Jake sat on the edge of their new bed. He had to admit; it was a nice setup. Shadow and he were in the largest room. There was a living room and small kitchen, and on the opposite side, there were two more good sized bedrooms. They had their own bathroom with a large tub and walk-in shower. There was another bathroom shared between the other two bedrooms. All in all, it was bigger than their previous home in Willow Creek.
The alpha’s mother had helped get things set up for them. She even helped bathe and put the twins to bed. Jake felt a slight pain when he saw her with the two pups. It reminded him so much of his own mother. But the last few days had taught him to live in the moment. He couldn’t change the past. Besides, worrying about the future only robbed him of the here and now.
He smiled at the nightstand. Luckily Shadow had managed to pack the things in the other nightstand drawer before their new friends had arrived to help them finish with the move. His hole clenched when he thought of the large dildo. He’d never played with himself that way before and wondered what it would feel like. Somehow, he doubted it would be as good as the real thing.
His gaze moved from the drawer to the items on top of the nightstand. Someone had given them a baby monitor, which thankfully was quiet at the moment. Next to it sat one of Shadow’s books, The Old Man and The Sea. His mate always had a book nearby. He marveled at the dual nature of his mate. The side that loved reading would seem to war with the side that made him a great fighter. Yet, his mate had found a balance. With time, he hoped to find the same.
The door opened as Shadow walked in. Jake gripped the comforter tighter as he watched him approach. His mate held his gaze as he slowly began to remove his clothes. By the time he reached the bed, he was naked. “Hmm, you seem to be slightly overdressed for the occasion, M&M,” Shadow said softly.
Jake could feel the blush climb from his chest to his face. He remembered their earlier conversation and felt dread crawl through his stomach. He knew how to handle a female, but a male? He should have kept his mouth shut.
Shadow nipped at his earlobe before he pressed his lips to his neck. “New room,” he moved his lips lower, “new bed, and a new pitcher. It’s up to you how this goes. Just tell me what you want.”
Jake swallowed; his mouth suddenly dry as he felt Shadow pull his shirt over his head. His nipples beaded from the sudden coolness on his skin. But he couldn’t move. It was almost like he was made of stone, yet the fire in his loins burned bright. Could he do it? If it were up to his cock, he’d already be buried balls deep. But what if he sucked at it?
“You could never suck at it, M&M. Although, if you want to suck something, I wouldn’t argue,” Shadow whispered in his ear. Crap on a cracker, did he just say what he was thinking out loud? He glanced down and realized he did want to taste. Before he could change his mind, he stood and pushed Shadow down onto the bed. His mate’s legs dangled over the edge to the floor.
“Yes!” Shadow cried as Jake stepped between his mate’s legs and began to gently take the tip of the gorgeous cock into his mouth. He closed his eyes and hummed as the flavor hit his tongue. He glanced up and saw his mate propped up on his elbows, watching with lust-filled eyes. Encouraged, he began to move his mouth and tongue along the shaft. He gently rolled his mate’s balls between his fingers as he continued to suck.
“Oh—Oh, Jake!” Shadow cried out in warning after only a few minutes. Jake only had a moment to prepare before his mate’s seed poured down his throat. He couldn’t believe how quickly the shifter had come. He sat back on his heels and smiled. Who knew he’d enjoy giving a blow job as much as receiving one?
“Well, I’d say that got you to at least first base, M&M,” Shadow drawled as he sat up. “You ready to get to second?”
“Oh man, I should have been preparing you, I’m sorry,” Jake stuttered. He heard his mate chuckle before he reached into the drawer and pulled out the lube. He tossed the bottle toward the end of the bed before he crawled to place himself in the middle. Jake picked up the lube and started to follow his mate.
“You know, it works better if you remove all your clothes. Why don’t you work on that while I sit here and enjoy my little surprise?” Shadow smiled as he reached under the pillow and pulled out a little remote. Jake heard a soft hum followed by a groan from his mate. “You’re not getting undressed,” Shadow reminded him.
Jake quickly began to remove the rest of his clothes. He managed to get his skin-tight jeans down just as Shadow rolled to his knees and displayed his hole to his gaze. Jake’s mouth fell open at the sight before him. The base of a large black plug peeked out from between his mate’s cheeks. As he watched, the plug seemed to move slowly at first but then faster.
As Shadow’s moans grew louder, Jake realized he still stood there with one pant leg still on. He quickly finished and joined his mate on the bed. “What do you want me to do?” Jake asked. Should he let his mate finish with the toy? From the way Shadow’s balls were pulled tight to his body, it was clear the shifter was close to coming again.
Shadow dropped his head down to the bed for a moment. He used one of his hands to grab his cock and squeeze for a moment. “It’s no different than with a female, just pull it out and put your cock inside. You know how it feels, now just do it!”
Jake snickered. “Maybe I should get my athletic shoes first—”
“So, help me—if you don’t get a move on, I’m going to finish without you,” Shadow groaned as he tossed the remote to the side and began to reach for his cock. Jake swatted his mate’s hand aside and crawled to kneel behind him. He quickly lubed up his cock with one hand, while he slowly pulled the plug out slightly before pushing it back in. He was fascinated by the way his mate’s hole pulled the object inside.
He couldn’t wait to try this toy and some of the others he’d seen. But for now, it was time for him to man-up. He pulled the plug out and dropped it on the bed. He just hoped he didn’t come too soon as his balls were throbbing with the need for release. “I’ve got you,” Jake whispered as he slowly began to push his member into his mate’s channel.
He paused for a moment, to give Shadow time to adjust but the shifter was having none of it. “Move it!” Shadow cried as he began to push back against Jake. He didn’t need any further encouragement as instinct took over. He leaned over his mate’s back and began to pound into him. When he managed to hit Shadow’s prostate, his mate howled. His muscles tightened just before his orgasm hit. Jake sucked in a breath as Shadow’s channel clamped down almost painfully on his cock.
He needed to see his mate’s eyes before he finished. “Roll over,” Jake ordered as he removed his cock and quickly repositioned himself between his mate’s legs. He entered his mate in one push. He loved the blissed-out expression on Shadow’s face as he continued to pound into him. As he finally reached the peak, his canines elongated. He bit Shadow’s shoulder, reinforcing their bond while he filled his mate with his release.
After a few moments, Jake pulled out and collapsed beside his mate. He really should go get a cloth to clean them both up, but that simple task seemed beyond him. He glanced over at his half-asleep mate, “So, did I reach home plate?”
Shadow grinned. “I’d say you hit a home run and then some.” Jake couldn’t keep the smile from his face as he followed his mate into sleep.
Chapter 25
Shadow stepped from the shower and grinned at the sleeping form on their bed. They had managed another round of lovemaking during the night. Both times Jake had taken the lead, which made him realize how much he missed being on the receiving end. As an alpha and a warrior, he was expected to lead inside as well as outside the bedroom.
He knew Jake had been hesitant because of his inexperience of being with a man. But once he figured it out, the sex had been fantastic. They had hurried the first time since they were both primed and ready to go. But the second time, Jake spent time learning his body. It was this attention Shadow always craved. To finally be the center of someone’s world was all he wan
ted.
The shifter had loved his family, and he knew they loved him. But they never really understood him. They were warriors and never saw the value in knowledge. Jake, on the other hand, admired his love of books. As they had watched over his sister, Shadow had read from one of his favorite books.
Jake had been enthralled as they discussed the book in a way none of his family had ever done. He couldn’t wait to share future books with his mate. In fact, just the thought of being with Jake filled him with a joy he’d never experienced. After he thought it through, he knew it had to be love.
“Hemmy, why are you up?” Jake glanced at the window briefly before he groaned and lay back on the bed. “It’s not even light out yet.”
Shadow chuckled as he sat on the bed. Jake had decided his nickname for him would be a shortened version of Hemmingway, one of his favorite authors. Although he still liked his nickname for his mate. It brought to mind all the ways he could make him melt in bed. Evidently, neither of them cared for flowery nicknames although it had been fun trying a few of them out.
He loved the bed head look his mate had going on as he watched him blinking up at him. He leaned forward and kissed his mate before he stood and walked toward their closet. “I figure one of us should be functioning when the twins decide to wake up. I heard some light noises earlier, but they seemed to settle down. You can stay in bed if you want.”
Jake sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “No, you’re right. Uncle Jake needs to at least have a cup of coffee,” he paused and wrinkled his nose as he scented himself, “and a shower before doing poop duty.”
“They’ll grow past the sleep, eat, and poop cycle quickly. Then you’ll wish they’d return to it. I can’t wait to watch you chasing them around the place as they explore their world.” Shadow grinned. “Of course, if you want, I’ll do diaper duty, and you can get the bottles ready. It’s the least I can do after last night’s performance.”
His mate blushed. “Are you sure it was okay?”
Shadow sat on the side of the bed and gently traced the mating scar on his mate’s shoulder. “It was perfect. When you want to top, just let me know. As you saw, I enjoy both positions. Besides, I want us to be true partners in everything, including our bedroom.”
“I can’t believe I fought against this for so long. I was a fool,” Jake sighed as he slowly rose from the bed.
Shadow enjoyed the view for a moment before he found his tongue. “Well I’m not going to lie; I would have liked for us to have gotten on the same page sooner. But now we’re here, I for one, am happy about it.” He stood and moved to pull Jake into his arms. “It might be too soon for this but with the way our lives are, I wanted to make sure you heard this loud and clear. I love you, Jake. With every cell of my body. You make me feel whole for the first time in my life because you see the real me and accept me—books and all.”
Jake laid his head on Shadow’s shoulder. He traced a path down Shadow’s chest toward his treasure trail. He placed a hand to stop his mate from going lower. If he allowed it to continue, they’d both end up back in bed.
“I love you, too. You have shown me that I don’t need to hide in the shadows. I can be myself in all ways without fear of censure. You’ve not only accepted me, but my sister and the twins. How could I not love you?” Jake responded.
The two men locked lips, each struggling for control until Jake finally relaxed and let Shadow lead. The shifter explored his mate’s mouth, enjoying the taste that was all Jake’s. A moment later, his mate stepped back, “I must have terrible morning breath!”
Shadow pecked another quick kiss to the swollen lips of his mate. “It wasn’t bad at all. But if you don’t get your shower done soon, you’ll miss out on that cup of coffee.” He nodded toward the baby monitor, as it started to make soft cooing sounds. One of the twins was waking. He slapped Jake on the ass. He quickly pulled on a pair of sweatpants before he turned toward the door. “I’ll make the coffee.”
Jake sat beside his sister’s bed as he fed Castor. Shadow was in the other room with Pollux. They had both been up at the crack of dawn with the two pups, but he didn’t mind. He finally had the family he’d always wanted. Now if Sammy would fully recover, his world would be set right.
“You look good with him,” Sammy said softly. The she-wolf had been propped up with pillows to prevent further damage to her healing spine. The doc had been by already to change her IV. He felt that once the poison from the bullet was totally out of her system, she would be able to start physical therapy to keep the muscles in her legs strong. The alpha had already purchased an electric wheelchair to help her get around until they could find a way to remove the bullet.
“Well, don’t get too comfortable. Once you’re mobile again, I see a return to diaper duty in your future. Honestly, how can something so little be filled with so much crap?” Jake watched his sister smile. He’d give anything to be able to keep that smile on her face.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be potty training them soon enough,” Sammy sighed as she tried to get more comfortable. “Any word on Alpha Clifton’s whereabouts?”
Jake shook his head. “Not yet. But don’t worry sis, the alpha hasn’t stopped looking. Believe me; as soon as his location is known, he’ll be taken care of.” Even if the alpha didn’t sanction it, he would make sure the threat to his family was killed. Besides, after what Sammy told them about the missing she-wolves being baby factories for the benefit of the alpha; death was too good an end for him.
He looked down at the pup in his arms and felt sorrow he’d never know his birth mother or his father. At least this pup and his brother would be protected and know what love felt like. They would want for nothing as part of Alpha Grant’s pack. He pulled the empty bottle from Castor’s mouth as he quickly placed him on his shoulder. He smiled at the small burp before he placed the pup in his sister’s arms. He had to admit; she looked good with a child in her arms. Hopefully, there would be more in her future.
Shadow walked into the room with Pollux in his arms. Jake couldn’t help the smile that formed on his face. They’d both managed another round just before the twins called for their attention. It was nice to know Shadow really didn’t mind switching it up, but Jake was surprised that he actually liked being on the receiving end.
“Falcon just stopped by to let me know he’s on his way. Hopefully, he’ll be able to quickly find Basil.” Shadow stood beside Sammy’s bed as he slowly rocked the pup in his arms.
“What if he doesn’t?” Sammy asked. “I mean, let’s be real. There’s a good possibility I’ll never get the use of my legs again. We have to live with the cards we’re dealt. As soon as the doc clears me, I’m going to work on getting out of this bed.”
Jake felt pride in his sister. All his life, he’d never known her to run from a challenge. Look at what she went through recently with Alpha Clifton. He knew she’d had to warm his bed and he knew it bothered her. Yet she never complained. He noticed his mate nodding in approval to his sister’s words.
“Everyone here will help,” Shadow said softly. “But I know Falcon. He won’t give up until he finds the healer. He will bring him back to see what can be done.”
“From what Jake has told me, I’d think making alliances is much more important. We all know our old alpha is just the muscle in whatever is going on. He may just want me dead because I walked away from him. He also may just want the twins because of the money he’d make on selling them,” Sammy shuddered as she glanced down at Castor. “But somehow I get the feeling there is much more going on here.”
“Have you remembered anything else?” Jake asked.
Sammy shook her head. “No, not really. But just like my instincts have warned me to protect these pups, it’s also telling me we are just at the beginning.”
“Well, for now, all you need to worry about is getting back on your feet,” Jake paused slightly and blushed as he realized what he said. But his sister smiled back at him. “We are protected here in this
pack. Jason is working with Mack to increase our security. The alpha has increased the patrols, and there will always be a sentry on duty outside our door.”
Sammy sighed. “You know our world will never be safe, Jake. Not as long as shifters like Alpha Clifton exist. But you’re right. All we can do is deal with what we have in front of us right now.” She glanced down and smiled again at the pup in her arms, “Beginning with putting these two down for their morning nap. I can’t wait until their first shift. I wonder how they’ll present?”
Jake shrugged. “Alpha or beta doesn’t matter, sis. They’ll be loved for who they are as individuals, not for their label.” He glanced around the room at his new family. A new resolve filled him. After years of hiding who he was, he’d make sure these two pups never felt like they had to live in the shadows.
♦ ♦ ♦
Gaea entered the Cave of Fata. Although cave wasn’t really a good description of her granddaughters’ home. The walls were filled with artwork from the centuries. Most were depictions of the various stages of life from birth to death. It always amazed her how they surrounded themselves with the very essence of what they controlled.
They filled the large living area with comfortable furniture. Colorful rugs were scattered around the floor while the light filtered in through the crystals that lined the roof of the cavern. The diffused light gave the room an ethereal atmosphere.
However, the focal point was the large pool of water in the center of the room. The waters were dark as night and appeared unnaturally calm. Not a ripple passed along its surface. This was the place where destiny was divined.
“Grandmother, it has been a long time since your last visit,” Lachesis stated as she entered the room from one of the other chambers. The goddess was a tall woman of natural beauty. Her alabaster skin seemed to glow with life. Of course, she was life. It was her job to determine the course of each being’s journey.
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