Fate Knows Best (Kindred of Arkadia Book 1)

by Alanea Alder

  "Three! Oh God yes!" she yelled. He wrapped off more hits and plunged his finger deep into her ass pushing down on the membrane as he felt his cock fill her up.

  She lost track of counting when they hit six. She lost her voice when they hit eight, and her arms gave out at nine. When he slammed home ten times, alternating each thrust with a slap to her over-sensitized ass, she detonated. He roared his release as he kept coming. He had held back and made it to ten. Now his cum was dribbling back out of her and dripping down her legs. She collapsed completely. He had never come so hard in his life. He felt like his dick would fall off. With shaking arms, he reached up on the sofa and pulled down the throw he kept there. He wrapped her up and held her close. He kept whispering to her how much he loved her and how there was no one in the whole world for him but her.

  "I loved your chocolate cake, baby. I can't wait to taste and experience them all." He grinned.

  "Oh God," she gasped.

  "It's Aleks, but close enough."

  #

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  "Let's go to that club to celebrate!" Rebecca said that afternoon when they were eating a late lunch at the diner. She kept squirming around on the barstool, the ache on her ass sent spirals of pleasure straight to her clit. She wiggled until she got comfortable trying to ignore her arousal. Aleks smiled knowing he had marked her in a way.

  "Just because you know more about our world doesn't mean I'm going to take you clubbing."

  She pouted then sniffled. "Please?"

  Aleks groaned. She knew he wanted to keep her under lock and key wrapped in bubble wrap, preferably naked with cake.

  "Aleks, we can't hide away in town. It will be like they are dictating ours lives. Please, please can we go to the club? I want to get out and dance and celebrate being mated to you," she said, looking up, her eyes pleading.

  He sighed and turned his head to where Bran and Kate sat.

  "Don't ask us to go. Clubs aren't my thing," Bran said. Kate jabbed him in the ribs.

  "As her maid of honor, I have to be there to celebrate. We're in!" Kate said.

  Rebecca hid a grin. She loved Kate and Bran's dynamics.

  "You're going to play up this maid of honor thing to the hilt, aren't you?" Bran said, shaking his head.

  "I've never been in a wedding. This is going to be the social event of the decade. You better believe I'm milking this for all its worth," Kate said in a huff.

  "At least until your wedding, right Kate?" Rebecca said evilly. Bran got a panicked look on his face. Kate winked at Rebecca.

  "Okay, I found the perfect invitations!" Rian said, breezing through the diner's door with Damian and Liam.

  "Hello, kitten, I hear you have trapped yourself a grouchy bear," Liam said, kissing Rebecca on the cheek, earning him a growl from Aleks. She grinned and kissed Liam in return.

  "Why are you looking at invitations?" Aleks asked Rian, sounding confused.

  "Rian and Damian are my wedding coordinators," Rebecca said, biting into her sandwich.

  "Kate is my maid of honor and Ashby and Nicholas are my bridesmen," Rebecca said, grinning.

  "Bridesmen? I didn't know you were that close to Ashby and Nicholas," he said.

  "I did the neck thingy with them and now we're kinda linked. I think that definitely ranks them up there with best friend," she said, digging into her potato salad.

  Aleks nodded then stopped. "What neck thing? You mean the submissive head tilt?" he asked.

  "From time to time, when certain individuals pledge themselves to an Alpha Mother, they become more than part of the pack, pride, or sloth, they become part of what is called an Inner Court," Leona explained as she walked in with Ashby and Nicholas.

  "Ma doesn't have one," Aleks said, frowning. Leona laughed and smiled at him.

  "My dear boy, your mother is a force unto herself. Can you imagine her being comfortable sharing her emotions?" Leona asked, grinning. Both Aleks and Connor shook their heads fervently.

  "Having an Inner Court doesn't denote strength or weakness. Sometimes we have gone hundreds of years without one. Each Inner Court is also different. In one case I read the Alpha Mother turned out to be a gentle-born lady used to court life. When she started meeting the townspeople, the artists, sculptors, and musicians were drawn to her. Her Inner Court provided what she would have lacked. Without music and art she would have been miserable and a terrible Alpha Mother. As a result Arkadia experienced a micro renaissance era. It was a very beautiful time in our history. In another documented case, the Prides and Packs were at war, which ended up drawing Arkadia into the fighting. When that Alpha Mother started meeting the townspeople, the warriors of the town were drawn to her. Her Inner Court became her body guards. They saved her life on seven occasions, once each time she was pregnant with the next generation.

  "It all depends on the Alpha Mother or the situations they find themselves in when they take over. Even if the person pledges themselves to the Alpha, unless the need is there a bond doesn't form. It's a very good start to your time as Alpha Mother for you to have two already pledged and accepted." Leona sat at the table next to Kate and Bran. Everyone was staring at Rebecca, who started eating her chocolate pie. She looked up.

  "What?" she asked. "If you think I'm some kind of super Alpha Mother thing, you're wrong. Ashby and Nicholas are just really great friends and we're tuned into one another," Rebecca said stubbornly.

  "A ruling pair is an Alpha Mother and her Alpha, who acts as the enforcer." Everyone looked at Aleks.

  "Ashby and Nicholas will guide you on the pulse of the town. They are in positions to speak to a lot of the townspeople." Everyone swung to stare at Ashby and Nicholas, who were blushing.

  "You also have Liam and Kate, who have subconsciously taken on the roles of protectors," she said. Everyone stared at Liam and Kate. They shot looks to each other. Leona smiled slyly as if she had a secret before continuing.

  "You already have a well-balanced support group, even if you don't form any other bonds," she said, sipping her coffee. Everyone looked around.

  "Leona, where did you find all this information?" Rebecca asked when she couldn't bear the silence anymore.

  "It's in the town archives," Leona said. Rebecca's eyes lit up. She loved diving into history.

  "This could explain why the hyenas have been trying to get to her. They hate us. She represents our future and they know that," Connor said quietly.

  "The attacks started after she claimed Ashby at the ice cream parlor before the hyenas were banned. I think one of them saw Ashby's claiming," Liam said.

  "Why would they want me though? What does it gain them to take me?" Rebecca asked.

  "Leverage. Aleks would move heaven and hell to get you back. He would also have the support of the pride and pack. They could ask for anything," Leona said.

  "I didn't know they were that organized. The way you describe them, it makes them sound like backwoods rednecks that run meth labs at the edge of their properties. I wonder what they want that makes them so desperate that they would risk pissing Aleks off," Rebecca said, snuggling closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her.

  "She's right, hyenas aren't known for being organized or intelligent or literate for that matter. They would usually piss themselves at the thought of going against Aleks. They must want something badly," Liam added.

  "Or they found something that scares them more," Rebecca said quietly.

  "Aleks, the next time you see a hyena, try not to maul it to death so we can ask it a few questions," Connor said with a grin.

  "Yeah, Aleks," Liam said, chiming in. Aleks laughed.

  "Like you're any better? I think the hyena that tried to grab Rebecca still hasn't made it to his car." He grinned and they bumped fists. Rebecca looked at them shocked.

  "You like each other," she said matter-of-factly. Both men jumped back as if shocked.

  "Bullshit," Aleks said.

  "Never happen," Liam countered.

  "Awww. You
two are so cute! I was worried that you really didn't like each other. I felt bad because Liam takes such good care of me. But now I see that you're best friends," she said and then continued eating her pie. When she looked up at her mate he was staring down at her in horror, as if she just admitted to being pregnant with the Antichrist.

  Bran lost all sense of composure and began to laugh and loudly. Kate joined in. Connor smiled and also began laughing.

  "Busted," Emmett added from a table by the wall.

  "Whatever," Aleks grumbled.

  "So what time are we going to the club?" Rebecca asked and Aleks groaned.

  "Club? What club?" Rian perked up.

  "Aleks is taking me to that paranormal-only club in the flyer that the vampire gave me," Rebecca said, swinging around to face Rian. He and Damian exchanged glances.

  "Whoooooo hoooooooo!" Rian shouted and pulled Rebecca off her chair and out of Aleks' arms. They began to dance and grind in the middle of the diner. Kate jumped up and began to dance behind Rian, slapping him on the ass. Rian laughed and gyrated between the two females. Aleks and Bran growled lowly, and both women ignored them.

  "Is it just me or does it feel like this town is coming to life with Rebecca here?" Pa asked Ma as they walked out of her office.

  Aleks pulled Rebecca away from Rian and Kate. Rebecca laughed as Aleks' face turned bright red from Rian popping him on the ass. Rian then ran behind Kate. Both Kate and Rebecca dissolved into giggles.

  "Because it has. This town has always been a safe haven for shifters. But she is making it a home," Ma said before clearing her throat, everyone turned to face her. "My time may be coming to an end as Alpha Mother, but I'm going to do everything in my power to hand over Arkadia during a happy and peaceful time." She eyed Aleks. "That being said, maybe going to the club isn't such a bad idea," she started, and Aleks opened his mouth as if to say something. She held up a hand. He closed his mouth and waited.

  "I just got off the phone with Elder Lachlan..." Liam hissed, interrupting her.

  Rebecca looked at him in fascination. "Who is Elder Lachlan?" she asked, curiously.

  "The Lion Elder who rules all the cats," Ma replied.

  "A meddlesome old bastard," Liam said at the same time, and Ma rolled her eyes.

  "Language, Liam! And you shouldn't speak of your grandfather like that. He does care a great deal about you," she said, and he gave a cynical bark of laughter.

  "The only thing that old man is concerned about is his council seat, which I don't want by the way," he said.

  "He thinks you would be a wonderful Elder, but that is neither here nor there." She turned to Rebecca. "The vampire you met in the bookstore. Can you describe him?"

  Rebecca sighed, smiling. Aleks growled.

  "He was tall, shoulder-length wavy black hair, strong jaw, perfect smile, and the most brilliant blue eyes I have ever seen," she recounted. Rian, Damian, Ashby, and Kate sighed. Bran and Aleks scowled. Ma hid a smile.

  "Did he have any other distinguishing features?" she asked.

  "His eyes changed color. He had red glowy eyes at first, scary but cool. Then they changed to teal then a royal blue. He also had the coolest antique ring I've ever seen," she said.

  "The eyes changing color and the signet ring confirms it." Ma pinched the bridge of her nose.

  "Ma? What is it?" Aleks asked.

  "Rebecca, did he seem pleasant?" Ma waited for Rebecca's reply.

  "Yes, he was extremely polite. He kissed my hand and said it was a 'distinct pleasure' to meet me. He liked me," she said.

  Ma smiled at Rebecca as Aleks started growling lowly and began to kiss each hand as if to remove the vampire's touch.

  "Everyone likes you, baby girl. It seems to be your gift. One that, I think, might have saved us," she said. Aleks looked up from Rebecca's hands.

  "Ma, you're really starting to scare me. What is going on?"

  Ma looked at her. "Rebecca, the man that you by happenstance ran into at the bookstore and unknowingly charmed, was none other than Prince Gabriel, leader of all vampires, and is said to be one of the coldest men of his race." Aleks looked from his Ma to Rebecca, to Ma, and then back to Rebecca. He grabbed Rebecca, putting her in his lap, wrapped his arms around her, and placed his chin on her head. Rebecca, feeling his fear, began to rub her hands up and down his forearms soothingly.

  "I'm sorry, I thought you said Prince Gabriel. Ma, that can't be right. He is known to be ruthless, cold, calculating, and he never leaves his coven," Bran said, grabbing Kate and holding her close.

  Ma shook her head. "Elder Lachlan reported that the council has been tracking his movements over the past year. He has evidently moved his coven to the town outside of Arkadia and opened a paranormal-only club called Purgatory."

  "Fuck!" Liam exploded.

  "Normally I would say something about your language, Liam, but that sums it up nicely. Fuck indeed," Ma said, and everyone just stared at her. For her to be cussing said volumes.

  "This is so cool! I think Purgatory is a wicked name for a club. I can't wait to go now," Rebecca exploded.

  Everyone as one turned and stared at her.

  "What? Until he proves otherwise, Gabriel is a good guy in my book. His actions were that of a perfect gentleman. You can't always believe what people say," she said pointedly.

  Everyone was quiet, lost in their own thoughts.

  "You're absolutely right, Rebecca. I have always been afraid of others based on what I believed of them to be true. I am ashamed I let so much time go by without reaching out and missed years of friendship," Ashby said, smiling at Rian and Damian, who grinned back in return.

  "You have been chosen to be our next Alpha Mother for a reason. We'll follow your lead on this," Kate said, looking around the room.

  "And if that person or persons proves to be dangerous or breaks their trust with you..." Bran said, looking at Aleks and Liam, who nodded.

  "Then we destroy them," Liam said simply.

  "Great! Now that we have our world domination plans settled," Rebecca grinned. "Let's call and arrange a meeting at this wickedly named club. Then we can party!" she said, bouncing up and down on Aleks's lap. He grimaced and stilled her bouncing. She looked back over her shoulder and up at him, then bounced twice more before wiggling to get comfortable. She could feel Aleks's semi erect cock spring to life. Aleks groaned as his head fell backwards. His lips were moving and Rebecca heard him faintly counting to ten. Connor and Rian started making catcalls. Rebecca blushed and started laughing.

  "I'll call and make arrangements," Ma said, covering her mouth to hide her smile.

  #

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  "Aleks, the line starts back there," Rebecca said, pointing to the end of the long line that was starting to snake around the corner. Rebecca smiled nervously at the people who were staring at them. But she had to admit their group made an impressive sight. All seven Arkadion brothers, Kate, Bran, Liam, Rian, Damian, Ashby, and Nicholas were all sporting their best club wear.

  The Arkadion brothers seemed to have gone with a leather theme. They were decked out in leather pants and different color silk shirts. They had on boots that screamed "bad ass biker" and leather jackets to keep out the worst of the winter's cold. She knew they had to have bikes somewhere. After seeing them together like this she was going to make them take her riding when the weather turned. She looked at all the leather. Yummy. Her eyes went to Bran and Kate, they looked like they just walked out of a high society magazine. Bran was rocking a grey suit with no tie, and Kate was pulling some serious lust-filled stares with her backless red, skin-tight dress. Ashby and Nicholas complimented each other, wearing jeans and flashy club tops, and Liam surprised her when he showed up wearing jeans, a white button-down with the sleeves rolled up onto his thick forearms, and a large belt buckle. Take me away, cowboy. Whenever Aleks wasn't looking, she kept staring at the Arkadion men standing together. She sighed. He looked down, his eyes narrowed. She just grinned up at him.
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  "You keep checking them out and Aleks will put you over his knee," Kate said, smiling.

  "That's what I'm hoping." Rebecca winked and Kate laughed.

  Aleks walked right up to the two vampires who were watching the door. They watched him approach.

  "Sir, the line forms back there," the blond vampire said without batting an eye. Aleks just stared at him, his face grim. The blond stared back. After another moment, the blond started to look nervous.

  "Name?" he asked.

  "Aleksander Arkadion," Aleks responded. The vampire's eyes widened and he stood straighter.

  "My apologies, sir, please come this way. I will show you and your party to our VIP section," the blond replied, pushing back the line of waiting guests to open the double doors so that their group could enter. His hands shook as he lifted the clasp to the velvet rope to clear the path. Once the rope was lifted Liam led the way and their group started to head into the club.

  "Do you know if Gabriel is here yet?" Rebecca asked. Aleks looked down at her, surprised at her question and the blond vampire's eyes widened and a flash of unease crossed his features.

  "Oh God, you know the Prince. I am so sorry to have kept you waiting," he replied. Rebecca reached forward and patted him on the arm. Aleks stood off to one side waiting for her.

  "I only met him the one time when he invited us to come see his club. Don't worry, I think you're doing a great job at making sure the club is secure," she said, smiling. The blond relaxed a fraction.

  "Thank you, Ms....?" he asked.

  "I'm Rebecca Morgan, but soon I'll be Rebecca Arkadion," she said, showing him her ring excitedly. The blond gave her a gentle smile. Aleks rolled his eyes.

  "Congratulations to you both. I'll make sure a bottle of our finest champagne is sent to your table to celebrate your mating," the blond vampire replied.

  "Thank you... What is your name?" she asked.

  "I'm Bryn, and this is Radek," Bryn said, pointing to the dark-haired vampire holding the door open for the pair. Radek waved.

  "It's nice to meet you both," Rebecca said as Aleks took her hand and led her past the door.