Best Laid Plans

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

  “Nope, dude, I get it. I’m still waiting for my mate you know?”

  “You’ll find him,” Jagger smiled at Xander, shaking his ass at his brother. “When you least expect it.” Grayson felt hands come around his waist and slide up his shirt. His skin went up in flames, as a hot breath caressed his ear. He smiled, grabbing the hands sliding up his torso.

  “Come on Preston, you know I’m with Taylor.” Grayson tried to keep the laughter out of his voice.

  “What?” Taylor turned Grayson around. He scowled when Grayson laughed. “That was not funny.”

  “Jealous much?” Grayson wrapped his arms around Taylor’s neck. Taylor looked around the club. Couples were dancing and some of them were men. He envied them; they held each other close, oblivious to anyone around them. He felt Grayson’s arms sliding off his neck, his eyes met Grayson’s.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I forgot,” Grayson backed away.

  Taylor grabbed his hand, pulling him into a tight embrace. “Come back here and dance with me.”

  “To this?” Grayson laughed. The music playing was Cameo’s “Candy”.

  Taylor tilted his head. “Yep, I can manage this. Come on, shake those hips.” Grayson laughed, as they were surrounded by the rest of the guys in the group. Xander was pumping his hips into Jagger’s. The other guys were rolling their hips in slow circles, flirting with not only women, but men in the club. Grayson could see at least three women and four men, that would love to go home with Kellan or Nick. They just oozed confidence and sex.

  ~~ By two in the morning Grayson was stumbling back into Taylor’s house. His muscles hurt from dancing, and he fell into bed fully dressed. “Can’t move.” Grayson groaned.

  Taylor laughed, crawking up Grayson’s body unbuttoning his pants. He pulled them down and chuckled when Grayson rolled over on his stomach, one leg out. “Go to sleep babe.”

  “M’kay.” Grayson sighed. Taylor brushed his teeth and turned the light off in the bathroom. The shades were partially open and the light of the full moon cast a beautiful glow on Grayson’s body. Taylor climbed into bed and ran his hand over Grayson’s soft skin. Grayson whimpered softly and Taylor kissed his shoulder tenderly.

  “Night babe,” Taylor whispered.

  “Mmm, Taylor…love you.” Grayson sighed. Taylor froze. Did…no. Taylor shook his head, he was hearing things. Wasn’t he? Taylor pulled Grayson into him and wrapped his arms around him. He closed his eyes and thought about what he’d just heard. Or thought he’d heard. “Love you too.” He whispered.

  ~~ Xander gripped the shower wall as Jagger spread his legs out further. Heat tore into him and he cried out as Jagger thrust into him, his orgasm ripped through him hitting the shower tiles. Jagger’s canines punctured his shoulder and Jagger came hard and fast, hands gripping his hips in a vice-like grip. Xander leaned his head back and Jagger took his lips in a gentle kiss. Running his hands into Jagger’s hair, he pressed his tongue into Jagger’s mouth searching every corner. The water ran cold and Xander was off his feet and in the bed before he even realized what happened. Jagger hovered over him, soft kisses on his eyes and neck and Xander sighed.

  “God, that was beautiful. I love it when you make love to me.”

  Jagger rolled on his back and Xander settled into his side. “I love making love to you. I love the fact that you’re so vocal too.”

  “Yeah? You love it when I scream?” Xander chuckled.

  “I love it when you say my name. That’s how I know you’re really with me and no one else.”

  “I’ll never be with anyone else Jagger.” Xander looked into Jagger’s eyes.

  Jagger kissed Xander’s forehead. “Me neither. Good night Xander.”

  “Night.”

  ~~ The clean air of Denali whipped through Xander’s hair, as they flew down the highway. They were going to the park for a BBQ with Jagger and Taylor’s alpha. Xander had to admit he was a bit nervous meeting Wayne. The guy was created, and the power that came with that was absolute. The fact that he was the betas mate, gave him a sense of pride though. Grayson was riding with Taylor in the Jaguar right behind them. Havi Foy8ute.ng the ability to speak to each other mentally, made things a lot easier, especially when they knew how to do it without their mates knowing. Xander could feel Grayson’s apprehension about the meeting, neither one of them had ever met Wayne. The Aston Martin turned onto a gravel road, and then a large cabin came into view. Preston, Tucker and Wesley, were waving at them from the picnic bench. Jagger parked the car, running around to get his mate. “I can feel your unease, Xander. Stop worrying, once you meet Wayne, you’ll wonder why you were so scared.”

  “I’m not scared…” Xander’s skin heated, and then a wave of power ran through his body. A voice breached his head.

  “And you shouldn’t be. You are family, Xander, you and Grayson.” Xander turned to see Wayne standing in the front door of the cabin. A mile wide grin on his face. The air around them heated, as Wayne came closer. Jagger took his hand, pulling him towards Wayne.

  “Do you feel that?” Grayson whispered to Xander.

  “Yeah, I do.” Xander’s heart rate was spiking, sweat rolled down his biceps. “I can pull it back a bit, if it helps?” Wayne took Xander and Grayson’s hands. “Look at you boys, perfect mates for Jagger and Taylor. I couldn’t be happier!”

  “He says that to all of us.” Kellan came out of the cabin, making his way towards them.

  “You’re still here?” Xander shook Kellan’s hand. “Are you on permanent vacation?”

  “Nope, just discussing a few things with Wayne.” Kellan shook Jagger’s hand. “I hope you guys both know just how lucky you are.” Kellan turned to look at Tucker and Wesley. “Some of us are still searching.”

  Wayne took Xander by his shoulders, peering into his eyes. “Jagger bit you, during mating.”

  Xander knew his face was five shades of red. “Yes, he did.” “Don’t be embarrassed boy, that’s normal.” Wayne mussed Xander’s hair. “You need to relax; I ain’t nothin’ worth getting all worked up about.”

  “Pfft!” Preston sat back on the bench. “We were all there, Wayne, when you broke Carson’s leg?”

  Wayne growled playfully, looking over the younger Quinton. “Ya’ll look alike; I see Taylor bit you as well.” Wayne winked.

  “Yes.” Grayson shook Wayne’s hand, the feeling was strange, to say the least. “Well, you boys go relax; I gotta talk to Jagger and Taylor.” Wayne motioned to Jagger and Taylor to follow him. “We’ll see you in a bit.” Wayne took Jagger and Taylor down to wonder lake; they sat down, looking at the landscape. Wayne turned to look at his boys. “Ya’ll over the ‘I ain’t gay’ shit, yet?”

  “What?” Taylor stammered. Wayne sat back, regarding his boys. “Look, I know what your father has done to you two. Breaks my heart that neither of you came to me, I thought we were friends?” Wayne put his hand up, as Jagger opened his mouth to speak. “Shush, point is, I’ve known you were both gay for years, didn’t bother me a damn bit. I’ve known your f Foy8ll ather a long time, if I’d have known what he was doing, I’d have come back sooner. I knew your dad’s dad, and his dad before him, and so on and so forth. I’ve been on God’s green earth a lot longer than I care to say, in that time, I learned quite a few things. You can’t help who you fall in love with, and as werewolves, youreallycan’t help who the fates pick for you. They obviously knew what they were doing, giving you the Quinton boys.” Wayne chuckled, looking at Jagger’s face. “They can deal with you, and I see some changes in you both. You both are in love.”

  Jagger nodded, looking down at his hands. “I was ashamed, after hearing my dad, year after year; I didn’t want him to know. Then, when Taylor got caught…” Jagger shrugged his shoulders. “I really couldn’t tell him.”

  “Well, that’s all changed now. You both need to learn to stand up for yourselves, be who you are; you’ve got great men at your sides. Shit can get ugly, people can be stupid, but you bot
h know how to handle that with your heads held high. I’ve got your back, and I will alwayshave your back.” Wayne took both boys in his arms. “I love you like my own. Embrace love, you never know when it can be taken from you.”

  ~~ Grayson saw Kellan sitting by himself; he made his way over, sitting down next to him. Kellan had to be one of the most beautiful men he’d ever seen. Well…besides Taylor. The man was not only tall, but he bulged muscles, and lord if he didn’t look like walking sex. Grayson giggled, thankful Kellan couldn’t hear his thoughts.

  “What’s wrong Kel?” Kellan sighed, turning to look at Grayson. “You’re nineteen right?”

  “Almost, why?” “I’m in my twenties and still haven’t found my mate. Even Preston has one and he’s younger than you. I just wonder how long I’m going to be alone. I mean, I have my pack and Alex is a great alpha, but I feel empty, ya know? Like something is missing, and it’s constantly there. Alex said even as a made wolf, I’ll get a mate, but what if it takes years?” Kellan sighed, dropping his head. “I just want to find love.”

  “You will, Kellan, when you least expect it. It’s going to bitch slap you and then you’ll forget all about the loneliness, because you’ll havehim, the one that’s meant for you.” Grayson put his arm around Kellan’s shoulders. “He’s going to be everything you ever wanted, every fantasy you ever had come true, and he will feel that same pull to you.”

  “How do you it’s going to be a guy?” Kellan laughed. “What if the fates decide I need to be straight?” Grayson leaned to the side, pretending to puke. “Ew! I have to eat soon!”

  Kellan laughed, picking Grayson up, and throwing him over his shoulder. “Come on, ya little shit.”

  “Put me down!” Grayson struggled, laughing. “I’m a grown man!” Taylor came around the corner of the cabin and stifled a laugh. Kellan had his mate over his shoulder, spanking his ass as he walked. “Hold him like that!” Taylor yelled, running over. “This is perfect.”

  “This is not funny!” Grayson struggled, as Taylor spanked his butt. “I’m so going to kick yo F>

  “He growls like a pup.” Kellan snickered.

  “Oh that’s it, Brady!” Grayson pinched Kellan’s skin by his hip. “Ow! Damn that hurt.” Kellan flipped Grayson over, setting him down. He had to laugh; Grayson was looking up at him with a scowl. “You are just so cute!” Kellan mussed Grayson’s hair.

  “I am not Wyatt.” Grayson crossed his arms over his chest. “Go get Preston.”

  Kellan looked over at the bench. “Ohhh, Preston!”

  “Ohhh, hell no!” Preston ran towards the cabin. Grayson laughed, as Tucker and Wesley ran after Preston into the cabin. Taylor’s hand slipped into his and he looked over at his mate. Taylor’s cheeks were pink and his eyes shone bright. “You look beautiful.” Grayson pulled Taylor into him.

  “I heard you.” Taylor pulled Grayson’s lips to his own. “Is that how you felt, before we found each other?” Grayson nodded. “Yes, like I wasn’t whole just yet. You are everything I have ever wanted in a man.” Grayson slid his arms around Taylor’s neck.

  Taylor pulled Grayson towards the cabin. “Oh? Is that why Kellan looks like walking sex?”

  Grayson’s mouth dropped open. “You heard that?” “Yes,” Taylor laughed, pulling Grayson into his arms. “You are mine though, I’m not jealous anymore. We were fated to be together.” Grayson pulled Taylor back. “You are the only one for me; I’ll never wantanyonebut you.”

  Taylor pulled Grayson to him, palming his face and kissing him softly. “I feel the same way.”

  “Taylor?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m hungry.” Grayson giggled.

  “You’re always hungry, come on.” The table was covered in food, ribs plates were passed around along with BBQ chicken. Corn, green beans, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, coleslaw and it went on and on. Grayson’s plate was piled so high, he grabbed another one. The table was filled with laughter, as Wayne told them old stories about his pack. He’d been around for longer than Grayson had suspected. Wayne told them stories about the civil war and how he and his pack had tried to stay out of the fighting. They’d always wanted peace, and had fought more than one pack in their day. At that time, some werewolves still looked upon humans as food; the Maccon pack had the nasty job of ridding them.

  “So, how long have you been around, Wayne?” Xander raised a brow.

  “I was born in Ireland, during the great potato famine.” Wayne sat back in his chair, crossing his arms.

  “Your mate was human, wasn’t she?” Grayson sat forward, intrigued. “Yes, she was.” Wayne sighed. “I’d changed her, she was going to die and I couldn’t let that happen. The change was hard on her, she almost died from it. We were happy for a long time; she was ma Foy8o dd for the first twenty years.” Wayne chuckled softly. “She eventually came around. Then the wolf hunts started, they were putting traps down everywhere and back then, wolves were hunted for their pelts. Much like they are now. She was out alone, and they killed her.” Wayne sighed, looking at the table of men.

  “I’m so sorry, Wayne.” Jagger took Wayne’s hand. “It was a long time ago. When you find your mates, you’ll know. The pull is there for you both; you will instinctually be drawn to each other. Don’t worry so much.” Wayne winked at Wesley, Tucker and Kellan. “All in due time, boys.”

  “So, now we carry on the line?” Preston tilted his head. “But we are all gay.” The table erupted in laughter and Wayne sat forward, looking at all of them. “You can have women bear your children, but they must never see the pups. Newborns shift a lot at first; it can be a bit, unsettling.”

  “So wait, are we going to live as long as you?” Xander’s eyes went wide. “No, not thatlong.” Wayne chuckled. “But you will live a lot longer than you think. I’m not sure; I’m going to have to read the diaries of the elders.”

  “But there are female werewolves?” Grayson took a bite of his chicken. Wayne nodded. “They are protected above all else, it is rare, that a female survives. She endures much pain. Then they become almost feral for quite a bit of time, attacking anyone around them. I have seen a few in my day, it is horrific to watch.”

  Grayson shivered. “I don’t remember my first change, I was just a baby. It was never painful for me. I guess Troy and Sam were in a lot of a pain though.”

  “The Maccon line is strong; it’s almost like a poison at first. The change can be long or short, depending on the individual.”

  “Can we stop talking about pain?” Tucker looked at his plate. “I’m losing my appetite.” “Pain is a factor of life, Tucker. Once the bond is established, you have most of the Maccon line running through you, only when you find your mate, does the true power flow. It is hard to control at first —”

  Xander laughed. “Yes, I agree with that.” Wayne winked. “But in time, you learn to control it, instead of it controlling you.” Wayne grinned at all the men sitting around the table, staring at him in awe. “Will you boys eat?”

  By midnight, the group was heading to bed. Grayson put his dish in the dishwasher and turned to see Wayne standing by the kitchen door.

  “You’re going to have to push him, Grayson. You and Xander. I’m afraid, if you allow them to keep hiding; they will lose what they love out of fear.” “Taylor’s been okay.” Grayson wiped his hands dry.

  Wayne walked to Grayson, taking him by the shoulders. “You must be strong, have faith.” Grayson leaned against the counter, as Wayne left the kitchen. What did that mean? Stay strong for what? Grayson turned off the light and took the stairs to the top floor. Taylor was in bed reading a book. Grayson crawled in, nestl Fon ing into Taylor’s side. He wouldn’t lose Taylor. Would he?

  “You okay?” Taylor kissed the top of Grayson’s head.

  “Yes.” Grayson closed his eyes, he’d think about it in the morning. ~~Chapter Ten~~ Saturday night arrived and Jagger and Taylor were in the Redington Ballroom of the Millennium Alaska hotel. Dressed in Tuxes, they both lean
ed against the bar taking in the guests. Mostly architects with more than a few business men thrown in. Taylor scanned the crowded ballroom and sucked in a breath. Entering from the side door was Caden Fournier.

  “Fuck,” Taylor cursed under his breath. “Look who just showed up.”

  Jagger looked at his watch. “What time did Grayson say they would be here?” “Eight.” Taylor looked at his watch. “Oh hell, this just keeps getting better and better.” Jagger sighed. Vanessa and Frank arrived and Vanessa shot him a look of disgust. Jagger smiled and winked.

  “No shit.” Taylor sighed and then smiled as his eyes met with Harold Levine’s. Brianna was dressed in a low cut silver gown. Her breasts were popping out of the fabric. Taylor rolled his eyes as both Brianna and Vanessa made a bee-line for Caden Fournier. “Well they have a big surprise in store for them don’t they?” Taylor chuckled.

  Jagger gripped the bar. “Oh God, they’re here.” Taylor’s eyes swept to the door and he locked eyes with Grayson. His mate, in a tux, took his breath away. Grayson gave him a knowing grin, and he and Xander strolled over to the bar.

  “Sorry we’re late.” Grayson winked. “We like to make an entrance.”

  “Yes, I see you’ve caught the attention of quite a few people.” Taylor watched Caden’s eyes on Grayson. “Oh, Caden’s here.” Grayson nodded a hello in Caden’s direction. He smiled when both Brianna and Vanessa turned to see who Caden was smiling at. “Oh, look, they absolutely hate me.” Grayson pouted. “I’m so hurt.”

  Xander chuckled and leaned into his brother’s ear. “Caden is finding you quite enchanting little brother.”

  Grayson looked up and his eyes met with Caden’s. The man raised his glass and Grayson did the same. Both Vanessa and Brianna took Caden by the arm and hurried him away.

  “Well, let’s mingle.” Xander smiled.

  ~~ Grayson stood by the food table and watched the networking going on. He’d barely seen Taylor all night, most of the time he’d been with Xander. Jagger was deep in conversation with Harold Levine, and Taylor was schmoozing with an advertising executive from Toronto. Foy8oeen w Grayson felt a presence next to him and looked up to see Caden Fournier smiling at him.