by Maggie Walsh
“Good morning, handsome,” Shelby said, then swallowed Xander’s cock to the back of his throat.
Xander wanted so badly to run his fingers through Shelby’s beautiful hair and grab the back of his head, but he didn’t want to hurt his mate. Instead, he fisted the sheets below him and held on. Shelby pressed his tongue against the thick vein on his shaft, teasing it, before he licked a slow path up the underside and speared his tongue against the bunch of nerves just under the helmet. Shelby tightened his lips around the bulbous head and sucked hard. Xander saw stars explode behind his lids. His eyes squeezed shut as his back arched off the bed and his toes curled. “Oh fuck, baby. Damn, that’s good.”
Shelby slid his lips down his cock and Xander felt the head hit the back of his mate's throat. Xander couldn’t believe it when Shelby’s nose touched his groin. He had had men take him deep before, but never like this. Shelby took all of his cock in and then swallowed. Xander’s hips began to move on their own, wanting more, needing more of the man that was bringing more pleasure with just his mouth than any other sex partner had before. Shelby’s cheeks hollowed as he sucked Xander like a Hoover.
“Shit! Shelby! I’m gonna,” Xander cried out. His balls pulled up tight against his body and a current of electricity raced down his spine. His cock throbbed and then he exploded down Shelby’s throat. Shelby never missed a beat. He kept up his attention on Xander’s cock as he swallowed every drop of his cum, then licked him clean. Shelby kept Xander in his mouth until his shaft became flaccid. Slowly he released Xander and looked up at him with a pleased grin.
“C’mere,” Xander said breathlessly and held out a hand. Shelby gave him a mischievous smirk and he slowly shook his head no. Xander watched, enthralled, as his mate rose up onto his knees and turned to face away from him. He drew in a quick breath as he realized Shelby was nude. He was seeing his mate’s perfect, sensual body in all its glory for the first time, and it was magnificent. Lean and nicely toned.
He was a bit on the thin side, but Xander figured that was because of the ordeal he had been through. His mate’s body was still a work of art, he perfect dancer’s body. Shelby squirted something in his hand, then reached around and slid a finger into his pretty puckered star. Xander growled at the sight. His eyes focused on what his mate was doing and his cock twitched with interest.
Xander’s breathing quickened as he watched Shelby slide two, then three fingers into his own hole, sliding them in and out as he scissored his fingers, stretching himself. Shelby turned to look at him over his shoulder, then his gaze lowered to Xander’s hard cock. He raised a brow and turned back.
Adding more lube to his fingers, he slid four fingers deep within himself and began to fuck himself. The most erotic moans Xander had ever heard came from Shelby’s lips and Xander didn’t think he could wait another second to get inside his mate.
Just as his last bit of control was about to snap, Shelby pulled his fingers free and turned to face him. His mate crawled over him, his body swaying sensually, like a cat, until his face hovered an inch above Xander’s. Shelby placed his hands on Xander’s chest and sat back. He wiggled his hips until the tip of Xander’s cock ran along his crease and lined up with his puckered hole. Shelby slowly moved back, pressing his opening against Xander’s tip.
Finally the head of his cock popped through the tight ring of muscle and Shelby sat up straighter. The motion caused Xander’s cock to slide fully into his mate’s cavern. Shelby didn’t stop until he sat flush against Xander’s groin. He sat up straight and arched his back as he threw his head back onto his shoulders. The line of Shelby’s body in this position was mesmerizing. His mate's body was total perfection.
Shelby placed his knees firmly on the bed, straddling Xander’s hips, and lifted himself slowly. The slide of Shelby’s velvet tunnel wrapped around him was ecstasy. Shelby stopped before Xander’s cock slid from his body, and slowly dropped back down, taking all of him once again. Xander reached out and placed his hands on Shelby’s thighs, caressing them. Xander rocked his hips, loving the sensations that coursed through him as his eyes tracked every movement his mate made.
Shelby picked up the pace and his breaths came faster. He threw his head back and a sensuous mewling sound escaped his lips. Xander wanted to hear the sexy sound again, so he drove his hips up to meet Shelby’s downward thrust and he was rewarded with the sound again. Gods, his mate was making him lose his mind. Shelby picked up the pace again and his hard cock slapped Xander’s stomach with each down thrust, leaving a drop of pre-cum behind. Xander wrapped his hand around Shelby’s shaft and began to stroke him in time with Shelby’s thrusts.
“Yes, mate! Yes!” Shelby screamed.
Xander could see that Shelby was completely lost in the moment, giving his whole body over to the pleasure, and it was the sexiest thing Xander had ever seen. Shelby dropped down, draping himself against Xander’s sweat-slicked chest. Xander continued to stroke him with one hand and placed his other hand on Shelby’s hip as he began to thrust up into his mate's hole.
“I’m coming, Xander! Claim me, mate!” Shelby turned his head, exposing his throat to Xander.
Xander’s wolf howled in pleasure inside him. He could feel his eyes shift as his canines broke through his gums. Xander licked a path across Shelby’s salty skin from collarbone to ear, then he struck. His teeth broke through the sensitive skin where neck met shoulder and Shelby’s blood coated his tongue. His mate’s taste was stronger than his scent, and Xander wanted more. Xander took a long pull from Shelby right as his mate screamed out his name. Then Xander felt the warm flush of his mate’s release between them.
He fought against his wolf’s desire to keep drinking in his mate’s essence and pulled his teeth from Shelby’s flesh, then licked the bite closed. His head dropped against the pillow and suddenly his whole world shifted into pure pleasure. Shelby’s fangs broke through his skin and his body was consumed in euphoria. He had never felt anything so deeply. Shelby was a part of him now and he was a part of Shelby. Xander could feel what his mate felt and hear his thoughts. His release raced up his shaft and he exploded deep within his mate, coating his insides. Xander yelled out Shelby’s name as his body went taut.
Then they were floating. A bright light blinded him as it surrounded them. He opened his eyes to find that he and Shelby were lying in a field of tall grass. The sun beat down on their skin, warming it, as a slight breeze caressed them. Their bodies were entwined and a golden rope slowly wrapped around them, drawing them together tighter. Then they were lifted off the ground and were flying through the air. Xander felt them drop back down on the bed. He opened his eyes and met his mate’s beautiful light-brown eyes gazing back at him in wonder.
“That was…”
“I know,” Xander said breathlessly and wrapped his arms tighter around Shelby.
They lay there holding onto each other as their hearts slowed and they caught their breath. Shelby squirmed, cuddling into Xander’s hold and his body completely relaxed as a soft sigh escaped his lips. Xander was in heaven with his mate lying on top of him, content in his embrace.
Chapter 11
It had been two weeks since he and Xander claimed each other, and Shelby had never been happier. His mate spent another few days recovering from his injuries and Shelby stayed by his side. They talked about everything, their lives, their dreams, what their favorite colors, foods, and music were, and Shelby was stunned to find out he and his mate had so much in common.
After Xander left the medical wing and was allowed to return to his suite, Shelby moved in with him. They had a few minor missteps as they got to know each other's little quirks and idiosyncrasies, but Shelby never once thought about running, which was a shock to him. They really were perfectly matched.
Shelby got dressed and made his way down to the kitchen to help get ready for the festivities. It was Christmas Eve and the pack was having their big Christmas party. His mate was out on patrol again and would be home shortly. Shelby was ne
rvous every time Xander went out on patrol, but he managed to control his nerves. He needed to trust that his mate knew what he was doing and believe that Xander would come back to him.
Shelby stepped into the kitchen to a maelstrom of people. Everyone was moving about, setting up trays of food, while others carried them out. Jesse, Bailey, and Laylen stood by the large stove cooking, while Lexi, Raith, and Rory chopped vegetables.
“What can I do to help?” Shelby asked as he moved to stand next to Jesse. As the Alpha Prime mate, Jesse was in charge in this house.
Jesse looked at him and gave Shelby a bright smile. “We need that stack of dishes brought into the great room and placed on the table. I also need the heaters lit under the buffet dishes. We’re just about done here and we’ll be bringing these in.”
“Sure, Jesse. I got it.” Shelby grabbed the stack of dishes and did as Jesse asked.
With the preparation complete, everyone went to their rooms to get ready for the party. Shelby was in the walk-in closet changing into his favorite green Armani suit when he smelled him. A contented smile crossed his lips when strong arms wrapped around him from behind and soft lips pressed a kiss to his nape. He moaned in pleasure and leaned back into the embrace.
“You look fantastic, beautiful Shelby. You look and smell so good I just want to keep you all to myself. I want to lock the door and spend the night curled up in our bed while we make sweet, passionate love.”
“Mmm, that’s sounds great. Do you think we can get away with that?” Shelby rubbed his back against Xander’s chest, pressing his ass against the hard cock poking him.
“Damn. I wish we could, but I think we need to at least make an appearance.” Xander groaned.
“Seeing as I’m already dressed, why don’t we go down now? We’ll make a little chit-chat, grab a bottle of wine and two glasses, then sneak back up here.”
“I like that plan.” Xander kissed behind his ear, then stepped back. “Just let me grab a quick shower.”
“What are you wearing to this shindig? Do you want me to get it out for you?” Shelby called after him.
“I was thinking my black slacks and black satin shirt,” Xander called back from the open bathroom door.
“Ugh. What are you, a gothic vampire? With those gorgeous brown eyes of yours, I’m thinking gray slacks and that camel button down. I think it will make your eyes pop,” Shelby said as he pulled the items from Xander’s side of the closet.
“If that’s what you want, sweetheart,” Xander said from right behind him, making Shelby yelp.
Shelby spun to face his mate, his hand on his chest. “You scared the crap out of me.”
“Sorry, gorgeous.” Xander quickly kissed his cheek. “Pick whatever you want me to wear. It’s all good to me.” Xander pulled away and turned. Shelby’s mouth began to water as he watched his mate’s perfectly sculpted, naked ass move away. Gods, he just wanted to bite those globes. He heard his mate’s chuckle as the shower went on.
Stupid mating link broadcasted his thoughts sometimes. He had to remember that, especially when he was thinking wickedly delicious thoughts about his mate's body and what he wanted to do to it.
“Keep that up, sweetheart, and we’ll never make it downstairs,” Xander called out from the shower as he laughed.
Shelby reached down and adjusted his hard cock. The damn thing was pressing against his zipper and dying to break free. “Down, boy,” he whispered to his cock. Shelby shook his head to clear his naughty thoughts and went back to picking out Xander’s clothes.
* * * *
“Oh, holy hell! What in the world are you wearing?” Shelby laughed as he watched Taylor walk into the crowded room. Taylor wore tight red spandex pants, big green furry boots, a gold metallic tube top that just covered his pecs, and red suspenders. Along with a red bow tied around his throat that looked like a collar, and he’d dyed the tips of his hair green.
“What, don’t you like my outfit?” Taylor turned in a circle, pushing his ass out.
“Actually, I fucking love it. Can I borrow it some time?”
“I thought this was Christmas, not Halloween? What are you supposed to be, Taylor?” Xander asked.
“I’m Gabriel’s Christmas present. The one gift he can open on Christmas Eve.” Taylor winked.
“Well, you always know how to make an entrance, sweet baby, and I can’t wait to open my gift,” Gabriel growled the last part as he grabbed Taylor around the waist and nipped his throat.
“Mmm. Maybe we made a big enough appearance already. Can we go back to our room now?” Taylor moaned.
“No,” Jesse answered as he and Micah walked over to them. “We have guests coming and I want everyone here. You’ll just have to keep your pecker in your pants for a few more hours.”
Everyone but Taylor laughed at Jesse’s comment. “It’s not easy keeping my pecker in these pants. That was the point of wearing them,” Taylor grumbled and pushed his bottom lip out in a pout.
“Now there’s a way to make an appearance,” Xander commented. “I think you have some competition this year, Taylor.”
They all looked to where Xander was looking and saw Christian walking in with a shit eating grin on his face. His elbow was out with Raffy’s holding on. Raffy wore a white maid’s outfit that had a tight corset on top, pulled together with a red ribbon. The skirt flared at mid-thigh and was circled with soft white feathers. White thigh-high stockings and garter belt with little red bows and six-inch patent leather red stiletto heels, and to top off the look, he left his beautiful knee-length hair loose.
“You look fantastic, Raff. Like you belong on the top of the tree,” Taylor said.
“Well, he is my Christmas Angel,” Christian said with pride and kissed Raffy’s cheek, causing him to blush.
The doorbell rang and Jesse took Micah’s hand. “Shall we go greet our guests?”
Micah and Jesse stepped around the group. Micah stopped next to Raffy and kissed his cheek. “You look wonderful, cousin,” he whispered as he pulled back, giving Raffy a smile. Raffy’s blush deepened and he looked down shyly. Christian wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close.
“Come on, everyone, let’s get our drink on,” Taylor announced and grabbed Gabriel’s hand, dragging him away.
* * * *
They party was in full swing and everyone was having a great time. People were dancing, drinking, laughing, and relaxing. Micah was standing by the fireplace talking to Storm, Phenex, and Papa Angel. The doorbell rang again and Micah looked around the room for his mate. Their eyes met and Jesse motioned for him to stay where he was, that he would get the door. Micah gave him a pointed look and Jesse shook his head as he rolled his eyes. He grabbed Cass’s arm as he walked past and then grabbed Nicco. He looked back at Micah with a raised brow. Micah smiled and nodded. Jesse, Nicco, and Cass left the room. Micah returned his attention to what his father was saying.
“So if this Minos is behind all of this, how exactly are we supposed to find him? I have had a few visions of him, but I have no idea where he is.”
“My Legion and I have been searching every nook and cranny of the Underworld, but it’s a very large place. Lord Lucifer has put out the word to all demons to keep an eye out for him, and if anyone spots Minos, they are to report to Lucifer immediately. We have also gone to the Gods and informed them of Minos’s treachery. The heavens have been closed to him,” Phenex explained.
“So where does that leave him?” Papa Angel asked.
“The Universe is a vast place for him to hide, but I would bet my life he hasn’t gone far. He wants to destroy Jesse and Micah. He believes that with them gone, the rest of the council will fall quickly, then he can swoop in and become leader of the paranormals.”
“As well as steal my mate from me,” Ryland added as he joined them. He moved to Phenex’s side and slid an arm across his back.
Papa Angel’s brows raised in question. “Your mate? He wants to get his hands on you as well, Phen?”
“Yes, but for different reasons,” Phenex answered with disgust in his voice.
“What does that―”
Abruptly, Papa Angel stopped speaking as his gaze locked onto something across the room. The others looked at him in concern. Micah looked to where his father was staring and saw that Jesse and the others had returned with their new guests. Evan and his boys stepped into the room, as well as Maddy, Josh, and Milo.
“Dad? What is it?” Micah asked in concern.
“Who is that man?” Papa Angel asked absently.
“Which one?” Phenex asked.
“That beautiful creature with the gorgeous green eyes.”
Micah looked back at the group just as Evan’s gaze met with Papa Angel’s. Evan’s eyes went wide as he gasped. Micah looked back to his father. “That’s Evan Donaldson. He’s the man I told you about. The one who takes in young gay shifters.”
“He’s the one who took in my Maddy? The one that Maddy and his mates still live with?”
“Yes, Dad. Why? Do you know him?”
“I think I just saw the face of God,” Papa whispered, then walked away from their group as he slowly walked across the room.
“Dad?”
Papa Angel crossed the room and stopped a few feet before Evan, their gazes never breaking. Evan stood there frozen with a confused look on his face as he stared at Papa Angel. “Who are you?” Evan asked in a whisper.
“I am Raphael Angel. Your mate.” Jesse’s gasp came from beside them.
* * * *
