by Kasey Belle
Nick nodded his head vigorously. “Yes. I fell in love with you the second I laid eyes on you.”
Mal blew out the breath he’d been holding. “It was the same for me.”
“I’d hoped I was right. I thought I felt it. Your love, I mean.” He sent Mal a beatific smile. “All my life I’d hoped that when I met my mate that our love would be instantaneous, the same as it was with my parents and Summer and Daniel, but because I’m gay and my uncle forbade same sex matings…”
Mal pressed two fingers to Nick’s lips silencing him. He would not allow Craden Speer to interfere in this perfect moment. “Hey. You don’t have to worry about that anymore. We found each other. We are mates. You got your wish. We both did. When you’re ready, we will claim each other and become officially bound forever.”
Nick snuggled into Mal’s chest once again and sighed his contentment. “Thank you for being patient with me. It’s not that I don’t want to claim you as my mate.”
Mal rubbed Nick’s back. “I know, baby. You’ve been through something horrible and need time to process it.” He patted Nick’s butt. “Take your time in the shower. I’ll grab the monitor and listen for Leo while I take care of your things. I’ll bring your bags in first and set them on the chair by the bed. Will you share the bed with me?”
“I’d love to.”
Mal smiled at the lack of hesitation in Nick’s response. “Then when I’m done unloading and securing the house, I’ll meet you there.”
“Okay.” Nick leaned up and planted a soft kiss on Mal’s lips. “Anything special I need to know about the multi-shower headed bliss?” The humor in Nick’s eyes belied his innocent expression.
Mal narrowed his eyes. “As a matter of fact there is, smart ass.” Nick giggled as he tugged him toward the shower. “Every component is individually controlled with the digital display.” Mal showed him how to work the screen. The shower system alone set Mal back a few grand, but it was well worth the price.
Mal unloaded the last box of Nick’s provisions and placed it on the work bench in the garage. He would find a place for the camping supplies tomorrow. He’d already stored the food and water in pantry off the kitchen and locked the impressive cache of weapons in the cabinet in his dark room. He closed up the garage and made sure all the doors were secured before doing the same with the house. Mal stretched and yawned. It was time for bed. He made a quick detour to the nursery and checked on Leo.
He stepped into his bedroom and froze. His heart melted at the sight that greeted him. Nick was laying on his side facing the door snuggled under the covers sound asleep. The worry lines and exhaustion absent from his face and he looked every bit of his twenty-two years. Thank goddess, the Fates chose Nick for Mal otherwise he would have felt like he was robbing the cradle.
Mal couldn’t resist the urge to capture the moment. He pulled his cellphone from his pocket and opened the camera app. It wasn’t the same as using his Nikon D5, but it would do the job and allow him to preserve this cherished memory. He snapped the picture then checked to make sure the photo was perfect before plugging in his phone to charge.
Mal walked quietly to the bathroom and eased the door shut. He took a quick shower and brushed his teeth. Usually he slept nude, but donned a pair of boxer briefs since he wasn’t sure how his mate would feel about having Mal’s naked body pressed to his. He didn’t want Nick to feel an ounce of pressure to complete their mating until he was ready. They had plenty of time.
Mal climbed into bed and smiled when Nick sought him out in his sleep pressing his back to Mal’s front. His smile grew when he realized Nick was naked. Even though he was tempted to strip down and enjoy some skin to skin contact, Mal kept his underwear on. No need to invite temptation… well, more temptation than he was already facing. Nick wiggled around, his ass rubbing against Mal’s groin. He bit back a groan. He placed a hand on Nick’s hip to hold him still. Mal was rock hard and there wasn’t anything he could do about it. Was it possible to die from a raging case of blue balls? Mal idly wondered. He supposed he’d find out.
Mal wrapped his arm around Nick’s middle and buried his face in Nick’s neck letting his mate’s scent wash over him. His Nico fit perfectly in his arms. His mate’s little body gave off a ton of heat. It was like having his own personal furnace. He said a silent prayer of thanks to the Fates for delivering Nick and Leo safely to him. Mal closed his eyes and allowed sleep to claim him.
Chapter 10
Mal sniffed as he slowly came awake. What smelled so damn good? He inhaled deeper this time and smiled. Bacon. Coffee. Cinnamon? He turned his head and frowned when he found the bed empty. He ran his hand over his mate’s pillow. Cold. Nick must have been up for a while. Mal hadn’t even heard him leave the bed. He didn’t like that one bit.
Mal rolled out of bed and made a quick trip to the bathroom. He took care of his needs and brushed his teeth. He slipped on a pair of sleep pants before heading to the kitchen. He decided at the last minute to make a quick detour to his darkroom. Mal grabbed his digital camera off his desk checking to make sure he’d returned the memory card to its rightful slot before continuing on his mission to find his mate.
Mal stepped into the family room and stopped at the gated off area one of his family members―most likely Amelia―had set up for Leo so he could safely scoot around. Leo was laying on his belly and pushed himself up with his hands when he spotted Mal. He shot Mal a wide toothless smile while babbling baby nonsense. “Hey there, little man.”
Mal squatted down and took a few pictures. Leo laughed and kicked his legs. His antics making for what Mal knew would be some awesome photos. He set the camera on the side table next to the sofa then stepped over the gate and plucked Leo from the floor. He kissed Leo’s soft pudgy cheek before blowing a raspberry against it making him laugh.
Leo patted Mal’s face and babbled. “Ba-ba-ba.”
“Are you hungry?”
“He most certainly is not,” Nick called from the kitchen. “He ate like a pig before I started our breakfast. If he eats anymore, he’ll probably puke.”
Nick kissed Leo once more before placing him back on the floor and handing him a rattling teething toy. He stepped back over the gate and went into the kitchen, camera in hand. Mal took his time admiring his mate. Dressed in a pair of purple plaid sleep pants and tight purple muscle tank, with his hair still tousled from sleep, Nick looked sexy as hell. Mal wanted to lick him from his head to his cute toes. He snapped a few photos of his beautiful Nico.
Nick frowned at him when he heard the click of the camera. “What are you doing?”
“Photographing you. You make the perfect subject. Toned. Rumpled. Beautiful.”
Nick scoffed and returned to his attention to the pan. Mal set the camera on the counter. He wrapped his arms around Nick from behind and nuzzled his mate’s neck. “Morning, baby. Something smells good.”
“Bacon? Coffee? French toast?” Nick said, scrunching up his shoulder to block Mal’s assault.
“Uh-uh. It’s you,” he muttered against Nick’s skin.
Nick snickered then turned his head seeking a kiss. Mal whole-heartedly agreed with this turn of events and obliged. They shared a slow sensual kiss.
“The coffee is ready. Why don’t you make yourself a cup and have a seat?” He shooed Mal away with the spatula.
“Mmm. Coffee. Did it hurt?”
“Huh? Did what hurt?” Nick peered over his shoulder a confused frown marred his face.
“When you fell from heaven, because you’re an angel.” He sent Nick an over the top suggestive leer.
“Wow.” Nick snorted. “That was horrible. Has that cheesy line ever worked?” Nick narrowed his eyes in a way that screamed be careful how you answer.
He bit back a grin. “I don’t know. You tell me.”
“That’s a big fat no. Now stop distracting me before I burn something,” he admonished sounding stern, but the pleasure lighting Nick’s eyes and the pink in his cheeks ruined the effect.<
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Always on the run and in fear of being discovered, Mal knew Nick never had the opportunity to enjoy the rights of passage to adulthood. He’d never dated. Never had a boyfriend. Mal was sure Nick had never been to a bar or nightclub. That meant no man or woman had ever tried to pick him up or flirt with him. Mal was a born flirt and using his skills on Nick sounded like a hell of a lot of fun. Not that he planned to tip his hand. Mal was going to enjoy the shit out of teasing his mate.
“Alright, baby. I’ll be good.” Mal bussed Nick’s cheek with a kiss and headed to the coffee maker. “How long have you been up?”
“A couple of hours.” Nick flipped the piece of toast in the pan to brown the other side.
“Why didn’t you wake me?”
Nick shrugged and shot him a side-eyed glance. A flush colored his cheeks and Mal waited on bated breath for what his mate was about to say. “You look really cute and peaceful when you sleep. I couldn’t bring myself to wake you.”
Mal may or may not have puffed out his chest at that bit of information. “That’s good to know.”
An embarrassed smirk tilted Nick’s lips. “Whatever.”
“Wake me next time, please. I didn’t like waking up alone.” Mal poked his lower lip out for maximum effect.
Nick snorted and rolled his eyes. “That’s pitiful.”
Mal snickered. “Good. That’s the look I was going for.” He patted Nick’s ass as walked by. “Plus, I want to help with Leo. You don’t need to do it all alone. Okay?”
“Okay.”
Warmth wrapped around Mal’s heart when he finally noticed the nicely set table. Nick had arranged the place settings so they could sit beside each other instead of across from one another. In the middle of the table sat a bottle of orange juice, a small plate of butter, and a jug of maple syrup.
Nick pulled a metal pan from the oven along with the plate piled high with French toast and brought them both to the table. Mal helped Nick into his chair before taking his. He rubbed his belly. It growled when he saw what was in the pan. “Mmm. Bacon.”
“I cooked the whole package. I don’t know about you, but I can eat my weight in the stuff.”
Mal sighed happily. “Damn. You’re perfect.”
“My love of bacon makes me perfect?”
“If you hated it, I’d still love you. However, I would have to question the Fates and their choice of mate.”
“So… no turkey bacon then?” Mischief glinted in Nick’s eyes.
“I will not have my mate using that type of language,” Mal teased. “Don’t make me get the soap.”
Nick giggled and sent Mal a saucy salute. “Yes, sir.”
Grinning, Mal shook his head. “Sorry baby. That’s Paul’s game not mine.”
Nick’s brows furrowed. “Your brother Paul?” Mal nodded. “No way.” The look of astonishment on Nick’s face had Mal cracking up.
“Way.”
“Huh. I mean he does have that in charge vibe thing going on. I thought it was because he’s the sheriff. Not because he likes to―”
“Spank subs assess?”
Nick nodded. His face growing redder, something Mal didn’t think was possible.
“In the interest of full disclosure, he only spanks his mate’s booty now.” Mal reached and took Nick’s hand. “Don’t worry. Cathy loves it.”
“I wasn’t. It’s just… well… I guess you never know do you?” Nick cocked his head to the side. “I stood right next to a Dom last night and didn’t even know it.”
“It’s not like they wear signs or anything.”
“Is it wrong that I’m glad you aren’t into that?” Nick chewed his lip and worry clouded his eyes.
“No, baby.” He squeezed Nick’s hand. “We like what we like. There is no right or wrong as long as everything is consensual. If you want to explore a little light spanking or perhaps you’d like me to tie you up and have my wicked way with you? In that case, I’m sure you could persuade me.” He shot his mate a suggestive wink.
“I’ll take that under advisement.” The brilliant smile Nick sent him wrapped around Mal’s heart. “I like what we’ve done so far. The cuddling and the kissing. I’m sure I’ll like the rest. Maybe even that stuff you mentioned, too. Who knows?”
His little mate was trying to kill him. “That stuff is an only if you want to try it scenario. I like what we’ve done so far, as well baby. I loved holding you last night. When we claim each other, it will be phenomenal.”
“Phenomenal, huh?”
“Yep. Orgasmic, pass out in a sex coma, phenomenal bliss.”
Another blush stole over Nick’s face. Damn. Mal loved when he did that. There was something supremely sexy about his mate’s innocence. Especially, considering everything he’d been through in his short life.
Mal forked a few pieces of French toast and placed them on Nick’s plate before adding some to his own. He did the same with the bacon, earning him yet another happy smile from Nick. Mal’s stomach growled as he covered the vanilla and cinnamon scented goodness with butter and syrup. He cut into the toast and groaned when he took a bite. “Oh, my goddess. This is awesome.”
Nick preened under the compliment. “Thank you.”
“You know you don’t have to cook like this all the time right? In fact, you don’t have to cook at all.”
“I know. I told you, I like to cook. Plus, I like taking care of you.” Nick’s gave a little self-conscious shrug. “I’m kind of a caregiver, in case you didn’t notice.”
“I noticed. So am I. So what do you say we take care of each other?”
Nick smiled and nodded. “I love that plan.”
They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, sharing smiles and snickers when Leo babbled and giggled. “What would you like to do today, baby?”
“You mean after we meet with Alpha Creed?” Nick worried his lip. Mal knew he wasn’t looking forward to the meeting. He also knew Nick wouldn’t complain because it was necessary.
Mal snorted. “Alpha Creed? I thought he told you to call him Declan?”
Nick shrugged. “Your pack’s informality is a little hard to get used to. Anyone who dared address my uncle as anything other than Alpha usually ended up dead or permanently scarred.” A shudder wracked his lean frame and Mal fought the urge to growl.
“I know it will take time, Nico. Dec and Cade aren’t only the Alpha and Beta of the pack, they are also your cousins. Your uncle is a fucking asshole.”
“Don’t I know it.” Nick took a sip of his orange juice. “That’s also weird.”
“What’s also weird?”
“That someone as powerful as Declan Creed is now my cousin. Cade isn’t a slouch in the reputation department either. Not to mention you and your brothers. Daniel chose Copper Creek not only because he trusted Declan and Cade, but also because y’all are the shit when it comes to enforcer skills. Then there’s Gunnar. A freaking emissary.”
“Ex-emissary.” The light left Nick’s eyes, and he sighed. Mal didn’t like the sudden change in his mate’s demeanor one bit. “What is it?”
Nick’s shoulders slumped. “I feel a bit out of place. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not helpless. I can shoot the wings off a fly, but in regards to physical strength and size―” Nick shook his head. “―I’m no match when compared to the rest of you. I’m the runt, as usual.”
Mal wrapped Nick’s hand in both of his. “Hey. You are perfect.” Nick snorted. “Perfect for me. I love your size. So what if you can’t beat me or my brothers at hand to hand combat. So what if you don’t have the skilled training of an enforcer. None of that matters. Not to me. But, don’t for one second think that makes you weak. I may not know all the details of what you’ve been through in your short life, but I know about the last twenty-four-hours. Most people would have folded under the stress, but not you. You are strong, baby. You’re resilient. You’re kind and caring. You’re mine, Nico. Mine.”
Unshed tears glistened in Nick’s bottomless blue eyes. �
��You really believe that.” His response was more of a statement than a question, but Mal nodded anyway. “I’m so happy the Fates gave you to me. I think you’re perfect, too.”
Mal pulled Nick toward him and placed a light kiss on his lips. “Glad we settled that. Now, back to my original question. After we meet with Dec, you want to…?”
Nick thought for a moment then smiled. “Can we go see the horses?”
There was no way Mal would deny him, especially with all that unguarded hope in Nick’s eyes. “Sure. Emma Grace said one the barn cats had kittens a couple of days ago. Would you like to see them while we are there?”
“Kittens?” Nick’s eyes lit up. “I love baby animals. They’re so cute and cuddly. I can’t wait to see what Leo thinks of them. It’s okay if we bring him right?”
“Leo goes where we go, baby. If it wasn’t safe, I’d tell you.”
Nick patted Mal’s hand. “You’re a good daddy.”
It was Mal’s turn to preen. When he realized he was gay, Mal never thought he’d have a family in a traditional sense. A mate, yes. Children, not so much. He made peace with that. At least, he thought he had. Now that he had Leo, Mal wasn’t so sure he hadn’t been lying to himself all along. He already considered Leo his cub and couldn’t imagine not having the little boy in his life. In fact, Mal wanted more children. Maybe, when shit settled down, he and Nick could look into adopting more children. Leo would like having siblings. Mal sure as shit did. Even though his brothers were often pains in the ass, he liked having them around.
Chapter 11
After they cleaned up the dishes and set the kitchen to rights, Mal showered and dressed then helped Nick get Leo ready to leave. Mal was amazed at how much crap babies required even for only a few hours. He placed the baby bag along with the stroller and pack-n-play his family donated to them in the cargo area. “Are you sure we don’t need to bring his crib or the kitchen sink?”
Nick punched his shoulder. “Har. Har. You’ll appreciate all this stuff later.”
“I’m pretty sure they have some of this stuff at the pack house. It has a daycare remember?”