“It is,” Gregor said before suckling the head all too briefly.
“Then how come you’re the one on your knees?”
“Because this is my kind of wooing.” Gregor took Jared’s full length into his mouth in one swift movement.
Jared cried out, grabbing the man’s shoulders to keep himself upright. Soon the Alpha’s hands were on his ass again, supporting Jared as he feasted on him. Jared could think of no other word for it. He felt as if he was being devoured. Gregor sucked him so perfectly, bringing him to the edge and then somehow staving off his orgasm.
Jared had both hands tangled in Gregor’s hair before he even knew what he was doing. He tugged on the man’s hair and tried to control his movements, but Gregor proved too strong. And then a flick of that talented tongue across the base of his cock had him coming. Jared cried out as he spilled into the Alpha’s mouth. The world seemed to tilt around him, and he realized his legs had buckled. Gregor was gently lowering him to the floor, all the while sucking down his cum. Jared propped up on his elbows and watched the Alpha milking his cock, and a shudder moved over him. No one had ever looked so good sucking his cock.
The Alpha’s eyes flicked up as he pulled off of Jared’s cock, licking his lips. He inched up Jared and held his gaze. “I want that sweet taste on my tongue every day for the rest of my life. Say you’ll be mine.”
Jared turned his head away, but Gregor took him by the chin and brought their lips together. He’d never tasted his own cum before, and he returned the kiss greedily. Gregor pressed close, his cock rubbing against Jared’s leg. When Gregor drew back, he began unbuttoning Jared’s shirt and kissing his chest. He raked his teeth over one nipple before laving it with his tongue.
Even as Jared panted with need, he made himself wiggle away. “No. Not like this.”
Gregor sat back on his heels. “Not like what?” he asked, sounding exasperated.
“Not on the floor like animals. Not right after a fight.”
“It was an argument, not a fight.”
Jared got to his feet and tried to tuck himself away. The Alpha’s mouth on his skin had him half hard again, and he didn’t want Gregor seeing that. “If you insist on this farce, then get on with it. Send in my jailor.”
Gregor stood up, his expression a mix of anger and pain. “After what just happened, you can’t yield even a little?”
“You wanted it this way. If you catch me tomorrow, I’ll lie down on the forest floor and let you fuck me until we’re both exhausted.”
Gregor reached out and caressed his cheek so lightly that Jared wasn’t completely sure the Alpha’s fingers had actually made contact. “I said you could ask for anything and I’d do all in my power to give it to you.” He took a deep breath and asked, “Do you want me to stop pursuing you?”
No! Jared gazed down. “Could you take me without knotting? Would I be able to walk away if we aren’t right for each other?”
Gregor growled.
Jared lifted his gaze, and he saw that Gregor’s dark eyes had turned gold, a color very similar to Jared’s eyes. Gregor stalked forward but didn’t touch him. “You won’t be mine yet won’t release me. Once I’m buried deep inside you tomorrow, you’ll understand.” He backed away. “I’ll see you at dawn.”
Gregor marched from the room, the door slamming so hard the wall shook. Jared hugged himself as the last few moments played through his mind. A guard named Michael came in a few moments later.
“Your Highness,” Michael said with a half bow. He hesitated before asking, “Is this really happening? I thought someone was playing a joke on me when they told me to wait outside.”
Jared sighed. “It’s happening.” He turned to the window and looked outside, a heated debate taking hold of his mind.
****
Seven Hours Later
Jared made himself eat dinner because he’d hardly eaten all day and, apparently, he’d spend most of the next day running through the woods. He hadn’t actually expected anyone to come forward and try to “save” him. He imagined everyone was as confused as Michael had been by the news. The entire kingdom was probably talking about it and speculating. Many might think it was a joke, a bit of fun to celebrate the alliance of the two powerful races.
Michael had left at sunset, and Jared felt glad to be alone. He’d considered leaving the palace—maybe even going to hide in the human world—but what would be the point? He had a feeling Gregor would be able to find him no matter where he went. Plus, there was one little problem.
He didn’t want to run or hide. He wanted the Alpha to find him, to claim him.
Jared poured the last of the wine from the decanter into his glass. He sat back in his chair and stared down at the liquid before taking a sip. Why couldn’t Gregor be just a little more patient? Give me a few weeks at the very least. We could still have sex. Surely the knotting isn’t some involuntary thing he has no control over. A powerful male like him…
His thoughts turned completely carnal once again, and he downed the wine to try to calm himself. When a knock came at the door, he groaned. “Who is it?” If it’s Gregor, I’m done for. One look and my damned clothes will fall off.
“It’s me.”
“Dane?”
“Who else?”
Jared set his glass down and headed for the door, flinging it open and dragging his best friend in. “Who else? I never know these days.” He closed the door and leaned against it. “I’m glad you came.”
“How could I stay away? I wanted to come sooner, but I was told I could only see you if I wanted to marry you. What the fuck is going on?” Dane asked, reaching out to rub Jared’s arm.
“I met the Alpha of the wolf pack yesterday. Seems I’m his mate. I was looking for a wild night, and he’s looking for a lifetime of them. He wants to claim me. Had Asmund put it in the alliance documents. Consummate the deal, you could say. I got angry and … well, things escalated.”
“You’re that man’s mate? Wow.”
“Wow?”
“Yeah. Wow. They’re both amazing.”
“Both?”
“His Beta. Luke. Haven’t you met him?”
Jared shook his head. “No. Just Gregor.”
“I saw him last night. Patrolling or something. He’s kind of fierce-looking. But he saw me and smiled. Changed his whole countenance.”
Jared stared at his friend. “If you tell me you went to his bed last night, I’m throwing you out of here.”
“What? No! We just smiled at each other. I haven’t even met him.” Dane’s cheeks went bright pink. “I’m just saying that he’s…”
“Wow?”
Dane rolled his eyes but then smiled. “Something like that.” He crossed his arms. “Mate, huh? What’s that been like?”
Jared opened the door and gazed around, then shut it again. Then he went outside and looked around before shutting the balcony doors.
“What are you doing?” Dane asked.
“Just checking.” He sighed as he threw himself down on the couch. “It’s been maddening. I’m just in the garden reading, and suddenly I look up and see the most amazing, sexy man I’ve ever laid eyes on. We start talking, and it’s like I can’t get close enough. He kissed me, and the embrace was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I couldn’t get enough. We were going to spend last night together, but then he decided that I belonged to him.”
“If you’re his mate, you do.”
“Dane!”
His friend sat down beside him. “What? It’s true. But he belongs to you too. Works both ways. Mating the Alpha is like marrying the king. The alpha position isn’t inherited—it’s won. The rest of the pack has to support you. If there’s another contender, you fight for it. Centuries ago, the fight would be to the death.”
Jared narrowed his eyes. “Been reading up on shifters?”
Dane blushed again. “We’re linking our destiny with theirs with this alliance.” After a moment, he went on and said, “Is there some reason
you don’t want to be his mate?”
Jared didn’t answer.
Dane frowned. “If you can’t tell me, how are you gonna work it out with him?”
“I do want to be his mate. Want him to claim. But he didn’t even ask.”
“What if he apologized?”
Jared hesitated before saying, “He already did.”
“And you forgave him?”
“Yeah.”
Dane’s frown deepened. “So, is this really just a joke? You’re doing this for fun?”
Jared closed his eyes. “We’re doing it because I’m not going to be some meek little thing in his shadow the rest of my life.”
Dane’s expression softened. “You won’t be. He’ll be wrapped around your finger. Your word will be his command.”
Jared opened his eyes to look at his friend. “What the hell have you been reading?”
“Poetic chronicles. They’re actually quite beautiful.”
His stare fixed on the floor, Jared said, “I don’t know what to do. I feel the wolf inside me like never before. As if he’s talking to me.”
“What’s he saying?”
“He’s telling me to submit. He wants to please the Alpha. Belong to him. My skin feels too tight, and my blood is running hot.” He adjusted his pants. “My cock is driving me crazy.”
“Then call this off and go to him.”
“He’ll never respect me.”
“Never respect you? For acting like a wolf?” Dane shook his head. “Alpha or not, a wolf knows its mate. And wolves act on it. It’s not instant love, but it’s an instant bond.”
“I’m not a full wolf.”
“Doesn’t matter. The wolf is still in there.”
Jared scrubbed his hand over his face.
“What are you going to do?”
Jared rose and went to the window. “What else can I do? I’m going to get up at dawn and let him hunt me down.”
Chapter Three
Gregor stood with Luke as he waited for the signal from below. The sun had just popped up over the horizon, and he watched the edge of the forest. He would be allowed to watch Jared enter, and then he would begin his wait. Many fae had gathered below to watch, and the king had ordered a buffet be laid out for everyone once it became clear many would come to see what happened. Most seemed to think this event took place purely for their amusement, as a sort of celebration of the alliance.
Gregor scanned the crowd slowly because Luke kept looking down at one man in particular. That same man kept darting glances up at them. The man was a little shorter than Jared and had long, golden hair. His features were striking, though more feminine than Jared’s. His frame was more petite as well. “Did you do more than patrol last night?” Gregor asked.
Luke didn’t take his eyes off the man. “I slept alone, if that’s what you’re asking.” He met his Alpha’s gaze. “I’m simply admiring the beauty around us.”
“You’re admiring one beauty more than others.”
Luke’s jaw tensed. “It’s unwise to get my hopes up. We get one mate, and mine is gone.”
“And she would be sad to see you spend the rest of your life alone.”
“I scratch the itch when I need to.”
Gregor looked down at the blond man. “He looks quite willing to help you scratch.”
Luke chewed his bottom lip and said nothing, though the tension had left his face.
Someone began waving his hands down below, and Jared emerged from the crowd. His mate looked up at him, and Gregor wished he was allowed to stand closer. Even with his keen eyesight, he couldn’t really read the expression on Jared’s face.
Jared bowed to the crowd, and everyone applauded.
“No one knows it’s real, do they? That Jared is actually resisting?” Luke said.
“Resisting? More like being stubborn. I’m learning a lesson, in his eyes.”
“Hmmm.”
Jared ran into the trees and disappeared.
Just wait until I catch you.
Luke looked over at him. “I think a mate with a little fire is perfect for you.”
“Of course he’s perfect for me. He knows it as well as I do.” His body stirred a bit as he remembered the sounds Jared had made yesterday while Gregor was sucking him off. The entire kingdom will hear you screaming my name soon enough.
Luke laughed. “Just a few more hours. It’ll be worth it.”
Gregor let out a deep sigh, turning because he felt someone approaching.
The king came to stand beside them and said, “Are you sure you want to give him three hours? The way he looked a few minutes ago, he might come running back before then.”
“Really?” Gregor said.
“He’d deny it, of course, but I think he’s only going through with this because it would be embarrassing to call it off. Plus, if he did call it off, everyone would know he’d really denied you.”
“We were just discussing that,” Gregor said. “The fact everyone thinks we’re merely trying to entertain them.”
“Makes me wish I’d thought of it. It’s certainly making everyone view the wolves with more favor,” Asmund said. “I think my people are getting excited about the alliance.”
Gregor managed a smile. “I’ve certainly never been ogled quite this much.”
The king laughed. “I read that often your race finds mates among humans. Could there be mates here as well?”
“Possibly. The fact I found mine here will encourage others to hope.” He met the king’s gaze. “We each get one mate. Only one. Some never find their fated mates.”
“That’s sad,” the king said. “We keep to ourselves here. I’d be willing to encourage more intermingling. I’ll definitely be coming to visit Jared.”
“Perhaps we could find you a mate, Your Majesty.”
“What percentage of your population is female?” Asmund asked. “I’m going to need an heir one day.”
“About thirty. But an omega might suit you well.”
“Wouldn’t I have to be a wolf to get him pregnant?”
“No. Omegas are special. Only one in every ten ordinary wolves is an omega. Any man could get an omega pregnant.”
“Ah. I should continue with my reading.” He pointed down to the blond man. “Jared’s friend Dane has been doing lots of research. He’s always been an excellent scholar. We sit and talk some evenings.”
Gregor cast a quick gaze over at Luke, who seemed to suddenly be paying more attention to their conversation. “The blond? There by the table?”
“Yes, he’s Jared’s best friend. I should introduce you. I’m sure Jared will want him to visit often.”
“I’d like that.” Gregor eyed his Beta again, noting the deep breath Luke took.
“He may be shy at first, but he’ll warm to you.” Lowering his voice, the king said, “He had a bad experience in the human world several years ago.”
Luke’s head turned sharply. “Bad experience?”
The king’s eyes cut over to Luke, and something in the man’s face told Gregor the king had started talking about Dane on purpose, possibly because he’d noticed Luke’s attention as well. “Yes. A human attacked him.”
“Was he dealt with?” Luke asked, his fists clenching at his sides.
The king’s expression sobered as he looked around, perhaps checking to be sure they were alone. “I took care of things. That man will never harm another ever again.”
“Does he live?” Gregor asked after looking around and checking the area for himself.
Asmund met his gaze. “He does. But I’m sure some days he wishes I’d killed him.”
“Good,” Luke said, his voice low.
Asmund stepped closer to the balcony railing and looked at Luke more directly. “I take it you’re unmated?”
Luke gave the king his full focus. “My mate, Sabina, passed away two years ago. She had cancer.”
The king’s face fell. “I’m sorry to hear that. Please accept my condolences.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” His eyes lowered to the crowd below, once again seeking Dane out.
“I wouldn’t have tried to play matchmaker if I’d known of your loss.” His gaze flicked down to Dane. “Though Dane’s a very gentle man. Sensitive to the feelings of others. If I may be so bold, you two might find solace in each other. You’re both interested, unless my wits are addled and I’m imagining the two of you staring at each other.”
Luke tore his gaze from Dane again. “If he’s Jared’s close friend, it only makes sense you’d introduce us. But perhaps I should speak for myself after the little misunderstanding between Jared and Gregor.”
“Little misunderstanding?” Gregor said with a snort. “That’s not what I’d call it.”
“Quite true,” the king said. “I’ll stay out of it.”
Silence fell for a few moments, and a servant came out and offered them wine. Asmund accepted a goblet, but Gregor and Luke declined. “Will the festivities last all day?” Gregor asked.
“Yes, though I imagine things will wind down around lunchtime. With wine flowing this early, people will be seeking their beds for naps and … other pursuits.”
“I plan to pursue Jared in my wolf form. Will your people be offended if I disrobe in front of them?”
The king paused with his goblet halfway to his mouth. “Be offended? You may get a round of applause and a few bawdy remarks.” His gaze flicked up and down Gregor briefly. “By human standards, we’re a very effeminate people, but that only makes us appreciate masculine traits all the more. The same way humans are practically mesmerized by our beauty.” He gestured down to the crowd. “Come and let me introduce you to some more of my people. You’ll be pacing soon if we don’t find something to occupy you.”
Gregor smiled. “My wolf is impatient for its mate.”
The king smiled back. “I’m sure he is.” He made for the stairs.
Gregor began to follow but then waited for Luke, who stared down below for another few seconds. “Coming?”
Luke nodded, his tongue darting out to lick his lower lip.
Gregor walked down the stairs with a smile on his face, glad he had decided to bring Luke on this trip.
Denying the Alpha: Manlove Edition Page 24
