Mandy laughed and took his hand as he led her from the kitchen. They turned off lights and made their way to the living room. They curled up on the thick, warm rug in front of the fire and looked up at the lighted tree. She laid her head on Joe’s shoulder to enjoy the hearts and cupids all over the tree. She had a pretty nice collection of Valentine’s ornaments.
“This is probably the best Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had.” She looked up at him.
“Me too.” He met her gaze, then lowered his head and kissed her, slowly deepening the kiss.
She wrapped her arms around him, meeting his mouth with hers. Long, slow, wet kisses were the best kind and that’s what they shared. Necking like two teenagers for a long time before Joe pressed her gently back on the rug and edged her sweater up to bare her abdomen. He lowered his head to press a kiss right against her belly. She giggled and he smiled. They played a slow, languorous game of stripping each other until they were both naked in the soft glow of the fire. Joe ran his hands over her breasts, cupping them, but when he went to kiss them, she pressed her hands to his chest.
“My turn,” she teased.
“Oh?”
“Yeah, lay on your back.”
He rolled flat and sighed as she crawled up over him. She dropped a hot kiss on his mouth then soft little butterfly kisses against his nose, eyelids, cheek and chin.
Her fingers grazed his chest, trailing over his heated skin as she followed the path of her hands with her mouth. Joe sighed as she kissed his shoulders, chest and belly. She gave him gentle bites along his stomach and drifted lower, her tongue trailing over his hipbones. She let her warm breath tease his hard cock, but slipped past to stroke and kiss his thighs. He spread his legs apart to let her have her way with him.
“Ah, angel. I love your mouth on me.”
“Mmmm. You taste good.” She nibbled her way up his muscular thighs.
She swiped her tongue over his balls and he jerked, lifting his hips for more. She took his cock in hand and stroked the shaft, brushing his thighs with her tight nipples while she caressed his cock. Working the natural lubrication up and down him, she squeezed pearly pre-cum from the tip. He arched upward as she fondled him. He was so beautiful in his uninhibited response, groaning softly as she grasped him. She lowered and enveloped the head in her hot mouth, sucking and licking while she cradled his balls in one hand and worked his shaft with the other.
It was so hot to see him lose himself in the pleasure she gave him, so she rubbed her wet pussy against his leg. Enjoying the friction as she humped him. Pressing close to stimulate herself even as she flicked her tongue at his sensitive erection. She lapped at him, using her tongue and the suction of her mouth to rouse him. Drive him crazy. He twisted under her, nearly unseating her as she tongued him.
“God, angel, I’m gonna come. You’ve got to stop.”
“I don’t want to stop pleasuring you.”
She sat up and wriggled up his body, then she rose over him and eased him inside her. He moaned.
“Fuck, stop.”
She paused as he clenched his hands into fists, his breath coming fast. He began to relax slightly and it was then she started her ride. She rose and lowered, taking him in. Clenching on his cock each time he filled her. She watched him sink deep into her pussy then as she lifted off, she watched his cock reappear, glistening in the soft glow of the room. She was wet and each time she took him, the glide was easier. Mandy reached between her legs to play with her clit.
“Lean forward, Mandy.”
Joe’s voice was soft. Husky. And she looked away from where they connected so she could meet his gaze. He watched her, eyes loving but at half-mast and hazy with desire. She reached for his shoulders and leaned over him. He lifted his hands and cradled her breasts, teasing the tight tips, running his thumbs around the areola. Every caress left her gasping.
She picked up the pace between them, staring into his eyes as they fucked. Sharing the intimacy of their lovemaking.
“So fucking beautiful.”
“You are too,” she whispered, cupping his balls before moving her hand upward to stroke her clit again.
She closed her eyes, her breath catching as they moved together. He sat up and wrapped his arms around her. Mandy wrapped her arms around his shoulders as she continued to ride him.
“Take me, angel. Fill your pussy with me,” he growled in her ear.
His breath teased her ear. Her neck. Her shoulder. Then he brushed her skin with his lips. She moaned, clutching him tighter. Moving faster. His fingers tensed, pulling her closer. Holding her in place while he began to rock his hips in rhythm with her movement.
Soft whimpers of pleasure escaped them both as they pressed together. Mandy clenched on him, rolling her hips.
“I’m so close, Joe.”
“That’s it. Come for me,” he whispered, kissing her neck. He caressed her body. Cupping her breasts, stroking her ribs, brushing her belly, until he reached between her thighs and pressed his thumb to her clit. She jerked, crying out as he stroked her.
Her hips rose and fell. She felt as if she was flying as she took him in. A light dew of sweat dampening them both. She licked his shoulder, reveling in the salty taste of him. He grasped her ass, holding her tight as they moved. Striving for release. Until finally, she couldn’t stop it, even if she’d wanted to.
He rubbed her clit and thrust deep and she sobbed, shaking apart in his arms. Riding him as waves of desire hit her. Driving her up to the peak and breaking until she was shuddering. Her face buried against his neck. Clutching him with her hands while her pussy spasmed.
He grunted, all but hurling himself into her. He grasped her hips, pumping until he went rigid. Then he jerked, his cock twitching as he shot his release into her body. She held him close, savoring the closeness between them. Kissing him as he groaned and dropped his forehead to her shoulder.
“Oh God, angel. I’ll never get over this.”
She chuckled. “I never want you to. We’re both trapped in this wonderful and terrible love we share.” She dragged her head from his shoulders to look at his beloved face. His eyes slowly opened and he smiled.
“I hope I wasn’t too terrible,” he teased.
She grinned. “No, you were just terrible enough.” Then she hugged him and he hugged her back.
* * * * *
Joe woke to hear the shower turning off and Mandy opened the door, still toweling off. He watched her, knowing she hadn’t realized he was awake yet. She was stunning. Her full breasts and wide hips were classic goddess style. She went to the dresser and pulled out a pair of lacy pink underwear. He licked his lips as she bent slightly to pull them on. What a fine ass. Round. Just like the rose heart he’d bought her. Perfectly shaped and begging to be kissed. She grabbed a bra and dropped her luscious tits into the cups. He wished that she would have gone braless, but he knew that with her parents and his here, there was no way she would. She moved next to the closet and looked through the clothes hanging there finally pulling out a low-necked dark-red sweater and grabbing a pair of black slacks. She pushed her feet into a pair of warm slippers and headed for the door.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, angel.”
She paused and turned around, leaning back against the door. She gave him a soft, loving look.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Joe. How long have you been awake?”
“Just since you came out of the bathroom.” He smiled. “It was a nice view.”
“You could have said something.”
“But then I wouldn’t have gotten to watch.”
“Well the shower is yours. I’m going to go put the breakfast casserole into the oven.”
“When did you make that?”
“When I made supper last night. It’s better if it sits in the fridge overnight. Come join me after you shower.”
She slipped out of the bedroom and shut the door behind her. Joe made quick work out of his shower, drying his hair and dressing in a thick green sweater
and jeans. He pulled on his shoes and socks and headed for the kitchen, hoping to beat the family. He missed out. Everyone was already up and ready for the morning. Maria and Carly had set the table as Mandy popped the casserole into the oven. Mandy juiced some oranges and put the fresh juice in the refrigerator. She looked up as everyone considered what to do next.
“Breakfast needs to cook for an hour, so do you all want to open presents now?”
Maria and Carly exchanged looks and finally nodded. “Let’s. Then we can enjoy breakfast in a leisurely fashion.”
Jules, being the youngest, was designated to hand out gifts. As they exchanged their presents and opened packages, they exchanged laughter and hugs. Joe was touched by Mandy remembering he needed sheet music. The ladies showed pleasure and surprise as they opened the gifts scouted out for them by the guys. Finally, there were only a couple of gifts left. Jules picked up the small pink box for Mandy and Joe took it from him. He turned and presented it to his mate.
Mandy raised her brows but went to work on the small package. When she opened it, she gasped.
“What is it, honey?” Carly asked her. Maria leaned forward too.
“A ring.”
“A True Mate ring,” Joe corrected. He took it from her. “May I?”
She nodded as tears began to slip down her cheeks. He took her left hand in his and gently pushed the rose quartz heart set in 18K rose gold onto her finger. She held out her hand.
“It’s really perfect. How did you know?”
“It called to me.”
“You bought it at Feldspar’s didn’t you?”
“Had you seen it there?”
“No, but they often talk about how a piece will call someone.”
“Well, this one called me.” He took a deep breath and glanced at Eddie, who nodded. “There was one other thing I had to give you.” He stood and went over by the piano. He picked up his Hauser and checked the tuning. Then he sat down in front of Mandy and strummed a chord.
“I wrote this last night. For now, it’s called Mandy’s Song.”
He closed his eyes and sang his love song to his True Mate, letting her know how overwhelmed he felt by her. How she changed his life. And how, from this moment forward, his life was blessed. All because of her.
When he finished he opened his eyes. She was staring at the ring on her hand. Oh God. She hated it. He saw a teardrop fall and hit the ring. Shit. It was awful. Damn it. He shouldn’t have played it for her here. Then she looked up and met his gaze. Tears streaked her cheeks and everything she felt for him was in her gaze. All the hope. The longing. The love. He set his guitar aside and she threw herself into his arms, pressing wet kisses all over his face.
“That was beautiful, Joe. Thank you.”
He smiled and hugged her. He heard a sniff and looked up. Both Carly and his mother were crying and even the other guys, including his father, had moist eyes. Jules looked behind the tree.
“Looks like we missed one, bro.” He looked at the tag. “And it’s for you.”
Mandy reached for it, but Joe’s reach was longer and he took it from his brother.
“No, it’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.” She brushed tears off her face while her face reddened.
“Looks like a picture,” Joe said. “Is it one of those boudoir things?” He waggled his brows.
“No. You don’t have to.” She reached for it again and he pushed her hands away.
“It’s for me and I want to open it.”
He pulled at the ribbons, tugging them off and shredded the paper. He moved aside the bubble wrap covering the image and blinked. He studied it and ran his fingers over the glass. It was a photo…of him from the concert the other night.
He cradled his Les Paul close while he stood above the crowd on the stage. His face was ecstatic, filled with joy as he made the Gibson sing. His lips curved. There was energy in the shot, yet it looked old-fashioned because of the color tones Mandy had used.
“This is really amazing,” he said softly. He looked at her. “Is this how you see me?”
She nodded, biting her lip. “Do you like it?”
He smiled. “Yes, angel. It’s really wonderful. You captured something.” He shook his head. “I didn’t know I looked like this. That it was so obvious how much I love to entertain.”
“You’re not just saying it? You really like it?”
He nodded. He caught her hand and pulled her close to give her a hug.
“Well, what’s it look like?” Carly asked. He turned it around so they could see it.
Eddie nodded. “That’s you, bro. She caught you. It’s like you’re naked.”
Joe’s face heated. “I’m not naked, Eddie.”
“Might as well be.” The older wolf grinned. “Nice work, punkin.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“It’s really beautiful. I never thought I’d want a picture of myself, you know. But this is special. You really see me, and that means everything.”
She leaned close to kiss him again. “I do see you and that’s why I love you.”
Mandy rubbed the tears off her cheek and looked at the ring on her finger then she looked back at Joe. He just kept staring at the photo. He ran his finger over it. Joe looked back at her and blushed.
“I never knew I looked like that. I actually look good.”
“You always did.”
The timer dinged in the kitchen. “Time for breakfast everyone!”
After breakfast, Maria helped Mandy put together a nice chicken dinner while Carly watched. Eddie and Joe took the other males to the studio to show it off.
“Did Joe surprise you?” Carly asked.
“With the ring?” Mandy had taken it off and set it on the counter while she put the stuffing together. Maria worked on the side dishes.
“The ring, yes.”
“It’s beautiful. He really thought about me and what I might like.”
“And the song?”
Mandy cleared her throat. “I knew he was talented but I didn’t expect anything like that.”
“It’s a beautiful song,” Carly commented.
“Yes, it is.”
“The photo you gave him was lovely dear,” Maria assured her.
“It wasn’t nearly as special as what he gave me.”
“What you gave him is very special,” Maria scolded. “Very few people see us the way we really are. You captured my son and he knows that. It touched him deeply.”
“You think?”
“I know.”
“But if you really want to do something else for Joe, I know what you could do.”
Mandy looked up and met her mother’s gaze. “No.”
“You don’t even know what I was going to say.”
“Yes, I do.”
“What?” Maria asked, looking back and forth as she leaned against the counter.
“Carly thinks I should perform with the band.”
“And if not for Joe, think what a wonderful anniversary gift it would be for your father and me.”
“That’s evil, Carly.”
Carly’s lips curved. “Me? Evil?”
“Yes, you are.” Mandy crossed her arms over her chest. “And it’s not fair.”
“Regardless of that, you have a delightful voice, my dear. You’d be an excellent addition, I’m sure.”
Mandy paused in the act of washing her hands. “You think I have a delightful voice? For real?”
“Yes, I do. And I teach voice.”
“I know. Joe told me.”
“You could work on your breath control a bit, but you have excellent pitch and an evocative delivery.”
She looked over at Carly then back to Maria. “You’re sure.”
“I wouldn’t lie to you. If I had any doubts I would be honest. It would be cruel to lie to someone and I am never cruel.”
Finally, Mandy shook her head. “Having a good voice doesn’t get rid of the stage fright.”
“Is it so bad?”
&
nbsp; “I throw up. My mouth gets dry. I feel faint. It’s just horrible.”
Maria tilted her head. “Many performers suffer from similar fears, you know. It can be faced.”
Mandy bit her lip. “Maybe. But The Pack is great right now. I don’t feel like I could add anything.”
“Yes, you could,” Carly argued.
“You already play the piano Carly. And you sing. There’s nothing special I can add.”
“Sharon and I aren’t getting any younger. Both of us have considered leaving the stage and just traveling with the band.”
Mandy’s jaw dropped. “No way.”
“Yes, way. But we both still enjoy performing so we stay.”
“So then…”
“It would be nice to not be responsible for the vocal stuff. My voice can’t take those long concerts anymore and neither can Sharon’s, so having another female voice would help. It would help to spell Joe. Some nights, by the end of a concert his voice is pretty raspy. Very Rod Stewart.”
“I suppose, I could help with that.”
“Yes, you could. And eventually, we will be able to pass the franchise over to you and Joe.”
Mandy shook her head. “I’ll consider it.”
“Be sure you do. Because this isn’t over yet.”
Mandy rolled her eyes and slipped her ring back on her finger as they cleaned up the kitchen and waited for dinner to cook.
* * * * *
The day ended as it began. Full of family and fun. Mandy baked Maria a birthday cake and they sang Happy Birthday to her after dinner and she brought out another cake for her parents’ anniversary. Since one was vanilla and the other chocolate, there was plenty of variety to go around.
They spent the afternoon playing charades. Charades? She couldn’t believe that her parents got into the game but they did. It was a tradition in Joe’s family, but because of True Mate advantage, the couples were split up so that they competed against one another, making the teams the ladies plus Julian against the rest of the males. The women killed.
Supper was leftovers and the males huddled around the television watching NBA basketball matchups. The women went back to the kitchen to the sound of male joy and despair, depending on who played well and who sucked.
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