Read Gilbert for Free Online Page B

though, that Jihu would be better off telling his child the truth, when he was old enough for it. Honesty was always best, but he had time to work on that and Jihu obviously needed to heal, likely in more than just the physical sense. “Is that how you got hurt?”
    Jihu cocked his head, reminding Gilbert of a curious kitten watching the movements of a soon-to-be toy. “I was being held prisoner for the next breeding. I refused after the first one, which resulted in my son. His mother was willing even though I was not. Touching her was…difficult. I’d decided they could just kill me before I did it again. But that wasn’t the threat, was it?” he asked, more to himself than to Gilbert.
    Gilbert’s temper raged hot at the knowledge of what Jihu meant. He’d been threatened with the life of his son if he didn’t cooperate. “You got away before then,” he stated, praying to whatever god might exist that it was so.
    Jihu nodded sharply. “Yes. I was one of the results of Chul’s forced breedings, not a member of his chosen family. He didn’t raise me or anything, and I’m not sure how it happened, but somehow I think he found out I was being kept locked up. Chained,” he said as he rubbed his wrists. “There was a fight between him and Chung-Hee, and guards. I’m not certain what started it, but I really suspect it was because Chul discovered I was being held and forced to—but maybe he’d have confronted Chung-Hee over anyone being forced, I don’t know. I shouldn’t assume he did it because he knew I’m his son, and…” Jihu bit his bottom lip and Gilbert’s cock twitched. “And Chul was shot. I don’t know if he is alive. Someone should tell Bae.”
    “Shit.” Gilbert squeezed his eyes shut and sighed. Yeah, Bae really did need to know that.
    “Yes, exactly,” Jihu continued. “I got out, I ran, naked and uncaring. I wanted my son, and I got him. One of Chul’s other sons—I guess another of my half-brothers—Ye-sun, he helped me, I think.”
    Gilbert peeked out of one eye at Jihu. “You think? How do you ’think’ he helped you?” He listened as Jihu explained the rest, from the confusing directions until he figured out the GPS and the fear he was being pursued. He’d been scared to come to Bae’s home, scared and hurting and Gilbert couldn’t stand it. He carefully laid the precious bundle down in the centre of the bed then scooched close to Jihu. “Can I hold you? Nothing more, I promise.”
    Jihu looked up at him, searching Gilbert’s eyes. “You can trust your leopard, can’t you?” he asked Jihu, who only shook his head. “Why not? You know about mates, right? I mean, I just found out not that long ago, but I’m still certain you’re mine and vice versa, Jihu. Jihu…” Gilbert sighed the name like a breathy teenager naming their crush. “I really like your name.”
    “I hate it. I hate it and hate my past and heritage and everything except him!” Jihu gestured to the sleeping child. “I won’t give him a name that has anything to do with it. Nothing. He’ll be Bob or Will or something.” Jihu tipped his head down and went on. “And yes, I’d heard of mates. Hadn’t seen many of them, but I’m seriously beginning to think our leaders don’t want us to find them. I know for sure they don’t if our mate is of another shifter breed. How could they, when their whole focus is to keep spitting out Amur shifters?”
    Gilbert couldn’t very well argue with that. And Jihu, almost contrary to his words, or perhaps the anger rolling off him, moved a little closer to Gilbert. “I haven’t, ever,” he said nervously, eyes still on Gilbert. Gilbert made a reassuring noise and waited.
    “No one’s touched me.” Jihu seemed to search for words, his gaze darting across Gilbert’s face. “No one’s touched me kindly in longer than I can remember.”
    “That is a shame, and makes me want to hold you and never let go.” It made Gilbert want to cry, but he didn’t