It was another order from his new alpha, and this one he liked even less. Not wanting to be tied down wasn’t the same as not wanting Nikki’s sexy body under him from time to time. But what could he do? It was an alpha’s order and he was forced to obey it. Maybe he should try to argue the point. Maybe if he brought up heirs or something. “I don’t thi—”
“Don’t think. Just listen.” Luke’s father spoke to him in that slow, dangerous tone that meant he was keeping his anger tightly coiled in his chest. At any moment, he could explode. “You have no right to object to anything. A man who will not even try to love his mate is not much of a man.”
This statement pissed Luke off more than anything else Grey had said. His father had never even tried to love his stepmother, and Luke opened his mouth to remind him of that, damn the consequences, when Zion interrupted. “The women are setting up for the ceremony to officially join Mason and Nikki. We will see this thing through tonight. I won’t have loose ends. If the merging of our clans were to fall apart now, we might as well walk right up to Ulric and hand over leadership. As the clan members see how unhappy you’ve made her, unrest brews. This joining will ensure that everything stays on the right path. You will both claim her tonight.”
Obviously, they just assumed that Luke had yet to do so, and he couldn’t argue the point. He’d mated with her, as amazing as that had been, but he’d walked away without claiming her. And he’d been kicking himself for it ever since.
“See to your breakfast meal. Then, both of you are to head to your joining suite and put it back to rights. You made a path of destruction, and you will work together to fix it.” Grey turned away to speak to Zion, dismissing them.
All things considered, their punishment could be worse.
* * * *
Mason hadn’t eaten since late afternoon the previous day, and his gaze quickly found the large breakfast buffet set up to one side of the lodge’s huge dining room. The room had long, heavy-looking wooden tables with sturdy benches and chairs to suit the often rough treatment shifters could give. At the far end of the dining room were round wooden tables draped with white table cloths and decorated with delicate floral centerpieces. It was an odd combination, but for some reason it worked.
His stomach growled angrily as he strode toward the buffet, but once he’d spotted Nikki, his hunger was only for her. She stood at the buffet, flanked by a brunette with caramel-colored skin and a full-figured redhead. Normally, he’d have given them both more than a quick once-over, but he had no interest in them now. He was across the room so quickly Nikki’s eyes widened in surprise, and he only just managed to remember to take the plate she was clutching and set it down before he kissed her. Damn, she tastes sweet. Down boy. His dick was doing a full-on salute right there in the dining room.
Behind him, Luke cleared his throat. “Good morning, ladies.”
Nothing. Nothing but loaded silence. When Mason reluctantly released Nikki, all he saw were angry glares and Luke grabbing a plate, trying to pretend the women weren’t intent on killing him with their collective stare-down.
Nikki waved a hand in introduction. “Robyn, Mikalya, this is Mason, Luke’s brother.”
Mason smiled, still holding Nikki around her waist. “It’s nice to meet you ladies.”
“Hi, Mason. Welcome. I’m Mikalya.” She was the slim brunette.
“Yes, welcome. We’re very, very pleased to meet you,” the redhead added. “I’m Robyn.”
“These are two of my best friends, Mason. Actually, they’re more like sisters than anything else.” Nikki’s smile was full when she looked from him to them. It only faltered when she looked over at Luke, who was piling his plate high with bacon, eggs, and grits.
“We’re glad you’re not a di—” Robyn was cut off when Mikayla sent a swift elbow to her ribs.
“Crazy sisters,” Nikki added.
“Sounds like I have a bad reputation with your friends, Nikki.” It was the first time Luke had addressed Nikki since last night. Mason saw her tense briefly and then smile.
“A well-deserved one.” Nikki grabbed her plate and went back to filling it.
“Hope you told them some of the good things, too.”
“What good things?”
Mason filled his plate, watching Luke interact with their mate out of the corner of his eye. His manner with her was easy, natural, and it was obvious he was trying to flirt, but Nikki’s body language said the same thing as her friends’ did—too little, too late.
Finished filling her plate, Nikki rolled her eyes at Luke and walked back to stand next to Mason. “The hash browns are always very good. My father’s cook has a secret seasoning she adds to them. The strawberries look sweet, too. You should try them.”
Mason was really more of a “meat, meat, and more meat” man, but since Nikki recommended them, he put a generous helping of the potatoes and a few strawberries on his plate. She smiled up at him when he was finished, and seeing it squeezed his heart. She had a beautiful smile and he wanted to make sure she always had reasons to show it.
“Where are we sitting?” Luke asked, having followed Nikki around the table. It was awkward, and there was zero chance any of the ladies wanted him around at the moment, but Mason knew Luke would stick like glue. The alpha had ordered them both to claim her, and Luke had to get Nikki to warm up to him first. Clearly, he thought this was the way to go.
“We’re sitting over there.” Nikki pointed to an empty table near huge, sunny windows that overlooked the grounds. “I don’t really care where you sit,” she added, directing her last comment at Luke alone.
Luke’s eyes narrowed briefly and his jaw clenched. Seeing that, Mason prepared to step between the two of them and do his best to prevent another scene, but Luke’s face just as quickly relaxed, and he leaned forward to whisper in their mate’s ear. Mason watched as Nikki’s face paled, then flushed. She looked confused, but not angry.
When her eyes met Mason’s, he felt another wave of heat pass through his body, his need to claim her stronger than ever. Whatever Luke said to her had caused her nipples to stiffen. Mason could see a hint of the twin peaks through the thin fabric of her T-shirt. He swallowed hard. The urge to rip her shirt off and tongue them was strong.
“I guess one extra isn’t the end of the world.” Nikki started walking toward the table she’d pointed out, and Mason motioned with his free hand for Mikayla and Robyn to lead the way. Whatever Luke had said to Nikki, it had her all hot and bothered, which, in turn, made his dick harden again. Mason didn’t know how he was going to make it through breakfast, let alone the rest of the day, without making her his in every way possible.
Chapter 4
For the second time in less than forty-eight hours, Nikki walked toward her mate, holding tightly to Levi’s arm. She couldn’t wait to get down the aisle this time, and not just so she could get it over with. This time, she would join with a mate who wanted her just as much as she wanted him.
He stood there waiting for her, with anticipation written all over his face, and she knew. She knew this one could love her, would love her. Their bonding had started as soon as they’d recognized each other as fated, and it would deepen with their mating. Over time, Nikki felt sure the bond would grow from more than a mate connection to the kind of love she’d always dreamed about. When she finally reached the end of the grassy aisle and he took her hand, she stared up into Mason’s eyes and felt his heat radiating out toward her.
Eli officiated the ceremony, and Nikki wondered if he noticed how much today’s vibe differed from yesterday’s joining.
“Mason Andres, in keeping with the Code of Leidolf and the ways of our forefathers, this female, Nikki Black, has been revealed as your destined mate. Do you attest to this?”
“I do,” Mason said, and his sexy smile lit a fire inside her. Nikki was sorry she’d insisted on a joining ceremony first. When he smiled at her that way, her pussy got wet and she could only hope everyone around her couldn’t tell h
ow aroused she was.
“Nikki Black, in keeping with the Code of Leidolf and the ways of our forefathers, this male, Mason Andres, has been revealed as your destined mate. Do you attest to this?”
“I do.”
“Kneel before the gathered.”
She and Mason turned to face their guests, kneeling on the soft cushion provided for them. Unlike during the ceremony of the previous day, Nikki didn’t have to force a smile. Mason reached out and took her slender hand in his large grip, stroking her with his thumb, and the grin that lit her face was one-hundred-percent genuine.
“Today we join Nikki Black and Mason Andres…” Eli continued. Nikki barely heard the rest of the ceremony and only managed to repeat her vows because she’d memorized them before her joining to Luke. Her distraction was entirely Mason’s fault, and as Eli addressed the clan, Mason leaned over to whisper in her ear. “As soon as this is over, I’m going to lick you until you scream my name.”
His body scent, his heat, those words, it was all too much. She gripped his hand tighter and squeezed her thighs together, trying to get control of herself. For the rest of the ceremony, her mind kept wandering to the image of his full lips kissing her everywhere and his tongue working magic on her pussy. Damn, she thought, as Eli told them to rise. I can’t wait. Then Mason kissed her, and she lost her ability to think at all.
* * * *
Nikki insisted on skipping the father-and-daughter dance this time. She was far too horny to want to be anywhere near her father. Instead, she followed Mason out on the dance floor and sighed with pleasure when he pulled her into his arms. He held her close, stroking the skin bared by the cutout back of her dress. Each stroke increased her need for him tenfold.
“Have I told you how beautiful you are? I am proud to have you as my mate.”
“Thank you, Mason.” She hoped she didn’t sound lame. She couldn’t think of anything to say, what with fluttering of her heart and the throbbing between her legs. “You look handsome, too.” Handsome? Yes, there was that, but in truth, he looked fucking hot.
Mason inhaled deeply, and she knew. She just knew he was scenting her arousal in the air. She consciously avoided doing the same, taking small, shallow breaths instead. If she smelled the evidence of his need, she felt sure she would lose it.
“How long do we have to stay?” Mason whispered, his lips brushing her ear lobe.
“Most couples stay for several dances and mingle a bit, but technically, we only have to stay for this dance.” Her voice sounded breathless in her own ears.
“I need you, Nikki. I can barely control myself. We just found each other, but it feels like I’ve waited forever to touch you.” He kept a hand on the small of her back as he lifted her chin to stare into her eyes. “I’ll stay as long as you want, but I can think of much better ways to use our time.”
Nikki tightened her arms around his neck and pulled him toward her, pressing her lips against his in a kiss she hoped said it all. All she wanted was him. She sucked on his tongue and gently nibbled his bottom lip, finally pulling away to answer with words, just in case he hadn’t gotten the message. “All I care about right now, all I want, is you.”
“I’m told it’s customary for the other mate to have a dance as well.” Luke. His voice should have been like a bucket of cold water, but she was far too horny to cool down because of him. She wouldn’t admit that he’d caused any of her raging horniness. She didn’t want to admit the intensity with which she’d wanted him on their joining day or the fact that she still wanted him. Damn him.
Mason stepped back so Luke could take her in his arms. She caught a flash of the look that passed between the men. Mason seemed to be warning Luke not to fuck up, and Luke seemed to be telling Mason to fuck off.
When Luke pulled Nikki against him, she had to stifle a moan. It was almost too much being pressed up against first Mason’s muscular frame and then Luke’s while she was feeling this way. She held Luke stiffly, but he pulled her close, seemingly oblivious to her awkwardness with him.
“You’re gorgeous, you know,” Luke whispered, making Nikki miss a step in shock. What the fuck?
“A compliment? Where’d that come from?”
“I never told you I thought you were beautiful?”
Nikki could only laugh at that. “Not without making sure to add how much you didn’t want me at the same time.”
“About that…”
“Yes?” Nikki waited for him to say something, but he paused for so long that she grew impatient. She was anxious around this man who didn’t want her but had the ability to make her body go crazy for him. “What?”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry I acted so badly. I just wasn’t ready to be tied down to…responsibilities. I’m used to only being responsible for myself and doing what I want, when I want.”
Nikki sighed. She knew all of this already. Was he saying he’d changed his mind? She looked over at Mason, who was staring at her from the bar as if he wanted to take her right there on the dance floor. “And now?”
“Now I realize none of this was your fault, and we can find a way to make it work for all of us.” Luke kissed her bare shoulder, causing a fresh wave of moisture to flood her panties. Still, she was underwhelmed at his words. He still made her sound like someone to be tolerated rather than desired. He kissed her again, this time her neck, and her body overruled her brain, pressing tighter against him.
“Does that include a chance for a connection deeper than just the mate bond?” Horny or not, she couldn’t help but ask.
“That’s just not the way I’m made. It’s not the man I am. What I can offer you is a night like you wanted. Tonight will be all about you. After that, I’ll do my best to be your protector when needed and hopefully your lover and friend. But that’s all I have to give.”
What was wrong with her? Honestly, he’d had her when he’d said the night would be all about her. Was she that horny that nothing else mattered? Or was it the idea that Mason would love her? Maybe having his love made what Luke offered enough. She’d always be Luke’s mate, but many women only had one man. Maybe she could survive having one who loved her and another who at least cared for her. It was crazy. She knew it was, but really, what choice did she have? She was already joined to him. It was too late for anything but acceptance.
The song ended and Mason rejoined them on the dance floor. Nikki took one look at him and decided she couldn’t wait another minute. “I’m ready,” she told him.
She heard his deep growl and let out a surprised laugh as he swept her up into his arms. Burying her face in his neck, she breathed deeply, enjoying his musky scent as he rushed her into the lodge. Behind her, all she heard was applause. Mason knew how to make an exit.
* * * *
Despite the fact that Luke had already mated with her, he had yet to claim her. They would claim her together. Mason only hoped he could take his time and be gentle. He wanted to rip her clothes off and plunge himself inside her immediately, but more than that, he wanted to please her, really please her.
Mason all but sprinted down the hall, giving a fierce leave-us-alone look to anyone who dared glance their way. He pushed his way into the suite and sat heavily on the bed, still cradling her in his arms, only dimly aware that his brother had followed them inside. When Nikki lifted her head and stared up at him, her eyes filled with so much heat, so much desire that he could swear his dick grew even more just looking into them. Her look said she was as impatient to mate as he was.
He took her mouth in a passionate kiss as she moaned and pulled him closer. She submitted at first, but then matched his fervor, boldly sucking his tongue and nipping his lip in a way that almost undid him. Groaning, Mason set Nikki on her feet. He wanted that dress off. It was a gorgeous piece of material that left her shoulders and back bare but at that moment, it was the enemy. He was impatient to see her body again, and this time, get to enjoy it, as was his right as her mate. Mason could understand why his brother had ripped her nightgow
n off the night before. He had the same impulse, but he took a deep breath and steeled himself to unwrap her like the gift she was.
The moment Mason set Nikki on her feet, she was reaching for the top of the gown to shed it herself. “No, let me,” he said, leaning down to kiss her neck.
A shudder coursed through Nikki’s body at his words. She smelled faintly of vanilla and clover, but under that, the scent of her arousal was strong. It threatened his ability to take care with her delicate dress. Forcing himself to put his intense need aside, he eased the silky cloth over her breasts and down to her hips, leaving it to Luke to take it the rest of the way. Mason hoped Luke would keep himself in check. He’d throttle him if he ruined their first night together.
Standing back to watch, Mason took in the full swell of her breasts and hardened, rosy nipples. He swallowed hard as his gaze traveled over the flat belly that would one day round with his pups if he had anything to say about it. She had full hips, breeding hips, and smooth thighs that made him growl with anticipation. His hands flexed, itching to squeeze them as he plunged into her. Nikki’s calves were shapely as well, screaming to wrap themselves around him, and they were finally bare, thanks to his brother’s efforts. The only thing she still wore was a pair of strappy, high-heeled shoes, which, thankfully, Luke hadn’t removed. In some things, he and his brother thought alike.
Mason lifted Nikki against him, bending to take her nipple in his mouth, teasing it with his tongue while palming the other breast. His touch was gentle at first, but grew rougher when he discovered that a firmer touch pulled deeper moans from his mate’s throat. He gave the other nipple the same treatment before easing down to trail hot kisses across her belly. Nikki was so smooth and soft everywhere, he could almost fear breaking her, but her touch was firm and almost fierce in its need. She wrapped her hands in his hair and urged him lower, even as her belly trembled under his kisses.
Nikki's Fated [Wolves of River's Bend 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 5
