by Maggie Walsh
He and Tug both nodded, but kept silent. He knew why he couldn’t say anything, but he wasn’t sure why Tug was being so silent. Raiden was listening to everything Dell had to say and was absorbing it, praying something Dell said would ease his mind. So far, it did.
“In the books and scrolls, is exactly what is said of true mates not knowing they were mates before the missing piece, or linchpin was discovered. The two of you had issues to work out and find your way to be on the same page, so that when your linchpin did make himself known, you would both be ready to take the next step, and fully form your bond and claim one another. From what I know, you didn’t actually allow any of those men into your relationship, and only with two or three did you take it further.”
Tug cleared his throat, then answered, “Yes. We had three boys that we tried to go farther with and brought into our playroom, but something always felt off, or they had issues with our roles. We never actually had sex with any of them, Alpha. Not that we didn’t try, but we never did.”
Raiden gave him a strained smile, thinking back to those failed attempts to bring a third into their relationship. Tug was right, they never actually had sex with anyone but one another since the day they met, which meant they technically didn’t cheat on anyone. “I guess you’re right. Then there is always the fact that if we actually had, we both consented to it, so I guess that we didn’t cheat on one another.”
Tug gave him a loving smile and went over to Raiden, then wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close, giving him comfort, then a gentle kiss. Raiden suddenly felt more grounded and at peace. It’s what Tug always did for him and he loved the man more than life itself, but Raiden guessed that was the point. If Tug was really his true mate as Dell was saying, and Raiden believed their alpha wasn’t lying to them, then what he experienced whenever Tug was near was that invisible bond pulling them together.
“I think the reasons none of those boys ever felt right and neither of you could live with their issues of who you both are and want, is because of Fate stepping in. She knew you had things to work out, but at the same time, she also knew those boys weren’t your true mate, your linchpin,” Dell said.
Tug gave Raiden one of those heartwarming smiles that made his day bright and pushed away any darkness or bad thoughts, then Tug looked over his shoulder and smiled. Raiden turned his head, following Tug’s point of interest, and found Alex just sitting there quietly, watching and listening to them.
Tug turned them both so they were fully facing Alex, then asked, “Are you alright with all of this, Alex? I mean, what are your feelings about Raiden and I being your true mates and what that means?”
Alex blushed as he gave them a small smile, then looked down as he replied, “There's a lot we need to discuss, but I think we three should do that part of this discussion alone.” Then Alex’s head snapped up, and his eyes bulged out as he looked to Dell. “Not that I don’t want your advice or guidance in these things, Dell, but I think―”
Dell interrupted Alex, shaking his head, as he chuckled, “Don’t even worry about that, Alex. I will always be here for any of you if you need to talk, or for advice or guidance, but I do agree with you. I think from here on, you three need to go and talk. In private would probably be best. I will warn you all about one thing though before you go.” Dell stopped, and gave them an evil smirk before he continued, “Tug, if your wolf, being the most dominant of your trio, is demanding he claim both Raiden and Alex’s wolves in wolf form, and you, Alex and Raiden, are having the same issues with your wolves wanting to submit to Tug’s wolf, don’t fight it. Just go with it. It’s what needs to be done to start the claiming process.”
They all stared at Dell in confusion for a moment before they each got what he was saying, and Alex gasped as Dell and Tug both smiled at the prospect. “Just to clarify, you mean…” Tug hedged.
Dell laughed as he replied, “Yes, your wolf must dominate his true mates’ wolves.”
After that statement Dell went on to tell them what to expect, which really blew Raiden’s mind, but he didn’t find the idea unpleasant. Actually, his wolf sat up and started panting and begging. His beast wanted to submit to Tug’s beast, then dominate Alex’s wolf. The more he thought about it, the more Raiden wanted it.
“So, gentlemen, shall we go find somewhere to talk?” Tug asked, looking between Raiden and Alex.
Alex nodded as he stood, then suddenly his eyes widened, and he cursed. “Shit. I can’t right now, I’m sorry. I had only planned on going out for a quick bite with Marlo and Nelo, but I have a Skype meeting soon and I can’t miss it.”
Tug released Raiden and walked to Alex, lightly brushing the backs of his fingers down Alex’s cheek. Raiden could see Alex shiver, and he smiled. He was well aware of what Tug’s touch could do to a man. “How about you go to your meeting and Raid and I will head home but promise us that you’ll come to our place tomorrow night for dinner. I’ll cook and the three of us can talk all night.”
“I’ll even bring your snowmobile home with me tomorrow, so you can pick it up there,” Raiden offered.
Alex smiled gratefully at him. “That would be great. Thank you. But, oh, I still need to pay my bill.”
Raiden went to his side and took one of his hands, then leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. “We can take care of that tomorrow at our place too, no worries.”
CHAPTER 8
They were his? They were his. They. Were. His. They. As in two. Two, big strong, Dominant males were his?
Alex felt lightheaded and giddy as he walked across town, heading home, and he had an overwhelming desire to skip all the way there. His fantasy of having two men dominate him was about to come true, and Alex couldn’t think of anything better.
“Hi,” a soft voice said from his right, and Alex suddenly realized someone was walking beside him.
He stopped and turned his head, to find a gamma wolf he had seen around the pack a few times was looking at him with a friendly smile. “Hi.”
“So... um... I just, you and... um... Tug and Raiden coming out of the alpha’s house,” the guy said hesitantly. Something inside Alex tightened from the strain in the man's voice, and instantly a wall of protection flew up.
“Yeees,” he replied cautiously.
“Well.. .um, I was... I was wondering what it was about. I mean, I know it’s none of my business, but I know Tug and Raiden, they’re friends of mine, and if they were called in to see the alpha I wanted to make sure they were okay.” The guy reached up and grabbed a strand of his brown hair and started twirling it around his finger.
Alex knew it was a nervous habit and wondered why this guy felt this way. He wasn’t sure if the guy was lying to him and that’s what it was all about, or if he was telling the truth and the nerves were, because he was worried about his friends. As much as Alex wanted to ease the guy’s mind, something inside him told him to keep things to himself. First of all, although he would tell his friends about meeting his mates, there was nothing else that was discussed in that meeting that he could talk about with anyone besides Dell, Tug, and Raiden. He had taken a blood oath to the gods themselves, and there was no way Alex was going to open his mouth and break that promise. He wouldn’t take the risk of blowing it with his mates and not having them, and definitely wouldn’t betray Dell. And second, Alex had no idea who this guy was, so there was no way he was going to talk about all of this with a complete stranger.
Alex’s silence must have told the guy he was uncomfortable with this discussion, because he sighed, and sadness filled his eyes. “Sorry. I really shouldn’t have asked. Like I said, it’s none of my business.”
Alex gave another strained smile as he replied, “No problem. Sorry, but I have no idea who you are so…”
The guy now smiled bright and held out his hand. “Oh, yeah, hi. Sorry for my lack of manners. I’m Cilly, Tug’s submissive slave. Well, me and Raiden are I guess. We both bow to him and do as he demands. And boy does the man demand. He is a true alp
ha Dominant, if you know what I mean. I tell you, it’s nice having Raiden around to help out. Being Tug’s slave twenty-four seven can be exhausting, but I love it. You know how we are as gammas, we live to serve. With Raiden having an outside job that Tug allows, I get to take care of everything else in his life. Cooking, cleaning, shopping. I do everything to make Tug’s life easier. Then at night I spend my time serving him in all things from bathing him to massages, to submitting to his every will. That’s when Raiden comes in handy too though.” Cilly giggled, as he waved a hand around absently.
“Raiden’s great and will submit to the really dark things Tug needs, so that he won’t do them to me. I don’t know about you, but I am just not into needles, knives, and blood.”
Alex’s heart began to shatter in his chest with each word Cilly spoke. Yes, he wanted to be dominated, by two more than one, and if he had to share his submission with Raiden instead of being dominated by him, then Alex would find a way, but the other things? No, he just couldn’t see himself getting into those things, and there was no way he could sit by and watch them being done to another. His mind started to race with all the horrific images of Raiden bound on a table as Tug sliced him with a knife, or filled his body with needles. A shiver of fear raced through him and Alex wrapped his arms around his middle and drew into himself. He needed to go home. He needed to think about all of this, and figure out if being with his mates was really right for him.
“Anyway, I was just worried about them and wondering if the alpha had made Tug mad this way. I know what to expect when my Sir comes home tonight,” Cilly added.
Alex gave him a tight smile as he nodded. “I have no idea what they were doing at the alpha’s house. We... we weren’t there together. I went with the alpha and they were there when we arrived. So, I have no idea what they were there for. Sorry, I couldn’t be more help.” It wasn't a total lie. Although he knew exactly why they were all there, he technically did go with Dell, and Tug and Raiden were there waiting for them.
“No problem. Thanks. I guess I’ll just have to see what happens when they get home. I just hope Tug’s not in one of his moods and wants to take his anger out on Raiden’s hide. Anyway, thanks again. I guess I’ll see you around,” Cilly said, then immediately turned and walked away.
Alex stood there frozen, watching Cilly go. As much as he wanted to run to the safety of his home, Alex couldn’t move. Cilly turned and looked at him over his shoulder and smiled with a small wave, then turned back and continued down the street.
His feet finally caught up with his brain and Alex took off at top speed toward home as tears built in his eyes. His mates had lied to him and Dell. They said they hadn’t even had sex with another since they met, but this guy was telling him that he was Tug’s submissive and even lived with them. Maybe Tug never had actual sex with Cilly, but used him as his slave to take care of him and his home, then turned his attention to Raiden. That was pretty much what Cilly had said, wasn't it? Shit, he needed to think.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Tug smiled and shook his head as he caught sight of Raiden making another pass by the kitchen door. His man was excited and nervous at the same time, and had spent the past half hour pacing across the living room, stopping only to check out the window here and there. Tug couldn't blame him, he was feeling a bit of the same himself. Tonight's dinner wasn’t about trying to see if they meshed with some random guy, this was the first night of the rest of their lives. The special man coming to visit them was Alex, their true mate.
Tug had never been more thrilled in his life than the moment he touched Alex at the same time as Raiden. Lightning had flashed through his system and his wolf howled Mate in his head. When Alex’s eyes widened, telling him that the gorgeous man had felt it too, Tug took in a deep breath through his nose, drawing in Alex’s unique scent. Mmmm, cinnamon with a hint of fresh baked bread, and underneath there was a touch of manly musk. The combination was erotic and Tug longed for a taste of Alex.
He checked the roast again, worried that it would dry out if they didn’t eat it soon, then went to the fridge to take out the salad. He continued to set the table, put the wine in a bucket of ice, and finish the side dishes as the time ticked by. When Raiden stepped into the kitchen and slid up beside him, Tug gave his lover a smile.
“He’s now an hour late,” Raiden grumbled, as he leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. It was cute when his man pouted.
“It’s only been twenty minutes, Raid. Don’t worry, he’ll be here.”
“Oh really? When was the last time you looked at the clock? You’ve been in here piddling around with the food and all.”
Tug pulled his cell phone from his back pocket and looked at the screen, shocked to see Raiden was right, Alex was over an hour late. “Okay, so he’s late, let’s not get excited here. Let me see if he left me a message.” Tug checked his messages, but there was nothing there.
“Nothing, right? Shit, are we sure he got your text? Maybe he never got it and doesn’t know where we live, and he’s out there somewhere trying to track us down,” Raiden worried.
“I know he got it, because it says here that it was seen,” Tug replied.
“Are we sure you have the right number? Maybe you sent that text to some stranger,” Raiden argued.
“I’m sure,” Tug said, as he moved into the living room and peered out the window. There was no car in the driveway and the street was bare. Where the hell was their mate?
“Let me have your phone and I’ll check the number,” Raiden said, as he joined Tug at the window.
“I know it’s the right number, because Dell gave it to me.”
“Yeah, well, I love our alpha to pieces and respect the hell out of him, but you know as well as I do, that man has a twisted sense of humor and would take joy out of messing with us like this. As close as he is with our mate, which we saw for ourselves the other day, maybe they’re playing with us,” Raiden suggested.
“As much as I agree with your knowledge of Dell’s mischievous streak, somehow when it comes to the seriousness of finding a true mate, I don’t think even he would use that as an opportunity to fuck with someone.”
“Well then, what should we do? Should we go over to Alex’s and see if everything is alright, or would that make things worse? Maybe he needs time to think about all of this, but I wish he would have called you back or at least texted you,” Raiden said, then sighed and headed for the couch and dropped down on it.
Tug hated seeing his man all stressed out like this. He turned toward Raiden and made his way over to the couch, then sat down and pulled him close. Immediately his lover cuddled against his side and rested his head on Tug’s shoulder. They both sat there silently, lost in thought, when suddenly, Tug smelt something burning.
“What’s that smell?” Raiden asked.
All of a sudden they both jumped to their feet and ran to the kitchen where smoke was spilling from the oven. Tug quickly grabbed an oven mitt and opened the door, then took out the pan. The roast was black with smoke billowing from it. “Shit,” he cursed, as he placed the pan on the stovetop.
“Maybe we could cut the burnt parts off and still save the inside?” Raiden said hopefully, as he waved a hand around, trying to disperse the smoke.
“Only if either of us enjoy chewing for a few hours on overdried leather. It’s fine. I’ll chop it up and freeze it, then use it for the wild animals when the Dark Season comes,” Tug grumbled.
“What should we do, Tug? I’m starting to get worried. Maybe something’s happened to him.”
Tug looked at Raiden, and sighed. “I don’t want to jump to any conclusions. Let me call Dell first and see if he knows anything. Maybe Alex talked to him about us.”
Tug took out his cell phone again and dialed the alpha as he walked back into the living room. After finding out from Dell that he hadn’t heard from Alex since he left with them the day before, Dell did remind him that at times Alex got lost in his work. Fro
m the stories he had heard over the years from their mutual friends, when Alex started a new book.
“Anything?” Raiden asked, as he joined him on the couch, and held out a bowl for him. Tug looked inside and smiled, as he took the bowl of steaming pasta with bits of broccoli and cut up hotdogs. Raiden sucked at cooking, but at least he always made an effort.
“Thanks,” he said, before taking a bite. It wasn’t the best and could use some seasoning, but the grated parmesan made it edible.
“So, anything from Dell?”
“Yeah, he said he hasn’t heard anything from Alex.”
“Crap, so now what? Should we go over there, or go looking for him? Maybe he got hurt on the way over,” Raiden worried, then bit his bottom lip. A sure sign Raiden was getting really concerned.
“I think he lives over on Randel, not far from Timber, but I’m not sure which house. I could call over to the bar and ask Jael if he’s seen Alex there today, or if any of his friends are around. I just hope our little mate isn’t out at some orgy again,” Tug groused.
Raiden sputtered and choked, coughing as he leaned forward and placed his bowl on the table. Tug chuckled as he slapped Raid’s back a few times.
“Did you say an orgy?” Raiden asked, when he got himself under control.