Wisdom's Allegiance (The Shifter Chronicles 13)

by M. D. Grimm

  Dexter’s throat closed and he yanked Talon into a tight hug. Talon grunted but hugged back and nuzzled his throat. Orion joined in and snuggled against both of them.

  “I’ve never had anyone defend me before,” Dexter said, voice cracking. “Not like that, not to her face.”

  “Happy to assist,” Talon said. “Though I hope I didn’t scare her away permanently. I’d never want to damage any hope of reconciliation.”

  Dexter laughed slightly and pulled back. He rubbed his eyes. “Don’t worry, she’s not scared easily. You shocked her. She’ll call back after Christmas, probably with my dad. Who knows? Maybe all this will open a conversation that’s long overdue.”

  Orion rubbed his back. “Are you okay?”

  Dexter took a deep breath and glanced between them. “I will be.” He took his phone back and set it on the counter. “Let’s get the rest of your things.”

  Dexter looked up as Beatrice stepped into his kitchen, which was laden with food. She carried two pies, one in each hand, and gave him a large grin, one he returned. Her dress was a sparkling green that showed off her killer legs, and a modest neckline. Her jewelry was red, as were her heels. Her makeup had gold tones and still managed to be conservative, especially for her.

  “Your boys look delicious this morning,” she said with a wink.

  He blushed and laughed.

  “The children missed you at my Christmas Sock Puppet Extravaganza,” she said as she set the pies on the table.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it, but—”

  “But you had your boys to move in. How is that going? Need any help?”

  “I think we have it covered. Thanks, though.”

  It was Christmas morning, and Talon and Orion had partially moved in, and Dexter was overwhelmed. But he’d never been so happy in his life.

  “It looks good on you.”

  Dexter frowned and looked down at his clothes. “What does?”

  “Love.”

  Dexter blinked at her and knew his blush deepened. She cackled and strode up to him to place a smacking kiss on his cheek.

  “I told you there are men out there who like a little meat on their lovers. Now you have two. You lucky bastard.”

  Dexter snickered. “Well, I also heard you have your own lucky bastard. How did that happen? What happened to your untamable heart?”

  “Who says it’s tame?” She sniffed, eyes gleaming with her own love and happiness. “He likes it wild. A good thing too. I can’t stand boredom.”

  He simply smiled at her for a moment. “Thank you for being my cheerleader.”

  “Well, you were rather pathetic.”

  He snorted. “Ouch. Thanks.”

  Without warning, she wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him close. He held her back as tightly as he dared.

  “I love you, Beatrice,” he whispered.

  “I know.”

  She stepped back and smoothed her hands over his shirt. He thought he caught a gleam of unshed tears in her eyes before she turned away.

  “Now hurry up, big boy. I want you to meet my Kevin.”

  “I’d love to. Want to help me with the food?”

  “What am I, your servant?” Despite her complaint, she hefted the plate of ham. Dexter picked up the turkey since Orion insisted he do both. At first he felt weird about cooking a turkey since his mates were owls. But Talon reminded him that owls often prey on other birds, and while Dexter knew that fact and knew Talon meant to reassure, it only disturbed him. He kept thinking of a larger bird preying on little Orion as his elf owl. His life had become so damn weird.

  He wouldn’t change it for a second.

  He then noticed mistletoe was woven through Beatrice’s white hair. Before he grabbed the food, he bent and kissed her cheek. “You want a whole bunch of kisses tonight, don’t you?”

  She cackled again. “Well, don’t limit those kisses to me. If you and one of your boyfriends happen to be near me, feel free to snag one.”

  He laughed.

  Dexter had set up a long folding table in the middle of his living room, shoving the rest of the furniture aside. The table was soon loaded down with food, and everyone sat to pack as much in as they could. Kevin turned out to be the perfect complement to Beatrice—he was around her age, looked like the stereotypical college professor, and was eccentric in his own ways. Whenever they looked at each other, gooey love was visible between them. It warmed his heart. They were besotted with each other.

  The lively conversation soon turned serious when Beatrice said, “Did they ever catch who attacked Orion?”

  Shit. What could they say?

  Talon answered first, gritting his teeth. “No.”

  Orion set a hand on Dexter’s thigh, and he covered it with his own.

  “The police have nothing?” Beatrice scowled. “You boys be careful.”

  Talon set his hand on Dexter’s other thigh. “That’s the plan.”

  After everyone was stuffed, a few presents were handed out. When Talon and Orion began to apologize for not having gifts to give, Dexter assured them that they’d already given him the greatest gift he could ask for: coming into his life and his heart.

  Then he promptly lost his breath when Orion pounced and devoured his mouth. The minute he let Dexter up for air, Talon claimed his mouth. Beatrice’s trademark cackle echoed in his ears, and Kevin’s light chuckle held amusement.

  “Kids,” he murmured.

  Kevin and Beatrice left soon after, and Dexter knew why. Not only were Talon and Orion eyeing him hungrily, but Kevin had started to shoot dark looks at Beatrice that made her blush. Dexter had never seen her blush since he’d known her. It would seem that after all these years, she finally found her own mate.

  As soon as the door shut behind the older couple, Talon and Orion dragged Dexter to bed and proceeded to blow his mind.

  Orion lay underneath him, arms and legs wrapped tightly around his body. He was shoved to the hilt inside Orion’s tight, hot channel when Talon pushed into him from behind. Dexter grunted and bent over Orion, fumbling for a kiss as Talon pounded into him mercilessly. His relentless movement forced Dexter to claim Orion just as viciously. Orion whimpered and moaned in joy, spurring them both on. Dexter grunted and gasped as he was plowed and did the plowing.

  Then Talon and Orion opened their minds to his, and he was lost in overwhelming pleasure, drowning in the flood of lust, love, and need from his mates merging with his own. They became one, one heartbeat, one life, one being.

  As their climaxes hit like a ton of boulders, Dexter knew he’d endure those years of loneliness all over again if it meant coming home to these two extraordinary men. They were the prize he’d never expected.

  His owls.

  His mates.

  The email came a day later.

  From Stacey.

  Dexter swallowed hard as he read.

  Dexter. I’m sorry I hurt you. That was never my intent. I wanted to protect you from what I’d suffered. I hope you’re right and that your mates are kind and loving. You deserve nothing less. If they give you love, then I’m so sorry for harming Orion. But if they ever hurt you, contact this email immediately, and I will help you. Otherwise you won’t see me again. I’m going to another university. You are still my friend, Dexter. I love you.

  He laid his head on his arm.

  Orion found him there not long after.

  “Dex? Are you….” When he went quiet, Dexter knew he was reading the email over his head. Then Orion sighed and set his hands on Dexter’s shoulders.

  “I’m sorry this is how it worked out between you two.”

  Dexter reached back and touched Orion’s hand, saying nothing. There was nothing to say.

  Talon walked in, and Dexter finally lifted his head. He swiveled in his chair, and Orion sat on his lap. He smiled slightly and curled his arms around him.

  “I was just contacted by a guy named Mac from the Agency,” Talon said.

  “That�
��s Officer Monroe’s younger brother,” Dexter said.

  “Well, he didn’t go into detail and only said that all evidence had been wiped. We’re to keep our eyes peeled for more activity from what they termed the ‘purity cult’ making its way through some shifter groups. Mostly wolves, claiming to follow the Ways of Fenris, whatever the hell that means but a few other clans have picked up the cause.”

  Orion shivered, and Dexter rubbed his arm.

  “What do we do?” Orion asked.

  Talon tucked his hands in his jean pockets. “Stand together. It’s all we can do. The purity cult and haters like Stacey want to keep us apart. We can’t let them win.”

  Dexter swallowed the lump in his throat. “Speaking of Stacey… she won’t be a problem anymore.” He nodded to his computer.

  Talon stepped forward and placed a hand on Dexter’s shoulder as he read. He narrowed his eyes and huffed a breath. “Can you trust her word?”

  Dexter hesitated before nodding. “She wanted to protect me. If she doesn’t think I need protecting, then she’ll leave us alone.”

  Talon squeezed his shoulder. “I’m sorry you lost a friend.”

  Dexter sighed. “So did you.”

  Orion shook his head. “They lost us. We found each other. I think we got the better end of that stick.”

  Talon smiled and kissed Orion’s head. Orion looked at Dexter. “Besides, you’re going to make new friends when we visit our families on New Year’s. Just you wait.”

  Dexter couldn’t stifle his groan.

  Talon and Orion laughed.

  Chapter Fourteen

  They were at Orion’s childhood home, a large house that had seen many celebrations and funerals. The bright colors and kitschy knickknacks were all his mother and the large landscape paintings were from his father, created by his own brush and paint. The house was two stories and every inch was filled to bursting with cousins, aunts, and uncles, as well as his and Talon’s grandparents. The high ceilings barely contained the laughter, arguments, and yelps and hoots from the children.

  The long table set up in the family room was loaded down with spicy empanadas, nachos, sandwiches, as well as fruit salads and vegetable platters. Something for everyone. The dessert section was the heaviest, filled with pies, cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. All adults were encouraged to stuff themselves and get a little drunk.

  Orion covered his grin with his glass as his sisters converged on Dexter, smothering him with affection. Dexter blushed and didn’t seem to know what to make of the acceptance and gushing of five enthusiastic women. They were all older than Orion, yet still acted like teenagers at times.

  While a handful of family members, both his and Talon’s, expressed some displeasure at a human in their midst, they took their grumblings elsewhere. Orion didn’t sense hostility, merely disappointment. But since the majority of their families, and their parents, welcomed Dexter with open arms, he dismissed the grumblers. They weren’t worth his time.

  Orion brushed Dexter’s mind.

  Don’t worry. They won’t bite.

  I’m not worried.

  Orion smiled at Dexter’s emotions, his shock at the acceptance, and his surprise at the warm welcome continually buzzed in his mind.

  I have a family. Dexter’s wonder was evident. Marie, Orion’s eldest sister, rose on her toes and kissed his cheek. His eyes swam, but not a single tear was shed. The others saw his emotion and decided a group hug was what he needed.

  Orion giggled. Yes, you have a family. Two, in fact.

  Dexter met his eyes from across the room, over the heads of his fluttering sisters. You gave me this family. I love you so damn much.

  Now Orion was choked up, and he swallowed the rest of his wine to clear his throat. Talon dropped a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

  “Did you hear him?” Orion whispered.

  “Yes. I’m glad he can appreciate the crazy.”

  “No one has a right to tell him he can’t have this. Not his parents, not Audrey, no one.”

  Talon kissed the top of his head before stepping back. “I agree. Completely.”

  “So do I,” Dexter said, having finally broken free of Orion’s sisters to join them. “Thank you for dragging me here.” Dexter grinned, far more open and happy than Orion had ever seen him. “Now you’re never getting rid of me.”

  Orion slipped his arms around Dexter’s waist and snuggled close. “Promise?”

  “Promise.”

  Orion closed his eyes and sighed. Talon lightly stroked his back. He’d become more affectionate of late with him and Dexter. In public or private, it didn’t seem to matter. Orion couldn’t be happier that Talon lost some of his aloofness.

  “To a new year full of new promises and hopeful beginnings!”

  Orion opened his eyes and looked at Julius, Talon’s father, an older man who’d given his severe looks to his son. The only difference between them, other than age, was Talon had his mother’s eyes.

  Julius raised his glass in a toast, looking right at the three of them. “It is with great pleasure that I watch my son with his mates. I am truly happy that he has welcomed someone else into his heart. And it is with even greater pleasure that I welcome Dexter Fortis to our family. May they love, listen, and protect each other to the best of their abilities for the rest of their lives. My boys, I wish you nothing but joy on this New Year and for many New Years to come.”

  Everyone raised their glasses, even the grumblers, and toasted them. Dexter was blushing furiously when Orion pulled back to acknowledge the toast. He gripped Dexter’s hand, then took Talon’s and stood tall, smiling wide.

  “Thank you, all of you,” he said. “Talon was my first mate, and Dexter is my true mate, and I couldn’t be happier.”

  “I second that,” Talon said, kissing the back of Orion’s hand, piercing eyes flickering with amusement and promises of pleasures in the near future.

  Chuckles sounded around them at Talon’s uncharacteristic show of public affection. Dexter’s breathing was a little rushed, but he was also smiling, squeezing Orion’s hand. When Talon took his free hand, Dexter visibly relaxed, the tension in his shoulders easing.

  “Beatrice will be more than happy to put your names on the rental agreement,” Dexter said quietly when the attention of the group moved away from them. “I mean, no pressure. No rush. Just thought it’d be good to have things settled before classes start again. Are we moving too fast?”

  Orion kissed Dexter to silence him. “No, we’re moving at just the right speed. I want to live and sleep with both of you every day and every night.”

  Talon kissed the back of Dexter’s hand, giving him the same look he gave Orion minutes before. Dexter blew out a sharp breath.

  “What do you say about giving this another hour, then we… retire?” Talon said, smiling wickedly.

  “And miss the ball drop on TV?” Orion said, teasing.

  “We can have our own ball drop.”

  Dexter turned his laugh into a cough.

  Orion grinned. “Sounds like a plan. We just have to make sure to kiss at the stroke of midnight.”

  “Oh, I guarantee there will be kissing and stroking.”

  Dexter couldn’t quite muffle his laugh this time.

  Orion drank in the sight of Dexter, so carefree and eager for life. It was perfect. At that moment, their world was perfect.

  “Tie up the loose end,” Kia said as she read her email. She winced. Great, now she would be an assassin. She was a therapist for goodness’ sakes, not a murderer. But when Gregor, her commander and right hand of Arcas, told her to do something, she had better do it or a hit would be put out on her.

  “Sorry, Stacey,” she said softly. “I can only have your back if you stay in the fold.”

  As if on cue, her phone rang and Stacey’s name was on the readout. With a deep breath, she answered.

  “I’m sorry!” Stacey sobbed.

  Kia winced. “Breathe with me, Stacey. That’s it, breathe. Where
are you?”

  “I’m at my parents’ home. I just… oh, Kia, what do I do? I’m so confused.”

  “We need to meet. I’ll come to you. Where’s a good quiet spot for us to talk?”

  Stacey told her of a small park near her parents’ home.

  “Perfect. I’ll see you in a day or two, okay? Hold it together for me.”

  “Okay.”

  They hung up. Kia leaned back in her chair and sighed heavily. She stared at her email and read that line again.

  Tie up the loose end.

  Damn. This time she had to get her hands dirty. She opened a new window in her browser and began shopping for plane tickets to Maine.

  ###

  Sound of Flight

  My sister wrote the poem to accompany this story. Thanks, Sis.

  By Echo

  No sound is heard—I am stillness itself,

  No pause of leaf—they’re falling hard now,

  No waterfowl—I peer at my watery reflection,

  I suddenly stand up, and on high I hear beating wings,

  The hope of your beats will stay with me,

  I am no stranger to feeling alone,

  Now I smell the leaf slowly rotting on your recent kill,

  Oh owl! it is me, only me,

  Please don’t be afraid, I wish no harm,

  Your small delicate wings have too much charm,

  I see myself down here and you in your tree,

  With the rotting shell of a leaf I stand rooted to the spot in the hollow,

  The sun sets in yellow then orange against a bold blue black,

  Happy I am to meet you at the end of the day,

  The entire day gone now, the night at my feet,

  The feeling of belonging is true,

  My predator, I hope to follow you again,

  My wingspan proves it, my heart is moved to the sound of it,

  Our wingspan is long and we are gone,