In Wulf’s Clothing

by B. A. Tortuga

  The ballroom was set up for the party, with a cake covered in rust and blue flowers, gray lace. There was a little dance floor, a buffet—it was traditional and wonderful and weird.

  They called him out for pictures, which seemed to take forever, and Cory and the other groomsmen led the bridesmaids in on their crooked arms. Thank the moon he didn’t have to make a speech.

  Trey and Miguel were nowhere to be found, and he could he could hear River growling softly.

  “Where did they go?” Cory asked.

  “Something about the dress she’s wearing for the reception. I think they’re just worrying.”

  “Oh.” Did brides really wear their dresses that little time? Bizarre. His mom had worn a sunflower printed sundress.

  “Right? It’s a thing. This is her dress, but simpler so she can eat and dance and shit.” River rolled his eyes.

  He had a sudden mental image of Miguel explaining just this to River and he had to laugh.

  I want to be able to dance with you, mate. Where are you?

  Busy with the bride. I don’t dance.

  You’ll dance with me at least once. He sent an image of Trey in his arms, swaying to a slow song, and he felt Trey’s answer in a rush of need and warmth and want.

  Yes. They needed to touch each other, to let people see they were mates. He’d never been ashamed of Trey, just of himself, and it was time to prove it.

  They all circled each other while they waited for the new married couple, no one seeming to know what to say to each other.

  Aspen finally caught up to him, the seer grinning at him. “Are you ready to go home?”

  Home. Huh. “I am. I don’t think I belong here anymore.”

  “I don’t blame you. Here is a different place than it used to be. Now you can be yourself, finally.”

  “I have to figure out who that is.” He grinned. “What about you?”

  “I’m going to wander a while, I think. Maybe up in the mountains. Chase elk.”

  “Don’t get shot.” The worry crept out at odd times. He’d been out of the canyon a few times. No one hated them like he’d thought. Oh, there were groups of people who wanted all wolves dead, but that was largely politics these days.

  “If I do, it’ll sure piss Dad off.” Aspen’s grin was wicked as hell.

  “Yeah.” He hooted, drawing a few stares. “I’m taking my mom with me, so how much trouble can I get into?”

  “You have Wulf and the others. They’re a challenge, and you’re a new alpha. You’re going to have all sorts of fun.”

  “Me?” Cory shook his head, his denial immediate. “I’m not an alpha. It’s Trey’s pack.”

  Aspen tilted his head. “Uh-huh…”

  “What? You—” He cut off when the applause started again, Stephen and Laurel coming in.

  “Applauso, por favor, for Stephen and Laurel Yazzie!”

  Wow. Laurel’s reception dress was a dove gray satin with a rust tie at the waist, and now he knew where the dove gray came in, since all the bridesmaids’ dresses were blue and rust. Neat. It was like something out of his mom’s Little Women book. She looked perfectly happy, and Stephen looked relaxed and settled, and his eyes never left his wife.

  They were really amazing together.

  He looked for Trey to come in behind them. Don’t make me come find you.

  Promises, promises. Miguel is heading home soon. I’m riding with you, yes? Tomorrow?

  Yes. We’ll go, meet everyone, then do Colorado and come get mom and the stuff the next week.

  River was going to bite someone if his new mate left without saying anything.

  Cory just hoped it wasn’t him. River had some big old wolf teeth.

  When he finally saw his own mate, he held out a hand. Speeches, buffet, cake then dancing. They’re opening presents a few at a time all night long.

  Trey held his gaze, coming to him and tucking into his side like he was meant to be there. He swore he heard a few of the pack members gasp, but he didn’t stress it. He was proud of his mate.

  Trey leaned on him, the hum of contentment just for him. “Man, I hope the speeches are short. I’m starving.”

  “Yeah. I haven’t been hungry all day, but I might be able to eat now. The dress was a hit.”

  “It was a huge hit. She looked like a princess.” Hell, like a queen, which he guessed she was on a small scale. “I like this one too. What’s with that? Two dresses.”

  “Three. She has a honeymoon dress too, for when she gets to go.”

  “I had no idea there were so many. Do you do this a lot?”

  Trey shook his head. “Only for my very special clients. That’s an investment of lots and lots of zeros. Mainly, I create high-end wedding dresses and red carpet looks.”

  “Cool. This the fanciest suit I’ve ever worn.”

  “Cory, can I talk to you a minute?” River gave Trey an apologetic look.

  “Sure, man.”

  Trey slipped away from him like smoke, giving him space.

  “What’s up?” Cory asked.

  “Miguel wants to head home.” Sheer panic flared in River’s eyes. “I need him to wait until after my speech just so I can talk to him.”

  He didn’t believe that for a second. River needed way more than that. River needed forever, but that was something River was going to deal with. “I’ll make sure it happens, buddy. No problem.”

  “Thanks.” River grabbed his hand. “Thanks, man. I mean, this is Stephen’s day, and he deserves, like, my full attention.”

  “Absolutely. I’ll deal with it. Trey and I are heading out in the morning. I bet he’d like to convoy together.” It wasn’t a huge drive, but Trey said it was around four hours. That was long enough.

  For some of the Canyon Pack it would be a lifetime away.

  “Yeah, maybe. I would like that. Knowing he’s safe.” River’s face pulled in a pained grimace. “Okay, back to best manning.”

  “I’ll grab Miguel and have a chat with him.”

  “You rock.” River hurried off, suit tails flapping, so Cory went in search of an outcast wolf who was about to bolt.

  He headed out toward the main entrance, finding Miguel carrying a box of fabric out. “Miguel?”

  “Hey, there. You look great in your suit.”

  “Thanks. Don’t you want to wait until morning? There are some tough roads out there in the dark.” He asked it gently, but Miguel really needed to stay.

  “I just…where would I stay? The newlyweds need their house back.” Miguel kept looking toward the ballroom.

  “With River?” He watched Miguel carefully when he said it. “I know he has roommates, though, so you two could always come stay at my place. I have a big casita.”

  Maybe River ought to have his own house soon.

  “Do you? I— I just…Do you think he wants—”

  “He asked me to come talk to you. He’s got to give a speech, or he would be out here himself. Stay for cake and dancing, then come back with River. We’ll piggyback that drive tomorrow.” He held Miguel’s gaze, so serious. “You’re important, man. I understand that.”

  Miguel shook for a second, then dropped the box and pushed into his arms for a hard hug.

  He went still for a moment, but then gave Miguel a long hug in return, just to let him know he wasn’t alone. Then he patted Miguel’s lean back. “Go find River, man.”

  “I will. Let me put this crap in my car. I’d love to dance with him.”

  “Cool. You’re a good guy, Miguel.” He waved, then turned to head back inside.

  “Nicely handled.” Stephen was leaning against the doorway, tie loosened, shirt collar unbuttoned. “When are you leaving?”

  “Uh, in the morning.” He joined Stephen, grinning. “Aren’t you supposed to be leading the charge to the buffet?”

  “I announced and it is now being attacked. Needed air.”

  “Yeah. You okay?” With me leaving? With me being with your brother? He left a lot unsaid.

&
nbsp; “I’ll miss you, but it’s necessary. One pack can’t hold two alphas, brother.”

  He frowned. “I’m not trying to take over Trey’s pack. Why does everyone keep saying that?”

  “Do you think Trey’s an alpha? You know better. We’re made to be a certain way, on a genetic level. Packs need an alpha, and Trey has been doing an amazing job, but you’ve changed. You’re getting ready.”

  Cory shook his head, but he knew it was true. Hadn’t he been ready to throw down with Stephen for giving him orders? “I had a good example in you. George? Not so much.”

  “I’m glad Trey has you. I’m glad we’re going to be friends. Family. I’m going to fight for my second, though. You should know that. I need him here. Things are destabilized enough.”

  “I know. And Miguel can telecommute, I think, but I’m not going to broach the subject yet.” Cory knew River and Miguel would figure it out. There would be hurt feelings no matter what. “Wendy will make a great sheriff.”

  “She will. She’s not you, but that’s okay. She’s one of us.”

  “She is.” Cory wasn’t sure what else to say, so he hugged Stephen hard. “Thanks, man. For everything.”

  “Take care of them. You’ve got a pack of outcasts, but they’re loyal to the death. Holler if you need to chat. I have, what, two whole weeks of experience on you? Three?”

  “Ha.” Stephen was a good guy. And a good friend. “Thanks, man. I really appreciate it. Now, let’s find your girl.” He needed to check in with Miles and the guys, too. Let them know he was leaving.

  He walked in, and his eyes went to Trey, finding the light that was his mate unerringly. His mate was hiding, sitting in a corner, almost invisible in the shadows.

  Cory made his way over, reaching for Trey immediately. “Did you eat?”

  “No. Did you? Is everything okay? You and Stephen disappeared.”

  “I was out there finding Miguel for River. They’ll stay at the house with us tonight. Let’s get a plate.” He tugged Trey up.

  “River likes him, hmm?”

  “He does. I think they might be, uh, together.” He needed Trey to get with that program.

  “I don’t want to talk about that right now, mate.” No, no, he didn’t imagine so.

  “I know. We’ll eat. Cake. Dance. I want that dance. Then we’re gone. Stephen is losing patience. This won’t last too much longer.”

  “No. He wants to take his mate away and love on her.”

  “Well, it has been a crazy week.” They walked to the buffet line, which had cleared out, but still had plenty of food.

  He built them plates of enchiladas and beans, fry bread and tamales, making Trey snort.

  “Hungry, are you?”

  “I am. What? I’m big.” He’d always wondered where that had come from, too. His folks were both more like Trey.

  “You are.” Perverse little turd.

  Cory snorted. “Yeah, you like it.”

  “You know it. You fill me right up.” Trey just shot right back.

  “I do, baby. We were made for each other. Truly.”

  Trey beamed, blushed dark. “We are. Truly.”

  “Now feed me, mate. I’m wasting away.”

  “Wasting away.” Trey stared at him, wide-eyed for a second. “Absolutely, I want you to have all your energy.”

  “I’ll need it. I have plans.”

  Be nice. There’s no sexy thoughts at a wedding. Trey couldn’t even keep a straight face.

  People hook up at weddings all the time.

  Love is an addiction, isn’t it?

  It is. I’ve loved you since we were three. Cory had never known anything but love for Trey. Never.

  Trey helped him find a table and they sat, both of them staring at one another, their conversation flowing without either one of them having to say a word. Cory hadn’t imagined this sort of thing could be remotely possible, this easy connection.

  He’d never dreamed it.

  Hell, he’d stopped dreaming years ago.

  I didn’t. I dreamed for both of us.

  That he could believe. Trey always could believe in things outside of what they were.

  I love that about you. So much.

  “Son?” Linda Yazzie stood there, small and tired, but somehow beautiful in her blue dress. “I wanted to tell you that I’m— I’ve been watching. I made mistakes. I don’t expect forgiveness, but…I’m sorry and I’m proud of you, mi’jo. Of both of you.”

  Trey sat for a second. Trey’s mama stood there, looking pale and tragic, but still lovely in her gray dress, holding a twisted Kleenex in her hand. “Can I-I have to talk to you.”

  Trey looked at her, face still, the huge scar barely hidden by makeup. “What do you need, Mama?”

  “To apologize for being weak, for being wrong, for not giving my boys what they needed. I’m sorry. I wanted to be better. I love you. I love you both. I want to be…I wanted to tell you that. I’m sorry.”

  Trey sat there, one eyebrow lifted, then he stood. “Mama, Stephen and I have what we need—we both have success, packs, mates that we love. We’re good.”

  Then he hugged her, and if his “I love you, too, Mama” wasn’t the teary embrace and total forgiveness she’d hoped, it was progress.

  “Time for cake! My favorite part!” Mr. Andaluz called them all to come watch the cake cutting.

  Oh, thank the moon. “Let’s go, guys!”

  They all stood around—the lot of them—and they watched as the lucky couple cut the cake. It had like three layers of different flavors, and he wondered who they’d hired to make it. It was so pretty.

  Not as fine as Trey’s hand sliding in to hold his, but pretty nonetheless.

  The music started a blur of minutes later, and he was finally able to pull Trey into his arms, to hold him close in front of the pack.

  He could feel the people’s eyes on him, but it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered. Nothing but Trey and now and this wonder in his mate’s eyes.

  “Did you dream this?”

  “I didn’t dare. It would have broken my heart to wake up.”

  “No more heartbreak.” They had a lifetime of joy, if he had his say. “Let’s find River and Miguel and go back to the house.” He wasn’t going to call it home anymore. It was their way. The house belonged to someone else now. Cory didn’t know who yet.

  It was only vaguely his concern.

  “Yes. We’ll dance…privately, hmm?” Trey’s pretty eyes just twinkled.

  “We will. We have our own damn music to make.” He twined fingers with Trey’s tugging him toward the door. He caught River’s eye, then jerked his head. Time to go.

  River steered Miguel after them. Good man. They had two vehicles. Hell, three, but he wanted them settled before he and Trey got busy.

  No one bothered to stop them, so they got out of there, taking the winding road up the canyon to the house. Miguel finally spoke on the way in, gasping when he saw the inside.

  “This is really nice.”

  “Gee, thanks.” He winked to show he wasn’t mad.

  “What? With the way your uniform doesn’t fit, I figured you had really bad taste.”

  “You’re a laugh a minute. Clean toothbrushes are in the bathroom closet. River, you know where the guest room is.”

  “I do.” River didn’t bother to monologue; he simply picked Miguel up and threw him over one shoulder. “Night.”

  Trey stood there, blinking. “Good night?”

  He grinned. “I could carry you.” He thought Trey might bite his butt.

  “I know where your bedroom is, butthead.”

  “Do you? Prove it.” He gathered up his strength, ready to chase.

  Trey’s eyes lit up and he waited a second, and then took off, booking it to the master.

  One, two… Cory tore off after him, knowing River and Miguel would never even remember they existed.

  His mate was quick and nearly silent as he ran.

  Trey was amazing. Cory knew he was a
good hunter, but damn. He rounded the corner into his room, and Trey came out of nowhere, leaping on him.

  He grabbed his mate and tossed him, assuring Trey landed on the bed. Trey popped right up and launched himself at Cory.

  They tussled, Trey clinging to him like a limpet, and he bit the strip of skin below Trey’s ear. He felt the rush of sensation that hit his mate, like it had been him.

  He growled, pushing Trey back toward the bed as he began stripping off his fancy suit. He didn’t want to ruin it.

  Trey stood there watching him, eyes eating up every bit he exposed.

  After folding the suit gently, he set it aside. Then he leaped, hoping he hadn’t telegraphed his move. Trey gasped and went down on the bed, Cory on top of him.

  He laughed, because he loved this man so much, then blew a raspberry on Trey’s chest.

  “Freak!” Trey laughed at him and tangled his fingers in Cory’s hair.

  “I am. I admit it.” He licked along one of Trey’s scars. “I’m a little giddy.”

  “You’re coming home tomorrow, with me.” He wasn’t the only one.

  “I am, baby. I am. It’s kind of amazing.”

  “I can’t wait to show you everything.” Trey brought their foreheads together, the wolf right there.

  “I want to see.” He paused. “Did you want to— Should we go run? Before we leave?”

  “If you want to. One more trip around our old stomping grounds?” Trey rubbed their noses together, the pretty eyes glowing. “Or do you just want to mark your territory?”

  “No, it’s not mine anymore. That’s why, you know? The house is already someone else’s in spirit, and the canyon is so pretty at night.”

  “It is.” Trey kissed him with a feather-light caress. “Let’s do it. Let’s go.”

  “Cool.” He kissed Trey a little harder, a thank you, then rose to open the bedroom window. Then he summoned his wolf.

  Trey still changed faster than anyone and was moving out, tail up for him to follow. This was a whole new kind of chase, and he leaped out the window, flattening out into a run in a few strides.

  His mate was waiting for him to catch him.

  18

  “Did you get your phone charger?” Trey had already repacked his things and loaded them up, tucking his suitcase in with Cory’s clothes, and his sewing machine and electronics in the cab.