Ranger's End Game (Northern States Pack Book 1)

by Lee Oliver

  Chapter Six

  Gods, I want this…I so want this…but what if…I should tell him…No, he’ll think I’m silly... Aiden’s thoughts were a scattered mess as Ranger unlocked the door of his private room. The rest of the dinner was uneventful apart from the waiter giving Ranger his phone number with the bill, and a couple of fearful mutters from other patrons as they left. Ranger ignored the number and the comments, so Aiden did too. In the car, Ranger seemed relaxed although still not overly talkative. Aiden’s wolf was happy wallowing in Ranger’s scent that seemed to increase the longer they were together. The wolf side of him wanted the claiming. A powerful assassin like Ranger made the perfect protector and the wolf was well prepared to belly up.

  The human side of Aiden was a bundle of nervous anticipation. Ranger didn’t seem like the affectionate type. He was probably a fuck ‘em up against the wall type of lover. I suppose I could handle that. Ranger got the door unlocked and stepped back to let Aiden enter first. Guess he didn’t have to worry about danger. They were on a council base and anyone stupid enough to be waiting in an assassin’s room was asking for trouble.

  The room was basic. A couple of chairs, a table that served as desk and dining, a door that presumably led to the bathroom and a large bed…with someone already in it. Aiden growled before he could stop himself. “You’ve got a lover and yet you brought me back here? What the hell were you thinking?”

  “What?” Ranger roared and strode over to the bed. Aiden didn’t know whether to leave or go, but his wolf was all for staying. Ranger was theirs. No question about it.

  “I told you Cam was the one who did casual flings,” Ranger snarled, throwing back the blankets and picking up a slender looking twink by the neck. “I asked you for mating forms for fuck's sake. Can’t you take a hint?”

  “I…er…you smelled real good,” the twink gasped quickly. “I thought you were talking about me and you. My dad said you know your mates by their scent. I’ve been waiting for hours for you to claim me.”

  “How old are you?” Aiden asked, intrigued. He knew the twink wasn’t his mate, so he wasn’t worried Ranger might be.

  “I’ll be nineteen in six weeks.”

  Eighteen. Aiden shook his head. “I bet a wienner smells pretty good too,” he said.

  “I don’t get horny over hot dogs.” The twink’s face was bright red.

  “No, but a stiff breeze will tent your pants; when you’re wearing any. How did you get in here?” Aiden went over and stood by Ranger’s side, slipping his hand into Ranger’s back pocket.

  “My boss has a master key to all the rooms on the base,” the young wolf was turning sulky now.

  “You might want to return it before you get caught,” Aiden warned. “Ranger, hon, let him go,” his free hand stroked over Ranger’s arm. “This pup can’t help it if your power’s a natural aphrodisiac. Look at the waiter in the restaurant. His pants were a mess by the time we finished eating.”

  “Now you can see why I don’t go out much,” Ranger dropped the twink on the floor and half-turned, pulling Aiden tight to his body. “The more I growl, the more they want to get their hands on me. Makes my skin crawl most of the time.”

  Aiden’s heart melted. “You’re touching me,” he reminded the assassin gently; his body supremely conscious of the hard hands on his hips.

  “I’ve wanted to do that all evening,” Ranger’s voice dropped. “And now I’m going to kiss you.”

  Aiden closed his eyes and tilted his head. He didn’t have long to wait. Ranger’s touch was gentle at first; almost cautious, but as Ranger inhaled, a deep growl rumbled in the bigger man’s chest and it was like a switch was flicked. Aiden’s lips were pressed, licked and nibbled as Ranger seemed determined to devour him. His hand still firmly in Ranger’s pocket gave Aiden pulling power and he used it as leverage to get as close to his mate as possible.

  “Fuck, you taste delicious. I knew you would,” Ranger mumbled against his lips. “So good. So right. All MINE.”

  “Yours,” Aiden agreed faintly. This is what being with a mate is like? I’ll never get anything else done. But in that moment, Aiden didn’t want to be anywhere else; couldn’t think of anything else except the power of the arms crushing him tight, the lips burning his own and the heady scent of his mate making his knees weak.

  And the boner pressing against his stomach; Aiden was definitely focused on that. His was threatening the seams in his pants and he begrudged the clothes that separated them. Could I? Should I? Fortunately, Ranger seemed to be of the same mind.

  “Bed,” he said roughly. “Bed or I swear by all that’s holy I’ll have you up against this wall.”

  Aiden looked across at the bed. Unbelievably the twink was still sitting on it; a hand wrapped around his cock and a rapt look on his face. “The wall might be our only option, although I don’t want that guy seeing your naked butt,” he said.

  “You didn’t have the decency to leave? This is my mate!” Ranger spun around with Aiden still in his arms. Aiden’s feet got tangled with each other and he fell. At least I made the bed, but it seemed Ranger was hell bent on getting the interloper off it. “Horny fucking bastard,” Ranger roared as he grabbed the twink’s ankle, and holding him tight, dragged him off the tangled sheets and stalked towards the door.

  “Not my face,” the twink yelled as Ranger threw him into the hallway.

  “Gods almighty,” Ranger said and then he saw the clothes in Aiden’s hands. “Oh no, he’s not finding an excuse to come back in here.” He snatched the clothes from Aiden’s hands and threw then out into the hallway too, slamming the door hard.

  “Those were my clothes,” Aiden said with a chuckle. “But it’s okay,” he said when Ranger’s panicked face turned back towards the door. “My wallet’s here, I’ll grab the rest later. How about you get rid of your clothes and join me?”

  “The bed’s going to stink of that pup,” Ranger grumbled as he tugged his shirt over his head without bothering with the buttons, and slipped the button holding his pants.

  “I won’t let it bother me if you don’t,” Aiden promised as Ranger shoved his pants down his thighs and kicked off his boots. Gravity did the rest and Aiden quickly licked his lips. He didn’t want his drool showing. He barely had a chance to register a v-shaped torso, one-half decorated with stunning black tattoos; tanned skin, and thick thighs, when Ranger was on him. The sensation of skin on skin was enough to make him gasp out loud.

  *****

  Slowly, must go slowly, Ranger kept telling himself but for once, his wolf was stronger than his will and was pushing him forward; wanting to stake his claim. Yes, sex for him in the past was something quick, relieving an itch; and about as pleasurable as taking a piss after a night’s drinking. But this; a man only got a claiming once and even if Ranger wasn’t worried about specifics, he would not let his new mate down.

  His wolf let him know Aiden was inexperienced; which would explain the nervousness. Ranger would just have to make Aiden so wild with lust any pain on entry would be minimal. Preparation…must…cock…every man likes his cock touched, right? And it seemed that would be a yes because as soon as Ranger wrapped his hand around Aiden’s sizeable length, his fingers were coated in come.

  “I’m so sorry,” Aiden said in between gulping air. “It’s been…I’ve never…Oh wow.”

  Ranger wanted to laugh. “It’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s hellishly flattering.” Aiden’s face was the color of cooked lobster and Ranger found kissing the man was a good way of diverting him from his embarrassment. Unfortunately, kissing Aiden had side effects. Ranger was humping the blankets. Aiden’s skin was silky smooth, warm to touch and Ranger’s cock was begging to plunder what would be an exceptionally tight hole. He felt a growl erupting from his chest at the thought of being the only one...

  “Lube. I’ve got to get the lube,” he muttered against Aiden’s lips. The look on Aiden’s face was definitely from the “what the hell are you waiting for” category and R
anger leaned across the bed; fumbling in his drawer. Yes! He might not have sex very often, but rubbing one off was as much a part of Ranger’s morning and nightly routine as brushing his teeth.

  “Did you want me to turn over?” Aiden asked and Ranger was about to say “yes” but he bit his lip instead, shaking his head.

  “It would be more comfortable for you that way,” he said, “but I think our wolves would be happier if we could see each other.” The relief on Aiden’s face forced Ranger’s misgivings away.

  This is a claiming; it’s important, he told himself as he fumbled with the lube cap; hearing it ping on the floor when he forced it. Aiden’s body resisted him at first. The boy was happily holding his legs up; nodded his approval at the pillow Ranger used to prop up his hips but when Ranger circled that sweet little hole, Aiden’s body shut up shop like a clam.

  “Squeeze tight,” Ranger said. Aiden’s eyes widened, but then crossed as he did what Ranger asked. Cam said twenty to thirty seconds, one…two…ha. More like ten in a shifter. Making a mental note to tell Cam later, Ranger kept his single finger pressure on Aiden’s ass until it opened for him like magic. Don’t pump, don’t pump; let him get used to it. Aiden moaned and twitched his hips. His cock was hard on his abdomen, jerking as though seeking friction.

  Should I? Could I? I should. Ranger flicked his hair over one shoulder and bent his head as a second finger joined the first. His first taste of cock seared a permanent brand on his memory. Oh yeah, he’d be doing this again. Ranger sucked gently, not giving Aiden the friction he craved, but keeping his cock alert. Two fingers became three, then four and finally, it was Aiden who yelled, “Get on with it.”

  Finally. Ranger never worked so hard for a fuck in his life; but as his cock slid home, and it was home; he brushed the curls from Aiden’s face he knew in that instant that fuck was the wrong word to use. This is what making love is like, he thought and something of his thoughts must have shown on his face because Aiden beamed. His face was red, his forehead was gleaming with sweat that trapped the curls, but in that moment Ranger swore he saw heaven and he loved it.

  “You okay?” He asked softly.

  Aiden nodded. “I just….” Aiden’s hips came up a bit and Ranger got the message. Thanking the Fates for super slick lube, Ranger moved; gently at first but Aiden wasn’t having any of that. “More. Gods. Please.” Ranger caved to the demands of his wolf. His body fell forward and he braced himself on his elbows on the either side of Aiden’s face. His hips powered his cock into Aiden’s body; his abs becoming slick from Aiden’s precome.

  Ranger grunted as Aiden looped his arms around his neck. Oh yeah.

  Slick skin.

  Hot hole.

  Tight testicles.

  Oh damn.

  Not going to last!

  Ranger felt his wolf surge alongside his orgasm. His teeth dropped and he growled; Aiden immediately presented his neck. Glory days. One last hard thrust and Ranger lost it; his teeth sliced through Aiden’s neck; his cock pulsed hard enough he thought he’d pass out and as bliss raced through his body, he felt Aiden tense and then a sharp nip on his neck as he was claimed in return. Teeth still embedded in Aiden’s neck, Ranger managed a grin. It seemed his little mate had more strength than he’d bargained for. Being mated to an assassin, that wasn’t a bad thing.

  Chapter Seven

  “Rise and shine; I’ve brought you breakfast.” Cam’s cheery voice was not what Aiden wanted to wake up to; especially, when he was having a lovely dream. Ranger, the hunky assassin had swept him into his arms and shown him how wonderful sex could be. He opened his eyes as the covers moved. Wow. Not a dream, he thought as Ranger growled.

  “Newly mated; don’t you know the rules? You do not disturb.”

  “We have things to discuss; most importantly, is your blushing mate going to finish the training. Because if he’s not, there’re more forms to fill out.”

  “I told you yesterday, I have to finish the course.” Aiden made sure he was covered; his eyes pleading with Ranger who didn’t look pleased.

  “Get dressed and we’ll discuss it over breakfast,” Ranger said gently.

  Aiden looked around the room. “You threw my clothes out in the hallway last night.”

  “Shit. So I did,” Ranger scowled as Cam laughed. “Wait here.”

  I wasn’t going anywhere. Aiden might not know a lot about mates, but he wasn’t silly enough to get out of bed naked with Cam in the room. Ranger didn’t seem to have that problem; flinging the covers back and striding over to a small dresser.

  “You guys should probably shower too,” Cam waved a hand in front of his face. Ranger just growled again, flinging a tee shirt and a pair of what looked like bike pants in Aiden’s direction.

  “It’s all I have that will fit you. Get them on and we’ll eat first,” Ranger said, pulling on a pair of sweats.

  Aiden looked down at the dried come on his stomach and felt more of it on the backs of his thighs. Ranger’s shirt and bike shorts were too big and made him look like a homeless urchin. Still, at least he was covered. He gingerly got out of bed; his face heating further as Cam laughed at his discomfort. His ass didn’t hurt, which was a positive point, but the dried come was itchy.

  “As a top, it’s your job to see to it you clean your mate off when you’ve finished dirtying him up,” Cam told Ranger who flicked him off.

  “How're the trainees?” Ranger filled a plate and set it in front of Aiden, before getting one for himself.

  “Wondering how to turn your surprise announcement to their advantage,” Cam said swallowing around a large mouthful. Half of his plate was empty already and Aiden sped up. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was.

  “Half of them think Aiden was a plant; sent in to report back secretly,” Cam continued. “The other half think getting on Aiden’s good side will help make things easier for them.”

  “How do you know all that?” Aiden’s forked wavered just in front of his mouth.

  “I hear things.” Cam grinned at him.

  “Cam is my research guy; back up and everything else you want to think of,” Ranger said. “We were born in the same pack; we’ve been together for life.”

  “But we’ve never fucked. We’re both tops,” Cam said pointedly to Aiden who blushed even more and concentrated on his food. He was annoyed the blond picked up his jealous thoughts even though he was sure they didn’t show on his face.

  “You’ll get used to him,” Ranger said. “He thinks he’s funny.”

  “I am,” Cam protested and both men laughed, leaving Aiden to eat.

  Ranger, to his credit, didn’t say anything else about him training until Aiden’s plate was empty and he was cradling a half-empty cup of coffee.

  “You said last night that your father won’t release your inheritance unless you complete this week’s training. Is that right?”

  “Yes,” Aiden nodded. “I didn’t even know what this place was for. Father just said he was sending me to camp. I had to complete the week and when I did, he’d release my funds.”

  “This is money he should have received three months ago. It would give him complete independence,” Ranger said to Cam. Cam’s eyebrows lifted.

  “Something smells fishy,” Cam said.

  “It’s worse,” Ranger said. “My mate’s signature is not on his intake form. Only his father’s, the alpha of the pack Aiden grew up in.”

  “That could make completion difficult,” Cam said and he was all serious now. “I don’t know how the hell you got through the intake, but without that signature, neither Ranger nor I can sign you off as finished. You shouldn’t even be here.”

  “Can’t I sign it now?” Aiden panicked. All he wanted was what was left to him. He didn’t know why his father insisted on him doing the training course. He probably should’ve asked. But he counted on his father’s agreement to give him the strength to do whatever was asked.

  “We’ll back date it,” Cam said, nodding in agreement. “An
yone asks, we found out about the form the day he arrived and got him to sign it before he did anything. No one will know, and no one’s likely to question either you or me, Ranger.”

  “Except the person who rubber-stamped his application in the first place,” Ranger said grimly. “This has got Dominic written all over it.”

  “The guy you were talking with yesterday?” Aiden asked. “I’ve never met him before. I’d have recognized the voice.”

  “But he is the ruling council member for the Northern states,” Ranger said. “There’s an excellent chance he knows your father.”

  Aiden slumped, his eyes swimming with tears he was frantically trying to hide. He was tired. Tired of being picked on by his brothers; tired of his father’s indifference. And now, if Ranger was to be believed his sire roped the council in on their scheme. Whatever that was.

  “Hey, you’re going to get your money,” Ranger’s warmth circled him like a blanket as he found himself pulled into his mate’s arms. “You don’t need it; I have more than enough for both of us,” he grinned as Aiden lifted his head and glared. “But this is important to you; it was left to you by your grandmother and while we don’t know why your dad’s doing this,” but we will, was the look he gave to Cam, “you will get your completion certificate.”

  “But father knows I didn’t sign it before I came here,” Aiden felt his hopes rise.

  “I’ll explain the situation when we see him.” Ranger’s voice was so firm, so strong, and Aiden melted into his mate’s embrace. His wolf told him he could trust Ranger, so he would.

  “I’ve got some things I want to research on the computer. Can you take this morning’s training by yourself, Ranger? We’re doing time trials over the same obstacle course,” Cam pushed his chair from the table.

  Ranger nodded and simply held Aiden until Cam had gone. Then Aiden felt his chin being tilted. “I know you’re a man of honor and finishing this course is important to you.”

  Aiden managed a small nod. He felt a wave of lust hit him and saw an answering need in Ranger’s eyes.