The heat in his eyes sent a thrill through Braun and he obliged. The pie was quickly consumed, and the wine drank. The candles burned down and the night wound on. Linda got a little tipsy. Despite her shifter heritage, she was as susceptible to alcohol as any human and quickly drew giggles as she shared a funny story, made more hilarious by her slurred words.
“Looks like you’re going to need a ride home tonight,” Braun said.
“Will you ride me?” she asked.
Kole covered his cackle.
“I will,” Marx spoke up. “Let me get my mate settled in and I’ll take you home.”
Aric made a sound of disappointment. “I don’t want this evening to end.”
“We will do this again,” Braun promised. “And I’ll get you a gift list soon.”
Kole helped clean up while Marx got Aric settled downstairs before returning for Linda.
“Thank you,” Kole said softly. “I had so much fun. I didn’t realize how much I missed being a part of a family.”
Seeking his mate’s lips, he savored the sweetness on them from the cream pie. Feeling playful, he said, “What kind of wedding dress does your heart desire?”
“Oh, shut up,” Kole growled, trying to hide his smile. “We haven’t gotten there yet.”
The penthouse grew quiet as Marx retrieved Linda, the door closing, the exclamation to their evening. Kole put the remainder of the dessert in the fridge.
“Well, that was nice. Linda is a hoot when she gets drunk and Aric is my role model. I want to be exactly like him when I grow up.”
“He is something else,” Braun agreed.
“Are they really Ro’an warriors?”
“It was before I’d met them, but I’d heard rumors of a mated couple in the organization.” He was quiet for a moment. “I can imagine them fighting without flaw, so in tune with each other that they know their next moves, just like your parents. They must have been a force.”
Kole smiled softly at the door, his gaze distant. “Can you really cure Aric?”
“Cure? I don’t know. Marx won’t openly say it, but Aric will never be as he was. He will live, however.”
Nodding solemnly, Kole sighed. Braun knew what he was thinking because he’d thought the same thing for years. Cale could have lived too if only a cure had been researched. The witchcraft that Nyk had used on Cale had only delayed the inevitable. It was something that would always bother him. Shifters had relied too long on their natural weapons—strength, claws and fangs. It was time to adapt to the age. Many were, but there was still much work to be done.
“Why don’t you start the shower? I’ll be right there.”
Kole narrowed his eyes at him but said nothing as he left to do as told. Braun dumped the dirty dishes in the washer and covered what was left of the roast with foil. When everything was cleaned up, he joined Kole in the shower. His mate was already naked and standing under the spray, letting the water douse his hair.
Quickly shedding his clothes, Braun admired the way the water slid off Kole’s body. He stepped into the tub and planted a kiss on his Kole’s shoulder. His omega leaned against him as Braun ran his hands up and down his mate’s body. He grabbed a bar of soap and spread the suds all over Kole while he planted little marks along his shoulder. He imagined the scars of his bite there, the mark signaling to others that he was claimed. In their world, the more savage the bite, the stronger the alpha and the deeper the bond. It was something he both looked forward to and dreaded.
He slid his soaped fingers into Kole’s crack, eliciting a gasp. He circled the puckered hole, while he played with a nipple with his free hand.
“Are you mine, omega?” he whispered against Kole’s ear.
His voice was barely more than a whisper as he spoke, “Yes, my alpha.”
Chapter 15
About fucking time, Kole thought as Braun guided him toward the bed. They drank at each other’s mouths, the kiss growing fevered, and more desperate.
The back of his knees hit the bed and he fell against the mattress. Braun didn’t hesitate to cover him with his body, his weight significant and welcomed. Kole grabbed onto his alpha’s ass, liking being caged in by him.
While Braun nipped at his throat, he reached between their bodies and took the male’s cock in his hands, drawing a hiss. He circled his thumb around the head, coaxing his natural lubrication to the surface. The more he was aroused, the more he’d produce. Braun kissed him everywhere—his lips, his neck, his pecs until he felt his alpha everywhere. It was as if he were being consumed by pure alpha energy and it was glorious.
Kole moved against him, needing Braun to claim him already. The need was so strong that he thought he’d go mad if he didn’t get it. He gasped into his mate’s mouth as Braun found his asshole with his fingers, the touch rekindling the fire deep inside. He skimmed the flesh in slow circles and Kole matched the motion with his thumb on Braun’s cock, his thumb sticky with pre-cum.
Braun pulled away and rolled Kole onto his stomach. Following his instinct, Kole got on his knees, fully offering himself to the alpha. Braun was a great lover. He took his time, his hands running everywhere, gentle and soothing, his lips trailing kisses along Kole’s back. He arched against the male in silent demand.
Braun chuckled softly and slid his fingers down Kole’s crack. “Don’t worry, omega. Before the night is out, you will be mine.”
The growl in his voice soaked into Kole and penetrated his omega core. Kole rested his upper body on the bed, leaving himself in the hands of his mate. Braun’s hot, wet cock slid up his crack, eliciting a gasp. He spread his natural lubrication around his hole, the motions sending waves of pleasure through him. The blunt head threatened to penetrate him and Kole pushed back and demand. His muscles loosened and Braun made a sound of approval.
Reaching back to grip Braun’s thigh, Kole urged him on. His alpha leaned over him and carefully surged forward. His body must have known it was his mate, because his ass opened for Braun, accepting his cock with little resistance. As the alpha filled him, he jerked, a groan escaping his lips.
“Fuck,” Braun growled and held Kole tight.
He dug his nails into Braun’s thigh. He was so very big, his veiny length stretching him to the max. The alpha gave him the time he needed to adjust, his hole loosening further until the discomfort passed. Braun pushed forward, filling him so completely, Kole thought he’d burst. He whimpered as Braun’s nutsack hit his own.
“Okay?” Braun asked roughly and planted a kiss on his shoulder.
Nodding, Kole surrendered to his mate. He trusted this alpha, loved him. He knew Braun would never hurt him. He pulled forward, then slid back. Braun clearly approved, his grip tightening, his breath uneven. Kole repeated the motion over and over, stroking his mate’s prick with his sheath.
“That’s it, my omega,” Braun grunted.
Grinning, Kole quickened his pace. His body had fully accepted Braun.
His alpha quickly took over, moving his hips to meet Kole until their bodies slapped. Reaching between his legs, he gripped his aching cock. Not yet. Braun wasn’t quite there.
“I wish you could see this,” Braun said huskily. “The way your ass clings around my dick.”
Kole was unable to respond. He was running on pure animal instinct right now, the drive to mate taking over everything else. Claim. Kole slammed himself back, and Braun’s swelling knot popped in, sending a momentary shock of discomfort through him. Their cries echoed together, and Braun embraced him. He worked his hips skillfully, his lubrication making the motions easy and smooth.
Braun audibly voiced himself, his grunts and groans and hushed curses clueing Kole in that he was close. Grinning stupidly, Kole focused on the sensation of being filled. Because he was curious, he tried pulling away, but Braun’s knot had fully inflated, effectively binding them. Braun pushed as deep as he could go and unloaded his seed, his victorious cry vibrating Kole to his core. The wet heat that gushed inside of him rocketed pleasure th
rough every corner of his body.
Teasingly, Kole asked, “More?”
His alpha growled like a feral beast and tried to move but was unable to go anywhere. Kole flexed his muscles, squeezing his mate’s cock in an attempt to draw out the orgasm. Braun roughly pulled Kole against him, so that they were kneeling. Braun’s hand replaced Kole’s own on his dick. Craning his head, he met his mate’s gaze, clouded with lust and love. Braun sought his lips, the kiss tender and sweet, but no less commanding.
This is my mate, Kole thought. What they were about to do could never be undone. He’d never crave another. Their bond would last until death. This is the only alpha I’ll ever know.
“Mine,” Braun growled against his lips.
“Yours,” Kole rasped in total agreement.
His mate’s hooded eyes slid to Kole’s shoulder, his nostrils flaring. Kole tipped his head to the side, giving him the room that he needed. Fear shot through him and he grabbed onto his alpha for support.
Braun sucked his lobe into his warm mouth. “Love you, mate.”
Searing pain flooded Kole as Braun bit his shoulder, his fangs puncturing deep. Despite the agony, he grinned, his wolf singing in his heart. Braun exploded inside of him again, his growls muffled against Kole’s skin as he sunk his teeth deeper until they penetrated his soul, forever marking him.
Braun’s knot released and he slipped his fangs out of Kole’s shoulder. He quickly licked at the wound, the coagulant in his spittle sealing it. The cry that Kole had let out broke his heart, but the pain would pass. He hated that he’d hurt his mate, but now everyone would know that Kole belonged to him. More importantly, the bond had been cemented.
His thighs quivered as his cock left the warmth of Kole’s ass with a wet pop, completely spent. His omega whimpered and Braun doubled his efforts to bring his mate to climax. It didn’t take long. Kole threw his head back against Braun as he came all over the expensive duvet. Fuck if all he cared. All that existed was Kole, the omega that he would spend the rest of his long life with.
Braun carefully laid him down. As Kole got comfortable against him, all Braun could do was stare at the bitemark. The flesh was red and inflamed, but soon it would scar over. On some level, he couldn’t believe he’d done this. They were forever entwined. As Kole drifted off to sleep, Braun thought about their future. He’d like to get a house in Montana so Kole could be near his family. He thought about what it would be like to serve Kole during his heat and watch his stomach grow with their pups.
Goddess, but he never imagined himself a father. That was all a long way’s off. Kole had many years before he experienced his first heat, leaving them plenty of time to enjoy the honeymoon.
The hours slipped by and sleep refused to come. He was too focused on his mate, needing to make sure he was comfortable. He had to be available if Kole needed something. Kissing the bite mark gently, Braun curled around him. All the new covetous urges were strange to him. It was as if he’d ceased to exist, his corporal form refilled with primal commands to protect and cherish and possess.
The time passed by, his emotions settling. Kole slept soundly in his arms and Braun had never felt so content.
Chapter 16
Braun made sure everything was turned off and secured. Who knew when he’d be returning? He left the penthouse. If things went the way he’d hoped, he wouldn’t be back for a few weeks. If it weren’t for his business and the work for the Magistrate, he’d move to Montana with his mate.
We will figure it out.
He took the elevator down to the laboratory. He nodded to the warriors guarding the lab and followed the hallway to a second set of doors. Peeking in, he spotted Kole, chatting with Aric and Marx in their living room.
“Okay,” Aric said from the couch. “The thing to remember is to let your enemy make the first move. Don’t lose control and start swinging wildly. When they make a forceful move, they’re going to have to put a lot of energy into it. That energy can be used against them.”
Kole nodded enthusiastically, his eyes bright and wide with interest. “A bigger they are, the harder they fall kind of thing. Got it.”
“Take Marx. He’s ambidextrous, but for this demonstration, he’s going to attack with a single punch. When you engage with someone, pay attention to the little things. Even ambidextrous people have a dominant hand. In my mate’s case, it’s his right. So, when an aggressor attacks, you’ll know what hand to expect further swings from.”
Marx approached and Braun stiffened. He promised his animal that his mate was not in danger.
“I’m going to swing with my right. As reaction is better than aggression, you’ll use my momentum to avoid the attack,” Marx said, balling his fist.
Aric got to his feet and hobbled over to them. He looked exhausted, but enthusiastic about sharing his very specialized knowledge. He showed Kole how to sidestep a swing, then use Marx’s established momentum with a solid push to his back, sending the alpha stumbling forward.
“It’s that simple,” Aric said and returned to his seat, his breath bated. He smiled weakly as his mate came to stand beside him. “Let them make the first move and manipulate their energy to serve your purposes. The best offense is a flawless defense.”
“This is so awesome,” Kole said jubilantly. “Do you think you can show me more?”
“Some other time,” Braun spoke up. “Our ride is waiting.”
Kole turned to him and rewarded him with the most beautiful smile Braun had ever seen. It was enough to make his heart swell. The fact that he was mated and bonded to this amazing omega hadn’t sunk in yet.
“Did you see?” Kole asked.
“I did.”
“Work on your balance while you’re away,” Aric said. “Stand for thirty minutes on a river rock.”
“Or a log,” Marx interjected.
“Logs are good for balance too. They tend to move, so you’re always focusing on your equilibrium,” he said.
Kole hugged Aric and rushed to Braun’s side. “I’m ready.”
“See you two later.”
“Don’t forget. I need that gift list soon,” Aric teased.
Braun chuckled. “You’ll be the first to have it.”
Throwing his arm around his mate’s shoulder, they left the floor, Kole telling him about all the stuff he’d learned in the hour he’d visited with Aric and Marx. “Do you know how to fight?”
“I’ve picked up a few things,” he said honestly. “But my skillset involves the non-physical.”
“I’m familiar with your skillset,” he said heatedly.
“Behave yourself,” Braun said as they entered the lobby.
Linda spotted them and came around to hug Kole. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll be back soon.”
She turned to Braun and winked. Her approval meant everything to Braun as she hugged him long and tight. “I’m going to miss you too.”
He kissed her cheek. He left hand-in-hand with his mate and Kole groaned as Braun led him toward the limo idling at the curb.
“Really? A limo just to get to the airport?”
“I’m set in my ways,” Braun countered and held the door open for his mate.
Kole’s countenance shifted and he slid in. Braun followed and closed the door. The omega ran his fingertips along the velvety seats. Eying him suspiciously, Kole inquired, “I’ve never fucked inside a limo.”
Braun rumbled with laughter. “Not today, my mate.”
Shaking his head, Kole cuddled up next to him. Braun could see the bright red scars of his bite peeking through the collar of his shirt. The memory of their mating made his cock twitch. Maybe a quickie was in order, after all.
Kole pulled out his phone and sent some texts out, then snapped a picture of the interior. Braun kissed the top of his head and watched as the outside world zipped by. It was hard to believe everything that had happened in a month’s time. Kole, his bonded mate had walked into his life unexpectedly. Told you, nothing would e
ver be the same. Now he was leaving Chicago to travel to Montana. The Redspire pack was safe, the Ro’an warriors having assisted in rounding up what remained of Raze’s pack. Kole needed to see his family and father. As much as Braun wanted to keep him sequestered in his bedroom, he wanted to see Nyk too.
All week he’d thought about how to break the news to Nyk that he’d claimed Kole. As the limo took them to the airport, he still had no idea.
Kole laughed at a text, his cheeks plumping. Everything is going to work out. He didn’t have a doubt. Things were too much on the bright side for it to be any other way.
“Honey butter,” Kole said suddenly. “Honey butter and warm, freshly baked rolls. That’s what I need as soon as we get home.”
We. He liked being a part of something amazing.
“That does sound good,” Braun admitted. “You know what would be even better? Honey. On you.”
His omega laughed, the sound like wolf song. It was all he needed to live. Fuck, what has happened to me? He’d gone from I-am-an-island lone wolf to needing his mate and wanting nothing more than to see him smile.
“You better be careful,” Kole said, resting his head against Braun. “It’s so easy to get you turned on now.”
He growled low in his throat. “A fact which you like to exploit. I see I’m going to have to take you over my knee again.”
“You know that only turns me on, right?”
Amused, Braun pulled his mate into a sweet kiss that was designed to show Kole how much he loved him. “You’re too sassy for your own good.”
“You should pick out the ceremony outfits,” Kole said out of the blue. “You have a good sense of style.”
“You don’t want a traditional ceremony?” Braun inquired. They’d been so busy fucking they hadn’t thought about what came after.
He made a sound of contemplation. “Maybe something in between. I guess we have a lot to talk about.”
“Before we do anything else, we have to put a gift list together,” he said.
To Protect and Love (Omegaverse shifter Romance) (Shifter Fever Book 1) Page 8
