“That will go a long way to building a strong relationship,” Nic said.
“But you have to understand how important my family is, Nic. We’ll have to spend Sundays with them after we’re more together.”
“I’ll give you that, but you have to deal if I need to work that day.”
“I will as long as you don’t pretend you have to work just to get out of it,” Mandalay said.
Nic threw him a look. “Damn.”
“Nic.”
“I won’t lie,” he assured Mandalay.
“We’ll be fine then,” Mandalay said airily.
Nic smiled, and they lapsed back into silence. When they pulled into the parking lot, Mandalay pulled out his phone to go over his list. He’d promised he’d bring a few things, and he didn’t want to forget what they were.
They went inside and Nic grabbed the cart while Mandalay consulted his list again before scanning the store.
“This way.” He pointed. Mandalay grabbed the personal hygiene items he needed and made a note to order some condoms and mix up a hormone balancing treatment, so he wouldn’t get pregnant.
“Are you okay with using condoms?” Mandalay asked. “I can—you are clean? I mean, we can get aids, especially wolves. Cats’ systems and mine won’t support that disease, but you could get it.”
“I’ve been careful,” Nic told him with a raised brow.
“Good. Condoms or would you prefer to go bareback? I would.”
Nic shrugged. “I’m comfortable with condoms. I just got off track last night.”
Mandalay grinned and slipped an arm around Nic. “I’m glad I’m that good.”
Nic smirked. “Mandy.”
Mandalay rose on tip-toe to kiss his jaw. “I know nothing is one hundred percent effective, but I can make a lube that contains a spermicide.”
“Really?”
“Mm-hmm,” Mandalay said. “So, we can do it my way?”
“Anytime,” Nic said with a grin.
Mandalay kissed the corner of his mouth. “Fantastic,” he said. “Let’s look at the movies. Maybe I’ll find something for us to watch tonight. Oh, do you want me to tell Serena to stay with our parents? It’s my place. I moved out because my dad was always on my ass about being gay.”
“I won’t be bothered by her being there if you two are okay with it,” Nic told him as Mandalay stroked his back.
“I don’t know why she stays with me,” he said. “Sometimes I think it’s because she’s tired of my dad telling her who to date.”
“I’m not getting into your family business,” Nic said.
“She’s too smart for most of the guys she dates,” Mandalay said as he pulled them to a stop near a rack of movies. “Let’s see.” His gaze wandered over the large selection, some new releases and others older classics.
Mandalay grabbed a modern romantic movie he thought his mother would like and a female superhero movie he knew Serena would love. Then he grabbed a rendition of Robin Hood, which he held out to Nic.
“For us?”
“What?” Nic asked, a look of distaste on his face.
Grinning, Mandalay put the move back and grabbed an action trilogy. “I’ve always wanted to see them.”
Nic grunted.
“This will be for us, too,” he tossed the movie into the cart.
“Look at you two, being all domestic,” Serena said as she came toward them. “Hot and cute.”
“Hey. What are you doing here?” Mandalay asked.
“Picking up the burger stuff. You’re still bringing the stuff for the pizza bites, right?”
“Going to get that and the drinks.”
“Milkshakes,” she exclaimed. “Chocolate.”
“Nope.” He shook his head. “I’m bringing soda for the root beer floats.”
“Fine.” She made a face. “Just get the good root beer.”
“I always do,” he replied.
“No, you don’t.”
“I will,” Mandalay insisted. “Anything else?”
“A good movie,” she said.
He chuckled.
“I better get going,” Serena said. “Will you be gracing us with your presence, Nic?”
“Not today,” he answered.
“Good move,” she said. “It’s really too soon. We can double date tomorrow night, though.”
“Good idea,” Mandalay exclaimed. “There’s a new restaurant—”
“I was thinking Cianti’s. They’ve got great Italian food and a good variety.”
“Nic?” Mandalay asked, looking at him. He saw humor in his eyes.
“I’ll try not to be working,” he replied with a quirk of his lips, and Mandalay elbowed him.
“Seven?”
“Works for me,” Serena said. “Nic can you give me a ride there? My date will already be in town.”
“No problem,” he said.
“I’ll see you later, little bro. Tomorrow, Nic.” She pushed her cart away.
“Is that okay? I mean really? Dinner with her and Rush?”
“It’s fine, but I don’t think it’s Rush. He doesn’t work in the city,” Nic said.
“Really?” Mandalay demanded curiously. “Who does?”
“You’ll have to wait and see,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s a packmate, but Rush is no good for her anyway.”
“I know,” Mandalay said. “Mom will go crazy if it’s a human.”
Chapter Fifteen
Nic headed to Nightshade after dropping Mandalay off. He’d picked up Kelley, one of the younger soldiers. He was certain the young dominant had the mark of a future hunter. She had matured some over the last two years that he’d known her and was more than happy to take her under his wing.
“So, what’s going on?” he asked.
“I just can’t take it anymore,” she said. “He’s starting to push.”
“Push?” Nic threw her a look. She’d been looking quite unhappy lately. He even thought he’d seen a bruise on her arm. “Has he hit you?”
“A few times. That’s why he has to go.”
“Yeah, he does,” he agreed. “I’ll have a talk with him.”
“That’s okay.”
“No, it’s not,” he insisted. “It’s either me or your brother.”
She sighed. “Let’s just see if he goes away. I’m going to break up with him tonight.”
“Call me if he becomes a problem,” Nic said. “I’ll be there in a heartbeat.”
“Thanks,” Kelley replied. “It’s hard to believe he’s turned out to be such a jerk. I think he’s having a hard time with me getting promoted.”
“The promotion isn’t anything major,” Nic said. “Not like what I have in mind in another six months.”
“What do you mean?” she asked with a frown.
“I’m going to talk to Jody about training you as a hunter.”
“I’d love that,” she said. “But two hunters in the same pack at the same time?”
“This pack just doesn’t have two,” Nic told her. “Some have up to three. The training won’t be easy.”
“I don’t care. I can do it,” she assured him. “I’ll do whatever you tell me.”
“Good. Your training starts today. You’ll keep whatever we learn from the cats to yourself.”
“Why? I mean, what about Jody and Kimble?”
“I’ll tell them what they need to know,” he said. “But there are traitors in the pack, and Jody was considered one at one time.”
“My mom never believed he was,” she said. “He just had to play a part.”
“I know,” Nic answered. “I just want to keep things low-key. That attack could be a sign of something larger to come.”
“I understand,” she said. “I also understand I might have to help you hunt down the moles.”
He looked at her. “No. You won’t. I’ll do it alone unless Jody decides otherwise.”
She nodded. “It’ll hurt to kill someone I know, but it’ll be worse if that person
turns out to kill someone I love.”
“Not this time,” he said. “In the future.”
They lapsed into silence as they finished the drive. The first time a hunter had to kill a packmate was always hard, and it didn’t get easier. He just learned to deal with it.
The cats were expecting him, and Saxon had someone meet them at the gate and let them into the community. Nic had been here several times in the last six months as he worked with Saxon’s head of security in getting some security details ironed out.
Fannin was a blond man with brown eyes that were cool today as he showed them to the conference room in the small office building at the west edge of the territory. It was away from the living quarters as far as Nic knew.
Saxon and Alimi were waiting for them. Nic had worked with Alimi a few times before Alimi had gone to Peyton City to help out there.
“What’s going on,” Alimi asked. “Who’s the girl?”
“This is Kelley, she’s a hunter,” Nic said and introduced the new alpha and Alimi. “My condolences on your loss, Saxon. Your father was a good man.”
“Thank you,” Saxon said coolly. “I’m surprised Jody didn’t come himself.”
“He had some things to take care of, but he was under the impression this would be a meeting between me and Fannin.”
“Jody’s too weak to deal with matters himself?” Saxon demanded. “Then, maybe an alliance with him isn’t in our best interest.”
“That’s for you to say, but I’m more than capable of dealing with security issues, which I was led to believe was the reason I was invited here.”
“A new pack moved into our territory,” Fannin said. “Hyena and tiger stock. They’re opening up a small tourist business. I understand there is another pack nearer you.”
“Saw,” Nic said. “Hyena and jackal pack. They haven’t contacted us, but I’m sure they will. The last pack was headed by Palmer.”
“His has had connection to both Wildhead and Blacktooth,” Saxon replied. “Dangerous enough, but not what he used to be, at least not here. He was big shit in New York.”
“He’s dead,” Nic said. “Reno is trying to find out who killed him. I think though the two packs are one in the same and this name change is just a ruse.”
“It probably was,” Alimi said grimly. “Wildhead and Blacktooth probably wanted to throw us off their scent by sending a small pack here to attack.”
“That’s what I’m thinking,” Nic said in agreement.
“They need our lands for the tunnels,” Saxon commented. “They can do a lot of business using those tunnels.”
“I assumed,” Nic said. “So, you want to put some teams on those specifically?”
“Exactly,” Fannin agreed.
“I have a few names,” Nic said. “Moles I’m told, but I’m not sure. I don’t know the source.”
“We’ll check them out,” Alimi assured him. “Just tell us who they are.”
“It did occur to me that my source could be a disgruntled employee of the enemy or one who’s both disgruntled and bent on making a name for himself. At the same time, he could undermine the team sent out to do a job he or she thinks they can do better.”
“Let’s treat it as such,” Saxon said. “Fannin will give it a look.”
“I was also given the name and pictures of the leaders we’ll be dealing with. You want?” Nic asked, lifting his brows.
“Sure. Then, we’ll plan out a strategy for securing the tunnels and dealing with these interlopers,” Saxon said coldly. “I’m not going to allow those sons of bitches to do any more damage to my pride than they’ve already done.”
* * * *
“I see he wasn’t man enough to join us,” Cross commented when he entered the kitchen to find his wife and son making burgers.
Mandalay sighed bracing for the argument.
“If Nicolane was any kind of man he’d be here showing he wasn’t ashamed or trying to hide his relationship with you.”
“I did point that out,” Mya said dryly. “However, Nic decided he’d brave it.”
“Brave it? More like thumbed his nose at us.”
Mandalay glared at his father. “Nic just wasn’t ready.”
“He’s ready to take you out, so he should be man enough to meet the family officially,” Cross snapped. “I told you this was wrong. A woman would be here. She’d be in the kitchen helping your mother while you and I sat out there and talked about your future.”
“What about Serena?” Mandalay demanded. “She’s not bringing anyone.”
“No one’s declared she was his mate, either,” Cross said. “This isn’t going to work.”
“Honey, leave it,” Mya said.
“Nic had to work,” Mandalay said. “His job as protector of this pack has to be respected, even if it takes him away from days like this.”
Mya gave him a curious look, but his father grunted.
“Serena,” Cross called and left them to their task.
“When did Nicolane decide he had work to do? Before or after my suggestion that he join us?” Mya asked.
“Does it matter?”
“Yes, because your father has a point,” Mya told him.
“Why did you read his letters to me? Why did you even allow me to get them if you and Dad didn’t want me to be with him?”
“It wasn’t about you being with him,” Mya explained. “He was good for me when I was pregnant. You were killing me at one point, and there was nothing the healers could do.”
“Mom.”
She cleaned her hands on a towel. “I wouldn’t hear of aborting you even at the worst stage when I was on fire with fever all the time. The day Nic touched me, it stopped a little. He came back, and every time he did, he talked to you.”
“And I stopped killing you?”
“You did. I was able to eat, to have a near normal pregnancy. Then, you were born. You were different. We didn’t know right off it was because you were a snow wolf. You were cranky all the time, your temperature was sub-normal, and you were blue.”
“Why?”
“You were dying slowly. They didn’t know why. The healer thought you had some never before seen respiratory illness. Nic came by, and your father was at work and I was at my wit’s end. You were bawling and wouldn’t stop.”
“You had post-partum?”
“I was on the verge,” she said. “I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t care for you like I did your sister. Nic offered to watch you while I got a shower and took a few minutes for myself.”
“I bet Dad would have freaked out.”
“I was on the verge of not thinking straight, just needing to breathe.”
“What did he do?”
“I don’t know,” she said softly. “I took a long bath, and when I got out, you weren’t crying. You were sleeping, and Nic was watching TV. So, I asked him if he’d come back tomorrow.”
“He did.”
“He came back every day for the first six months. Sometimes it was in the evening, and others it was in the morning. He stayed weekends in the den, so he’d be able to be with you and me all day.”
Mandalay frowned, wondering what special abilities Nic had. Was he a healer of the mind?
“Slowly, you started to be normal, and your abilities began to show. You and Nic bonded in a way that I didn’t understand. It was clear he had a gift,” Mya said. “He did work with children.”
“Doing what?”
“I’m not sure exactly, but that’s what his uncle told me.” Mya smiled. “He saved you and me, and that’s the reason I’m giving him this chance, but I’ll only go so far.”
“Because of Dad.”
“Because I think you’re comfortable for Nic, and he’s attached to you. He’s not exactly seeing straight because someone made him think you two were destined.”
“You think he’s just confused?”
“Yes. He’s spent a lot of time working, not much socializing.”
“Right.”
Mandalay smiled. “Believe me, Mom, he wasn’t wrong.”
Not by a long shot. So, how did he get his family to accept Nic before they were too set against him to give him a chance?
Chapter Sixteen
Nic headed home after his shift. After meeting with Kimble, he’d been put to work to cover a call in. Part of him wished he’d just gone to spend the day with Mandy and his family, but the other part knew it wasn’t time, even if Mandy took shit from his family.
He wanted things to be perfect, but Nic knew there was no such thing. Not with him and Mandy. He headed to the kitchen for a bottle of water when he heard a clink.
“You want some tea?”
He entered the kitchen to find his uncle there pouring some tea from a pitcher into glasses. “How was your day?”
“Fine. I just got off shift.”
“I figured,” Seven said. “I had an interesting time with your mate.”
“Yesterday?”
“Yes. Your father was right about him,” he said. “He’s different. One of maybe ten of his generation.”
“What do you mean?” He picked up his glass and took a drink.
“He has the gift of life and death. Mating will make the darker aspects of his ability come alive. Lucky for you, part snow dog lives in you.”
“I know he can’t kill me with his bite, but he’s different. He can kill me.”
“No, he can’t,” he said. “He can knock you out, but he can’t kill you. He can become damn near invisible, too.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Mating will activate it, as I said. It’ll also make him stronger, which is a sign of evolution. I’d like to spend more time working with him. His skills are more psychic and need to be focused to prevent him from being unduly dangerous.”
“You’re asking my permission?”
“Yes. You are his mate. Your word takes precedence over his parents’.”
“They don’t want me with him,” Nic said. “But they can’t stop it. We were bonded the day I first touched his mind.”
“When was this?”
“He was two months old and was suffocating slowly in his own cold,” Nic said. “It was poisoning him. When I connected with him—he reached out to me on a soul level, begging me to save him.”
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