I Fought The Law, Part 3
So...there's obviously still more to come. (HA! Pun intended.) I'm not exactly sure how much more, but I have a pretty good idea of where I want to take this, and how I want it to end. Probably just one or two more posts, and it'll be done. It's just a question of how quickly I can write them. Also, this is, like, the smut chapter. So, uh...enjoy? And have some more possessive!Jensen! I'm probably going to submit this for the challenge at topjensen_dean, too, but I'm gonna try to finish the whole thing first, because, you know. That'd be good. Which means I have to finish it by September 30th. Uh. We'll see if that's possible? And ferrealz, tell me if this sucks. Lols, I'm so insecure. XD
Title: I Fought The Law
Fandom: RPS
Characters: Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki
Prompt: 063. Summer.
fanfic100 table: here
Word Count: 22,324
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Language and hardcore smexing, both het and slash.
Summary: Jensen Ackles feels trapped in Richardson, Texas, living according to others' expectations and doing his best to abide by the law. He longs for more excitement in his life, and turns to tracking down outlaws, earning himself a badge and a good reputation. But the men he captures seem more alive than he could ever be, and when the infamous Jared makes himself known in Richardson, Jensen makes a decision that changes his life forever.
Disclaimer: Not only do I not even know them, but this is an AU...clearly not trufax.
Author's Notes: tishawyman wanted a historical AU. Jensen's character is based slightly on Burton Alvord. You gotta love Google. And I kind of love Christian Kane.
Part 1
Part 2
1889 - One Year Later - Austin, Texas
Jared rode hard, thanking God for the strength of his horse, the mare barely noticing the extra weight of the stolen money on her back. He could hear Chad and Christian behind him, keeping the pace, but he kept his eyes focused ahead, unable to help the churning in his stomach. He wasn’t worried for himself, but for Jeff.
Having a bigger gang had its advantages, with the greatest advantage being that they could pull two robberies at once. It had been a year since Jensen and Christian had joined them, and Jensen had already proven himself a leader in that time. Even Chad recognized Jensen as Jared’s second in command. It had begun with simple cattle rustling, introducing Jensen to all the devious ways of an outlaw. Jensen had learned quickly, if it could have even been called learning. He’d seemed to have a natural instinct for life on the other side of the law, and he’d quickly become an unstoppable force in the gang. Their first bank robbery as a gang of five was more quick and efficient than Jared had even thought possible, and he knew that it wasn’t just because of the extra men. It was because of Jensen’s quick thinking and guidance. He’d taken over and lead the gang without even realizing it then, effectively undermining Jared’s authority, though Jared couldn’t help but smile when it happened. He’d shrugged off Jensen’s apologies, insisting that he could use the help, and the gang suddenly belonged to Jared and Jensen.
Splitting up was easier with a clear leader for each group. There was no fight for the crown. There was just Jared’s half and Jensen’s half, and that was it. Nobody questioned or disputed it. And, though Jensen was clearly more than capable, Jared still took on the bigger jobs, Jensen insisting that they were still following his chain of command, even if he had more reign than the others. And so, there he was, fleeing from a bank robbery, realizing the dangers of his mind being elsewhere. But he’d spent most of his life looking after Jeff and keeping him safe. It unnerved him to not have Jeff in his sights. He kept reminding himself that Jeff was with Jensen, that Jensen knew what he was doing, and that he’d never let anything happen to his brother. Still, the separation was difficult, even if Jared knew that things were better that way. He may not have been personally watching over Jeff, but he was still keeping him out of harm’s way, sending him off to do some more cattle rustling with Jensen instead of standing in the thick of Austin, Texas during a bank robbery.
It’s alright, Jared thought to himself. Jensen will keep him safe. He took a deep breath. He’d never trusted anybody else with his brother’s care before now, but if he could trust anybody with it, it was Jensen. And Jeff had seemed to have taken a liking to him, anyway. They’d meet up soon enough, and everything would be fine.
****
“Alright, Jeff. Cut it.”
Jeff looked up at him from his place on the ground before turning towards the pasture fence. Jensen tensed, ready to ride in and drive the unbranded calves out. It no longer surprised him, how well Jeff was able to understand him. It wasn’t that Jeff knew the words he was saying. Jeff just knew him the way that Jared and Christian always had. He could read his body language, knew his facial expressions well enough to detect the slightest change in them. Jensen had already adapted and learned that skill as well, communication between he and Jeff no longer difficult. If anything, their work was easier now, words no longer necessary. They could work as quietly as possible and often got away with more than they’d originally planned.
The fence was cut, and Jensen charged forward through it, not even having to look back to see that Jeff was already mounting his own horse again, ready for escape. Jensen was quiet, his focus unwavering, stirring up the cattle and circling them, his horse snorting with the jerky movements he demanded as he corralled as many calves as he could and drove them towards the opening in the fence. The animals’ lowing was guaranteed to catch someone’s attention, but every other time Jensen had done this, they’d been gone long before anyone had been able to even attempt to stop them. Still, he felt the heavy weight of his gun in the holster on his hip, his senses heightened with the excitement of the chase. His lips turned up in a grin as he rode through the fence, Jeff pulling ahead of him to help drive the calves further and away. They were free.
“HEY!”
Jensen turned his head towards the sound of the voice, catching sight of a man rushing out from the farmhouse just beside the pasture, Jeff riding a bit too close to him for Jensen’s comfort, still trying to keep the calves under control. He saw Jeff stiffen slightly, knew the other man’s fear when he saw it, and he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up through the sweat trickling down it. He turned his attention back to the farmer, hot anger spiking through him at the sight of a gun being drawn and pointed at Jeff.
Jensen reached for his gun, eyes narrowing, blood pounding through his veins, and a growl building in his throat. He aimed and fired before the farmer could even blink, his cry of surprise causing Jensen’s heart to leap in victory as he rode closer to the man who was now on the ground, gun shot straight out of his hand. Jensen pulled back on his horse’s reins, pausing in front of the man, Jeff continuing to ride on with the stolen calves. The man looked up at him in both anger and fear, and Jensen shoved his gun back in its holster, swearing he could feel his eyes darken.
“You better think twice before you go shootin’ at us, son,” he growled, turning and galloping away, his horse’s hooves leaving a trail of dust in their wake.
****
They circled around a bit, rode out of town, sold the unmarked cattle and made it back to the meeting point by nightfall. Jensen couldn’t get the irate farmer out of his head, bristling at the thought of anyone trying to hurt Jeff. The man was as innocent as they came, living this life only for Jared, and Jensen couldn’t help but feel just as protective of him as Jared did. He shook his head. It had been too close. He had no idea what he’d tell Jared if anything happened to his brother.
He jumped down off of his horse when they got to the local brothel, and even after a year, he still couldn’t help but be amused at the fact that these places had become homes for him in the number of towns he’d plundered with Jared and the others. But his amusement was downplayed tonight, overrun with his anger as he continuously played the afternoon’s events over and over in his head. He couldn’t relax, couldn’t help how tense his muscles were as he stood seething by the doorway. He flinched at the feel of a hand on his shoulder, looking up to see Jeff staring back at him with hazel eyes like Jared’s, but less stormy and a bit older. Jeff was still shaken, and Jensen felt an apology on the tip of his tongue, Jeff speaking before he could get the words out.
“Dziekuje.”
Jensen didn’t need a translation for what Jeff had just said. It was one of the words he’d managed to pick up on after spending so much time with him and Jared, and even without that knowledge, Jeff’s widened, grateful eyes spoke his meaning very clearly. Jensen sighed, still tense, and brought his own hand up to pat Jeff on the shoulder, doing his best to voice his response correctly.
“Nie ma za co.”
They turned and entered the building together, Jensen still silently fuming, his body nearly shaking with it. Within seconds, they were surrounded by women offering their services. Jensen felt his blood pounding through his veins again, doing his best to shrug it off. He looked to Jeff, who nodded to him and made his way to the stairs, undoubtedly resting after his close call. Part of Jensen wanted to go with him, keep watching over him, making sure he was okay.
“Let your friend sleep.” Hands came around him from behind, breasts pressing into his back, a feminine voice whispering in his ear. He felt the tension in his body building again, energy threatening to burst, and for a moment, he thought of Jared and the way they’d danced around each other for a year. Delicate fingers trailed down the front of his body and rubbed over his crotch, gently squeezing, and he bucked, already stiff and pulsing with his pent up frustration. “I can help you relax. And I’ll do it for free.”
Jensen was too weak to say no.
****
“Ah, home sweet home!” Christian exclaimed, smirking over at Jared as he got down off of his horse. Jared smiled and shook his head, rolling his eyes as Christian practically ran into the brothel for another night of sin. He scanned the area before dismounting himself, the dark of night making it somewhat difficult to see beyond what little light made it out of the whorehouse. Still, he was able to pick out both Jensen and Jeff’s horses, and he sighed with relief, wondering why he’d ever let his faith in Jensen waver.
“See?” Chad said, grinning as he came over and clapped Jared on the back. “Told you he’d be okay.”
“Yeah,” Jared agreed, nodding. “Yeah, I know he was in good hands.”
“Just like I’m about to be,” Chad said suggestively, hooking an arm around Jared’s shoulders. “Come on. I’m gonna get laid, and you’re gonna find your boy Jensen and finally tell him how pretty you think he is.”
“Fuck off, Chad,” Jared laughed, pushing him away. Chad chuckled but remained silent, and Jared knew that he was more observant than Jared gave him credit for. Hell, they all probably knew. Jared had wanted Jensen from the moment he saw him, and now that they’d spent a year in each other’s company, the tension was palpable. Jared wasn’t sure what had kept him from staking his claim, other than the fact that Jensen was new to him. Jared was still in charge, but Jensen was vying for the lead, and he commanded a respect that even caged Jared’s desires. Jared could easily see himself kneeling before Jensen, and it was odd that that thought made him hard rather than angry. It was odd that Jared would ever want to allow himself to be under someone else’s control. But Jensen was different.
They walked in to find Christian already entwined with two women, his clothes half off. Jared smirked. Seeing such things was common in these places. Shame was unheard of. Something like a shriek was heard from the floor above, and Jared heard Chad chuckle beside him.
“Looks like we got a screamer.”
****
Nails were scraping painfully down Jensen’s back, limbs tightening around him, and he just gripped the delicate body below him and thrust his hips down harder, driving his cock so deep into tight, wet heat. Dark curls bounced on the sweat stained sheets as the woman beneath him writhed and screamed in pleasure, her eyes going wide as he moved again, brutal thrusts punctuated with the sound of his heavy balls meeting the soft skin of her ass. She screamed again, louder, and he watched as she arched, her breasts bouncing with each hard push into her body. He was hot, hard, soaked in sweat, and he could feel a fire building up in the depths of his body, his world spinning out of control. He felt her quake around him, wet folds drawing him in, heard her voice dying out on a pleasured moan, and he shouted through the ringing in his ears, his muscles pulling taut, balls drawing up close as his dick pulsed out his release, heat leaving his body in thick ropes.
He felt her gasp when he collapsed on top of her, his limbs suddenly feeling like rubber. His eyes were already closing in exhaustion before he remembered himself and gently pulled out, her low moan reaching his ears as he rolled and flopped onto his back.
“Sweet Jesus,” she laughed, breathless and tired. “I should pay you for that, sugar.”
“Are you…” he started to ask, knowing he’d been rough but slowly falling prey to sleep.
“Oh, honey,” she said, laughing again and covering them both with a sheet. “I am fine.”
****
Jared watched from the half open doorway, feeling as if he was frozen in time. The world went on around him, Chad and Christian enjoying themselves with the rest of the woman downstairs and Jensen making his whore scream until he emptied himself inside of her, the strength of his body displayed as his muscles bulged, head thrown back in the ecstasy of his release. And Jared stood there, frozen in the middle of it all, suddenly hating the women who moaned and laughed with Jensen in bed. And Jensen. Jensen had chosen the woman before him.
He felt numb suddenly, turning from where he stood in the hallway and heading for the last room there. Instinct told him that he’d find his brother there, and he did, Jeff sleeping peacefully on the soft mattress.
“Hey!” Jared turned back into the hallway at the sound of Christian’s voice, the movement mechanical. Christian was standing at the top of the stairs, tousled and damn near naked with a sly grin on his face. “You should come downstairs, man. You’re missin’ out on all the fun!”
Jared remained silent for a moment, frozen in place again, an odd feeling coming over him. It was part anger and part jealousy; part bitterness and part defiance. He thought about patience and caution, but dismissed those thoughts as he stepped towards Christian, the other man faltering beneath his gaze.
“Thought you preferred men, Christian?” Jared said, his voice flat and dangerous, and Christian’s confused amusement lingered only for a few seconds before his eyes went wide and dark, suddenly understanding Jared’s meaning.
“I sure do.”
****
Jared had never regretted much in his life. Hell, he’d never regretted anything. He almost wasn’t sure what the feeling was when it settled in his gut as he gripped Christian’s hips, the other man bent over the edge of one of the spare beds, Jared forcing moans out of him as he thrust forward. It disappeared in a fog as he fell deeper into the pleasure of the moment, Christian calling out his name and tightening around him. He was dimly aware of Christian stroking himself as he fucked him, and it was only after they were both left panting and sticky that the feeling hit him again.
Still, he didn’t feel the full force of it until he talked to Jeff the next morning. Any anger that he’d felt towards Jensen dissipated when Jeff told him that Jensen had saved his life. The only anger that remained was that aimed at his regret. Why should he feel bad about what he’d done when Jensen had gone and done the exact same thing? Neither of them truly belonged to each other, and he shouldn’t feel guilty if he wasn’t the only guilty party. And yet, when Jensen strode into Jeff’s bedroom to talk to them, Jared found it hard to meet his eyes. But he forced himself to, because the gratitude he felt wasn’t enough to put into words.
“Thank you,” he said, staring into the questioning green of Jensen’s eyes. “Jensen…” Jared moved closer, eye contact slipping with his emotions when he thought about how close he’d come to losing his brother. “I owe you everything.”
“No you don’t,” Jensen said, and Jared cocked his head, brow wrinkled in confusion. Jensen’s eyes shifted away, and Jared detected a slight twitch in Jensen’s expression; a hint of guilt. He didn’t have to guess what it was about, and he couldn’t help the tiny leap his heart made at the assumption, hopeful again. “You took me in, brought me here,” Jensen continued, offering him a small smile and shrugging. “I’m just payin’ you back.”
****
Jensen could feel Jared’s unease and see the guilt in his stance. It made him curious, though he was harboring similar feelings of his own, even if there was no reason for them. Upon joining Jared’s gang, Jensen was no longer confused about his feelings for the man. There was no mistaking his body’s reactions to Jared’s presence. But a year had gone by, and neither one of them had made a move. He supposed it could have been fear or caution that kept them apart. Whatever it was, they were both free to do as they pleased.
And yet, there he stood, thinking of how he’d spent the night before and suddenly feeling the need to apologize to the man standing in front of him. There was no rhyme or reason to it, and he cursed himself for being so stupid. And then Christian strode into the room, grinning slyly at Jared, who quickly averted his eyes.
“Gentlemen,” Christian greeted, tipping his hat. “We got a plan for today?”
“Uh, yeah,” Jared stuttered, clearing his throat and nodding, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah, we’re gonna ride out soon.”
“Yeah?” Christian asked, and Jensen saw a familiar glint in his eye, a nasty feeling brewing in his gut. “Guess you still expect me to sit my ass on a horse today, then?”
“I expect you to do what you’re told,” Jared growled.
Jensen didn’t see Christian leave, barely aware of Jeff silently leaving himself, all too aware of the tension between them. He heard the door shut beneath the pounding of his heart, and the room suddenly felt too small, too hot, his fists clenching with emotions that had yet to fully register in his brain.
“What was that?” he finally managed to ask, his voice low and shaking with barely controlled anger. “What did you do?”
“Jensen…” Jared started, remorse slowly giving way to his own anger, fiery eyes meeting his own, the air thickening between them. “What did I do? I come back to find you fucking one of these whores, and you…” Jared paused seething. “You can’t just expect me to-”
“You and Christian?” Jensen asked, spitting the name out with disgust, shame, and jealousy warring within him. “Jared, how the hell could you-”
“What?” Jared asked, cutting him off. “Fuck another man? Is that your problem, Jensen? You pissed off that I was with a cowboy?”
Jensen felt something in him snap, his tensed muscles suddenly in motion, forcing Jared up against the wall so quickly that even he wasn’t sure how he’d done it. Jared’s eyes were dark, mouth open on gasping breaths, locks of brown hair falling into his face. Jensen swallowed, fighting to catch his breath, to find his voice, suddenly feeling hot all over and achingly hard.
“You don’t do that,” he managed, forcing the words past his lips. “You don’t touch other men. You don’t let them touch you.” He leaned in closer, almost shuddering at the feel of Jared’s breath on his lips, something fierce striking through his body as he gripped Jared’s chin and looked into his eyes, teeth clenching as he spoke again, his tone rough and commanding. “You’re mine. You’re mine, and you always have been.” He pressed his body closer, and Jared jolted, bucking against him, a helpless moan breaking past his lips. Jensen’s heart skipped, suddenly feeling victorious as Jared’s hard dick pressed against his thigh. “Say it,” he whispered, trembling with need. “Say it.”
“Y-Yours,” Jared gasped, bucking against him again. “I’m yours.” Jared let out a long shuddering breath, eyes falling closed. “Oh, God, Jensen.”
Jensen moved before he could finish his next thought, mashing his lips against Jared’s. It was more of a clash than a kiss, but turned into more when Jared opened up for him, and the first touch of their tongues sent a jolt of pleasure down to Jensen’s dick, so hard in the confines of his clothing.
Everything moved in a blur, their clothes seeming to just disappear from their bodies, Jensen’s harsh breaths and bites countered by Jared’s helpless whimpers and moans. Jensen felt drunk, the memory of how they’d made it to the bed and had his wet fingers pressing inside Jared’s ass muddled and foggy. But he’d remember the rest of it. He’d remember staring down at Jared’s long, muscled body, tensing and releasing as he fucked back onto Jensen’s fingers, his thick, flushed cock stretching up over the dark patch of hair and over his stomach, leaving a glistening trail on the skin there. He’d remember how strong Jared looked, and how strong he was, and how all that strength was laid down for him. It made him feel more powerful, more alive than anything ever had, to see sinews of muscle below him; to make such a hard body open up around him as he drove himself inside, and to watch such a strong man submit to him, arch and squeeze his eyes shut with both pleasure and pain.
Jared’s shout reverberated through his ears on that first push, and he shuddered as he moved past the resistance, settling over Jared and dropping his head into Jared’s neck as he fought against the intense pleasure of Jared’s insides so tight around him, the feeling taking him far beyond what he’d felt with the woman the night before. He moved, slow and torturous at first, fearing he’d come too soon. But when he found his pace, his stride, he made Jared take it, and Jared didn’t complain, just thrashed on the sheets and called his name over and over again, sometimes cursing him, and other times praising him.
It was the same when they changed positions, Jensen taking Jared from behind, staring hungrily at the abused red hole before pressing in again, watching himself disappear inside Jared. He looked up at the expanse of Jared’s back, at the strain in Jared’s arms and shoulders where he held himself up, and ran his hands over the bulging muscles on his way up to gripping Jared’s shoulders and thrusting into him. His; it was all his. This man beneath him had submitted to him.
He came with that thought in his mind, spine shocked straight, muscles locked, skin too tight, shouting with the force of his release. He felt his own wet heat coating Jared’s insides and pulled away from it, lifted up and pulled out, watching as a bit of sticky white trailed out along with him. His body suddenly felt lax, as if it had melted. Jared moaned pitifully, and Jensen looked to see him still in position, trembling, tense and hard. He forced himself to move, groaning quietly, and rubbed at Jared’s lower back.
“S’okay,” he muttered, his accent thicker post-orgasm, sleepy and sated. “S’okay, c’mon.” He nudged at Jared, gently turning him over and laying him down. “Take care o’ you,” he slurred, taking Jared’s dick in his hand. Jared whimpered and thrust into his hand, chest heaving, so close. It only took a few strokes, and Jared’s voice was dying out in his throat as his mouth opened wide, white streaking out over his skin and Jensen’s hand. Jensen flopped down beside him, eyes slowly closing, a smile spreading on his face. “Y’really think we’re gonna ride out?”
“Kiddin’?” Jared rasped, turning his head and tucking it into Jensen’s shoulder. “I ain’t gettin’ my ass on no horse.”
****
Jared tried to ignore it, acting like nothing had changed. But there was no ignoring the burn, the ache, and the remnants of Jensen’s orgasm inside of him. The others had to know, and Jared welcomed it, embracing the mental and physical memories of Jensen taking him, breaching him, and making him his own. It somehow felt good to let him do it, and to give himself up, putting control in someone else’s capable hands. He didn’t feel the same pressure he’d been feeling every day since he’d run away from home with Jeff, staying alive and leading this gang of men. Jensen took some of that weight off of his shoulders, and Jared felt relief and something a lot warmer in his chest at that thought. He smiled as they all lounged together that night, well aware of how subdued the others were in Jensen’s presence. There was a pecking order there, and Jared and Jensen were the alpha males, no question. He’d already seen Christian approach Jensen, gaze a little lower than usual, hesitant smile on his face as he nudged him with an elbow and said, “Hey, no hard feelings, right?” Jensen’s nod and smug smile were answer enough. He didn’t care what Christian had done or allowed Jared to do. He’d staked his claim and made his point. That was the end of it.
“Alright, gentlemen!” Jared called out, raising his voice through the grin he couldn’t seem to keep off his face. “Tomorrow,” he said, nodding. “Tomorrow is a whole new beginning.”
Part 4
Title: I Fought The Law
Fandom: RPS
Characters: Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki
Prompt: 063. Summer.
fanfic100 table: here
Word Count: 22,324
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Language and hardcore smexing, both het and slash.
Summary: Jensen Ackles feels trapped in Richardson, Texas, living according to others' expectations and doing his best to abide by the law. He longs for more excitement in his life, and turns to tracking down outlaws, earning himself a badge and a good reputation. But the men he captures seem more alive than he could ever be, and when the infamous Jared makes himself known in Richardson, Jensen makes a decision that changes his life forever.
Disclaimer: Not only do I not even know them, but this is an AU...clearly not trufax.
Author's Notes: tishawyman wanted a historical AU. Jensen's character is based slightly on Burton Alvord. You gotta love Google. And I kind of love Christian Kane.
Part 1
Part 2
1889 - One Year Later - Austin, Texas
Jared rode hard, thanking God for the strength of his horse, the mare barely noticing the extra weight of the stolen money on her back. He could hear Chad and Christian behind him, keeping the pace, but he kept his eyes focused ahead, unable to help the churning in his stomach. He wasn’t worried for himself, but for Jeff.
Having a bigger gang had its advantages, with the greatest advantage being that they could pull two robberies at once. It had been a year since Jensen and Christian had joined them, and Jensen had already proven himself a leader in that time. Even Chad recognized Jensen as Jared’s second in command. It had begun with simple cattle rustling, introducing Jensen to all the devious ways of an outlaw. Jensen had learned quickly, if it could have even been called learning. He’d seemed to have a natural instinct for life on the other side of the law, and he’d quickly become an unstoppable force in the gang. Their first bank robbery as a gang of five was more quick and efficient than Jared had even thought possible, and he knew that it wasn’t just because of the extra men. It was because of Jensen’s quick thinking and guidance. He’d taken over and lead the gang without even realizing it then, effectively undermining Jared’s authority, though Jared couldn’t help but smile when it happened. He’d shrugged off Jensen’s apologies, insisting that he could use the help, and the gang suddenly belonged to Jared and Jensen.
Splitting up was easier with a clear leader for each group. There was no fight for the crown. There was just Jared’s half and Jensen’s half, and that was it. Nobody questioned or disputed it. And, though Jensen was clearly more than capable, Jared still took on the bigger jobs, Jensen insisting that they were still following his chain of command, even if he had more reign than the others. And so, there he was, fleeing from a bank robbery, realizing the dangers of his mind being elsewhere. But he’d spent most of his life looking after Jeff and keeping him safe. It unnerved him to not have Jeff in his sights. He kept reminding himself that Jeff was with Jensen, that Jensen knew what he was doing, and that he’d never let anything happen to his brother. Still, the separation was difficult, even if Jared knew that things were better that way. He may not have been personally watching over Jeff, but he was still keeping him out of harm’s way, sending him off to do some more cattle rustling with Jensen instead of standing in the thick of Austin, Texas during a bank robbery.
It’s alright, Jared thought to himself. Jensen will keep him safe. He took a deep breath. He’d never trusted anybody else with his brother’s care before now, but if he could trust anybody with it, it was Jensen. And Jeff had seemed to have taken a liking to him, anyway. They’d meet up soon enough, and everything would be fine.
****
“Alright, Jeff. Cut it.”
Jeff looked up at him from his place on the ground before turning towards the pasture fence. Jensen tensed, ready to ride in and drive the unbranded calves out. It no longer surprised him, how well Jeff was able to understand him. It wasn’t that Jeff knew the words he was saying. Jeff just knew him the way that Jared and Christian always had. He could read his body language, knew his facial expressions well enough to detect the slightest change in them. Jensen had already adapted and learned that skill as well, communication between he and Jeff no longer difficult. If anything, their work was easier now, words no longer necessary. They could work as quietly as possible and often got away with more than they’d originally planned.
The fence was cut, and Jensen charged forward through it, not even having to look back to see that Jeff was already mounting his own horse again, ready for escape. Jensen was quiet, his focus unwavering, stirring up the cattle and circling them, his horse snorting with the jerky movements he demanded as he corralled as many calves as he could and drove them towards the opening in the fence. The animals’ lowing was guaranteed to catch someone’s attention, but every other time Jensen had done this, they’d been gone long before anyone had been able to even attempt to stop them. Still, he felt the heavy weight of his gun in the holster on his hip, his senses heightened with the excitement of the chase. His lips turned up in a grin as he rode through the fence, Jeff pulling ahead of him to help drive the calves further and away. They were free.
“HEY!”
Jensen turned his head towards the sound of the voice, catching sight of a man rushing out from the farmhouse just beside the pasture, Jeff riding a bit too close to him for Jensen’s comfort, still trying to keep the calves under control. He saw Jeff stiffen slightly, knew the other man’s fear when he saw it, and he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up through the sweat trickling down it. He turned his attention back to the farmer, hot anger spiking through him at the sight of a gun being drawn and pointed at Jeff.
Jensen reached for his gun, eyes narrowing, blood pounding through his veins, and a growl building in his throat. He aimed and fired before the farmer could even blink, his cry of surprise causing Jensen’s heart to leap in victory as he rode closer to the man who was now on the ground, gun shot straight out of his hand. Jensen pulled back on his horse’s reins, pausing in front of the man, Jeff continuing to ride on with the stolen calves. The man looked up at him in both anger and fear, and Jensen shoved his gun back in its holster, swearing he could feel his eyes darken.
“You better think twice before you go shootin’ at us, son,” he growled, turning and galloping away, his horse’s hooves leaving a trail of dust in their wake.
****
They circled around a bit, rode out of town, sold the unmarked cattle and made it back to the meeting point by nightfall. Jensen couldn’t get the irate farmer out of his head, bristling at the thought of anyone trying to hurt Jeff. The man was as innocent as they came, living this life only for Jared, and Jensen couldn’t help but feel just as protective of him as Jared did. He shook his head. It had been too close. He had no idea what he’d tell Jared if anything happened to his brother.
He jumped down off of his horse when they got to the local brothel, and even after a year, he still couldn’t help but be amused at the fact that these places had become homes for him in the number of towns he’d plundered with Jared and the others. But his amusement was downplayed tonight, overrun with his anger as he continuously played the afternoon’s events over and over in his head. He couldn’t relax, couldn’t help how tense his muscles were as he stood seething by the doorway. He flinched at the feel of a hand on his shoulder, looking up to see Jeff staring back at him with hazel eyes like Jared’s, but less stormy and a bit older. Jeff was still shaken, and Jensen felt an apology on the tip of his tongue, Jeff speaking before he could get the words out.
“Dziekuje.”
Jensen didn’t need a translation for what Jeff had just said. It was one of the words he’d managed to pick up on after spending so much time with him and Jared, and even without that knowledge, Jeff’s widened, grateful eyes spoke his meaning very clearly. Jensen sighed, still tense, and brought his own hand up to pat Jeff on the shoulder, doing his best to voice his response correctly.
“Nie ma za co.”
They turned and entered the building together, Jensen still silently fuming, his body nearly shaking with it. Within seconds, they were surrounded by women offering their services. Jensen felt his blood pounding through his veins again, doing his best to shrug it off. He looked to Jeff, who nodded to him and made his way to the stairs, undoubtedly resting after his close call. Part of Jensen wanted to go with him, keep watching over him, making sure he was okay.
“Let your friend sleep.” Hands came around him from behind, breasts pressing into his back, a feminine voice whispering in his ear. He felt the tension in his body building again, energy threatening to burst, and for a moment, he thought of Jared and the way they’d danced around each other for a year. Delicate fingers trailed down the front of his body and rubbed over his crotch, gently squeezing, and he bucked, already stiff and pulsing with his pent up frustration. “I can help you relax. And I’ll do it for free.”
Jensen was too weak to say no.
****
“Ah, home sweet home!” Christian exclaimed, smirking over at Jared as he got down off of his horse. Jared smiled and shook his head, rolling his eyes as Christian practically ran into the brothel for another night of sin. He scanned the area before dismounting himself, the dark of night making it somewhat difficult to see beyond what little light made it out of the whorehouse. Still, he was able to pick out both Jensen and Jeff’s horses, and he sighed with relief, wondering why he’d ever let his faith in Jensen waver.
“See?” Chad said, grinning as he came over and clapped Jared on the back. “Told you he’d be okay.”
“Yeah,” Jared agreed, nodding. “Yeah, I know he was in good hands.”
“Just like I’m about to be,” Chad said suggestively, hooking an arm around Jared’s shoulders. “Come on. I’m gonna get laid, and you’re gonna find your boy Jensen and finally tell him how pretty you think he is.”
“Fuck off, Chad,” Jared laughed, pushing him away. Chad chuckled but remained silent, and Jared knew that he was more observant than Jared gave him credit for. Hell, they all probably knew. Jared had wanted Jensen from the moment he saw him, and now that they’d spent a year in each other’s company, the tension was palpable. Jared wasn’t sure what had kept him from staking his claim, other than the fact that Jensen was new to him. Jared was still in charge, but Jensen was vying for the lead, and he commanded a respect that even caged Jared’s desires. Jared could easily see himself kneeling before Jensen, and it was odd that that thought made him hard rather than angry. It was odd that Jared would ever want to allow himself to be under someone else’s control. But Jensen was different.
They walked in to find Christian already entwined with two women, his clothes half off. Jared smirked. Seeing such things was common in these places. Shame was unheard of. Something like a shriek was heard from the floor above, and Jared heard Chad chuckle beside him.
“Looks like we got a screamer.”
****
Nails were scraping painfully down Jensen’s back, limbs tightening around him, and he just gripped the delicate body below him and thrust his hips down harder, driving his cock so deep into tight, wet heat. Dark curls bounced on the sweat stained sheets as the woman beneath him writhed and screamed in pleasure, her eyes going wide as he moved again, brutal thrusts punctuated with the sound of his heavy balls meeting the soft skin of her ass. She screamed again, louder, and he watched as she arched, her breasts bouncing with each hard push into her body. He was hot, hard, soaked in sweat, and he could feel a fire building up in the depths of his body, his world spinning out of control. He felt her quake around him, wet folds drawing him in, heard her voice dying out on a pleasured moan, and he shouted through the ringing in his ears, his muscles pulling taut, balls drawing up close as his dick pulsed out his release, heat leaving his body in thick ropes.
He felt her gasp when he collapsed on top of her, his limbs suddenly feeling like rubber. His eyes were already closing in exhaustion before he remembered himself and gently pulled out, her low moan reaching his ears as he rolled and flopped onto his back.
“Sweet Jesus,” she laughed, breathless and tired. “I should pay you for that, sugar.”
“Are you…” he started to ask, knowing he’d been rough but slowly falling prey to sleep.
“Oh, honey,” she said, laughing again and covering them both with a sheet. “I am fine.”
****
Jared watched from the half open doorway, feeling as if he was frozen in time. The world went on around him, Chad and Christian enjoying themselves with the rest of the woman downstairs and Jensen making his whore scream until he emptied himself inside of her, the strength of his body displayed as his muscles bulged, head thrown back in the ecstasy of his release. And Jared stood there, frozen in the middle of it all, suddenly hating the women who moaned and laughed with Jensen in bed. And Jensen. Jensen had chosen the woman before him.
He felt numb suddenly, turning from where he stood in the hallway and heading for the last room there. Instinct told him that he’d find his brother there, and he did, Jeff sleeping peacefully on the soft mattress.
“Hey!” Jared turned back into the hallway at the sound of Christian’s voice, the movement mechanical. Christian was standing at the top of the stairs, tousled and damn near naked with a sly grin on his face. “You should come downstairs, man. You’re missin’ out on all the fun!”
Jared remained silent for a moment, frozen in place again, an odd feeling coming over him. It was part anger and part jealousy; part bitterness and part defiance. He thought about patience and caution, but dismissed those thoughts as he stepped towards Christian, the other man faltering beneath his gaze.
“Thought you preferred men, Christian?” Jared said, his voice flat and dangerous, and Christian’s confused amusement lingered only for a few seconds before his eyes went wide and dark, suddenly understanding Jared’s meaning.
“I sure do.”
****
Jared had never regretted much in his life. Hell, he’d never regretted anything. He almost wasn’t sure what the feeling was when it settled in his gut as he gripped Christian’s hips, the other man bent over the edge of one of the spare beds, Jared forcing moans out of him as he thrust forward. It disappeared in a fog as he fell deeper into the pleasure of the moment, Christian calling out his name and tightening around him. He was dimly aware of Christian stroking himself as he fucked him, and it was only after they were both left panting and sticky that the feeling hit him again.
Still, he didn’t feel the full force of it until he talked to Jeff the next morning. Any anger that he’d felt towards Jensen dissipated when Jeff told him that Jensen had saved his life. The only anger that remained was that aimed at his regret. Why should he feel bad about what he’d done when Jensen had gone and done the exact same thing? Neither of them truly belonged to each other, and he shouldn’t feel guilty if he wasn’t the only guilty party. And yet, when Jensen strode into Jeff’s bedroom to talk to them, Jared found it hard to meet his eyes. But he forced himself to, because the gratitude he felt wasn’t enough to put into words.
“Thank you,” he said, staring into the questioning green of Jensen’s eyes. “Jensen…” Jared moved closer, eye contact slipping with his emotions when he thought about how close he’d come to losing his brother. “I owe you everything.”
“No you don’t,” Jensen said, and Jared cocked his head, brow wrinkled in confusion. Jensen’s eyes shifted away, and Jared detected a slight twitch in Jensen’s expression; a hint of guilt. He didn’t have to guess what it was about, and he couldn’t help the tiny leap his heart made at the assumption, hopeful again. “You took me in, brought me here,” Jensen continued, offering him a small smile and shrugging. “I’m just payin’ you back.”
****
Jensen could feel Jared’s unease and see the guilt in his stance. It made him curious, though he was harboring similar feelings of his own, even if there was no reason for them. Upon joining Jared’s gang, Jensen was no longer confused about his feelings for the man. There was no mistaking his body’s reactions to Jared’s presence. But a year had gone by, and neither one of them had made a move. He supposed it could have been fear or caution that kept them apart. Whatever it was, they were both free to do as they pleased.
And yet, there he stood, thinking of how he’d spent the night before and suddenly feeling the need to apologize to the man standing in front of him. There was no rhyme or reason to it, and he cursed himself for being so stupid. And then Christian strode into the room, grinning slyly at Jared, who quickly averted his eyes.
“Gentlemen,” Christian greeted, tipping his hat. “We got a plan for today?”
“Uh, yeah,” Jared stuttered, clearing his throat and nodding, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah, we’re gonna ride out soon.”
“Yeah?” Christian asked, and Jensen saw a familiar glint in his eye, a nasty feeling brewing in his gut. “Guess you still expect me to sit my ass on a horse today, then?”
“I expect you to do what you’re told,” Jared growled.
Jensen didn’t see Christian leave, barely aware of Jeff silently leaving himself, all too aware of the tension between them. He heard the door shut beneath the pounding of his heart, and the room suddenly felt too small, too hot, his fists clenching with emotions that had yet to fully register in his brain.
“What was that?” he finally managed to ask, his voice low and shaking with barely controlled anger. “What did you do?”
“Jensen…” Jared started, remorse slowly giving way to his own anger, fiery eyes meeting his own, the air thickening between them. “What did I do? I come back to find you fucking one of these whores, and you…” Jared paused seething. “You can’t just expect me to-”
“You and Christian?” Jensen asked, spitting the name out with disgust, shame, and jealousy warring within him. “Jared, how the hell could you-”
“What?” Jared asked, cutting him off. “Fuck another man? Is that your problem, Jensen? You pissed off that I was with a cowboy?”
Jensen felt something in him snap, his tensed muscles suddenly in motion, forcing Jared up against the wall so quickly that even he wasn’t sure how he’d done it. Jared’s eyes were dark, mouth open on gasping breaths, locks of brown hair falling into his face. Jensen swallowed, fighting to catch his breath, to find his voice, suddenly feeling hot all over and achingly hard.
“You don’t do that,” he managed, forcing the words past his lips. “You don’t touch other men. You don’t let them touch you.” He leaned in closer, almost shuddering at the feel of Jared’s breath on his lips, something fierce striking through his body as he gripped Jared’s chin and looked into his eyes, teeth clenching as he spoke again, his tone rough and commanding. “You’re mine. You’re mine, and you always have been.” He pressed his body closer, and Jared jolted, bucking against him, a helpless moan breaking past his lips. Jensen’s heart skipped, suddenly feeling victorious as Jared’s hard dick pressed against his thigh. “Say it,” he whispered, trembling with need. “Say it.”
“Y-Yours,” Jared gasped, bucking against him again. “I’m yours.” Jared let out a long shuddering breath, eyes falling closed. “Oh, God, Jensen.”
Jensen moved before he could finish his next thought, mashing his lips against Jared’s. It was more of a clash than a kiss, but turned into more when Jared opened up for him, and the first touch of their tongues sent a jolt of pleasure down to Jensen’s dick, so hard in the confines of his clothing.
Everything moved in a blur, their clothes seeming to just disappear from their bodies, Jensen’s harsh breaths and bites countered by Jared’s helpless whimpers and moans. Jensen felt drunk, the memory of how they’d made it to the bed and had his wet fingers pressing inside Jared’s ass muddled and foggy. But he’d remember the rest of it. He’d remember staring down at Jared’s long, muscled body, tensing and releasing as he fucked back onto Jensen’s fingers, his thick, flushed cock stretching up over the dark patch of hair and over his stomach, leaving a glistening trail on the skin there. He’d remember how strong Jared looked, and how strong he was, and how all that strength was laid down for him. It made him feel more powerful, more alive than anything ever had, to see sinews of muscle below him; to make such a hard body open up around him as he drove himself inside, and to watch such a strong man submit to him, arch and squeeze his eyes shut with both pleasure and pain.
Jared’s shout reverberated through his ears on that first push, and he shuddered as he moved past the resistance, settling over Jared and dropping his head into Jared’s neck as he fought against the intense pleasure of Jared’s insides so tight around him, the feeling taking him far beyond what he’d felt with the woman the night before. He moved, slow and torturous at first, fearing he’d come too soon. But when he found his pace, his stride, he made Jared take it, and Jared didn’t complain, just thrashed on the sheets and called his name over and over again, sometimes cursing him, and other times praising him.
It was the same when they changed positions, Jensen taking Jared from behind, staring hungrily at the abused red hole before pressing in again, watching himself disappear inside Jared. He looked up at the expanse of Jared’s back, at the strain in Jared’s arms and shoulders where he held himself up, and ran his hands over the bulging muscles on his way up to gripping Jared’s shoulders and thrusting into him. His; it was all his. This man beneath him had submitted to him.
He came with that thought in his mind, spine shocked straight, muscles locked, skin too tight, shouting with the force of his release. He felt his own wet heat coating Jared’s insides and pulled away from it, lifted up and pulled out, watching as a bit of sticky white trailed out along with him. His body suddenly felt lax, as if it had melted. Jared moaned pitifully, and Jensen looked to see him still in position, trembling, tense and hard. He forced himself to move, groaning quietly, and rubbed at Jared’s lower back.
“S’okay,” he muttered, his accent thicker post-orgasm, sleepy and sated. “S’okay, c’mon.” He nudged at Jared, gently turning him over and laying him down. “Take care o’ you,” he slurred, taking Jared’s dick in his hand. Jared whimpered and thrust into his hand, chest heaving, so close. It only took a few strokes, and Jared’s voice was dying out in his throat as his mouth opened wide, white streaking out over his skin and Jensen’s hand. Jensen flopped down beside him, eyes slowly closing, a smile spreading on his face. “Y’really think we’re gonna ride out?”
“Kiddin’?” Jared rasped, turning his head and tucking it into Jensen’s shoulder. “I ain’t gettin’ my ass on no horse.”
****
Jared tried to ignore it, acting like nothing had changed. But there was no ignoring the burn, the ache, and the remnants of Jensen’s orgasm inside of him. The others had to know, and Jared welcomed it, embracing the mental and physical memories of Jensen taking him, breaching him, and making him his own. It somehow felt good to let him do it, and to give himself up, putting control in someone else’s capable hands. He didn’t feel the same pressure he’d been feeling every day since he’d run away from home with Jeff, staying alive and leading this gang of men. Jensen took some of that weight off of his shoulders, and Jared felt relief and something a lot warmer in his chest at that thought. He smiled as they all lounged together that night, well aware of how subdued the others were in Jensen’s presence. There was a pecking order there, and Jared and Jensen were the alpha males, no question. He’d already seen Christian approach Jensen, gaze a little lower than usual, hesitant smile on his face as he nudged him with an elbow and said, “Hey, no hard feelings, right?” Jensen’s nod and smug smile were answer enough. He didn’t care what Christian had done or allowed Jared to do. He’d staked his claim and made his point. That was the end of it.
“Alright, gentlemen!” Jared called out, raising his voice through the grin he couldn’t seem to keep off his face. “Tomorrow,” he said, nodding. “Tomorrow is a whole new beginning.”
Part 4