by Jo Penn
“There, eat up.” Marco placed plates in front of Tudor and Luka.
Laurie had batter all over him and some type of syrup. With a grumble, he sat down and started eating like he had been starved for a year.
Tudor wasn’t surprised. His kind used a lot of energy and needed to eat frequently, and when they had overdone it with their magic, they tended to act like ravenous beasts.
Marco kicked Laurie’s leg. They squabbled then moved onto flinging food and talking. Tudor watched it all with interest. Luka was pretty cool, probably had one of those little captions under his name in the school year book that said ‘coolest in school!’ But what Tudor really saw was that Luka cared about others and really enjoyed life, didn’t get down, looked on the bright side no matter what and bought others along for the ride.
Now Tudor himself could be plagued by insecurities like not feeling he was good enough, but that was ridiculous. Everyone had value, despite the way his old coven treated him. His parents had shown him every single person, creature and human, was worthwhile. Sure, he wasn’t perfect, but he wasn’t sure anyone was. And that was fine, too.
He missed his best friend, Corey. The other wizard never let anything really bother him either. Corey was fun and optimistic.
“Where’s Cas?” he asked, reaching for his fifth waffle.
He had a feeling he wasn’t going to get anymore of Luka’s attention today. The wolf was already up and cleaning off his plate, eyes still glued to the phone.
“Back in L.A. speaking to his guild.” Marco had eaten ten waffles and reached for another. “He opened a portal and just walked straight on through.”
“Gotta go.” Luka absently waved in the general vicinity of the table as he walked out of the kitchen.
“Where’s he going?” Tudor asked.
He was suddenly feeling the need to know where his mates were. He had listened to what both Luka and Cas said yesterday about not actually opening up and trying with their mating so since waking he wanted to spend some time with them. Except it appeared they had other things to do.
Marco just shrugged while Laurie kept eating. Visij had nearly had a break down when he walked into the kitchen and found it covered in flour, syrup and a few other things Tudor didn’t know. After eating a few more waffles and helping to clean up the kitchen, Tudor went to wander outside. Marco said he was scouting and shifted into his tiger form which was an amazing sight. He was big as a human, and as a tiger. Until yesterday, Tudor had never seen a shifter in shifted form and didn’t have time to appreciate the sight. Now he did. He followed Marco around, watching how the shifter patrolled, how he moved and was alert to everything.
It was a funny thing really. Tudor couldn’t leave the property due to the protective magic that surrounded it. He could see through the barrier as though it wasn’t even there, yet no one could see inside. All they saw was an illusion of the house.
Half an hour later, he saw a car pull into the driveway through the magical shield and stop in front of the large garage. Four creatures climbed out, including Luka.
“Thanks, little bro. Want to hang around for a while?”
A shorter man, gorgeous with strawberry blond hair and large sapphire blue eyes, smiled up at Luka. He opened his mouth, possibly to respond, but a man with blond hair, black rimmed glasses and not a lot taller than the strawberry blond wagged a finger under Luka’s nose. Tudor would have intervened but Luka was grinning.
“No, he has things to do today, with me.”
“Deakin.” A tall slender man wearing a long dark tan leather coat with a hood spoke quietly.
But there was a lot of authority in that one word and Tudor tensed. The creature was an Avenger, the deadliest kind of creature around. Was Luka safe? Just in case he wasn’t, though it was stupid to go up against an Avenger, Tudor thought up a dozen spells and moved closer.
The blond huffed, shooting the big Avenger a petulant look. “Fine, with us. Though I don’t see how it’s fair I have to do some stupid hunting game when I’m not even able to scent!”
Wow, the blond was a tad high strung.
“We voted, mate.” The Avenger’s attention was suddenly on Tudor. “Wizard, you may stand down, Luka is my mate’s surrogate brother. He is safe.”
Luka grinned widely. He gave the strawberry blond a hug that got him growled at by the Avenger and slapped at by the blond. He just laughed and ducked out of the way and came over to Tudor.
“Oh, were you worried about me, babe? I’m touched.” Luka winked and sniffed Tudor.
“Yes, I was,” Tudor said quietly, glad he didn’t have to go up against an Avenger. He wanted to make sure Luka knew he was serious though. He would defend and take care of his mate.
Tudor frowned and tugged Luka closer. The wolf had been looking around, not really paying Tudor attention. When Tudor tugged Luka’s navy blue polo shirt, the sexy creature looked at him fully.
“What’s up, babe? Hey, come meet my mate, guys.” Luka waved the creatures he’d arrived with over. “Now, the big one in the leather coat is Vicus Aston, he’s the valley’s Avenger. The blond is Deakin Myers, best senior records officer in the world.” Luka winked at the blond. “And this wolf is my brother, Ran Markson.” Luka tossed an arm over Tudor’s shoulders. “Vic, Deak, Ran, meet my wizard mate, Tudor Masters. Oh, hey, Marco, guess what!”
Tudor found himself let go abruptly as Luka hurried away. He was guessing this would happen often with Luka. The wolf was full of energy, and extreme everything. Tudor smiled, liking Luka just the way he was. Though he’d be trying to rein the wolf in a bit, he actually liked knowing where his mate was and what he was up to.
“Hello…ah, would you like to come in? I can make some coffee.”
“Unnecessary. Stay safe, Tudor, and take care of your mates.” Vicus took hold of his mates and ushered them toward the car.
After a moment, Tudor turned his lips inward to stop himself from smiling. The Avenger had his hands full. Deakin was protesting the fact he had to do some scenting game and why couldn’t they go have a low calorie carrot cake and decaf coffee instead? When Vicus just moved Deakin along, the man almost tripped and then blamed Vicus for it. Meanwhile, Ran had ambled away to where Luka and Marco were staring up at the clouds and laughing.
The Avenger put Deakin in the car, ordered him to stay, then strode over and grabbed Ran by the back of his cashmere cardigan. Luka and Marco followed them back to the car while Tudor went and sat on the steps. Once Avenger Vicus and his mates had left, Luka grinned and came to sit beside Tudor.
“That was nice you asked them in for coffee. So, now that you’re free of the dickhead vampire and your ex-coven, what’re you going to do? Work with Mason at the Armstrong coven?”
“Yes.” Tudor had thought over what Lady Delia and Lord Mason said yesterday a lot.
“Good. I think you’re going to be real ambitious.”
“Unlike you, buddy.” Marco jogged up the stairs past them completely naked.
“Hey! I’m the best interspecies public relations officer around—shit! I’ve got to file that Form 23Cb or I’ve got to attend that stupid training course.”
Tudor watched Luka rush off, phone in hand. Yeah, he could just imagine Luka being the best interspecies public relations officer. He may not fill out paperwork and probably didn’t put much time in at the office, but he could charm and smile his way into, and out of, anything.
And Tudor waited. And waited some more. Fae came and went. Laurie sat with him for a while, and they talked about spells and looked up training manuals on the Armstrong coven’s website. Luka and Marco bought him out a snack and Visij grumbled about Tudor being stubborn.
He wasn’t being stubborn. He was living. He’d never just sat around doing nothing but watching clouds and the world go by. Always rushed to jobs, back to the coven to perform duties there, sneak out with Corey and a few others whenever possible, and that was it. This was…nice. Tudor wouldn’t do it often, but right here and now
he liked it.
And he was waiting for Cas. The fae leader had a lot of responsibilities, Tudor was sure, and was used to doing what was needed, probably without considering others in his plans.
“Where’s the wolf?” Visij appeared in front of Tudor.
Tudor shrugged and continued peeling the orange Luka had dropped in his lap earlier. He frowned and looked around. “He was here twenty minutes ago. Isn’t he inside with Laurie and Marco?”
“Now, you’d think that,” Visij grumbled, a hand sweeping dark hair off his face. “But he isn’t.”
“Did you check his or Cas’s rooms?”
“Of course I did,” Vis snapped, then sighed. “Sorry. Trying to keep up with those three is a frigging nightmare. I need more guards here.”
“Why don’t you take the pack up on their offer to send out guards, or was it the pride? Either way, you’d have the security needed and be able to do that long list of jobs that has you running around.” Tudor had observed Visij most of the afternoon. The second worked very hard and was very dedicated. He liked the fae’s strength and intelligence, and that he had a sense of humor.
“Huh, that’s a good idea. Why the hell are you just sitting there?”
“Never got to just sit before and do nothing. And I’m waiting for Cas.”
“He’ll be back in five minutes, so I better find your other mate.”
Luka, yawning, wandered out. “What’s for dinner? Laurie said there’s no food.”
Visij looked like he wanted to strangle someone. The second grumbled something under his breath and stomped off.
“Does that mean there’s nothing for dinner?” Luka shrugged. “I’ll order in. How many are here, do you think?”
“Twenty-two.”
“Cool. Preference?”
Since moving to Milson City, Tudor had enjoyed trying different foods and found he liked the spicier the better.
“Thai, something spicy, but no fish.”
“‘Kay, babe. I might go for a run.”
“Probably better to wait until Cas gets back.”
Luka absently patted Tudor’s head, twirled a curl then, whistling, hurried away once again talking on his phone.
Tudor wondered if he’d even be able to keep his mate still long enough to fuck.
“Hello, Tudor.”
Turning, Tudor looked up at Cas. There was a lot to like about the man, and Tudor found himself liking Cas more with each passing hour. Yes, there was the mate attraction between them, the draw. The fact they were soul mates, so pretty much perfect for one another, meant Tudor was bound to like Cas. He was just surprised he did. A lot. And wanted to spend time with him. He would have spent time with Luka today but the wolf shifter couldn’t seem to stay still for long and was being extreme, not wanting to be in one spot and going from one thing to another.
Taking his time, he studied Cas. Tall and solid, definitely a warrior physique, he was tough and in charge. But as Luka had said yesterday, there was more to Cas. He listened and took advice, worked hard, and took time with each of his guild. He had also given Tudor and Luka time yet hadn’t asked for anything himself.
“Hi.” Tudor smiled. “You were gone a long time.”
Cas frowned. “I was, longer than I expected to be. I should have called.”
“Yeah, that would have been good. And let me know where you were going.”
Cas looked surprised and moved to the step beside Tudor. He sat. “You were resting, my mate. I did not wish to disturb you.”
Tudor shot Cas the stink eye. “I have trouble with that because I know from Visij you planned to leave first thing in the morning. You told him last night after both Luka and I were sleeping. You could have left a note for us.”
Tudor had observed a lot today, as he had yesterday during all the commotion. Cas was cool under pressure, very smart, authoritative without going overboard, tough and the rock that everyone leaned on. He wasn’t that good at sharing information though and thought to do it all himself. That would have to change.
And possibly Cas would like that to change in some ways. Yes, Cas was born to be a leader and commander and that would never change, but a lot of people had that potential when given the opportunity. Tudor thought that Cas might like to leave some of the commanding to others who could deal with it.
Sitting on these front steps today had filled Tudor with a whole new outlook. Maybe it had even begun when he’d been taken from his old coven and bought here, to Milson City with its abundance of creatures, its freedoms and acceptance. It didn’t matter when it had begun, this outlook, Tudor was going to grasp it with both hands. He could have something good here, wonderful in fact, and the only way that was going to happen was to stand up and be the person he had deep inside.
“You may be right,” Cas said slowly, studying Tudor. “What have you been doing today, my wizard?”
“Watching, thinking. Learning.” Tudor smiled and leaned over and kissed Cas lightly on the lips. They hadn’t kissed yet, not properly. “I was never going to stay in my old coven forever, I had plans, you know? A few connections, a way out. Then I overheard the Senator, and all my plans got thrown aside, and here I am, in a better place.”
Cas smiled, his forefinger tracing Tudor’s cheek. “I feel you would have many ideas and plans, my beautiful wizard. You think of others, you plan ahead. I can see you will make things happen.” Cas took one of Tudor’s hands and squeezed. “I wished to let you know immediately that you are safe, and not just from the delusional old vampire who was at Minstral and attacked us yesterday. The Senator had made a bargain with the vampire and lent some of his creatures to help grab you. Xavier had the Senator arrested yesterday. The creature fought and was killed when attempting to get away.”
Holy stars. Tudor shivered. “So…that’s it? I don’t need to testify?”
“No. Your statement, along with the others that overheard, plus what Xavier and other investigators have dug up on the Senator is more than enough to bring down anyone associated with him. The Senator is dead. His co-conspirators are being arrested.”
“Wow. So I can go back to work? I can work with Mason on changing the witch and wizard coven ways?”
“Yes, my wizard. The Armstrong coven is fortunate to have you, as is our guild.”
Tudor’s eyes widened. “Our guild.”
“That is right. We are mates. You are my Consort.”
Tudor grinned, really grinned. “And Luka?”
“Hmm, two mates are not a common occurrence among my kind. Usually the title only goes to a mate, and I just gave it to you.” Cas lightly kissed Tudor’s lips. “I can see you will be the perfect Consort. I am honored you are mine.”
Smiling, flushing a little from the sincerity in his mate’s voice, Tudor took Cas’s hand in his. “We need to spend time together. The danger’s over. I would like to go out and see the city properly. Luka probably knows all the good places to go.”
“I would like that. Where is our gorgeous wolf?”
“He went inside to call for food delivery. Since its safe now maybe you should drop the protective shield and save magical energy?”
Cas thought on it for a few minutes then agreed and removed the shield. They sat and talked a while longer. Cas explained about his guild, how it worked, the move to Milson City, and what Tudor wanted. It made him realize he hadn’t asked Cas if this was what the big fae had wanted.
“From what Visij said, Luka pretty much chose the property the guild is moving to. Is it what you and Visij wanted? And to be mated to both of us?”
“Our wolf is smart and knows the area well. I trust him completely to have the guilds well-being at heart. As for us, as I have said, I have waited a very long time for mates and am amazed by you, Tudor. I love your blushes, your silky hair, the freckles and creamy skin, I admire your resilience and quiet determination, and can see you going far.”
Blushing, Tudor murmured thanks. “You’re not too bad yourself, leading an entire guild and som
ehow remaining so solid and focused all these years. I hope I can be the same.”
“Just be yourself, that is all I want and love.”
“Love?” Tudor blinked.
Cas wrapped his arms around Tudor and pulled him close against his chest. “Of course. We are fated mates, the other half of one another. I see you, Tudor, your courage and caring, everything. Why would I not be falling in love with you?”
Turning around in his mate’s arms, Tudor swung a leg over Cas’s lap and sat. Being so close like this, pressed together, was intoxicating to Tudor’s senses. Cas kissed him, his kisses vastly different from Luka’s sweet, pleasure filled ones. Cas’s were full of aggression, passion, and demands and turned Tudor on in a different way.
They were lost in each other, touching, kissing, exploring and learning, the passion living between them. Tudor wanted nothing more than to strip his mate and enjoy every inch of the fae, but as he had never been an exhibitionist he dialed it back and separated his lips from Cas’s, dragging in lungfuls of much needed air, Cas doing the same. They stared at each other for a time. Tudor smiled and silently cursed the blush that covered not just his face but his chest.
“Take me to dinner, fae prince.”
Cas leered. “I’d rather take you upstairs to bed, where there won’t be any sleep.”
“You’re just after my body!” Tudor mock exclaimed. “I’m not that type of guy, you have to dine and wine me first, then I’m all yours.”
“I’m all for that.”
Tudor squealed when Cas stood straight up, Tudor in his arms. As that made him feel a bit like a damsel being carted around, he demanded Cas put him down, the fae first tickling him and sucking on his neck. It was good to see the fun side of his mate. Finally put on his feet as they passed the living room, he looked in to see Marco glaring at the television.
“Oh, Marco, where’s Luka?” Tudor chuckled. “It feels like I’ve been asking that all day.”
“Yeah?” Marco lounged back on the sofa, watching Tudor and Cas with lazy disinterest. “He’s a busy guy, got lots going on, Halloween to plan, little league team to coach, arranging the pack and pride to help move you guys in, that sort of thing.”