea."

 

"You don't need to be brainstorming ideas. I'll get over being upset."

 

"No, no. I've got it.” Ore shook his head, lips pursed. “You should punish me."

 

Cash's cock jerked in his sweats, and the hand he still had cupped on Ore's face tightened reflexively. "Fucking hell," he muttered. "You can't just say shit like that."

 

Eyes twinkling, Ore smiled sweetly. "I think I can. I think I can say anything to you and you'll listen and you'll take it seriously."

 

Emotions swelled in his throat. As dangerous as his and Robbie's reckless behavior was, that was one hundred percent true. No matter how annoyed he was, he'd always listen and give Ore anything he needed.

 

"What did you have in mind?" he asked lowly, his panther more than eager for the turn the conversation was taking.

 

"I think something traditional," Ore said, sweetness melting into a smirk. "Like a spanking."

 

Cash swallowed roughly, a soft purr filling his chest. Ore's smile widened, and he gently caressed over Cash's heart, like he was pleased with the sound and wanted to reward him for it.

 

"I don't want to actually hurt you," Cash said, even as he grabbed Ore by the hips and bodily moved him out of the way. As he moved past him, he clasped onto one of his hands and tugged him up the stairs.

 

"I don't want you to actually hurt me either. Well… not too bad," Ore said with a light laugh. "You know, just enough so I remember to behave myself."

 

Cash groaned at the soft teasing. His little bird was going to be the death of him.

 

He grabbed his T-shirt between his shoulder blades, peeling it off one-handed and tossing it haphazardly toward the hamper. He left on the sweats he’d pulled on after dragging himself out of the lake and sat on the edge of the bed, hands planted behind him on the mattress.

 

Running his teeth over his lower lip, Ore moved closer to him, tugging at the bottom of his shirt and scuffing his foot on the floor. Playing at being shy, pretending he was nervous. His scent though… that couldn’t lie. His floral notes of arousal were quickly overpowering what remained of the nail polish and burnt cookie smells.

 

But if that was how his little bird wanted to play, he would give him what he wanted.

 

"Don't be scared," he coaxed, giving his hardness a light stroke through his pants. Ore’s sharp eyes watched him, licking his lips. "This is for your own good. Once we're done, we'll both feel much better."

 

Ore shivered, his scent spiking, but he only gave a tentative nod. "I understand.”

 

“But you're going to have to get naked for your punishment," Cash ordered, his voice getting lower, "so I can make sure your little bottom gets nice and red."

 

Whimpering softly, Ore nodded again and slowly peeled his shirt over his head, holding it against his chest for a minute, hiding his nakedness.

 

“Keep going, little bit.”

 

“Yes, Cash.”

 

Once he stepped out of his pants and underwear, he shuffled over until he was right in front of Cash. His olive skin so smooth and perfect, he couldn’t wait to leave a few marks on it, no matter how temporary.

 

His claws lengthened and retracted where his hands lay on his thighs as he stared at his bird's tiny erection, fully hard and weeping precum. "Someone appears to be enjoying their punishment too much."

 

Ore bit his lip and reached for his dick, but Cash was faster, snagging his wrist in a firm hold.

 

"No. Only good little birds get to touch themselves and feel good, and you've been very naughty."

 

"Oh goddess," Ore moaned, tipping his head back for a moment, jaw clenched. "This was the best and worst idea I've ever had."

 

Cash grinned since Ore wasn't looking and then gave him a quick tug, making him fall into Cash's body. He easily shifting him around until he had him laid across his wide thighs.

 

Ore shuddered, wriggling against his legs and gripping at the soft comforter on their bed.

 

"Hold still, little bit,” he ordered, planting one forearm across Ore's slender back to keep him in place. He settled his other hand just above one of Ore's knees and then he started sliding it upward until he was just below his cute little ass. Rubbing his thumb on the sensitive skin where Ore's thigh met his cheek, he was gratified when goose bumps sprang up down the back of both legs. "How many do you think you deserve for being so careless and putting yourself in danger?"

 

He heard Ore swallow and then softly said, "However many you think."

 

Cash hummed, appreciating that answer. He smoothed his big palm up over both of his cheeks, rubbing at the skin to bring the nerves to attention. "How about I just spank you until I think you're really sorry?"

 

Ore nodded into the bedding, gripping at it more tightly and lifting his ass just a little.

 

Cash didn't tease him anymore. He brought his hand down, first on one cheek and then the other. Not hard, just enough to make a nice slapping sound that seemed to fill up the entire space around them.

 

Ore stiffened for just a second before his body melted like chocolate left out in the sun across Cash’s lap. Fuck, he was so responsive and perfect.

 

Careful to never use too much force, Cash happily slapped and played. He combined quick caresses, sharp pinches, and strokes over his hole with the slaps, mixing them up and keeping Ore on his toes, never letting him guess what he’d do next. Each spank made his tiny ass jiggle every single time.

 

It was a mesmerizing sight, and one he could definitely get used to.

 

His little bird’s olive skin turned the prettiest shade of rose pink and continued to get more red as Cash laid down a few more quick spanks and then he rubbed at the warmth. Ore was little more than a moaning mess, his whole body moving with Cash's soft strokes, simultaneously wanting more and trying to get away from the pain.

 

"Are you sorry, little bit? Sorry that you put yourself in danger and made me worry so much?"

​

"Yes, I'm so sorry," he cried, pushing up into Cash's hand. "Please. I'm so sorry."

 

"I know you are."

 

He lifted his hand to his mouth and sucked his middle finger inside, using his tongue to coat it with spit. Using his other hand, he pushed one of Ore's cheeks aside and then started pushing his finger inside his eagerly flexing hole, not as gently as he maybe would've been under different circumstances, but not too rough either. Just enough to keep Ore riding on the edge of pain.

 

His little bird cried out, tightening around him and then pushing up against his hand, silently begging for more, and then not so silently begging when Cash started fingering him earnestly, finding his swollen prostate and giving it a quick rub with every other thrust of his finger.

 

"Yes, yes, yes," Ore started chanting. “Don’t stop! Please don’t stop!”

 

He was humping against Cash's legs, but he didn't try and stop him. Instead, he fucked his greedy little hole faster, shoving in harder until it pushed him right over the edge. Ore stiffened across his lap, wet heat soaking his sweats. Moaning loudly enough Cash was grateful they didn’t have any nearby neighbors, Ore clamped down, holding him in place until the aftershocks finally began to ease.

 

He didn't even twitch as Cash manhandled him up onto the bed, only turning his face to the side and tucking his hands up under the pillows.

 

Cash pushed his sweats down to his thighs and held Ore's cheeks open. He leaned closer and spit twice into the channel between them, and then slid his cock through the wetness, slicking himself up with it before pushing Ore's cheeks together around him and thrusting.

 

Ore moaned beneath him, eyes shut and mouth parted.

 

"I need to scent you again," Cash said, his voice guttural and his fangs starting to descend.

 

"Do it," Ore slurred. "Anything you want."

 

Cash groaned and pretended he didn't know what that meant. Instead of forcing his giant cock into his little bird’s tiny hole and taking everything he was offering, he used the warm, slick tunnel the perfect globes of his ass had created for him. Shuttling his cock back and forth, grunting each time his tip caught on Ore’s loosened hole. Teeth clenched, he watched his dark red head pop out of the top over and over.

 

He was so worked up it didn't take him long before the base of his spine tightened, and his balls drew up tight to his body. Just before he came, he leaned back and gripped his shaft, stroking himself fast and rough and pointing right at Ore's puffy hole. Even if he couldn't get all of him inside of Ore, he wanted to leave a little bit of himself behind.

 

His come splattered against the furled skin, and Ore moaned again, arching his back and spreading his legs as much as he could with Cash straddling them. Groaning, Cash worked out every last drop and then used his fingers to press as much as he could inside Ore's pliant body. He rubbed the rest into Ore’s flushed cheeks, though the color was already beginning to fade.

 

Once he and his panther were satisfied, he kissed his way up Ore's spine and nuzzled at the side of his face. He smelled like lake water, nail polish, and Cash. He settled down next to him, tugging Ore into his body.

 

"Are you still upset?" Ore said sleepily, not even bothering to open his eyes.

 

"No, little bit. I'm not upset anymore."

 

"Success."