by Jo Penn
Dominic groaned at each sweep of Chane’s hands, his mouth and tongue following the strokes as he learned his mate’s upper body from his pecs—those pale pink nipples enjoying a little fang action. Dominic grunted and gripped Chane’s arms, the scent of arousal and pre-cum filling the air. Chane toyed with the tiger’s nipples for a time, lapping and suckling, nipping with a fang, even drawing blood a few times and drinking. His mate’s body bucked and the low growl followed the tiger as he jerked up and put Chane on his back, showing him his mate was on edge.
“Mine.”
“As you are mine, my tiger,” Chane agreed. “I wish to explore all of you, taste, touch, and suckle.”
Dominic groaned, his groin brushing against Chane’s through their pants. “Next time, promise. Need you, heating up despite only just having the cooling medicine.”
Chane’s own body was demanding they got busy and decided next time would be best for more playing, and he fully intended to take his time and explore, taste, touch, and suckle every inch of this magnificent creature.
Dominic pushed back and with hurried, jerky movements, undid his leather belt and his tailored pants, and pushed them off, quickly followed by his underwear, and kicked the materials aside. He got back on the bed, prowling over the top of Chane and lowered his head to press their lips together in a kiss so hot he was sure they could come just from that.
Reaching up, he stroked his mate’s sides, his back, his nicely rounded, firm ass, then slipped around to the front and lightly ran the back of his fingers over his mate’s long, thick, engorged cock that leaked pre-cum. He wanted that, to taste and feel it inside him.
“I need to be inside you, mate,” Dominic purred.
“Yes,” Chane said simply.
With a quick kiss to his lips, Dominic climbed off Chane and hurried across the bed to the bedside table on the right where he rummaged around. Chane undid the drawstring on his lounge pants, then slid the soft material off, freeing his own red dick, and pushed the pants off of his legs and feet. Dominic groaned at the sight, and with a bottle of lube in one hand, he prowled back across the bed and leaned down, laving his tongue around the top of Chane’s cock.
Hissing, pleasure shooting through him, and resisting the urge to press his groin into Dominic’s mouth, Chane gripped the bedcover on either side and spread his legs wide at the shifter’s urging.
He lost himself in the sensations, Dom lapping at his cock and rubbing his finger against his hole before sliding inside, the feel of slippery lube over his groin and running along his crack, fingers rubbing liquid over him, into him, another finger moving inside and stretching, a hot, warm mouth taking him inside, a brush of fingers against his sac. He barely felt the third finger with a hard suck on his cock, and before he had a chance to even breath, Chane cried out as his body went taut, his cock throbbing and releasing his seed into his mate’s willing mouth.
The pleasure was unlike any other, completely saturating his senses. Dominic moved closer, lifting Chane’s hips and placing a pillow beneath his ass. Chane wrapped his legs around Dominic’s hips and relaxed at the first press of that big, thick cock against his well-stretched hole.
Still, the shifter was big, and it had been a while, so there was a bit of burn, a lot of stretch, and a small amount of pain. Dominic seemed attuned to Chane’s body, stopping after he was inside and a few strokes, panting hard and resting his forehead against Chane’s. They both caught their breath, then they were kissing, lips meshing, bodies beginning to move again.
They moved together, Chane arching into his big mate as the cock in his ass hit bottom. He felt every brush of nerve, could feel every smooth surface and bump of his mate’s cock, and every time that big, long cock rubbed over his prostate, Chane clung harder, muttering incoherently in a mix of languages. Dominic grunted and groaned, snarling as his pace got quicker, thrusting deeper and harder. They kissed and moved together, their bodies joined and knowing what each needed. The shifter was all heat and pleasure, Chane meeting thrust for thrust, heels digging into Dominic’s firm ass, one hand in his hair.
They came together, their bodies convulsing, lips fusing, the bond snapping into place and flooding each other with sensations, feelings, and thoughts. They clung and kissed, touching lightly as their heart rates slowed and beat together.
“Beautiful.” Dominic smiled, rubbing his cheek against Chane.
Yes, what they shared was beautiful. The most beautiful connection Chane had ever experienced.
* * * *
Faced with twenty very eager students all looking at him expectantly, Chane cast a glare at Mason Armstrong.
Mason just smiled. He seemed to find Chane fascinating and amusing in equal measures, which was very unhelpful, especially when the wizard had not mentioned he had so many students for Chane to talk to about plants and medicines.
“Everyone, we are very fortunate and honored to have Prince-mate Chane Taunton, provide his invaluable knowledge and time showing us his extensive knowledge of plants and natural medicines. You will notice that Prince Dominic and two of the Sanchez bodyguards are also in attendance. Please be aware that there is a threat to Prince-mate Chane’s safety, and as a result, Prince Dominic’s, by Carlo Sandstone, the vampire my assistants informed members of the coven to be alert for.”
There were gasps, some worried, others fascinated. Chane was still stuck on the title of Prince-mate. He had not expected this, but possibly should have. Once mated with Dominic, they were officially considered in a mateship and Chane would receive a title. Because of his own beliefs, he was a little disinterested, but he respected Dominic’s position, so he said nothing. He did glance over at his mate and saw Dominic was paying attention to the class, eyeing everyone.
“And we also have Archer Taunton, Prince-mate Chane’s brother,” Mason continued. Archie waved cheerfully from beside Dominic. “Now, we have been given a great asset here and will listen carefully. Chane will be here twice a month for half a day—”
“Pardon?” Chane started, surprised.
Mason gave that wide, happy smile. “Yes, thank you so much, Chane. When Dominic negotiated with me, I was very pleased to offer the coven’s services in exchange and assist in setting up a greenhouse for you at the Sanchez Compound and Durand coven. Now, let us begin.”
After shooting his mate a narrow-eyed glare, which had Dominic losing his smile and quickly pretending interest in his computer tablet, Chane resigned himself to being thoroughly manipulated. Yes, yes, he was receiving what he wanted, to return to his plants and teaching others about their worth and attributes, but he would have liked to be consulted.
Then again, after Chane had refused Mason previously, possibly they were of the belief he would refuse again. With a little sigh, understanding, he concentrated on the class and plants.
An hour later, he was showing and explaining the differences between common wild plants that could be found in the area and which could be substituted for certain plants used in medicines and ointments. It had been a lot of years since he had partaken in teaching and making medicines and ointments to help others. The students’ enthusiasm soon wore off on him, Chane taking his time to explain and help each, impressed with quite a few and understood others’ difficulties. Archie became his assistant, along with another student, and helped perform experiments. Even Dominic joined in, though he appeared to not have the skills necessary, but he was good-natured about it, joking while watching everything Chane did.
“This one does not appear to be working, sir.” A young wizard was frowning over his ointment ingredients.
“What ointment do?” Chane asked curiously, looking over the ingredients, seeing how it could work but not sure the wizard knew this.
The wizard’s face went slack and blank. “Err…sorry? I don’t understand.”
“Don’t worry. I’m going to teach my brother English over the next few days.” Archie chuckled, stepping in. “He wants to know what specifically you want the ointment to do.
”
Most of the lesson, Chane had spoken in a mix of English, French, and Korean while Mason and Archie, also Dominic, interpreted. Chane had not bothered really learning more than the basic English, though he felt he was very good at what he did know, but as it appeared he would be remaining in Milson City, he might have to learn a few more words. It wouldn’t take long, no more than a few days, as Archie stated, for now that Chane was no longer in demise, he would simply utilize his amplifying gift to learn faster.
“Oh, I see. Well, with the aloe vera and chamomile, plus the others, I was hoping for a burn ointment, something that will sooth as well as prompting quicker healing.”
“Mix,” Chane instructed.
The wizard blinked and then quickly got to work. Dominic slipped his arms around Chane from behind and, leaning down, kissed his cheek.
“I’m just popping out to arrange some food, honey. Stay in the room, okay?”
“Oui. I have peppermint tea.”
With a smile, a little petting, and a last kiss, Dominic and one of the bodyguards left the room. Chane frowned at seeing all eyes on him. The students, Mason, and Archie all quickly got back to work. Once the student had mixed the ingredients, Chane instructed the wizard to direct his healing gift at the mixture and focus on what he wished it to do. When the creature did this, Chane used his amplifying gift.
“What was that?” Mason moved to the other side of the high table, body tense, face serious.
Chane ignored the man and lifted the container holding the mixture. Taking a sample, he smeared it across a leaf. Instantly, the leaf molted and withered. Those around gasped.
“Why did it do that?” the young student asked.
Chane smiled. “It is a lesson, wizard. Simply mixing ingredients and using your gift cannot guarantee the outcome you want. There is a lot more to making natural products. The right measurements, extracting particular elements only, separating what should not be used, well, it is all a process with a lot of steps and trial and error. Do not expect your gift to accomplish everything, nor the raw ingredients. Let me show all of you how to make this simple burn healing ointment, and then you can see how intricate the steps are and how important it is to get them right.”
Archie had translated and, once Chane was finished, grabbed his arm and dragged him over by the door, Mason ordering everyone to ready their ingredients before following.
“You’re not supposed to use your gift, Chane! Shit, if the Renegades find out, they’ll be after you, too. And anyone else out there who wants to boost their own powers.”
Chane patted his brother’s shoulder. “You right, I not think.”
“Hang on, you’re an amplifier?” Mason looked concerned at Chane’s nod. “I will do what I can to ensure none of the students mention this. Archie’s right, your gift is not one that should be shared with the general population.”
“That may be, Mason, but as we are all aware, any gift can be used in a way that is harmful to others. Renegades know this and make use of it whenever they can. Now, shall we continue?”
They did, Chane taking the students through step by step, pleased with the majority who showed interest and tried.
Dominic was not pleased during the trip from the Armstrong coven to the Durand one at Archie mentioning Chane using his gift during the class. This irritated Chane after five minutes of his mate sternly telling him not to discuss his gift, not to use it, and so on. Chane met his mate’s serious look firmly, and they argued, Archie deciding it was best he put his headphones on and stay out of it.
By the time they arrived at the Durand coven, Chane found himself with a very grumpy and pissed-off shifter. Having not seen his mate behave in such a way before, at first Chane dismissed the man and ignored Dominic, but as they pulled in through the high wrought iron gates of the coven, he saw that the man was worried for Chane’s safety. They were mates and would forever be concerned for each other, and if it were Dominic who was in danger, Chane felt certain he would also be upset if his mate had done something that could result in harm.
He felt their strong connection and had learned a lot about his mate, not only from spending the time in bed with Dominic yesterday talking, but also from observing him since they had met. The tiger was ambitious and challenging, yes, both good attributes. He was also compassionate, lighthearted, and found the fun in most things. He knew how to enjoy himself and be serious, and he took his time with everything he did. Chane found himself actually liking his mate and not only because they were fated mates.
Understanding this, he moved beside his mate and took the shifter’s hand between his own. Despite the argument and being annoyed with Chane, Dominic did not attempt to pull away.
“You are correct, my mate. I have always been aware of the dangers and have taken precautions. Today, I did not think. I do not always think in terms of dangers. It has not been part of my belief system.”
The big feline purred and pulled Chane close. “I need you safe, my beautiful mate.”
“And I you.” Chane patted his mate’s thick thigh. “Despite the briefness of the time we have been together, our connection is strong and will only grow stronger. I enjoy your company.”
“Yes. I want more time with you, quality time. Tonight, we lock our suite and don’t let anyone in.”
“Oh, does that mean we’re not going out to dinner?” Archie lowered his headphones.
Dom narrowed his eyes on the young vampire. “Yes. I’ll find something very tedious and time consuming to keep you busy. Let’s make this stop quick.”
Chane and Archie trailed the feline prince through the Durand coven, many vampires and other creatures peeking out of rooms and stopping to watch, some greeting. They were immediately shown into Crown Prince Misha’s office where his brother, Prince Ryson, sat to the side of the desk, sipping coffee and frowning over a computer tablet.
Misha rose and waved them to the sofas in his large office. “I heard there was an incident yesterday.”
“There was. Sandstone has an exceptional ability as a long range sniper. Soldiers will be doubled throughout the Valley.”
They all sat, Ryson joining them and sitting in the chair on the other side of Chane. Ryson was known as being very detached. Not a cold vampire, not even a cool one, simply detached with superficial emotions. On the occasions Chane had spent time with the prince, he found that to be true, but there was more beneath, and he had enjoyed the brief time in this coven when he was with the other vampire.
“Congratulations on your mating, Chane. I am sensing your strength has returned. How is your memory?”
“There are unfortunately gaps. Perhaps these will never be recovered. Aside from this, I am full strength.”
“Excellent.” Misha beamed in a way that made Chane aware the prince was up to something. “Of course, I was more than happy to have you with us while you were in demise, Chane. I recall my mother in raptures over your specialized oils and healing lotions, and was pleased to assist. Even though you stated you were only visiting, I did list you as a member of my coven—”
“Hang on, are you trying to poach my mate, Misha?” Dominic didn’t sound annoyed, just amused.
Misha rolled his eyes. “I have been more than fair in regards to Archer, who should technically be here at the coven full-time. But I understand that family is most important. So I propose a similar arrangement with Chane that we have for Archer and Xavier.”
“Without the trying to keep my mate here like you do Drake’s,” Dominic stirred.
Misha shot the shifter a haughty look. “Xavier knows where he belongs. Now, I am having a building constructed on the grounds especially for Chane to develop his splendid oils and lotions.” Misha smiled at Chane. “If you would care to make them once again.”
Chane had put aside so many things he once enjoyed in the last ten years. Making his oils and lotions were one of the most rewarding for him, as was making the medicines. He smiled and glanced at Ryson, whom Chane had once shared th
is loss with. The other vampire gave a fleeting, genuine smile in return.
“Thank you, Ryson. And you, Misha. I am honored by your suggestion. And of course would like the Durand coven to participate in the production of, be part owners, and take a good share of the profits.”
“Hang on!” Dominic leaned forward in his seat, shaking his head. “Emile will want to go over those documents as Chane’s financial advisor.”
Chane inclined his head. “The Sanchez pride are welcome to be owners and share the profits, mate. I require little, just enough to purchase for the production of the items and keep growing the plants.”
Dominic kissed Chane’s hand. “Thank you, beautiful, but this is your thing, and I want you to do something that makes you happy. I know you don’t care about money and assets, but I was thinking that maybe this is something Archie could join in with.”
“Can I?” Archie exclaimed brightly.
Chane had no idea where his brother’s gift would fit into the project, but he was not going to deny Archie, and sometimes it wasn’t about an individual’s gift, but rather if it would make them happy and feel that they were accomplishing something they enjoyed or felt important.
“As you wish,” Chane said to brother. “I would enjoy working with you.”
“Cool! I’ll be in charge of designing the containers. Those old glass ones you used to use were bo-ring, brother!”
Misha smiled. “Good. I will have one of my assistants forward Emile the paperwork. Chane’s belongings have been sent to the compound, as you are aware, but as Archie will be here half the time, I only had staff select enough for him for the week. If there is anything either of you require, just let me know.”
Chane thanked the vampire princes and took his leave, waiting with Dominic in the front lounge while Archie went to retrieve some items from the suite they had shared. As they were leaving, Chane passed a vampire in the hall, one who seemed familiar to him, yet the man showed no recognition whatsoever.
