The shifter shrugged. “It’s a thought. We have to do something with them. Besides, they caused a lot of trouble for all involved. Contributing to the cause would convince me to let them live.”
It was times like these that Braun was reminded why no one challenged the Magistrate on anything. Unwrapping the lollipop, he stuck it in his mouth and decided to remain silent on the issue.
“I’ll make a decision shortly.”
“We are celebrating my union with Kole tonight,” he said before he could stop himself. He figured it would only be polite to invite the leader.
The Magistrate through him a fiery eye. “You know me better than that, a fact which I don’t like. I have an image to keep up.”
With that, the shifter disappeared into the woods.
Chapter 19
“I have to tell you something,” Braun said for the third time as Kole sat in his lap.
“You love me, I know!” he shouted over the music, his eyes hazy.
“Yes, I do.” He pulled his mate into a deep and thorough kiss that drew whistles from the crowd. The warriors had decided to stay for the feast and were quite the party animals it seemed. They were currently ravaging the pig Nyk had slaughtered for the celebration. He’d also raided the alcohol stores, several drained barrels of ale and mead lying scattered about.
Kole giggled and offered Braun his mug of beer. Shifters were capable of falling under the influence of alcohol if they drank enough. He guessed pint number eight was the sweet spot for Kole. But he was glad his mate was having a good time.
“I’m serious,” he said. “We need to have a discussion.”
“The gift list, right.” Kole shouted to the crowd. “We will be putting out a gift list shortly. So, everyone needs to save their pennies.”
“Don’t bankrupt us, kid,” Jorna said with a laugh.
Crixen sat down next to Braun with a pewter plate of food in his hands. “You’ll be taking a more administrative role so don’t think of it as an official position despite the official documentation.”
“Sure, that cleared everything up,” Braun said good-naturedly.
“What will you be administrating?” Kole inquired.
“You, primarily, I’m guessing,” Nyk said as he took a seat on Braun’s other side. “Good luck, Braun. He’s a split image of Cale.”
“I’m sorry! I’m just a bit tipsy,” Kole said, looking at his half-full mug. He set it on the ground. “So, about the gift list. I don’t really need all that much.”
“You say that now,” Nyk said.
Kole shrugged. “As long as I have my family and pack, I’m happy.”
Nyk reached for his son’s hand and squeezed. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Humans have a tradition where the father of the bride walks her down the aisle. Do you think you can do something like that, Dad?”
“I thought you said you didn’t want a wedding dress?” Braun teased,
“Hush,” Kole said, laughing. “I’m too muscular and hairy for lace and chiffon!”
“Of course, I can,” Nyk said, his eyes shining with warmth.
The conversation shifted and Braun figured his initiation into the Ro’an didn’t matter much in this moment. Tonight, was a time for celebration of family and friends—new and old.
“So, no traditions?” Jorna inquired. “Does that mean we don’t have to look at Braun’s ass?”
“Hey, it’s a fine ass,” Braun retorted and tipped his head up. The old mating traditions were fairly simple and required the couple to enter the grounds naked. It was meant to serve as a rebirth of sorts.
“I agree.” Kole wagged his brows suggestively. His eyes widened and he looked to Nyk. “Did you have a traditional mating, Dad?”
“Cale wanted one, yes.”
“I want a traditional ceremony,” Kole exclaimed, looking to Braun.
“Whatever you want, mate,” he said, holding his omega close.
As the night wound on, Kole relaxed in his arms as they watched everyone have a good time.
“Are you tired?” Braun murmured against his ear.
“A little.” After a brief moment, he said. “Ohhh… Yes, I’m exhausted.”
They managed to sneak away, the copious amounts of alcohol, food, and music distracting everyone. Kole took him to the clubhouse and up the stairs to Kole’s room, his smile wide and mischievous.
“Excuse me,” Nyk said from downstairs. “Not yet.”
Kole blushed at having been caught.
Nyk climbed the stairs, his eyes narrowed on Braun suspiciously. They might be friends, but Nyk was foremost, Kole’s father. He slid his gaze to his son and took his hand palm up. He set a necklace of bone beads and wolf claws in Kole’s palm.
“Cale gave this to me a long time ago. I want you to have it,” Nyk said tenderly.
Kole accepted the necklace, and wrapped it around his wrist, so that that largest of the claws dangled. He held his hands close to his chest. “Thank you, father.”
Braun watched as father and son hugged tightly. Nyk pulled him into the embrace.
“You know you’re still apart of this pack, right?” Nyk asked, turning to Braun.
He didn’t know what to say to that. All he could do was tip his head in respect. Nyk seemed satisfied and took his leave, throwing one last shrewd look to Braun in warning. It was as clear as day. Treat my son well, or I’ll claw your ass. Braun didn’t expect anything less from his friend.
Kole beamed and pulled Braun into his bedroom.
Kole grinned as the door closed with an audible thunk. The moment Braun turned toward him, Kole’s omega natured kicked in. Braun approach menacingly, his eyes alight with arousal. His mate took him into his arms and kissed him slow, but thoroughly until Kole thought his bones had turned to rubber.
Breaking off, Braun grinned victoriously.
“Are you going to administrate me now?” He inquired, the effects of the alcohol making him feel silly.
As Braun backed him up toward the bed, he said, “I was inducted into the Ro’an.”
That put the brakes on. “What?”
“It’s just a formality. You’ll need to be sworn in too so that you don’t share the secrets you might discover with anyone. It’s not a big deal.”
Kole cocked a dubious brow. Braun pecked his lips then took Kole’s wrist. He pressed a kiss to the necklace. The gentleness of his alpha soothed Kole’s wolf and he relaxed. If Braun thought it was no big deal, he had little reason to think otherwise as he trusted his mate.
“The Magistrate wishes to use my building for his purposes,” Braun whispered as he drew his shirt over his head. His big body flashed in the low light, the bulge of his muscles beautiful. “And will be expanding research into the bane antidote.”
Kole ran his palms all over his alpha’s chest, loving the way the strength under his silky skin moved. He fingered a new scar—a brand—over his heart, the flesh still healing. He pressed a soft kiss there.
Braun made a sound of approval and guided Kole into bed. “I’ve worked for the Magistrate for a long time. Now it’s official.”
“You seem happy about it,” Kole said, undoing the button to Braun’s pants.
His alpha stilled and blinked wide-eyed at him. “I suppose I am.”
Popping the button, he said, “Maybe you can give me a job. I want to be of use.”
“I thought you wanted to stay here,” he said and helped Kole out of his shirt. He went right to his neck, kissing, sucking and leaving a trail of little marks.
“I would like to visit often, but… your work is important. I want to be apart of that. I don’t want another son to lose his father to that poison.”
Braun stopped what he was doing and cupped Kole’s cheeks. “You’re an amazing omega.”
“Yeah, I get it from my omega-father,” he said with a soft smile. “Besides. It would be hot. You, this big, bad boss taking advantage of his employee whenever you want. Imagine the possibilities.”
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Braun laughed huskily, clearly liking that idea. “Believe me. I plan to take full advantage of you and often, my omega.”
Growling in his throat, Kole loved that idea. He moved to push his alpha’s pants off his hips, but Braun stopped him.
“Wait,” he said and backed away. “I have a surprise for you. But first you have to close your eyes. And no peeking!”
Delighted by the spontaneity, Kole laid on his stomach and buried his face in the pillows. He focused on the sound of a zipper, and the wisp of clothing, his excitement peeking.
“Okay. You can look.”
Kole sat up and blinked at all the red buffalo plaid. The flannel fit Braun well, framing his shoulders and muscular arms. Kole burst out in laughter. “Hello, Mr. Lumberjack, sir.”
Growling deep in his throat, Braun rejoined him in bed. He was totally down for a bit of roleplay. His alpha’s cock pressed against his hip, promising to claim him properly.
“I’m going to buy a house nearby so that we can both visit. I won’t make the same mistake of running away again. And I’d like our future pups to grow up in a place like this, with their grandfather nearby.” His gaze grew distance, the happy thought reflecting in his eyes.
“Pups, huh?” Kole murmured and undid the tie binding Braun’s hair. The thick locks fell loose and surrounded him like a waterfall.
“One day, yes. But for now.” Braun kissed him deep, his tongue commanding Kole’s own until he couldn’t breathe.
“Now, we enjoy our honeymoon,” Kole teased and wrapped his legs around his mate. He never imagined taking a forced trip to Chicago would bring him to the alpha he’d spend the rest of his life with.
About the Author
Cashmire Hart enjoys writing about strong, dominant alphas and the sweet but sassy omegas that steal their hearts!
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To Protect and Love (Omegaverse shifter Romance) (Shifter Fever Book 1) Page 10