by Macy Blake
Drew loved that the guys didn’t even blink at his relationship with Shaq. He’d been a bit worried, but they’d surprised him. “He had to go out for a bit. I’m expecting him back soon.”
“He’s not gonna be happy that there’s a bunch of newbies, and he’s not here.”
“I know, but what can ya do?”
“Not much. Me and the boys have your back.”
Drew gave him another pat and went over to the table where Vice was still hovering. “We good here?”
He got a glare from both Calli and Vice for his trouble. Instead of arguing with the brick walls that were his pack, he turned to the three guys sitting in the chairs looking utterly terrified. “You three planning on causing trouble?”
They shook their heads and… it was the strangest thing, but Drew swore he heard rustling leaves.
“No, alpha-mate. We would never dishonor you by causing trouble. We had to see the hellhound’s mate.”
Drew had no clue what to say to that. “Good. You really don’t want to annoy my mate, right? So be on your best behavior and we won’t have a problem.”
“We promise, alpha-mate.”
“Excellent. What can I get you to drink?”
They all looked a bit confused and huddled together for a whispered conversation.
“Drew—”
“Calliope, come on. Can we not?”
“We shall allow the alpha-mate to choose our libation.”
“Beer it is,” Drew replied. “Back in a minute.”
“Drew—”
“I’m not listening!”
Calliope growled and threw up her hands. “I give up.”
“Good. Go watch the front. Something is clearly going on, and I’d rather you watch the door than keep snarling at me. Shaq will be back soon and everything will be fine.”
“It better be because if I get in trouble with my alpha over this…”
“You won’t.”
“Fine!”
Drew went to the bar and asked for beer for the new table. He eyed Cody critically. He was really starting to droop. Shaq better hurry up, or Drew was going to have to figure something else out. An hour passed in a flurry of beer and nachos, laughter and music, when suddenly, the noise dimmed and everything slowed down. He turned and found Shaq standing in the back of the bar, looking like he’d been involved in a brawl. His shirt was torn, and it looked like… were those claw marks? Drew dropped his tray on the nearest table and ran for his mate. “Shaq? What happened? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. What’s going on here?”
Shaq didn’t look fine. Drew pushed up onto his toes and cupped his hand around Shaq’s neck. “Busy night. We have a few visitors, but nothing has happened. They’re coming to see me, apparently.”
After looking at the two groups, Shaq growled. “Damn Cosmo and his big mouth.”
Drew grinned. “I’m a big deal.”
Shaq’s gaze returned to him, and the scowl faded. “You are.”
“Okay, so you need to get someone to take Cody home, and you should probably get cleaned up and take over behind the bar. He’s been great, but he’s really tired and I don’t want him to relapse. We need him here this weekend for sure.”
Shaq tugged him closer and leaned their foreheads together. “Sounds good.”
“You aren’t mad, are you?”
“Why would I be mad?”
“Calli was worried. Speaking of, I think she might be outside. No one has come inside in a while. You should probably check on that. There’s probably a line because she was having a minor freak out.”
“Only a minor one?”
“Yeah, well, I refused to go hide in the back. Vice and Calli vetted both of the groups of newbies before I got anywhere near them.”
“Good.” Shaq held him for another moment, breathing in Drew’s scent. It was funny how quickly he’d figured out what Shaq needed from him. “I’m going to grab a T-shirt from the back room. Will you ask Walt to throw on some nachos for me? And some wings. I could eat a horse.”
“I sure will.”
“Once Solomon gets back, I’ll have him take Cody home. He had to go back to his place to change. There was slime involved.”
“Eww,” Drew said.
“You have no idea. Giant slugs. Someone’s fucking around with the magic, Drew. So we do need to be careful. Promise me?”
“I promise.”
Shaq gripped Drew’s neck and tilted his head to the side. He devoured him in a long, hot, tongue-filled kiss that had Drew’s knees wobbling. When the world blinked back into focus, the bar was cheering. “Idiots,” Shaq griped. But he was smiling.
“Go change.”
“I’m going.”
“Also, Vice informed me that I reek of you.”
Shaq glared over at his packmate. “You don’t reek. You smell amazing.”
“Yeah, well, apparently I’ve been well-bred.”
“Well, that part’s true.” Shaq leered at him so Drew smacked his arm.
“Go change already.”
“You’ve gotta let go of me, first.”
Drew grinned up at him and stole another kiss. “I don’t wanna.”
Shaq smacked his ass and pulled away. “I’m gonna fuck you right here if you don’t stop being so perfect.”
Drew stepped back and bit his lip, looking at Shaq from beneath his lashes. His mate growled and reached for him again. He really was easy. Drew skipped backward and laughed. “Go change.”
“I’m going.”
Drew went over to the pass-through window and hollered Shaq’s order to Walt, who growled his acknowledgment. Drew knew the guy was human, but sometimes he was more snarly than the alpha hellhound in the room. After grabbing his empty tray again, Drew went back to the tables up front, only to find the table full of fauns with tears in their eyes. “Uh, guys? Everything okay here?”
“The alpha of the hellhounds is happy,” one of the wailed. “So happy.”
“Shh,” Drew warned. “You know the rules.”
“He’s found his mate,” another cried. He reached for Drew and managed to get a handful of Drew’s T-shirt before Drew bonked him over the head with the tray.
“Behave yourself.”
The faun blinked and rubbed his head. “The alpha-mate is displeased.”
“The alpha-mate knows that there are humans in the room. Don’t make my mate have to do his job. I don’t want him leaving again tonight, especially because of you. Got it?”
They nodded pitifully. “It is joyous news.”
“It is.” And it was clearly a bigger deal than Shaq had let on. “Now, do you want another drink? On me, because you’re being nice to come visit me and are so happy for my mate.”
He got another round of sniffs for his trouble, but one of them nodded. “We would be honored to receive a beverage from the alpha-mate.”
Drew smiled. “Good. Don’t forget. Humans here. Behave.”
“We promise.”
Drew went back around the bar and filled three new mugs himself. Cody was busy mixing a few cocktails for one of Shelly’s tables. He topped off the mugs and carried them back to the fauns, placing them on the table with a smile. “My mate will be out to greet you in a minute.”
They looked a little worried.
“Just tell him you like me and he’ll be fine.”
“Yes, alpha-mate.”
“Call me Drew, guys.”
That got another round of ecstatic whimpers. He rolled his eyes and went to check on his other tables as the front door opened again and Calliope came in with Shaq beside her. His mate must have gone out the back door again. Sneaky. But he’d checked on Calli like Drew had asked.
“Order up!” Walt’s bellow echoed through the bar.
Drew hurried over to the window and grabbed the nachos and wings Shaq had asked for. His mate was pointing another group of customers to an empty table. Once they were seated, he came over to join Drew.
“Ladies ni
ght out?” Drew asked.
Shaq huffed. “Nymphs night out. Remind me to kill Cosmo.”
“Who’s Cosmo?” Drew asked.
“A big mouth. That’s who Cosmo is. They’re all coming to see my mate. Remember how I told you this is a big deal? And rare?”
It had been one of their many talks in the last few days. “So they’re coming to see if it’s real?”
“Yeah. And they know we don’t have the goddess’s blessing yet, so they’re checking things out before then.”
Drew looked nervously up at Shaq. “You don’t think she’ll say no, do you?”
“No, love. I don’t.” Shaq tugged Drew against him and gently pressed their foreheads together. “She’ll make sure you’re okay with this. That I haven’t coerced you. That you want me. That kind of thing.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“Solomon’s here. I’m going to eat really quick and get behind the bar. You still good helping Shelly?”
“Yep. And I guess I’ll go see what the nymphs want.”
“But if they start singing—”
“I know. Go to the back.”
Drew laughed and went back to work, enjoying watching his mate sling drinks and charm everyone within sight. Now he only had to hope Shaq was right and that he really was good enough for the Champion of a goddess.
Drew
A few days later, Drew stepped nervously up to the flaming portal, giving Shaq one last look before they stepped forward together. Once they were through the flames— which Drew didn’t even feel— they entered the most beautiful patch of woods Drew had ever seen. The area was dappled by moonlight, and the deepest colors swirled around him. Midnight blues, amethyst purples, deep forest greens. “Wow,” Drew gasped.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
Shaq knelt beside him and gave Drew’s hand a gentle tug. He got onto his knees beside Shaq, holding tightly to his hand. When Shaq closed his eyes and lowered his head, Drew repeated the action. He didn’t know how long they waited, but he heard a soft sound, like wind chimes twinkling in the afternoon breeze. A sweet voice came next.
“Rise, Champion.”
Shaq stood and helped Drew to his feet. At first, he didn’t see anything, but he could feel her presence. Then something fluttered through him and she began to take shape. Drew gulped and squeezed Shaq’s hand tighter.
“I forgot that humans can’t see me in this realm,” she said softly.
She was so beautiful she took Drew’s breath away.
“Hello, Drew.”
How, exactly, was one supposed to greet a goddess? Drew had no clue. He should have thought to ask Shaq. Why hadn’t he thought to ask? What if he insulted her?
He heard the tinkling sound of her laugh, and she put her hand on his head. “You would never insult me, Drew. I know this to be true.”
“You’re so beautiful,” Drew said, his voiced filled with awe.
She laughed again, and he felt a warm glow filling him. Next, she turned to Shaq and placed her hand on his head. “My champion.”
“My goddess,” Shaq said. His voice was low and reverent. Drew reached for his hand and held it tight.
“Tell me what troubles you, Champion.”
“You were right when you said magic is changing again. I was called to a faun, who felt the changes. He was also able to sense that I had a mate.”
Her eyes flitted to Drew, and she smiled again. “There is much change in the air.”
“Goddess, he mentioned a dark one, someone he refused to speak of. I dared not push for more, but if there is something out there, I need to prepare.”
Drew shivered, but this time it was in fear. Faster than he could blink, the happy glow from her magic faded and an oppressive anger replaced it. “This worry is not yours, Champion.”
Drew squeezed Shaq’s hand again as he scooted closer to his mate. For several pulse throbbing moments, the heavy feeling of fear drowned him.
“Yes, my Goddess,” Shaq gasped.
He must be feeling it as well. Drew grabbed onto Shaq’s arm with his free hand, clinging tightly as her magic swirled angrily around them.
Drew whimpered. He’d never been so afraid. What had he been thinking? Agreeing to see a goddess? He wasn’t cut out for this world. He wasn’t—
“Do not be afraid, Drew.”
Easy for her to say.
Not as easy for him to do.
She twinkled out another laugh and her magic shifted, becoming soft and happy once more. “Tell me, Meshaq. Have you solved the mystery of your human?”
“Yes. He is my mate. I wish to formally claim him.”
“And does he accept your claim?”
She turned to Drew then, and he raised his head to look at her again. He didn’t know how to put into words what he felt. It wasn’t complete. He’d been complete before he met Shaq. He was better. More. Stronger. Braver. Bolder. Happier. He’d searched for so long for the place he belonged, and he’d found it. But how to explain that to her?
“Your love for him is strong, Drew.”
It was too early to call it love, wasn’t it?
She laughed again. “It’s never too early for love, not when you find your mate. But there is something more, isn’t there?”
“I… I don’t think so? I mean, you’re kinda figuring out what I’m thinking as I’m thinking it and honestly, I’m just going to try not to think about— dammit, that didn’t work.”
Her laughter this time brought a blush to his face because he’d remembered riding Shaq’s cock and how good it felt. “I think I’m going to die now, thanks.”
“What? What’s wrong? Drew?” Shaq looked terrified which only made Drew blush harder.
The goddess reached for Drew and tugged him closer. “Your mate likes to ride his noble steed, my Champion. You are very well formed indeed.”
“Oh my Goddess,” Drew gasped. “Someone shoot me.”
Of course, Shaq still had hold of his hand and he squeezed. He didn’t even need to look at his mate to know he was preening. Silly mutt.
“But there is more, Drew. May I?”
“Whatever you need to do,” Drew said.
She touched his head with both hands. It only lasted a second, but she pulled away with a gasp. “Om—” She backed away, her hand over her mouth.
“What is it? What’s wrong? Is—”
“Nothing is wrong. Everything is as it should be.” She searched Drew’s gaze, and then turned her attention to Shaq. “Drew, my Champion wishes to claim you for his mate. I would be honored to allow this claiming, if that is your desire.”
Drew turned his attention to Shaq, who was staring at him with so much hope in his eyes. “That is my desire.”
She reached for their clasped hands and wrapped her own around them. A light began to weave its way around them, wrapping them tighter and tighter together. She lifted their hands then and placed them palm to palm. Her magic pulsed and Shaq began to glow so brightly Drew could barely see him. Then he realized that he was glowing as well, that her magic was working on them both. He couldn’t help the laugh that came out. He was bursting with joy. Shaq laughed as well and pulled him close, crushing their bound hands between their chests.
“Blessings to you both,” the goddess said. “Champion, you are welcome in my garden for as long as you desire. Enjoy some privacy with your mate.”
“Thank you,” Shaq said. “Thank you, my goddess.”
“There are trying times ahead as the magic finds its balance. Be on your guard, Meshaq. The way ahead will be trying for us.”
She vanished moments later, and her magic dissipated slowly. Drew breathed, feeling a little drunk on happiness, even though her final words had been a bit worrisome. It was hard to hold onto that thought, though. He felt so unbelievably happy. She was so powerful. He’d never imagined anything like this in his life, and for it to have happened to him... He couldn’t find the words to explain him being mated to the champion of a
goddess. He laughed again and threw his arms around Shaq’s waist.
“I’m kinda drunk on magic right now!”
Shaq laughed and lifted Drew into his arms. “Not drunk on me?”
“Goddess,” Drew said. “That was… wow!”
“We’re official now,” Shaq purred against Drew’s neck. He nipped the spot he’d promised to bite and Drew arched his neck.
“You can do it.”
Shaq raised his head. “What?”
“Mark me. I know it’s important to you and… I don’t know, it sounds crazy because it’s so fast but… we’re it, right? Even the goddess agrees. And who are we to fight that? It’s fate. Destiny.”
Shaq’s arms shook, and Drew quickly realized that he’d gutted his mate without meaning to. “Shaq? Baby?” Shaq buried his face in Drew’s neck again, and he took deep gasping breaths. “I’m sorry. What did I say?”
When he raised his head, the look in Shaq’s eyes. Drew was happy his mate was holding him or he would have collapsed under the weight of that stare. “I know you’re still figuring this out. But you trust me so much and I don’t want to let you down. I want to prove to you that I’ll never let you down. I will do everything in my power to give you the life you’ve always dreamed of. Whatever it takes.”
Drew grinned and wrapped his legs around Shaq’s waist. He grabbed his alpha’s cheeks with both hands and looked deep into his eyes. “You already have.”
And it wasn’t a lie. He didn’t dream of a big fancy life. That had never been what Drew wanted. He wanted love and companionship. Someone who would throw popcorn in the air and let him catch it in his mouth. Who would laugh at him and with him as he fumbled around trying to figure things out. He wanted family, and Shaq had given him that with a pack full of warriors who saved the world every day as well as a few humans he already adored. He wanted to belong. And he did. Shaq had given him that and more.
Shaq squeezed Drew so tight he had to poke him to make him ease up. “You really mean it,” Shaq said.
“I do.”
The words were a vow and a promise, and then Drew noticed the mark on his wrist. He pulled his hand off Shaq’s cheek and looked down at it. The mark matched the one on his mate’s wrist, a circle of flames that showed they were under the protection of a goddess.
