by Shea Balik
“Which is why we have come up with a plan,” Brecken said. “It may not work. Hell, it probably won’t work, but I’m not about to let the Council continue to implement laws that go against everything we believe in.”
Kellach wasn’t sure what to think about Brecken’s impassioned words. “Why would you help us?”
Brecken tilted his head and looked at Kellach oddly. “First of all, Trygg is my brother. I would do anything for him.”
That didn’t make any sense. In Kellach’s experience family didn’t go out on a limb for each other, especially when it meant going against the Council.
“Secondly, I am also gay,” Brecken announced.
That hadn’t been what Kellach had expected to hear. No one announced that without having a mate to risk the consequences for, and so far, he hadn’t seen a mate.
“Obviously, it isn’t something I have advertised, but I also haven’t kept it a secret. My pack knows and they don’t have a problem with it.” Brecken shrugged. “Or at least if they wish to stay, they don’t. I won’t tolerate bigotry in my pack. If fate chooses to mate us with the same sex, who are we to go against the Gods?”
It was a good question. One the Council should ask themselves if anyone bothered to ask Kellach.
CHAPTER 14
As much as it pained Trygg to admit it, his mate was right. Thanks to the Council, they would most likely always be a target for bigoted assholes who felt it their right to tell others how they should live.
With his brother’s plan, which most likely wouldn’t work, they had a shot of changing things, but it wouldn’t be easy. In fact, it was going to take all of them working together if they had any chance at all.
It was funny if one thought about it. Mice, cats, dogs and various other animals all working together for a common goal. If they could manage to find a way to cooperate there just might be hope for shifters after all.
“Are you out of your mind?” Edrick shouted. “You’re talking about killing the entire sitting members of Council.”
“No,” Brecken said. “I’m talking about a coup. If they choose to fight and die…” One of his shoulders lifted as if to say he couldn’t help the outcome.
“If the Council got wind of this conversation, we could be tried for treason,” Hudson, who was both a human and shifter lawyer, said. “We would all be executed.”
Kellach snorted. “What difference does that make? We’re already to be killed for being gay. Dead is dead, how we got there makes little difference.”
Just hearing his mate talk about dying had Trygg scooting a little closer to Kellach. He didn’t even want to think about a world without Kellach in it. “Kellach’s right. Like it or not, we are all in this together. The way I see it, we either split up and run, always keeping on the move, hoping the Council doesn’t catch up to us.” Trygg looked over at his brother and prayed he knew what the hell he was talking about. “Or we stay and fight.”
Edrick gave a weary sigh that Trygg was pretty sure everyone in the room felt. Then he turned to Hudson and asked, “Will it work?”
If Trygg were a betting man, he would say Hudson would rather be anywhere but there at the moment. It was obvious he was reluctant to answer, but eventually he gave a nod. “It should, but I warn you, the Council has protected itself from most of the old laws.”
Hudson paused as he looked around the room at the men and women who were there, putting their lives on the line just talking about this. “I admit, as far as I know, there is no law to counter this one but that is only because it hasn’t been used – ever. They mostly likely forget it even existed.”
Hudson leaned forward in his chair. “That said, it should work in our favor. Not only can we use the old law but many shifters have been complaining that they are getting tired of the Council’s high handed ways of getting involved in pack business. Many are calling to return to the old laws that our ancestors created.”
Silence echoed in the room as they all took in what was said. The risks were huge. Then again, as Kellach had said, they already had a target on their backs for being gay. Whether they died for treason or being gay, it didn’t really matter. This way, they might actually have a chance.
“I’m in,” Trygg said.
Brecken shot him a smile. “Since it is my idea, I’m in. I’ve also talked to my people before we arrived. They are all in.”
Kellach put a hand in Trygg’s free hand and said, “I’m in too. I’m tired of the Council dictating who we can and cannot love.”
Trygg didn’t dare to breathe as he felt the warmth of Kellach’s hand sink into his body. Just hours before he’d feared he would never know a moment like this. It may only be a hand, but to Trygg it was everything. That first real step in Kellach accepting him as his mate. He just wished they weren’t about to face a battle that could end up killing them all before he got a chance to hold his mate in his arms.
Edrick glanced at each of his men in turn before saying, “We’re in.” There was a collective sigh as men and women in the diner had a goal. It might end up with them all dying but at least they would fight for what was right.
“I do have a question though,” Edrick said. “Who exactly is going to replace the Council?”
Trygg already knew the list of candidates and he had to admit, his brother had thought this through. Clearly he’d been planning for a lot longer than when Trygg had arrived to confront Brecken about Carolina.
“All the prospects are on their way here.” Brecken glanced at his phone. “I just hope they all make it before the Council’s men get here.”
“But doesn’t the Council have to be here for this to work?” Edrick asked.
“Oh, don’t worry about them,” Brecken said. “I have already invited them.”
Trygg laughed. When everyone looked at him, he shrugged. “Sorry. But it wasn’t exactly an invitation.” He pulled out his phone and called up the video Brecken had sent to the entire Council, including office staff and hunters, along with every Alpha just so the Council couldn’t claim they didn’t get the message.
My name is Brecken Snow. I am the Alpha of the Snow Creek pack and am sending this video on behalf of the Miracle Pack, who the Council has given order to kill for accepting the mates fate gave them. A law enacted by this bigoted Council has made it illegal for mates of the same sex to remain together.
I, for one, disavow this law as it goes against the fundamental tenant of protecting one’s mate. This unjust Council has tried to erase the main principals we were born to uphold. The Gods themselves have proclaimed that nothing is to supersede that of a mate. For the Council to have tried was overstepping their authority.
As such, I, Brecken Snow, and six others challenge the Council for their seats based on the old law of right of might for authority. As it states, this law was designed for any person in position of power to be ousted by a someone stronger in the challenge ring without interference from any other.
If you do not show up for this challenge in ninety-six hours, we will assume you are stepping down to your challenger. Of course, I realize we must first stop the army you have sent to kill us, but rest assured, we will prevail. I expect to see you in Miracle, Oregon on Friday at noon or you will have forfeited your right to sit on the Council.
When the video stopped, every person in the room stared at it in shock. But slowly, each face formed a smile. They still had to defeat the army the Council has sent, but at least they now had a mission for winning.
CHAPTER 15
There was a moment of fear when everyone within the diner broke apart to get their men ready for the battle to come. Brecken had reinforcements arriving any moment from his own pack, along with other packs he’d called, who felt it was time for a change within the Council.
There were also six men and women who would be joining them that would each fight a member of the Council for one seat. There was no guarantee any of them would win, but Brecken seemed fairly sure they would.
But none of
that was why Kellach’s heart was racing and palms sweating. It was his mate’s request for a moment alone with him. Kellach honestly didn’t know what to do. Up until the moment he saw his sister – alive – Kellach was prepared to never accept his Trygg as his mate.
But now…well now it wasn’t so simple. Now he had hope and Kellach couldn’t ever remember a moment in his life since his mother locked him in that closet that he’d felt that particular emotion. Nor was he sure what to do about it.
Not a word was said as they walked through the worn path that led behind the town. When they walked up the steps of the porch Kellach’s anxiety only grew. By the time they reached his bedroom door Kellach’s entire body was shaking.
“Hey,” Trygg murmured as he pulled Kellach into the room and right into his arms. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
The sound of the door latch clicking into place somehow soothed Kellach’s nerves. He couldn’t explain it, but being there, alone in Trygg’s arms, was a balm to his soul. “It’s just…” He had no idea what he wanted to say but just as he’d been doing for the past few weeks, Kellach couldn’t keep it inside any longer.
Things started spewing out of his mouth. Things he’d never planned on saying. He started with that day Chadwick announced he was going to find his prince charming one day and how Kellach had ended up locked in a closet. Everything about his life just poured out of him, including his devastation at finding out his sister had died.
“But then, today everything changed.” Kellach held onto Trygg even tighter as he still couldn’t believe the moment his sister stepped out of that SUV. “It was like a dream come true.”
He looked up into Trygg’s golden eyes. “And you were the one to make it happen,” he whispered. “In the blink of an eye my world has been turned upside down and I honestly don’t know what to do, what to think or what to feel.”
He had hardly finished when Trygg’s firm lips took his own in a soft kiss that melted what was left of his already frazzled brain. Nothing else mattered but the way Trygg’s tongue licked a path along his lips. Or the moan that slipped from his mouth, parting it so that Trygg could slip inside.
Oh, and that tongue. His moan turned into a needy groan as Kellach pushed up into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Trygg’s neck to bring their bodies into perfect alignment.
The bulge that pressed into his abdomen told Kellach just how much Trygg wanted him. It was then, in that moment, that all the doubt, fear and anxiety fell away and things became crystal clear.
This was his mate. The one person who would stand by his side no matter what. Trygg was created just for him by the Gods. Put in his life by fate to love and care for. Damn, but he’d been an idiot.
It became paramount he tell Trygg for there was no telling how much time they had left before the Council’s army arrived. Pulling back from the kiss he looked up at his mate. That thought had him smiling. “My mate,” he whispered.
Trygg smiled down at him. “It almost sounds as if you’re happy about that.”
“I think I am.” How? Kellach still wasn’t sure. Nothing really made sense and yet everything made perfect sense all at the same time. “I mean…” he sighed as he tried to find the right words. “I feel like I’ve screwed up so much since we’ve met. But I’m beginning to realize that I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect mate if I’d tried.”
What was weird, Kellach was telling the truth. Trygg was kind, sensitive, strong, understanding, protective and caring. What more could he ever hope to find in a mate?
“Now I’m the one who feels like he’s dreaming,” Trygg joked. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever hear anything like that from those sweet lips of yours.” His mate leaned down and kissed Kellach once more.
This time Kellach thrust his tongue into Trygg’s mouth. If they were going to mate, Trygg would need to learn they were partners. But when he thought his mate would fight him for dominance, Trygg surprised him by letting Kellach take over the kiss.
He wanted to ask Trygg why he was letting Kellach take over, but he was too afraid his mate would laugh in his face and tell him he was just humoring him for a moment. That there was no way he would let someone like Kellach top. It was what often happened in his sexual encounters and Kellach just didn’t think he could handle it if Trygg treated him that way.
“Hey, what happened?” Trygg said as he pulled back from the kiss. “You’re all tense.”
Still unable to keep his thoughts to himself, Kellach found, to his horror, that he was blurting out exactly what he was thinking. “In the past, the men I hooked up with laughed in my face when I told them I wanted to top and I’m afraid you’re going to do the same.”
Kellach sucked in a much needed breath and waited for the laughing to start. When he didn’t hear it, he dared to glance up into golden eyes that appeared…pissed. He’d been prepared for quite a few different reactions from Trygg, but anger wasn’t one of them, nor did he understand where it was coming from.
Unless…Was Trygg mad that Kellach thought he could top him? His heart sank. For just a few precious moments Kellach had thought he was going to get his happily ever after, but just like everything else in his life, Kellach would only know disappointment.
The only difference was, Kellach was tired of just accepting his rotten fate. It was something he was still trying to come to terms with, but he deserved better. It may not change anything but Kellach wasn’t about to just lie down and take being treated this way.
With that thought in mind, he unconsciously set his stance as if preparing for battle. “You know, I’m sick of being dictated to. If we’re going to be mates, I expect to be treated as your equal. I won’t be subservient just because you have some hang up about bottoming.”
Hands suddenly wrapped around Kellach’s upper arms and yanked him forward until he was nose to nose with a snarling Trygg. “And next time you might want to rethink throwing your past lovers in my face.”
Kellach opened his mouth to yell when Trygg’s words finally sunk in. “That’s not what I…” But he didn’t finish. It may not have been Kellach’s intention to bring up his previous one night stands but the fact remained, it was exactly what had happened. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
The grip that was digging into his arms softened as firm lips met his in a gentle kiss that was all too brief. “As for the rest, when are you going to learn I’m not like other men?” Trygg asked. “We’re mates. Of course I think of you as my equal. Topping or bottoming in the bedroom has nothing to do with it.”
“Yes it does,” Kellach automatically said. “Everyone knows the man tops.”
Trygg’s eyes closed as he took a deep breath. “You know, if I ever meet your father, I’m going to have to teach him what it really means to be a man. The ideas that man has put in your head are ridiculous.”
Kellach wasn’t sure if he should be insulted or not. It sounded like Trygg was putting down his father, but it was the ideas in Kellach’s head he was calling ridiculous.
One of Trygg’s hands trailed down Kellach’s arm, to his hip and then down to cup the bulge that protruded in his jeans. “Do you honestly think when you bottom you’re anything but a man, my pretty kitty?” A kiss was placed on the side of his mouth, then his cheek, then his jaw.
As Trygg continued to make his way to his ear, Kellach was having a hard time concentrating on what he’d said. The only thing he’d really heard was that stupid nickname. “Stop calling me pretty. I’m not a girl.”
Trygg gave a low chuckle that settled right into Kellach’s balls. When his mate started nipping along the corded tendons of his throat, Kellach found himself tilting his head back to give him more room. “There is no fear of you being mistaken for a girl, my pretty kitty.” As if to prove that, he squeezed the front of Kellach’s jeans, causing his dick to throb in pleasure.
Then the button on his pants was opened and his zipper lowered. “But I must warn you not to say things like that in front of m
y sister, Zara.”
Kellach let out a moan when Trygg clamped down on the spot where his neck and shoulder met. He had to admit his thoughts were scattered but he was sure Trygg brought up something about a sister. “Say what?” Although he wasn’t sure he’d even be able to understand Trygg’s answer if his mate continued the assault on his senses.
A hand was suddenly inside of his pants, stroking his heated flesh. Another groan floated around them as Kellach rose up on his tiptoes to get closer to his mate’s exquisite touch.
“Your tone insinuated women aren’t as good as men,” Trygg whispered in his ear. “Not only is that not true, my sister would put you on your ass for thinking it.”
Just then, Trygg covered his mouth with his own and Kellach was lost. Thoughts of topping, bottoming, girls, boys, hell, even the battle to come fled as he gave himself over to the heaven that was his mate’s arms.
CHAPTER 16
As far as Trygg was concerned, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his mate. Even though his cock ached to bury itself in Kellach’s tight ass, Trygg would wait. This was too important to Kellach, which made it paramount to Trygg for his mate to be on top.
He just wished they had more time. He would love nothing more than to spend a week in bed with his mate. But with the Council’s army on their way, time wasn’t exactly on their side.
Reluctantly Trygg released his hold on Kellach’s hard prick. He wasn’t about to lose his chance to mate this incredible man by taking too long. A rushed mating may not be ideal, but he’d take whatever he could get if it meant that Kellach would be his in the end.
When he managed to get Kellach’s pants off, which would have been easier if he’d remembered his mate had been wearing shoes, Trygg swept his hands up, snagging the hem of Kellach’s shirt and tugging it up over his head. He inhaled sharply at seeing his mate completely naked.
