His Forgotten Mate

by Giovanna Reaves

  "What the hell happened then? Wait, your establishment. You're the new owner of Chuck's?"

  "Yeah, I bought it on a whim. I was talking to Chuck one night and he told me he was ready to sell and move to Florida, and I bought it. My brother wasn't too happy with me. He says I do flaky shit that makes him worry. Can you believe it, he called me flaky?”

  "You really don't want me to answer that."

  They stared at each other, and Alexis could see Maverick’s eyes softening a bit.

  "It's a whiskey made by my kind. It's stronger than human alcohol and affects supernaturals. And before you ask, we don't serve it to humans. They wouldn't be able to handle the effects."

  Maverick sighed and dropped down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

  "Look, I'm going to be honest with you. I'm not ready for a mate and a baby," Maverick told him.

  "Shit, how do you think I feel," Alexis scoffed. "I start up a conversation with a good-looking guy in the bar I own, we both get shit faced and had a…" he stopped and licked his lips as memories of that night came back to him.

  He couldn't forget the way Maverick had held and fucked him. Alexis remembered the way he’d given his body and soul over to the man. He closed his eyes and cleared his throat, trying not to let his scent of arousal spread throughout the room.

  "So, how do we do this?" Maverick asked.

  "I honestly have no fucking idea." Alexis sighed, leaning against the window and stared at the werewolf.

  "Do you know what we're having?"

  "No, I told the doctor I don't want to know." He sighed. "I haven't even told my folks, yet.” Shrugging a shoulder, a rueful smile crossed his lips. “Them, I'm not worried about. My folks have wanted grandkids, since forever. My brother wants to wring my neck. He wasn't too happy with me when he found out. Not with me being pregnant, but more because I broke a rule by removing your memories."

  "Are you going to get into trouble?"

  Alexis smirked and tilted his head to the side. "Is that concern I hear in your voice?"

  Maverick stood and stalked over to Alexis. He placed his hands on both sides of Alexis's head, pressing his palms into the window. He towered over Alexis, causing him to crane his head up.

  "Shouldn't I be concerned?" Maverick asked, his voice just above a whisper. "You just told me you broke a rule."

  He leaned closer to Alexis, who had to hold back his moan that threatened to escape. The man’s scent was driving him crazy. It had been that way since he’d entered the building with his brother earlier that day. He gasped when Maverick grasped the back of his neck, pulling him closer—their lips were almost touching.

  “Cullen won’t tell. I can trust him. I’ll be fine.” He licked his lips and the tip of his tongue touched Maverick's top lip. "We shouldn't be doing this," Alexis whispered.

  That was what his mind was telling him, but his body spoke the truth of what he wanted. To be held and kissed by his mate and not leave his side. He needed his mate, just as the other man needed him. The ball of confusion curled up in his stomach. One minute he wanted the man and the next he hated that he needed him.

  "Do you know what I've been going through for the past few months?"

  Alexis licked his lips once more, and he quivered not hiding his reaction to tasting the werewolf’s mouth.

  "I've been trying to remember what you felt like, and how sweet you must have tasted. And now you want to deny me the pleasures of what I desire. I don't think so, baby."

  Maverick didn't give Alexis time to object because he took his lips in a passionate kiss that set his entire world on fire.

  Fuck, I'm in so much trouble.

  Chapter Three

  Maverick

  Maverick pulled the warlock into his arms, deepening their kiss.

  Alexis didn't stop him or pull away, instead came willingly. Maverick wondered if their kiss was just as passionate the night they’d met. He needed and wanted to remember. It was important to him that he knew how to please his mate in every way. Slowly, their lips separated, and Maverick opened his eyes, staring down at the enchanting warlock who still had his eyes closed.

  "Just as I remembered," Alexis whispered, touching his lips as he opened his eyes.

  "Really?" Maverick asked.

  "Yes." He smiled. "That night...you held me in your arms while we danced, and it led to us sharing our first kiss."

  "What song were we dancing to?"

  "I don't know, but it was slow and sensual. Almost hypnotic."

  Maverick realized he couldn't turn his gaze away from Alexis. He found himself looking from his lips to his eyes, trying to memorize every inch of the man in case he tried to remove his memories again.

  "We need to figure things out, Alexis."

  "I know, I just—don't know where to start." He sighed. Alexis reluctantly left Maverick’s arms and moved out of his reach. "I know what you're going to say. I’m sure it’s something like give me back my memories."

  "That would be a good place to start things off," Maverick told him. Alexis looked away, and it made him wonder why the warlock was against him remembering their night. "Why don't you want me to remember?"

  Alexis turned away, but Maverick didn't miss the slight blush in his cheeks. Well, that's interesting.

  "Let's make a deal," Alexis said.

  "What kind of a deal?"

  "Obviously, one that will benefit us both."

  Maverick sighed crossing his arms over his chest. "Okay, I'm listening."

  "I'll give you your memories back if you give me C. A. Silver back."

  "Technically, C. A. Silver still belongs to you. Since we're mates, what's mine is yours."

  "I get that, but I want full control back. I don't want it to fall under the Knox Corp. umbrella."

  "Don't you think you should be talking to your brother about this? After all, you are partners. I know if my brothers made a deal that could affect our company without consulting me, I'd be pretty pissed."

  "You're right." Alexis sat down in the chair, biting on his bottom lip. "Okay, let it stay under the Knox Corp. name but let us keep full control of our company. Knox Corp. will have no say in what we do or who we do business with, but you will be able to profit from its gains.”

  Maverick watched Alexis, wondering if he had the deal already thought out before he walked into his office. It was simplistic enough, and it seemed as if Alexis was trying to give him everything he wanted. Knox Corp. would reap the benefits, and he would get his memory back. Yet, he couldn’t help feeling as if he was missing something from it all.

  “Did you have this planned when you came to see me? Was it your plan to seduce me, dangle my memories in front of my eyes, and expect me to say yes to give your company back to you? Are you even pregnant? Hell, is it my kid and not someone else you tricked...”

  “Fuck you, Maverick Knox,” Alexis yelled, standing to his feet. “Where the hell do you get off accusing me of something so underhanded?” He reached into his pocket and threw a piece of paper towards Maverick. It bounced off his chest, falling to the floor. He stormed over to the door then stopped with his back facing Maverick. “I’m not going to justify myself to you. You’re certainly not the man I thought you were.” He yanked the door open, almost pulling it off the hinges and stormed by Bailey’s desk, growling like an angry wolf.

  Maverick sighed, running his hands through his hair growling at his stupidity. “Fuck, why the hell did I say that?”

  “What did you do?” Misha asked as he entered his office, followed by his other brothers.

  Instead of answering his brother, he bent down and picked up the paper Alexis had thrown at him. Unfolding, he read it, and he felt sick to his stomach. “Shit. I fucked up, bad.”

  “Are you going to tell us or make us guess what you did so we can help you fix it,” Matthus said.

  “I accused him of lying to me,” answered Maverick, handing the paper to Matthus. “I asked if he was really pregnant. Or if the kid was
really mine.”

  His brothers gasped, and they all looked as if they wanted to punch his lights out.

  “Damn, Bro,” Marcus said. “That was a dick ass move, man.”

  “I know, all right. You guys don’t need to give me shit for what I said. It’s just...I thought he was trying to seduce me to get his company back.”

  “Fuck, Mav. You are a fucking moron. How could you say something so damn stupid?” Marius shouted.

  Maverick growled at his brother who didn’t back down, baring his teeth. Marius was his enforcer but was also an Alpha the pack. All of his brothers, except for Misha, who was an omega, were alphas. They’d knocked heads a few times, but they’d also made a pact never to let their status as an alpha come between their family bond.

  “All right,” Misha said, getting between them. “You guys need to calm the fuck down.” Neither he nor Marius looked away from each other. “Do as I say, or I’m calling Mom and telling her everything.”

  Maverick could feel Misha’s eyes on him. Misha knew only the threat of their mom intervening would get him to back down from pounding on his chest and declaring his prime alpha status. He mentally smiled when Marius looked away, kissing his teeth and stepping back.

  “I swear you two are idiots,” Misha said. “all right, here’s what you need to do.” He pointed at Maverick. “You need to go to him and apologize on bended knees for being an asshole.”

  “But…” Maverick started.

  “No, Big Bro. You were wrong. I have no idea why you’d say something like that to him. If I were in his shoes, I would have kicked your ass.”

  Maverick sighed and nodded, agreeing with Misha. “I know. It was a dick move.”

  “Here,” Matthus said, handing a note to him. Maverick took it and noticed an address scribbled on the paper. “I figured you’d need it.”

  “Thanks,” he said and hugged both of his brothers. Stepping back, he saw Marius and Marcus smiling at them. Maverick reached out and pulled Marius into a hug, kissing him on his cheeks. “I love you, too. Idiot.”

  “Vereinbaren Sie die Dinge mit Ihrem Kumpel, bevor die große Klappe es Mutter wirklich sagt,” Marius told him.

  “Hey, I’m not a big mouth,” Misha defended.

  “Seriously?” Marcus said. “Dude, half the time we got in trouble was because you told on us.”

  Maverick smiled and shook his head while putting on his coat while listening to his brothers argue. He was picking up his car keys when Matthus came over to him.

  “What?” He said.

  “Do we really need another company right now?” Matthus asked.

  “You heard?”

  “Kind of...our offices are right next to each other.”

  “It’s his company still. We’re mates.”

  “Yeah, but I honestly don’t think he wanted to sell. He did it more for his brother than anything else.”

  “So, give him what he wants is what you’re telling me.”

  “The key to a happy life is a happy mate, Mav.”

  “Fuck, he’s going to be running Knox Corp. before the beginning of the year for all the groveling I’m going to be doing,” Maverick mumbled.

  Matthus chuckled. “Hey, at least you found your mate. Don’t fuck this up anymore. And I’ll make sure Misha doesn’t say anything to mom, yet. Don’t take too long.”

  Maverick smiled. “All right. See you later.”

  He walked out of his office intending to give in to the other man. But first, he needed to lay down a few rules that included a new deal that he couldn’t turn down.

  Alexis

  "Can you believe it?" Alexis yelled. He looked at his brother, who was sitting on the couch watching him. After storming out of Maverick's office, he’d come home to find his brother rummaging through his fridge. "Say something."

  "Alex, what do you want me to say?"

  "Well, you're an alpha and my big brother. Go beat him up for insulting your little brother."

  Cullen started chuckling.

  Alexis scowled at him but it only made Cullen laugh more. "What the hell is so funny?"

  "I'm not going to beat the guy up," Cullen answered between his chuckling. "I know what he said was wrong, but tell me you weren't trying to seduce him?"

  "Well, he almost fell for it," Alexis mumbled, touching his lips and recalling their kiss. "But he thinks I told him I’m pregnant just to get our company back."

  "Well, I guess I can beat him up for that one," Cullen said, reaching over and rested a hand on his stomach. "How is the little one doing?"

  Alexis sighed and placed a hand on top of Cullen's. He still wasn't used to the whole being pregnant thing. But he realized that he’d felt less nauseated while he’d been around Maverick.

  "He or she is fine," Alexis whispered.

  "You need to tell the rest of the family," Cullen said before getting up.

  Alexis groaned and laid down on the couch. "Do I have to?"

  "When are you going to stop acting like a kid?"

  "What's that supposed to mean?" He sat up and looked at his older brother.

  He stood beside the couch with his hands on his waist glaring down at Alexis. "You're so fucking brilliant when it comes to business. I was pissed when you told me you bought that bar and all of the other things you own. In the end, they turned out to be sound investments. But you're a mess when it comes to your personal life. I can't do this shit anymore, Alex. I feel like I'm drowning."

  Alexis stared at his brother. Although he heard everything his brother was saying, he felt there was something else bothering Cullen.

  "What's going on with you, Cullen?"

  His brother looked away from him and shook his head. "Forget it."

  "No, I won't forget it. Something is going on with you and I want to know what it is."

  "Like you'll listen," Cullen snapped. "You're so caught up in your own shit you have no idea that everyone else exists."

  That stung worse than when Maverick thought he was lying about being pregnant. It was true, he'd been in his own world for the past few months. But he thought everything was okay with his brother. Alexis walked around the sofa and stood beside Cullen leaning against the back.

  "Okay, let's forget about me—"

  "Is that even possible?" Cullen asked, cutting him off.

  Alexis ignored the comment knowing his brother was lashing out, hoping they would talk about whatever was bothering him.

  "Talk to me and tell me what's got you so frustrated." Cullen sighed and looked away from him. "Talk to me. I can't help if you don't tell me what's going on."

  Cullen looked back at him, and Alexis saw the pain in his brother's eyes. "I don't want C.A. Silver back. I think I need to change a few things in my life. Maybe get away from everything and everyone for a while."

  "Wait, you're leaving?"

  "I think it's what I need to do, Alex. I feel like I'm drowning in everything. The company, the family—"

  "—Me," Alexis finished.

  "Yeah.” Cullen wrinkled his nose. "No, it's not that...you haven't been a burden per se. I think I'm jealous."

  "Jealous, of me? Why?" Alexis scoffed.

  "You take chances, Alex. You've done that since we were kids. You go with the flow while I sit back and calculate every possible negative outcome.”

  "I don't have it all together. If anyone should be jealous, it should be me."

  "Why?"

  "Since we were kids you've had your shit together. You got all A's, I got B's and a couple of C's in school. You're better at spell-crafting, and I suck at it, although I'm better at casting them. You get what I mean."

  "I do," Cullen whispered.

  "All I do is screw everything up and depend on you to fix them."

  Alexis looked at his brother. They were so different in every way. In business Alexis was stable, but in his personal life, he depended on Cullen to fix it. He'd been doing it since he was a kid. When he was bullied, he'd complain to Cullen, and the next time he
saw the bullies they'd look the other way.

  He'd been following behind Cullen his entire life, and in some ways, his older brother indulged him. It had been Alexis’s idea they started a company together, and Cullen agreed to everything. He should have seen the signs Cullen wanted out, but he was too wrapped up in himself to realize it.

  “Is that why you’ve been so eager to sell C. A. Silver?” Cullen nodded. "You better call me every day," Alexis whispered.

  Cullen scoffed. "I'm not leaving tomorrow. Asshole." He bumped Alexis lightly with his shoulder making him chuckle.

  "Well, whenever you leave if I don't hear from you every day, I'm going to blow up your phone."

  "Okay," Cullen said, putting an arm around him and pulling him close. He kissed Alexis on the side of his head.

  "Cassandra is going to have a fit. Not to mention Mom and Dad." Alexis raised his head and looked at his brother. "But I'll stand by you."

  "Thanks for the support. But like I said...I'm not leaving tomorrow. I plan on sticking around until after you have the baby."

  Alexis groaned. "Can you believe I'm having a kid? I still haven't figured out my life yet."

  "None of us have our lives figured out," Cullen said. "But you have a mate."

  Alexis was about to speak when there was a knock at his door. "I bet that's Cassey. She's been coming around a lot. I think she knows I'm pregnant."

  "You can't hide anything from her."

  "That's the truth," Alexis went to answer the door when there was another knock. "Why don't you use your key..." His words slowed when he opened it and saw Maverick standing in front of him. "What are you doing here?"

  "It's cold...can I come inside?"

  Alexis went to tell Maverick to 'pound sand or in his case snow,' but remembered he’d told his brother he was going to clean up his own mess. "Yeah, come on in." He stepped to the side to let Maverick inside just as Cullen walked up beside him.

  "I'm going to go," Cullen said, pulling him into a hug. "Listen to him, but don't be afraid to tell him to kick rocks either."

  "Thank you," Alexis said, hugging him back. "And I won't."