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

by Jo Penn

  “Oh, okay.” Tudor wasn’t sure what to make of a surly tiger and decided it was best to be cautious and take his time to understand.

  Cas was not so circumspect. “Why would my mate be making arrangements with pack and pride to move the guild?”

  “What? He’s not your Consort so he shouldn’t be making plans like that? He’s just what, the token mate?”

  Oh stars! Tudor rushed into the room waving a hand at the tiger a bit frantically. Because that’s how he felt, frantic that Luka may think he was token anything! Luka was…well, extraordinary and Tudor was still in shock he was actually fortunate enough to be Luka’s mate!

  “Luka thinks that? But that’s not what Cas was saying! He was expressing how he felt about me, yes, but Luka also—”

  “Yeah, I heard that Tudor, so did Luka and Laurie. Oh, don’t worry, Luka doesn’t get hung up on titles and that type of thing, so he won’t give you guys a hard time.” The tiger stomped out shooting them both glares.

  Tudor turned to Cas, alarmed. “We need to speak to Luka.”

  “We will. Now.”

  Not able to stand the thought of Luka feeling hurt, left out, or not as important, Tudor rushed after Cas who seemed to know exactly where to go. He felt sure Cas could make things right. The fae was strong and smart and wouldn’t stop until he resolved any problems.

  Cas led them to the large kitchen at the back of the house. Pushing open the door, Tudor immediately saw Luka licking chocolate off his lips and holding a donut.

  The wolf winked at them. “You caught me, I’m a chocaholic.”

  “I will make sure you have a ready supply, my mate.” Cas planted one hand on the table in front of Luka, the other on the back of their mate’s chair and leaned close. “Marco informed Tudor and I that you heard us on the steps a short time ago discussing the Consort title. Are you upset by this?”

  “What, that you gave the title to Tu?” Luka gave a careless smile and shrugged, licking chocolate off his fingers. “Why should I be? He’s our mate, I want him to be happy. And you.”

  Tudor sighed with relief. Luka seemed fine. Thank the stars above.

  “Umm, and we were talking about you, too. Cas and I both said how much we care and how amazing you are.”

  “Oh, that’s sweet, babe, thanks. Dinner should be here soon. Wanna help me set up the plates?”

  Cas pressed his nose to Luka’s cheek and sniffed deeply, taking a moment before leaning back a little. “You are generous of spirit and heart, my wolf, I will always remember and never take you for granted. Marco also mentioned you were arranging your pack and the pride to help our guild move to the valley. This is thoughtful, but even more, what the mate of a leader does and is needed. I will sort the titles—”

  “Nah, I’m good, big guy.” Luka spun around on the seat and jumped up, away from Cas. “I’m the interspecies public relations officer, remember, already have a title. Now, we need how many plates, glasses, and cutlery, Tu?”

  “No, my wolf, we are going to dinner. Tudor has not been able to enjoy his time in Milson City before now and you know all the good places to eat.”

  “Yeah? Right, sure. I’ll get these plates out—”

  “They can do it, Luka.” Tudor approached his mate and wrapped his arms around Luka’s waist. “I really want all of us to spend some time together, and maybe after if you’re up for it…” Tudor slid a hand down to Luka’s very fine, toned ass.

  “Sure, we can do that.” Luka grinned and sniffed Tudor.

  But when Tudor went to kiss his mate, just a light peck on the lips, Luka stepped away and made a show of looking at his watch. With a wink and sexy grin, the wolf said he had to go shower and get ready. Everything seemed right…it wasn’t though, Luka was off.

  Tudor looked at Cas wide eyed as the door closed behind Luka. “He wasn’t warm to the touch. He was cool, Cas.”

  * * * *

  Cas had dismissed Tudor’s concern over Luka’s body heat in the kitchen earlier that night as nothing more than a bit of residual worry. The wolf had seemed his normal, cheerful self and throughout dinner entertained them with stories, introduced Cas and Tudor to everyone who greeted him, and there were a lot of humans and creatures who came over to the table to see Luka, all of them obvious with their affection for Cas’s mate.

  It made him jealous beyond imagining, and a few times he saw Tudor’s hand twitch as though he were about to strike creatures with his magic. Luka excused himself a lot to either talk to friends in the restaurant or answer his phone. There was something going on with Luka’s brother Drax and Mason Armstrong and Cas didn’t interfere, though he wanted to, very much so. This dinner should have been about them being together, as Tudor had said.

  Finally, Luka returned to the table and encouraged Tudor to choose a desert, recommending the pecan pie with whipped crème and caramel sauce. Taking out his ringing phone, Luka glanced at the screen. Reaching over, Cas snagged his mate’s phone, hit the silence button, and tossed it onto the middle of the table.

  The wolf was stunned. “What are you doing?”

  “Tonight is about us, our first night out together, yet you leave the table constantly and answer calls, speaking to others instead of spending time with your mates. The phone remains there for the rest of the dinner.”

  “Fine, then dinner is finished and I’m out of here,” Luka growled, hazel eyes narrowing on Cas.

  “Let’s not argue,” Tudor interrupted firmly. “Cas, you’re annoyed, as am I, but there are better ways to say it. And Luka, can you please just put aside the phone and concentrate on us?”

  “Sure, babe, whatever.”

  While Luka brushed off the episode as though it had never happened, Cas was more watchful, observing how Luka kept a physical distance from Tudor and himself. Luka gave up his dessert to them, but didn’t try either of theirs. There were also a number of other little tell-tale signs something was wrong. Luka’s behavior was almost like when he had taken the potion Laurie made and didn’t feel a connection to either Cas or Tudor. He was dismissive, charming still, but impersonal. Cas discreetly used his magic to see if Luka had the potion or another in his system and frowned when he could not detect any.

  Out of the restaurant, Cas tried to take Luka’s hand but the wolf evaded him, using his hand to point out some landmark and slipped ahead of Cas and Tudor to play tour guide. The mate had all the moves, was full of charm and distraction, and kept a good distance between them so there wouldn’t be any physical touching. Normally, Cas would try to communicate verbally but as that wasn’t working he went for physical with his wolf. Grabbing Luka as soon as they returned to the house and holding him close, he captured his mate’s lush soft lips.

  The kiss was weak and without any heat whatsoever. When Cas broke contact and leaned back, though didn’t let Luka go, the wolf winced and touched his head.

  “Luka? What’s wrong?” Tudor worriedly petted Luka’s arm.

  “Nothing, I’m good. Look, I have to get this.”

  Cas released Luka and stepped back. There was no point holding onto the man when it was obvious he wasn’t ready to communicate. Whatever was bothering Luka, he was keeping to himself. Usually when there were problems, big or small, Cas dealt with them swiftly. He wasn’t insensitive and he knew when to open up and talk, communicate with others about feelings and opinions. And he was old enough to know the right and wrongs and when something needed fixing. It felt like he’d had a door slammed in his face and he had no idea why.

  Tudor was staring at Luka as the wolf walked out the front door with the damn phone attached to his ear once again. Cas’s wizard seemed just as puzzled, and just as concerned.

  “Do you think he’s lost interest?” Tudor turned to Cas, eyes troubled. “Maybe it’s because of the fertility wolf.”

  “Perhaps Luka is distracted by his brother’s situation with Mason.”

  “Maybe. Mason’s better though and he and Drax are mates, so they should be able to work through an
y issues.”

  “Yes, which is the same with you, Luka, and I. I must check with Visij on the house security plan for tonight and tomorrow. Why don’t you get ready for bed?”

  Tudor nodded and headed upstairs.

  Cas stayed where he was a few moments, thinking, then did as he told Tudor he would do and checked with Visij on the details for this evening and tomorrow. There was always a lot to do when leading a guild but with Lieutenant had been doing this so long he knew exactly what needed to be done and did it.

  Upstairs, he ran into Luka talking quietly to Laurie and Marco, all three shutting up when Cas appeared. They dispersed, with Luka falling into step beside Cas.

  “So I’m guessing you want to fuck now,” Luka said with casual crudeness. “I have a few things to do, behind in my job, so you know, it’d be good if you and Tudor had time alone like you and I did. Maybe even claim each other and bond.”

  What Luka proposed was reasonable and even considerate, but then Cas was finding the wolf to be very considerate and thoughtful.

  “I would like to spend time with Tudor as you and I did, but I would also like all of us to be together and bond. Tudor? What would you like?”

  “Sorry, wasn’t up for debate. You two go, have fun, screw and bond. I’ve got a pile of emails and dozens of frigging forms that need completing before tomorrow.” Luka quickly turned on his heel and headed back toward the stairs. “Enjoy yourselves!”

  “Wait!” Tudor rushed after their mate. “I could help with the forms.”

  Luka quirked a brow. “I didn’t know you were an interspecies relations officer, Tu.”

  “Oh, well, I’m not, but I’m sure I could help.”

  “Thanks, but I’d spend more time showing you all the laws, regulations, and pack rules. Go, bond.” With a grin and wink, Luka ambled off and not to the room Cas had provided his mate.

  He had been hoping they would all be together now. Something was definitely wrong. While Luka could be charming with no substance beneath, he hadn’t been like that with Cas and Tudor today. They had begun to bond so this sudden change in behavior was cause for concern.

  And Cas wanted his wolf mate. He had enjoyed—no, he was loving everything about Luka. His exuberance, his generous deep spirit, the caring and thoughtfulness, and yes, the fun cheekiness and needs. Already, the thought of no longer receiving Luka’s attention, receiving genuine smiles, left a gaping hole in Cas’s heart.

  Not sure what to think, he held out his hand to his wizard, smiling when Tudor slipped a hand into his without hesitation. Using that hold to draw his mate close, he held Tudor gently, lovingly.

  Why did it feel he was losing his wolf mate before he had even managed to fully obtain Luka? It was a highly unpleasant feeling and not one Cas could ignore. Cupping Tudor’s chin, he kissed his wizard’s cheek.

  “I am sorry, Tudor, I feel you are correct. There is something bothering our mate and I think it best I address this now.”

  “Let’s go find him.”

  Chapter Nine

  He was just taking a walk, stretching his legs and letting his wolf out. He wasn’t planning to go anywhere. Not really. He was just confused and a bit miffed.

  What sort of word was that anyway? Miffed. Was it even a word? He’d heard Laurie use it enough to begin wondering if the wizard just made the shit up. Witches and wizards were known for doing that, like spells and potions. That’s why there were so many explosions coming from the Armstrong coven and why they were looking at land away from there to do all their bigger experiments. One day someone would get a bit too creative and blow the whole damn place up!

  Wandering into his condo building, still in wolf form, Luka gave a startled yelp when a creature jumped out of the stairwell and landed heavily on his back.

  Luka was pretty sure something snapped and it hurt like hells! He growled and tried to shake the fucker off. But the creature was big and clung like struck by Tudor’s gluing magic, or whatever it was the wizard did.

  Thinking of his mate made Luka’s heart hurt a little and his body feel just a bit weaker. The creature snapped something around his neck and all the fight left him. Luka flopped in a pathetic mess on the Italian tiled floor.

  “You sure that’s him?” a nasally voice snapped, sounding a bit uncertain. “Isn’t he meant to give off some powerful scent or something?”

  Doofus. Luka sighed. These idiots were going to get themselves a major ass kicking when the pack and pride caught up with them. And if Vicus got to them first, well damn, they’d be eviscerated. The Avenger didn’t play with his prey, he annihilated.

  “Yes I’m sure,” The creature who snapped the collar on Luka snarled. “I saw him shift right in front of me the other day when those vamps snatched the wizard outside city hall.”

  “Then why isn’t he giving off pheromones?” another voice demanded, female this time.

  “As if I know! He probably controls it, like any kind of gift or magic. Now let’s stop debating and get the hell out of Milson Valley before we’re caught.”

  Picked up as though he weighed no more than a pup, which was a bit of an insult for a full grown wolf, Luka managed a little growl and snap of his teeth at the man’s arm that carried him but didn’t have the energy or drive to do anything more.

  His mates didn’t need him. Funny how he’d gone from carefree wolf not wanting to mate to loving his mates and wanting the mateship.

  Except he wasn’t really anything more than the fertility wolf, though Cas had never really understood what that meant, what was beneath the fertility label. May as well get taken and used, probably do some good to fertility rates where he was going and not be a token mate here.

  Gods, he was acting like a pathetic whiny, little cub! So not his style. He’d just drag his only good for one thing ass back to his mates and be the token one in the group. He was a wolf after all. They stayed with their mates no matter what, unless there was something detrimentally wrong, but he wasn’t going to let a group of idiots abduct and abuse him.

  With a lot of effort—what the hell was with this collar?—Luka managed to get his head turned and with a growl and a snap he took a chunk out of the man’s chest holding him. He also gagged a bit and spat. Like, yuck! He’d gotten nipple hair in that mouthful.

  Dropped on his stomach, ouch, wolves didn’t land on their feet like felines, Luka managed to lift his head.

  And just in time to see the creature who’d collared him explode. Chunks of the man shot off in every direction and rained down. It was the grossest thing he’d ever witnessed. Kinda of cool, too.

  “Luka!” Tudor dropped to his knees beside Luka and petted him, hands shaking. “I was so scared when I saw that asshole carrying you toward the van. Where do you hurt? What is this? An inhibitor?”

  Luka managed a pathetic whine, yelping as another creature exploded, the female this time. Then he saw what was making creatures exploded.

  Caspar. And man, was the fae ever enraged! He vibrated with it and, if possible, he seemed to be getting bigger. Nah, must be a trick of the light. Pretty cool though, as was how no one was going near the big fae, all too afraid as he growled. The creatures who had been part of the gang abducting Luka were all cowering and looking trapped. There was nowhere to run or hide, Cas had them cornered. He snapped his fingers.

  A creature exploded into itty bitty pieces.

  Gross. But cool.

  It wasn’t so cool when normally warm grey blue eyes fixed on Luka. Now they were so hot he whimpered a little.

  “Shh, you’re okay, we won’t let anyone hurt you.” Tudor was pulling and tugging, twisting and making a pretty funny face as he concentrated on removing the collar. “What is with this collar! Caspar, I can’t get the damn thing off Luka. Can you stop blowing up creatures for a moment and help me? I think it’s sucking out all of Luka’s energy which come to think of it might come in handy as I don’t think I’ll be able to keep up with him—hey! No biting!”

  Luka gave a cheeky
wolf grin which quickly morphed into innocent sad puppy face when Caspar crouched in front of him.

  “Is there a problem here?”

  Luka rolled his eyes at Tripp, the pack’s Second. That was the bear trying to be subtle and failing miserably.

  Caspar studied the collar. “Nothing I cannot handle. A cleanup crew would be appreciated.”

  “Were these dumb fucks trying to abduct Luka?” Tripp shook his head, grimacing over a piece of hand. “They never learn. Why does his scent smell off?”

  Shit, Tripp would notice, like Marco did earlier which just got the protective tiger all riled up. Luka didn’t want that. He could work it out himself with his mates before any damage was done…hopefully. Okay, his body temperature kept dropping and he had absolutely no interest in sex and he felt pretty ordinary. Not sick or anything, just…not quite himself.

  Tripp would just screw it all up.

  “Possibly due to the collar,” Tudor answered. “Can you remove it, Cas?”

  “Not if I wish to avoid any possible injury to Luka. Vine should be able to remove it though.”

  “No, I’ve smelled the change twice before and there wasn’t a collar involved.” Tripp growled, which was a bit like a tree falling close by. “Is his body cool to the touch?”

  Luka tried to scramble away but Caspar just grunted and picked him up. He whined and panted.

  “If he is, you’ll need to stay real close to him and figure out what may have caused him to distance himself from his feelings, otherwise he’ll get cold and that’ll be it.”

  Yeah, thanks Tripp, always ratting Luka out. Luka sighed, well, as best he could in wolf form. Not Tripp’s fault, the bear was protective and always looked out for others. Luka loved the big brute like another annoying, stick his nose in where it didn’t belong, brother.

  “Oh, ah, get close as in...?” Tudor blushed.