by Shelby Lynn
"Garrett, what's your last name?" Haven said firmly. Garrett knew he thought he was hiding something. This sucked.
He was going to have to tell his mate what a complete wimp he was. Garrett was pissed he had not been gifted with muscles of steel like his man had. He would have kicked some ass then.
Garrett knew he stiffened when his mate asked him the question, and from the frown that came over his mate's face, Garrett could tell he knew something was up. He probably wondered just who he was stuck with. Garrett really didn't know how to answer him; he wondered if he was going to think he had a brain injury.
"I don't have a last name, the people that raised me from a young cub said I wasn't their real son and therefore, couldn't take their name. However, I really didn't care because they were assholes, so I wouldn't have wanted to associate them with me anyway. But now that I 'm free from them, I was thinking I would make up my own last name. Like Garrett LeFlure or something exotic like that. What do you think? My signature color is a shade off of the normal teal color, so I think maybe it has to be like Caribbean, huh; I really don't have any real idea, just throwing things out to see what would stick."
Garrett really didn't want to look up into his mate's face and see the disappointment in having a messed up mate.
Nevertheless, something drew him to Haven's eyes anyway. I t wasn't disgust but anger in his eyes. Haven wasn't angry with his mate but to the people who dared harm his man.
"Garrett, they weren't your family. I am your family, and from this moment on, you will be a Storm."
Garrett got so choked-up he could not even get the smart-ass comment he was going to make past his lips. That had to have been the nicest thing anyone had ever said to him. Haven slowly moved towards him, and he carefully took his face within his hands. He kissed his eyes, his nose, and then placed a kiss upon his mate's lips and he knew in that moment he was going to fall for his mate in a big way.
"All I want to do is take you away from this entire hurt and sadness, Garrett. Before we go home, when you are able to travel, I 'm going to kill the Son Of A Bitch that laid a hand on what is mine. Never again will you be hurt if I can stop it, "
Haven growled and stepped back. "When I first caught your scent after you ran out in front of me, I was panicked and elated at the same time. I could have lost you so easily, Garrett, and never even known you were in trouble. Destiny put me in that spot at exactly the right time. I will always thank the spirits for sending you to me."
Haven knew they would have a lot to learn about each other in the days to come. He was looking forward to taking care of his man, and he would show Garrett just how special he was to him. Haven planned to show him starting right now.
"Garrett, you need to rest. I have some things to talk to the Alpha here about. However, I need to know exactly what happened to you. I hate like hell to put you through this, but I really need to know. It seems there is more going on around here than meets the eye. I will be honest and tell you I was on my way here to go to the Cedarhill Pack and talk to the Alpha about a female wolf who has not responded to her family in weeks. She just joined the Pack, and her family is worried. They called me because it's my Beta's sister. They thought since I was an Alpha, I may get more information out of Cedarhill's Alpha. With finding you, I feel like there is more than we imagined going on," Haven said and sat down on the bed he had just helped him relax in. Garret lay back on the pillows and looked at him hesitantly before speaking.
***
There were so many secrets living within Garrett. He needed to entrust in his mate with those secrets before he even tried to go against the evil. For the strongest wolf can't hope to win against the purest of evil living within the Cedarhill Pack. Depravity had become such a thrill to the leadership of the Cedarhill Pack that everyone walked on eggshells.
What if Haven doesn't want him after he learns the truth of what he can do? Garrett didn't even understand it himself.
Garrett had never told his guardians growing up for fear of what they would do or say. All of these things swam around in his head, the feeling of not belonging, and always shying away from anyone bigger for the fear of mistreatment, started at a young age lasting to this day.
Garrett hoped that his new home would be very different. He felt for all the others still under the Cedarhill Pack Leader's thumb. Now that he no longer was the punching bag, i t wouldn't take long for someone else to take his place.
From the Alpha's last words to Garrett, he thought he was looking forward to brutalizing some poor soul sexually. Garrett was still shuddering from the sickness that ran through him.
"I do know who you're talking about and her mate has kept her safe, but even he won't buck the system now that he has a mate to watch over. They have literally scared everyone to death; no one will stand against them within the Pack."
"I must make contact soon to check out the situation, and then I will call the Weir Council of this area. They are supposed to monitor this kind of thing from complaints and go at any length to stop it. I 'm often asked to go in on their behalf to bring home the abused after the cleanup has started.
"Most of those things I had guessed pretty much before going in, but any information you can give us would help tremendously. I know that you have been through hell, Garrett, and I won't push you to tell me anything. Just know that I 'm here for you whenever you're ready to talk about anything."
"Thank you, I will talk to you. I promise. I just need to get things straight in this head of mine. I have not been able to be myself for a long time," Garrett said truthfully.
"Let's see if you can get down some of this broth. I will feed you, but I have to sit you up just a bit. And you can be however you want to be. I am your mate. I will always be on your side."
As Haven gently grasped Garrett under the arms and raised him forward, he still groaned from the movement. Finally, in a sitting position, Haven handed him a bowl of broth that smelled heavenly. It wasn't long before the bowl was empty and Garrett couldn't help the satisfied smile from touching his lips. He really was getting tired again as his eyes slowly drifted shut.
Haven knew his mate was hiding something from him, something big from the feel of it. Garrett wasn't the trusting sort —abused for far too long. Have n hoped with a little time and patience Garrett would come to him, and they could work through any issues. In the meantime, Haven would try to earn his trust one day at a time.
Haven thought he would wait until his mate began to fall asleep before he left him to go talk to the Alpha. When he heard Garrett speak in a soft whisper, he had to lean in close to make out the words. As Haven listened, he grew madder by the minute.
"There's a lot running through my mind, Haven. I guess I 'm worried about some of my friends still under Alpha Jacob's thumb and who he will hurt next. You don't know what it has been like. The beatings and the fear. Since I'm not there anymore, I'm sure he's taking out his sick fucking thoughts on someone. I would bet that it's my friend, Shannon, but I don't know for sure," Garrett said drowsily.
Haven nodded and fought the urge to shift and go find the Alpha and kill him. However, his mate was actually talking to him so he needed to listen.
After a few minutes had gone past without another word from Garrett, Haven realized he had finally fallen asleep. He waited for a long while until he knew Garrett slept soundly before he headed out to speak with the Alpha.
Chapter 5
Haven made his way towards Alex's office at the end of the hallway. It was late and he had stayed with Garrett for a long time, making sure his mate was finally resting soundly. He rapped on the door to the Alpha's sanctuary, at least that's how he thought of his own at home. No one dared to enter it without permission —the one spot he could relax without any disturbances.
"Come in," he heard the gruff Alpha say.
Haven swung the door open, and could tell the Alpha felt pretty much the same about his office too. He motioned for him to come over and take a seat in one of the ch
airs around his massive desk.
"Your mate must be sleeping?" Alex asked politely.
"He's finally resting somewhat comfortably; every little noise is not waking him up now. Shit, he scared me to death a few times with the nightmares," Haven said and ran his hands through his hair.
"Good, Good… onto the business ahead then, the Cedarhill Pack Leaders need to be dealt with, and now that we have proof of the violence going on there, we can actually do something. Before, whenever you saw a member of the Pack in town, they would shy away from any stranger, scared out of their minds," Alex said and pushed a few papers around his desk.
"I also have the complaint of a family member of my Pack. Tyler's parents are worried sick for their daughter. They haven't spoken to her since she left with her new mate. He's my Bet a and best friend. I said I would come to check it out, hoping he would actually answer another Alpha."
"Perfect. Maybe we can get the council to listen this time and send us out some help to deal with this before more people get hurt. I think we should make a formal appointment with the Council and see what they have to say. The worst they can do is deny us, and then we take care of it anyway, just a hell of a lot sneakier," Alex grinned.
"Garrett is very worried about a couple of friends that might be next on the punishment detail. It seems that Alpha Jacob get s off on hurting those under his control. Garrett told me a little about living there. I think he's scared to talk about everything that has happened to him and others. That's very common for people who have been abused for years to hide it deep within themselves, and they often blame themselves with no cause behind it," Haven said and Alex looked at him closely. Haven stood up a little straighter; he put his past behind him and become a stronger Alpha for it.
"I'm going to put another call into the council right now. We will deal with this bastard," Alex said with a forceful tone.
"You have my full support calling them. I will be right here when they need to talk to me. I have nothing to hide," Haven said confidently.
Haven watched as Alex talked to the elders via video conference. Haven could tell the elders were glad there was finally some evidence against the leadership of the Cedarhill Pack. Many questions were asked and answered, since going against another Pack was illegal without proper cause and the vote unanimous in the council of elders. When Haven's name entered the conversation, he stepped forward to talk to Counsel Leader Jackson; he'd dealt mostly through him on his rescue and recovery missions involving the counsel.
"Good Evening, Haven, I am really glad to hear that you have found your mate. I only wish it was under happier circumstances, my friend."
"Thank you, Counselor Jackson, for your support. I am blessed to have found Garrett, if only I could've found him earlier. Counselor Jackson, I think there is a lot more going on there than even we know about, like Alex has told you.
Garrett said as much before he fell into a deep sleep a little while ago. He is scared for his friends that are still left there.
The Alpha is very much into cruelty and mastering through violence."
"Damn, I knew in my gut there was some bad shit going on down there just from Alex 's reports. The laws are very specific though on how we can deal with other Packs, as you know," the Councilman said and then narrowed his eyes.
Haven had seen that look before. The older wolf was planning on making sure the vote came off in their favor. "We will vote tonight and give you a verdict in the morning from the council. Can you both be present for another conference call at nine a.m.?"
"We will," Alex and Haven said together and then signed off.
"Well, that's all we can do for tonight. We'll have to wait for the verdict," said Alex.
"I will call it a night and then meet you back here in the morning. We do understand one another though, right ?" Haven said and looked at the Alpha. "The Alpha of the Cedarhill's Pack will die."'
Alex nodded, and only then did Haven leave the room; he wanted to make sure the other Alpha knew his plans. Haven would not let this go. His mate had been hurt, and Tyler's sister was apparently too terrified to go against the Alpha.
Haven was going to take this bastard down, one way or another.
***
At least when Garrett woke, Haven would be able to tell him that some progress had been made in helping his Pack get out from under its current dictator. He quietly slipped into their room and walked up to his beautiful mate. Garrett's beloved face was still covered in bruises, though starting to lighten over the last few hours. Wow, it had just been hours since he had met his destiny, the other half of his soul, his one true soul mate and the center of his universe from this day forward.
Chapter 6
Morning would come soon enough, Haven thought, as he slipped naked under the covers as quietly as possible. Haven was as hard as steel once again, all it took was the scent of his mate to drive him insane. Taking his cock into his hand, he closed his eyes thinking of his mate and those luscious lips wrapping around his thick and lo ng erection, gently lapping the head.
He cupped his balls, and slowly sliding a finger back to "rim " his back entrance in an intoxicating rhythm. As Haven started desperately fucking his mate 's mouth in his thoughts, his finger pressed forward, scissoring and sliding against that sweet spot, until Haven was going crazy and emptied into his mouth.
As Haven came back to reality, he realized that he had just gotten off with his hand on almost nothing more than the dream of his mate's touch. Haven looked over at his mate, and Garrett slept on with a Cheshire grin on his face. He must be having an amazing dream in that moment too. Haven rapidly got up, walked into the bathroom and cleaned himself off.
Then he slid back into his spot and quickly drifted off to sleep thinking about his amazing mate.
***
Once again, an intoxicating smell woke Garrett up from his dreams, but instead of scanning the room for the first sign of trouble like normal, Garrett's gaze fastened on the unbelievably sexy man lying beside him. He was feeling so much better this morning that Garrett knew he could shift on his own. Slipping from the bed silently, he walked into the bathroom slowly. He still hurt in some places. He looked in the mirror and groaned. He looked like shit, and his mate had seen him like this? Garrett knew f r om experience it would still be a few more days until he was one hundred percent. But he was at least seventy five, maybe eighty on the lower half of his body, Garrett thought, and grinned into the mirror. Finding all the things he needed to clean up, he set about making himself presentable to his mate.
Oh, brushing his teeth felt wonderful. After washing the remainder of the blood from his body and hair, he quickly dried off and then brushed his hair until it was shining. He wished that he had better clothes to change into. The hospital gown was just not sexy. Sighing and looking around, he had no choice. Fuck, well he could at least try to have his sexy, sassy walk in case his mate was awake.
Peeking out the bathroom door he frowned, damn it, so much for his hip twist. He would have to settle for crawling in with his soft, silky hair and waking up his sexy mate the old-fashioned way. Climbing into the bed, he settled back down next to his mate and started with running his hands through the black, curly, long hair.
"Hmm, that feels so good, Garrett; please don 't stop on my account. You can touch me every hour of the day if you wish," Haven said and opened first one of his eyes and then the other. "You 're looking better. Do you feel up to getting some breakfast, honey?"
"I am hungry, Haven, but it isn't for food. I think maybe a little lovin' would help me out a lot more, make me yours, my big, Alpha Mate," Garrett demanded with a sassy tone.
"Uh, I'm not sure I have the doctor's clearance for that," Haven sputtered at the smaller man 's attitude. He was surprised at the sexy, demanding tone of his mate. Haven was an Alpha, and his wolf growled at the challenge the little man seemed to have given. He wished his mate was at a hundred percent —he would make sure he knew who the top dog was. As it was, he was going to
have to be careful. However, there was nothing wrong with reminding him a little.
"Damn it, Haven, get over here and fuck your mate already," Garrett laughed.
Son of a bitch that was the hottest thing Haven had ever heard, his mate demanding him to fuck him. As Haven rolled over him, he smiled and started trailing kisses down his neck. When he reached his shoulder, he nipped a little and growled.
Making sure Garrett knew who was in command; he held his hands to the side, not allowing him to touch him. Haven re ached his nipples and grinned. They beaded just for him in anticipation. Garrett was already starting to squirm from the excitement.
Bringing his hands above his head, Haven reached around and opened the drawer to the side table, hoping it had lube in it. Grinning when he found a full bottle, he laid it on the bed next to him and then kissed his mate. Dueling with his tongue, fighting for dominance, only excited Haven more. He let go of his hands and then reached in between them and fisted his cock. It was already hard, and the Alpha grinned.
"You ready for this, baby?" Haven asked and kissed him again before he could answer.
When they finally came up for air, Garrett panted and said, "I have never done this before, you know."
The Alpha growled and felt his cock harden even more; he would be his mate 's only lover, for the rest of their lives.
His wolf howled inside him, demanding that he claim their mate right now, letting him know who he belonged to, but Haven didn't want to scare his mate.
"I will go slowly. You will only feel pleasure from me," Haven said and leaned back, easing his hand off Garrett's cock, not w anting him to come until Haven was fully in his ass.
Haven grinned and once again began to feel his mate's thin but firm body. Making sure to take care and arouse him until he was once again writhing beneath him and practically begging for his touch. Then Haven poured some of the lube on his fingers, turned his mate to the side and kissed his back and slowly rubbed it around his mate 's ass, rimming him and kissing his way down until he was right where he wanted to be. Haven looked up at his mate and sucked the head of his cock into his mouth and swirled with his tongue around the head. Entering his back hole for the first time, Haven made sure he was gentle. Haven added one finger, stretching, then two and three without hitting that sweet spot. Haven really wanted that to be a surprise once his cock was slowly working its way in his ass.