by Lisa Oliver
“You have to come over here if you’re going to claim me.” Stone’s rhythm never faltered.
One step, then another. Wyatt’s fingers fluttered in their need to touch. There was so much to take in; the strong black tattoos running down Stone’s arm, the inked trail of ivy circling around the opposite hip. Some scrawled text was inked down Stone’s torso and…and…damn, who was Wyatt kidding? All he could see was the negligent way Stone handled himself and a tiny hint of color peeking from between parted legs.
“I…er…damn…I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” Wyatt’s whisper sounded like a shout to his ears, but he had to confess. He wasn’t going to hurt Stone by showing a confidence and experience he didn’t have.
“Step one. You climb on the bed between my legs. After you’ve got rid of the boxers.”
“That’s two steps.” Wyatt did as he was asked. This close, the scent of Stone’s arousal caused his cock to leak.
“Step three then, lean over and kiss me.” That was easier said than done. Stone was a good foot taller than Wyatt. Wyatt moved over Stone’s body, groaning as their cocks met. He’d have to slide up further, but his cock wanted him to stay where he was.
“Let’s try it another way,” Stone’s smirk showed through his carefully groomed goatee. Wyatt found himself flat on his back, Stone hovering over him. “I know you haven’t done this before,” Stone whispered between kisses. “I can smell the slick from your ass and know your body’s prepared for me. But just this once, I want to try it this way. You deserve to claim me as I claimed you.”
“I can’t bite and top you all that the same time. I’m too short.”
“You’re a pocket-sized perfection and I’m falling for every luscious inch of you.”
Wyatt didn’t have a chance to respond. Just as he did with their first kiss, Stone took over; his warm tongue forcing its way into Wyatt’s mouth, taking away his ability to breathe. He reached up, fingers tangling in Stone’s long, dark hair, urging the man closer and whimpering when his efforts were unsuccessful. His body arched, desperate for skin on skin contact, yet Stone held himself off.
“Not yet, not yet,” Stone muttered as Wyatt wrenched his mouth free to complain. “I’m close enough to spill now and I want in your ass when this is over.” He reached back and a loud squelch sounded above their harsh breaths. “I used a lot of lube.”
Is that a blush I see? Wyatt was pleased he wasn’t the only one with a red face, but then any attempts at thinking were derailed as Stone grabbed his cock and sat on it.
“Don’t move!” Wyatt’s hips left the mattress as his body tried to make sense of the heat, the pressure and…. “Oh, my fucking god, I’ve never felt anything like it.” His balls were tingling a sure sign he was about to embarrass himself. “Please, don’t move. Not yet.” He panted, deep inhales and exhales while Stone stayed frozen above him.
“Is it always like this?” Wyatt asked when he’d finally pushed his orgasm back enough to speak.
“Hmm, like what?” Stone purred, rolling his hips. “Hot. Moist. Fucking fantastic?”
“Yes!” Wyatt yelled as Stone rose up and slammed back down. “Fucking hell, yes. Do that again.”
Lying helpless wasn’t how Wyatt imagined his first attempt at topping would go but with every cell in his body alight with the desire to come he didn’t have the breath to complain. If Stone was feeling any discomfort, he wasn’t showing it; flexing his thighs, rocking up and down on Wyatt’s cock, his own leaking all over Wyatt’s stomach.
It was too much; too intense. Everything from Stone’s ragged breathing matching his own, to the intense friction milking Wyatt’s cock. His fangs dropped, his wolf giddy with excitement and Stone’s eyes gleamed with his own wolf as he leaned and presented a thick muscled neck. “Bite.”
As if he could refuse. Arching his neck, Wyatt bit hard; his yell as his cock emptied muffled by skin, muscle, and the sweet taste of Stone’s life force. Stone roared, a sticky warmth streaming onto Wyatt’s belly but all Wyatt was conscious of was the snap he felt inside, as though something out of line had finally fallen into place. He felt Stone shudder and hurriedly disengaged his teeth, licking lovingly over the wound. Stone would scar and every paranormal in existence would know he was taken. Wyatt didn’t think he could feel any happier if he tried.
That was, until Stone growled, “Roll over.” In the long night that followed it seemed Wyatt’s capacity for happiness could keep growing and growing and growing. All thanks to Stone and the loving he showed with every touch and kiss. Somewhere in between the frantic couplings, soft words, and loving touches, Wyatt lost his heart that night and he was sure he couldn’t have given it to a more deserving person.
Now all he had to do was share those feelings with his mate.
Chapter Ten
Stone slapped his hand over his mouth, edging around the side of the crowded kitchen where Princess Maddie was holding court. Just as Wyatt predicted, within five days every man in the house took Maddie into their hearts and with the dexterity known only to young children, Maddie took full advantage. Barron, in his lion form, was acting as a footstool. Chip and Horn were arguing over the state of Maddie’s eggs. But it was Cal and Tom that really caught Stone’s attention.
“What on earth are you wearing?”
Cal touched the princess crown tucked among his curls, his cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink. “It’s for our afternoon tea party.”
“You’re just jealous because you weren’t invited,” Tom straightened his cardboard crown and stuck his tongue out. “I thought you were waiting for a call from the council.”
“I am. I just needed coffee. Wyatt doesn’t know what to pack.”
“Is Wyatt going to be okay?” Maddie looked up from her plate of eggs. Scrambled and fried, Stone noticed.
“I’m sure of it, sweetheart. It’s you I’m worried about. Are you sure you can take care of these big lugs while we’re away?”
“It’s a big job but someone has to do it.” Maddie sighed and stabbed at her eggs. “I know they loves me really.”
“That they do, princess.” The men all laughed as Stone brushed a kiss on her blond head, barely missing her crown. His phone vibrated in his pocket and he pointed outside. Chip nodded and Stone knew his men would protect Maddie with every breath they had. He strolled outside, tapping the screen to answer the call.
“Councilor Stone.” He still couldn’t get used to his title.
“Councilor Stone, the message you were expecting came through this morning. The caller requested use of the Council challenge ring which has been granted. As per council laws you are allowed two witnesses to attend and the caller has been advised. A plane has been sent to your position.”
“Thank you. Was the caller advised who he’d be facing?”
“He simply asked for the challenge against the Wolf Shifter Council Member to be recorded, sir. I doubt anyone bothered to fill him in. After all, you’ve not been in your position very long and it can take time for records to be updated.”
“Perfect, Sarah, thank you.” Warren asked Stone to keep his personal secretary on. An older mated wolf with three grown children, she liked the regular hours and keeping busy. A thirty-minute video call when Stone took over the office and the woman had been a godsend ever since. She took care of all the petty matters that crossed his desk and adored Wyatt on sight. When she heard about Maddie, she promised no one would bother them unless it was vitally important. Stone was looking forward to meeting her in person.
“I’ve also arranged for your suite to be prepared. You will meet the other council members for an informal dinner tomorrow evening which will give you and your mate plenty of time to enjoy the sights. As mates are included in the invitation, not much in the way of business will be discussed.”
“I’d like to get a feel for them before I start pushing for law changes,” Stone admitted. “The dinner is a good idea. Keeping my mate quiet during the dinner might be a different matte
r. He has some strong ideas.”
“He wants to see some positive changes for shifters.” Sarah seemed to approve. “I am sure with his fresh face and passionate manner the other members are sure to respond favorably to anything he does say.”
Stone certainly hoped so or they’d be dealing with him. He’d never met anyone but Warren in all his dealings with the council. Despite the council being for all shifters, most animal types stayed with their own, which worked in his favor, as Horridge was unlikely to hear about the change in Councilors before the challenge. Winning his challenge against Horridge should send the message he wasn’t to be messed with, which would be important with the other members, especially being new in his position. Thanking Sarah for her efforts, Stone disconnected the call and went to find Wyatt. Packed or not, the plane would pick them up in an hour.
****
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay here without me?” Wyatt dithered. Brown jacket or black. He couldn’t remember a time when he had so many clothing options, but a quick online shopping spree and the closets he shared with Stone were full. He stuffed the brown jacket in his suitcase and kept the black one aside to wear. Maddie was sitting with her legs crossed on the bed, approving and disapproving his different choices.
“You need to be with your mate,” she said, pulling out the brown jacket and replacing it with a blue one. There was something in her tone that had Wyatt putting down his clothes and cuddling her instead.
“What’s wrong, sweetie? I thought you liked it here.”
“I do.” Maddie snuggled close. “My uncles are all lovely and they take care of me so much. But I…it’s just been us for a long time. I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll only be gone four days,” Wyatt knew what Maddie meant though. Looking after her had been his sole focus for years and Stone had said she could come on later trips. Just not this one. The risk with Horridge sniffing around the council buildings was too much. “I will miss you, too,” he added, “And you can come on the next trip. Me and Stone will have to find out all the lovely things you can see when you get there.”
“Will you bring me a present?”
“Of course. What would you like?” Wyatt wondered if this was where he had to explain ponies weren’t keen on being ridden by shifters.
“A big, black, fluffy wolf like Uncle Stone. Then I can have him guard my bed at night while you’re at work.”
“You care a lot for Uncle Stone, don’t you?” Wyatt brushed Maddie’s hair from her face as she nodded enthusiastically.
“He’s the best, well, not the best because you’re the best in the whole world, but then he’s the best because he cares about me and he loves me, and he tells me so every night when he tucks me in at night.”
“Shall I tell you a secret?” Wyatt whispered. “I’m in love with Uncle Stone.”
“Me, too,” Maddie giggled, and Wyatt rolled her over and tickled her belly; neither of them noticing Stone watching them from the door, rubbing a finger over the suspicious wetness in the corner of his eye.
Chapter Eleven
The private rooms that made up a councilor’s suite were far more sumptuous than the utilitarian décor of the outer offices seen by the public. The couch Stone and Wyatt were curled up on would cost more than an average yearly salary, although it wasn’t comfortable. Stone wiggled around, trying to find a soft spot for his ass, taking care to hold onto Wyatt as he did so. The man was uncommonly quiet and had been since they got on the plane.
“Are you okay, babe?” Stone wasn’t sure Wyatt would answer.
“You’re going to fight Horridge in two hours.”
“I thought you trusted me to beat him.” Stone wasn’t one for showing it, but it hurt thinking Wyatt didn’t believe in him.
“I do, I really do. Horridge is just a bully. I’ve seen your wolf, remember. He’s got no chance against you.”
“What’s worrying you then?”
“Nothing. Lots of things. I don’t know. I’m just being silly.”
Turning Wyatt’s cheek so they were facing each other, Stone growled softly. “There’s nothing silly about speaking your mind. Tell me.”
For a long moment Stone wasn’t sure Wyatt would say anything but then it all poured out. “I didn’t realize being on the council meant any wolf could challenge you. It worries me if you have to fight all the time. Then there’s the pack, the Mason pack,” he added. “I know my uncle’s a pain in the ass, but there’re no other alphas in the pack. What’s going to happen to all those people?”
Wyatt’s an omega – he’s hard wired to care. Stone knew that was Wyatt’s biggest strength and also had the potential to be their biggest issue. He forced himself to hold back his first response; who cares. “The council will appoint another alpha to lead the pack. You can help me pick someone if you like because you know the people best. And as for me being challenged, Sarah told me this was the first time it’s happened in over a hundred years. Most wolf shifters have too much respect for council members to suggest challenging them and no one is keen on being a council member anyway. It’s just Horridge who’s taken it into his head to rule all wolf kind. He’s not going to be an issue after today.”
“I told you I was being silly.” Wyatt pouted, and Stone had to kiss those full lips. His wolf was keyed up, knowing the challenge was imminent. Loving on Wyatt would definitely take both their minds off things.
****
“I’m going.” Wyatt wasn’t keen on being found naked and still smelling of sex when Anthony, one of Warren’s ex-guards knocked and said Horridge had arrived and was waiting for them at the challenge ring. But it’d taken him two seconds to dress and he wasn’t pleased when Stone blocked him at the door.
“I don’t want Horridge seeing you.”
“Tough, because I want to see him.” Wyatt pushed past and smiled at Anthony. “Is Horridge in a mood?”
“Yes, Councilor Mate, especially when we confiscated his enforcer’s weapons.”
“I knew he’d try and cheat.” Wyatt held his grin for Stone. “Coming Councilor?”
“I really don’t want Horridge seeing you,” Stone muttered as they fell in behind Anthony and Frank; two other guards behind them. Wyatt wasn’t used to walking with an entourage, but it did help quell his nerves.
“This is something I have to do.” Wyatt wasn’t going to disrespect his mate by talking in a normal tone and kept his voice low. “He bullied me, he planned to rape me. He threatened my sister. I want to be there when you rip out his throat.”
“You’re bloodthirsty for an omega, aren’t you?” But Wyatt saw the quick upturn of Stone’s lip.
“Try having your virginity threatened by a controlling bully and see how you feel. Besides, I want him to know I survived when he won’t last the day. I can’t wait to see his face when he gets a load of you.” Wyatt ran his hand down his new Armani suit. It screamed of understated elegance right down to the shine on his new black boots.
In contrast, all Stone had on was a pair of tight black jeans, a matching leather waistcoat and his boots. He’d be shifting to fight, so getting dressed up was a waste of time. Even so, the power of his wolf was obvious the closer they got to the challenge hall and Wyatt noticed more than one of the council staff shiver and lick their lips as Stone went by. He should’ve insisted Stone stay shirtless, then they could all see his mating scar. Next time, he promised himself.
“Okay, this is it, Councilor.” Anthony stopped outside a set of high wooden doors. “Frank and I will be your witnesses, Jeb and Torrin will remain outside the doors but within earshot in case they’re needed. Although I’m sure they won’t be. Councilor Mate, you can take a seat in the stands. Remember, you can’t go near the challenge ring until after the fight is over and a winner declared.”
“I wish you’d call me Wyatt,” he grumbled as Stone took his face in his hands. A bubble of nerves attacked his stomach as he saw the intensity of Stone’s expression. “I believe in you,” he said so
ftly. “Go kick some ass.”
“Your wish….” Stone’s voice muffled as their lips joined. Wyatt was terrified and determined not to show it. The challenges he’d seen Horridge win in the past were blood baths, but his gut told him Stone would come out victorious. Maybe I should have stayed in our room, but Wyatt was made of stronger stuff. This was his bully Stone was facing and the least he could do was show his support. Taking one last inhale of his mate’s scent, Wyatt pulled back and straightened his shoulders.
“Let’s get this done.” Anthony opened up the big doors and stepped aside.
Chapter Twelve
Unlike pack challenge rings that were conducted outside, the Council challenge ring was created out of a dirt floor, inlaid among the original wooden flooring. Given the council buildings were in the heart of the financial district in NYC, the necessity for keeping council activities hidden was understood, but Stone wished he could feel the air on his face as he stepped into the room. As it was, the fans swirling in the ceiling did nothing to dispel the late afternoon heat.
His eyes sweeping the room, Stone noticed Horridge’s eyes lighting on Wyatt; the fanatical leer and the way Horridge grabbed at his crotch sickening him. “Glad to see you’re here to see me win the council seat boy. Your ass will make a fine reward when I’m done.”
Biting his inside lip, Stone escorted Wyatt to his seat high in the stands, then went down, flexing his muscles as he stood outside the challenge circle.
“In accordance with Council tradition and shifter laws I must first outline the rules. Both….” Anthony pulled out a scroll from inside of his jacket and started to read.
“Hang on a minute. Where’s Warren? Has he defaulted?” Horridge turned to his enforcers and grinned. “Told you he wouldn’t show. Weak old man.”
