Things are working out well, brother. Look how the women have paired off with the men. I think we’ll be celebrating other matings besides ours before long.
Delsin glanced around the table. Knoton had moved his chair closer to Misko and was currently whispering in her ear. Hakan was filling Hula’s plate and gazing at her lovingly. Delsin nodded at Etu and turned to the Arridians. “We can never thank you enough for the assistance you gave in helping us to recover our mate. We’re in your debt, and if you ever need us, all you have to do is ask.”
The leader of the Arridians bowed his head. “It was our pleasure, Alpha.”
“Okay, everyone.” Knoton walked in carrying several dishes of food. “Don’t be shy, just dig in.”
Delsin looked up and started when he felt Athaw’s hand on his thigh. He turned to look at her and growled softly. She grinned slyly and pulled her hand away, letting it slide across his thigh and digging in her nails.
What the hell is going on, Brother?
Etu, I’m trying hard not to kill Athaw in front of our guests, but it’s getting harder to ignore her.
Etu chuckled in his head. I hope it’s not getting “harder” to ignore her.
Delsin choked, covering a laugh. Not to worry. Nothing at all is hard with her near. He glanced over at Mer and felt his breath catch. From his place on the floor he could see clearly under the table, and his eyes seemed glued to Delsin’s legs. He saw Athaw’s hand on my thigh. He tried to give his mate a reassuring smile, but he could see the sadness in the small man’s eyes and feel the desolation rolling off him in waves. I can’t let him continue to suffer. Etu, I’m going to claim Mer tonight. Are you in or not?
I was ready to take him without you, Brother. As soon as our guests leave and the pride is settled in their rooms, we can claim him.
Agreed. I’ll meet you at his door, and we’ll go in together. I want this settled before we leave for Linnaeus. I’m ready to go home.
Chapter 8
Mer seethed inwardly as he watched Athaw paw Delsin. He doesn’t seem to mind. He’s been smiling and talking to her like all is well. If he’s decided he wants her skanky ass, then there really is no reason for me to stay here. If Etu wanted to mate with me, he’d have done it earlier. I don’t have any place here now.
“I bet you’re anxious for a break.” Misko bent and picked up Yuma. “It was really nice of you to take care of the cubs while we had dinner.”
Mer took a deep breath and looked up at the young woman’s kind eyes. “It was my pleasure. I really enjoy being with the little tykes.”
“I can tell they really love you.” She bit her lip and glanced over toward the table where the others were getting to their feet, and then back at Mer. “If you wouldn’t mind a little advice…”
Mer cocked his head and studied her for a moment. “Sure. What is it?”
“Don’t take everything at face value. To know the truth of any situation, you have to delve deeper. Don’t just automatically trust your eyes. Sometimes things aren’t as they seem.” She gave him a small smile, touched his shoulder, and then grabbed Jacy by the hand and walked away.
After Misko walked away, Mer stood and helped Nodin to his feet. He watched as the toddler made his way to his mother, laughing up at her open arms. She scooped him up, nodded at Mer, and then hurried from the room. Sighing, Mer held Keme over his shoulder and took Taima’s hand. He walked them out onto the front porch for some fresh air. There, in the darkness, he relaxed, breathing in deeply.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
Mer flinched at the sound of Athaw’s voice. He felt Taima move closer, his little arms sliding around Mer’s leg. “I’m sorry. Did you need something?”
Athaw walked around to stand next to the porch railing. She narrowed her eyes and gave him a small smile. “I just wanted to tell you how much I admire how you handle the cubs. They obviously love you, and you’re very good with them. We’re all so grateful that you took such good care of them.”
Mer frowned, and hugged Keme closer when she started to fret. “That’s okay. It was my pleasure. They’re great little kids.”
She took a step closer and lowered her voice, laying one hand on Mer’s arm. “I’ve discussed it with Delsin, and he agrees that the cubs would suffer if they lost you now. We want you to stay on like a nanny to these babies, plus any future ones that he and I might have. We can guarantee you’ll always have a place in our home.”
Mer blinked back tears and turned away from her triumphant expression. They want me to be an employee.
Athaw leaned back, and looked up at the sky. “It’s a shame they made the mistake when they sent for you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Hakan explained that Delsin had given him the picture out of Galactic Nuptial’s catalog, but didn’t see where it said you were a male. He said your long brown hair made you look like an attractive young woman. He was pretty shocked when you got off the shuttle.”
Mer buried his face in Keme’s shoulder. Could it be true? He thought back to the shock on Hakan’s face when they met on Earth.
“You don’t have to give me an answer right away, but we’ll need one in the morning. We’re returning to our home, and if you don’t want the job, the Arridians have agreed to take you back to Kilara so you can get the shuttle back to Earth. There’s one in just four days’ time.” She straightened and moved toward the door. “I guess I’d better get inside. Delsin will be wondering where I am.”
Mer shuddered, taking a deep breath before trying to move. He took the children back to their room and quickly got them into their beds. Kissing them good-night, he left and went in search of Hakan. He found him in the kitchen. “Hey, man.”
“Hello, Mer. What can I do for you?”
Mer shrugged. “Nothing, really. I was just thinking about our meeting. It must have been a real shock for you when I turned out to be a man instead of the woman you were expecting.”
Hakan gave a slow laugh and sagged against the wall. “Yes, it was quite a shock at first, and then I just figured Delsin knew what he wanted. You should have seen his face when I was explaining after we got here. I thought he’d explode.”
Mer smiled, laughed at all the appropriate places, but his heart was breaking. In the short time he’d been with the shape-shifters, he’d grown to love them, and now he’d have to give them up. They hadn’t wanted a male mate at all.
“Mer, may I speak with you?”
Mer turned and nodded at Hula. “Of course. What can I do for you?”
“I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of my son. I’ll always be grateful he had someone showing him love and affection while I was away.”
“It was my pleasure, dear lady. If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go and talk with the Arridians. I’m fascinated with their culture, and I’d like to know more about them.” Without waiting for her reply, Mer walked off. He approached the tall Arridian that appeared to be guarding the door.
“Do you want something, human?”
“One of the women said you’d be willing to let me go with you when you leave for Kilara so I can get a shuttle back to Earth.”
The man was quiet for a moment. “Yes, that is acceptable. We will be leaving in approximately one hour. Can you be ready?”
The heavy pressure in Mer’s chest made it difficult to breathe. “Yes, I’ll be at your shuttle in less than an hour.”
“If you’re uncomfortable traveling at night through the forest, you can meet me outside in a half hour and I will escort you.”
Mer thought back to his trip through the forest and quickly nodded his head. “I’ll be there.” He turned and started down the hall, stopping when he spotted Delsin headed his way.
“There you are. I’ve been looking for you. Is everything okay?”
“Sure, I’m just tired and thought I’d go lie down.”
Delsin smiled and winked. “It’s a good thing. You’re going to ne
ed your strength. We’re all heading home in the morning. I want to get the cubs back as soon as possible. It’s easier to protect them on our own planet.”
“I understand.” He’s already talking like I’ve accepted their nanny position. He looked up at Delsin, memorizing his face. Taking a deep breath he smiled. “I’m very happy for you, that you defeated your enemy and found your family.”
Delsin’s head tilted to the side, his brows drawing together, and then he smiled. “Family is everything.” He kissed Mer’s forehead. “I’ll see you later.”
Mer nodded, walked down the hall to his room, and went inside. He packed a small bag, leaving everything else. He didn’t know how large the shuttle was, so he just took enough for a few days. The rest didn’t matter. He closed up his bag and sneaked out the side door, being careful to avoid everyone in the house. The Arridian was waiting for him at the edge of the forest. He nodded at the tall, silent man and followed him into the trees.
* * * *
Delsin followed the Arridians to the door. “Travel safe, my friends. Tell Zintssar I will contact him when we’re safely back on Linnaeus.” He watched as they disappeared into the forest and then turned back to say good night to his pride.
“Wait,” Knoton said. “We wish to speak with you, Alpha.”
“What is it?”
Knoton took Misko’s hand and pulled her forward. “I formally want to ask your permission to mate with Misko.”
Hakan moved near, dragging a blushing Hula behind him. “I wish to formally ask your permission to mate with Hula.”
Delsin smiled. They were pairing off just like he thought they would. “Do the females have any objections to the matings?”
Misko smiled and put her hand on Knoton’s cheek. “No, Alpha. I have no objections.”
“And you, Hula?”
“No, Alpha. I think it’s in the best interest of the pride for us to be mated.”
“Very well.” The floor vibrated underneath his feet as the Arridian’s shuttle took off for home. “Let’s open a bottle of wine to celebrate all the wonderful matings of our pride.”
“I’ll get it.” Knoton kissed Misko’s hand and walked toward the kitchen.
Athaw walked into the room, her eyes sparkling, practically bouncing on her toes. She ambled over to stand next to Delsin, placing her hand on his arm. She leaned in close to whisper. “We could make this celebration complete and announce our mating as well.”
“What?”
“I’m the only female left. You and Etu will have to take me and give me cubs to keep the pride alive.”
“Are you crazy?” Etu walked up and pulled her hand off Delsin’s arm. “We’ll never mate with you no matter how few cubs the pride has. We already have a mate.”
Athaw’s body tensed as her temper soared. Nostrils flaring, she stomped from the room.
“Okay.” Delsin looked to the pride and saw expressions of sympathy on the females’ faces. “What say we get this party rocking?” He moved to take a glass of wine from Knoton. “And just so you know, we’re celebrating Etu’s and my mating as well. We’re taking Meredith as our mate.”
Hula and Misko exchanged a look, and then Hula stepped forward, raising her glass. “We wish you long life and love with your chosen mate, Alpha. May the goddess bless you with many years together.”
Delsin and Etu raised their glasses. “May the goddess bless you with many years together and give you long life and love with your chosen mates.” Delsin took a drink and then glanced at Etu. “Pride mates, it’s time for us to claim our mate. We’ll see you all in the morning. We want to get an early start on our trip home.” He nodded at Etu. Let’s claim our mate, Brother.
They made their way down the hall and tapped lightly on the door. Delsin put his ear to the wood. “I don’t hear him.”
Etu pushed him aside. “I don’t smell him.” He threw open the door, and they walked inside.
“Where can he be?” Delsin walked over and looked in the closet. “He has clothes here.”
“I’m going to shift and see if I can scent him.” The bright blue light filled the room as he changed into his lion. He sniffed around and moved to the door, looking back over his shoulder.
Delsin called the magic and transformed into his lion. His mate’s scent filled his senses. He followed Etu out the door and down the hall. When they reached the forest, he roared. His scent joined one of the Arridians here.
Etu rooted around on the ground. They went off into the woods together. Let’s track them. He took off with Delsin right behind him. When they reached the landing platform, both men morphed back into their human forms.
Delsin growled. “His scent ends here. He left with the Arridians. Why would he do that? Why would he leave us?”
Etu paced back and forth and then stopped, raising his gaze to Delsin. “This has something to do with Athaw. She’s been downright hostile to Mer since we’ve been back. He asked me a lot of questions about her being mother to Chayton’s cubs.”
“He saw her hand on my thigh at dinner tonight.” Delsin started toward the house. “Come on. We’re going to find out if she knows where he’s gone.”
Athaw was lounging on her bed, nude, when they burst through her door. She gave them a sly grin. “It’s about time you came around.”
Delsin growled, yanked her up off the bed and held her against the wall, his fangs exposed. “What do you know about our mate leaving?”
“I’ve seen no mate marks. You don’t have a mate yet.”
Delsin shook her, and then placed his teeth against her throat, biting down enough to bring a drop of blood.
Etu moved closer. “Tell us what you know, or we’ll end you here and now. He’s our mate, and Delsin will go into blood lust if you’re not careful.”
Her face turned ashen, her hands twisting together. “I offered him a job, but he didn’t want it.”
Etu frowned. “What job?”
“I said he could be our nanny if he stuck around. If he didn’t want it, the Arridians said they would take him back to Kilara and he could catch the Earth shuttle there.” She swallowed hard and gave Etu a sickly smile. “You might as well mate me since you can’t have your little Earth toy anymore.”
Delsin dropped her to the floor, shifted, and roared, his fury almost taking away his control.
“What’s going on?” Knoton rushed into the room with Misko right behind him.
Etu collapsed on the foot of the bed. “Athaw managed to run Mer off with her lies. He was on the shuttle with the Arridians when they left.”
Hula moved into the room, her hand clasped tightly in Hakan’s. “What are you going to do about it? It was pretty obvious that man loves you.”
Delsin roared, forced his beast back and then shifted. He glared at Athaw and then grabbed Etu’s arm. “We’re getting our mate back and then tanning his ass for running out without saying anything.
* * * *
Mer wiped the tears from his face and punched his pillow down. The trip to Kilara had been the longest two hours of his life. The four Arridians had not said one word to him the entire time. They’d stared at him like they’d never seen a human before. When they’d landed, one of them had helped him secure a room for the night at the transport station. Luckily, his contract with Galactic Nuptials included a round-trip ticket on the shuttle. He hadn’t used the first half of it since Hakan had picked him up in their shuttle.
He missed his lion men. He hadn’t wanted to leave, but he couldn’t see sticking around to watch them all happily paired off. And he didn’t want to think about having to take care of any children that Athaw might have. Punching his pillow again, he closed his eyes and drifted toward sleep.
A loud roar had him sitting up in the bed, shaking uncontrollably. What’s happening? He jumped up and grabbed his pants. He’d just pulled them over his hips when he heard a scuffling noise in the hall. He took a step and screamed when he heard another roar. The door burst open, the wooden frame spli
ntering, and a large lion stepped into the room. Mer dived behind the bed, trying to make his body as small as possible.
“Mate! What the hell do you mean leaving us without permission? You deserve to have your ass reddened for scaring us so badly.”
Mer peeked over the edge of the mattress. He clutched a pillow to his chest, trying to control the feelings of dizziness. “Delsin? What are you doing here?” Delsin walked through the broken door, followed closely by Etu. The looks on their faces had Mer pushing farther into the corner.
“Mates need permission to leave, and you didn’t have it.” Delsin’s nostrils flared as he sniffed the air.
“That’s a punishable offence,” said Etu.
“But I’m not your mate.”
Delsin growled. “Why would you say that?”
Mer leaned his head to the side, exposing his neck. “Do you see a mating bite here?”
Delsin shuffled his feet, looking sheepish, while Etu cleared his throat, rubbing at his neck. Sighing, Delsin walked over and sat on the bed. “We just wanted to wait until we were all sure before biting you. It’s no different than an engagement period among your people.” He narrowed his gaze at Mer. “Why did you leave?”
Mer shrugged. “I had no intention of being a nanny for you and all your future children.”
Etu snorted. “Guess Athaw got her point across.”
Delsin stood and walked around the bed, pulling Mer from the corner. He took the pillow from his hands and tossed it to the floor. “We planned on officially mating you tonight after everyone left. We went to your room and discovered you’d gone.”
Mer looked down and scuffed his toes on the rug. “What about Athaw?”
Delsin growled. “I’d rather mate with a Killenese beast than Athaw.”
Meredith's Pride [Galactic Nuptials 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour ManLove) Page 10