by Kasey Belle
“He won’t.” Leo sucked down the last of his formula and Mal set the bottle aside. He moved Leo to his shoulder and patted his back until Leo let out a loud burp. “Good one, little man,” Mal praised. He kissed Leo’s cheek then handed him off to Nick. “Do you have anything in your vehicle we need to take with us, baby?”
Nick nodded. “The back is full of supplies.”
“Okay. I’ll go down and transfer your stuff to my truck. You stay here and pack up.”
“I can help.”
“I know, but I don’t want you out in the open unless absolutely necessary.” He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Nick’s lips. “I won’t be long.” Mal climbed from the bed and grabbed Nick’s keys off the mirrored dresser. He picked up the box of baby supplies from the floor and tucked it under his arm. Mal opened the door and glanced over his shoulder at Nick. “Lock up behind me. Make sure you put on the safety latch. I’ll knock. Call me if you need me.”
And then he was gone. Nick rushed over and made sure the door was secure. He looked down at the baby in his arms. Leo’s eyes met his and then he graced Nick with a smile. Nick rubbed their noses together eliciting a giggle from Leo. “We’re going to our new home, buddy. We’ll be safe soon.”
Chapter 5
Mal shot a quick wave at Dalton as he made his way through the lobby to the automatic sliding doors. Mal stepped outside. The bright sunlight hit his eyes made him squint. He used his hand to shield his eyes, cursing the fact that he left his sunglasses in his car.
As Mal walked toward the parking lot, he reached out to his brothers through their common link. “Guess who’s coming to dinner?”
“Hey baby brother,” Paul said then chuckled when Mal growled. “I take it everything is cool in Louisiana and I don’t have to come down there and kick someone’s ass for making my little bro cry?”
Paul and Kell laughed. Yeah like he’d never heard that stupid comment before. “You’re both assholes. Keep it up and I’m telling mom.” When in doubt, invoke Mom’s wrath. Mal smirked when his brothers fell silent and sighed.
“That is so not fair, Mal,” Kell pouted. “We were just playing.”
“Were you? Were you really?” Mal taunted.
“Enough children,” Paul ordered as if he hadn’t been the one to start the whole baby brother thing in the first place. “So, you’re on your way back?” He got them back on track before a mental slap fight could break out between Mal and Kell.
“First of all, everything is cool. No issues. Second. No. We’re not on our way back… yet.”
“What do you mean… yet?” Kell asked sounding irritated.
“Why not? My mate will kill you if you miss our wedding.” Paul stated at the same time.
He addressed Kell’s dumb question first. “Yet. As in… yet. Does the term really need explanation? Does yet, as in not yet, mean something else? Is there another way to say it? Would you prefer I use a synonym? I’m not missing the wedding, Paul. It’s not for another week.”
Gunnar snickered when Kell let out a long suffering sigh. “Allow me to rephrase, Malcolm. Why aren’t you and your charges on your way to Copper Creek, ass?”
“Gee, Kell. I only arrived a half-hour ago.” Mal rolled his eyes. “You know this because you responded to the text you ordered me to send to you when I arrived.” He paused for a few minutes savoring his brother’s irritation before he dropped the verbal bomb. “Don’t worry, brothers mine, my mate and I will be leaving as soon as we load up.”
Mal smiled when his statement was met with stark silence. It wasn’t everyday he was able to render his brothers speechless.
“Nick Speer is your mate?” Gunnar asked.
“Yep.” Mal didn’t bother hiding the pride he already felt for his mate. His Nico was perfect as far as Mal was concerned. Perfect for him. A burst of love and happiness hit him square in the chest as his brothers congratulated him.
“I’m truly happy for you, Mal.”
“Thanks, Gun.” Mal hit the key fob, and the lights flickered on a black SUV a few spots down from Mal’s truck. “Could you let Declan know about this new twist of events, Kell?”
“Of course,” Kell promised. “Do you have any idea what this means?” Mal heard the unfettered excitement in his voice.
“Uh, Yeah. I have a mate?”
“No. I know something Aunt Maddie doesn’t.”
“We all know something she doesn’t. You aren’t special.” He walked over and climbed into his vehicle and move it to the empty spot besides Nick’s SUV so he could easily transfer the supplies to his truck. “I’m sure Declan wants answers from Nick, but he’s not up to that right now. He’s wrung out.”
“We’ll worry about that in a day or two. He’ll understand. Our mate’s needs come first.” Kell always had his back, even when Mal gave his shit.
He opened the back hatch of Nick’s SUV and began transferring everything. He was impressed with the amount and type of supplies Nick brought with him.
“How is our newest little brother? Physically, I mean.” Mal grinned. His brother Kell really was a teddy bear. He’d already adopted Nick, all because he belonged to Mal.
“He’s unharmed.”
“And our new nephew?”
“Adorable.” Mal sent a mental image of Leo through their link and it was met with sappy aww’s from his lethal brothers.
“We can’t wait to meet them. You know Aunt Maddie will want to do a welcome dinner like she arranged for Jen and Lada,” Kell said.
“And Cathy and Fiona and Emma Grace,” Paul added. Mal heard the smile in his voice.
“I know. I guess a dinner would be okay as long as she keeps it small. I’m sure we’ll be hungry by time we arrive at the ranch. I don’t know how good Leo will travel so we’re going to take our time coming back.”
“I get it. You don’t want to stress them,” Paul assured him. “How about I have her limit the guest list to us, our families, plus Declan and his?”
“That works.” Mal transferred the last box to his truck then closed up the SUV and locked the doors. “Oh, Kell? Can you send Hunter and Alan to collect Nick’s vehicle? I’ll leave the keys with Dalton.”
“Will do.”
“I’ll let Cathy know you’ll have a plus one for the wedding. Actually that would be one and a half, right?” Paul laughed at his own joke.
Mal rolled his eyes. “On that lame note. I’ll say goodbye.”
“See you, bro. Let us know if you need us,” Kell ordered. “Congrats, again, man.”
Paul and Gunner uttered similar sentiments before saying goodbye.
Mal sighed. He couldn’t have asked for better brothers, and that included Gunnar. They had his back always and now they had Nick and Leo’s.
Mal knocked on the hotel room door. It opened immediately and once again the sight and scent of his mate filled his soul. Nick Speer was in a word beautiful. His lips broke into a wide grin. Nick had washed his face and applied fresh liner. Damn he was hot.
Nick worried his lip. “I know packing liner in with your survival gear isn’t a thing, but I like it. I like how I feel when I wear it.”
“I like it, too. A lot.” Mal cupped Nick’s cheek. His heart swelled when his Nico didn’t hesitate to nuzzle his palm. He suddenly found it hard to breathe. Mal groaned, the heady fragrance of his mate’s need overwhelming his common sense. He’d promised himself he wouldn’t molest his mate again. Well at least until they got back to the ranch and had some privacy. Fuck it. Mal used both hands and tilted his mate’s head to one side and slanted his mouth over Nick’s. Mal ran his tongue purposefully across Nick’s upper lip until he was granted entry into the warm, wet cavern of his mate’s mouth. Sweeping his tongue inside, Mal brushed against Nick’s tongue and explored the recesses of the man’s mouth. His eyes slid closed as the relished the feel of his mate in his arms. He’d waited a lifetime for Nick Speer.
Nick’s slighter body moved closer to his, melding against him. Nick wasn’t
muscular like Mal, but he did have definition. Nick’s body was softer to the touch and more delicate Mal’s. Each curve of Nick’s body made Mal’s pulse pound. He found he liked it more than touching someone muscular like himself which were Mal’s usual hookups. The mate in Mal’s dreams always had a slight build. Mal could never bring himself to choose a casual partner that was smaller than him. It would feel as if Mal were substituting them for the real thing.
Mal ran his hands over Nick’s perfect body. His skin was so soft, he was lean in all the right places, and hard just where he should be. Like the cock currently rubbing against Mal’s thigh. By the Fates, the base of Nick’s spine curved into the tightest ass Mal had ever had the pleasure to grab and squeeze. He groaned. Nick’s rounded globes fit into his hands like they were made just for him. He smiled against Nick’s lips when he realized they had been. Mal jolted when Leo squealed with laughter. With a groan, he reluctantly pulled away from his mate’s mouth. Nick’s eyes were half lidded as he panted lightly between his parted lips. Mal stroked his thumb over Nick’s kiss-swollen lips and shot a glance at Leo who was tucked into his car seat and grinning up at them. “That kid has the worst timing.”
Nick blinked and snorted a laugh. “Right?”
“By the Fates, you’re beautiful.” Mal whispered as he studied Nick’s face.
The most delightful smile spread across Nick’s lips and his face flushed with color. “No one’s ever called me beautiful before.”
“Then they were both blind and stupid because you’re gorgeous.”
Mal’s wolf sat tall with possessive satisfaction. “Good thing too. Now we don’t have to kill anyone.”
“Truth.”
He took a deep breath to clear his lust fogged mind. “I guess we should get this show on the road.”
Nick nodded. “Yeah.” He cleared his throat clearly suffering the same issue as Mal. Nick glanced over his shoulder. “I don’t know how happy Leo will be. He’s never ridden in a car for as many hours as it will take to get to Copper Creek. Last night was easy, because it was his bedtime and he slept the whole way.”
“We’ll take it slow and stop when Leo needs us to. No worries.” Mal picked up Nick’s duffle and the baby bag and slung both of them over his left shoulder.
Nick grabbed the handle on the car seat and carried Leo. He shot Mal a grateful smile as he walked past him and out the door.
Mal placed his palm on Nick’s lower back as they walked into the lobby. Dalton met them halfway. He held out his hand to Mal. “I’ve been watching. Nobody’s out there. You’re clear to leave.”
“Thanks, Dalton.” He shook the large shifter’s hand.
“Yes, thank you Dalton.” Nick tilted his head back and smiled. “Are you sure it’s not an imposition to leave my vehicle here?”
“I’m positive.” Dalton turned his attention back to Mal. His eyes going directly to the possessive arm Mal had wrapped around Nick’s shoulders. He aimed a cocked eyebrow at Mal.
Mal smiled and shrugged.
Dalton sniffed the air then his mouth dropped open. “No, shit?”
“No, shit. Dalton Crowder meet my mate.”
Dalton howled. “Congratulations. I’m jealous.” Mal’s wolf growled. Dalton held up his hands and took a step back. “No offense.”
“Sorry.” Mal’s reaction took him buy surprise as well.
Dalton waved off his apology. “We wolves are a possessive lot. So, about Nick’s car. I’ll park it around back so it’s not visible. Who’s coming for it?”
“Hunter and Alan.”
A wide grin lit Dalton’s face. “Awesome. It’s been a while since I’ve seen those two troublemakers. I’ll make sure to roll out the welcome mat.” He rubbed his hands together in glee.
Mal snickered and explained to his confused mate. “He means break out the expensive whiskey and embellished stories of old adventures.”
“Oh. Got it.”
Mal wasn’t sure he did, but they didn’t have time to delve into Dalton’s history with Hunter and Alan. They said their goodbyes. Mal checked to make sure it was still safe then escorted Nick and Leo to his truck.
Mal helped Nick get Leo settled in the back seat then he opened the passenger door for his love. His manners earned him yet another appreciative smile from Nick. It saddened him that such a small courtesy had an enormous effect on his mate, but at the same time it made Mal swell with possessive pride that he’d been the only one do such things for Nick. He placed a soft kiss on Nick’s still plumped lips. He willed himself to keep it short. Nick leaned forward as Mal pulled away then frowned when he realized Mal wasn’t going to give in to his silent plea.
“Later,” he promised. Mal ran around to the driver’s side and hopped in. He shot Nick a wink and buckled his seatbelt. “Buckle up, Nico. We need to get on the road. Not that I wouldn’t rather sit right here and kiss you some more, but we can’t stay here any longer.”
Once Nick was strapped in, Mal started his truck and pulled out of the parking spot. He left the lot heading down the street towards the interstate. Nick and Leo both fell asleep not long after they hit the on ramp. His poor mate and cub were exhausted. Mal was working on only a few hours of sleep himself, however the need to protect his newly found family and secure them on pack land overrode any fatigue he felt. He drove for a few hours, not stopping until Leo woke fussing because his diaper was full and his stomach was empty. The cub traveled better than Mal expected him to.
He and Nick kept their conversations light when they stopped to eat or took a break to stretch their legs. Mal’s wolf pushed at him to press Nick for information. His wolf’s need to avenge their mate rode Mal hard, but he promised Nick he’d leave it for now. His mate had practically begged him to wait until they met with Declan to hear the whole story. Stating he didn’t want to relive it more than once if he could help it. Mal couldn’t find it in himself to deny Nick.
Mal found out they shared the same taste in movies and loved the same actors, both of them thought NPH was the shit and that Matt Bomer was hot as fuck. Of course, Mal’s wolf didn’t appreciate that their mate found the actor sexy. His beast wanted to go to Hollywood, hunt the man down, and rip out his throat. Mal politely explained to his wolf that killing the actor would have every gay man and most of the straight women on the planet hunting them down like dogs. Pun intended.
He told Nick about Paul’s upcoming wedding and that he and Leo were expected to attend. That didn’t go over well. Nick insisted they not intrude and that he and Leo would stay home while Mal went to his brother’s wedding. Yeah, that wasn’t happening. Nick was his mate and Leo his cub. He pulled out his well-practiced sad puppy eyes and explained to Nick that he’d never attended a family function with a plus one before. Okay, he was shameless. So what? It worked, and that’s all that mattered. Mal couldn’t wait to show off his new family at the wedding. He smiled realizing he no longer dreaded Paul and Cathy’s nuptials. Mal had his own happy-happy-joy-joy mating sitting next to him in the passenger seat.
Chapter 6
Seven hours and a few stops later, Mal pulled off the main road and drove under the archway announcing the entrance to the Double C Ranch. He’d rather head straight home. His mate still needed rest, but the family dinner had already been arranged and it was best to get the formalities out of the way. Mal knew Nick wouldn’t feel comfortable on pack land until it was proven to him that Declan and the rest of the pack accepted them as mates.
“Wake up, baby. We’re here.” Mal gently shook Nick’s shoulder.
Nick sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
He watched his mate out of the corner of his eye as he took in the sights around them. Horses lazily grazed on lush green grass in the fence lined pastures on either side of the drive. Mal had always loved the ranch. He was lucky. Mal owned several investment properties around town and in the next county with his brother, Kell. So Mal was pretty much set financially, and because of that, he could spend his days doing wh
at he loved: riding the fences, teaching the cubs how to ride and care for the horses, and photographing the exquisite landscape.
“Wow.” Nick’s awed whispers brought a smile to Mal’s face. “This is beautiful.”
“It is.”
“Is that the pack house?” Nick pointed out the window at the sprawling eight-thousand square foot, two-story wood and brick ranch house. Mal nodded. “How many people live there?”
Mal snickered. That was usually the first question everyone asked when they finally got up close and personal with the main house. The house conjured images of mega-rich oil barons lighting pipes with hundred dollar bills. “Right now, only Declan, Cade, their mate Fiona and cub Emma Grace. Fee’s expecting another cub in few months. They live in the east wing of the house.” Kell pointed at the window he knew belonged to his cousins’ living quarters. “It’s the only wing that’s considered private and permanently occupied. The other areas are treated as common spaces so family and friends can gather if they want. There are four wings. West and north are used mostly for out of town guests. South―which is closest to the common areas―is used as a play area and also a daycare for the cubs. Shelly organizes and runs it. She’s best friends with Declan and Cade’s mate Fiona. On the south wing’s second floor, there’s a game room with pool tables, pinball machines, and every video game console ever created.”
“That’s amazing. Alpha Creed doesn’t mind pack members invading his space like that?”
“Nope. Dec is all about family.” Mal pulled the truck around the curved drive and parked in front of the long covered porch that spanned the length of the house. The porch roof was held up by white columns every eight feet with white railing and hanging pots in between them.
“Do they make use of the rocking chairs and porch swing? Or are they just decoration?”
“They get used quite a bit.” A smile curved Nick’s lips. Mal reached over a took his hand. “We can sit out here later if you want. You ready to go inside, baby?”