Handful of Mate

by April Dinh

  After their bout of sex, Nester was willing to do whatever Pyke asked. He kept that to himself. He didn’t need Pyke knowing he had leverage over him.

  Pyke jerked his head back and snorted. “Oh no. You’re not getting me to kick your mom out.”

  “Seriously?” Nester groaned. “You’re that scared of her?”

  “Are you?” he countered.

  “You are of absolutely no help.” Nester walked away before he smacked Pyke. What good was it to have a mate if they weren’t willing to do your dirty work?

  Nester would have done it for Pyke.

  When he entered the living room, Nester came to a dead stop. His heart leapt to his throat when he saw a stranger standing there with Norma Jean.

  “Just how many people live here?” His mother gave him a disapproving glare. “Please don’t tell me you’re having sex with two men.”

  Nester slowly backed away. The stranger was thick with muscles, had raven-black hair that fell to his shoulders, and ox-blood red eyes. He was even taller than Pyke.

  Nester spun and raced back to his mate. “He’s out of the closet”!

  Thick claws extended from Pyke’s hands, and his canines were showing as he stormed past Nester. “Stay right here.”

  “Like hell.” Nester ran behind Pyke to see what was going to happen. Although he couldn’t stand Norma Jean, Nester didn’t want his mother killed.

  Just for her to move halfway around the world.

  A bark of laughter from Pyke was not what Nester expected. He thought his mate would change into a bear and eat the intruder, but instead, he shook the guy’s hand.

  “How’s it going, Hondo?” Pyke asked. “You scared the hell out of my mate.”

  “Didn’t mean to do that. I tried to call, but you didn’t answer, and we need to talk.”

  The two looked at Norma Jean.

  “I’m not going anywhere,” she sniffed. “If this concerns my son, I have a right to know.”

  Hondo looked at Nester, and Nester gave a slight headshake. He didn’t want his mother finding out about the nonhuman world. That would be disastrous. He wasn’t sure what she would do with the information, but in her hands, it wouldn’t be good.

  Pyke walked over and extended his hand. When Norma Jean accepted it, he kissed her knuckles. “Although it was a pleasure meeting you, we really have to be somewhere.”

  Norma Jean’s blush made Nester want to throw up. “But I didn’t even catch your name.”

  “Unavailable,” Nester said flatly as he stormed to the closet and looked for her coat. It wasn’t on the floor. Hondo must have hung it up because Nester found it on a hook. Even though the fur was fake, it angered him what the fur represented.

  Pyke was a bear shifter, and Nester had a sneaking suspicion that other shifters existed. Even if that hadn’t been true, wild animals were at the mercy of man, and none should have their pelt draped around anyone’s shoulders.

  If his mother could have afforded it, her fur would have been real.

  Nester grabbed it and handed it to her. “Maybe we’ll catch up some other time.”

  “Wait.” She draped the coat over her arm. “Stop trying to rush me out of here. Maybe I can help since you can’t seem to handle problems on your own without getting into a mess.”

  “It’s a guy thing.” Sweetness was dripping from every word Hondo spoke. Nester wanted to gag. “Where we’re going is no place for a lady.”

  Nester rolled his eyes when Hondo gave her a dashing smile. Were all the men around him full of themselves?

  Norma Jean straightened her shoulders, jutting her chin forward. “I can handle myself,” she snapped back sharply as her eyes narrowed to vicious slits. “We wouldn’t even be in this situation if Nessie had listened to me in the first place. I told him that Scott was no good for him, but does he ever listen to me?”

  God, he hated that nickname. She was the only one who called him that, and it sounded girly. He suspected she did that to emasculate him. Nester never understood how a mother could have been so jealous of a father and son bond.

  “Mom, they’re dropping so many hints that you should have a concussion. Please, we’ll talk later.”

  He wanted to tell her not to say anything to the cops, but if he did, that was exactly what she would do. Was he being harsh when it came to his mother? Hardly. Not after the lifetime of humiliation she’d put him through.

  Being brisk was mild compared to the things she’d said and done to him. He was surprised he hadn’t turned out just like her, but he thanked his lucky stars that he hadn’t. That was thanks to his dad being her total opposite.

  “I can see I’m not wanted here.” Her movements were jerky as she put her coat on and walked to the door.

  Nester was going to get an earful later, unless he dodged her like the plague.

  Which he planned on doing. Every time he was around her all Nester heard about was her problems and what was going on in her life. She never stopped to ask how he was doing or showed any interest in him whatsoever. Unless whatever he was into enabled her to be the center of attention.

  Like him murdering Scott.

  “It’s not always about you, Mom,” Nester said.

  Norma Jean turned and gave a lofty smile. If she hadn’t been his mother, Nester would have sworn she was the devil. “It’s always about me, son. If you haven’t figured that out by now, then you’re as dimwitted as your father was.” She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

  Nester ground his teeth as he walked to the kitchen, so angry he was shaking. How dare she talk about Nester’s best friend that way? His father had been the best dad a kid could ask for, and she tarnished his memory every chance she got.

  How could someone so evil exist? Nester would rather take his chances with a vampire than deal with her.

  Moments later Hondo and Pyke joined him. “She seems…nice,” Pyke said.

  “Don’t even pretend.” Nester poured some coffee. “Do you know she used to sabotage my time with my dad? If we wanted to go camping, she would hide our tents. One time she slashed my dad’s tires so we couldn’t go to a ballgame. I was never able to prove it, but I know it was her.”

  Yep, Nester had deep-seated mommy issues. Could anyone blame him?

  “Damn.” Hondo shook his head as he scratched at his chin. “And I thought being a demon was rough.”

  Nester nearly dropped his cup. “Did you say demon?”

  “Stop blowing his mind.” Pyke poured his own cup of coffee. “What did you need to see me about?”

  “Welp.” Hondo popped his lips on the last letter. “I just came by to see if you wanted to hang out, but I see you have company.” He winked at Nester, and god, Nester felt himself blush. He couldn’t help it. Hondo was hot as fuck. “It wasn’t anything important, but I could tell your friend wanted to get rid of his mother, so I was trying to help.”

  “Mate,” Pyke corrected.

  Hondo hooted with laughter. It was a booming sound coming from such a big guy. “No shit! Congrats.”

  Don’t freak out. He doesn’t have horns and a pitchfork. Keep your cool. “I’m going to take a shower and then find another place to live. Knowing my mom, she’s halfway to the sheriff’s office by now to give them the good news that she found their suspect.”

  Nester was certain the counter would collapse when Hondo leaned against it. The guy was even larger than the waiter at The Diner Train.

  “Why are the cops looking for you?” Hondo asked. “You can hide out in the demon realm if you need to.”

  “On that note I’m going to shower, have a nuclear meltdown, and then hit the road.”

  “You’re not going anywhere,” Pyke said. “The sheriff is mated to a bear shifter, and once you tell him everything, I’m sure he’ll understand. Besides, Arlan said you were in the clear.”

  “Are you talking about Grayson Copache?” Hondo grabbed some cream from the fridge. “He’s a real nice guy. You still haven’t told me why you’re wan
ted.”

  “Murder.” Nester chest felt tight to the point he could hardly breathe. “I killed my ex-boyfriend.”

  It sounded really bad when he said it out loud.

  “Did he deserve it?” Hondo took a sip of his coffee. The guy didn’t look at Nester like he needed to be thrown under the jail. His features were composed, as if he dealt with this kind of thing all the time.

  What kind of friends did Pyke have that they wouldn't bat an eye at someone being killed? Then again, Hondo was a demon, so Nester was pretty sure he didn’t want to know the answer.

  Pyke crossed the room and cupped Nester’s face. The warmth of Pyke’s hands, his masculine scent, and just being touched by him settled something inside Nester. “That wasn’t your fault. It was either you or him, and I’m glad you won. Stop blaming yourself, hon.”

  “Aw,” Hondo said. “I’m gonna head out and give you guys some alone time. If you need me, just holler.”

  Nester ignored Hondo’s exit from the kitchen. He was too busy staring into Pyke’s pretty eyes, too busy trying not to think about Hondo being a demon, and way too busy to think about his mom going to the cops.

  He also shoved thoughts of Dublin out of his mind.

  “You can trust me.” Pyke gave him a quick, sweet kiss that made Nester’s heart flutter. “I promise I’m on your side, Nessie.”

  “If you ever want to have sex with me again, you’ll never utter that nickname again.”

  Pyke chuckled. “Duly noted.”

  In truth, it was nice having someone on his side. Nester was sick and tired of dealing with the crap Scott had created. He didn’t want to do this alone anymore.

  “That picture.”

  “Yes?” Pyke slid his arms around Nester and pulled him close as he leaned against the counter, tucking Nester between his legs. “Talk to me.”

  Nester sighed and rubbed his nape. “I don’t want you looking at me any differently. You’ll want to know why I put up with Scott for as long as I did, and I don’t have an answer for that.”

  “Hon, I’m not going to judge you. I’ve done some things I’m not proud of.”

  “Scott got mixed up with some Irish thugs. He owed them a lot of money, and since he’s dead, I guess they’ll be coming after me for their cash. I just need my phone,” Nester said. “I have video of Dublin killing someone, proof that he’s a piece of shit. I just want that insurance to save my ass, not go to the feds like Scott suggested.”

  Nester couldn’t believe how good it felt to get that off his chest, to tell someone the crap he was dealing with.

  Then he panicked when Pyke pulled his cell phone from his back pocket and dialed. “Hey, Grayson, this is Pyke.” He paused. “No, no. I’m doing good. Hey, listen, I need you to stop by, and can your bring Nester’s phone with you?”

  Pyke listened as Nester’s heart nearly gave out. The cops were the last people he wanted to see. What if the sheriff arrested him? Nester should have gotten Hondo’s phone number in case he needed a place to lay low.

  But where in the hell was the demon realm, and did he really want to know?

  “Okay, I’ll see you soon.” Pyke hung up. “Relax. You look like you’re about to bolt.”

  “I am.”

  “No need.” Pyke put his arms back around Nester. “Grayson already knew you were here. Lewis talked to him, and the sheriff agreed to let me handle this. He’s bringing your phone.”

  Nester still didn’t feel relieved. He wouldn’t until this whole mess was behind him.

  Chapter Seven

  For a moment Pyke thought he would have to tie his mate down to make sure he didn’t take off. Nester paced the living room, biting his nails and glancing at the front door every few seconds.

  Although tying him down made Pyke smile with curiosity, he knew he couldn’t do that to his mate. Not unless Nester was into that kind of thing.

  But his pacing was making Pyke anxious, and he didn’t want to feel that way. Even so, as they waited for the sheriff to arrive, Pyke thought back to Dublin, the Irish thug Nester had mentioned.

  If it was Dublin who’d left that photo, Pyke needed to go on the offense. He had plenty of friends in town, and one phone call would rally them to his side.

  Not yet, though. Not until Pyke had more information about the guy. Not until he knew Dublin’s motives. Nester suspected it was the thug, but they didn’t have proof.

  Pyke also wanted to see that video. He wanted to put a name to a face so he knew who to look out for. Pyke also wanted to keep Maple Grove safe. He loved this small town, the people, and the vibe it gave off.

  Maple Grove was dear to him, a place to raise children, a community that looked out for each other, with festivals he thoroughly enjoyed. It was a place where one could set down roots, a town worth being proud of, and he didn’t want to see it destroyed by thugs.

  He’d considered paying Dublin off, but with men like that, whatever you gave them would never be enough. Once you were in their pocket, you were never getting out.

  Pyke was familiar with the type. He’d meet guys like Dublin, and the only way he could shake them off him was to kill them. That was the only way to stop a rabid dog.

  Nester’s safety was his number-one concern. Not Payton and his games, not the death of Scott. Nothing mattered to him except keeping Dublin and his deranged morals as far away from Nester as possible.

  “How long should it take him to get here?” With his arms wrapped around his midsection, Nester walked to the window and peered out. “The suspense is killing me.”

  The tightness in Pyke’s chest drew him across the room. He rested his hands on Nester’s shoulders, his chest to his mate’s back, as they stared out the window.

  “Nothing is going to happen. You tell the sheriff what took place, and we’ll get this matter behind us.” Pyke wanted to say more, to reassure Nester that Dublin wasn’t going to get near him, but…he hesitated.

  Of course Pyke would do everything in his power to keep that promise, but Dublin had already sent that picture, which meant he was close. Or one of his lackeys was in town. Men like Dublin never got their own hands dirty.

  Except for that video. Lewis had told him how they’d gone through Nester’s pictures in his phone to find out the identity of the dead man—Scott. Pyke was surprised they hadn’t seen the video and played it.

  That oversight just might have saved their lives.

  “I still don’t see why I inherited Scott’s debt.” Nester placed a hand over one of Pyke’s. “It’s not like we were married.”

  “Men like Dublin don’t care who they destroy to get what they want.”

  Nester turned and gazed up at him. “That’s just it. I didn’t want to tell you because I’m afraid he’ll try to destroy you. You’ve been nothing but nice to me, although you scared the crap out of me in that alley. Still, I don’t want his ugliness anywhere near you.”

  The deep concern in Nester’s eyes touched Pyke. His mate pressed his hands against Pyke’s chest, scorching his skin and making Pyke’s breathing pick up. “I’m not without my assets.”

  Pyke held up his hand and let his claws slide free. He wasn’t trying to frighten Nester, but he also wanted his mate to be comfortable with what he was.

  With his head cocked, Nester ran his fingers over the razor-sharp thickness, his expression close to fascination. “I still can’t wrap my mind around what you can do.” He looked up at Pyke. “Though it’s now intriguing me more than it’s scaring me.”

  “I don’t ever want you afraid of me.”

  The way Nester looked at him, from under lids that were half lowered, his innocent gaze focused as if he wanted to believe every word Pyke said.

  “It’ll take some getting used to, but I think over time I’ll get used to your bear.” His blush set Pyke’s blood on fire. “Like I said, it’s not scaring me so much anymore.”

  Pride swelled inside Pyke. Nester adapted fairly quickly, and that was a plus in Pyke’s world. Fuck, he wa
nted his mate right there in the living room, hear their struggling breaths as they made love on the couch, but the doorbell rang, interrupting their moment.

  Nester’s fingers glided over Pyke’s cheek, gentle and warm, and then he sighed. “Don’t forget to visit me in prison. Bring nude pictures of yourself.”

  Pyke had to kiss him, even if it was brief. “You’ll have the real deal because you’re not going anywhere.”

  He was damn certain about that. Even if there were a small chance that the sheriff wanted to take him in, Pyke would take his mate and leave the town he loved.

  The bell rang again, and Pyke stepped around Nester to answer the door. It also gave him a moment to compose himself. He took a deep breath before letting Grayson in.

  The sheriff shook Pyke’s hand as he walked past him. “Good to see you, son.”

  Pyke always found humor in that. Grayson had gray peppered in his hair, so calling those younger than him “son” was no big deal. But Pyke was over two hundred years old. He should be calling Grayson “son.”

  “Glad to have you over.” Pyke closed the door behind him. “This is Nester Graves.”

  Grayson nodded. “Good to finally meet you.”

  Nester simply stood there like he was frozen to the spot. Pyke worried that his mate had forgotten how to breathe as he stared wide-eyed at the sheriff.

  “He’s afraid he’s going to prison,” Pyke said. “Please, have a seat. We just made a fresh pot of coffee. Do you want a cup?”

  Grayson took of his hat and smiled. “Much appreciated.”

  When Nester tried to follow him into the kitchen, Pyke shook his head. “You sit down and tell the sheriff your story. I won’t be long.”

  “I don’t think I can do this.” Nester wrung his hands. “I feel like he’s going to whip the cuffs out at any second.”

  Pyke gave Nester a thorough kiss then rested his forehead on Nester’s, though he had to bend since his mate was so damn short. “You’re not going anywhere, got that?”

  “Okay, but if he takes those cuffs out, I’m hauling ass.” Nester turned and left the room.

  Pyke moved slowly, giving Nester enough time to talk with Grayson. He didn’t want to be a distraction, and from the reaction his body had to that kiss, he would be a distraction because, damn, he wanted to scoop Nester up and carry him to bed.