by Maggie Walsh
“I am of the Tribeca clan. My tattoo proves it,” Sage argued and turned back to face his mate, while thrusting his arm out to show the double triangle tattoo on his wrist. “The black triangle is the sign of the Tribeca. The three points meaning the original three black magic lines of the original six. The top point is the Tribeca clan. The most powerful and evil of them all.”
“That all may be true, but you still have a choice, sweetheart,” Slade said as he stepped closer and placed a hand on Sage’s shoulder. “The gods made us with free will. You may claim the powers of the Tribeca, but it doesn’t mean you have to use them for evil. You can choose to use them for good.”
“But how? From what I know they are too powerful and they will control me,” Sage cried, dropping his forehead against Slade’s chest.
“Because you are not alone in any of this, Sage,” Sage heard Micah say. His head snapped up to look at his alpha. Micah walked to the breakfast nook and leaned a hip against the table. “I completely understand you feeling you had to leave to try to protect us, but did you even take a minute to think about who we all are and what powers we all hold?” Micah paused, waiting for him to answer. Sage shook his head. “You are part of a pack now, Sage. But more than that you are a part of this family. Even before we found out that you are Anthony. Which means you are Raith’s son. Which also means that you are my nephew. You were not alone. We can help you. With Zane, and Demi, as well as Lucifer, we can find a way for you to gain your mother’s powers without them claiming you to the dark side. We’ll figure it out. Together. But in the meantime, you leaving had two positives.”
“What is that?” Sage asked.
“We were able to rescue those men and find out about something we had no idea was going on. So now we can hunt down all these scourges and their leaders, the sachem, and put a stop to this. Who knows how many shifters are out there right now suffering? We need to find this drug and destroy it all. And lastly, you found your mate,” Micah declared with a smile.
Sage flicked his gaze to Slade, then quickly back to Micah as a blush rose up his cheeks. “That’s all true. And thank you for rescuing them and bringing them here and protecting them.”
“No thanks are necessary, Sage. Whether you were a part of it or not and we found out about them we would have done the same. And we will for the others still out there. Once the council all returns I will be presenting them with a proposition to create a special team of enforcers. Their sole purpose will be to hunt down these scourges and kill them, rescue any prisoners, and destroy that Rapture. As well as find out where it originates so we can stop it. Now we just have to find Francis and get rid of him, too.”
Sage’s eyes went wide in fear. “You didn’t get Francis? But he was there. Laylen and I left him dead on the floor of that room he had me trapped in,” Sage said frantically.
“Laylen told me what happened, but when Slade went into the room a few minutes later, Francis was gone. Only the scorch marks remained,” Micah explained. His creased brow and hard eyes told Sage Micah wasn’t happy about that news either.
“So if Francis is still out there somewhere, will any of us be safe? I mean, you don’t know him. He holds immense power!” Sage exclaimed.
“That’s what we’ve been finding out. But he doesn’t have more power than we do,” Micah replied.
“He’s trying to get my powers to join with his. If he does I don’t even want to think about what that will mean for those poor shifters he already has, forget any other he gets his hands on.”
“That’s why a second group was sent to New Orleans to keep an eye out for him as well as your familiar.”
“You know about my familiar?”
“Yes. And we also know that Francis is trying to get him as well, so you can’t claim your powers. If he kills your familiar, then it will weaken you and he can steal them from you,” Micah explained.
“How do you know all of this?”
“We have one of his men. And not to quote from an old movie, but, we have ways of making him talk,” Micah said with an evil smirk.
“You do? Who?” Sage asked.
“His name is Unger,” Slade answered.
Now Sage’s jaw really dropped. “Unger! You have Unger? But how? He’s Francis’s right hand. He is head guard and the most disgusting and evil of them all.”
“And now he is in our custody, and we will use him to get everything we can on the whereabouts of the other skinwalkers. Then he will also pay for what he has done.” Micah growled the last few words.
“So you said there were others in New Orleans? Are they safe?” Sage asked.
Slade wrapped his arms around Sage’s waist and pulled him close, then kissed the top of his head. “And you’re afraid you will choose the dark side?” Slade mumbled with a laugh.
Sage enjoyed having his mate hold him. It made him feel safer than he ever had before in his life. Even though the man was dropdead gorgeous, Sage could still feel how dangerous his mate was. But damned if that thought didn’t turn him on more. He pulled his head back to look up into Slade’s face. “What do you mean?”
“Just your question alone proves to me how good you are and no matter what power enters you, you will choose the right side. You will not let the evil take you.”
“But how can you be so sure when I’m not?”
“Because everything you have said is all about how things will affect others, what will happen to them, and if they are safe. The good in you is strong and it will win,” Slade said with conviction.
“I agree,” Micah said. “I can feel the power you already have and it’s strong, but you fight it. And no matter how much more power you receive you will control it, not the other way around. And if you need help with that, then we are here.”
“So what do we do now?” Sage asked.
“Now I think you need some rest. Maybe a shower and some food. Get to know your mate. Then we all head out to New Orleans to join the others and stop Francis,” Micah declared.
Sage looked up to meet Slade’s eyes, then smiled shyly and looked back to Micah. “Okay.”
Chapter 7
“This was really nice of Micah to give us one of the guest rooms. I think I’m too tired to head home right now and then have to deal with all the questions,” Sage said as he sat on the edge of the big bed and untied his shoes.
Slade sat on the couch across the room and watched his mate’s every action. He could tell that his mate was trying to put on a brave show, but he could see that he was nervous. There was still so much more they needed to discuss, but right now he couldn’t concentrate on that. His mate was right here in front of him and he was the most stunningly beautiful thing that Slade had ever seen. He knew everyone commented on his looks and how he should be a model. And it did help him on missions, but he still didn’t see it. Sage, however, he was a true beauty. His gorgeous, long, thick, light brown hair that went almost to his waist, and those amazing deep blue eyes, made Slade harder than he could ever remember. Now that he sat and studied his mate’s face he could see small similarities to Raith and Maddy. Although Raith and Maddy shared the same lighter hair, and emerald-green eyes. Sage had the same chiseled cheekbones as his father as well as the same strong jaw. And he and Maddy had the same nose and full lips. They weren’t identical twins by any means, but he could still see they shared some of the same features. And Sage wasn’t as tall or built as his brother. While Maddy had an enforcer’s build, Sage had the perfect sleek look of a dancer. His mate’s body was made for dancing and seduction. Slade could imagine his gorgeous mate writhing on stage, enticing men with his stunning form.
That thought both thrilled him and pissed him off. He didn’t want anyone else seeing his mate’s naked body, but the thought of watching that body move and having hordes of men desire him while they couldn’t touch him, made Slade rock hard. Only he would be able to touch and please his man. He would be the one his mate would come to after he was through teasing all the others.
/> “What are you smiling at?” Sage asked. His voice filled with amusement.
Slade met his mate’s gaze, and he could see the lust swimming in those orbs. His mate was just as affected by him as he was by his mate. “I was just thinking how stunning you are and how fate smiled down on me to make you my mate.”
Sage smiled as a blush rose up his cheeks. Gods, he loved when his mate blushed. But he had the feeling that it wasn’t something that happened often. His mate seemed very outgoing, confident, and opinionated.
Sage moved closer to him and Slade’s cock filled as he watched the smooth and sensual way his mate moved. Sage stopped between his spread thighs, and Slade could see the desire building in his mate’s eyes. “Is it, too, soon or wrong, that I just want to drop to my knees and taste you?”
“We’re mates. I don’t think there is a time minimum for us to want each other. And I don’t think it’s wrong. I want to taste you and sink into your body. I want to know what you feel like wrapped around my cock,” Slade said in a husky voice as he rubbed his cock through his jeans.
Sage gave him a smirk, then licked his lips. “Having problems there?” he asked and motioned toward Slade’s groin.
“It appears to be the same problem you’re having,” Slade said as he reached out with his other hand and cupped Sage’s bulge. Sage moaned softly and pushed his hips forward, pressing his hard shaft against Slade’s hand.
“Then if I dropped to my knees right now and freed that monster cock of yours and worshiped it with my mouth, you wouldn’t think I was being too forward?” Sage’s voice came out husky and full of need, and it turned Slade on even more.
“Hell no,” he growled. “It’s all yours, sweetheart. It belongs to you now, so do what you want with it.”
Sage raised a brow as a smile crossed his lips. “Oh really? Whatever I want?”
“Well I wouldn’t say chop it off, because it wants to fuck you and make you his, but other than that we’re pretty open to whatever you want to do to us.”
“How can I refuse an invitation like that?” Sage declared and dropped to his knees.
Slade watched as his mate reached down and grabbed the hem of his own shirt, then whipped it up over his head and tossed it aside. Sage’s fingers trembled slightly as he popped the button of his jeans and slid the zipper down. His beautiful cock sprang free, and Slade got his first look at his mate’s goods. And, boy, were they good. Great actually. A bead of clear liquid pooled at the tip and dribbled down the side. Slade licked his lips in anticipation of tasting the golden honey.
“You like?” Sage whispered and Slade snapped his gaze to Sage’s.
“Hell yes. I just want to swallow it whole and see what kind of noises I can make come from your pretty lips.”
“Damn, I like the way you think.” Sage reached out and shifted the tips of his fingers into his claws. Slade watched as he used those claws to rip the front of his shirt and expose his flesh to his mate. “Damn, you’re beautiful.”
“I can say the same about you, mate,” Slade replied.
Sage gave him another saucy smile, then opened his jeans. Slade lifted his hips so his mate could slide the material down and off his legs, then Sage threw them to join his shirt on the floor. He now sat on the couch naked except for the tattered shirt that hung off his shoulders.
“Damn, so much delicious muscle and flesh. Where do I start first?” Sage asked and raised a brow, then gave him a mischievous grin. “I know exactly where to start.” Sage moved closer and wrapped his fingers around the base of Slade’s cock and started a slow stroke from base to tip. He ran his palm over the crown and back down, using Slade’s pre cum as slick. Sage leaned in and whispered his lips against the side of his thick shaft, causing goose bumps to rise all over him. The touch of his mate’s lips was so light and barely there, but it was the most erotic thing he had ever experienced.
With his other hand Sage caressed the inside of his thigh, stroking that flesh as well. After a few moments he slid his hand farther up and reached under Slade’s cock, taking his sac in hand and gently rolling it.
Slade gripped the couch cushion tight with both hands and dropped his head back against the top of the couch. The sensations running through him were just too good. He could tell his mate was very talented when it came to a cock and the gorgeous imp hadn’t even done more than fondle him.
A wet heat surrounded the tip of his cock and Slade needed to see. He opened his eyes and peered down on his mate in time to see Sage slide down and engulf him fully. “Shit!” Slade hissed and his hips thrust up slightly. He was trying hard to control himself so he wouldn’t hurt his mate, but it was a hard struggle.
Slade closed his eyes, allowing himself to just feel every moment. What his mate was doing to his body was amazing and if he kept watching there was no way he was going to be able to stop the orgasm that was building, and he didn’t want this to be over so soon. Sage kept sucking as he pulled up, then released Slade and licked the head. A deep groan escaped him. Sage’s mouth and tongue were so talented, and the sensation of having his mate touch him, and pleasure him for the first time was overwhelming. This moment was more than he had ever imagined it would be.
“So many nights I dreamed of this moment, but all of those dreams pale in comparison to this reality,” Slade confessed breathlessly.
Sage swallowed him again and pressed his tongue against the thick vein that ran along the underside. At the same time, he gently tugged on Slade’s sac. The feel of his mate swallowing him fully without a problem made Sage a god in his mind. He knew he wasn’t as large as some, but he was no small gherkin either. It had been very rare that he had found a bed partner that could fully take his cock down their throat.
“Fuck, sweetheart, that feels so damn good,” Slade said through clenched teeth.
Sage pulled back slowly and sucked on just the head as he circled it with his tongue. Slade was about to lose his mind. He had never had a lover go so gentle on him, and then quickly change it up, then drop it back. Not that he had ever wanted that with any of the men he had hooked up with over the years. It was always just a means to get off. A quick blow job or fuck and then it was done. Clothes were righted and they went their separate ways.
But this. This wasn’t just a one-off. This wasn’t just anybody. This was his mate, and as much as he loved the hard sucking Sage was doing now, the slow, gentle moves seemed like more. It felt like it brought them closer, and it was more intimate.
Unfamiliar emotions swirled inside him, causing Slade’s heart to beat faster and feel…full. He suddenly needed more. Much more. A desperate feeling to claim his mate and be claimed by him, slammed into Slade’s chest. He needed to have his mate now.
“Fuck!” Slade hissed and grabbed Sage under the arms, hoisting him up off his cock and onto his lap. Sage let out a small yelp, and with another quick move, Slade rolled them so that he lay over Sage, between his spread legs. Their hard shafts pressed together, causing them both to moan. Slade attacked Sage’s mouth furiously and his mate returned the passion. Tongues, teeth, and lips crushed and clashed.
He pulled back and rained kisses down the side of Sage’s throat, then moved to his collarbone, and down to his nipples. Sage arched his chest and panted heavily. “Oh gods, yes!” Sage cried out and Slade’s chest filled with pride that he was the one giving his mate pleasure.
Drawing one of the hard peaks into his mouth, Slade gave it a few sucks before releasing it and moving his attention down Sage’s lithe body. Gods, he loved his mate’s body. It was so smooth and the skin was like silk. Slade licked over each taut muscle. Sage was nowhere near as muscular as he was, but his body was perfect with well-defined muscle.
Slade quickly removed Sage’s pants as he moved lower and licked the underside of his mate’s pretty cock, causing the appendage to jump. Slowly he dragged his tongue back to the tip and sucked on just the tiny hole, tasting his mate for the first time. Slade’s mouth exploded in delight as Sage’s unique f
lavor of vanilla and oranges bathed his tongue. Needing more of his mate, Slade drew the full length of Sage’s cock into his mouth until the head hit the back of his throat. Sage’s hips thrust up as he moaned deeply, the sound going right to Slade’s dick. He couldn’t wait to be inside his mate. Slade reached to the end table and opened the drawer, hoping that in a house full of mated gay men that he would find some lube. Bingo! Slade wrapped his hand around the familiar tube. Drawing his arm back, he popped the top and dribbled a little down his mate’s crease.
Slade slowly pulled off Sage’s cock and nibbled the underside to the base. Pulling Sage’s sac into his mouth, he shifted his position between Sage’s spread thighs. Sage threw one leg over the back of the couch, giving him more room. Slade rolled Sage’s sac around in his mouth, sucking gently as he rubbed the slick against his puckered hole with one finger. He circled the star for a few moments, then slipped the tip inside and wiggled it, before sliding it in all the way.
“Ah! Oh damn, Slade, that feels so fucking good,” Sage said on a moan.
He needed more room so he could be closer to his mate. Slade released Sage’s sac and pulled his finger free. Before Sage’s full protest could leave his lips, Slade used his vampire speed to pick up his mate and deposit him in the center of the big bed. He tore the shreds of his shirt from his shoulders and pushed Sage’s thighs apart, then settled down between them, quickly going back to driving his mate crazy.
Slade nibbled and sucked along the vein as he thrust two fingers inside his mate’s hole and began to scissor them, stretching his mate to take his cock. Slade engulfed Sage’s cock again and swallowed around the head as he eased a third finger inside his mate. The motion seemed to set Sage off and he began to writhe and moan loudly as he begged Slade to take him.
“Oh hell, yes! Fuck me! Fuck me now! I need to feel you inside me!” Sage screamed.
Slade couldn’t agree more. He slid off Sage’s cock and sat up on his knees, then pulled his fingers from his body. Slade reached for the lube, then realized he left it on the couch. He looked back over his shoulder, but the tube was nowhere to be seen.