by Joyee Flynn
“Of course, Mother.” I snickered. “I’ll warn all the bad guys I’m off-limits.”
“You do that,” she sniffled.
“I’m okay, Mommy,” I whispered in her ear just so only she could hear. I felt her nod. Yeah, I might have been seventy-six years old and a warrior, but in our world that was nothing. I was barely a pup. And sometimes, as the baby of the family, it was only fair to act like it when the situation was appropriate.
“So, as I was saying,” Victor said, clearing his throat.
I glanced up at him and saw the hurt in his eyes. I mouthed I’m sorry to him, and he gave me a nod. I shouldn’t have jumped on him that he betrayed my confidence behind my back. Vic was up-front. If he was going to tell everyone, he would have just said it whether I liked it or not.
“We went to the Council after you stabilized because there weren’t just the five humans you told us about, Damian.”
“It was five. I didn’t hurt anyone else.” I shook my head, sure I knew how many men I had killed.
“You didn’t, but they did,” Victor said gently. I felt my eyes go wide as my mother held me tighter, laying her head on my shoulder as she rubbed my back. “There were a dozen bodies at the back of that warehouse, Damian. You weren’t the first, and you weren’t going to be their last either.”
“So what happens now with the Council?” I asked quietly, knowing I was in shock.
“According to them, it never happened. You were injured on a mission and will get some time off for medical reasons. But other than that, they are dealing with it through back channels to the human authorities. Those twelve missing were a big deal and all over the news. They had no leads, no idea who was doing all the killing. You stopped that, bro.” Victor smiled as if full of pride.
“Are you fucking shitting me?” I exclaimed, moving away from my mother and getting out of bed, hospital gown be damned. Victor’s eyes went wide with shock as I’m sure most everyone was feeling. I was the quiet one, the goofy one, the baby. I never stood up to any of them. “I get drugged at a club that you, Micah, and Riley looked at me like I was a freak for going to, and then you saw how much damage they did to me before I freaked out and killed them—”
“Get out,” Cyrus snarled as he grabbed me from behind and put his hand over my mouth. “This is too much for him after what he went through.” I kept struggling, but I was still hurt and weak. “Amante, don’t do this. I’m not the enemy. Neither is your brother, okay? Your emotions are spiraling after such a trauma. Hold it together and we’re going to relax.”
I nodded, the energy and strength to fight leaving me. Victor came closer as everyone else walked out the door.
“I don’t care what happened or how things went down. I will still always be proud of you, Damian. We were shocked that the baby of the family was at such a club. Nothing more,” he said gently. “And since we all knew what the club was…” He trailed off.
My eyes went wide with understanding. “Really?”
“Sometimes it’s fun to take a walk on the wild side.” He chuckled and gave me a wink. “But you still took down five armed men while drugged and in the shape you were in. Yeah, I’m fucking proud of you and even prouder to be the one you called when you needed help.” He glanced up at my mate, fixing him with an intense stare. “There isn’t just the eight of us. Damian is beloved around here, especially by the warriors. You hurt him, and I promise you there won’t be anywhere you can hide. Yeah?”
“Yeah, I hear you,” Cyrus replied with a growl. “I would never hurt my mate.”
“I’m not talking physically, Antonio,” Victor said, rolling his eyes. “You’d never get the drop on Damian. He’s wicked fast and gifted. I’m talking about hurting him as only a mate can.”
“So was I,” my mate replied. I had just one question.
“Who’s Antonio?”
Victor threw back his head and laughed as he left, closing the door behind him since he was the last one out.
“Your brother keeps calling me Antonio, like Antonio Banderas, because of my accent,” Cyrus grumbled as he led me back to the bed. “He’s charming, by the way.”
“You better get used to it.” I snickered as he walked around to the other side of the bed and lay down with me. “I’m the baby of the family and Victor’s not only the eldest and my brother. He’s like my best friend. You’ll like him, everyone does. I think he’s just worried because we met after what I just went through.”
“Don’t kid yourself, amante,” he said gently as he pulled me to lie half on his chest and body. “Part of it is yes, you are the baby. But so far your brothers are mated to smaller men, yes?”
“Yeah, I mean Riley isn’t as small as the others, but yeah, my brothers are the bigger ones of the couple.” And just like that the lightbulb went off over my head. “He’s figured out why I was at the club, hasn’t he?”
“Probably. But he didn’t pick on you or judge you and made a point to say he loved you and was proud of you. I don’t think he cares. He’s worried.” He sighed as he rubbed my back, trailing his fingers over the top of my ass. “I do respect him after seeing the way he is with you. I’m sure I’ll like him later though.”
“Okay.” I started to get turned on, and I realized I had yet to even kiss my mate. I mean, yeah, we didn’t meet under the best circumstances for that and all. And we’d been interrupted earlier and nothing killed the mood like having one’s mother come in. But now we were alone and he was touching me. “This is weird.”
“What is, amante? Me touching you?” Cyrus asked hesitantly as his hand stopped moving.
Oh shit. I said that out loud. Crap. Fuck. Damn. Uuughhh!
“No, I like that,” I admitted, trying to make sure I didn’t hurt his feelings. “But this, with me and you, it’s weird. It feels so natural. We just talked with my family as if we didn’t just meet, and lying here with you is like instinct, like I couldn’t picture it any other way anymore. Does that make any sense?”
“Sí, amante.” He chuckled, rolling us in a move so fast and graceful, I didn’t even register any pain. Cyrus cupped my cheek as he stared down at me, gently inserting his massive body between my legs. “Something inside of you clicked before we’ve ever claimed each other and now life without the other sounds worse than death.”
“Yes,” I breathed, amazed at how beautifully he phrased it. “I’m yours and every cell in my body knows it.”
“Good.” He got a feral smile on his face as his eyes became dark with lust and possession. I felt a healthy dose of lust shoot through my body as well. “Ay dios mío, your mother’s not the only one and not only for anger.”
Though his words were cryptic, I knew what he meant. “Yes, I’m the only one of my siblings who inherited the trait.” Our normally kelly-green eyes lightened to almost translucent when we were pissed, or for me, turned on as well. I didn’t know what my mother’s eyes looked like then. Yuck. “Too much?”
“No, I love it. It’s like I can see right into your soul.” Wow. My hot Spanish mate really knew how to make a guy swoon! “You are not well enough for sex, but I will take care of your growing need.” He rubbed his scrubs-covered cock against mine, and I realized we were both rock hard. “As soon as you agree to let me claim you.”
“Uh-huh,” I muttered, focused on the desire part and lifting my hips to meet his. I wanted his lips on mine, too, and all over my body.
“Amante,” he chastised, clicking his tongue. “You must focus first. Then we play.”
“I don’t even get a kiss before you bind us together forever?” I asked, pouting a little. It seemed like kissing would be the first step.
“Of course, how ungentlemanly of me.” His mouth crushed down on mine, and I realized he’d been waiting for my invitation. Nice.
Cyrus kissed like no man should have been able to. He wasn’t sloppy or slobbery, but yet was everywhere all at once. His teeth, lips, tongue, were all so active that I couldn’t do much but enjoy it and submit.
Oh, I was still giving a response, but I wasn’t fighting for control of the kiss. I let the master here do his thing.
Where had he learned to kiss like this? I clutched him closer, snaking my hand behind his head and twining my fingers in the smooth locks of his black hair, the part of me rarely used, my Alpha male, taking over. He was mine. Cyrus was all mine, forever.
That was the only thought I had in my head as I ripped my mouth off of his, let my fangs run out, and bit into his neck hard.
“Yes, I’ll be yours,” Cyrus moaned, and I realized I didn’t even ask. Fuck! I was screwing everything up. I pulled my fangs right back out before I even swallowed a drop of blood. “Why did you stop?”
“I realized I didn’t ask,” I mumbled, completely mortified. “You’re a master at kissing and I realized you’ve had a lot of practice and—”
“And the idea made you see red and you claimed me,” he finished for me matter-of-factly. I nodded against his shoulder, too frightened to glance at the expression on his face. “Damian, you weren’t going to leave this bed without officially belonging to me. I was the one who brought up claiming you. Didn’t you think you’d claim me as well?”
“Of course.” I snickered, rolling my eyes. “I’m not stupid. I know how it works. It’s just good manners to ask permission first.”
“Fair enough, amante,” he purred, rubbing his body against me suggestively. “Claim me, please. Am I allowed to claim you?”
“Yes,” I hissed, sinking my fangs back into his neck. My body shuddered as I felt his teeth slice through my skin. Cyrus started grinding his pelvis against mine, pushing me into the bed. I was all for that, wanting even more contact as lights flashed behind my eyes.
My mate grunted on top of me, and I felt wet heat as he came in his pants. Oh fuck, that was hot! I whimpered and cried out as I did the same, unable to stop it no matter what training I’d had.
I lifted my head, gasping at the swirling sensations through me. His blood was fantastic, and made me almost light-headed it was so good. The orgasm was still giving me small aftershocks that I never wanted to stop. And I felt loved. I was mated and claimed and his.
But I wanted the next step to be somewhere other than this cramped hospital bed. When we were both done, bites closed, and lying next to each other, I asked the question.
“When are we going home? Or I guess, when can I leave the clinic?”
“Riley said you can go as soon as you feel up to it since I’m going to be with you and know how to take care of you.”
“Okay, cool. Then let’s get home. I want food and my bed.” I rolled out of his arms and got to my feet, wiggling my eyebrows at him. “With you in it.” He stared at me with wide eyes until I started to feel uncomfortable. “What?”
“You think I’m moving in with your madre and family? No way. They’re breathing down my neck as it is, and don’t you guys move out when you get mated?”
“No,” I whispered, shaking my head. “The house is bigger than the warrior compound and clinic combined. You don’t like my family?”
“Amante,” he sighed, his expression softening. “We all met under intense circumstances. It’s hard to get off on the right foot then. I don’t dislike them, I’m sure I’ll like them fine…as long as I don’t have to live with them.”
“So where do you live?” I asked, narrowing my eyes in suspicion. I had an idea, and if I was right, my mate was insane.
“I have a room at the compound,” he answered, holding up his hand when I went to bitch. “It’s not ideal, but until we find a place of our own, we can stay there. You’re supposed to be resting anyways, so it shouldn’t matter.”
“My brother-in-law, who lives at home, is the doctor,” I blurted out in disbelief. “Your idea sucks. And this is rural Virginia, Cyrus. You can’t just head over to the nearest rental agency or condo association and see what’s available. There’s estates and farms and vineyards for hours around us and only small towns. No. I’m staying at home with my family. Which should be including you now.”
“Out of the question—” he shouted, and I realized we weren’t going to get anywhere this way, so I decided to switch tactics.
“Okay, I’ll catch a ride with Vic and see you when you get home.” I started collecting my belongings, which someone had left in the room for me so I didn’t worry. I also grabbed the scrubs that were folded neatly for me on the counter.
“No, I’m not living at the Marius estate,” he said firmly, crossing his arms over his chest in what I saw to be a very childish gesture.
“Well I am,” I replied with a smirk. “And if you want to be with me, you will. Or at least try it, check out the place. I have a suite that’s like a condo in itself. It’s not like we all live on top of each other.”
He let out a belt of laughter, shaking his head. “You’re really not a submissive, are you, amante?”
“No, but normally I am more passive and easygoing than this,” I answered, giving him my most charming smile. “This isn’t something I’m willing to budge on though just because you don’t want to or are scared of my family.”
His face fell, and I knew it was the wrong thing to say. “I’m not scared of them. Just not used to anything besides living by myself. My family was killed a long time ago, my whole coven actually, back in Spain. I’m not sure I know how to be in a family anymore.”
Fuck! “I’m an ass. I should have asked about your family.” I moved over to him and threw my arms around him, tilting my head back to look into his eyes. “It’s just you made it sound like you didn’t want to because some ego thing about living with my parents.”
“I know I did and that wasn’t right either. We can try it, but I reserve the right to discuss it again later if I’m not happy there.” He held me tightly, letting me know the fight was over.
“That’s more than fair. All I ask is you give it a chance. My family is wonderful and they’re going to love you.”
“Okay, amante. I will try for you.”
“Thank you.” I was thrilled at his words. He’d see. We’d be very happy there. I knew it in my heart.
Chapter 3
Cyrus
I glanced around my mate’s suite in the Marius house. We’d managed to get into the house and up here without too many of the family stopping us. Now it was time to check out what I was going to be calling home from now on.
I stepped tentatively through the door and onto the plush silver carpeting. It seemed that I had entered what could be called the living room. It was decorated stylishly with two big, black leather couches and a leather armchair. Beside each couch stood cube-shaped end tables made of glass. I took a few steps forward and laid my hand on the couch, feeling the cool, smooth, supple leather beneath my palm. There was a big flat-screen TV mounted on the wall with framed prints of Chinese ink paintings on either side of it.
Attached to the living room was a motel-size kitchenette. There was a miniature stainless-steel refrigerator with a microwave that had a few cabinets above and below it. The cabinets above the microwave had doors made of glass framed in black wood while those below were made entirely of the same black wood. I noticed that the cabinets above held decorative gray and black bowls and plates organized in neat stacks. Curious, I opened the lower cabinets and smiled upon finding a disorganized jumble of Tupperware containers, reusable water bottles, and plastic bags.
After perusing the kitchenette, I made my way to the guest room, which was pretty sparse. It contained only a queen-size bed, a single nightstand, and a dresser. Of course all the furniture was made of gorgeous, polished dark wood and the bedcovers were beautiful and intricate, but it was just an immaculately clean room with no personal touches.
Across from the guest room was Damian’s room, and I hoped it would be more interesting than this room. When I stepped inside, I found something entirely different from the rest of his suite. Damian had gone with a cabin theme. So all the furniture was made of huge logs that had been stripped down and po
lished, and when I peeked inside the spacious bathroom, the toothbrush holder and soap dish were both little bear figurines. Interesting.
Overall, Damian’s suite was huge and beautiful and impressive. It definitely put the room I had been staying at in the warrior compound to shame.
When I was done walking through the whole suite, I focused on my mate, who was practically bouncing from one foot to the other with nerves. I gave him a wide smile, and Damian visibly relaxed immediately.
“I like it,” I said firmly, letting him know I wasn’t just blowing smoke up his ass. “I think we might need to turn the study or the guest room into a play room, but I like it very much.”
Something flickered over Damian’s face, making him look almost scared and nervous at the same time. I decided to get everything out of the way and then we could address it.
“And now for the rules.” I sat on the overstuffed armchair in his bedroom, drumming my fingers momentarily on the smooth hunter-green fabric, and pointed for him to sit on the bed. He nodded and did so right away. “I’ve already explained I don’t want a true submissive mate and that was the truth. In the real world we are partners, equals, and I do not wish you to change who you are in the slightest for me. But in our suite, the moment that door closes, I am the boss, amante.”
“What does that mean?” Damian asked hesitantly, his voice small, looking even more afraid. “I have no will or say?”
“No, never like that,” I answered gently, realizing I was worrying him when there was no need. “I mean there are certain things I will require of you as your mate and the master of your body. Like, I want you naked… Always. Even if we’re just sitting and watching TV, I want you naked for my viewing pleasure and so I always have easy access to play with my mate. And I normally will want you on my lap, as close to me as possible.”
“Okay,” he whispered and nodded, looking as if he might break into tears. “Whatever you want, Cyrus.”
“But it is not what you want,” I said quietly, my heart falling. “Damian, I don’t own you. These rules are supposed to be for both our enjoyment. I thought you liked being submissive when it comes to sex?”