Misunderstanding His Mate

by Ezra Dawn

  “I’m fine mom. Amazing actually.”

  ‘Really? Did something happen?”

  “Yeah. I shifted but that isn’t even the best part.”

  “Oh? What’s the best part?”

  “I claimed my fated mate.”

  “Sweetie that’s wonderful. Congratulations! I expect you to bring him with you when you come visit over the holidays.”

  Roman laughs. “I’ll see what I can do. I’ve got to go now, mom but I’ll call you again soon.”

  “You better! Love you sweetie.”

  “Love you too.”

  Roman ends the call and says, “So, now that that’s over with shall we get going? I want to have all my stuff moved by lunch.”

  With a chuckle, I say, “Not wasting any time, are you?”

  He shakes his head. “Nope. I’m making up for lost time. So, come on, let’s go. I’ll call my grandfather on the way.”

  Narrowing my eyes at him, I say, “You’re not going anywhere like that. Put a shirt on.”

  He purrs at me and says, “I like it when you get possessive.”

  I lick my lips and say, “You’d better get dressed if you want to get anything done. Otherwise, I’ll show you just how possessive I can be.”

  He gives me a two-fingered salute and says, “Sir, yes sir,” then takes off up the stairs.

  It took longer than expected but Teague and I finally got all of my stuff packed up and loaded into our vehicles. I didn’t think I had that much shit but apparently I did. We’re going to stop by Tiberius’ shop on the way home so I can talk to the man. I’m not sure what’s going to happen but I hope he can give me some answers. I’d rather not have to call my grandfather. As much as I love the man, he’s off his rocker and I don’t want to spend three hours on the phone listening to him rant about the good ol’ days before he actually gets to what I wanted to talk about.

  Since we’re driving two vehicles now, I’ll be following Teague to Tiberius’ shop. Tiberius is a bit of a loner. He sells potions, herbs and the like in his store and lives above it but other than that it’s like he doesn’t have any friends. He rarely associates with anyone so I’m hoping I won’t get the brush off when I ask him to teach me.

  It doesn’t take long for us to get to his shop. The neon open sign flickers in the window. I park my truck behind Teague’s Jeep and we walk inside.

  Tiberius greets us from behind the counter. “Welcome, how can I help you?”

  “My name is Roman Johnson, this is my mate Teague Jackson. My father told me I should come see you about learning a few spells.”

  Tiberius tilts his head to the side and says, “Are you a warlock?”

  I shake my head and say, “No, I’m a black panther shifter.”

  Tiberius nods and says, “That explains why I don’t sense a whole lot of power coming from you. There is some though and we can work with that.”

  “So, you’ll teach me?”

  “Of course. I never turn down someone who asks for my help. Unless there’s good reason to do so. Since your father is the Sheriff I assume you work for him?”

  I nod. “Yes. I’m a deputy.”

  He nods and says, “We’ll map your training sessions around your work schedule and your personal life. We’ll start at once a week until you can handle using your powers more often, then we’ll go from there. Sound good?”

  “Sounds good. When do we start?”

  Teague pipes up and says, “Now, hold on a second, before we go too far here I have a few questions for you Tiberius.”

  Tiberius turns to Teague and says, “I’m happy to answer any questions you have.”

  “First, what are your qualifications as a warlock? How much experience do you have with black panthers? I want to be sure you’re the right person to teach my mate before I just let him jump into it.”

  Tiberius says, “Well, my bloodline is descended from the Salem Witches so I have a tremendous amount of power though I try not to flaunt it. As for experience with black panthers, they are rare however I’ve known four in my lifetime. Your mate is the fifth.”

  “Just how old are you? You don’t look that old.”

  Tiberius laughs. “Looks can be deceiving my friend. I am just shy of Six Hundred and Fifty years old.”

  “Wow. How long do warlock’s typically live?”

  Tiberius rubs his chin and says, “It varies. The stronger the warlock, the longer the lifespan. I’ve known a few that had lived upwards of five millennia.”

  “Damn. That’s a long time.”

  Tiberius nods. “It is. Now, is there anything else you would like to know?”

  “When can you start teaching my mate?”

  “How about next Friday? It’s been a long time since I taught anyone and I need to locate my beginner’s grimoire before we can begin.”

  I hold out my hand for him to shake and say, “I’ll see you then.”

  He shakes my hand and says, “See you then.”

  Teague and I exit the shop then head home to unpack.

  A few hours later, we’ve moved everything inside but that’s as far as we got with it before we collapsed.

  Teague sighs and says, “I’m too tired to move.”

  “Same here.”

  “I’m hungry too.”

  Biting back a laugh I say, “So am I but I think I’m too tired to eat.”

  He nods. “Me too. Think we can scrounge up enough energy to go to bed?”

  He shakes his head, “I’d fall asleep on the stairs.”

  Laughing I say, “Couch it is then. Goodnight Teague.”

  “Night love.”

  I maneuver us so we’re lying down on the couch instead of sitting up. Once comfortable I wrap my arms around Teague and nuzzle my face into his hair, succumbing to the pull of sleep.

  “There’s a run tonight, think you’re up to going?”

  Roman turns to me from the box he’s unpacking and says, “Of course babe. I wouldn’t pass up the chance to run with your wolf.”

  I wrap my arms around his waist and say, “Are you sure? I don’t want you to lose control.”

  “I promise, I’ll be fine. You’ll be there to help me and so will my dad. Besides, you’ve claimed me, so my panther is a lot calmer than it would be if I was unclaimed. Don’t worry so much.”

  “As long as you’re sure love.”

  “Of course, I’m sure. Hell, I’m excited. I can’t wait to meet your wolf.”

  “My wolf can’t wait to meet your panther. Let’s unpack a few more boxes and then head over to your grandfather’s before going to the run.”

  “Sounds good. My grandfather has been hounding me to come visit so he can tell me all about the history of the black panther.”

  “You know you’re excited to learn about it.”

  He laughs and says, “That is true. Come on let’s get these unpacked.”

  I help Roman unpack a few more boxes of his things and then we head over to his grandfather’s place. His grandfather, Turmeric Johnson lives in a cabin on the outside of town. Turmeric is one of those types that keep to themselves. He doesn’t venture into town much and when he does people tend to steer clear of him unless he’s with his wife. For someone who is just over five hundred years old he doesn’t look it. He’s what a human would describe as a good looking fifty-year-old, or a silver fox. Turmeric Johnson doesn’t look his age.

  Roman and I arrive at his grandfather’s house, and find the man waiting for us on the front porch. He’s wearing a flannel shirt and jeans and has his silver-black hair pulled back into a pony tail. When he sees Roman, a grin crosses his face. “Grandson! I’m so happy to see you. Come inside we have much to talk about.”

  We walk into the house and Roman says, “Where’s grandma?”

  Turmeric laughs and says, “Atlantic City, that woman loves her gambling. She’ll be back tomorrow. Have a seat, want anything to drink?”

  “No thanks grandpa. We can’t stay for very long. We’re going to the town r
un tonight.”

  He tilts his head like he’s thinking about something. “Was that tonight? Huh, guess I forgot.”

  “So, what did you want to talk to me about?”

  “Your black panther form. You need to know what it means.”

  “Okay. Tell me about it.”

  “Black panthers have always been special from their enhanced senses, strength, and agility to their longer life span and magical ability. But what people don’t know is that there used to be more of us. Black panthers used to be as common as the wolf until we were hunted to near extinction in the early ages of man. Since then the gods have put a restriction on how many black panthers are born into the world. It’s the same with all other rare shifter types. There are so few of us to protect us. There are legends that call us protectors, but we don’t fully come into our power until we find a fated mate and claim that person.”

  “Wait us?”

  Turmeric smiles and says, “I’m a black panther too.”

  “That’s awesome!”

  Turmeric rolls his eyes and says, “I hear Tiberius is training you?”

  “He is.”

  “Good. He’s one of the best. Once you get the hang of the basics you can do pretty much anything with magic as long as you know what you’re doing and know the extend of your ability.”

  “Tiberius said the same thing.”

  “So, training is going well then?”

  Roman nods and says, “Yes. He tells me I’m a fast learner.”

  “That’s good. Well, I won’t keep you any longer. I’m sure you both are looking forward to running together. We’ll talk more another time.”

  “Thanks for telling me all of this grandpa. I appreciate it.”

  Turmeric hugs Roman and says, “Anytime.”

  I shake Turmeric’s hand and say, “It was nice meeting you sir.”

  “Likewise.”

  I take Roman’s hand and lead him from the house. “Ready to go run?”

  “Hell yes.”

  Teague and I pull up to the clearing where everyone who will be participating in the town’s run meet up. The clearing is the starting location and serves as a meet and greet for new arrivals and for cubs who just went through their first shift. Speaking of cubs, I wonder if Teague wants kids. As we enter the clearing, I turn to ask him that very question but stop when a gorgeous twink sidles up to him. I say sidles, but I should say slithers because it’s obvious the little man is a snake and I’m not referring to his animal either.

  He puts a hand on Teague’s arm and purrs. “Hey sexy, I was hoping you’d show up tonight. Want to come back to my place after this? I’ll make it worth your while.”

  I bite back a snarl. Keep it together Roman, Teague loves you. He’s mated. This little man isn’t going to get what he wants.

  Teague grabs the man’s hand and removes it from his person. “No thanks. I’m here with someone.”

  Teague puts an arm around my shoulders and pulls me to his side.

  The little twink laughs and says, “Him? You’re with him? Oh, honey. You could do so much better. Trust me. Mousy brown hair, below average looks, and I just bet, he’s got nothing on me when it comes to experience in sex.”

  Keep calm Roman. His insults are nothing. Teague is yours. Gods I need to stop talking to myself like I’m another person.

  Teague growls and says, “Do not insult my mate.”

  The twink scoffs. “Please, your mate? Like I’d ever believe that. Fate would never pair someone as beautiful as you with…that…that below average looking human.” As if to emphasize his point he steps forward and plants a kiss on my shocked mate’s face.

  Seeing the act for what it is, a blatant attempt at poaching, my panther surges forward and knocks the twink to the ground, and locks our jaws around the twink’s throat without actually hurting him.

  The twink screeches, “Get off of me you filthy beast!!! Someone do something!! Get this thing off me!!”

  I tighten my grip just a bit for the insult, drawing blood.

  Teague kneels beside me and glares at the man. “You should really be nicer. Especially, since my mate is in the perfect position to rip out your throat should he choose to.”

  The twink gulps and says, “Just get him off me.”

  “Apologize for trying to take me from him and I’m sure he’ll let you go.”

  The twink sighs and says through gritted teeth. “Fine, I’m sorry I tried to poach your mate. Now, will you please let me go?”

  I squeeze his throat one more time before stepping back. The twink stands, dusts himself off, and stomps away.

  Teague strokes my fur and says, “That was a sexy display my love. Your panther is stunning when in protection mode.”

  You think so?

  He nods. “I know so.”

  He kisses the top of my head then stands to his full height and begins stripping off his clothes. I lick my lips and he laughs. “Save those thought for later mate. I’m not into beastiality.”

  Teague shifts into a beautiful black wolf. After shaking out his fur, he licks the side of my face and nips my ear.

  Ready to run my love?

  Yes.

  Then let’s go.

  He takes off and I chase after him, feeling happier than I ever have before.

  Two Days Later…

  Today is the day. The day I commit myself to my mate in front of the entire town. Roman and I might be mated and committed to one another already but I want everyone else to know. Since we don’t have an established pack structure there’s no Alpha to officiate bonding ceremonies therefore the town Mayor is the one who officiates. I’m still not sure how he managed to fool everyone but I’m starting to think every single one of them that helped him arrange this was in on it. Including my parents, I haven’t spoken to them since I overheard their conversation about Roman bonding with Renee. It’s not that I was avoiding them or anything I was dealing with the pain of losing my mate. Things have changed now though and my parents and I are back on solid terms.

  I’m keeping Renee at a distance a little longer. Call it punishment for coming up with this outrageous idea in the first place instead of letting Roman come to me on his own terms. Still, I can’t help the pride I feel for both of them. They outdid themselves planning this ceremony. The decorations are stunning and I’m in awe at how sneaky everyone around me can be when they decide to do something. I never expected any of this but I’m glad Roman and I decided to go through with it. It would’ve been a shame to let all this planning go to waste.

  Roman and I decided to walk down the aisle together as equals. There’s no bride in this relationship, we’re two men who love each other and I can’t wait to spend an eternity with my mate. Well, as close to an eternity as a shifter can get.

  As the ceremony begins, our town mayor and local Shaman recites the words that have been passed down through the ages for occasions such as these. It’s not a language I understand but I know the meaning behind it is what matters most. He binds our hands with a piece of rope and continues speaking in the ancient language.

  When the Shaman finishes his speech, he puts a hand on each of our shoulders and says, “You are one. May you forever remain tied to one another even after you are long gone from this world. Would you like to exchange a few words?”

  Nodding, I take Roman’s hand in mine and say, “Many of us spend our entire lives searching for our fated mate, the one created just for us. Some people are lucky to find that person. The one they can truly call the other half of themselves, while others spend the rest of their lives searching and never finding that special someone who will hold their heart forever. I am happy to count myself among the lucky ones, because I certainly found you. You’re my world Roman, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you.”

  Roman wipes away a stray tear and says, “Damn, I don’t think I can measure up to that but I’ll certainly try. Teague, I love you. I’ve loved you for longer than I can remember and I will con
tinue to love you until my dying day. I’ll also, share my portion of the blanket, cook for you any time you want, relinquish the TV remote when you ask for it, and buy the softer toilet paper so you’ll stop saying you’d be better off wiping with tree bark.”

  Barking out a laugh I smack him on the arm and say, “That’s just fucked up love.”

  The Shaman chuckles and says, “With this, there is nothing more to say. You may kiss one another.”

  Pulling Roman to me, I seal my lips over his in a passionate kiss, gaining wolf whistles and cheers from the crowd.

  He pulls away, breathless and says, “You’re mine now sweetheart.”

  “Forever.”

  “Forever.”

  Continue reading for an excerpt from one of my WIP’s,

  a standalone short story titled

  The Law of the Irish

  The Law of the Irish

  Prologue

  For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a part of the Irish mob. I’ve always followed in my father’s footsteps even when I didn’t have any idea where those footsteps would lead. I followed. To me, my father was the greatest man in the world. He’d walk into a room and every person there would stop what they were doing just to greet him. He commanded respect. I remember thinking when I grow up, I want to be just like him. My father was the leader of the mob. The big boss. Nothing ever happened without his say so and if it did? Well, you’d better hope it was something he would’ve approved of and that he got his share of the profits otherwise you’d be at the bottom of a river somewhere with cement bricks tied to your ankles.

  At eight years old, I began my journey into the mob. At first, I just followed my father around like a puppy. Where he went, I went. Then, one day we went for a walk and when we reached our destination my father turned to me and said, “Son, one day all of this is going to be yours. You’re going to own Boston, kid and I think it’s time you knew what that meant.”

  At thirteen I killed for the first time. The man was an accountant my father had accused of skimming off the top. By the age of seventeen I was fully immersed in the life. At eighteen my father was killed in a war between the families and I took over as the new head of the Irish mob. It’s been mine ever since. Now someone is making a play for my throne and I’m going to have to think outside the box if I want to find out who. It’s not going to be easy but it’s something I have to do. I refuse to let some asshole destroy everything my family has worked so hard to build.