by Maggie Walsh
“Are they dangerous? Do I need special services for them, like a doctor to care for them physically or mentally?” Ridge asked.
“No, neither of them have been rescued. Their situation is a bit different. These are two of my sons, Alpha Heart, and they need somewhere to go that they will feel safe and not be ridiculed every day when they walk by.”
“What does that mean?” Caleb asked.
“My kind live in harems. We take on many mates. One male to as many as six or seven females, but two of my sons are gay, and because of this they are unique in my breed. I and my mates have no issue with who they are, and I am very proud of all my children, but I do worry for their safety. Because they are the only gay members of my colony, they have no way of finding a mate or a harem. They can travel to other colonies and hope to find a mate there, but again, I doubt they would be able to find a harem. I know it probably sounds odd and you may even think why should a harem be such an issue? But, it is the way of my people, like the unique lifestyle of the Tundra Wolf,” Councilman Darby said, giving them a pointed look.
Dell smirked. “True, which means you also know that we have no problem with multiple matings or ménage relationships. We also understand the need that is built into our DNA for how we live, so none one here would have an issue with your sons being gay or needing a harem.”
“But isn’t your kind tropical? So how would they fare here?” Jude asked.
Councilman Darby turned his attention to Ridge, and replied, “That is why I am making my request of Alpha Heart. I understand that your pack basically lives underground. Wait, no, not underground, but you move about in your pack using a tunnel system, so your members don’t have to endure the extreme weather here.”
Ridge nodded. “Correct, but our houses are above ground. Although they are modern and have heat, there is nothing tropical about them.”
The Councilman smiled knowingly. “Yes, but I am also aware that you do have a tropical forest of sorts built in the center of your home,” he replied hopefully.
Ridge let out a deep sigh, then replied, “That is true, but only in the Alpha House, and the only members of my pack that lives there are my inner circle. Everyone else have their own homes.”
“Because the Council is asking for the help of both your packs in accepting new members, we are prepared to offer you our assistance as well, like paying for all improvements or additions that would be needed. There are paranormals of all types that need to find a safe haven and who we would be sending to you, and some of them have special needs, like those of my sons. I will personally be willing to have one of those specialized homes built for my sons’ current and future needs as well as having a new tunnel built for their home. But I do ask that you not only allow them into your pack, but to live in your tropical area until their home is complete. I don’t want to put you or your mate and the others out, or cause any dissention in your pack, but I am in dire needs, Alpha.”
“Why are you in such dire needs, Councilman? Are your sons’ lives at stake?” Caleb asked.
Councilman Darby turned and met Caleb’s gaze and his eyes filled with tears. “Unfortunately, yes, Alpha Mate. As I said before, my sons have to deal with ridicule from others on a daily basis, but recently they have each been attacked multiple times. My oldest, Tiberius, is a very sweet, kind soul and a lot like one of your omegas. My youngest, Quill is more like one of your betas. He is built like a warrior and can fight, but when the odds are twenty or more against one, even he has trouble with those numbers. Although Quill is younger, he takes it upon himself to protect Tiberius and because of that, and the others getting more aggressive in their attacks, it has left Quill hurt many times. Tiberius is afraid for both their safety and wants to leave, and Quill will go anywhere his brother goes to ensure Tiberius is safe.”
“How often do they need to roost? Is that what you call it?” Ridge asked.
“Yes,” the Councilman said as he nodded. “Our animal counterparts roost daily, but shifters don’t have to. We do need to roost at least once a week though, to appease our beasts. We are also vegetarians in the way that we don’t eat meat. We do however love different fruits, nectars, and blossoms. We are also good for pollination. Flying foxes, or fruit bats, are like bees. Pollen sticks to our fur and we transfer it to trees and flowers.”
“Wow, so your bat has fur?” Jude asked.
“Yes. We also are the largest of the bat species and have a wide wingspan, and we use our eyes to see, not echolocation like other bats.”
“I understand you need to keep your children safe, Councilman, and I agree to offer them sanctuary in my pack,” Ridge stated, then held up his hand to quiet the Councilman when his eyes lit up happily and he opened his mouth to speak. “There will be conditions, of course, just like there would be with anyone I allow in my pack. The first being, everyone works for the betterment of the pack. Although I cannot let your sons live in the Alpha House, which I am sure you can understand why, I do have a place for them to stay where they will be safe. They may come to the Alpha House when they need to roost or feed. I do have some of the tropical fruits and flowers that they may need for their diet.”
The Councilman smiled gratefully at Ridge and Dell could see the relief flood his eyes. “Thank you, Alpha Heart. I am in your debt.”
“Not at all, Councilman. As we’ve just been discussing, we all need to help one another in our world. Now more than ever,” Ridge replied.
“I agree,” Dell said, drawing everyone's attention. “We would be grateful to Abigail and her coven for placing new spells around us, protecting our lands and people, and I would be willing to accept any paranormal who needs us into my pack. The rules are the same as in Ridge’s. Everyone must contribute for the betterment of us all, but I will also add that no matter what breed comes to join my pack, that is what they will be doing, they will be joining my pack, which means they must accept me as their leader and show me the proper respect. I rule here and what I say goes. No harm will come to anyone as long as they hold no threat to anyone else.”
“Agreed,” both Councilmen said at once.
“And the Council offer stands, Alphas. We will help you in any way we can to add whatever you may need to expand your packs. Housing, provisions, whatever,” Councilman Darby promised.
Dell sat back in his seat and looked around the table. “So, now that the preliminaries have been discussed, shall I call in our dinner and we can relax for the rest of the night, then continue our discussions tomorrow?”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Ridge agreed. “It will give us all some time to get to know one another on a more personal level and allow each of us to absorb what’s been discussed today and give us a chance to think of any questions we may have.”
“I couldn’t agree more, Alphas,” Abigail said, as she stood. “If it is alright with you, while we wait for the evening meal, I will inform my people to start working on the protection spells around your lands and have them ready our tents for our stay.”
Dell stood. “Of course, Abigail, but do you think your people will be warm enough in tents? I can call on Marlo right now and he can help me find more comfortable accommodations,” he offered, as he walked around the table to offer his arm.
Abigail entwined her arm with his and smiled. “Thank you, Dell but, as I informed your sweet Marlo on the phone, that would not be necessary. We travel with our own accommodations and our tents are very large and will be more than warm enough, even in these conditions.”
“If you’re sure, then I will have some of my men come to lend a hand,” Dell said, as they made their way to the front door.
Abigail giggled as she looked up at him and replied, “That won’t be necessary either, but I do appreciate the offer. Maybe your men could watch over my people as they move around your lands, placing the spells?”
“We would be more than happy to escort and protect your people. I will stop and get Marlo and he’ll have a few CATs brought around, so no one
will have to walk in the frigid temperatures and the dark. Maybe we should wait until the sun is up tomorrow so there is more light?”
“We will start with a few smaller spells tonight, but tomorrow I would be grateful to have the escort and the vehicles to take me around your lands, so that I may personally place the strongest protection,” Abigail offered.
“Thank you, Abigail,” Dell said, as they exited the building.
CHAPTER 12
Fane
Gods he was tired. After a week of meetings and patrols and putting in eighteen-hour days, Fane was exhausted and missed his mate. During the crazy week he had been able to catch sight of Marlo here and there as they both attended to their duties, but it wasn’t enough. Fane missed holding the man he loved in his arms and feeling Marlo’s slender body melt into him, fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. He missed kissing his man and making love to him. Fane only hoped that he could get some sleep, so that when Marlo returned home in a few hours he could show his love exactly how much he had missed him.
Thank the gods Dell said he could have the whole day off and not have to report back to Jude until breakfast tomorrow. Fane couldn’t remember the last time he worked that many hours with so little rest. He needed his mate, a shower, food, and sleep, and not necessarily in that order. Fane thought as he dragged his tired body up the street to their home.
As he got closer and his new house came into view, Fane smiled. He never thought he would have this life. A mate, a home, good friends, a pack, and a job he felt proud of. The gods surely did work in mysterious ways. Fane chuckled from his own thoughts as he made it to the front walk and continued on to the porch. He climbed the two steps and looked around at the bare chairs that sat alongside the house and the two-person swing attached at the end, under the awning. It would have been nice to come home and relax out here with Marlo cuddled up against his side as they watched the Northern Lights dance across the sky, but it was too damn cold for that right now. He couldn’t wait until the warmer weather, so he could live out that dream.
Fane turned his attention back to the house and grabbed the knob. Turning it, he pushed the door open and took a step inside. The house was warm and inviting and was lit only by the glow of a fire burning in the hearth. He took another step, then stopped in his tracks from the sight that greeted him. His cock instantly took notice and filled to fullness, pressing against the zipper of his cargo pants.
Marlo knelt naked in the center of a blanket that had been spread out on the floor before the fireplace, lights from its flames dancing around the room, creating shadows and illuminating Marlo’s silken skin. Absently, Fane closed the door behind him as his gaze stayed focused on his mate. Marlo rested on his calves, his pretty cock erect, one hand rested on his thigh as the other slowly caressed a trail up his flat stomach to his sexy chest. Fane’s gaze focused on the motion and he licked his lips as that hand traveled further north, up Marlo’s slender neck. His mate dropped his head back on his shoulders and closed his eyes as his mouth dropped open, and Fane heard the soft sigh.
“I missed you, love,” Marlo whispered softly as his hand moved back down his body.
“Mmm, I missed you too, little love,” he replied, his voice coming out deep and husky, showing his desire.
He had been so tired on his way home and wanted to sleep for the next twelve hours, but the moment he laid eyes on his wonderful mate, Fane’s energy was rejuvenated and all he wanted was to touch Marlo. To kiss and lick and taste what was his until he drove Marlo mad with need, and then he would sink into his mate’s body, engulfed by the warmth of his silken hole and enjoy the rapture that was Marlo.
Fane stripped his clothes as he walked across the room, dropping each garment on the floor without thought, until he stood bare at the edge of the blanket. He let his gaze roam over his mate’s beautiful skin, taking in every inch and appreciating the gift that the gods had sent him.
Marlo was his world, his everything now, and Fane would do whatever it took, to ensure Marlo’s safety and happiness, even if that meant taking Dell up on his offer as his second beta and third in command. Fane hadn’t expected the position to be offered so soon, not at all actually, but after the past week of following every order given to him by Jude and leading a team of men of his own, Dell said he was impressed and offered Fane the job. He told his Alpha he would have to speak with his mate first, and he meant it. Whatever Marlo’s wishes were on the matter would be his answer.
Marlo turned his head, opening his eyes, their gazes locked. “I’m sure you’re tired and hungry, and probably need a shower. I’ve made some snacks if you’d like to eat something first and I’ll gladly come up and help you get clean before we settle you into bed for a much-needed rest.”
Fane stepped in front of Marlo and dropped to his knees, then reached out and cupped his cheek. He moaned when Marlo instantly leaned into his touch. “That all sounds wonderful, mate, as long as I get to do it all with you. Gods, I missed you so much. I need you, little love. I need to touch you, kiss you, and love on you,” Fane said, then leaned in and captured Marlo’s lips with his.
Without hesitation Marlo opened for him and Fane swept his tongue in, tasting Marlo’s unique flavor. Another moan came from deep inside him and Fane wrapped his free arm around Marlo’s waist, then hoisted him onto his lap. He needed more. He needed to be closer to Marlo, to feel their skin pressed together. Fane deepened the kiss, trying to convey all his feelings in that one kiss. He wanted Marlo to know how much he was loved.
Marlo wrapped his arms and legs around his mate, then thrust the fingers of one hand through his hair, Marlo’s nails scraping against Fane’s scalp, as the other hand caressed over his shoulders. His mate’s touch felt so good and drove him mad. Fane wanted to spend hours pleasuring Marlo, worshiping his body, but at the same time he desperately needed to be inside his mate and feel their connection again.
Fane held Marlo tight as he bent forward, bringing them both down to the floor, then settled between Marlo’s thighs. He ran a hand up Marlo’s side as he reached between them with the other hand and gently gripped his mate’s leaking cock. Marlo moaned deep in his mouth and Fane swallowed the sound.
“I need to be inside you, love,” he whispered against Marlo’s lips, then thrust his tongue in deep again.
Marlo moved his legs from around Fane’s waist and spread them open in invitation. Fane released Marlo’s cock and slid his hand around to his mate’s delectable ass and slowly drew his fingers up Marlo’s crease. Marlo’s hips began to move, thrusting against him, and Fane felt the wetness from the tip of Marlo’s cock paint his stomach.
Marlo broke the kiss, his hot breath panting against his face, as he said, “I’m open for you, mate. Take me. Please. I need to feel you inside me. I missed you so much.”
His mate was open for him? Fane thought curiously, then slid his fingers to Marlo’s hole and pressed the tip of one against that tight star to find that Marlo was indeed wet, dripping with his natural lubrication, and ready to take him.
“Fuck, that’s so sexy. Need you now, little love,” he said breathlessly, then kissed his mating bite on Marlo’s shoulder. Marlo trembled against him as he cried out.
Fane pulled back, releasing Marlo and knelt between his thighs, his gaze locked with Marlo’s as his mate watched him, eyes glazed with desire. Fane grabbed Marlo’s hips and lifted them off the floor and pulled Marlo toward him, bringing his mate’s little hole to the tip of his cock. Fane pushed forward and slid all the way into Marlo in one thrust, burying himself in his own personal heaven.
He reached down, sliding his hands under Marlo’s arms and lifted his mate until Marlo sat on his lap, impaled by his cock, and their bodies were pressed together. “Ride me, baby. Fuck my cock as I fuck you,” Fane whispered, and wrapped his arms around Marlo’s back, loving how soft and sensual Marlo’s skin was.
Marlo began to ride him, slowly at first and Fane thrust up to meet him. Faster and faster Marlo lifted, then
fell back onto his cock, and Fane fucked him harder, snapping his hips up, impaling Marlo over and over again. The room filled with the sounds of their panting breaths, moans, and grunts as they fucked each other in complete abandon. Marlo’s nails dug into the flesh of Fane’s shoulders where he held onto him, the small bite of pain turning him on.
Fane grabbed Marlo’s hips as he increased his thrusts, hitting Marlo’s gland, causing the man to throw his head back and scream Fane’s name. Fane felt the wet heat spread between them as Marlo’s anal muscles clenched around him, strangling him, drawing Fane’s orgasm from him. Fane shot, filling Marlo with his seed.
They wrapped around one another, holding on tight as if either of them let go, one of them would float away. He gently nibbled and licked Marlo’s smooth throat as they both tried to catch their breath. Marlo started to draw little circles on his back with the tips of his fingers. His mate’s touch tender and loving made Fane feel cherished. Which was something he had never felt before. It was such a pleasant, euphoric feeling that filled his heart and soul with joy and Fane fell even deeper in love with his man. In that moment Fane vowed to always make Marlo feel the same way, because he cherished Marlo more than anything else in the world.
EPILOGUE
It had been such a long week and Oberon was exhausted. Not that he had done anything like Fane had done all week—escorting their guests around the packlands, attending meetings, and patrolling—but Oberon’s schedule was still off. Between not sleeping, training, and having to listen to Alpha Ridge and his mate fuck all week, Oberon was ready for a vacation. The only saving grace was that because of their visitors, Fane and Marlo were so busy that they hadn’t been home at the same time for more than a few minutes, so he didn’t have to listen to them going at it too.
