To Take and Hold(Omegaverse Shifter Romance) (shifter fever Book 2)

by Cashmire Hart

  Chapter 21

  After Crixen's brother had used a portal to get Reed home, he'd went right to the storage barn. There was too much activity in the mansion, and he wanted privacy. Crixen promised he'd be right behind him and until then, he craved solitude.

  He thought he should be more raw from the ordeal with Raze, but he wasn't. A part of him regretted not taking the opportunity to torture the bastard, but a larger part sighed with relief. I am not a monster. More than that, he already had his Band-aid. As he relaxed against the hay, he closed his eyes. As he focused on the sound of birdsong, he stroked the pommel of his dirk, the cool metal smooth and sturdy. It brought him comfort knowing that once Crixen trained him, he'd be able to protect himself should anyone come to steal him away.

  Time passed leisurely and Reed drifted in and out of sleep. He'd felt Crixen's return before he saw him. The alpha seemed to make the air crackle around him wherever he went. Flipping his eyelids open, he grinned widely.

  Crixen stood in the doorway looking like a runway model. He stalked over to Reed and he rose to meet his alpha, happy he'd finally returned. He opened his mouth to compliment Crixen on his clothes, except Crixen cut off his words with a deep, possessive kiss.

  When Crixen finally broke off, Reed said breathlessly, "Hello, sexy."

  His alpha growled and suckled at his neck. He smelled so good, like spices and smoked wood. The scent went right to his gut, tightening his balls and rekindling the fires of arousal. Crixen backed him toward the hay bed, his mouth everywhere, claiming and taking. He popped the first two buttons of his silky shirt.

  "Wait, I want to savor this," Reed said. "You look like a gentleman."

  "I'll dress up again for you some other time," Crixen said, practically growling as he slipped his shirt off his shoulders. "Right now, I need to mark you."

  The sound that left Reed's lips startled him. It was thick with need and desperation. Yes, he thought victoriously. This was what he wanted. A proper mating. And he wasn't terrified one bit. He'd chosen this alpha as much as Crixen had chosen him.

  Crixen guided him down to the hay bed and helped Reed undress, his urgency obvious as he practically tore the clothes from their bodies. Crixen's hands went everywhere as if he'd suddenly grown multiple pairs. His mouth moved south, kissing and nipping and licking every inch of his body. Reed let himself go, submitting completely to the alpha he'd chosen as mate.

  Coming back up to Reed's lips, Crixen asked roughly, "Do you want my bond mark?"

  "Yes," Reed rasped, not hesitating.

  "Are you mine?" His alpha demanded.

  "Always." He reached down to take Crixen's leaking cock in hand, the flesh hot and ready to mate. He stroked him slow and deep as Crixen kissed him, every sweep of his tongue branding Reed as his.

  Crixen skimmed his hand down Reed's body, past his hips and to his waiting asshole. The sudden contact was like lightning, making him jerk. He was surprised by the absence of fear and the overwhelming desire to have Crixen there. It just confirmed that Crixen was the right alpha for him.

  "Do you want me here?" Crixen whispered tenderly.

  "Yes," Reed managed, his voice cracking. The light, circular touches were driving him mad. "Do you want to put up with a rude, disrespectful omega for the rest of your life?"

  His alpha accepted the challenged with a feral sound and pressed his dick against Reed's hole. He circled the tender flesh, spreading his lubricant and heightening the pleasure. His kissed turned tender, his lips leaving little pecks along his jaw and neck. He pushed forward, his prick carefully sliding into Reed until he gaped.

  "You know I love you," Crixen croaked. "My annoying, disrespectful omega."

  All Reed could do was grin as his alpha filled him. No fear. No pain. Just desire and pleasure. He dug his fingers into Crixen's back, silently begging him for more, for everything. As Crixen fucked him, they held each other's eyes, Reed wanting him to see how much he wanted this. Reed rocked against him and his alpha's knot popped in. Crixen let out the most agonized and beautiful sound.

  "Fuck," Crixen whispered harshly and scooped Reed into a suffocating embrace.

  He sought his alpha's lips and rotated his hips. He was familiar with this, knew what to look for and judging by Crixen's expression, he was extremely close to climax. He needed to feel the mate he'd chosen unloading inside of him, marking him as a claimed omega.

  Mating an omega for the first time was an amazing thing indeed. Being stuck to his mate in an intimate way, it was hard to imagine he'd gone all this time without exploring carnal desires. It was as if he'd waited all his long life for this single, frustrating omega. Had he not decided to join his warriors in the wildblood hunt in a spur of the moment, he might have never met Reed. It seemed like they were destined to meet, made for each other.

  He was careful, watching closely for any hint of pain. The last thing he wanted to do was make this a bad experience for Reed after what he'd been through. As his anatomy locked them together, he focused on the sensation of Reed's warm sheath strangling his cock. It was so amazing, he thought he could do this all day, every day.

  Reed pulled him into a kiss, his fingers going in his hair. He moved his hips fluidly and stroked Crixen's cock expertly. His gut tightened like a noose, the orgasm rising quickly. He took his mate's prick in his hand, wanting him to experience the rapture together.

  "Cum for me," Reed murmured. "Mark me as yours."

  His omega's words fired off inside of him and the climax exploded, rocketing him off the planet. His snarls filled the barn as he unloaded inside Reed, his body shaking with every spurt. The orgasm subsided, but he wasn't going anywhere as that tension coiled again. Reed turned his head to the side and guided Crixen's mouth to his shoulder.

  Yes, his wolf howled in his mind. Claim! Mark! He didn't want to hurt Reed, but they both knew it was necessary. The hesitation passed, his fangs sliding down. This was it. Once he bonded with Reed, there was no going back. They'd be linked for life.

  His heart pounding, he moved lower on a whim and slipped his fangs into Reed's skin, just over his nipple. Reed cried out in pain but held him flush to his body. He tightened his muscles, clamping down on Crixen's cock as another orgasm burst forth. Crixen growled and bit deeper, his fangs piercing through flesh and all the way down to Reed's soul. Making the connection zapped him, marking Crixen as much as he had branded Reed.

  His knot released, but he stayed where he was. Carefully, he withdrew his fangs and licked at the deep wounds.

  "Your turn," Crixen murmured against his neck and stroked Reed until he grunted and groaned. "I promise you mate, all your days will be filled with pleasure."

  Reed gaped as the orgasm rocketed out of him, covering them both in cum. He covered his mate's lips with his kiss and swallowed Reed's cries of rapture. When he was sure Reed had had enough, he carefully withdrew his spent cock and scooped his omega into his arms. Reed grabbed onto him, his chest pumping hard with bated breath.

  "My mate," Crixen rasped, more to himself. He'd given his life to the Ro'an cause and wouldn't hesitate to die for the betterment of their people, but now, he wanted nothing more than to live. For Reed. Us.

  Chapter 22

  "The end," Reed said as he closed the book.

  Crixen frowned at his mate, absorbing all the words Reed had read to him in the past few days. The storage barn had become their private place away from the world. He'd brought in a mattress and cooler and had spent the last few days by his omega's side. They'd done nothing but eat, sleep and fuck and it was glorious.

  "I think I understand why you like these books so much," Crixen said and ran his palm over Reed's bare arm. "Getting away from reality for a few minutes is highly appealing."

  "Really?" Reed cocked a dubious brow at him.

  "Sure. I'd rather spend all day here with you than return to the Keep," Crixen said and trailed his fingertips across Reed's nipple.

  He gasped and pushed Crixen away. He smiled shyly. "You'
re insatiable."

  "You woke the beast," Crixen countered. "Didn't I tell you there would be repercussions?"

  "You did," Reed murmured, his eyes hooding.

  Crixen claimed his mate's lips, kissing him slow and tender. When Reed made a soft sound of need, Crixen broke off and grinned victoriously. He'd discovered all the little ways to drive his mate wild with arousal and with the bond solidified, it was easier than ever to read the minute details.

  Shaking his head, Reed buried his face in Crixen's chest. "You're bad."

  "From time to time, I've been known to be such," he teased, feeling light. It was an amazing sensation to look forward to something each and every day.

  "You promised you'd train me," Reed said with a little whimper. He pressed a soft kiss to Crixen's pec and hugged him tightly.

  The bond went two ways and Reed knew how to get what he wanted. How can I say no? Despite being alpha, he was finding it hard denying Reed anything. He didn't mind one bit, however. He was determined to give his omega everything he'd never had and deserved.

  Crixen kissed his forehead. "Later. I promise."

  He stroked Reed's hair for a long while as his mate cuddled against him, the warmth of his body inviting. He fit so well against him, like a blade sliding into its sheath for the millionth time. He never imagined home could be a person, but here they were, mated for life. And with that link, came an impression that something was on Reed's mind.

  "I had an idea," Reed said. "I wanted to run it by you."

  "What's that?" Crixen inquired.

  Reed sat up and blew out a big breath, sending his locks fluttering. "I know what happened to me is probably more common than anyone wants to admit. The omegas in Sanctuary, they're here for a reason. I was thinking... they could use something to make them feel safe... especially Javi. I don't know him very well, but he seems terrified of everything. Maybe if he had his own dirk and knew how to use it, he'd feel safe."

  Crixen listened closely as his mate spoke, absorbing the words. He rose up and ran a hand across his bedhead. "You're requesting weapons for everyone? My warriors guard this place and are armed to the teeth."

  "That's not what I meant. What if they want to go out for a night around town? They should be able to do that whenever they want without worrying some alpha might kidnap and assault them. I want to set up some sort of club, where we can learn to defend ourselves."

  "You want me to train them to fight?"

  "Will you?" Reed inquired and sat forward, his expression bright.

  "I'm busy trying to find my replacement. I don't have time to instruct everyone," he said, hating disappointing his mate. "But I do understand what you're asking. I could find a warrior to train your friends in the art of self-defense."

  Reed leaped on him and showered him in kisses. "You're the best alpha an omega could ever want."

  He couldn't help laughing at his omega's happiness.

  "I love when you laugh," Reed said, his tone darkening. "It's hard to get out sometimes, but when you do, it's sexy."

  Growling low in his throat, Crixen grabbed the fleshy globes of Reed's ass. His mate nipped at his neck in approval.

  "I thought you wanted a break," Crixen rasped.

  Reed sat up, his balls soft and warm against Crixen's cock. But that sudden playfulness had frozen over surely as if winter had blown in.

  "What is it, mate?" Crixen asked, running his hands all over. He could see in his omega's eyes that conflict. It had been there for the last few days.

  "I'm just wondering when you're going to ask me and why you haven't yet," he said, his voice cracking. "I keep telling myself it doesn't matter, but it's a lie."

  "Ask you about what?" Crixen rose to meet him and kissed Reed's lips tenderly. "You can tell me anything, you know that. What is it that you need?"

  "I like being honest with you," he muttered and held onto Crixen. "These past few days have been amazing. But we need to hash out things."

  "It's going to take some time for me to relinquish command of the Ro'an. I have several candidates in mind, but the Magistrate will have to approve them. These things take time."

  Reed shook his head. "No, I mean, we haven't talked about where we will live, or what you will do after you leave the Ro'an. Or if you want pups or if we are going to have a mating ceremony--"

  Crixen silenced him with a kiss. "You can have a huge mating ceremony if you want."

  "And pups?"

  "I don't know. It's not something I've thought about at length. I never imagined I'd find you. As long as I have you, I'm happy," he said honestly.

  Reed nodded slowly. "I might want some. I'm not sure. But not now."

  "Whatever your heart desires, my mate." He pressed his lips everywhere, needing to sooth Reed. His goal was complete happiness.

  A soft smile plumped Reed's cheeks and he looked toward the barn door where the summer day passed. "I always imagined myself having a big mating ceremony. A mix of tradition and modern with lots of people to bear witness. I guess I've been reading too many fairy tales. It's funny, because running from that possibility landed me in Raze's paws."

  Crixen stilled and searched his mate's face for explanation. Reed's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. He cupped his omega's cheeks. "Talk to me."

  "It's my fault," he said, his bottom lip quivering. "I was such a spoiled pup. I thought that if I ran away for a few days and made my parents worry, they'd change their mind about introducing me to an alpha they'd chosen. I was so stupid. Of course, I knew they weren't forcing me. It was just a little push, you know? Come say hello, see how you two get along. But I was such a spoiled boy that thought I could get whatever I wanted. And if I didn't want to meet a potential mate, then I wasn't. Raze caught me in a rural wood on my way to a nearby city. I thought I'd fuck around in town for a bit before returning home... I didn't even make it."

  "It's okay," Crixen whispered as he held Reed tight. "We all do stupid things when we are young. But it wasn't your fault. You didn't deserve what that asshole did to you."

  Reed shook his head. "I didn't dare run from Raze out of fear that he'd hurt my family. I buried that part of me, but it's dug itself up. All I can think about is having family around me as I mate you officially. I can't stop thinking about it. I miss them."

  "Reed," Crixen said and made his mate look at him. "Believe me when I tell you not to take family for granted. My parents were stolen from me and I'll never get them back. You can."

  "I know," he said, the tears finally dislodging. "But what will they think of me? What if they'd forgotten?"

  "Never. If I were to become a father, I'd love that pup no matter what," Crixen said in all seriousness. "Reed, I want you to have everything."

  "Jaenen of Fairweather," he whispered. "I figured I couldn't go wrong hiding out in the open."

  Crixen looked at him in surprise. He should have known better. Reed was crafty and sly. He was willing to bet that Reed's family had reported him missing using his old-tongue name. Wind in reeds. It was a nice name. As the scent of salty tears encompassed him, Crixen saw a blue lake, glittering in the sun with long green reeds flanking its banks and snow-covered evergreens in the distance. It was a flash of a memory handed down through the bond link.

  "Saskatchewan is beautiful this time of the year. I wish you could see it," Reed said softly. He dried his tears. "I miss my family."

  Crixen pushed his messy hair off his forehead. "When you are ready, I'll go with you."

  Chapter 23

  Crixen watched as Reed slept soundly, his expression loose. He couldn't keep from touching his mate, needing to know this was real. On some level, he expected to wake up at any moment. Anything this perfect and lovely had to be a dream. But as the evening went on and he didn't wake up, reality solidified. He was a mated and bonded alpha now. Reed had given him a reason to live beyond his vengeance.

  He was happy Reed had confided in him, but he hated that his omega blamed himself for what had happened. Knowing Reed'
s true name made him want to track his family down, but he wouldn't go against his mate's wishes. When he was ready, he'd follow Reed home and give him the support he needed.

  The night was quiet, the inhabitants of Sanctuary taking the party inside. The chirp of crickets was soothing to him and the cool breeze was like a silken touch. He hadn't known very many times like these when the world seemed to be at peace. The moment was made all the better by having someone to share it with. Running his fingers through his mate's soft locks, he pondered over what Reed had divulged. Crixen could see himself serving Reed in his heat and watching his belly grow with their pups. He had never thought about being a father until now and found he wouldn't mind it. As long as he had his mate, he'd be happy, no matter where life took them.

  His phone chimed, momentarily startling him. They'd disconnected from civilization and the bell reminded him that he still had so much to take care of before they could properly begin their new life together. Glancing at his phone, he sighed at Mag's name. Crixen didn't want to talk to anyone right now, much less the kooky leader. All he wanted to do was love his mate. He figured Mag's summons was important, however and opened the text.

  Mags: Come out of your hidey hole.

  Frowning, Crixen shot up and glared at the shadows around him. All the machinery made for places to hide. As he surveyed their surroundings, his wolf growled in his mind. Protect. All these new alpha urges would take time to get used to. He stalked outside the barn to find Mags sitting on a fallen log, licking a giant lollipop. Crixen couldn't help feeling annoyed. This was Reed's special place. Mags was an interloper.

  Rolling his eyes at his animal, he came to greet Mags.

  "Is this how you welcome me?" the alpha said, giving him a once over. "In the nude?"

  "You didn't exactly give me time to dress," he countered. As much as he respected Mags, he didn't like him so close to Reed. Everything suddenly seemed like a threat to his mate and he needed to deal with it promptly. It was totally unreasonable and there was absolutely nothing he could do about it. Welcome to being bonded.