by Beau Brown
“Yeah. I did.” I followed him, and I grabbed his arm. He didn’t fight me, and his pulse beat swiftly at the base of his throat. I pulled him closer, leaned in, and I pressed my lips to the bite mark on his neck.
He shivered and whimpered. “Stop.”
I pressed my mouth to the scar, dragging my teeth softly over the puckered flesh. He moaned, and leaned into me, his cock hard against my thigh. God, maybe Hunter and Jake had been right. He just needed me to tell him to stay. He needed me to insist he keep close to his alpha.
I pulled back and put one finger under his chin. “You need to stop running.”
His pupils were big, black, and blown with lust. “Why?”
“Because you’re mine now, and I’m yours. We belong by each other’s side.” I slid my hand down his hip, and between our bodies. My palm cupped his bulge through the rough jean material. “Do you hear me? Stay.”
He shuddered as I stroked him. “Oh, god, Tex.”
I squeezed harder. “You’re mine and you’re not going anywhere.”
He pressed his face to my throat, his breath warm on my skin. “I’m scared.”
“You don’t have to be.” I swallowed and took a chance. It was now or never. “I love you, Griff. Please stay.”
He gave a sharp intake of breath, and he looked up. “What did you say?”
I swallowed again. “You heard me. I love you.”
His bottom lip quivered, and he put his arms around my neck. “Tex,” he said softly. “Do you promise?”
I smiled because his timid response wasn’t what I’d expected. “Yes.”
“Ahh, Tex.” He pressed the length of his body against mine. “I thought you were gonna leave me for that other omega.”
“What?” I scowled. “No way.”
He sighed. “I thought I’d fucked everything up and lost you for good.”
I groaned and put my hands on his narrow hips, pulling him close. His jean covered cock was hard against mine, and I lowered my head and took his mouth roughly. Hungrily. He clung to me, moaning and pressing tight to me. “Griff,” I whispered against his lips.
When the kiss ended, he trembled against me. “I need you. I need you inside me now, Tex.”
Lust jolted through me at his pleading tone. “Yeah?”
“Please,” he begged breathlessly.
It wasn’t like I needed convincing. I smiled and slowly unzipped his jeans. His eyes glittered salaciously, and he toed off his shoes. Then he shoved his jeans and underwear to his ankles and stepped out of them. “I kept picturing you with that other omega.” His voice was hushed, his eyes brimming with jealousy.
I shook my head and undid my pants, pushing them and my underwear below my knees. “No. Just want you.” My cock was already erect, and seeping, as he pressed against me again. Our dicks rubbed together as we kissed desperately, my hands roaming over his smooth, muscled back. We rutted on each other, breathing hard and groaning as our hot flesh slipped back and forth.
He pulled away slightly and turned to put his palms on the edge of the kitchen counter. He stuck out his perfect ass, and something inside me broke loose. I slid my fingers along the crack of his ass. “Lube. We need lube.”
He moaned and grabbed a bottle of olive oil on the island. “Use this.”
I hesitated and gave a gruff laugh. “Olive oil?”
“It’s okay because we’re not using a condom.” I frowned, but when he wiggled his ass, and moaned, “Come on. Fuck me.” I unscrewed the lid and poured the slick liquid onto my hand. Then I stroked my cock, sighing because it felt so good. I dabbed some onto his hole, pushing the tip of my finger past the tight ring of muscle, and making him gasp. He nodded, backing up onto my finger. “Oh, yeah.”
It was a tight squeeze, and I rubbed my finger in and out of him, eliciting moans of delight. I added two more fingers, and I worked him until he was mewling loudly, and fucking his cock against the cupboards. I pulled my digits from him, and rubbed the head of my cock along his crack, pressing it to his hole.
“You don’t want me to fuck anybody else, do you?” I sounded desperate and breathy.
“No. Only me.” He arched his back, pushing his ass against the wide head of my cock.
“Good.” I dug my fingers into his hips and shoved in, one long, hard thrust that had him clawing the granite, and groaning like a wild animal in heat. I bucked my hips, the squeeze of his tight channel taking me almost to the edge of losing control. In and out I impaled him, growling and fucking him hard. “Mine,” I hissed, so happy to be back inside him where I belonged.
He gave a sob and nodded. “Yes, alpha. Just yours.”
The friction of my cock rubbing inside his ass, had me needing to come right away. He was right there with me too, I could tell. We were both so horny and in need of release there was no way we’d last. He pushed back every time I thrust, meeting my bucking hips with lusty, needy growls.
“I’m gonna come,” he wheezed, jerking his cock. “Oh, fuck. I’m right there.”
I put my arm around his waist and started jerking my hips faster. “You’re gonna be fat with my baby soon, Griff. And then when you have that one, I’ll fill you with my seed again and again.”
“Yeah, Tex. I want that. I want a home full with our kids.”
This was what I’d been waiting for; to breed my fated mate. I started fucking him so hard our flesh slapped loudly in the silent kitchen, and his feet lifted off the ground. I licked the bite mark I’d made weeks ago, sniffing his neck and inhaling my omega’s spicy scent. “Mine,” I hissed.
“Yes,” he whimpered. “Love you, Tex.”
Those words sent me over the cliff, and I groaned and shot hard, filling his ass with my release. He shuddered and moaned, and his cum splattered the brown cupboards, sliding down to pool on the kitchen floor. He trembled as his climax rolled through him, and I did the same, thrusting until my cock was spent and we were both finished.
We were breathing like race horses, and I kissed his smooth shoulder, and pulled out of him. He swiveled in my arms, pressing his face to my shirt. “Is this real?”
I frowned, stroking his hair. “Yes.”
“I’ve been running for so long, it’s hard to wrap my head around not needing to do that still.”
“Do you want me or not, Griff?”
He widened his eyes. “Yes. I do. I do. I just mean, it’s weird that I don’t feel that familiar need to bolt. It’s been most of my life that I felt like I had to keep moving.” He grimaced. “I know I can be a pill, and I get moody sometimes. What if you get sick of me?”
I laughed gruffly, feeling stupidly happy to have him in my arms. “Your dark moods don’t bother me none. I don’t want you any different than you are, Griff.”
“I hope that’s true.”
“Even my mom loves you.”
“She’d love any omega who could get you to give her grandkids.”
“That’s not true. She wants me happy, and you make me happy.”
“Maybe.” He snorted. “You deserve a better omega. But I’m not gonna let you have one.” He laughed. “You’re mine. Period. You tell Hunter and Jake that you’re off the damn market.”
“I will.” I kissed him softly.
When the kiss ended, he pulled away and wiped off. Then he put on his underwear and pants and cleaned up the cupboard and floor.
When he stood again, I ruffled his hair, my chest aching with how much I loved him. “Are we good?”
“Yep.” He sighed. “I can hardly believe I don’t have that desperate ache to keep moving. I just want to stay here with you and Ava.” He touched his stomach. “And whoever this is going to be.”
“I’m relieved. I didn’t know how this was gonna go down tonight. But Hunter and Jake had some good advice.”
“They gave you advice?” He widened his eyes.
“Yep. They told me to stop beating around the bush. If I wanted you to stay, I needed to tell you so.”
He narrowed his
eyes. “It did help. I kept trying to second guess if you just felt sorry for me or something.”
“No. I don’t and I never did. I wanted to help you, and it looks like we ended up helping each other.”
“We sure did.” His lips twitched. “I’m gonna finish these dishes and then check on Ava.”
“I’ll wash up, and then we’re moving Ava in my room,” I said softly. “Because you’re moving in my room, and I know you won’t leave her alone just yet.”
“Okay.” He dropped his gaze. “Whatever you say, Tex.”
I barked a laugh. “Now that’s a first.”
He grinned. “Don’t get too used to it.”
“I won’t.” I left the kitchen, peeking in on Ava as I passed on my way to the master bathroom. She was sound asleep, blissfully unaware of what we’d been up to in the kitchen. Once I was in more comfy clothes, I headed back toward the kitchen. When I passed Ava’s room, this time she wasn’t there. I assumed Griff must be feeding her, or something, but when I entered the kitchen, I knew immediately that something was wrong.
The kitchen door was wide open, and Griff was no where to be seen. My heart banged against my ribs as I ran to the door, and out onto the porch. What I saw made my heart leap to my throat. Sven had Ava in his arms, and he was shoving Griff into the cab of his beat up truck.
“Hey!” I yelled, lurching off the porch and barreling toward them. “Get your hands off them.”
Sven scowled, his face red with anger. “Fuck you. I had him first.”
Griff struggled in Sven’s grip. “Let me go, asshole.” He kicked at Sven’s legs.
Sven winced, and then backhanded Griff, and the omega slumped against the car door, looking dazed.
My gut clenched with fury. “Don’t you touch him.” If Sven hadn’t been holding Ava, I’d have punched him in the face for slapping Griff.
“Fuck you. Who do you think you are, trying to steal my omega and my kid?”
“Griff ain’t yours,” I growled.
“He had my kid.”
“Too bad. I claimed him.” I pushed my face toward Sven, hoping he’d get distracted with me and stop knocking Griff around.
“Asshole. Why are you butting your nose in my business? There are lots of omegas around. Why are you fixated on this one?”
I ignored his question. “Odds are you’re going to jail, Sven. Sheriff McClintock said he’s got another omega willing to come forward finally.”
“And you sure as hell know I’ll be happy to send you away,” grumbled Griff.
Sven gave Griff a furious look. “You shut your mouth.”
Shaking his head sharply, Griff said, “No. I should have told the sheriff my story a long time ago. I don’t even know why I was afraid of you. You’re a coward and a bully.”
Sven swung around to face Griff, and he grabbed him by the throat. Ava started balling as Griff clawed at Sven’s hands, and I lunged forward, grabbing Ava out of the alpha’s grip. I kicked Sven in the groin, and when he fell to his knees, I slammed my elbow down on the back of his head. He gave a loud grunt, and he collapsed onto his side.
Ava was sobbing and wiggling around terrified, and I patted her back as I moved closer to Griff. “You okay?”
Griff panted loudly as he nodded, pressing his hands to his bruised neck. “Jesus, he’s an asshole.”
Sven groaned weakly, and I handed the baby to Griff. “Hold her while I tie this bastard up.” I ran to my truck where I had a rope, and I came trotting back. I hogtied Sven, and then I got up and called the sheriff.
Griff looked pale and shaken as he leaned against the truck. “He just burst in the door. I didn’t even have a chance to think what to do.”
“It’s okay. The important thing is, you and Ava are safe.” I put my arm around his shoulders, and he leaned on me. The feel of his body against mine felt right, and I tightened my grip. “He won’t be back.”
Griff gave Sven a wary glance. “I hope not.” Ava had stopped crying as soon as Griff had taken her. She clung to him with her head on his chest. “He’s a persistent cuss.”
“He’s going to jail this time. This isn’t his word against yours anymore.” I spoke firmly. “He broke into my house and tried to kidnap you. He can‘t wiggle out of it now. He cooked his own goose coming after you like this. ”
“Okay.” Griff nodded. “I trust you.”
My chest squeezed with pride at those three little words. “Do you, Griff?”
His blue eyes warmed. “With all my heart, Tex.”
“It’s awfully nice to hear you say that out loud.”
He gave a gruff laugh. “Can’t say I’ve ever said that to anyone before. But it’s the truth. From the moment we met, you’ve taken care of me. You’ve put me first.” He glanced around at the ranch and the dark mountains in the distance. “If anyone had told me I’d be happy settling down out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by prickly pear cactus, and claimed by an alpha, I’d have told them they were shit nuts. But here I am.”
“As I recall, when I first met you, you out prickled the prickly pear cactus.” I smiled. “You sure you ain’t going to miss your fancy espresso bars and clubs too much?”
“Nope.” He grimaced. “Well, I do miss the espresso, I ain’t gonna lie. But the clubs, and the running from myself?” He shook his head. “I’m so glad that’s behind me.”
I kissed his hair, inhaling his familiar scent. “Me too.”
“If I really want to fit in, I guess I’m gonna have to buy a pair of cowboy boots. I think I’ll wait till after this baby is born though. My feet tend to swell up when I’m pregnant.”
I chuckled. “We should buy you two pair. One for when you’re pregnant and one for when you’re not.” I sighed. “Because, I plan on making lots more babies with you, Griff.”
“Don’t you threaten me with a goodtime, cowboy.” He smiled, and put his palm on my chest. “Looks like I didn’t just steal your truck. I also stole this cowboy’s heart.”
I touched his cheek. “Nah, I gave that away willingly, Griff.”
Epilogue
Griff
I pushed the stroller with our new son Roan in it, and Tex carried Ava. It was late afternoon, and we’d just had lunch at the Sweet Water Cafe. With my belly full, and my alpha by my side, I was as content as could be.
Tex stopped suddenly in front of the feed store. “Now, Ava, this is where I first met your daddy.”
Ava cooed and gave him a smile.
“That’s right. He tried to steal my truck.”
My face warmed. “Don’t tell her that.” I looked around. “That story needs to be retired for good.”
“Ha!” Tex shook his head. “No way. That’s the best story in the world of how two people ever met. It’s going down in the history books.”
I scowled. “Why? It’s embarrassing.” I knelt down beside the stroller and stroked the dark hair of our son Roan’s head. “I want our kids to think their dad was a fine, upstanding omega.”
“A pillar of society?”
“Why not?”
He grinned. “Because they’d know it's a lie. What would anyone like that be doing with you?”
I laughed. “You’re respectable.”
“Now you’re just being mean. I don’t want to be respectable just yet. That’s reserved for older alphas.” He turned back to Ava. “Don’t listen to him, honey. I’m not at all respectable.”
My lips twitched as I straightened. “Do you think we could get some ice cream?” I craned my neck, glancing toward the Sweet Water Ice Cream Shop. “I could use a little something sweet.”
“I notice you’re really craving sugar lately.” He lifted one brow. “Is there anything you need to tell me, Griff?”
I’d actually taken a test earlier in the day, suspecting maybe I was pregnant again. I’d planned on telling Tex the good news later tonight, but he looked so excited right now, I didn’t have the heart to wait. “Maybe.”
He widened his eyes. “Reall
y? I… I was just kidding.”
I grinned. “Well, I’m not.”
He swallowed hard. “You’re pregnant?”
I nodded. “Yep. Baby number three.”
He gave a loud whoop, and he pulled his hat off. “We’re gonna have another baby?” A cheerful smile spread across his face. “Hunter said he thought you were pregnant.”
“He did?” I laughed. “How would he know?”
“He said he ran into you at the store yesterday, and there was something about you.”
“I didn’t even know till this morning.” Of course, I’d suspected it, since I was nauseous every morning and craving candy like it was air.
Moving closer, he put his arm around my waist, and he planted a big kiss on my lips. When he lifted his head, pride shone in his eyes. “I’m so happy.”
“That’s a relief.” I sighed. I knew we’d talked about having a bunch of babies, but sometimes people just said stuff they didn’t mean. I should have known better than to think Tex would be that way. He was a man of his word.
“Well, we need to make you a doctor appointment.”
“Yeah. I’ll do that tomorrow.” I lifted one brow. “How about that ice cream?”
“Oh, sure.” He stepped down the stairs of the boardwalk, turning to help me too. We made our way across the street toward the shop.
“I think I know the sex of the baby too.” I laughed.
“How?”
“When I had Ava, I craved sweets from the second I was pregnant. But with Roan, I craved steak.”
“Huh.” He pulled his brows together. “So another girl?”
I nodded. “Maybe. Is that okay?”
He frowned. “You know I don’t care what the sex of our babies are. I just want them healthy and happy. Like my omega.”
“I’m both.” I licked my lips. “Well, I’ll be happier when I get my three scoops of mint chip ice cream, of course.”
“Three?” He grinned, his eyes sparkling. “How are you going to finish that much ice cream?”
“Oh, I’ll do it. Don’t you worry. And I want a waffle cone too.”
