Mating Mal

by Kasey Belle

  “This is Alpha Creed,” the groggy rough voice answered after the third ring.

  “I apologize for the late hour, Alpha, but I had nowhere else to turn.” He rushed out the words in one long run-on sentence.

  “Who is this?” Alpha Creed asked, sounding a little more awake and a lot more annoyed.

  Nick rolled his eyes wanting to smack himself in the forehead. Duh. How about lead off with who’s calling, moron. “Sorry, Alpha. My name is Nick Speer. I believe you knew my brother-in-law Daniel Wexler?”

  “Of course, I know him.” There was a pause. “Wait. You said knew.”

  “Yes, sir.” Nick cleared his throat. “Daniel and my sister were murdered tonight.”

  “Their cub?” Nick heard movement in the background and muttered words.

  “Leo is safe with me, sir.” Nick flicked his blinker on and passed a slow moving semi. “For now, anyway.”

  “Your uncle is responsible. Isn’t he?” Declan snarled.

  “Yes he ordered it done, but it’s my word against his.” Nick wasn’t surprised Alpha Creed knew about his Uncle Craden. Alpha Craden Speer’s views―on well everything―were well-known and frowned upon.

  “Where are you now? Are you safe?” Nick heard Alpha Creed mutter, Cade, grab your cell.

  “We’re safe and outside of Silver, Arkansas on our way through Hot Springs. We’re heading for Copper Creek.” Please don’t let him refuse us. Please.

  “Hold on for a moment. Stay on the line. Do not hang up.”

  The alpha’s order was unnecessary. He didn’t plan to hang up, ever. The man was his lifeline.

  Alpha Creed spoke to his beta and brother Cade. Nick couldn’t make out everything they said, but he picked up on a few words and heard the urgency in their tones. After what seemed like forever, Alpha Creed came back on the line. “Can you make it to Shreveport?”

  “Yes, sir.” Nick had plenty of cash for gas. He could definitely make it to a halfway point.

  “There is a hotel off of I-20. It’s owned by wolf shifter name Dalton Crowder. My brother Cade is on the phone with him now. He’ll have a room for you registered under Cade Creed. Check in and stay there. Do not leave for any reason. I’ll send an enforcer for you. He’ll escort you to Copper Creek.”

  Nick blew out a relieved breath. “Thank you, Alpha.”

  “Call me, Declan. We don’t stand on ceremony around here. Daniel was a good friend. Summer was a sweetheart. I am so very sorry for your loss.”

  Nick swallowed passed the lump in his throat. “Thank you. Me too, um, Declan. Are you sure Leo will be safe at this hotel?”

  “I’m positive. I’ve known Dalton since we were cubs. I told him you needed safe harbor. I didn’t give him details because he doesn’t need them. He will protect you. Sorry, Nick, hold on another moment.”

  Nick heard muttering on the other end as he passed an eighteen wheeler. He kept an eye on the traffic behind him. It didn’t appear as though anyone followed him. Thank the Fates.

  “Nick? Are you there?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Sorry, I had to take another call. I just spoke with my cousin, Kell. He’s head enforcer for the pack. His brother, Mal, is packing a bag as we speak. He shouldn’t be but a couple of hours behind you. Can you receive texts on your phone?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “The caller ID shows unknown, so I’ll need you to give me the number.” Nick did as he was ordered. “I’ll text you Dalton’s cell and the hotel’s name and address. I’ll send Mal’s number, as well. If you run into trouble call me. However, if for some reason you can’t reach me, don’t hesitate to use either of the numbers I’m sending you.”

  Nick glanced at the clock on the dash. Four hours. He had to stay safe for four hours. That was so much better than the ten plus hours he’d been expecting. Once he made it to the hotel, he could lock himself in the room, feed Leo, and maybe get a couple of hours sleep before reinforcements arrived. “I’ll be waiting, Alpha. I mean, Declan.”

  “Call if you have any issues. That’s an order. Be safe, Nick. We’ll see you soon.”

  “I will and thank you, again.” He dropped the phone into the cup holder and glanced at Leo who was still asleep and sucking his thumb. “He’s gonna help us, buddy,” he spoke in a soft voice. “We’ll be safe soon.”

  ****

  Mal buried his face in his pillow and growled when the shrill ring of his cellphone pulled him violently from sleep. He’d been having the best dream. It was one of the same ones he’d had since puberty. His faceless mate’s lithe body bent over the kitchen table. Mal’s body possessively covering his back as he claimed his mate from behind. The tight, warm clasp of his mate’s passage around his cock had felt so real. Had his dream not been interrupted, he surely would be lying in an unpleasant wet spot right now. Mal blindly felt around for his phone on the night table. His hand finally came in contact with the ringing menace. He snatched it up and swiped the screen without checking who called. “Someone better be dead,” he snarled at whoever was on the end of the line.

  “Unfortunately, they are.” Kell replied. The resignation in his tone had Mal rolling over and sitting up. “Two someone’s, actually.”

  “Two? Who?” He asked as threw his legs over the side of the bed and climbed out. Please let his family be okay.

  “Daniel and Summer Wexler.”

  He froze, bowing his head he closed his eyes. “Damn.” Mal rubbed his chest. Daniel Wexler was a good friend to the pack and to lone shifters everywhere. “Didn’t they have a kid not long ago?”

  “Yes. That’s why I’m calling you. Summer’s younger brother Nick is on the run with the cub. He and Leo were heading here, but Declan ordered him to stay hidden and has him waiting in Shreveport at Dalton Crowder’s hotel. Declan wants an enforcer to meet up with Nick and escort him and the cub to pack land.”

  This wasn’t good. If the brother was running that meant he was being hunted. “I take it Dan and Summer’s deaths weren’t accidental and whoever did it is looking to finish what they started?”

  “It appears so. It also appears that Alpha Speer had a hand in whatever the fuck went down.”

  “Motherfucker,” Mal spat. He hated that fucking guy. The Council should have sanctioned Craden Speer’s ass a long time ago, but the fucker was slippery. “I’ll pack a bag and hit the road. Do I need to stop by the pack house before I head out?” Silence greeted him on the other end. Mal pulled the cellphone away and checked the screen. Nope, the call hadn’t dropped. He put the phone back to his ear. “Hello?”

  Kell cleared his throat. “Yeah, I’m here.”

  Mal bit back a laugh. “What? Did you expect me to fight you on a midnight drive to Louisiana?”

  “Kind of,” he answered carefully.

  Mal would never shirk his duties, but he did like his sleep so he understood Kell’s surprise. Truthfully, he didn’t mind losing sleep. Anything that took Mal away from the happy-happy-joy-joy matings that had been happening all around him was a welcome distraction. Especially with Paul and Cathy’s wedding coming up next weekend. He was happy for his family―all of them, but he also envied them. Mal wanted his own happy-happy-joy-joy mating. Kell knew how much he wanted a mate, but he didn’t know the toll everyone’s happiness took on Mal, nor would he tell him. It would only make his brother feel bad if he knew. So Mal opted to use another truth as an explanation for his eagerness to get the hell out of town. “You know how I feel about Craden Speer. If I can help bring that fucker down I will. I’ll be goddamned if I’ll let him get his hands on the cub or Summer’s brother. What’s his name again?”

  “His name is Nick. He’s younger than Summer, so probably in his early twenty’s. The cub’s name is Leo; not sure how old he is. I pray to the Fates we get a chance to end Speer.” Kell’s cold deadly tone sent a shiver down Mal’s spine. The man had mad skills in the dealing out death department. Because of his older brother’s kind, teddy-bear like personality, it was easy to
forget exactly how lethal Kell was.

  “You and me both, Brother.” Mal grabbed the overnight bag out of the closet and laid it on the bed. He went to his dresser and pulled out a couple of pairs of his favorite boxer briefs and tossed them into the suitcase. Then did the same with a few t-shirts, socks, and jeans.

  “Stop by the front desk when you arrive at the hotel. Dalton put the reservation in Cade’s name. He sent the regular night employee home just in case there was trouble. He said Nick and Leo will be in room 220 should something happen and you need to bust the door down or some shit.”

  “This is bad.” Urgency pushed at Mal to get on the road. He went to the bathroom and gathered his toiletries and threw them in the leather case his mother bought him for Christmas. His plan was to retrieve Nick Speer and his nephew Leo and immediately return to Copper Creek, but Mal wanted to be prepared in case there was a delay and they needed to spend the night somewhere. He wasn’t fond of wearing the same clothes for days on end or of not having his toothbrush and body wash on hand. He’d do it if he had to, but if he didn’t… yeah not gonna happen.

  “Yep. It is bad. But, we know Dalton will protect them with is life. Declan said he isn’t sure what all went down, but the way it sounded, Nick barely escaped with Leo. He doesn’t think anyone followed him―”

  “But the sooner Nick and the cub are safe, the better,” Mal cut in. “I hear you, bro.” He tossed the toiletry case into his overnight bag then zipped it closed. He looked down at his naked body and rolled his eyes. No wonder the room felt a bit drafty. Clothes would be helpful, Malcolm. Cursing under his breath, he stomped over to his dresser and pulled out underwear, socks, a t-shirt, and jeans. He put his cell on speaker and tossed it on the bed so he could dress. “Anything else I need to know?”

  “Nope. Text me when you arrive and before you leave.”

  Mal smiled. Both his older brothers were protective of him. As the baby it was to be expected, and it never failed to amuse him. Mal was an enforcer. Kell’s second in command. He was lethal and more than capable of taking care of himself and those around him, but to Paul and Kell― Mal would always be the baby brother who followed them around when he was kid and worshiped the ground they walked on. “Yes, Dad,” Mal joked.

  “Har. Har. Do as you're told, subordinate.”

  “You’re an ass,” Mal bantered and Kell chuckled.

  “Let us know if you get hung up.”

  “The wedding is next week, if I get hung up, you better call in the cavalry. I don’t want my sister-in-law mad at me. That is one scary redhead when she’s mad.”

  “True dat, Brosef.”

  Mal rolled his eyes. His brother was ridiculous sometimes. “I’ll talk to you soon, bro. I’m out the door.”

  “Be careful. If you need back-up I expect you to ask.”

  “Got it. Bye-bye now.” Mal didn’t give Kell a chance to respond before ending the call.

  Chapter 3

  Nick was exhausted by the time he spotted the brightly lit sign for Dalton Crowder’s hotel. At least Leo slept the whole way. A miracle for which he thanked the Fates over and over again. Unfortunately, that also meant Nick wouldn’t see sleep anytime soon. His nephew would wake up ready to be fed and entertained.

  The hotel was nice. It was one of those independently owned national chain deals which meant the room would be clean. Nick pulled the SUV alongside the curb by the lobby doors. He hopped out and surveyed his surroundings. He didn’t see anyone or anything suspicious, nor did he sense a threat. In fact, the whole area was quiet. Not a shock really considering it was four in the morning. A jaw-cracking yawn made his eyes water. “Just a few more minutes. You can do this,” he muttered to himself. He opened the back door and unhooked Leo’s car seat. The little man stirred. He was waking up. Nick knew Leo would be fussing soon. Hopefully check-in wouldn’t take long and they would make it to the room before Leo unleashed his I’m wet and hungry, change and feed me now demanding wail he’d perfected over the past six months. The cub had a serious set of lungs on him.

  Nick stepped through the automatic glass door and the burly man behind the counter greeted him with a smile. Nick walked up to the counter and tried his best to hide his nerves. “I have a reservation under Creed. Uh, Cade Creed.”

  “Considering you are way better looking than Cade, I’ll take a guess and say you are my mystery guest..” Dalton chuckled and stuck out his hand. “I’m glad you made it safely. In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m Dalton.”

  Nick shook his hand and offered the man a tired smile. “Nick.”

  Dalton slid a packet toward him. “You’re in 220. All the doors are interior and the only way to get to the rooms is through the lobby. I put you on the second floor so you didn’t have to worry about someone trying to get in through the window. Make sure you lock the door and put on the safety bar. I’ll give Mal a keycard when he arrives, but he won’t use it. He’ll knock. Check the peep hole before you open the door.” Nick nodded, but didn’t interrupt Dalton’s laundry list of instructions. He was obviously a man used to giving orders. “Why don’t you move your car to that spot directly across from the lobby door, so I’ll have a clear view of it?” Dalton pointed toward the parking lot. “I’ll roll out a luggage trolley and help you unload. I know you don’t want to let the little tyke out of your sight. He’s cute, by the way.”

  Nick smiled down at Leo who was now awake and blinking up at him. “Thank you. He knows it, too.” He pocketed the room key and turned toward the door. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for us.”

  “No worries. Go move your car. I’ll be right out.”

  Dalton helped Nick get their bags and the box containing supplies for Leo up to the room just in time because Leo had had enough and wanted his bottle and a diaper change. Before leaving the room Dalton handed him the white grocery bag he’d been carrying. “There’s a sandwich, chips, a pack of cookies, and a can of soda in there for you. Figured you’d be starving.”

  “Thanks. I wasn’t really looking forward to eating one of those MRE things.”

  Dalton cringed. “Don’t blame you. They’re pretty nasty. Consume only as a last resort. Trust me on that.” He clapped Nick on the shoulder. “Well. I’ll let you get some rest. If you need anything I’m manning the front desk until eight. I’ll still be around after that so you can reach me on my cell if needed. I won’t leave the property until Mal shows up. Lock up.” He nodded then turned and left, shutting the door firmly behind him.

  Nick didn’t waste any time. He locked and bolted the door and briefly considered shoving the desk chair under the knob. Leo let go a little pissed off scream. Nick quickly fixed his nephew’s bottle. He didn’t need angry guests banging on his door because of the noise. The less attention they drew to themselves the better.

  He removed Leo from his car seat, changed his diaper, then settled back against the headboard with the baby in his arms. Leo wrapped his little hands around the bottle and attacked it with gusto. You’d think no one ever bothered to feed his nephew by the way he attacked his food. Nick grinned at the yummy hums and loud sucking noises coming from Leo.

  “It’s good, huh?” He ran his hand over Leo’s downy blond hair. His innocent sky blue eyes stared up at Nick with unconditional trust and love. Tears pricked Nick’s eyes as he thought of all his nephew had lost in less than twelve hours. He leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling before letting silent tears fall for all that he’d lost as well.

  ****

  Five hours and a pot of truck stop coffee later, Mal pulled into Dalton Crowder’s hotel parking lot. He exited his truck and made his way toward the lobby doors. The large man came out from behind the desk and greeted Mal with a backslapping hug. His teeth rattled so hard Mal swore a couple of them loosened. At over six-and-a-half feet and three hundred pounds, Dalton Crowder was built more like a bear shifter than a wolf.

  “Good to see you again, Mal,” Dalton said in a gruff voice.

  �
�You, too.” Mal stepped back and glanced around the room. “How’s your special guest?”

  Dalton shook his head wearing a sad expression on his face. “Exhausted. He seems to be holding it together okay. The sorrow pours off him. Whatever happened, it was bad. The little cub with him is―thank the Fates―too young to know what’s going on. He’s an adorable little thing.”

  “Nick or the cub?” Mal smirked. It was no secret to those who knew him that Dalton was gay and he liked them little.

  Dalton shot him a wink. “Both. I’ll get you the keycard for the room. He’s expecting you to knock.” He gave Mal a pointed look.

  “I wasn’t going to go charging in there like the fucking Marines.” Mal frowned. “I’m the polite and thoughtful brother, remember?”

  Dalton’s deep booming laugh filled the lobby. “And the most modest. Don’t forget that.” He walked back behind the counter.

  “How could I when it’s true?” Mal wagged his eyebrows. He took the keycard Dalton held out to him.

  “If you want the room another night, let me know. It’s yours for as long as you need it.”

  “I’ll let you know once I assess the situation. I don’t like the idea of them being out in the open like this. We have no idea what we’re dealing with yet. Thanks again, man.” Mal held out his fist and Dalton bumped it.

  Mal took the elevator up to the second floor. The door opened and Mal stepped from the elevator. His skin prickled as anticipation lit his veins. His whole body felt like a livewire. What the hell? A faint scent of summer rain hit him. Mate! His wolf howled. Mal breathed deep and took the delectable scent into his lungs. He growled, the sound low in his belly. He stuck his nose in the air and began tracking the scent. Nick and his issues would have to wait. His wolf had only one mission, and that was to find and claim his mate. Needless to say both Mal and his wolf were shocked when their noses led them to room 220. Mal snickered. Okay, maybe not so shocked. It was fitting actually. The Fates seemed to be working overtime lately. Plus, trouble drew mates to Copper Creek like flowers drew bees.