Mating Mal

by Kasey Belle

  “Mom is super brave, too,” Luke piped up a broad smile on his face. “She protected me from Bud when he was being really mean. She saved me. Then he came back and kidnapped her. He tried to hurt her again, but Dad saved her.” He gazed up at Paul with what Mal could only describe as hero worship. It was how a son should look at his father as far as Mal was concerned.

  “You’re exactly right, Luke. Your momma is extremely brave. Cathy, you’re every inch the perfect mate for my oldest son. You give our Paul peace. It also doesn’t hurt that you came bearing the gift of our first grandson either. We couldn’t have asked for smarter or more caring cub.” Damon shot her a wink. Cathy leaned into Paul and wiped away a tear as it escaped. Paul wrapped an arm around her shoulder and kissed her temple. Luke beamed at his grandfather.

  “Gunnar. I never envisioned a mating partner in our Kell’s future, but the Fates are never wrong. Our middle boy has been through it. He’s served his country and his pack with honor. He always thought it was his job to protect everyone around him. Curse of the enforcer, I suppose. He needs a partner who will have his back and stand beside him, fight with him. He also needs a partner who will tell him to back down and chill out. To remind him he can’t save everyone.”

  “Someone has to keep him in line.” Gunnar sniffed looking every bit an English aristocrat.

  “That would be me,” Jennifer deadpanned.

  Ilene reached her hand out across the table and shared a high five with Jennifer, both of them giggled like school girls.

  Damon frowned at the women, but the indulgence in his eyes gave away his feigned annoyance. “I know your parents are still around, Gunnar. However, I hope you will also consider us your parents, as we already consider you our son. We are proud to have you in this family.”

  “Thank you, sir. I’m honored.” Gunnar inclined his head.

  “Jennifer. You are the badass daughter. Pardon my language. Don’t repeat that children.” The cubs giggled and nodded. “Jen. I can’t imagine how difficult it was becoming a mother at fifteen. Being a teenage mother comes with its own special set of challenges. I’m truly sorry that your parents are no longer with you, but I am eternally grateful they were there when you needed them most. But in the end, your accomplishments are a testament to your big heart, integrity, and strength. You’ve raised Lada into a fine young woman. You should be proud. A little birdie told me what you did last month. How you stopped Harold Webb and protected Lada, Carly, and the Clearwater’s. Not to mention, you saved Mal, Gunnar, and Kell’s lives.”

  Jennifer shrugged a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “I couldn’t let them have all the fun. Bet I can guess what the little birdie failed to mention.” Damon cocked an eyebrow. “Did aforementioned birdie tell you how they sabotaged my perfect record?” She crossed her arms over her chest and sent her mates an accusatory glare. “Glory hogs.”

  “I’m afraid Kell left that part out, darling.” Ilene leaned forward resting her chin in her hands. “Do tell.”

  Mal looked at his brothers and shook his head. “You’d think she’d be over that by now.”

  “One would think,” Gunnar responded before shooting Jen a cheeky wink.

  Jennifer held up her hands forming a “W” with her fingers. “What-ever.” She turned her attention back to Mal’s mother. “These three―” Jen pointed at him, Kell, and Gunnar, “―decided the little woman couldn’t handle one stupid werewolf.” She held up her hand when Mal and his brothers started to protest. “Shut it. You did.” She mimicked aiming her service revolver. “I had Webb in my sights getting ready to take his dumb butt out with a silver bullet. These three jerks obviously thought I was standing on that deck for no good reason, executed a three-point attack flanking Webb. Kell and Gunnar took it a step further and leapt through the air to take Webb down. The problem? I fired my weapon at the same time. I missed. I never miss. They were lucky one of them wasn’t hit.” Jennifer frowned playfully at her men. “Screwed up my perfect record. Dumbasses.”

  Paul piped up. “I told you it wouldn’t count against you, little sister. Their impatience isn’t your penalty to bear.”

  “Right you are, Uncle Paul. It shouldn’t count against her.” Lada nodded. She turned her sparkling eyes on Ilene. “Guess what, Grandma? Even after their action-hero-save-the-damsel-in-distress routine, Mom still ended up taking care of business. My Dads and Uncle Mal could have saved themselves a bunch of trouble and a lot of aches and pains if they’d let her handle Webb to start with. She didn’t miss a second time.”

  “True that, sister,” Cathy declared. She held out her fist to Lada who bumped it in return.

  “Man, I love you girls. You’re all little spitfires. Keep those boys in line. They need it.” Erik praised and held out his palm for a high five. Jennifer slapped it with gusto as did Lada. “You’re too far away Cathy, so I’m high-fiving you in my head.”

  Damon waited for their laughter to die down before he continued. “Lada, girl I just adore you. You’re sassy and sweet. I love your fire and spunk. You brighten a room just by occupying it. If those boys of ours give you a hard time, you come to us and we’ll straighten them out. You hear?”

  “Yes, sir. You hear that Dads. Grandpa’s got my back.” She playfully stuck out her tongue out at Kell.

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  “You’re very welcome, son.” Damon snickered. “Nick. My youngest has searched for you most of his life. I prayed to the Fates every day that he would find you. I’m sorry your path here wasn’t an easy one. Mal told Erik and I some of your story and I realized something about you. You’re small but your heart and courage are large. You’re loyal and accountable. You stuck by your sister and the two of you made a life for yourselves. When she was gone, you took Leo and protected him as if he were your own. Now here you are willing to take a stand against a man who has caused you so much heartache and pain. We―” Damon pointed to himself, then Erik and Ilene. “―have your back. We stand with you. Also, as with Cathy and Jennifer, it helps your likability points that you gifted us with an adorable second grandson.” He snickered at his own joke. Mal and his brothers rolled their eyes. “Welcome to our family, son.”

  Nick sniffed. “Thank you, sir.”

  “Dad,” Damon corrected.

  Nick nodded, he appeared unable to speak. Mal wrapped his mate in his arms, careful not to squish Leo, who was fast asleep with his head resting on Nick’s shoulder.

  Damon turned an assessing eye to Luke, Emma Grace, and Jay who sat together at the other end of the table. “Last but not least, the Gleesome Threesome. If you ever need anything, no matter what it is, we want you three to know you can come to us. Emma Grace and Jay, because you are Luke’s future family, we consider ourselves your grandparents, as well.” He cast his eyes around the table. “I want all my grandchildren to remember one thing if nothing else. Nick you’ll need to pay attention and memorize this for Leo, until he’s old enough to learn it for himself. Everyone listening?” The cubs, Lada, and Nick nodded their heads. “Whatever our grandchildren want, our grandchildren get.” The kids whooped and cheered. Mal and his brothers buried their faces in their hands. It was so unfair. His parents didn’t have that motto about their own children when they were growing up. He peeked at Nick. His mate didn’t seem the least bit put out by the directive. In fact, Nick appeared just as pleased as the cubs.

  Mal heard Nick whisper to Leo, “You hear that? You have grandparents who are going to undermine our authority and spoil you rotten. We are so blessed.”

  Yeah, Mal thought, he sure as hell knew he was.

  Chapter 24

  Nick fiddled with his hair in the mirror becoming more aggravated by the second. Paul and Cathy were getting married today. Nick was about to attend his first wedding and first public pack function all rolled into one, and because life’s a bitch, his cowlick chose today to be uncooperative and resistant to styling gel and hairspray. Not the memorable first impression he had in mind. At least his liner was flaw
less as usual.

  “You look gorgeous, Nico.” Mal smiled at him from the open doorway.

  “Thanks.” A blush colored his cheeks. Nick glanced down at his clothes Mal ordered for him a few days ago since they couldn’t risk a public shopping trip. The straight cut flat front black slacks and tailored violet button down shirt fit perfectly, hugging his body in all the right places. He pressed down on the stubborn cowlick and once again it popped back up when he removed his hand. He sighed. His hair was totally ruining the put together vibe he was going for. He threw up his hands and stuck out his tongue at his reflection. “Forget it.”

  “What has you so nervous?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I’m channeling Alfalfa and I’m about to attend your oldest brother’s wedding, something I’ve never done before.” His response oozed snark.

  “Well yeah. Paul’s never gotten married before.” His eyebrows furrowed in confusion and he looked at Nick as though he grown a second head.

  Nick growled. Was he being deliberately obtuse? “Not Paul. Me. This wedding is a first for me. And Leo. Oh goddess. What if he cries during the ceremony? What if Paul and Cathy are saying their vows and Leo has a loud explosive diaper incident? That would be so embarrassing. We would ruin their special day.” Nick pressed his palms to his cheeks. “No. No. We shouldn’t go.”

  Mal stepped forward and hauled him into his arms. Nick didn’t hesitate to bury his face against Mal’s neck and breathe in his scent. His heart swelled with joy as the feelings of safety and love washed over him.

  “Baby, listen to me and actually hear me when you do please. You belong there, same as me. You are pack and the pack is one big happy family. If Leo has issues, no one will be upset. He could scream his lungs out and nobody would bat an eye. He certainly wouldn’t be the first cub to have a meltdown in a social situation. He won’t ruin anyone’s day. I promise. Cathy’s a mom, she’d understand. That being said… if you really aren’t comfortable going, we won’t.”

  “What? No. He’s your brother you have to go.”

  “Don’t take this as me trying to make you feel guilty, okay?” Mal said carefully then waited until he nodded his agreement. “You are my mate, Nico. Mate trumps brothers. I go where you go. You stay. I stay. It’s as simple as that. Your needs and Leo’s come before everyone else’s.”

  Mal’s intent may not have been to make him feel guilty, but Nick did. Mates took care of each other, and Nick was allowing fear and old insecurities stop him from holding up his end. He knew Mal’s family wasn’t cruel like his uncle. He witnessed their family first attitude more than once. He experienced their never ending supply of love and acceptance from the second he stepped foot on Copper Creek Pack land. It was time to grow a pair.

  “I’m being silly.” He shushed Mal when he started to protest. “Yes, I am. You keep telling me how strong I am. How much you admire me. It’s about time I started living up to the hype and the pedestal. Isn’t that how Cade so eloquently put it the other day?”

  Mal snorted a laugh. “He’s extremely articulate.”

  “Very.” He leaned in a shared a slow kiss with Mal. He pulled back and sighed “I love you.”

  Mal pressed his forehead to Nick’s. “I love you, baby.”

  “Are you sure I’m dressed okay?”

  “The wedding is casual. It’s summer in Texas and hot as balls. We’d all melt if tuxedos were required no matter how many cooling stations and misters Declan set up.”

  Nick smoothed Mal’s shirt with his hands. Mal sucked in a breath when his palms came into contact with his sensitive nipples. He was tempted to rip the white cotton Boglioli off his body. “As long as the groom isn’t wearing a tux we won’t be out of place.”

  Mal grunted. “Paul in a tux? No. In his leathers? Most likely.”

  Nick’s mouth dropped open. “Seriously? It’s hot as balls outside.”

  “Dom.” Mal said the word as if it explained everything. In all honesty, it kind of did. Mal held him tight for another few seconds before he finally eased his grip and turned Nick around by the shoulders giving him a little shove towards the door. “Move it, my sexy as fuck mate. We’ve got a wedding to attend.”

  He tossed Mal a cheeky wink and added a little extra sway to his hips as he walked away. Mal’s growl told Nick his deliberate action had elicited the desire effect.

  “Hey, Nico?”

  Nick glanced over his shoulder and arched an eyebrow.

  “I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave.” Mal wagged his eyebrows.

  Nick groaned. “Ohmigoddess. Really? That has to be the cheesiest line ever.”

  “Admit it. You liked it.” Mal leered at him.

  Yeah, he did. Not that Nick planned to admit it. No need to encourage his mate’s sleazy bar pick-up line usage. Adorable as it may be.

  They walked through the front door of the pack house and found Declan, Cade, Fiona, and Paul in the common family room.

  “Hey, guys.” Paul stepped forward and greeted them with a smile looking handsome in his Sheriff’s uniform. He gave Mal a backslapping hug that rattled his teeth. Nick was grateful when Paul only shook his hand. He preferred his bones and teeth remained in the same condition as when he arrived.

  “You’re wearing your uniform.” Nick blurted then he cut his eyes at Mal. His mate seemed to look at everyone but him.

  “Uh, yeah?” Paul’s response was more of a question than an answer.

  “Mal? I thought you said he was wearing leather?” He arched an accusatory eyebrow at his mate. Mal’s expression turned sheepish, and he shrugged. Nick realized Mal tried to set him up. So that’s how it is. Time to school the troublemaker. “You remember our conversation don’t you, baby? You know when I was lamenting our attire might not be formal enough? What was the term you used to describe Paul? Leather daddy?”

  Declan and Cade guffawed loudly at Nick’s comment.

  “Coo-wee.” Fiona exclaimed as she walked through the door. “Nick Speer. You are my new favorite person. Leather daddy.” She giggled. “I can’t wait to tell Cathy. She is going to die.”

  Paul narrowed his eyes at his youngest brother before reaching up and popping him on the back of the head. “You’re an ass.”

  “Hey! Baby in my arms,” Mal protested cuddling Leo as if he were about to drop him, which was total crap.

  “Hiding behind an infant. Seriously? Pussy.” Paul shook his head.

  Nick tsked. “Shame. Shame. You should be hiding from me. I know where you live.” He shot Mal a narrowed eyed glare. Mal snickered and wrapped an arm around Nick’s shoulders before kissing his temple.

  “Will you let me make amends with an apology blowjob?” Mal whispered in his ear.

  Nick’s ears went hot, and he jabbed Mal in the ribs with his elbow. “Behave.” Whispering didn’t stop wolves from hearing your conversation. Judging by the amused looks on Declan, Cade, and Paul’s faces they heard Mal just fine.

  Nick took in Fiona’s attire from head to toe. She wore her long hair pulled up into a messy pile and had donned a casual strapless dark blue sundress that highlighted her baby bump and ended just below the knee. He grinned when he got to her bare feet. The term, barefoot and pregnant flashed through his mind. “You look beautiful, Fiona.”

  “Why thank you, sir.” She did a little curtsy before Cade snagged her around the waist and assaulted her neck with noisy wet kisses. She giggled and smacked him on the chest telling him to stop.

  Nick didn’t think she was fighting Cade’s attention all that hard. A flash of color caught the corner of his eye. Whoa. Fiona had some serious ink on her back. “Girrrrrl.”

  Fiona glanced over her shoulder. “What?”

  He pointed at her back. “How far down does that delicious ink go?”

  She flashed him a saucy grin. “All the way. You want to see?” She pushed out of Cade’s arms and grabbed Nick’s hand. She tugged him toward the hall bathroom. “Come with me.”

  Declan growled and lun
ged at Nick. “Mate! Mine!”

  The look on Declan’s face and the possession in his tone had Nick ready to piss his pants. He was seriously considering hiding behind Fiona to save his ass and he wasn’t the least bit ashamed of that fact, either.

  Mal jumped in front of Nick, basically standing between him and Declan’s wrath. “Whoa, cousin. Your wolf needs to chill. You have nothing to fear from Nick.” Mal pointed at himself then at Nick. “Gay. Remember?”

  Nick held his breath and waited. A what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only a second or two, Declan reigned in his wolf. He took a deep breath and dropped his head. “Apologies.”

  Fiona rolled her eyes. “Neanderthal.” She tugged on Nick’s hand and he followed her. They went into the hall bathroom and shut the door. She turned so her back was facing Nick. “Unzip me, please.”

  He did as she asked then opened both sides exposing Fiona’s inked skin. “Holy shit.” He ghosted his fingers over the vibrant colors embedded in her skin. Across the small of her back and up the lower left side stopping just under her ribs were purple magnolias with bright green leaves. Nestled in the curve of the flowers was the face of a woman with porcelain skin and ruby lips wearing a gold mask that covered her from nose to forehead. Coming out of the top and around the sides of the mask were large bright blue peacock feathers. The feather coming out of the top of the mask extended to her left shoulder, curled around her shoulder blade, and from it hung strands of brightly colored beads, while other strands of beads “rained” down her back as if thrown from a parade float. The only skin that remained ink free was the area around her right shoulder blade.

  “I haven’t decided what I want to add on the right. I’m not sure my homage to New Orleans needs an addition, you know?”