“You know, a long time ago I saw a man come in here, looking as you do, lost, confused, angry. He was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. Tall, like you, with raven hair, and skin that looked so soft you didn’t want to touch for fear of marring it in some way. But his eyes — his eyes were something I’ve never seen before.”
“No?”
“No. Like melted rose gold. I have never forgotten those eyes.”
Jackson sprang from the stool and threw money on the counter. This was too close for him; if he had to think about Jonas’ beautiful eyes, he was going to go jump off a damn cliff. “I have to go.”
“Good luck.”
Jackson turned at the door and eyed the bartender. “Who are you?”
“Just someone who wants you to get your man. The fates have been known to make mistakes.”
Jackson’s mouth dropped open.
“Go.”
“Are you…?”
The bartender put a finger over her lips with a smile. He turned to leave, but stopped and turned back.
The bartender was gone.
~*~
Jonas paced the floor of his house for the thousandth time that day. Anya had stayed behind for a few more days just to say goodbye to her pack. She was going home to John right afterward. Jonas had to smile; she’d sworn everyone to secrecy, and of course they all obliged. Medication or not, no one wanted to be on Anya’s bad side.
Jonas eyed the clock again. He’d put a call in to James over an hour ago. Jackson had left; no one knew where he’d gone. His phone was off, as well as his thoughts. Now that he knew the truth, he couldn’t wait to be with Jackson. They were mates and he was ready to be with him, however he wanted them to be. The phone rang and Jonas practically jumped across the sofa to get it.
“James?”
“Yes. I’ve heard from Jackson.”
Jonas sat down. “Why do you sound like that?”
“He’s on his way to Italy, Jonas. He said he’d be back for Christmas.”
“What? Why? Didn’t you tell him?”
“I tried, he wouldn’t hear it. He’s on his way to the airfield now.”
Jonas balled his fists. Goddammit the man was stubborn. “Thank you for trying, James.”
“No problem. I’m sorry, Jonas.”
Jonas hung up and stomped across the room. That damn jackass was going to hear from him. Jonas didn’t care if he had to drag Jackson off the plane by his hair. He grabbed his keys and threw open the front door.
Jackson stood on his doorstep.
“Is it true?” Jackson searched Jonas’ eyes.
He looked awful. Dark rings marred his stunning eyes and his hair was in disarray, soaked by the falling rain — and yet, he had never looked sexier.
“It’s true, Jackson. We’re mates.”
In two steps, Jackson was through the door and Jonas was in his arms. Jonas buried his face in Jackson’s neck, inhaling his scent.
“God, I missed you so much.” Jackson nuzzled Jonas’ hair.
“I love you, Jackson.” Jonas tightened his grip around Jackson’s neck.
Jackson pulled away from the embrace and took Jonas by his shoulders. He looked pale; his usually bright amber eyes clouded.
“Say it again,” Jackson whispered.
“I love you —”
Jackson crushed Jonas’ mouth with his own, and Jonas opened to him right away. Their tongues met, rubbed, entwined and Jackson knew he’d never want anyone as much as he wanted Jonas Brooks. He slammed the door shut with his foot as he gripped Jonas’ hair.
“Want you,” Jonas breathed against Jackson’s lips.
Jackson gripped Jonas’ ass and hauled him up. They made their way down the hall to Jonas’ room kissing like teenagers. They hit the bed in a tangle of limbs, clothes flying everywhere. Jackson dragged his mouth away from Jonas’ and licked a path up the corded muscles of his throat. The taste, smell and feel of his skin was making his mouth water with anticipation. A warm hand caressed his dick and Jackson’s breath stilled.
“Make love to me.”
Jonas’ eyes widened. “What? But we haven’t…”
“Make love to me and mark me.” Jackson cast a glance at the nightstand. “Lube?”
Jonas retrieved the lube and covered three fingers with it. He spread Jackson’s legs out with his thigh and settled over him; their dicks slid together and Jonas groaned. Jackson’s hands were in his hair, pulling him to his lips. They kissed slowly, both of them investigating the other and Jonas slipped a finger down to Jackson’s hole. He circled the flesh with his index finger, slipping inside a fraction of an inch before pulling it back out.
“More.” Jackson arched his back as Jonas’ finger popped inside his ass.
A burning sensation trickled up his channel, but it quickly turned to pleasure. Jackson gasped as warmth traveled up the shaft of his now-leaking prick. Looking down, his eyes locked with Jonas’— the sight was so sinfully sexy, he almost blew his load right then.
Jonas’ tongue teased his rim, then flattened to lick down his painfully hard dick. Jackson’s body shuddered as Jonas went lower, his fingers keeping up their assault on his ass. Hot breath teased his sac as another finger joined the first one. His ass stretched to accommodate the erotic crooking and scissoring of Jonas’ fingers. Jackson spread his legs wider as Jonas made his way lower, continuously rubbing him and licking his dick and balls in intervals.
“Jonas…”
Jonas’ head came up and a wicked smile played at his lips. Jackson was aware of Jonas fingers still moving inside him and his other hand lubing up his dick. He stared at the size of Jonas’ cock. As if Jonas knew his thoughts, another finger entered him, making more room. His eyes rolled back in his head as Jonas touched something deep inside him. He gasped for breath as Jonas pushed in further. The pleasure came in waves, his legs shook, and his breathing became erratic.
“Now, Jonas, please…”
Jonas crawled up his body and Jackson immediately felt the loss of the fingers in ass. Warm lips covered his and Jonas’ dick slid up and down his crack, nudging his balls.
And then Jonas entered him.
Jackson cried out, gripping Jonas’ back as he pushed in slowly. The muscle gave way and then Jonas slid in to the hilt, burying himself up to his balls in Jackson’s virgin ass. The pressure, the pain, the burn — Jackson tried to catch his breath as Jonas stilled above him.
No words were necessary as Jonas bent and brushed their lips together; their eyes locked as Jonas waited patiently for Jackson to give him a sign.
Not in his wildest dreams did he ever think he’d be so blissfully full. Jonas filled him in a way he didn’t know he needed. Licking Jonas’ bottom lip in invitation, he arched his hips and moaned as Jonas’ dick pulsed inside him. Jonas’ gaze was questioning and Jackson nodded. They began to move ever so slowly together, their mouths locked in a sensual kiss. Jackson could feel every ridge, every pulse of pumping blood in Jonas’ cock as he made love to him with his mouth and his body.
His body surrendered to the pleasure and Jonas began a slow fuck, almost pulling out completely before sliding in and filling him again. The slow pressure of his orgasm boiled in his gut, tingled up his spine and coiled in his balls. His grip tightened as Jonas sped up his thrusts, nailing his prostate on every in-stroke.
Jonas grabbed his dick and Jackson came howling, jets of ejaculate leaving his dick in high arcs. Pain seared his shoulder as Jonas marked him and then heat flooded his ass. Jonas came with a violent shudder, his body jerking as he emptied himself. He removed his canines from Jackson’s shoulder and licked the area clean before lifting his head and placing a soft kiss on Jackson’s lips.
Jackson’s breaths came out in bursts against Jonas’ lips. Their eyes met and Jackson could see the love in Jonas’ gaze.
“I love you, Jonas.”
Jonas’ heart raced, from his mind-numbing orgasm and the words of love from Jackson. He’d marked him as his own. The p
ride he felt in having Jackson as his mate shone in his eyes. Jonas feathered a kiss against Jackson’s lips and smiled.
“I love you, too.”
They held each other for what seemed like hours, Jonas still safely inside Jackson. They were bonded for life, and Jonas exhaled a sigh of relief. Warm lips caressed his temple and Jackson’s arms came around him tighter.
“You feel so good in my arms.”
Jonas sighed in contentment. His brows furrowed and he raised himself on one elbow, looking into Jackson’s eyes.
“Why were you leaving for Italy?”
Jackson palmed Jonas’ face. “I wasn’t sure if I could handle being here without you.” Jackson’s brows furrowed. “I tried to convince myself that James’ call was just a dream, but then if it wasn’t and you were mine, I had to make sure. Plus, I drank a lot.”
“What? You drank?”
Jackson nodded. “In Fuzhou.”
“You went to China?” Jonas’ eyes widened.
“I wanted to be close to you somehow,” Jackson shrugged. “Seemed like a good idea at the time. I think the bartender was supernatural or something.”
“What the hell did you drink?” Jonas chuckled.
“Something…um, loosewho loudjow?”
Jonas laughed. “Luzhou Laojiao?”
“Yes! That’s it. Smelled like peaches.”
“If you got the high alcohol one, you probably would have seen ‘Smurfs’!”
“They don’t exist,” Jackson cracked up.
“Neither do werewolves.” Jonas pointed out. “Or witches, or shape shifters.” Jonas leaned in, licking across Jackson’s bottom lip. “I spoke with Gaea.”
Jackson sat up so quickly that Jonas slipped from his body and almost fell off the bed. He caught his arm and whipped him into his lap. “You what?”
Jonas wiggled his ass over Jackson’s cock, which was filling very quickly. He wrapped his arms around Jackson’s neck and leaned in to nibble on his bottom lip.
“Gaea spoke with Anya and me. She told me that Anya was my mate, but when you bit me, it broke the bond.”
“So you’re mine? Forever?” Jackson whispered.
“I’m yours, Jackson Murphy. Forever.”
The relief that flooded him washed away all traces of uncertainty.
Jonas was his.
For life.
They talked until the sun came up, kissing, touching and exploring as they opened up to each other about everything. Jonas made a vow that he would not hide their relationship from anyone and Jackson hoped that when they woke up, and life resumed outside Jonas’ doors, that it would still hold true.
~Chapter Seven~
“God, this is awful,” Wyatt whispered. His father sat on the beach, throwing rocks into the surf. He had moped around for more than a week. They’d tried to bring him out of his shell, but the damage was too deep.
Wyatt sighed as Preston’s arms came around his waist.
“We’ll try again to get him to come out with us somewhere, anywhere,” Preston vowed.
“I’m so worried about him,” Wyatt sighed. “He barely cracked a smile when Gage showed him the picture of Santa Claus.”
Gage had gone to great lengths to make Santa Claus out of macaroni noodles. The Native American Santa looked a lot like Gage’s grandpa, John Quinton.
“Sawyer says he was like this when our mom died. Kept to himself a lot. I can’t stand to see him like this.”
“Well, your brothers are on their way. That should help some. Grayson and Xander can cheer up anyone.”
Wyatt smiled as Kane trotted onto the beach and nuzzled John’s arm.
“Maybe Kane can help, too?”
“Couldn’t hurt.”
John smiled at the low growls coming from Kane. The pup seemed determined to rip off his shirt. At almost eight months old, Kane was growing by leaps and bounds. His speed was unbelievable. It was taking longer and longer for Sam and Dakota to catch him at bath time. John chuckled and swatted Kane on his butt.
“You best be careful doing that. One day he will be our leader.”
John jumped at the voice and stood up. Anya stood at the top of the sand dunes. She wore faded blue jeans, hiking boots and a black sweater. Her hair was in a loose ponytail.
“Anya?” John blinked. Was he seeing things? Was this what happened when you lost your mind? Kane’s growls assured him that he was not dreaming. Anya bowed her head at Kane. The pup simmered down and padded over to her, sniffing vigorously.
Anya knelt and exposed her neck to the pup. That seemed to make him happy and he wagged his tail and yipped at her.
“He’s so cu—”
“Don’t say the ‘C’ word,” John shook his head. “He hates that.” He grinned at Kane. “Even though he is absolutely a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e. Go see your dad, Kane. You need a bath.” The pup’s head whipped around and he bared his small teeth. “Oh shush! You really want your dads to have to come and get you?” John almost laughed as Kane sped off toward Sam and Dakota’s house. Anya made her way down to him.
“It’s beautiful here.” Anya admired the coastline of Washington. She’d never been anywhere but Russia. This was definitely new.
“Not to sound ungrateful, and I am really glad to see you, but shouldn’t you be with your mate?”
“I am.”
John stumbled back in the sand. “Excuse me?”
“Funny story, but it ends with me here with you.” Anya searched John’s eyes. “If you’ll have me?”
John closed his eyes. Was this real? Could he really have happiness again?
“Are you sure you’re not mated to Jonas?”
“Oh, I was, but Jackson Murphy broke that bond when he bit Jonas.”
“A broken bond?” John’s brows furrowed. “I don’t understand.”
“Jackson was in love with Jonas when he bit him. I understand it now — but I had the benefit of having it explained by Gaia herself.” She smiled at John’s astonished look. “If Jackson had bitten someone he didn’t care about, the bond would still remain with his true mate.” She stepped closer. “So, what do you say? Care to bite me and seal our bond?” She stepped even closer, until she stood right in front of John. Her mate’s scent filled her senses and sent her body into overdrive. “Then I’ll bite you,” she whispered. John visibly shivered and Anya leaned in closer.
He exhaled slowly and looked down at the ring on his hand.
“You don’t have to take it off, John. I will understand,” Anya said quietly.
“No, it’s time. Isabelle would have wanted it this way.” John looked directly into her eyes. “And I’m ready to let her go.”
“So?” Anya grinned.
John’s initial reaction was to take Anya hard, but knowing her past, he took it slow. He met her halfway and their lips touched. A soft sigh from Anya and John wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to his chest. Her arms twined around his neck and her mouth opened willingly to him. Oh God, it had been ages since he’d kissed anyone. He hoped he still had it.
“Bedroom, now,” Anya growled into his mouth.
Yup. He still had it.
~*~
John awoke to the feel of soft skin on his. Warmth from the body next to him seeped into his bones and calmed him. He turned his head to see Anya still sleeping. Her mass of copper hair flowed down her thigh obscuring his view of other mouthwatering parts. A smile lifted his lips as he thought about the night before. Anya had been a more than willing partner, and had taken him to new sexual heights. John inched closer and his body protested. They had ‘claimed’ each other repeatedly. Copper lashes fluttered and then green eyes slowly opened.
“Morning.” John brushed a stray hair strand from her brow.
“It is that.” Anya stretched out in the king size bed and sighed in bliss. Her body was sore, but in a good way.
“You know, I don’t even know your last name,” John chuckled.
“It’s Romanov.”
John raised
his brows.
Anya glanced over with a wicked smile.
John swallowed hard. “Again?”
“Mmm hmm.”
“I’m not sixteen anymore, Anya.”
Anya eyed John’s dick with a grin. “Did you tell ‘him’ that?”
John looked down to see his cock fully erect and already leaking. A loud growl resonated around his house and then Anya was on him.
~*~
Sam stopped walking so abruptly, Dakota, holding his hand, nearly fell. Sawyer chuckled as he kept walking toward Nadine’s house with Troy in tow.
“Oh my God,” Sam laughed. “How many times is that?”
“I lost count.” Dakota pulled on Sam’s hand to get him moving.
“Hey, leave my dad alone; he hasn’t had sex in, like, twenty years,” Sawyer laughed.
When they reached Nadine’s, everyone was seated at the table. They were all looking down at their plates and the silence was palpable.
“What’s going on?” Troy asked.
“We’re praying for John to survive his mating,” Nadine giggled.
Wyatt snickered.
“Well, I like her.” Joe reached for the syrup on the table. “She makes John happy.”
“And she’s calm. That’s a definite plus,” Preston nodded in agreement. Most female werewolves were practically feral.
“Because John is the one for her.” Nadine beamed. “I knew he’d find someone like Isabelle.”
“Now he’s complete,” Wyatt sighed happily.
“Yeah, he is.” Sawyer hugged his brother.
~*~
Ethan’s school play was two days before the Christmas break. Jonas held Jackson’s hand tightly as they entered the middle school’s auditorium. It was packed with parents and Jonas took a slow look around. People looked over at them as they made their way down the aisle; Jackson squeezed his hand slightly and Jonas relaxed. They found Tristan and Scott, along with Nadine and Joe near the front row and joined them. Tristan handed Jonas a program.
“I’m glad you made it, Jackson.” Tristan smiled. “Ethan’s so nervous!”
“I’m sure he’ll be fantastic,” Jackson assured him. “Where are John and Anya?”
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