by Mary Rundle
“Fuck him.” Pushing his tongue into Fionn’s mouth, Hunter groaned as his mate’s tongue wrapped around his.
“If you don’t answer your phone, I’m kicking this fuckin’ door in,” Robin yelled, continuing his staccato pounding.
Approaching his brother in the hallway, Sawyer tried to make sense of the scene he’d stumbled onto. “What the fuck are you doing?”
“Hunter won’t answer his phone so I decided to get his attention this way.”
“Dude, you know he’s with his mate. You can’t fucking expect him to stop what he’s doing to take your call. If you need something, try Mase.”
“You don’t get it,” Robin said, by now pissed to the extreme. “I promised Quin I’d make sure Hunter and Fionn appeared at the dinner thing he’s doing for them. Look at the time, damn it! I’m pretty sure they’re not sittin’ around, showered and dressed, sippin’ a cup of tea, before they show up. And I’m sure as shit not gonna tell Quin the dinner is off.”
“Fuck. I see what you mean. C’mon.” Sawyer raised his fist, yelling and pounding on Hunter’s door along with Robin.
Pulling back, Fionn murmured, “Mate, now there are two of your brothers out there. Maybe something happened.”
Closing his eyes, Hunter muttered a stream of curses. “It better be an emergency or else there’ll be two less brothers for you to meet.”
Giggling, Fionn gave his mate’s nipple a quick pinch. “No way…I want as many brothers as possible.” Tilting his head, he listened, before saying, “They want you to answer your phone.”
Groaning, Hunter reached over to the nightstand. Grabbing his phone and putting it on speaker, he growled, “Robin, this better be good…or else.”
Grabbing Sawyer’s arm, Robin said, “Stop, he finally answered.”
“Robin, I’m hanging up in ten seconds,” Hunter barked.
“Hey bro, Quin arranged a special dinner tonight for you and Fionn and I’m supposed to make sure you’re there on time.”
Fionn’s eyes widened. “Oh my gods, that is so sweet.”
Muting his phone, Hunter asked, “Is that okay with you?”
“Absolutely. I can’t believe your brother did this for us.”
“That makes two of us,” Hunter muttered. Turning the speaker back on, Hunter asked Robin, “What time are we supposed to be there?”
“A half an hour from now, so go shower and get dressed. Quin has a surprise for your mate, too.”
“We’ll be ready.” Hunter said, ending the call.
“Oh my gods,” Fionn squealed, scrambling off the bed and heading to the bathroom. “I wonder what my surprise is. He hasn’t met me so…” his voice trailed off as he turned on the water. Then sticking his head out the door, he shouted, “C’mon! We can’t be late. Do you know what Quin got me? Oh fuck…should I give him a gift back?” Getting into the shower, Fionn ducked under the water, now a bit anxious about the upcoming dinner.
Smiling, Hunter joined his mate in the shower, pressing up against Fionn’s back. Holding his mate tight to him, Hunter said, “No, you don’t need to give him a gift and no, I don’t know what he has for you.”
Back in their room, Fionn stood in the closet, trying to decide what he should wear for dinner with his mate. Rejecting his suit as too formal, his jeans as too casual, he was beginning to panic, knowing he was running out of time. I need Kieran.
Bemused, Hunter sat on the bed watching Fionn flip through his skimpy wardrobe and, when his mate went through his search routine for the fifth time, he asked, “Pet, is there a problem?”
Stopping, Fionn looked at his mate. “I don’t know what to wear on a dinner date. I never went on one before.”
Suppressing a smile, Hunter rose and, quickly selecting a pair of dress slacks and a shirt, said, “This is perfect.”
Looking at Hunter’s pick, Fionn realized it was similar to what his mate was wearing. “Do I need a tie?”
“Nope, leave the top couple of buttons open, like mine.”
After slipping into his clothes, Fionn stood in front of the mirror, examining his image, turning left then right, liking what he saw. I need to go shopping with Ki again so he can pick out more clothes that make me look hot. Then he said, “Thanks, mate. I look great. Now I won’t embarrass you tonight.”
Standing behind Fionn, Hunter growled with pleasure as he gently cupped his mate’s ass with one hand. “You’ll never do that, pet. C’mon, let’s go find out what my brother’s been up to.” Then, grinning lasciviously, he added, “By the way, you look sexy as hell.
Beaming, Fionn took Hunter’s other hand, leading him to the door. Hoping it would settle his nerves, he took a deep breath and then, after letting it out, opened the door. “Hi Robin, I’m Fionn.”
“Pet, this is my brother Sawyer. Where’s Robin?” asked Hunter.
“He had something to do, so I offered to show you where you’ll be dining tonight,” Sawyer answered, pushing off from the wall he was leaning against. “Please follow me.”
Grabbing his brother’s arm, Hunter snarled, “Where are your fucking manners? Can’t you say ‘hello’ to my mate?”
Sawyer’s eyes widened, then, smirking at his brother, said “I could ask the same of you. Would you care to introduce him to me?”
Mentally kicking himself at his mistake, Hunter said, “Fionn, this is my brother Sawyer. Sawyer, my Fated Mate, Fionn.”
“Nice to meet you, Sawyer” Fionn said, shyly.
“Same here, Fionn. Welcome to the family,” Sawyer grinned, before turning and heading down the hallway.
“He’s the brother who was the troublemaker, right?” Fionn whispered.
“Yup, a pain in the ass…still is,” Hunter whispered back.
“I heard that,” grinned Sawyer, leading them outside.
Glancing at the darkened forest, Fionn followed Sawyer along a moss-covered path through the woods. The remaining daylight was quickly fading and Fionn wondered how he’d see his food. “Are we really going to eat outside?”
“It looks like it.” Hunter said, “Is that okay?”
“I never had dinner outside before,” Fionn murmured.
Hunter looked down at his mate. “If you don’t want to, we can ask Quin to move it inside.”
“Oh, no, don’t do that,” Fionn said. “I wouldn’t want to hurt his feelings,”
“Pet, I can guarantee the last thing Quin would want for you to be is uncomfortable,” Hunter replied, lifting his mate’s hand to his mouth and kissing it.
“No, really, it’s okay. I was just noticing how dark it’s getting.”
Stopping abruptly, Sawyer stepped aside. Pointing ahead, he said, “Just follow the path. It ends in a clearing where Quin is waiting for you.”
Peering into the darkness, Fionn saw the path but nothing else since night now blanketed the forest. “Mate?”
Hunter stepped in front of Fionn. “C’mon pet, I’m eager to see what Quin has done for us.”
Following his mate, Fionn wondered if he should light the way with his dragon’s fire, but remembering what nearly happened to Kieran in Scotland when he’d done that, decided not to, instead, sticking close to his mate he kept his eyes on the path.
Five minutes later, Hunter rounded a bend, stopping short when he came to a clearing, bathed in the glow of lighted candle jars hanging from the branches of an ancient oak tree. Stepping aside, Hunter murmured, “Look, pet.”
Fionn’s eyes widened, trying to take in everything. Underneath the tree sat a round table, covered with a beautiful damask table cloth on which rested a cluster of elegant candles and a large vase filled with wildflowers. A couple of wicker chairs with white throw pillows completed the picture. Glancing up, he marveled at the candle jars swaying in the gentle, night breeze, their flickering lights casting dancing shadows on the table, “Oh my gods!” Fionn whispered, fearful of speaking out loud lest everything disappear.
Stepping out of a shadow, Norm appeared, wearing black slacks an
d a white t-shirt. “Welcome to your Mating Dinner. I’ll be your waiter tonight and, if you would, please follow me.”
Smiling, Fionn walked into the clearing with Hunter. No one had ever done anything like this for him before; his eyes began to tear up. Quickly dashing any telltale signs of wetness away, he sat down in the chair his mate held for him, grinning as Hunter sat next to him. Surveying the rest of the clearing, he saw a chair on a small platform in the shadows at the edge of the clearing on which someone was sitting. Curious as to who it was, he glanced up at Norm but before he could ask, Theo appeared, wearing his chef’s jacket and hat.
“Good evening, Fi and Hunter. I have prepared a special dinner for you tonight, beginning with an appetizer of hors d’oeuvres and white wine. Please enjoy your meal.” Snapping his fingers, Theo motioned for Norm to begin serving as the first notes of music began to float through the air.
Fionn’s eyes focused on the platform and at the musician seated there, playing a guitar. There was something familiar about him but he couldn’t figure out what it was. Then, realizing Norm was speaking, he turned his attention to him, just in time to see his friend pouring some wine after setting down a tray filled with scrumptious looking tidbits.
Chapter 28
“Wow,” Hunter remarked after eating his third hors d’oeuvre. “Your friend is a great chef.”
Fionn smiled, too busy enjoying his wine to say anything. After a few sips of a fine California Pinot Grigio, a flush of pleasure coursed through him, removing the stress he’d felt about the dinner. Picking up a spinach puff, he popped it into his mouth, savoring the taste and texture of it. “Theo loves cooking,” he said, licking his fingers one by one.
Hunter was mesmerized by the sexuality emanating from Fionn’s chewing and licking; it went straight to his cock causing it to harden. Groaning softly in frustration, he reached down, trying to relieve the pressure on his bulge, knowing any fucking would have to be delayed till later tonight or he’d face the wrath of Quin for wrecking Fionn’s surprise.
As the night wore on, dinner became an exercise in frustration for him as he watched his mate eat. Glistening full lips, wet from Fionn’s tongue, beckoned to him and teased Hunter about what awaited him later. His mate’s exuberance for each course, the gusto with which he attacked his food, the profuse thanks he gave Norm each time a new dish was served—all gave Hunter a new appreciation for the simple act of dining.
It was an evening Fionn would never forget. Everything was amazing from the flickering candles, to the guitar music, to the sumptuous meal, to his mate who was the perfect dining companion with his quick quips woven into their conversation that kept Fionn smiling throughout. His nervousness long gone by the time he and Hunter finished their main course, Fionn leaned back in his chair while Norm cleared the table. Then a hush fell on the clearing as the guitarist stopped playing, causing Fionn to look questioningly at his mate.
Slightly shaking his head in response, Hunter replied, “I have no idea what Quin is going to do, pet.”
~/~/~/~/~
Quin waited impatiently for Kieran and Theo to join him on the path. It was time to serve the special dessert and give Fionn and Hunter their special surprise. Watching the bobbing flashlight beam come closer as his friends headed towards him, he felt Norm come up behind him.
“The table is set for dessert,” Norm whispered.
“Great. Theo and Ki are almost here,” Quin murmured, shifting from one foot to the other. He’d ditched his high heels tonight since he knew he’d be running back and forth on the dark path, delivering different courses along with an ample supply of wines for Norm to serve.
“Hi, pooh bear,” Theo whispered, as he and Kieran arrived. “Wait until you see what I made for dessert. Kota helped me but it was my idea to flambé it.”
“What’s flambé?” asked Norm, softly.
“It’s on fire…I thought it was perfect since Fionn’s a dragon,” replied Theo, quietly.
“No way! That’s freaking awesome, honeybunch,” whispered Norm.
“Quin, you ready?” asked Kieran.
“Yup, so is Robin.”
“Good,” Kieran whispered. “Theo, show Norm what to do.”
~/~/~/~/~
Looking around, Fionn’s eyes landed back on the musician, now drinking some bottled water. Squinting at him, Fionn was trying to remember where he’d seen him, but came up with nothing. Turning to Hunter, he asked, “Mate, do you know the guy with the guitar?”
“Yeah, he’s my brother Robin.”
Fionn’s eyes widened. “Really? He’s really good. Does he sing?” Before his mate could answer, Fionn heard a voice call out to him. Turning his head, he saw a beautiful young man entering the clearing.
“Hi Fionn. Welcome to the family. I’m Quin, Hunter’s youngest brother. Theo has prepared an unbelievable dessert. Norm, if you would,” he said, stepping aside.
Fionn’s eyes shifted to Norm, widening when he saw what his friend was carrying on the tray. “Oh my gods!”
Placing a small flaming cheesecake in front of each of them, Norm stepped back, smiling. “It was Theo’s idea to simulate dragon fire for your dessert, in celebration of who you are, Fi.”
Quin then announced, “Please enjoy while listening to the magical voice of…Red Force!”
Leaning over, Hunter murmured, “In answer to your question, yes, Robin can sing.”
“What-t-t-t?” Gobsmacked, Fionn’s jaw dropped as he stared at the man who began to sing.
Deep in the shadows, I search
For something, but what?
Never seeing what the future holds
When will I finally be free?
Hearing the words that meant so much to him sung by the artist who wrote them was…amazing, no, more than that…unbelievable…yes, but…but…it’s fanfuckingtastical! Oh my gods! It’s official…I will never ever forget tonight! Then, when his idol began the second verse, Fionn joined in, knowing the words by heart.
Somewhere there’s a place for me
With all the love I need,
Free from the hate and evil
That seems to be my fate
My paws pound the ground,
As my heart spins round
Running wild, running free
Is just right for me
Serenaded for the next hour by the singer whose music helped him survive the horrors of his life before he found his new family and home, Fionn became overwhelmed with emotion. And now with his mate at his side, he finally emerged from the darkness that had held him in thrall. Fionn glanced over at Hunter, joyfully grinning at him, before turning back to sing along with Red Force.
After Robin paused to take another sip of water, he looked at his brother and Fionn. “Welcome to the family, Fionn, and thank you for giving my brother back his smile. I was surprised when Quin and your friends told me what a big fan you are because I didn’t think anyone overseas had ever heard of me. So trust me when I say, I’m very happy the Fates gave you my brother as a mate because I know what music you’ll be playing.”
Giggling Fionn leaned over and whispered in Hunter’s ear. “I hope you like your brother’s songs because I play them a lot.”
Smirking, Hunter threw Robin a friendly finger, then whispered to his mate, “Don’t ever tell my brother, but I love listening to them.”
Robin laughed, before continuing. “When Quin asked me to write a love song for you, two, I was honored to do it. So without further ado, here it is…it’s called, I Will Love You.” Looking down at his guitar, Robin began to strum softly, letting the emotion of the melody wrap around the lovers for a moment, before beginning.
Didn't happen in a noisy way
Didn't seem too special at the start
No fireworks or parades
No trumpets set the stage
No choir singing as you took my heart
And here we are, two souls in love
Greener than the grass we're lyin' on
But I will love you in the daylight too
I will love you from this moment on
The words penetrated Fionn’s heart, making him a part of a world he never thought would be his again, a world he thought lost to him when his mother died.
Yes here we are, two souls in love
Makin' love like it's a marathon
But I will love you when it's way past new
I will love you from this moment on
I will love you like I'm s'posed to do
I will love you from this moment on.
When the last notes faded into the night, Fionn gazed at his mate, tears slowly trickling down his cheeks at the love he found in Hunter’s eyes. An all-encompassing love, filling Fionn’s heart until it was overflowing and, at that moment, something else happened. He fell in love with Hunter—totally and unconditionally—and Fionn knew he would do anything for his mate, no matter what it was.
When Hunter opened his arms to him, Fionn flew from his chair into his embrace. Burying his face in his mate’s neck, he slid his arms around his waist, holding on, never wanting to let go. Somehow the Fates had done it, somehow they gave him the world, one filled with love and joy, one that filled the cracks in his heart, erased the scars and made him whole again. Licking the salty sweat on Hunter’s skin, Fionn moaned when his mate’s flavor exploded on his tongue. Lifting his head slightly, he whispered into Hunter’s ear, “I love you so much…now and forever.”
“I love you too, my pet.” Resting his cheek on his mate’s head, contentment washed over Hunter, making him smile. He was exactly where he was meant to be.
~/~/~/~/~
Hiding in the bushes, Quin sighed at the scene before him; everything had turned out perfectly, but best of all, Fionn loved Hunter. Surrounded by his co-conspirators, he looked at them and whispered, “Love Queens, we were successful. Thank you all for helping me.”
“It was so romantic, right pooh bear?”
“It was, honey bunch,” Norm replied, pulling Theo in for a hug.
“It was simply perfecto!” Kieran whispered, clasping his hands to his heart. “It gave me so many more ideas for Theo and Norm’s wedding. I think we outdid ourselves, Love Queens.”