Could he redeem himself enough to take Ive as a mate or was he still too weak? When they got to the plane, Ive sat next to him and he only wanted to close his eyes for a second, but the last thing he remembered was Ive laying her head on his shoulder. Peace washed over him as he drifted off.
Chapter Seven
Pete sat as far from Grey as he could get. It was time to distance himself even further. It hurt, but he had to give up Grey forever. It was best for both of them, no matter how much his heart ached.
Grey would find someone new—he didn’t even want to think about it. Once the flight was off and in the air, Pete went to the restroom. Anything to give him distance. He needed to splash some water on his face as well—if he fell asleep he might dream and that would make him crave Grey even more.
When he left the restroom, Zareb stopped him.
“Have a seat.” Zareb gestured to the seat close to him.
“I was going to go back t—” he tried, but Zareb interrupted him.
“And you will, Peter, but we need to have a chat.”
They both kept their voices low so they wouldn’t wake the others, and Zareb wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
“About what?” Pete was confused.
“Why you are not with your mate?” Zareb pointed to the front of the cabin where Grey rested.
Pete followed Zareb’s finger and looked with longing on to his mate, wishing he could curl up beside him.
“I don’t have a mate,” Pete stated firmly.
He knew it was a lie, the bond tugged at him every second. Pete had no idea why fate was so cruel.
“Yes, Peter, you do,” Zareb insisted. His anger was rising and that wasn’t good. They needed to keep this between them.
“Gay men don’t have mates.” Pete crossed his arms over his chest, but he didn’t make a move to leave.
“I do not know who told you that—as Joy would say—‘bullshit’, but it is false. The Ancients give us all mates. Some of us are lucky enough to find them in this lifetime. Do you know how long I’ve been alive? A very long time. I was born in the early sixteen hundreds and I had to wait for Joy. You had better believe I will not be letting her go any time soon. Think about this, young wolf. How will you feel when he finds another man to be with?”
Pete growled low in his throat. No way could Grey have another man. He might think it, but to have someone else say it out loud was too much.
“That is what I thought. Do not wait too long or he could leave. There is no guarantee he will stay with the Master’s pack. He has a home to go to, the fox den. He doesn’t need to guard Russ’ mate anymore.” Zareb patted Pete on the shoulder.
Pete nodded and left. He didn’t rush, but went past the first seat he was in to sit in the same row with Grey. He shouldn’t be doing this. It was too much to hope they could make something work.
There was noise from the back of the cabin. Pete noticed that Joy and Zareb were gone from their seats. He smiled at the first scream. The two must be mating. His cock got hard thinking of the others having sex. It reminded him that he still wanted to feel Grey inside him. He wanted to know what it would feel like to be fucked. He’d loved the way Grey’s tight hole felt around his dick. He moaned without realising it.
He looked over at Grey to see if he’d heard, and Grey was awake. His blue eyes were serious. It was Pete’s fault that Grey was so unsure. He was blowing hot and cold. He knew it, but Pete didn’t know any other way. This was the first time he’d let himself even think it could be possible.
Could his family have been wrong? And why did he care what they thought after all these years? The threat was real, but they hadn’t been around in a really long time. He had to stop living in fear. He took Grey’s hand and kissed his palm before entwining their fingers. Just that little touch calmed him. He finally settled down and fell asleep, still holding Grey’s hand.
* * * *
A bus picked them up at the airstrip. Pete had half expected Ev to be there, but he didn’t see him anywhere. The trip to the pack house was short. Pete didn’t say anything, just pulled Grey into the house, bypassing the others. They were talking, but there was something Pete wanted more. He wouldn’t be included in whatever pack meeting Russ wanted to have the next day. He wasn’t part of the core group and he was happy for it. They seemed to have the most troubles and the greatest power. Most days he was happy to just be a shifter with any sort of power.
Grey went along without a word. Pete was happy because he was afraid that, if Grey said anything, he might change his mind and he really didn’t want to. He was just happy he had lube in his bedroom. Tonight he was going to lose his virginity completely. They reached his room and he opened the door.
It wasn’t much to look at. Pete didn’t need a lot of stuff. He had a bookcase full of books, a bed, a nightstand and a dresser. He finally felt like this was home and was settling in.
“Why now? You’re confusing me here, Pete.” Grey rubbed his forehead like he had a headache.
“I—damn it—I don’t know. You make me want things I didn’t know I wanted. Can we have tonight and talk tomorrow?”
“Depends. You gonna stop talking to me like last time?”
His face was hot, he knew he must be blushing. He’d acted like a jackass.
“No—we’ll talk. I’ll be honest, Grey, I don’t know if we can do this, but right now I have this need to have you inside me. I ache for you. Please.” Pete held out his hand.
Grey took it and led Pete to the bed. He was nervous and happy that Grey was taking charge.
“Lube?”
Pete pointed to his nightstand. He kept some stashed because it felt good when he masturbated. He never thought it would get to the point where he’d have someone to share his bed with. Tonight he would put the fear aside.
Grey pushed him on the bed, but this time—he wanted to taste. In the tent, Grey had kissed every inch of him and he’d fallen apart. He wanted to do that for Grey. Pete rolled them until he was on top. They stared at each other for a moment. Without looking away he took the lube from the drawer and tossed it on the bed. They’d need it later, but, for now, Pete had some tasting to do. He started with Grey’s eyelids and kissed them closed before brushing his lips against Grey’s. Pete didn’t deepen the kiss, he had too much skin to taste.
“We have on too many clothes, Pete,” Grey chuckled and thrust up.
Pete moaned. Grey was just as hard as he was. Pete ran his hands under Grey’s shirt and inched it up his body. Grey tried to help, but Pete tangled his hands up and managed to cover Grey’s eyes in the process. Pete kissed him then. Grey was all but helpless, but didn’t struggle. He leaned into the kiss, opening his mouth so Pete could enter. He could kiss Grey for days.
The two hugged each other close and kissed some more. He really couldn’t get enough of Grey’s taste, but Grey was urging him for more.
“Want it to last. Please.” Pete wasn’t above begging.
He’d never had this before and they were connected in a way Pete had never experienced. In the end he couldn’t slow it down forever. His first time was more than he’d ever expected it to be. Not that he should have been surprised. Grey wouldn’t hurt him, at least not intentionally, and he wanted to do it again—but maybe later.
Pete crushed Grey to him and kissed him before they both collapsed on the bed. Grey fell on top of Pete and Pete didn’t want to ever let go.
They finally calmed down enough for Pete to get a wash cloth. He was thankful he had his own bathroom. Grey was dozing when he got back. Pete washed him down and took the rag back to the bathroom, cleaning himself off.
He shut off all the lights and glanced out of the window. He jumped back. His worst nightmare was about to come true. Outside—his mother and father stood looking up to his room. It wasn’t possible—how could they have got on to Masters’ land? He had to be hallucinating. But what if he wasn’t?
Pete backed away from the window and looked at the bed. He�
�d promised, but he couldn’t stay there. What if they hurt Grey? Pete would never forgive himself. He grabbed some sweats and tiptoed out of the room. He’d go to the gym for a workout. He had to think.
Chapter Eight
Ive was exhausted and it looked like Dji was as well. They’d been given a guest suite. There was no question they’d spend the night together. If truth be told, she was a little nervous. She’d dreamt of this moment for such a long time and fate had claimed them to be mates.
Dji was better. She could feel it. It was odd because she shouldn’t feel this connected to him without the mate bond, but she was. Once they’d left Africa, Dji had relaxed. She knew it had to do with the burial of the Vessel. She was happy it was out of their lives for good.
Tomorrow they had a meeting with Russ, but tonight was theirs, if they could get past being so tired.
“Dji—we can wait—”
“We could, but I want you, Ive. I haven’t felt this strongly in a very long time. Every fibre of my being is saying it wants you. I don’t know if it’s the smart thing to do right now, but I don’t care. I need you in my arms.”
“Thank God.” Ive walked over to Dji and stepped into his arms. She’d waited for this moment for a long time. This Dji she wanted to know more of. The guilt was still a part of him, but he was…whole. Before, he’d appeared dejected and…broken.
Ive looked into his eyes and ran her hands over his face, touching every inch. She used her thumbs to soothe the crinkle in his forehead and traced his nose before landing on his lips. He never blinked. Dji’s eyes were so brown they were almost black. She could drown in them. His skin—so dark compared to her fair complexion.
Dji walked her back towards the bed, but stopped before she fell. Ive continued to look at him, but now she was taking off her clothes. They should probably shower. She looked over Dji’s shoulders to see a bathroom.
“I want to wash the travel off me. Join me?” Ive finished removing her pants and shirt, leaving a trail behind her.
She didn’t look back. She knew Dji would follow and she wasn’t disappointed. Ive bent over to start the water. Dji caressed her back, paying close attention to her ass, squeezing the globes. Ive wished she could see his hands on her skin. The moan escaped her before she could even think to stop it.
It was wonderful having his hands on her and Dji being fully there for the first time. Ive had to focus to get the water to the right temperature before turning in his arms. He lifted her up and Ive wrapped her legs around his waist. He was rock hard—everywhere. Dji was as naked as she was—the first skin on skin contact was heaven, but paradise was his lips on hers. The first touch and she swore she saw sparks fly. The lights flickered and the bulb above the sink shattered.
“What the—” Ive mumbled against Dji’s lips.
“Sorry—it’s been a long time since I had—ah—this kind of contact and my control over my magic is rocky at best right now. We’re lucky that’s the only thing exploding or this would be over before it even started.”
“Got it.” Ive let go of Dji and entered the shower, holding the curtain open for him. It was a tight fit, but Ive wouldn’t have had it any other way.
She wasn’t scared of his power. It turned her on in ways she’d never imagined. He was so strong. Ive licked her lips in anticipation. Normally she liked to be in control, call it her protector instincts, but here—now, she wanted to give in to him and let him take over.
Dji pushed her against the shower tiles. They were cool against her back. Steam started to rise from the hot water. Ive spread her legs—Dji fit right in the cradle of her thighs, his cock hard against her belly. She couldn’t wait to have his dick inside her, but for now she’d relish being surrounded by him in the heated cocoon of the shower.
Ive ran her hands down his body, lightly scratching him with her nails. He didn’t stop her as she kneaded his ass and squeezed, but he did kiss her. Ive melted into that kiss and held on tighter. She was so excited her breath came out in pants. She had to calm down. Dji seemed to sense she needed a break. He nuzzled her jaw and reached for the soap. Lathering his hands up, he started at her shoulders and worked his way down. It was the best foreplay she’d ever experienced. Her body tingled with his every touch. The soapy hands were more erotic than she’d thought humanly possible and she trembled. His fingers glided over her body. The only sounds were the patter of the water against the shower curtain and their breathing as she gasped and moaned. Ive’s pussy throbbed and she wanted Dji’s cock inside her.
The smell was almost overpowering between her and Dji’s mating scent. It was as if they were back in the jungle. Ive leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes, letting her other senses take over. Dji’s hands were squeezing her breasts and tweaking her nipples. He twisted hard, bringing her to her tiptoes.
“Oh, God,” Ive moaned.
“Too much?” Dji didn’t let up and continued to twist.
“No—more, please.” It was delicious and oh so good. She could feel the pull in her pussy.
No one had ever been rough with her and she was finding she liked the different sensations. The gentle caress followed by the pinch of pain. What she wanted most right now was for him to slam her against the tiles and fuck her against the wall. There was so much to explore with this dominant man and she wanted every second of it. Other men she’d been with were weak in comparison, totally forgettable. She’d never forget Dji and never wanted to—she growled low in her throat just thinking about it. Dji let go of her nipples and she relaxed, the pain mixing with pleasure through every inch of her body. Ive was unprepared for the bite. He didn’t break the skin, but he worried her tight bud between his teeth before soothing it with his tongue. He repeated it over and over, driving her nuts. It was even better than his fingers. She clutched at his shoulders—it was more intense than anything she’d ever felt. Ive thrust her hips, needing Dji inside her.
Ive’s orgasm racked her body, but Dji didn’t let her calm down, her body still throbbed. Coming from someone playing with her breasts had never happened before. There were so many firsts with her mate. His teeth scraped her stomach until he reached her pussy and buried his nose in her tight red curls. Dji knelt in front of her, she still had a tight hold on his shoulders. She needed it for balance. His tongue fucked her, mimicking what she wanted him to do with his cock. She was empty and only he could fill her. She spread her legs wider.
She didn’t have a chance to come down because he ramped up every nerve of her body. He bit her pussy. Again, she was on her toes. She didn’t know if she wanted to back away or lean into the feelings. Dji soothed her with kisses. Now, he was using his fingers, but it still wasn’t enough. Her body was on fire. She’d be bruised tomorrow, but didn’t care. She needed more. One finger became two, then three, faster and faster he thrust inside her. Dji slowed down and she whimpered, so turned on she was close to coming again—if she’d ever stopped from the first time. Each sensation rolled into the other.
“Ah! Oh, God, Dji—please, please—oh fuck—please…”
Dji stopped and Ive sobbed. She was so close—to what she didn’t know, but it couldn’t end now. He shut off the water and scooped her up into his arms.
“Dji, Dji, Dji—” she chanted his name.
He tossed her onto the bed and spread her legs wide. She helped him by grabbing her thighs and holding them up. She was so wet, not just from the shower, but from Dji’s manipulation of her body. Ive didn’t know what would happen next. She thought he might sink his cock into her overheated body, but he didn’t. He went back to where he’d left off, four fingers in her pussy, his thumb circling her ass, rubbing at her hole. Dji was even kissing her stomach—she was surrounded by him.
Dji didn’t breach her ass. Instead he eased his fist an inch at a time into her cunt. Ive was putty in his hands. There was a sharp pain that faded to pure pleasure. She was whimpering and making sounds she’d never made before, grunting, primitive noises. Her body clenched aroun
d his fist as he pumped it in and out.
Ive tossed her head from side to side—it was so—big, the moment was bigger than anything—ever, in her life. The only thing that would make it better would be his mating bite.
“More, please—I need more. Dji!” She screamed his name when he opened his hand inside her before easing back out.
She shivered, but wanted more, it still wasn’t enough. Dji thrust his cock into her and pressed her down on the bed with his body—the weight adding another dimension. Her climax went on and on—Dji thrust a few more times and she couldn’t stop touching him. Any skin she found, she caressed. She clutched him tight to her and wrapped her legs and arms around his body—thrusting back. She was peaking again, if it were possible.
“Ive!”
“Dji!”
He twitched a few times before collapsing on her and rolling to the side. Dji cuddled her close and stroked her back. Ive couldn’t stop shaking.
“Are you okay?”
Ive couldn’t even answer him with words. She nodded against his shoulder.
“Shh—” Dji continued to keep her next to him and whispered nonsense words into her ear, bringing her slowly back down.
When she could finally speak again, she had questions.
“Dji?”
“Hmm.”
“You didn’t—um—why didn’t you bite me?”
Ive turned so she could look at him. She didn’t want to ruin the moment, but she had to know. For months, hell, closer to years she’d dreamed of having her mate bond with her.
“It’s too soon. What if I’m not whole? I don’t want to leave you marked and alone if I have to leave. You deserve better.”
“Shouldn’t I be in on that decision? It’s my life too.” Ive sat up and crossed her arms over her breast.
“Ive—if something goes wrong I might have to be put down. If we don’t mate there’s a chance you could find someone else.”
“I don’t want anyone else.” Ive glared at Dji.
Redemption Page 5
