by Jo Penn
“I do. We have a roster. Other times I’m training the younger soldiers and anyone who wants one-on-one time. We all have skills here and contribute. I am a warrior, through and through. Does this bother you?”
“Not at all. And if I join the detail?”
Drake snarled, top lip curling back. “You will not. You will stay here, safe and protected.”
Xavier laughed softly. “Oh, my mate, that is adorable. You do realize I am a few centuries old and powerful myself? I come from an old, powerful lineage of vampires and have fought my share over the centuries.”
Drake glared. He wanted his mates safe. They were the most precious to him. As an immortal alpha shifter, his need to protect what was his ran high.
“You are a chef.”
“I am many things. When needed, I fight. I do not look for fights, of course. I will defend others—my mates, my family—as needed.”
“Xavier, I understand, but you won’t be going out on any missions.”
“My grandmother may have a say on that. I do belong to her coven, and I also am called in from my vampire coven—”
“No!” Drake sat up, growling.
“Trying to sleep here, keep the growling to a minimum.”
He blinked. “Sorry, Keeley, Xavier is being difficult.”
Yes, he must let his mate rest. His mate’s exhaustion tugged at him, and he needed to show Keeley he was not all aggression and alpha. Drake had a quirk. He liked being bossed about by those he cared for and those that cared for him. To Drake and a lot of shifters, it was showing their softer side. They did for their mates what was needed of them. They liked to pamper and pet.
“He can look after himself.”
“Thank you, Keels.” Xavier smiled, still staring at Drake, relaxed. “I do wish you would sleep, though.”
“Sure, when you two are quiet. So to help that along, I’ve seen Xavier fight two vampires at the same time and win. And there was the time the bear didn’t take no for an answer. Xav tore him up and chased him away. Now, I’m just the human who needs to sleep, so if you don’t mind. Unless I can go sleep in the other bed…?”
Xavier hissed at that suggestion while Drake growled.
“Right then, be quiet.”
They both fell silent. Drake grinned as Xavier winked at him.
I know about the wizard after you, my star, Drake said via their mental link.
I am aware. I can see your conversation with Misha and agree, Tyler will benefit from a bit of structure and discipline, as he is the youngest. The Queen cannot help but dote on him and enjoy his antics.
Rest. You are tired also, my beauty.
It was so damn good to have his mates.
Chapter Six
Having mates was hell.
Within twenty minutes of waking, somehow Keeley had managed to cause five squabbles among the staff, a few friends who had stopped by the palace, and Drake’s siblings. Ryder had gotten clobbered in the head with a flying plate from his littermate Kirsten and was lying on the kitchen floor, head spinning, while Kirsten ranted and raved. The staff was arguing about the plates, and it was getting heated. A few plates had already been shattered, and two of Drake’s friends, Sam and Conner, were ready to shift and fight in the middle of the kitchen—over what, he had no idea. They were best friends and never fought.
Drake just stared at Keeley, who sat at the long table sipping coffee and reading an e-book, completely undisturbed. Xavier was holding up a finger in front of Ryder’s face, asking how many fingers he saw.
“A blurry four.” Ryder sat up, holding his bleeding head. “What the hell, Kirsten?”
“Just remember I’m a few minutes older than you, so don’t go trying to boss me around!” Kirsten stormed out of the kitchen in a huff.
Hells. Drake had been up with the sun like he always was and left his mates sleeping in their bed while he went and trained for a few hours. When he heard they were awake, he came in happy, wanting to see them—only to walk in on this.
Drake turned and caught Sam’s clawed paw. “I’m not even going to ask what you two are arguing about. Just take it outside before some of the Queen’s favorite ornaments are broken and she breaks the two of you like twigs.”
They shot off quickly. Next, Drake went to the kitchen staff and cooled them down, even having to assure them the new plates were exactly right, just what the Queen wanted and blah-blah-hell.
Dom was better at this mediating, placating shit. Drake usually just snapped and growled or got out of there fast. Emile, his younger brother, would have delivered a haughty glare and everyone would hastily scramble away. Emile was not to be messed with.
Just ignore how this started, Xavier spoke in Drake’s mind and brushed a hand over his back as he went to the sink and washed out a cloth covered in Ryder’s blood.
Intending to. Don’t give a toss. Do you need to feed?
Xavier shook his head, fangs still out. “I can wait till later. Our mate has wandered off.”
Drake spun around to see the e-book gone and the coffee cup on the table. No Keeley.
“I’m right in assuming Keeley somehow started all this?”
“With just a few softly spoken words.”
“Looking for an excuse to tick me off so he can keep me at bay?”
“Sure, that’s one of the reasons. Truth be told, my Keeley dislikes arguments and yelling, will do most anything to avoid them. He’ll end up in a corner crying.”
“What happened to him?” Drake asked quietly.
Xavier shook his head. “Not here and now, another time. He’s young, only twenty-two, finding his way. Now, he wants to run. I will go with him for protection, and so I can get a lay of the compound. Then I will catch a lift with Dom back to my place to help pack a few essentials and collect my car. Keeley’s car is best kept locked up in your garages for a time.”
Drake figured this was mateship hell. One mate was causing problems and avoiding him, by the feel of it, and the other was making plans without him.
Both of which would get old really fast.
He may be new to this mateship business, but he’d had the example of his parents and others around him his entire life and knew a lot of strategies. Now he smiled, leaned against the counter beside Xavier, and trailed a finger down his mate’s gorgeous face.
“Collect a few essentials, my mate?”
Xavier gave a smirk. “Of course. I will keep my house in Milson West.”
“Whatever you want, honey. But pack it up and bring your and Keeley’s belongings here, to our home.”
“Drake, I have an entire house full of belongings. You don’t have enough room for it all.”
Drake winced, understanding now that Xavier was thinking of this as home, with Drake and Keeley, not retaining his old house for him and Keeley.
“Right, I didn’t consider that. How about I suggest something that might work for us?”
“Suggest away, but know I do not require all the furniture, just my art collection.”
“You’ve got a big art collection, don’t you, my elegant mate?” Drake smiled.
“I do. I enjoy art in all its forms. What is your suggestion?”
“Well, there’s actually a dividing wall between our current suite and the one next door that just sits there, unused. The wall opens. We can move everything out and extend our suite to fit whatever you want in there.”
“Show me.” Xavier dried his hands and hurried out of the room.
Drake was all for that, loving how decisive and to the point Xavier was. Mates, he had the feeling, meant everything to Xavier also. That made him purr, as did watching Xavier’s firm, fine ass all the way up two flights of stairs. He didn’t like Keeley jogging down the stairs in a light green tank top, long board shorts, running shoes, and a cap.
“Come, my mate, we must inspect our suite for the art collection and your books.”
“Running, Xav.”
Xavier didn’t argue. He simply snagged Keeley’s wrist and pulled their
mate along. Now Drake had two fine asses to watch. His tiger was content.
Upstairs, he showed them the dividing wall between the two lounge rooms and slid the wall back, opening it up into one giant lounge area.
“There are three bedrooms, all large, a small kitchen around that corner, and bathrooms. Enough space?”
Xavier took his time inspecting the suite while Keeley sat slumped in a chair, earphones in. Drake stayed out of his vampire’s way—Xavier was extremely particular, he was finding—and regarded Keeley for a time. Since realizing his mates were awake, he’d connected immediately via their link to Xavier. But with Keeley, he felt a block and had mentioned this to their vampire mate, who calmly told him to stay out of Keeley’s head.
Not liking that, Drake had growled until Xavier finally relented enough to tell him that Keeley was surprisingly good at blocking for a human, and that crashing those blocks would cause a great deal of upset they could all do without.
Xavier informed Drake that he had found over time it was harder and harder to crash the blocks, that Keeley had been growing stronger
Drake had guessed as much. Usually when a human mated a paranormal, that human had the life span of his or her mate. And with immortal paranormals like Drake and Xavier, Keeley would have a few side effects, such as the immortality and a bit of extra strength and stamina. Though, like any immortal, if they were decapitated, they’d perish.
He honestly didn’t know what was going on in Keeley’s head and that troubled him. With Xavier, he was able to get emotions and thoughts, but there was nothing with Keeley. This troubled Drake and caused a deep ache. Mates needed to be close. Separation harmed them, hurt them deeply. Paranormals knew this. Humans? Not so much.
“Patience, Your Highness.” Xavier tangled his fingers in Drake’s hair.
“Patience.” Drake sighed. “How long did it take you?”
Xavier gave a small smile and leaned down to brush his lips over Drake’s. He wanted more, but his mate released him and straightened.
“My relationship with Keeley was quite different in the beginning than yours is with our mate. For us, it was a few weeks but I was very constant with my attention of him. Hopefully it will only be a few days for you.
This will do. I will use the two larger rooms for my art collection, and this lounge room, of course. The medium room will need to have floor-to-ceiling bookshelves built. Do you have carpenters in your clan, or shall I make outside arrangements?”
Drake stood and nuzzled his elegant mate. “You turn me on, my mate. We have carpenters here. I can have Scott, one of the palace managers, organize it. What?” Drake frowned at Xavier’s arrogant look.
“You will arrange it? Is this not my home? Am I required to go through you for anything I wish done?”
Drake loved it. “No, my mate, I am duly chastised. I’m sure you’re going to be running the palace by the end of the week.”
“Good, as long as we both know this. There were a few rooms downstairs where I shall also display my art collection, though I will consult with the Queen. I do not believe your father is at all bothered with what goes where in the palace.”
“Nope, you’ll see him twitch his tail and run when he’s caught in the middle of any discussions on palace furniture and ornaments. Ma has her rooms, but the rest she lets whomever take charge of. So do what you will. Not that you need my permission,” he quickly added, grinning.
Xavier nodded and clicked his fingers in front of Keeley’s face, waiting for Keeley to remove an earplug, though their mate did tap his foot to express impatience.
“I will change and we will run. Do I need to leave Drake to ensure you do not take one of your flights of fancy and think to leave without me?”
Keeley sighed heavily. “I didn’t leave you, Xavier. You took off with him.”
Xavier tapped his foot impatiently. “Did you or did you not hide from the Sanchez tigers and my relations?”
Keeley threw up his hands. “I saw him toss you onto a table and heard him say ‘mate.’ What was I supposed to think? Who knew if he’d come and tear out my throat for being with you? Isn’t that what you paranormal mates do?”
Drake gaped. “You were there? Where?”
He was completely ignored by both mates. Well, that sucked.
“One day you will acknowledge we are mates and believe it. Now, I will change, and you will wait in the other lounge. Drake, we shall use the other suite as our private mate sanctuary. This is for family and close friends. A door needs to be built instead of the sliding walls.”
“Whatever you want, babe. And I will be going on this run with you both, so get changed, and then I will.”
That got a heartfelt sigh from Keeley. “Why don’t you both go get changed, then? I need to run.”
“No,” Drake and Xavier said together immediately.
“Fine, whatever.”
* * * *
Keeley needed this. Running was freeing. It cleared his head, gave him time away from others, and helped him think.
Except he wasn’t getting much time alone right now. But at least he got to run, and he was seeing a lot of this cat compound. Drake said it went for a hundred miles. Keeley guessed he was seeing just a small corner of it, but what he saw actually interested him.
There were long stretches of roads as well as tracks through the bush, a little village with a touch of modern and old, and he’d spotted a huge garage up behind the palace. He saw shifters, too, pretty much everywhere in this section, and cubs. So many cute little kids wrestling and having fun made his heart feel lighter.
There was life here, and maybe not a twisted, painful one. The cubs were happy, laughing, and looked healthy, not scared of anyone. Most of the creatures they came across smiled and waved. Some were more reserved but still inclined their heads in greeting. He’d keep away from those.
And he actually saw cats! Big ones. Real ones. Well, shifted real ones, anyway. The first one he saw was sitting in the forest path, twitching his tail and licking a paw. Keeley had pulled to a stop and jumped behind Xavier, squealing like a chicken. The big cat had shifted and apologized for scaring the human, Keeley rolling his eyes at himself. Yeah, way to go with first impressions.
Xavier had hissed at the cat and dismissed him with an icy look, taking Keeley’s hand and moving them forward as the cat man got out of the way for them to pass.
After that, he hadn’t been bothered, but he remained cautious and kept away from any of the big cats they came across. Halfway through the run, Drake stopped and sniffed the air and then let out a loud chuffing noise before stripping and shifting into a huge white tiger with black and brown stripes. He thumped the ground a few times with a paw and looked at Xavier, who nodded and waved a hand. Drake took off.
Wow. Keeley’s eyes were wide and he had to adjust his cock. It was full and hard.
“Drake has scented his brother, Emile, who has been on a mission. We will follow behind.”
“Or we could take that path.” Keeley pointed to his left and heard a loud roar, jumping a foot. “Damn!”
“Drake is stating his feelings regarding your suggestion. Let’s go.”
“Xavier?”
Xavier smiled, taking Keeley’s hand and entwining their fingers. “Yes, my light?”
“Are you…” He sighed, looking around. “Happy to have found Drake?”
“Ecstatic. There is a lot about him I enjoy. Mates are perfect for us. As you are perfect for me and Drake, he is perfect for us. You’ll see. Come, he will come back to fetch us if we don’t move.” Xavier retrieved Drake’s clothes and they ran again.
Up ahead, they soon caught up to Drake, who was playfully wrestling with a few other tigers. And a lion. A really fucking big white lion! Drake flicked a tiger off him and padded over to them, sniffing both. It was weird and cool at the same time, but Keeley had a yearning to run. He didn’t want to meet any more tigers. He needed distance and time, so he moved away. A few tigers shifted, and he got growled
at by both mates for looking at the naked shifters. He rolled his eyes.
Wasn’t his fault they were all naked…and man, who wouldn’t look at all that flesh and dangling bits? Really hot!
When he got tired of waiting around, he simply turned and went back the way they’d come, stretching out. Xavier caught up to him easily a few minutes later and slowed to Keeley’s pace while the tigers and lion spread out around them, one staying behind, the rest overtaking. By the time they arrived at the palace, he was tired, achy, and dripping with sweat. He left them in the foyer with those who had come out to greet the newcomers and took a long shower. Then, because the sun was streaming across the bed, he flopped down on it and wondered what he was going to do with his life.
He was twenty-two years old, barely had any education or prospects, and anything he owned came from Xavier and, probably now, Drake. He’d faced facts a long time ago. He wasn’t much good with anything. He couldn’t cook, though Xavier had patiently tried to teach him, even after the five fire incidents had ruined all the pots and pans. He wasn’t good with numbers. They bounced around in his airhead all jumbled up—dyscalculia, Xavier had said—though Keeley didn’t have any problems with words, thankfully. And truthfully, Keeley had no desire to do any more schooling.
Opening his eyes, he saw both mates standing at the end of the bed studying him. Okay, he’d forgotten to block their link. Like he cared right now.
“Mate, you can do whatever you want.” Drake’s brows rose. “Let me rephrase that. You can do whatever you like within reason. I’m sure Xavier has a list of rules he’s drilled into you. I’ll add to those.”
“Great.” Keeley gave a smile. “I love rules.”
“You enjoy breaking them. Why don’t you do what you enjoy most, my light? Read or sleep. You have not had time for much of either the last day or so.” Xavier placed a knee on the bed, leaning down to kiss Keeley softly.
Keeley didn’t want soft. He wanted passion, something to grasp onto among all this craziness. The only constant in his life had been Xavier, even if he was the one now throwing it in another direction. Or maybe he’d just blame the big tiger for that.