Interspecies Public Relations Officer [Milson Valley 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour ManLove)

by Jo Penn

  “I’m sorry you can’t go wolf running because of the vampires after me, Luka.” Tudor literally pulled Luka away from Marco and up against him. “Caspar’s right, it’s probably not safe here. He’ll have a solution though, okay?”

  “I will, my mate?” Caspar may not look pleased, but that was probably at Luka, not at Tudor who the fae smiled softly at.

  “Yeah, that’s what you do, find solutions, fix everything, protect. That’s why you’re moving your guild half way across the States practically, to give them a better life, somewhere safer with better opportunities,” Tudor said with knowing conviction.

  Man, Tu was right. Caspar was doing all that, so was Visij while Luka was having a tantrum over not being able to run. And during it all Tu was trying to mediate and make it work for all of them. That was pretty cool and made Luka fall a little more for both his mates.

  Though, of course, it didn’t stop him from needing to turn wolf and run. Tudor was stronger than what Luka thought the wizard would be, the man keeping a tight hold on Luka’s arm and shaking his head and giving Luka a pointed look when he tugged to be released.

  “Thank you for your words, Tudor.” Caspar approached and snapped Luka up with one arm around his waist, ignoring the growl he received. The big fae leaned down and cupping Tudor’s chin, lifted their mate’s face up, and gently kissed Tudor’s pale pink lips.

  Luka stopped struggling briefly as he watched. Man, that was hot! Maybe he’d be the one watching instead of Caspar.

  Huh, maybe for a minute before he’d be joining right in!

  With his body itching and the need to be wolf driving him to growl and whimper, the pair broke apart and Caspar waved a hand and opened a portal.

  Portals were weird things, Luka thought as they stepped through. You couldn’t see more than a slight hazy outline of what was on the other side and it felt like absolutely nothing when you took that one step and found yourself somewhere else.

  Trippy, but awesome.

  They stepped out onto the front lawn outside the pack house. Luka was so relieved he let out a little yowl which brought about a dozen pack members racing over. His pack, his family, he could be himself.

  Urian sped out of the pack house. “Put him down, Caspar.”

  The fae did. Immediately, Luka went through the shift and kicked off his jeans then leapt against Urian who chuckled and ruffled his fur.

  “Don’t wander off. You five go with him, and yeah, you also Marco,” Urian ordered.

  Luka gave a yip and ran off, with Marco right beside him and some of his pack friends surrounding them. He needed this. He needed to run and be free, be with pack and family. Skidding to a stop and jumping aside as a fellow wolf nearly barreled into him, Luka did a quick turn and streaked back to Caspar and Tudor. With a jump up, he gave his fae mate a big wet lick across his lips, and grinning, toppled Tudor and when his mate landed on his fine little butt gave this mate a big wet lick across his lips also.

  Mates. His. life was good.

  * * * *

  Cas felt a little lost and very frustrated. After spending what he felt was a special moment between him and his mates in the car he was looking forward to them all being their together to explore their new home.

  Though seeing Luka giving that happy wolf grin and playing around with his pack mates and the big tiger did warm his heart and remind him that they were each different. He frowned and reached out a hand to Tudor. The last time they were here his wizard mate didn’t want to spend time together, and he was hoping this time it would be different.

  Tudor smiled that awkward, rusty smile that was becoming just a little more natural and took Cas’s hand. Drawing his mate close against his side, Cas sighed as Luka was now out of eyesight.

  “Don’t worry, Luka will be safe here.” Urian clapped Cas on the back. “It’s hard, you know, to juggle the differences between mates and creatures.”

  Cas frowned, studying the wolf Alpha. “So I am finding. I did not consider my mate would need to be wolf quite so often.”

  “Our wolf is us, who we are. Shifters need to shift often, just like fae need to wield magic or suffer, and wizards need to rest so they do not drain themselves.”

  Visij smiled, impressed. “You know a bit about other creatures, Alpha.”

  “Yep. Spent a life time learning about every type of creature.” Urian smirked. “Still doesn’t help me all the time with my mate—”

  “Urian! What the fuck did you do to this laptop?!” A tall blonde stood on the pack house steps dangling a laptop between two fingers. Wires were hanging out and it looked like it had an accident with a truck.

  “Shit.” Urian sighed. “Sorry, babe, my claws got away from me.”

  “Your claws?” Finn Finlandson gaped at the laptop. “You mauled my laptop?!”

  Cas could see the Alpha give a wistful look toward the forest and wondered if the man was thinking of going running as wolf also. It looked like Uri had a mate who was more of a handful than Luka.

  The seer had a damn good throwing arm. Tossing the laptop at Urian, they all had to jump out of the way. Finn stormed back into the house doing the finger over his shoulder and Urian’s Beta, Kelly, glared and rushed out of the way.

  “He seems pleasant.” Visij chuckled.

  Uri growled a little and sighed. “Yeah. Anyway, I was going to say before my mate tore me a new one, that we’re all different. Every creature needs different things and Luka needs a bit more freedom. Can’t be restricted and he’s incredibly social. We have a few throughout the valley that we make adjustment in rules for and not in a bad way. In the pack there are three or four that really bring us together, are considered the heart of the pack. Luka is a big one. He’ll be a big asset to your guild—”

  “Urian!”

  “What?” Urian snarled, spun around and stormed to his mate who met him glare for glare.

  Beta Kelly invited Cas and his group into the guest lounge of the pack house which was well outfitted with large screen televisions, refreshments, computers, and anything else they may need. Cas would rather have followed Luka through the forest. It wasn’t as though he didn’t trust Luka’s ability to take care of himself, but Cas had lived a long time and knew that no matter how good a fighter, how well trained, how careful, there was always a chance someone was better or there was just plain dumb luck.

  The pack though seemed to have a good security set up. Visij was already quizzing Beta Kelly about it while Cas stood by a window with a much needed coffee and Tudor.

  “I guess it must be hard for you to wait around,” Tudor commented.

  Cas frowned, thinking about that. “Ordinarily, when I have a lot to do, yes, I can grow impatient, but I’ve learned things cannot always be rushed and I find I do not mind waiting for my mates.”

  “But that’s not really fair on you,” Tudor mused, staring into his coffee cup.

  “None of that,” Cas ordered, but he quickly smiled, remembering how Luka had chastised him for being too “harsh.”

  “We are mates, Tudor. I am happy to do what it is that makes you and Luka happy, as Luka has done for us today by taking you shopping as your clothing selection was deplorable and how he steered me to Minstral as a good home for the guild.”

  Tudor looked a little like a gaping fish. “Deplorable?”

  “Well, yes, my mate. If you were going for the vagabond look your style was perfect, if not we should leave it to Luka from now on to select your wardrobe.”

  For a moment, Tudor just seemed stunned into silence, but then he laughed and it was the most amazing sound which lightened Cas’s mood considerably and warmed his heart.

  “It wasn’t like I could go out shopping in New York whenever I wanted.” Tudor grumped. “But you might be right, Luka has better taste in clothes than me…so do you actually.” Tudor looked Cas up and down. “Well, that’s a bit depressing.”

  “I don’t think it’s that bad.”

  Tudor rushed across the room and grabbed a
few magazines lying around on the tables and sofas. Cas chuckled as his mate rolled his eyes, grinned, and carried the magazines over to a sofa by the window. Taking Cas’s hand, he pulled him over and they sat down.

  For the first time in his long life, Cas found himself doing something he had never done before, just like yesterday when he had sat outside with Tudor and quietly talked, or was in bed with Luka and they spoke, cuddled and his mate kissed him so sweetly. Together, they looked through the magazine and picked out hot guys, a few hot females, clothes and hair styles.

  Vine joined them for a while and Cas discovered his brother was actually a bit of what was termed a fashionista. Vine knew all the designers and styles, tutted and exclaimed with Tudor, and admonished Cas’s lack of knowledge.

  Obviously, Cas had been too long caught up in his own thoughts and work to see who his brother was becoming, or really who Vine now was and he was saddened to have not realized this before and to have missed so much. He vowed to spend more time with Vine, and a lot of time with his mates.

  And he realized that yes, Urian was right. Luka was a heart of a pack, and probably would be for the guild also. His little bit wild, completely dramatic, affectionate, gorgeous caring mate had made Cas and Tudor slow down and given Cas something he may not have seen for a long time. Luka had drawn them together today and given them a day of getting closer and to know each other more. Smiling, he kissed Tudor’s cheek and tapped another picture, only to be snorted at by Vine who told him that was two seasons out of date!

  Cas excused himself some time later to return some calls, leaving Tudor and Vine under Vis’s care. Once his calls were complete, Cas located the Alpha’s office and tapped lightly on the open door before entering. He smiled at seeing the Alpha mate curled up on Urian’s lap whispering in the big wolf’s ear. Urian was nodding and waved Cas in.

  “Why don’t I come back?” Cas suggested, understanding now that mates required time alone.

  “Nope, I’ve got an appointment in five minutes and need to get set up.” Finn jumped off Urian’s lap and got sad puppy dog eyes. “And remember, all the laptops with an F on don’t touch.”

  “Can’t help it, babe, they smell like you.” Urian winked.

  “Eww, you were in wolf form? That’s kind of kinky. And don’t forget to invite Cas along.” Finn waltzed out with a smile good-bye to Cas.

  “What’s up?”

  Cas planted himself on the other side of the desk. “I have not had the opportunity to discuss with Luka his work schedule for the pack and how often he will need to run. Perhaps you can fill me in.”

  Uri laughed. “Getting Luka to sit down for five minutes and work is a no-goer. You’ll find he gets a lot done, and he’s damn good at it. he can charm and coerce anyone to his way of thinking most of the time, but he’ll do it in his time and his way. He has an office here but he’s only in it for an hour or so a day. The rest of the time he’s out with the pack, pride, coven and on the phone to others throughout the states and overseas. It’s a lot of communication bullshit I don’t get but am thankful he does as it smooths the way. I generally just have my assistant forward Luka the daily, weekly, and monthly schedules for the pack, whatever important situations are happening and then my individual schedule, as well as Finn’s, Drax’s, and Tripp’s, and Luka takes it from there and works his magic.

  “Just give him your schedules and probably Tudor and Visij’s and Luka knows what to do. As for shifting, well, he’s a wolf that needs to shift for at least an hour or so every day and to run and play with the pack. He won’t mind being in wolf form around the guild once you’re settled in so let your fae and their mates know.”

  “That is a lot of freedom he seems to have,” Cas mused. “And I am impressed.”

  “Luka found his niche young and enjoys it. I have some pack members who are still looking for what they want to do and they’re in their seventies. Drives me frigging crazy! And hell no, Luka has the illusion of freedom, that’s it. It’s not like we want to keep him locked up. That’s just wrong.” Uri growled over that, his grey eyes turning steely. “But he’s a rare wolf and still young. I love him like a brother and found it always best to keep at least two guards on rotation. They don’t have to hover, just be there in case anything happens.”

  “I see.” Cas smiled slowly. “Does he know that?”

  “Sure, but little brother pretends they’re not there.” Uri chuckled. “Now, how do you feel about drag racing?”

  Confused, Cas shrugged. “Neutral.”

  Laughing, the Alpha pulled out an envelope and tossed it across the table to Cas who caught it and peeked inside.

  “Every few weeks, we hold a fairly safe racing afternoon / night. That envelope has the map to where and the next meet. You can place bets through the Armstrong coven, they’re sticklers and won’t rip anyone off. We take turns to provide security for the meet and refreshments. There’s no drinking and driving though and this needs to stay fairly quiet.” Uri flashed a wolfish grin. “Don’t want to get on the wrong side of the local fuzz.”

  “Are you not Chief of Police?” Cas enquired mildly.

  “We-ll, technically, I’m retiring. Tripp’s taken over most of the daily work. And a warning when you race against the bears, watch out, they like to ram other drivers. Afternoon, Dom, Chane.”

  Cas turned slowly and rose. Surprise had him still for a moment as he took in the vampire who entered the Alpha’s office with Prince Dominic Sanchez of the local pride.

  “Chane Taunton. It has been a very long time.”

  “Caspar.” Chane smiled, the vampire still as exotically beautiful as ever with his mix of Korean and Caucasian looks but now he was no longer a monk, his hair in a stylish pompadour and clothes well cut and expensive. “It be good to see you. Dominic inform moi you an guild move to Milson City an you found mate. Luka fortunate to have you.”

  When Cas met Chane years ago the vampire spoke a number of languages which did not include English. Though Chane spoke it now he had a very heavy French accent that was charming rather than irritating. Cas reached out to give the ex-monk a hug but received a very pointed tiger growl from Dominic Sanchez. He held his hands up, puzzled.

  “Moi mate non like others touch moi.” Chane smiled and held his hand out to Dominic who took it and pressed his cheek to Chane’s, purring softly. “Congratulations on finding mates, friend, they be the most special to us.”

  Understanding now, Cas returned Chane’s smile and nodded in agreement. “They definitely are the most special, and precious. You are a very lucky man, Dom.”

  “Yep, very.” Dom grinned. “Where are Luka and Tudor?”

  “Luka’s running.” Uri glanced out the window. “Looks like he’s been rounded up by Drax.”

  “Tudor is in the guest lounge. How are you, Chane?”

  It was good to see Chane. The vampire had been a monk at the time they met in Korea and one of the best herbalist Cas had ever come across. When Cas and his warrior were caught in an ambush, the monks took them in and helped heal with their natural ointments and medicines. Chane had been interesting, and interested in others, taking his time and listening, he had often sat with them and read to them and he wanted to hear all about the fae and life outside of the monastery. Cas and Chane had spent hours talking and playing Korean and fae board games and cards. Chane taught Cas how to use a few plants for pain relief and what plants were good for drying the leaves and smoking, and would not be addictive and cause illnesses. He had laughed, more than the other monks, and the vampire had a very pissy side when ticked off which Cas had found very amusing.

  They spent some time catching up in the guest lounge. Cas introduced Tudor who said he had met Chane a few weeks ago when attending a class at the Armstrong coven Chane ran.

  “You should return to the Armstrong coven soon to do your studies with Lady Delia and Mason,” Cas encouraged his mate.

  “You don’t mind? I mean, I didn’t think you would but you’re in the middle
of moving the guild and there’s the vampire threat against me—no offense, Chane.”

  “None taken.” Chane waved it off. “This vampire sound delusional. Yesterday, I meet tiger, now he be crazy.”

  Dom snickered. “He only jumped over the car because you threatened to give him a rash, honey.”

  “He crazy,” Chane hissed.

  “Okay, we’ll go with that.” Dom just smiled and snuggled Chane close.

  Caspar hoped that soon, very soon, he would be able to banter, laugh, and hold his mates close, and for them to do the same with him and each other. He was glad Luka had needed to run for Cas had slowed down and spent time with his mate, brother, and creatures he now considered friends.

  It was an opportunity he otherwise would have missed. He was sure Luka was going to be teaching him a great many ways to stop and enjoy life more and Cas looked forward to it as long as he got to spend time with both his mates.

  “I wasn’t!” Luka exclaimed, chasing his older brother Drax into the room.

  Drax gave a little curl of the lip but Luka just grinned as he brushed past his brother and plonked down in an armchair.

  “Right, let’s go, Dom, Chane.” Urian called from the doorway, his mate flicking a wave and walking away. “Wait up, Finn.”

  “No way! I’m calling shotgun before that big-headed tiger can!”

  Cas remained with his mates and discussed the Renegade situation and the threat against Tudor with Drax. As an Enforcer for the Alliance, the pack, and part of the Council, Drax had a lot of information and power and provided Cas and Visij with a great deal of relevant and helpful points for their own security.

  He noticed that Tudor talked Luka into joining them on the sofa and they flicked through some of the magazines. He enjoyed watching his mates, the way they interacted and were getting a feel for each other and began to see how they would all work together. And by observing he could see a bit of a pattern. Tudor had been the one to advise Cas not to push with the mating and he hadn’t shown any upset over being ignored by Luka yesterday but today, since shopping with Luka, Tudor was wanting a lot more of Luka’s and, thankfully, Cas’s attention and wasn’t afraid to reach out for it. Like now when having Luka sit beside him and earlier with Cas.