by M. Jayne
I adored his scent. It reminded me of a crisp, snow-covered winter morning with a hint of smoke. Like Graham, it was smooth but had a punch. My mate’s strength was evident down to his DNA.
I leaned in a little closer and used my cheek to brush against his hard cock.
“Tease,” he rumbled as his strong hands gripped his thighs.
“Appreciative.” My own voice was rough. I did value my mate, and it seemed that every day I found more to like. I covered the head of his cock with my lips and lightly swirled my tongue over him. Then I bathed his length so that he was wet, and I took him deep and held him there.
Soon, his fingers were in my hair, and his hips were pumping to meet my mouth. “Want to come inside of you,” he whispered harshly.
I tried to smile even though my lips were pulled tautly around him. I used my hand to stroke him as I said, “Next time.” Returning to his cock, I took him deep.
“Deal.”
A few moments later, he came.
He thrust his hands under my armpits and lifted me as he fell to his side, bringing me close to rest against him. A moment later, his lips were on mine, his tongue inside my mouth.
17
Graham Vincent
Three Weeks Later…
Olivia had left our suite in order to be at the MacGregors’ house by nine-thirty. She would stay until mid-afternoon or whenever Solle or Conal returned.
I personally had thought that Tay and Liv would be spending a good deal of time in the Packhouse with the Queen. Theo lunched or shopped with Olivia several times a week, and the child was always welcome. It seemed that Black also enjoyed Tay’s company; he was known to sit with her resting against his chest while he read documents and e-mails. Theo had told us that Tay’s soothing presence had kept him from throwing his tablet against the wall a time or two.
We’d found a house and would be moving into the two-story with a nice-sized yard at the end of the month. I thought of it as our starter home; it wasn’t too big or too small. The females were busy picking out furniture and discussing paint colors. Olivia was happy, and therefore, so was I.
I paused to look in the mirror over the small chest by the door. “This is it.” My voice sounded tense.
Olivia had not pushed me about my employment decision. My mate trusted that I would do what was best for us. Last night, as she laid draped over my chest, she’d asked, “Are you sure?”
I tilted my chin down and combed her hair back from her face. I needed to see her expression. “Sure, about what, Love?”
“That you can live here…I don’t know the word…comfortably…?”
I chuckled, not at her question, but that we had come to learn that although many members of Novus liked to dress like they were rough and tumble bikers, they also enjoyed their luxuries. Their homes were nice, their rides were top of the line, and their T-shirts vintage. “Yeah, I think I can.”
I felt her smile against my chest.
She didn’t speak for a few minutes, and then, she whispered, “I’m glad I made that call to Solle all those months ago.” She lifted her head and gazed into my eyes. “Theo is extraordinary, and she is…real. She cares, and she keeps her promises. I don’t like to think about our world without her in it.”
I could only nod and run my hand along her spine. I liked the males of Novus. Black was a strong leader, but he and the others worked to keep things fair. The people were friendly, and the Pack, successful. I was making friends, bound by mutual respect, instead of duty.
There had been a few run-ins with other wolves. The first attempt had come from the guard, Asher. It had been more of a playful tussle than a fight for dominance. I limped away, knowing that I’d proved that I could take care of myself. The next instance had been during a solitary run, and I did not know the male.
This bout was not a friendly match, he’d tried to inflict injury. He would not make that attempt again. I’d sworn Liv to silence. These were my battles to fight, and I had come out on top. Word must have spread after the fourth time because there had been no more attempts.
And then, there was the Queen. I had expected a show of gratitude for all that Olivia had gone through, perhaps another gift of money or a car. However, Theo had given Olivia so much more. She’d offered understanding and had helped Olivia find a place within Novus. She did this because she truly liked my mate, and Olivia had become more confident and less anxious. She now told me what she wished instead of making me guess or gathering clues by asking many questions.
I was grateful to Theo for my mate’s transformation.
A knock sounded on the door, and Wale entered at my greeting. “Ready to rock?” His sly grin told me he knew what was in store.
“Any last words of advice?” I followed him out and down the long hallway.
“This is all about you, man. Showcase your strengths because, in time, we can work on your weaknesses.”
We rode to the training facility without talking while music by Chance the Rapper blasted.
He parked, and before we got out, he said, “Meet first, then we’ll see what you can do.”
I understood that to mean that I would learn about them.
Growing up and living without a Pack affiliation did not mean that I hadn’t been trained to fight and identify different battle tactics. No, both my father and my mother had spent years working with me. Teaching me to not only use my strength but my brain and instincts as well. I had continued studying different forms of sparring, and now, I hoped it would pay off.
I followed the male into a one-story building that looked much like an elementary school. There were classrooms and larger workout areas. He led me to a room at the end of a short hallway. “Conference room.” He knocked twice and opened the door.
Inside sat Black, Conal, Glass, Lore, Issa, Tex, and Asher. Wale followed me inside and took a seat by the door. I would consider these people to be those I had gotten to know the best, except for Lore and Issa. They were there at my request.
Black pointed at the seat at the end of the table, opposite him. “You’ve made your decision?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice sure.
“I know you have never joined a Pack, and if you are not ready to take the oath, I will understand.”
Conal leaned forward. “However, that offer of time does not run indefinitely.”
I understood their point. I would be on their land. My mate worked inside the Second’s home, caring for his young. “First, may I begin by saying that I appreciate all you have done for us. You’ve made us feel welcome and have shown us that we could have a place here with Novus. A home.”
Black nodded slowly. The savvy motherfucker probably knew how to run this play from the start. “I know that Olivia has expressed her willingness to commit.”
“We both will be available whenever we are called.” I’d learned from Tex that Black did not hold huge ceremonies. Usually, it took a few minutes and was attended by Black and a witness.
“Very good.” Black looked around the table. “With your background, there are many positions that would fit your skill set. Have you decided on one?”
I kept my gaze on the Laird. “I have.”
I sensed that a few at the table waited in anticipation. Glass had made it known that she would like me to be a member of her guard, and Tex thought that with my investigative skills, I might fit in well with Novus’ tech people, monitoring goings-on within Novus, the Lycan, and Human worlds.
“I would like to join the Queen’s Personal Guard,” I added quickly. “With your permission and Theo’s, of course.”
“That is an interesting choice.” Conal studied me intently, as if he was running different scenarios, trying to find my motivation.
Glass frowned. “You do realize that you will have to fight both Lore and Issa to prove that you are up to the task, and then—”
“He knows,” Black supplied curtly. “He gets that Lore and Issa will have a say, but Theo will want to weigh in.”
<
br /> The Queen would know my reason. I’d had a dream where she had placed her palm on my stomach and had learned all.
“Then shall we proceed to the field?” Lore stood.
He moved so quickly that I missed it. I’m sure he did it on purpose, as a hint of things to come.
I stood and followed the others out.
Asher hung back to walk with me. “They each have their strengths.”
I nodded, hoping he would share but knowing that if I asked, it would show weakness.
“Issa likes her blades, and she always has more hidden on her than you will see.” His grin told me that he got off on his mate’s skills. “The Lore…expect anything and everything.”
That puzzled me as I tried to prepare for what that could mean.
“I’ve seen him take a male out with one punch, and then there have been times where he liked playing with them.”
I nodded.
“And he loves Theo. He will die for her, and he will expect you to prove that you will do the same.”
The field was a large open space, and nobody else was there.
“Decisions must be made. Human or wolf form? Weapons? Rules?” Tex asked.
They were waiting for me to respond. “No rules.”
“Right on.” The redhead smiled.
“Then let’s begin.” Black pointed to the center of the field.
I jogged to the designated space, and Issa was on me.
She was fast.
I relied on my senses rather than my eyes, my body anticipating her attacks and avoiding much contact while getting in a few blows of my own. I noted that she was an efficient fighter. The blade she held in her left hand arced toward my thigh.
I turned my body at the last second and used my forearm to punch her between her shoulder blades, causing her to fall to her knees. Kicking her unprotected ribs would be the most logical move, a move she would expect, so I grabbed her ankle. Lifting her leg high behind her, I twisted her foot viciously to the side. I then spun in a circle, causing her light body to fan out, and then I let her go.
She went flying and landed in a soft thud.
I turned quickly, searching for Lore.
He walked to me with assurance and an ugly grin on his face. “Very good.” He stopped in front of me. “Now, let’s see if you will get dirty.” His change was instantaneous.
I followed. Our wolves met on our hind legs with front legs clawing and jaws snapping.
Lore’s wolf took a chunk out of my shoulder, and I had spit out a mouthful of flesh from his ribs.
As we circled slowly, I knew he would continue to play with me for hours. It was up to me to make a move.
I changed to my human form. It was an unexpected move because his wolf was able to do more damage to me. However, I needed to be faster.
Sometime later, I was unsure if my gamble had paid off. My right leg was broken. The entire group had heard the crack. Lore’s left arm flopped uselessly at his side. We were bruised, broken, and bloodied, still exchanging blows, searching for an opening.
“Time,” Black’s voice sounded. “I call time.”
I waited for Lore to take ten steps back before I allowed my body to relax a little.
“Seen enough?” Black inquired calmly as he led the others toward us.
Issa spoke first. “He is a strong fighter.” She stopped six feet away from me. “You drop your right shoulder before you go for a roundhouse.”
“Noted.” I dipped my chin as a sign of respect. “Your style reminds me of my mother’s. She appeared to be feminine and was small in stature. However, she was vicious and had no problem carving out an eye or two.”
Issa’s smile was huge.
“Sit before you fall,” Glass barked the order. “Strong fighter, calm demeanor, able to process and change fighting styles. I’m impressed.”
I looked at Lore. He spit out a mouthful of blood then laughed.
It was the most frightening thing I had ever seen.
“I am satisfied with his skill.” He examined his bloody hands. “My question is why? Why do you wish to join us?”
It was a fair question, and I had expected it from Black. “Theo has welcomed my mate. She arranged for a position that Liv is well suited for. She has provided friendship to a female who has lost everything. My mate is happy, and for that, I owe the Queen everything.”
Conal asked, “Glass, what say you?”
“Yes.”
“Issa?”
“Yes.”
“Lore?”
There was a pause, and I felt a buzzing against my skin. I knew there were no bugs outside on this cold day. I waited for his answer.
“Yes.”
“Laird?”
“I’m impressed. I was after I read your file and then when meeting you.”
“Thank you, Laird.” I dropped my chin so that it rested against my sternum.
“But the final word is Theo’s, and you should clean up before you go to her. She bitches about bloodstains.” He finished with a wolfy grin.
“She also does not like knife play in the office,” Issa shared.
“Iss, you stabbed him in the eye,” Asher reminded his mate.
“I deserved it,” Lore admitted. “However, it does upset Theo when we attempt to settle disagreements with claws and jaws.”
“It is very human of her,” Issa added with a frown.
“I will endeavor not to upset her…or you,” I told Issa and Lore.
* * *
Two hours later, I was healing, showered, fed, and dressed in black pants and a red button-down shirt. I was not escorted to the Queen’s office. There now was no guard at the doors to our suite.
I hesitated before I knocked, trying to gather my shit. My body was mostly healed, although I was limping a little and moving more cautiously.
The door opened before me. “Graham, I’m glad that you’re here.” Theodora’s greeting was warm, as was her smile.
I entered her office space, and it appeared that we were alone.
“Please take a seat. Would you like something to drink?”
I should be serving her. “No, thank you.”
She chose the large chair and I the loveseat. “Lore said that you wanted to see me…?”
“Today, I met with Black and the others. I’ve made my decision about where I would like to serve.” I found that my palms were sweating. I was nervous.
“Serve? That is an odd word choice.” She tilted her head slightly to the right.
Again, my skin felt as if a mosquito was buzzing close by. “You might recall that the human police, they swear to serve and protect.”
A slow smile spread across her face. “And you wish to protect me?”
I spoke softly, “I do.”
“I see.”
I wasn’t sure what to make of her response.
“May I ask why?”
“Would you prefer that I show you?” I pressed my palm to my belly as I’d seen in the dream.
“With your permission…?” She waited until I nodded before standing and approaching me. “This won’t hurt. I promise you and your wolf.”
She waited a moment to make sure that we both agreed for her to proceed. Theo’s hand was warm.
I could feel it through my shirt.
She closed her eyes as I felt energy gather around us. It was as if a thunderstorm was bearing down upon us.
I tried to stay relaxed, and she made a soothing sound deep in her throat.
Soon, she lifted her hand and returned to her chair.
I said nothing as she studied me. “You love her very much.”
“I waited many years for her. I want her to be safe and happy.” I relaxed against the sofa cushion.
“And because Olivia and I are friends, you wish to serve and protect…me.”
“I do.” I moistened my dry lips. “You mean a great deal to her, and therefore, I will make it my mission to make sure nothing happens to you.”
She studie
d me for a few moments.
I tried not to wiggle under her scrutiny. I felt like she now knew all my secrets.
She smiled warmly before speaking, “Welcome to the team, Graham. I hope you will enjoy your time with us.”
I stood then dropped to my knee. “I shall, my Queen. I promise that I will protect you and the others with my life.”
“Very good.” She walked to me.
I felt her hand on the crown of my head.
“Rise.”
I did slowly.
“Now, we celebrate.” Theo flashed a huge grin, then walked to the table and made a call.
“Welcome to Novus, Graham Vincent.”
The End.
About the Author
M. Jayne doesn’t know what she wants to be when and if she ever grows up. She’s worked retail, recorded hearings in a Federal Courtroom, worked behind the scenes with security at a casino and currently she is living her dream writing Romance.
She plots and plans from her farm in central Indiana that she shares with her husband and mastiff, Duncan Keith. When she isn’t creating she can be found watching sports, searching for the perfect mascara and reading. She also loves questionable TV- Any Real Housewives, The Steve Wilkos Show and Live PD. Plus she is addicted to the TMZ app on her phone.
M. Jayne loves to meet readers. She attends many conferences and signings. Please take a moment and introduce yourself and tell her what you are reading.
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