Denying the Alpha: Manlove Edition

by 5 Author Anthology

  “A little bit, maybe.” He leaned down and buried his face in Jared’s thick, silky hair, slowly breathing the man in. “I followed your scent here.”

  “My scent?” Jared asked.

  “Yes.” He took Jared by the chin and tipped his head back. “Will you come to my bed tonight?”

  Jared actually shuddered. “I think I would like that.”

  Gregor chuckled. “You think?”

  Jared licked his lips. “You’ll have to promise not to crush me.” His hands slid up Gregor’s chest and then over his biceps. “You’re much larger than any fae I’ve ever been with.”

  Gregor growled low in his throat, not liking to think about Jared being with others. He loved the way Jared’s grip tightened on him at the sound, but he didn’t want to scare his little mate away. “I can be gentle, but I think the wolf in you will take to me quickly.”

  “How long will you be here?”

  “Only until tomorrow.”

  Jared licked his lips again. “Since I’m one of the reasons you’re here, seems only right I make you feel welcome.”

  Gregor bent and kissed Jared, claiming his mouth with a fierceness that surprised even him. Jared melted into it, and then he actually grabbed Gregor’s shoulders and hoisted himself up so he could wrap his legs around Gregor.

  Gregor’s wolf rose within him, demanding that he claim his mate now. But he made the beast retreat. There would be time enough later to thoroughly claim the sensual creature wrapped around him. He slid his hands under Jared’s ass and squeezed both cheeks. They both panted when the kiss ended.

  “Always wanted to be fucked by a big, strong man like you. I’ve never dared to sleep with a human man.”

  Gregor caressed Jared’s ass. “Never dared? Why do you say it that way?” He hated that his mate had been with other lovers, but he knew he would simply have to accept it if he wanted this man to be his.

  Jared rested his hands on Gregor’s shoulders. “My magic is weak because I’m half-blooded.” He pushed his hair aside, revealing his pointed ears. “I can glamour them, but there’s always a danger my magic will fail. Same thing with portals. If I was in danger, I might not be able to get away. Or use magic to defend myself.” He bit his lip as he unwrapped his legs and slid down Gregor’s body. “My best friend … he was raped and beaten by a human. He was only fifteen. I was fourteen. It scared me so much, and I stayed with him while he healed. He made me promise to be careful around human men. I even stayed away from human women.”

  “You’re bi?”

  Jared narrowed his eyes. “Bi?”

  “Bisexual.”

  “Oh. Um, fae like both sexes equally, so we don’t use those terms.”

  “I’m sorry about your friend. Men can be monsters, and I’m glad you were careful. You’re so beautiful I think you’d have men all over you, eager to possess you.” He caressed Jared’s cheek and laughed. “Just as I am.”

  “I’m not exactly resisting.”

  “I know, which makes me regret that I need to go. Will you come to me tonight? I’m very excited about fulfilling your fantasy.”

  Jared smiled. “At least you aren’t offended I’m throwing myself at you.”

  Gregor considered telling Jared that they were mates, but he didn’t want to talk about that in a rush. Jared might need a bit of convincing since he was only half-shifter. There would be plenty of time for that and more tonight. He settled for saying, “I think we were meant to meet, Jared.” He stole another kiss and then made himself walk away, plans spinning in his mind.

  Ten minutes later, when he was admitted to the king’s study, he walked to the desk and leaned over it to look Asmund right in the eye.

  “We no longer need to spend hours talking over those points I wanted to negotiate. I’ll accept all of them as you wrote them. If we can add one thing to our agreement.”

  Asmund looked startled as he asked, “What do you want?”

  “I want this alliance to be sealed with a mating. Between me and Jared.”

  ****

  Jared had never felt so aroused in his life. Yet he didn’t feel ashamed at all, for once. Gregor embodied his ideal in every way possible. The Alpha stood over six feet tall, and he had a broad chest and shoulders. His rich, brown hair looked thick enough for Jared to tangle his fingers in it as he rode the man, and he imagined himself running his fingers through the thick hair of the man’s chest as well. He’d never been with a hairy man before, but he’d always thought of it as an appealingly masculine feature. His well-trimmed beard made his profile regal. Gregor was definitely the epitome of masculinity, every inch of him virile and dominant. He was twice Jared’s size in every way, and Jared found himself wondering about the cock he’d briefly felt pressed against him. Some fae men were pretty well endowed, but he felt sure Gregor would stretch him to his limit tonight.

  If only he were staying a little longer. He sighed as he ran a hand absently over his own half-erect cock. I’ll just have to make the most of tonight. And hope he returns soon.

  While the fae were considered a sensual race, Jared knew his wolf half made him crave sex more than most. More than one lover had called him insatiable. He imagined what people would say when they found out he’d bedded the handsome Alpha shifter. Many men and women would be jealous.

  Jared smiled as he stripped off his clothes, slipped into the bathroom, and turned on the shower. He stroked himself as he stood under the steamy spray of water, and he approached a climax quickly as he thought about Gregor. He pressed one hand to the wall and braced himself as he came, the release taking his breath away.

  After his shower, he threw on a robe and reclined on the couch. He thought about what he might wear, though he smiled because he knew he wouldn’t stay dressed for long once he made it to Gregor’s room. He was just wondering where Gregor and his Beta had been put when a knock came at his door.

  “Who is it?” he said, sitting up and hoping it was Gregor come to claim him early.

  “Asmund. I have news.”

  “Come in.” Jared made sure his robe was fastened properly as he rose to bow to his cousin.

  Asmund smiled as he waved the gesture away. “I hear you met Gregor.”

  Jared stared at the grinning man. “Um, yes, I did. He mentioned that?”

  “Mentioned it? Jared, you’ve worked a miracle! There were no negotiations at all. All those points he wanted to pick over are settled. We got our way in every one of them.”

  “Because of me? I don’t get it.” Was the guy so excited about tonight he’d breezed through the negotiations? Jared didn’t think that was possible.

  “Fate is on our side. I knew you were special, but I never imagined you as an Alpha’s mate.”

  Jared opened his mouth but didn’t say anything for a moment. Clearing his throat at last, he said, “Um … did you say mate?”

  “Yes. Gregor said he caught your scent in the garden. That’s how it happens, you know. Scent.”

  “Yeah, he said something about my scent, but he said nothing about us being mates.”

  Asmund looked puzzled, but then he waved his hands dismissively. “You two can work that out later. The contracts are all signed, and we’re sealing the deal with your betrothal. He insists on calling it a mating, but you’re royalty. We’re calling it a betrothal. I already have people working on the feast arrangements.”

  “Betrothal?” He shook his head vehemently. “I didn’t consent to that.”

  Now, Asmund’s eyebrows went up. “He said you agreed to be his.”

  “No. We met and liked each other, and he asked me to come to his bed tonight. That’s what I agreed to. That is not a betrothal.”

  “But you did agree.”

  “To fuck him. Not marry him!”

  “You said you like each other. It’s not like he’s going to throw you over his shoulder and take you home with him tonight.”

  “Why wasn’t I summoned when he proposed this?”

  Asmund crossed his
arms defensively, his foot tapping now. “He said you’re his mate. You’re half-wolf. I figured you had to be feeling the same call or pull or whatever.” He sighed heavily and clasped his hands in a pleading gesture. “Please. We can have everything our way, on our terms, if you agree to be his.”

  “I know nothing about him or his people. He lives in the human world. What if I don’t fit in?”

  “Can you at least try?”

  He mentioned my scent and said he thought we were meant to meet, but he didn’t say one fucking thing about mates. Does he think I’ll just submit because he’s the Alpha? Because I desire him? He’s got another think coming. “I won’t be disrespectful because I know this alliance is important, but I’m not going through with this until he and I have a long talk. A very long one.”

  “There’ll be plenty of time for that now. He’s staying indefinitely now.”

  “He is?”

  “Yes.”

  “I see.”

  Asmund crossed his arms again. “What’s wrong? He made it sound as if you were all over him.”

  I was, but that’s none of your business. “I’m just not sure I want to be joined to a man who will treat me like this. Not consult me. No matter how attractive he is.”

  Asmund smiled. “He is an impressive male.”

  Jared glared at his cousin.

  Asmund laughed. “What? I thought you were having second thoughts about him.” He pushed a strand of his own long, jet-black hair behind his ear. “I’m no wolf, but maybe I can convince him to mate me instead. We look enough alike, even if I am a bit older.”

  “If I’m actually his mate, then his desire is about more than my looks.”

  Sighing, Asmund said, “I know. I’m just trying to get a rise out of you.”

  “I wanted to get laid. That’s it. I know nothing about him.”

  “You already said that.” He reached out and grasped Jared’s shoulder. “Look, keep me informed, all right? I don’t want an angry wolf busting my door down.”

  “You could always renegotiate.”

  Asmund stared at him a long time. “I don’t think Gregor will be open to that. The way he talked about you … he’s not going to give up.”

  “That’s crazy.”

  Giving a shrug, Asmund said, “He is a beast, deep inside. Maybe you can fight it because you’re only half-wolf. But Gregor?” Asmund shook his head slowly. “The way he made it sound, you’re it for him. He’ll never want another now he’s found you.”

  “He should’ve said that before he signed those papers.”

  Asmund turned as if the conversation was over. He opened the door and then looked back, “Then go tell him. He’ll come looking for you soon enough if you avoid him.”

  Jared glared at the door after his cousin closed it. Avoid him? Not a chance. He’s going to answer to me. Right now.

  ****

  Gregor smiled when he turned his head and saw that the person barging into his bedroom was Jared. The man wore only a robe, and Gregor was just about to reach for the sash when he noticed his mate also wore a scowl.

  “What’s wrong? If someone has upset you, they’ll answer to me.”

  The scowl deepened. “Answer to you, huh? And why is that?”

  “Because I won’t stand for anyone upsetting you.”

  Jared rolled his eyes. “You’re the one answering to me right now. You got that?”

  “For what?”

  Jared’s mouth fell open. “Are you serious? You really think I came marching in here because I’m mad at someone else?”

  “I think you better tell me what’s going on.”

  “I was just informed that we’re betrothed. And I don’t recall being asked. Or courted.”

  “Betrothed is your cousin’s word. Wolves don’t marry. We mate.” He stepped closer. “And as I recall, we already had plans to do that. Plans you were very keen on.”

  “I’m only half-wolf. You want me, then you do it properly.”

  Gregor grabbed Jared and threw him down on the bed on his stomach. He covered Jared’s body with his, making sure the other man felt the cock rubbing against his ass. “Properly? To the wolf inside me, this is what’s proper. Claiming you here and now, just like this.”

  Jared trembled for a moment, his scent making his arousal clear, but then he fought against Gregor. Reluctantly, Gregor slid off him. Jared rolled to his back, his robe sliding partially open for a moment before he closed it again.

  His cock is hard. He wants me as much as he did before. Why is he resisting? Doesn’t he feel how right this is?

  Jared stood up and got right in Gregor’s face, actually pointing a finger up at him, which would’ve been comical in different circumstances, given their height difference. “No wedding, no wedding night.”

  Gregor could do nothing but stare at him, at first. “You’ll forgive me if I’m confused. You’ve had lovers before, and just a couple of hours ago, you had yourself literally wrapped around me, rubbing that cute little ass against my cock. Seemed pretty damn excited about coming to my bed.”

  Jared pulled his robe tighter around his body and crossed his arms over his chest, his stance rigid and his expression unyielding. “That was just going to be fucking. No one said one damn thing about mating.”

  “Well, then, I guess I’ll say it now.” Despite the defensive body language, Gregor reached out to touch Jared’s cheek, glad when the other man didn’t pull away. “You’re my mate. I scented you in the gardens. And when I found you, I was dumbstruck by how perfect you are. The beauty of a fae and the grace of a wolf. And I now see you also have the fire and passion of a wolf. That’s fitting for an Alpha’s mate. While you’ll submit to me, no other will dominate you. Ever.”

  Jared’s eyes flickered, as if he meant to step forward and melt into Gregor’s arms as he had earlier. But instead, he stepped back. “I’m attracted to you, but it’s no different from the attraction I’ve felt to others. How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

  “Bullshit.”

  “Excuse me?”

  Gregor stepped forward and tangled his fingers in Jared’s hair. “I said, bullshit.” He tugged on Jared’s hair to make Jared look up into his eyes, enjoying the man’s gasp. “You feel the same pull I feel. You came rushing here wearing nothing but a thin robe. You trembled when I pinned you, and your cock grew hard. You know you’re mine. Feel it deep down. You might be angry I didn’t talk to you first, but it’s pretty damn obvious part of your fantasy is being forced into submission.” He tightened his grip on Jared’s hair and kissed him, never breaking the embrace as he backed the smaller man against the wall.

  ****

  Jared cursed himself as a moan of pleasure came up his throat. His aching body betrayed him, his cock hardening and jutting out to press against the man who now had him pinned to the wall. He fought the kiss, at first, but soon enough, he was returning it, passionately. Never had he been so hungry for another, but he couldn’t yield like this.

  Not yet.

  He pushed against Gregor, unwilling to forget his purpose. He tore his mouth from the kiss and turned his head away, panting. “Do you want a mate or a whore?” he said angrily.

  Gregor went completely still and stepped back, freeing Jared and letting go of his hair. “What did you say?” Gregor asked, sounding both hurt and angry.

  Jared looked up at him. “I asked what you wanted. A mate. Or a whore.” He straightened his robe, but then he stopped, letting it fall open. His hard cock curled upward, the tip wet. He stroked it as Gregor watched. “My body wants you, but I’m not a bargaining chip. A piece of chattel. I won’t be treated like an object, and I won’t call lust love.” He closed the robe again. “I’m angry and hurt. I still want you, but not like this. Not when you think so little of me. Until you can respect my feelings and talk to me as if I’m more than something you want to stick your dick in, I have no desire to see you.”

  Gregor came closer but didn’t touch him. “I can see you truly
know nothing about wolves. There’s been a misunderstanding here. More than one.” He took another step. “We can talk about this now. After I’ve seen to your needs.”

  “Once you’ve had me, we both know there won’t be any talking.” He moved away from Gregor. “It will settle nothing and give you the victory.”

  Gregor reached out and grabbed him by the wrist. “Letting me claim you will show you that you’re my mate. Once I’m inside you, you’ll know. I’ll knot you, and you’ll feel what I’m feeling.”

  “Knot me? I’m fae. You can’t get me pregnant.”

  “Knotting is about the bond between mates as well.”

  Jared drew his wrist from Gregor’s hand. He touched the wall and opened a portal back to his own room. “You want me, Alpha? Then you woo me.”

  “Stay, and I will. You’ll see how easily a mate can tame any wolf.”

  Jared scanned the bookshelves in the room, but he didn’t see what he was looking for. He knew he needed to leave quickly before his portal collapsed. If Gregor kissed him again, they’d be rutting on the floor like animals in no time. “The king and I are first cousins, so technically, I’m a prince, despite having a non-fae father. There’s a library here. Learn how to woo a fae prince, and then we can discuss a possible future together.”

  Gregor’s hands clenched into fists as he said, “When I finally claim you, and claim you I will, I’m going to punish you for this.”

  Punish me? Jared fought a shudder because he had a pretty good idea what kind of punishment the Alpha had in mind. He smiled at Gregor, licking his lips. “Be careful. Threats like that might motivate me to make you wait even longer.” He stepped through the portal and quickly closed it before Gregor could say anything else.

  Practically collapsing on the bed, Jared flicked his wrist to be sure his bedroom door and the doors to the outer rooms of his suite were locked. Asmund could still get in, but if the king barged in on him masturbating, that was his problem.

  Jared made quick work of stroking himself to completion. Twice in one day I’ve spilled into my own hand over this man. Jared arched, biting his lip. He’d probably forgive me anything if I went back to him right now, but then he’ll never respect me. His body ached, the hurried release not enough as he thought about Gregor taking him. Knotting him. Spanking him? He smiled, wondering if something like that would be part of his punishment. He cleaned himself up as he imagined it, his hands tied to the bedposts as he knelt on the mattress facedown, his knees spread wide with his ass raised. His body would tremble as he waited for his ass to be reddened … and then taken by the beast of a man who laid claim to him.