His mate shook his head, “Who said I even want your help?”
For a moment, Sparky felt like he’d been slapped. It would be so easy to walk out the door again, but then what? Charlie would still be his mate. He wasn’t going to let him push him away this time, at least not without a fight. “Who said I am asking if you want it? Look, I know you don’t want me as a mate and to be honest, you probably could do much better than me…”
Charlie held up his hand, “Why is everything always about you? Did you ever stop to think I am trying to protect you?” The man crossed his arms over his chest. “You want me to be honest with you? Then here it is...I can’t have a mate, because whoever it is would be put in danger.”
Sparky stood, placed his hand on his hip and pointed his finger at the idiot lying on the bed, “Are you saying I’m the little woman who needs to be kept safe? Let me tell you something mister, even though I’m gay and have a great sense of fashion, it doesn’t mean I’m useless in a fight. I’m part of the damn inner circle of this pack!”
Charlie started to open his mouth, but Sparky continued, “I have a news flash for you, no one is safe. In a few hours, a group of our enforcers will be going to Seattle to rescue one of our own, as well as the she-wolf who helped us save the alpha mate. Do you know who will be here to help protect the omega?”
The mechanic pulled in a breath as he continued to press his pointed finger into his mate’s chest. “That’s right, me. The fact that I live in this pack means I’ll be in danger.”
“It’s not the same,” Charlie broke in.
But Sparky wasn’t having any of it. Fury over the years of trying to prove himself worthy of being loved and accepted by his family, ex-partner and in some cases, some members of this pack filled him until he thought he would explode. He’d be damned if he was going to have to do the same with his mate. If the man didn’t want him, then fine. He’d deal with it. But to act like Sparky was some damsel in distress who needed to be hidden away was a step too far.
“You…You asshole!” Sparky raged as he began to walk back and forth in front of the bed. He threw his hands in the air, waving them around, “You have no idea what I’ve survived, the things my ex-partner did to me,” the mechanic swallowed, “death would have been welcome. But I escaped not once, but twice from the bastard. And with his mind magic, believe me, it wasn’t easy.”
Sparky stopped suddenly and put his hand over his mouth. He looked toward the bed and saw Charlie calmly sitting there. For a moment, he felt relief. He narrowed his eyes, “You already know don’t you?”
Charlie shook his head, “Contrary to what many believe, I don’t try to read minds. In fact, I normally try to avoid it. Don’t worry, cupcake, whatever secret you have is still safe. Although, I am curious, what did this magi do to you?”
“Shouldn’t you be wolfing out right now?” Sparky refused to be deterred. There was something important happening. According to Artemus, his outburst should have caused his mate pain. Strong emotions would be like someone turning the volume up loud enough to burst a person’s eardrums. So why didn’t his outburst affect the man?
The magi-shifter cocked his head to the side, “I…I don’t know. I mean, I can tell you’re upset— ”
Sparky broke in, “Well duh, a person would have to be an idiot not to see that.” The mechanic paused. He glanced at the door and wondered if maybe he should get Artemus in here. The man was a wealth of knowledge. But then he remembered one of the rumors about Semme’ mates. Could it be true? He sat on the edge of the bed and ran a hand through his hair.
“I wonder,” Sparky paused again, “I mean, I’m not sure, but one of the stories I heard about Semme’ mates talks about neither mate being able to hurt the other.”
“It’s not a myth. I’m part wolf shifter, remember? While I lived with my mother’s relatives, they taught me what the difference was between a Semme’ mate and someone fate did not choose for me. In fact, the one thing my cousin told me was to wait for my true mate, as he or she would be the one to bring me peace.”
Charlie shook his head, “I just thought they were talking about the person being my true love, not,” his mate tapped the side of his head, “that my mate could help me with my curse.”
Sparky shook his head, “Curse? Seriously, Charlie, you need to start looking at the glass being half full man. I would think being able to tell when someone is lying to you would come in handy. Especially, if they were out to hurt you.”
His mate snorted, “Right, like being a living lie detector would only be used for good. Do you know how many people want me? Alpha Clifton was just one of many who have tried to force me to use my ‘talents’ to help them.”
Charlie sighed, “Unfortunately, I can’t always tell them what they want and then,” his mate rubbed at an old scar on his left pectoral muscle, “well, let’s just say I’ve got the scars to prove how welcome my ‘truth’ is to some.”
The mechanic rubbed at an old scar on his hip. He knew what it was like to not meet the expectations of some people. “You’re not the only one who has suffered at the hands of an asshole. And you do have some control, just like I did. Your brother helped me to see that while I was a victim, I didn’t have to continue to be one.”
Sparky stood and sat next to Charlie. He took his hand and looked directly into the man’s eyes. “The one thing about Semme’ mates that I do believe, is we will make each other stronger. So how about this, until you feel like you can stand on your own, I’ll be your shelter.”
Charlie huffed and rolled his eyes, “Seriously? Did you get that line from some romance novel or something?”
Sparky stood up and threw his hands into the air. “Fine, how about I just agree to kick you in the ass when you become an insufferable asshole?”
For the first time, a light appeared in Charlie’s eyes, “You think you’re up to it, cupcake?”
“Try me!” Sparky dared the man to open his mouth. Charlie smiled softly and shook his head before he moved down into the bed. He closed his eyes, and before Sparky could think of another response, his mate began to snore softly.
“You may be an idiot, but the fates have made you, my idiot,” Sparky said softly as he pulled the covers up and leaned in to kiss his mate’s forehead. He pulled the chair closer to the bed and took a seat. If fate wanted him to be at this man’s side, then that is where he’d remain—even if he had to kill him.
Chapter 10
“What do you mean, he’s gone?” Grant growled at Blaze. The rest of the rescue party was standing near the SUV’s they were going to use. As part of ramping up their defenses, Grant had agreed with his brothers that they needed to invest in new vehicles. But these weren’t just regular SUV’s. They were loaded with all the toys they might need for an attack. Not to mention, the thick plating, heavy duty wheels, and bulletproof glass.
Blaze didn’t back down but calmly replied, “Shadow went to wake him and found his bunk empty. It’s not like I’m surprised. Jake made it clear how he felt about waiting to rescue his sister.”
The alpha took a deep breath and reigned in his beast. “Let me guess, Shadow went after him too.” It wasn’t really a question. Grant actually could understand how Jake felt.
His first thought when Ricky was kidnapped was to go after him. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed, and they were able to rescue him. The problem of course was; he couldn’t have enforcers who refused to follow orders.
The leader of Blaze’s Rogues nodded, “He left about a half hour ago. Don’t worry, Alpha, he’ll find Jake and try to talk some sense into the man. I told him to keep his com-link on so we can reach him once we get to the Seattle Pack’s lands. You might want to let Alpha Torres know he might have two wolves in his territory before we get there.”
“Damn it, Blaze, we have a plan, and these two could mess it up.” Alpha Grant shook his head in disgust. Before the other wolf could respond, the alpha pulled his phone out and made the call. Luckily, the alpha of the Seattl
e Pack understood the circumstances and agreed to keep an eye out for them. He also agreed to hold them there until the rest arrived at the agreed upon location.
Taking a deep breath, Grant looked up at the porch and smiled. Ricky leaned against the railing. His golden hair looked like it was aflame with the early morning light shining through it. “Problems?” Ricky’s voice sounded in his mind.
“Jake went after his sister, and Shadow has left to stop him before he gets himself killed,” Grant replied. He could feel the worry from his mate, along with the frustration he felt at being left behind. Now that their bond was complete, the mind link was working perfectly. Grant walked quickly toward the steps and climbed them. As he reached the top step, Ricky was there waiting. Without saying a word, both men embraced.
“Come back to me,” Ricky whispered against his neck.
“Nothing will keep me away, baby. I know you wanted to come with, but you know your place is here guarding your brother.” Grant stepped back and gazed into the hazel eyes that had become his world.
Since they cleared the air last night, it felt like a large weight had been lifted from him. He knew they still had a way to go, but now that they were communicating, things would only get better. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
“You better,” Ricky ground out as he stepped back onto the deck.
Grant grabbed the man and pulled him in for a kiss. Ricky opened for him beautifully as they explored each other’s mouth. He could feel the outline of his mate’s hard cock and knew his own was pressing against the zipper on his jeans. Unfortunately, he had to end the kiss, or they would end up providing a show for the others.
There was a soft cough behind him, “Alpha, everyone is loaded and ready.”
Grant ran a finger down his mate’s cheek before he turned, “Let’s go then, Blaze.”
As the SUVs left the compound, Grant glanced back in the rear-view mirror. He saw Ricky wave before he turned and entered the house. He just hoped they were successful this time.
It had been months since Sammy and Radar had been captured, and from what Charlie had told them, Radar wouldn’t last much longer. Luckily, Alpha Torres had agreed to join them in the attack so he didn’t have to take any of the new enforcers or sentries. But he hated leaving Ricky and Sandy behind without more protection.
“They’ll be fine, Grant,” David said from the seat beside him. “Dakota, Sparky, and Jason will keep them safe. Besides, with our feathered friends keeping watch, we’ll know way ahead of time if Alpha Clifton tries anything.”
“He’s right, son,” his father answered from the seat behind him. “If we’re lucky, Alpha Clifton and his rogues won’t be a problem after tonight.”
“The bastard has slipped through our grasp before, Father. I know he is not the sharpest crayon in the box, but even he will have realized that Charlie alerted someone to his location. In a way, Jake may have been right—we might be too late.” Grant gripped the wheel tighter as he increased his speed.
Alpha Torres had sent a few of his sentries to keep an eye on the abandoned mental hospital, and so far, there hadn’t been any activity; other than what would be expected. The routine patrols were still being done, and there hadn’t been any sign of a mass exodus.
Still, Alpha Clifton had proven before that he always had a backup plan. Then, there was Jake to consider. The young wolf knew their plans. If he was captured, they could be walking into a trap.
“Don’t worry, Grant. The bastard won’t get away this time.” David growled, “At least, not in one piece. In fact, I vote he leaves in itsy, bitsy little pieces.”
Grant chuckled, “What are you? Five?”
“Nah, been hanging around your son,” David replied. “You know, I never thought about having kids. I mean, hello—being gay, my partner isn’t likely to have the right parts. But after being around Sandy, I can see myself either adopting or using a surrogate.”
“You have to grow up yourself first, son.” Forrest Walker replied dryly.
“And find a mate, not just a one-night stand,” Grant added with a grin.
“Details, details…” David said as he waved his hand. “Who knows, maybe I’ll find my Semme’ mate too. After all, you and Sparky found yours.”
Grant chuckled, “Well, with all the men you’ve taken to bed, the odds are you’ll find him sooner, rather than later.”
David slapped Grant on the shoulder. “It hasn’t been that many!”
“Well there are fifty-two weeks in a year son, and you’ve been dating for—”
“Dad, seriously? Do I keep track of your sex life?” David held his hand up, “Don’t answer that because, yeah no. Besides, you know what they say; variety is the spice of life.”
“And they also say that someday the seeds you’ve sown may come back to bite you,” Grant answered. “I just hope your mate is understanding and able to fend off some of your earlier digressions.”
“He’ll do just fine, brother of mine. You wait and see. He’ll be more than capable of holding his own in battle,” David remarked as he turned to look out the window. Grant glanced sideways. His brother’s shoulders were tense.
“I’m sure he will be David,” Grant said softly as he punched his brother lightly in the shoulder. David glanced back at him and smiled sadly. The alpha hoped the fates would provide his brother with his soul mate. The man deserved to be happy.
◆◆◆
Sparky closed the bedroom door softly as he headed toward the kitchen. He should be exhausted after spending the night sleeping in the uncomfortable chair. But he was glad he had when Charlie woke screaming a few hours after falling asleep. Even though his mate refused to tell him what the nightmare was about, it didn’t take a genius to figure it had something to do with what had happened to him when he was being held captive.
Luckily his mate’s exhausted state allowed him to fall back asleep, once Sparky had calmed him down. Months of being held captive had taken its toll. If the man hadn’t been part shifter, he probably would have died. A chill ran up the mechanic’s spine. He might never have met his other half. It was a sobering thought; and one that had kept him awake the rest of the night.
“Hi, Sparky,” Dakota waved at him from the table. Sparky glanced over and saw that Ricky occupied the other chair in the kitchen. He had to admit, the guy was looking a little better since they’d had their talk. Now, if he could just fix what was happening between him and his reluctant mate. He never thought he’d have to fight for his soul mate’s heart.
“They all take off already?” Sparky responded as he dropped the dirty dishes in the sink, and quickly wiped down the tray.
“Apparently some left earlier,” Ricky replied. “Grant wasn’t too happy about it either. But I can understand why Jake did it. Sammy is his twin, and she’s all he had left after his father and mother died in a car accident.”
Sparky shook his head, “There will have to be repercussions all the same, Ricky. You know Grant can’t let Jake’s behavior go without punishment of some kind, even if he can understand it.”
The human sighed, “I know, and I trust Grant to do what’s right. So, who is going to take Sandy to school this morning?” Ricky changed the subject, which was fine with Sparky.
He was about to offer when he realized that would leave his mate alone. Even though Charlie seemed better last night, he couldn’t get the memory of him sobbing in the tub out of his mind.
Before Sparky could say anything, Dakota stood and put his coffee cup in the sink. “I’ll do it. I have to take Sheila home anyway.”
The mechanic glanced toward the stairs and grinned, “So she and Jason are still playing tonsil hockey, huh? I wonder if they’ll ever make it official.”
Dakota shook his head, “She practically lives here, now. It certainly would save on gas if those two would make a decision. But then, with two people finding their Semme’ mates recently, I imagine it would give anyone pause. Who knows, maybe more of us will find our soul ma
tes.”
“Well, your best friend Alpha Grant found his, and he didn’t turn out too bad.” Sparky rubbed his shoulder where Ricky had hit him. “Of course, he kind of punches like a girl—argh!” Before the shifter could move, his feet were swept out from under him. He landed on his back, the wind knocked from his lungs. As his vision cleared, he glanced up at the smirk on the human’s face.
“You forget; Tank has been working with me.” Ricky held out his hand and helped Sparky back to his feet. The mechanic wiped his jeans off and glared at the human for a moment, but then he had to admit, the man had been fast.
Deciding to try to keep some of his dignity, the shifter just shook his head and continued his conversation with Dakota. “Thanks for dropping the kid off. I’ll pick him up later on. I’m assuming the sentries assigned to the school are still in place, right?”
The alpha had made the decision to have a special force of sentries trained and positioned by the school at all times when it was in session. It was a way to show the parents that Sandy’s attendance wouldn’t endanger their young. He had to admit, it was nice too, for those who were charged with helping to protect the omega.
“Yes, and I added a couple of extra patrols from my deputies to check in while the alpha is in Seattle. I can have one of them pick Sandy up if you want.”
Sparky was tempted, but he was one of the two inner circle members assigned to help keep the omega safe. As much as he worried about his mate, he couldn’t walk away from his duty to the pack. “No, I can do it. He’ll probably be sleeping.”
“How’s he doing?” Ricky asked.
“Well, most of his physical injuries should be healed by the end of today. I’m going to remind him to shift again once he wakes up. But he was practically starved by that bastard, and that combined with the emotional strain, well, it may be a few days before he gets his stamina back.”
Battle for a Mates Heart Page 10