Wolf’s Fall

by E. A. Reynolds

  “This is just a courtesy,” Palmer told him, his tone firm. “We’ll well within our rights to buy property and settle it without your consent.”

  “If you were human,” Jody commented. “But you smell like a jackal.”

  “Be that as it may,” Palmer replied, “I just wanted to let you know of my intentions.”

  “I’ll consider myself informed,” Jody said. “Stay out of my territory and you’ll live longer.” He turned, but Kimble continued to study Palmer as Jody caught up to Kendra.

  His packmates departed, and Palmer let out a low snarl. “Fucking asshole,” he muttered. “I’ve had it up to here with everyone thinking they can control me.”

  “Be careful your anger don’t make you careless, Palmer,” Malfoy commented.

  “Let’s roll out,” Palmer said icily. “I have a few calls to make.”

  “Do you want me to get the team to start doing recon on the wolves?”

  “No, that’s what our moles are for,” Palmer told him. “You scout out this land and find out how often it’s patrolled and formulate some idea on how we can use it to our advantage.”

  “Now, that’s a good plan,” Malfoy said, and Palmer growled at him.

  Too good. This land wasn’t patrolled much because it was on the edge of their territory. They didn’t have any problems with hikers or even campers. However, Nic thought that was about to change.

  Chapter Five

  Mandalay ripped the fourth shirt off and tossed it onto the bed before studying the items he had left. He’d left work early to do some shopping in hopes of finding just the right outfit for tonight, but he was a little hesitant about wearing it.

  Everyone would know he’d bought something just for the date.

  The rap on his door startled him, and he jumped.

  “Manly? Can I come in?” The door opened, and Serena strode in wearing a slip and carrying two dresses. “Which one?” she demanded. “I can’t decide.”

  He tore his gaze from his own heap of clothes to fix it on her garments. A pink dress and a red one.

  “I’m going with Rush,” she told him. “I think the red.”

  “I thought you had a black one,” he said in an irritated tone. “That’s classic, and the pink isn’t really your color.”

  Serena frowned and cast her glance to the bed. “Why didn’t you just go buy something new? The guy’s probably seen you in all those. You really could use a shopping spree if you’re going to be dating Nic.”

  “What?”

  “I talked to Dad,” she said with a shrug. “Poor thing. He’s in a snit.”

  Mandalay snorted.

  “Well, it’s true,” she said. “He said you may as well scream it from the rafters that you’re a sissy.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I don’t care,” she said. “Hell, you’ve been fruity all your life. Nic didn’t put that in your head. Anyway, even if he did, he didn’t make you gay.” She made a face. “Some of the guys around here are going to shit bricks when they realize Nic’s playing for the other team.”

  “Huh?”

  “Women thought they had a chance and the rumors were probably just rumors. No one’s ever seen him with a guy.”

  “Maybe he was saving himself for me,” Mandalay said with a smirk, and Serena laughed.

  “You’re so funny, Manly,” she said. “Do you seriously think a guy that virile was saving himself? He’s not a virgin.”

  “I hope not,” Mandalay exclaimed. “I like a man who knows what he’s doing.”

  “Don’t we all,” she replied with a grin. “Just be careful. If he has been saving himself, he might expect more than a goodnight kiss.”

  “You just watch out for Rush,” he told her.

  “I can handle myself, little bro. Is he picking you up or are you riding over with us?”

  “Riding over with you,” he said. “I can get a ride back from Cairo.”

  “If he makes it,” she said. “I heard his uncle was dragging him to Peyton City.”

  “Why?”

  “Don’t know.” Serena shrugged. “I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it when he gets back. I better get ready, don’t take too long.”

  “I’m almost ready.”

  She looked him over skeptically. “That outfit doesn’t say interest. And I hope you’re not wearing your hair like that.”

  He rolled his eyes as she closed the door. But she was right about the clothes.

  Mandalay sighed and grabbed the new shirt and pulled it on over the white T-shirt. He buttoned it up and smoothed it before pulling on the pants he’d bought to go with it. He’d gone for something conservative like he always did so as not to call too much attention to himself.

  He thought about putting on a tie and decided against it. Instead, Mandalay donned a gold chain and left the first two buttons of his shirt open.

  Then, he pulled on shiny black shoes before tackling his hair. When he was done, Mandalay headed downstairs to the sound of Serena’s voice.

  “You brought him flowers?” she demanded. “Are you kidding?”

  “I know it’s bit old fashion—”

  “Did you ask Daddy for permission to take him out, too?” she teased.

  “No. I knew how that would go,” Nic replied.

  “Just don’t mess with him,” Serena warned. “I’ll beat the tar out of you if you’re just asking him out to screw with his head.”

  “What? I don’t know about the kind of guys you date, Serena, but I don’t play childish games with the men I ask out.”

  “Maybe you just want to have sex with him.”

  “Maybe I do, but he can say no.”

  “I don’t think I like your attitude,” she said testily.

  Nic chuckled. “I know, shorty. Where’s my pretty date?”

  “I’m way prettier than he is,” she said in an annoyed tone.

  “You’re a beauty, but just not my type,” he told her.

  Serena actually chuckled. “Right. Well.”

  “Are you two fighting?” Mandalay hurried downstairs to the entry.

  “Know I’m a bit late, but I had a few things to do at work.”

  “See, that’s the problem with dating cops,” Serena said, shaking her head. “Business before pleasure. Manly, you’re in for a long, lonely relationship.” She made a face and glanced at her watch. “Rush is late.”

  “These are for you.” Nic held out the flowers to Mandalay.

  “Thanks. Lilies?”

  “Yes.”

  “They’re pretty.” Mandalay took them.

  “I’ll put them in water for you since my date is dragging his heels,” she said, taking the bouquet from her brother. “I’ll see you later, and if he steps out of line, let me know.”

  Mandalay gave her a curious look. “I’ll do that.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Dad will be there, so try not to kiss or anything inside the building,” Serena warned. “You look great, too, little brother.”

  He grinned. “Thanks. So, do you, big sis.”

  She laughed. “Go on. Get out of here.”

  Mandalay shook his head, amusement thrumming through him as he moved to the door. Nic opened it for him and he stepped through. The night was a little cool, but pleasant.

  “What else did she say to you?” Mandalay asked.

  Nic gave him a curious look. “Who?”

  “My sister.”

  Nic chuckled. “Serena’s a character,” he said. “I don’t know what she’s heard about me, but I’m not going to do anything you don’t want me to.”

  Mandalay glanced up at him and his heart beat faster. “I don’t imagine you’d do anything to hurt me if you thought I was your mate.”

  “You are my mate,” Nic said softly as they reached his black truck. “I know your parents would rather I ignored the tug between us, but I can’t. It was hard watching you at that camp and not being able to be close to you.”

  Mandalay leaned against the side of the ve
hicle. “Is it really me or is it just some sexual perversion thing? I mean, would you have done things to me if you thought you could have gotten away with it?”

  “I’m not a pedophile, Mandy,” Nic told him quietly. “I’m not crazy, either. I just knew.”

  “How do you know it wasn’t my mother you wanted?”

  “I had no fantasies of touching her. I told my father because I was freaked out. At first, I thought it was your mother. I thought I was probably bi and just finding it out.”

  “Did you think my mother was cute?”

  “She’s beautiful, and I thought she drew me even though it was obvious there was something not quite right about it.”

  “What did your dad say?” Mandalay asked.

  “He said I was probably attracted to the child inside her,” Nic answered as he held his gaze. The flecks of gold in them held Mandalay transfixed.

  “He said it could be nothing more than I was sensing something in her child or it could be that the baby was my mate. So, I made it a point to see your mother every day. Then, I saw you the day you were born.”

  “You did?”

  “Yeah. Your mother had a difficult delivery, so she was taken to the clinic, and I saw you briefly when the doctor was checking you out. You were separated from your parents for a checkup, and I stood guard, making sure no one got to you.”

  “Was someone trying to?”

  “No, but I was concerned about too many people being near you.”

  “Why?” he asked in confusion.

  “You were mine, and I wanted to make sure you were safe.”

  Mandalay rubbed his arms against an imaginary chill as he looked away. He wasn’t sure what to say to that. He knew babies were often protected by family at birth, but no children were more protected than the alpha’s and his top lieutenants’.

  Yet, he’d had that.

  “I don’t expect to just tumble you into my bed, I don’t even want to do that,” Nic told him. “I want to get to know you, the man you’ve become, not the little boy who stole my heart.”

  Mandalay met his gaze then, sharply. “You fell for me when I was a boy?”

  “Not the way I know I’m going to,” he said. “I treated you with the same respect I did any kid your age.”

  “Even if something happens, my dad won’t readily accept it,” Mandalay told him.

  “I know, but it’s not his heart and respect I want, it’s yours.”

  * * * *

  The social hall was filled with partygoers lounging around tables and leaning against the wall. Many were on the dance floor showing off their best moves.

  Nic scanned the crowd seeking his friends, and when he found them, he led Mandalay to the small group. They all knew he had eyes for Mandalay and doubted he’d ever be able to claim him thanks to his father.

  That he had him right now was enough for the moment.

  “Hey, man,” his closest friend, Ross, greeted him, lifting his hand for a fist bump.

  “Hey Ross, guys,” Nic said. “You all know Mandalay. Mandy, you know the guys?”

  “Not really,” he said.

  Nic introduced the three men, Ross, Bowen, and Artisan, and each one gave Mandalay smile.

  “So, you decided to give this bum a chance?” Bowen teased. “Before you commit, why not dance with me?”

  Mandalay chuckled. “I think I should dance the first one with the one I came with.”

  “Go right ahead, and then you can dance with the rest of us,” Artisan said.

  Nic grinned. “How about that dance then?” he asked Mandalay, taking his hand.

  “Sure.”

  Nic was eager to have Mandy in his arms. He was certain he would feel as good as he’d been dreaming of.

  Once on the floor, Nic pulled Mandalay close and closed his eyes as the weight of him settled easily against him. Mandalay slipped his arms around Nic’s neck as if he’d been doing it all their lives, and the wolf inside Nic huffed in delight.

  He turned his head to draw in the scent of fresh snow mingled with delicate scent of wild strawberries. The wolf wanted to bite and nibble at his neck, but Nic pulled the animal back.

  Mandalay moved with him as they swayed to the soft music. Nic didn’t want the moment to end, but he knew this was just the beginning of his life with Mandalay, no matter what kind of crap he had to go through with Cross before he could claim Mandalay.

  Chapter Six

  An hour later, Mandalay took a sip of his lemonade as he listened to the conversation between his sister and his cousin. Nic was engrossed in a conversation with Jody and Kimble and a couple of other soldiers.

  “I can’t believe he’s actually gay,” Lydia, his cousin, commented. “I figured those were just rumors.”

  “Who are you talking about?” one of the other girls in the group asked.

  “Nicolane,” she said. “God, I thought he was just being an ass.”

  Serena laughed. “Apparently, he was saving himself for Manly.” She nudged her brother.

  “He’s too hot to be gay,” Lydia said. “Manly, tell me he’s bi.”

  “I don’t think so,” Mandalay said, glancing to the man in question, wondering what they were talking about.

  “Go tell him enough already,” Serena urged. “He came with you, not Jody.”

  “I couldn’t,” he said. “Jody would kill me.”

  “He’s coming over,” Lydia whispered.

  “Ladies.” Nic tipped his head to them a moment later. “Sorry that took so long, Mandy.”

  “I guess Jody had a lot to say,” Mandalay commented.

  “Too much,” Nic answered, his look apologetic. “Mind if we leave?”

  “I—no,” Mandalay said. He was bored anyway. He normally was, and he and Cairo always left early to hang out down by the lake.

  They headed out, and Mandalay drew in a little breath.

  “Hey, Nic,” a brown-haired man said, coming to a stop in front of them as they headed for the parking lot. “Are you leaving?”

  “Yeah, Toby,” he answered. “I want to spend a little time alone with my date.”

  “You brought him?” Toby asked incredulously. “I can’t believe it. Cross is going to kill you.”

  “I’ll deal with it,” Nic replied.

  “You shouldn’t have to deal with getting your ass kicked for a date,” Toby said. “Come on back in with me.”

  “Not gonna happen,” Nic told him coolly. “Never was. I told you that from jump.”

  “So, you just use me and move on to him?” he demanded.

  “Oh, damn,” Mandalay muttered. “Get over yourself, Toby. I don’t care if Nic slept with you, he’s with me right now.”

  “We aren’t going to do this,” Nic said. “Toby, have a nice night. Mandy, you ready?”

  “Yes,” he said, giving the other man a look of disdain. Mandalay didn’t believe Nic had laid a hand on Toby. Even if Nic had slept with him, Mandalay could care less. They all had a past.

  “I didn’t sleep with him,” Nic said as if reading his mind.

  “I don’t care, unless you plan on doing it now.”

  “I just wanted you to know, he was being dramatic.”

  “I know. Toby’s always been a bit of a drama queen.”

  “Has he?” Nic asked.

  “Unfortunately,” Mandalay said. “He’s the reason I ended up coming out. He told everyone I was gay after he hit on me and I blew him off.”

  “He’s a jerk.” Nic opened the door for Mandalay, and he climbed in.

  Nic was beside him in moments, and they were heading away from the hall and all the noise.

  “Do you mind if I show you something?”

  “No.” He hoped this wasn’t a ploy for sex, because he wasn’t giving anything up tonight. It was too soon.

  They drove in silence for ten minutes before Nic turned off the road to one that Mandalay didn’t know. He didn’t know every inch of the community, because it wasn’t necessary. Everyone he treate
d he did so through the clinic. He didn’t make house calls, the healers did.

  They pulled to a stop in front of a cabin with a wide front porch, and he tensed.

  Nic cut the engine and released his seatbelt. “It’s around back,” he said. “I promise this isn’t about sex.”

  “Okay.” He climbed out, too, his wolf wary. Nic led the way to the porch and around the side to the back.

  “Hang on for a minute,” Nic said and unlocked the back door, and his heart sank.

  This was just a game to get in his pants. The jerk.

  Mandalay waited as Nic moved inside, and seconds later soft light filled the screened in back porch. He wasn’t sure what he was seeing at first as he took in the paper lanterns giving off color from the light.

  A table was covered with a bright cloth and a few dishes, one of them filled with fruit.

  Nic pushed the screen door open. “I didn’t want to do too much in case you’d already eaten.”

  “What?” He frowned stepping in. “What is all this?” He swept his gaze over the items and found one was a glass cake tray holding a small cake decorated with lemon and raspberry slices.

  Mandalay’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You—” He tore his eyes from the cake. “Y—is that a lemon-raspberry cake from the Cake Place?”

  It was a cute little pastry shop right here in the den, and they made great bread, too.

  “Yes.”

  “Oh my god!” Mandalay exclaimed. “I can’t—you did—how did you know that was my favorite?”

  Nic shrugged. “I asked around.”

  “I can’t believe it. Who did you really ask? Cairo? He never said a word.”

  “Nope.” Nic grinned. “My secret. So, you want to go straight to dessert or try the meatloaf and cream potatoes?”

  “Oh, you really want to steal my heart, don’t you?” Mandalay said in an accusatory tone. “That is my favorite meal on earth with fresh green beans. I would kill for it.”

  “You never have to do that, pretty baby,” Nic murmured. “I’ll give you the world, Mandy, if you let me.”

  Those whiskey eyes gleamed with sincerity that took his breath away.

  “Let’s start with dinner.” Mandalay smiled, reaching out for Nic’s hand. Capturing it, he squeezed. “Thanks.”