by Erin R Flynn
“I’m sorry I didn’t ask,” I muttered, sounding stupid even to my own ears.
He chuckled, his eyes full of heat. “I was willing. I’m always willing for whatever you want to give me, my love. Always.” He sat up when he felt what hit me next. He gave me a soft kiss, barely brushing our lips together. “You owe me nothing. I don’t ever want us to have sex because you think you owe me a turn or anything. Only when you want it.”
“Thanks,” I sighed, leaning in and kissing my bite. He moaned loudly, and I slowly sat back, staring at him with wide eyes.
“An Alpha’s bite is a bit more than a normal love bite or shifter bite among paranormals,” Virg explained. “When you kiss it, it’s sort of like kissing his cock with feeling.”
“Well crap, that’s just trippy,” I chuckled, searching Dain’s eyes to make sure that’s what he felt. I felt a bit evil when he nodded, leaning in and doing it again. “Weird.”
“Uh-huh,” Dain groaned, and I realized how mean I was being as he was wet with me and hard as could be.
I jumped off of him, my legs a bit shaky, and looked to Virg for help. He shrugged. “You might want to bite others as they’re coming back to you and there’s been issues. If she’s frazzled and you’re overwhelmed, just as your human side, your wolf wants stability. It doesn’t mean you’re marrying them or anything over the line.”
I snorted. “Except if I bite Brian.”
He winced. “Yeah, you should warn him to hang back or at least not let his neck be visible around you for a while.”
I headed to the bathroom, but Dain was suddenly in front of me, angling his neck. “Please, once more. Or bite the other side of my neck too. I’m yours, Sera.”
My wolf snarled at his submissive nature, as Dain was not a submissive guy… Or at least not with anyone but me. He was also not someone I was willing to share. I kept his gaze as I knelt down and bit his hip hard. Anyone who saw him without his clothes on would see my bite and know he was claimed.
“Don’t you ever leave me again,” I rasped, my emotions swinging wildly the other way. I fled to the bathroom and turned on the water, needing to get under control.
Virg joined me, and it wasn’t about sexy naked time, but more wolf comfort even if we were touching each other. He kissed along my neck as he worked shampoo in my hair. “I think part of it is you’ve not had a wolf in your bed. Your wolf longs for one, Sera. I get taking a break from Hagan and Reagan after what happened, but you haven’t had them around and you lost Riley who was your wolf.”
“Makes sense,” I sighed, relaxing against him. “God, all the rules and nuances makes the FBI bureaucracy bullshit mellow in comparison.”
“That’s what we were striving for,” he drawled, hugging me tightly when I burst out laughing in that sort of at the end of my rope way. He said something about all the stress I was under contributing to last night and now today. That made sense too. I mean, how many people could honestly say they had been summoned to Iran after a takeover and all that sort of good fun?
Yay! I was special… And not in the good kind of way.
16
An hour later, we were at the club for a meeting with all the right parties and enjoying the brunch spread the chefs had whipped up since there was already a party on the books. We were just an hour earlier and on the club level so we were out of the way.
“What is he doing here?” I asked louder than I should have as I set down my plate.
Brian shot me a hurt look. “I was involved, Sera. Of course I’d come to—”
“No, not what I meant,” I cut in, feeling the eyes on us. “My wolf is having a reaction to um, stuff, sort of.”
“And you’re just now telling us this?” the police chief asked, anger in his eyes.
“You’re safe,” I drawled, rolling my eyes. “I’m not feral. He goes in a different category.”
Understanding filled Brian’s eyes, his lips forming a cute smirk. “Is she getting possessive after the ladies were hitting on us last night?”
“Something like that,” I grumbled, growling when he burst out laughing. I walked over to Dain and pulled down his collar, showing the bite. “Did you want to become a wolf today?”
“Holy shit,” someone hissed, and I winced, remembering the non-paranormals too late again.
What the hell was wrong with me?
“You’re exhausted,” Dain answered, pulling my hand away from his collar. “You’ve been through an astounding amount of stress this week, Sera. Cut yourself some slack.”
“Right, right,” I sighed, scrubbing my hands over my head. “Just don’t let me scent you, and cover your neck better.”
“I have a turtleneck sweater in my locker he can use, Alpha,” Jesse offered.
“Thanks.” I watched him rush off before looking at Brian. “Sorry. I’m fried and I don’t want to risk you.”
“Sera, you would never hurt—”
I shook my head. “Brian, I blinked and my teeth were in his neck. This is something new. Virg explained it, but I’m so fast and I’m so tired I’m not keeping up with what’s going on as well as I should. You’re right, I would never hurt you, but my wolf wouldn’t see this as hurting you.”
“It’s a job well done to a wolf,” Dain added. “And it’s incredibly pleasurable for us.” I knew that last part was for the human ears in the room. “It’s an honor from the Alpha.”
“I thought bites were punishment?” one of the mayor’s aides asked, Brian echoing that.
Virg snorted. “Not when they’re intimate. I’ve had people beg me for one. It’s a status thing too, like they’re in the running to be my mate. I’ve seen dick Alphas give some out and throw others who want the place next to them into chaos as they fight it out. It’s much, much bigger than going steady or whatever the humans call it.”
Brian stepped closer, his eyes studying me. “Does she want to bite me?”
Unfortunately he moved enough that I caught his scent. I didn’t even realize what I was doing until Carter was there blocking me, his arm around my waist as he impressively spun me and then us so I couldn’t see Brian.
“You’re new,” he said gently, kissing my hair. “You’re still growing into your wolf and culture. Most shifters who are infected as adults have years of this to handle and get acclimated to. It’s why the groups give buddies to help out.”
I nodded, sagging against him when my wolf whined. “She wasn’t going to bite him. She knows it’s not what he wants, but she doesn’t like that he’s not marked. She just wanted to give him a hickey and my scent.”
“Okay, well, tell her later and to check with you first, as this isn’t the time,” he reminded me.
“She’s pissed our sanctuary was invaded,” I gasped, realizing that was part of it. “We promised safety, and now it was broken, some of ours were hurt, and she wants to make it clear if anyone fucks with those we care for what will happen to them.”
“So it’s CPD’s fault?” someone asked, their tone not all that believing.
I glanced over to the group of guests. “There was also a bit of an issue with Iran. How was your week, dear?”
“Fair enough,” that same guy replied, a cop from his uniform I could now see.
“Let her mark me, Sera,” Brian said quietly. “I’ve never been ashamed of your wolf or who you are now. I’m not about to start when she’s upset.”
I melted. I flat out melted, as he knew I was terrified of that. I broke Carter’s hold—much to his surprise—and I climbed up Brian easily, wrapping myself around him as I latched my mouth onto his neck. My teeth didn’t elongate, and I didn’t even use them in human form. He moaned as I sucked on him as hard as I could and not break the skin. Then I licked along his neck so he smelled like me where other shifters would check him.
I kissed the mark and pulled away, my eyes going wide when he moaned again.
“Holy crap,” Brain panted, giving me just as shocked of a look. “Is it supposed to feel like you’re�
�”
“Yes,” Dain and Virg said at the same time, but Virg continued. “I’ve never known an Alpha to be powerful enough it can be just from a mark and not bite and affect a human.” He shook his head, chuckling. “You are a whole other level of powerful, Sera.”
“Do you still want him to wear it, Alpha?” Jesse asked as he took in the scene he returned to carrying a turtleneck.
“Yes, because I’ll keep staring at it otherwise,” I admitted, going back to the buffet. “I swear it’s lucky I was never a prideful person or I would be mortified this stuff keeps happening in front of the people it shouldn’t.”
“It’s because you put everything and everyone else first,” Dain defended. “You went through a ton of shit last week, Sera. Most would take the next week off, not deal with pimps and dirty CPD.”
“Fair enough,” I agreed, loading up two plates and heading to the tables we’d set up so we weren’t trying to shout over to another booth. Well, actually they’d pulled out four of the huge tables and put them together so we were sitting in a square with the extra chairs someone had brought out.
“First of all, I’d like to apologize for what happened here last night and the investigation I was unaware of,” the police chief began. “I cannot fathom how it even started, as most of the department is fairly aware of how many criminals you’ve turned over to us when your security system has flagged them. I mean, it’s—nowhere does that, and we appreciate that you do it.”
“Glad you acknowledge that,” I sighed. “As we’ve gotten a lot of flack for it. A lot. We’ve also gotten a ton of shit for the club. I’m seriously chapped that this came from you guys when we’ve always been good to CPD when other branches and offices haven’t been.” I gestured between Brian—now wearing the turtleneck—and myself. We’d always prided ourselves on the good relationship we had with CPD.
Both men nodded in agreement, the police chief taking a sip of coffee before speaking. “What can we do to make this right? IA told me you want an apology to your employees who were harassed. Of course. I will speak with them personally.”
“We would like your help in furthering the progress that has been made,” Dain answered for me. He slid over some papers to both of them. “This is the wording and regulation of the federal blood distribution license. It clearly covers us for the expansion we want to make happen to create more jobs in Chicago for paranormals and bring more income to the city, but we know the execution can be lacking at times.”
“What expansion?” the mayor asked, glancing from the papers to us.
“Bottling and selling of the blood drinks served at the club,” Dain answered, holding up his hand to stave off protests when both men opened their mouths. “We’re not talking about having it on the shelves of your local grocery store. It’s not wine. It’s blood. However, it is paranormal blood, so it does not qualify for regular human guidelines.”
“And it’s for consumption not donation,” I added. “It’s a gray area but a very, very lucrative one that others have been discussing and at length. I have the license though, and while I have a full time job I prefer to focus on, this benefits us and Chicago should we do this.”
“How? Give us something a bit more concrete,” one of the aides pushed. His eyes went wide when Dain outlined what we sold a carafe of the drinks for. “Fine, but that’s here.”
“It would be more expensive bottled and distributed,” Dain argued. “We have a deal with the local coven to bespell the blood to make it last and work.”
“Right, but how much could you really sell to make it worth the flack all of us would get for this?” he argued. “Even if you can donate every day, you only have so many wolves.”
“An adult shifter can donate two pints every other day,” he answered. “However, you’re right, we don’t have scores of shifters, but we do have allies.” He looked pointedly at Virgil.
“I thought you guys were only doing it for gifts and to make nice,” he muttered, reaching over and taking a copy of the license. “Knowing you guys, there are about four more levels to this.”
“Yes, Queen Laila has already purchased a facility that will be transformed into a bottle and jar making plant for the array of fairy products that Lady Seraphine suggested we make,” Alok replied. There were lots of pieces to this so lots were invited. “A deal has been made with the local recycling company and the effort started to pull recyclables from waters and landfills. Vegas has been desperately trying to get this license.”
“Yeah, but Stud’s ex-mob, and even if he’s working on his image, it’s not going to happen,” I said for our guests. “And while I know Queen Laila is clean and has impeccable morality, others do not and trust the fae about as much as… Not good people.” I shared a look with the mayor. “There’s been talk of this in Greece. It would behoove us that they were an extension of us doing it here instead of selling it to the covens.”
“And you could make that work given your bloodline is Dorcus,” he muttered, caught up on all the gossip.
“Yes, we are a very rare vintage of bloodline,” I chuckled, glancing over at Carter. “You were going to explain how it all works from a vampire side?”
His eyes flashed shock, but then he seemed to catch on. “Yes, your bloodline is very rare, along with the rabbits—”
“No, we’re not distributing their blood,” I cut in, wanting that made clear. “If they want to donate to the family business to help and they’re able, that’s different. I’m not selling their blood to covens.”
“Two are eighteen, Sera. Almost three. Ben’s birthday is right around the corner,” Dain reminded me gently. He held up his hands in surrender when I shot him a look.
I sighed, not meaning to come off so harsh. “I get it, but they’re such softies they’d give every last drop to help out others that need it after what they went through. Maybe, and I mean maybe, but I don’t want to start off with it.”
“That might be wise to keep attention off of them,” Carter interjected. “But as it stands, you mix the blood you get. You could make more if you didn’t. Your blood line is special, powerful. Bunnies are a rare vintage. Your tiger is a fucking diamond if he would donate. His blood is as potent as yours in lots of ways so a high price. Bear tastes wild—”
“You talk like rare game hunters,” the police chief cut in, looking a bit disgusted.
Carter just shrugged. “It’s not unlike that actually. I’ve never eaten a tiger, but bear used to be quite common to eat. It’s obviously different, as these are people, but vampires need blood. It is an unchanging fact, and this is not some fiction show where it can be synthesized. The best way is to handle it amongst ourselves better and in a way that’s safe. There were companies tampering with the blood to covens.
“You will have serious problems if that continues. Iran will not be the last in the current climate. There is talk in South America, and honestly, I hope they do as it would also take care of a lot of other problems some of those countries have. There would be no more drugs that poison the blood we need to drink or tearing down forests we need as a planet. I’ve been alive thousands of years, and I remember when the air was safe to breathe.”
“The local bear Alpha has no problem if his people donate, and so could others,” I said quickly, not wanting to get into other politics. “It’s also a way to help other communities but set the standard, set the precedence here.” I glanced at Carter, glad when he knew to let the other topic go. “I didn’t realize you guys were so into it like vintages.”
He shrugged. “The very young ones can’t tell, only that the shifter blood is stronger and will sustain them longer. The older you get, just like humans, the more refined your pallet. I prefer female blood, as it very much lights a fire in me just as an attractive woman does. For us, it’s tied into sex, so the more you split it in some ways, the better. However, the way you have combined is also good as you spice up the most common blood.”
“Okay, well, tell me how it could work for us
common wolves?” Virgil drawled. “I never got specifics on how you guys swing it here.”
I glanced over to Simone who had been quiet until now, knowing this line was tricky. She wiped her mouth and set down her napkin. “We have two shifters who work at the paranormal hospital that moonlight for us and take donations. The deal is those who donate so many times a month get free access to the club during the full moon. We’ve actually been turning people away, as there’s only so much our tanks can hold.”
“Two of the wolf families that are in Greece that are refugee status and have asked for permission to join the pack are medical professionals,” Hagan informed us. “There are more. You could have mobile donations just as regular blood drives do.”
“We have a nurse in our pack,” Virgil added. “So you send a truck every few days? I mean, that sounds a bit…”
“Yeah, I know,” I agreed. “I agree, we need to start handling things better so bad humans can’t get away with shit they try. I didn’t say I liked the idea, but it’s better than a coven putting pressure on a smaller pack to provide blood. There’s got to be a way to do this right.”
“And carefully or you’ll have every nut fuck shooting at your trucks,” the police chief added.
Dain nodded. “Queen Laila suggested a dummy corp that we would put on the trucks, an energy one that no one would dare shoot at. No one needs to know beyond the leaders who we deal with and the people who make this happen. It’s not like we’ll take interviews saying the times and dates.”
“So there’s eight pints to a gallon and even the smaller tankers hold four thousand gallons,” Virgil muttered. “That’s sixteen thousand shifter donations, and now you’re separating it by species and maybe even sex. How the hell are you going to work that out?”
I snorted. “I won’t.” I gestured between Simone, Dain, and the others. “They’re the ones who make it all happen. I just start the trouble or stamp my approval as Alpha. Stud will get involved just for the chance to offer it to his visiting vampire guests. We have other allies that would do it.” I glanced at Carter who nodded. I sighed and waved for him to go ahead.