by Fel Fern
As if knowing what he was thinking about, Noel reached for his fingers and laced their hands together. Noel gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before grabbing the fork from Ariel and taking a bite of the doggy-shaped pancake.
“How is it?” Ariel asked.
“Passable.”
Ariel glared at him. “Why can’t I come with you two? Daddy Kian says there are wolf pups my age there.”
“Your brother isn’t going,” Noel pointed out.
“Aaron doesn’t want to make friends. I do.”
“She’ll be at the safest place on earth,” Kian told her.
“This isn’t a family vacation,” Noel mumbled.
“Please, Daddy?”
Oh no. Kian knew it was coming. There it was. Ariel tilted her head to one side and shot Noel a pleading look. Her puppy eyes were able to melt even the hardest of hearts.
“Are you sure you’re a lioness, little one, or are you a wolf?” Noel muttered.
“That’s his way of saying yes,” Kian told her.
“Yay.” She snatched a piece of bacon before jumping out of bed.
“Is that why you made us breakfast?” Kian asked suspiciously.
“And you promised we can play catch in the woods, Daddy,” she reminded him. She disappeared out the door, shutting it behind her.
“You sucker,” Noel told him, but there was a fondness in his voice. “She’s your weakness.”
“It’s the same for you.” Kian rubbed at Noel’s scarred knuckles. “Baby, I still haven’t gotten over the fact I failed her. Waking up in that bed alone, wondering where she was, I never want to go through something like that ever again. But caging her and being overprotective won’t help her in the long run, either.”
Noel took his lips, his kiss tender and slow. When he withdrew, he pulled their foreheads together. “You didn’t fail her. Every one of us underestimated the enemy and was caught off guard. Leave the past behind. We have a future to look forward to.”
Kian nodded. “I know. I’ll make up it to Ariel. Will we make good parents?”
Noel looked thoughtful. “When we first rescued the cubs, we decided keeping them with us is better. When they’re a little older, we’ll give them the option of joining a lion shifter pride if they want.”
“Ariel’s more wolf than lion anyway,” Kian pointed out. “She won’t leave.”
“Those pancakes aren’t enough for me,” Noel grumbled.
“Melody might have more,” Kian said. “What’s the plan for today?”
“We’re driving up to town today. Last minute preparations before we leave tomorrow. We have a cub with us, after all.”
Kian grinned. “They’ll welcome her in. She’s so cute, she can melt anyone’s heart.”
Noel shook his head. “She’s going to end up spoiled because of you.”
“You spoil her, too.”
He recognized that knowing look in Noel’s eyes by now. “Let’s conserve water and shower together?” he asked.
Noel laughed. “Baby, you just read my mind.”
* * * *
“Those were a lot of dresses,” Noel remarked to Kian.
Melody and Ryan had taken an excited Ariel back to the cabin while they lingered in town. Noel knew Kian was still puzzled by why they hadn’t gone back with everyone else. Ryan would hold down the fort while Noel intended to spend a little alone time with Kian. The cabin was always crowded, so this was one opportunity he wasn’t letting go.
“They weren’t. I wanted to get her those cute denim shorts,” Kian mumbled. His mate glanced out the car window. “Wait, this isn’t the way back to the cabin.”
“We’re not heading to the cabin.”
“Are we having dinner?” Kian asked, sounded excited.
“Something like that.” Noel directed the car to the section of the town that held the old cinema and two blocks of restaurants and bars.
“You’re being very vague, Alpha.”
“You’re impatient, like our cub.”
“She rubs off on you.”
Noel finally reached their destination, a charming Italian restaurant. He wasn’t worried about the crowd. Noel had a reservation booked.
“I’m not dressed for this place.”
Noel gave his mate a once-over. “Baby, you always look fine to me.”
He placed emphasis on fine, which made Kian blush.
“How can you make fine sound so dirty?”
“That’s just one of my many skills, baby. Get that cute ass out of the car. I have an entire evening planned.”
They got out and after Noel told the host his name and that they had a reservation, they were quickly herded to a nice table for two facing the window.
“Wait, can we be on an actual date?” Kian asked as they sat down.
“Why do you sound so surprised?”
“Despite everything, you found time to do this.”
Noel felt slightly guilty for the indulgence. However, right now, he couldn’t do anything about his situation with Allie. Sergio had a lead. The Alpha was reluctant to share the information over the phone, which was why they were on their way to Darkfall. Noel didn’t understand Sergio’s reluctance, though. Were the humans monitoring their phone calls?
Noel would have thought it impossible before. After their brush with the kidnappers, he was no longer certain anymore. The men they’d gone up against had only been hired mercenaries jacked up on the enhancing drug. Kian had mentioned the trained hunters from the Order of the Knife were a lot harder to kill.
“Hey,” Kian said softly, reaching for his hand across the table. “What are you thinking about, baby?”
“My sister.”
“She’ll understand. From what you’ve told me, she’s a kind person. She would have considered the safety of the cubs a priority. Besides, approaching something like this recklessly won’t help us.”
Noel understood the wisdom in Kian’s words. Sergio had the name of a new experimental facility where they suspected Allie and a couple of others were being kept. The other Alpha was also willing to offer help, help Noel wouldn’t refuse. Ryan had argued fiercely with him over that decision. His brother still considered Allie's disappearance a pack matter and that the Darkfall Pack should keep out of it.
Yet, Sergio’s words sent a chill down his spine. The Darkfall Pack estimated this new facility had a hundred captives. Some of those prisoners were women and children and didn’t come from a predatory animal group. Rescuing Allie and leaving the others wasn’t an option. It was time to think beyond their own personal problems.
“I’m thinking about what Sergio mentioned,” Noel told his mate.
He didn’t keep anything from Kian. They trusted each other implicitly, and Noel knew his mate would give his life for him and any one of his pack members. When Kian went after the cubs’ kidnappers without hesitation and nearly sacrificed himself, he won the respect of Noel’s pack.
“It’s awful,” Kian muttered, staring at his menu, but he wasn’t really looking at it.
“We need breathers here and there. Otherwise, we’ll choke,” Noel finished. “From what the other Alpha told me, Darkfall is about to commence a large-scale operation. It’s taking a little longer because Sergio’s communicating with the Alphas and leaders of the groups the victims came from.
“I understand. For years, each group has been living on their own. Working with each other takes time.”
Noel nodded. “Enough talk about what’s to come. Tonight, I want to focus on us. With everything going on, I don’t want my mate to feel neglected.”
Kian laughed. “Oh, believe me, Alpha. I don’t feel neglected with the way we’ve been,” he lowered his voice, “you know, sating our hunger.”
“Fucking,” Noel said bluntly.
Kian’s cheeks turned red. “Making love.”
“Sure, baby. Whatever you want to call it.”
Kian glowered at him.
“You look fucking adorable when you glare at
me like that. It turns me on.” Noel kept his voice low so only his mate could hear him. Like hell, Noel wasn’t embarrassed one bit.
Kian pretended to be interested in his menu. “Oh my God. Look at the prices. Noel, are you sure this is okay?”
“You think I can’t treat my mate to a good date and fuck occasionally?” Noel pretended to look hurt.
Kian quickly shook his head. “That’s not what I mean. Thank you, for tonight.”
Noel chuckled. “Silly pet, tonight’s just beginning.”
Chapter Nine
Kian couldn’t remember the last time he’d had such a good time. This year alone, he felt like he’d walked into hell and never knew how to come back out. What would it be like, to be able to go back to a normal life again?
He could imagine waking up earlier than anyone in the house to prepare a gorgeous breakfast spread. Kian imagined himself driving Ariel to school on his way to work. He’d be back home before anyone else, ready to welcome his mate and daughter. When it was time for lights-out, they would lock the bedroom door and—
Kian couldn’t continue that train of thought. Guilt rammed into him. How could he be thinking that far, when there was a war brewing on the horizon?
“Penny for your thoughts, baby?” Noel asked.
His Alpha was at the wheel. Kian told him, despite knowing his cheeks were a little pink. Noel remained silent for a couple of moments. Kian was beginning to think he’d said the wrong words.
“It sounds like a future worth fighting for,” Noel said. “A future where cubs like Ariel don’t need to worry about being taken away, where brothers don’t need to worry about their sisters, where shifter parents don’t need to remain in fear all the time.”
“Yes.” Kian leaned his head against the glass, wondering if that day would ever come.
“We’re going to make it a reality,” Noel said.
The confidence in his voice made Kian smile. By now, he knew when Noel said something, he would see it through.
The car slowed. They’d reached their destination—the Cherry Blossom Inn. Kian had always wanted to stay here, but the rooms were always booked and the price tag per night made him wince.
“Baby,” he breathed. He couldn’t believe Noel had had the time to plan all this.
Noel killed the engine and gave his hand a squeeze. “Let’s go.”
They got out of the car, swiped their key from the friendly receptionist, and headed to their suite on the fourth floor. Kian plucked the key from his mate, excited. Opening the door, he took a look at the charming rustic décor and ran to the balcony. He could see the splendid view of the town that used to be his home. Kian wondered once everything was over if the Blood Ruby Pack would move to a new location.
If that happened, Kian was ready to stand by his mate and daughter. Home wasn’t a fixed location, but where his family was. He knew that now.
“You’re like a litter of excited pups,” Noel commented.
“I can’t help it. You’ve been so wonderful tonight.” Kian walked up to his mate, wrapped his arms around Noel, and wasn’t surprised when Noel possessively pulled him close. The kiss, this time, was searing-hot and demanding. Their tongues and teeth tangled.
When Noel pulled away, he said, “You’re wearing too many clothes, pet.”
Kian grinned. “So are you, Alpha.”
He began to lift the hem of Noel’s shirt, but the Alpha grabbed his hands. “Slowly, pet.”
Noel sat on the edge of the bed. “Give me a private show.”
Kian kicked away his shoes. Blushing, he pulled his shirt off. Only for his mate would he do this. Being around Noel didn’t make him reckless. It gave him the courage to try new things, to push himself to his limits. Before returning to Blue River, Kian wouldn’t be the first wolf to go after a dangerous kidnapper. He’d stay behind, providing support in the background.
“You’re not thinking about me.” Noel’s growl startled him. The Alpha’s intense and hungry look yanked him back to reality. Kian didn’t think he’d ever get sick of that possessive look. He loved being taken by his Alpha. He unbuttoned his jeans and unzipped the fly.
“Come here,” Noel’s voice turned harsh.
Heart racing, Kian approached his mate. Noel hooked his fingers into Kian’s belt loops and gave them a rough tug, helping Kian out of his jeans. His boxers went, too, leaving Kian completely naked.
“You like what you see, Alpha?” Kian asked with a shy smile.
“You fucking know I do.” Noel leaned closer, nuzzling his groin with his unshaven cheek. Kian moaned when Noel blew on his leaking tip.
“Alpha, don’t tease, please.”
“Begging so soon, baby?” Noel pulled back.
“Can I undress you?”
Noel placed a hand around his waist, tugging him close. Kian ended up straddling his lap, aware of the fact he was completely naked while his dominant mate remained dressed. That was a turn-on, too. He rubbed himself shamelessly against Noel’s clothes. Groaning, Noel ran a hand down the line of his body, giving his left nipple a squeeze, before moving to do the same with his aching dick.
Shit. Kian wasn’t sure he could hold back his orgasm tonight. Noel let him take off his shirt.
“Very nice,” Kian murmured.
Noel gripped his ass and pulled him close until their chests and groins touched. Heat flared between them, threatening to explode.
“I want,” Kian whispered, unable to continue. He loved the feel of Noel’s muscled torso against his slender frame.
“What?” Noel asked, pulling their lips together for another mind-numbing kiss.
Noel sucked at the mating mark on Kian’s neck and gave him more hot kisses down his throat. Taking Kian’s left nipple into his mouth, Noel applied suction before leaving his bite mark there. Kian moaned, gripping Noel’s bicep, liking the bite.
“Tell me,” Noel coaxed.
“Your cock in me,” Kian finished after the kiss.
He was aware of his face burning, but he’d learned there was no embarrassment between mates and that he needed to communicate his needs to his Alpha.
“Do you, now? Show me.” Noel gave his nose a kiss.
Knowing what to do, Kian got off Noel’s lap and knelt between his legs. He helped Noel out of his jeans so Noel’s cock sprung free, thick and erect. All his. Kian licked his lips in anticipation.
“Show me what a good little cocksucker you are, baby.”
Noel speared his fingers through Kian’s hair, bringing him forward. The Alpha teased him, slapping that fat cock against his cheeks until Kian pouted. Laughing, Noel finally let Kian do his task. He licked the precum from Noel’s tip, tonguing the slit and placing emphasis on the sensitive cockhead. A tug on his hair told him for their first round, Noel didn’t have the patience. Well, neither did he. Despite their quick fuck in the shower earlier that day, Kian yearned to have his mate take him again.
Opening his mouth, Kian blew his Alpha. He bobbed his head up and down. The first time he gave Noel head, he’d gagged. Now, however, he was used to Noel’s size. He applied careful suction until Noel tightened his grip on his hair. Kian held his mouth open as his mate fucked his mouth.
Noel finished with a growl, filling Kian’s throat with cum. Kian swallowed, not spilling a single drop. His own dick ached for release at the amazing sight of his Alpha coming, but he held his pleasure back.
“Good job, baby.” Noel kissed his forehead.
Noel helped him up, only to push him on the bed so Kian lay on his back. The predatory look in Noel’s yellow eyes made him squirm in anticipation. He let Noel see the challenge in his eyes.
“When are you going to fuck me, Alpha?”
* * * *
Hearing those words made Noel widened his grin. “How do you want it?”
“I get to choose?” Kian looked thoughtful. “I want you deep in me.”
“Then get on your knees, baby.”
Noel flipped Kian on his hands and knees. He
was ready for tonight. Noel pumped his cock until it was at half-mast before moving forward. Pulling out the lube from his back pocket of his jeans, he joined Kian in bed. For a couple of seconds, he admired the gorgeous form of his mate. When Kian thrust his ass at him, Noel gave him a playful swat. He gave Kian several more, warming up his mate’s ass until it was a tempting shade of pink. By then, Kian was begging him.
“Alpha, please. I need you inside me. Please.”
“Okay, baby. Hush.” Noel palmed Kian’s sensitive ass and gave it a squeeze. Moaning, Kian fisted the sheets. Noel pushed Kian’s legs a little farther apart. Seeing Kian’s hard dick and balls close to bursting, Noel reached over and gave Kian’s dick a squeeze.
Kian whimpered.
Noel slicked his fingers with lube, pushing two digits inside his mate. Kian gasped when he curled them and brushed up against Kian’s gland.
“Again, please.”
Noel obliged his sweet little mate. After all, Kian had been good tonight. He added a third finger in and began widening Kian for his access. Deeming Kian ready, he put the lube aside and positioned his tip at Kian’s entrance. He didn’t push in instantly. He teased his baby, leaving trails of his precum on Kian’s entrance.
“Alpha!”
Noel gripped Kian’s hips and began making his slow entrance. He always liked starting this way. The slow burn would eventually lead to a fast ride. It didn’t hurt that Kian liked it rough most of the time. After pushing his cockhead past the tight ring of muscles, Noel sheathed himself fully inside Kian.
He began with slow thrusts, ramping up the speed.
“Touch yourself, baby,” he instructed.
Kian began stroking his own dick, moaning as Noel fucked him faster. Each time he entered Kian, he went deeper. He could sense their beasts wrapping around each other as one being. He shifted his hips, changing the angle and hitting Kian’s sweet spot.
His mate gasped, tightening his hold on the sheets. Noel aimed for Kian’s sweet spot repeatedly.
“I’m going to shoot,” Kian whispered.
