Love's Unexpected Gift

by Toby Wise

  Hayden’s mouth moves from my lips to the side of my throat. He bites down just as he pushes a second finger into me. I throw my head back and keen, loving the mixture of pleasure and pain going on, the dual sensations making me that much more turned on.

  “Yes,” I murmur, my heart speeding up as Hayden scissors his fingers, opening me up, preparing me for his cock. “Hayden. I love you.”

  Hayden pulls back from leaving a mark on my neck. He smiles down at him, his eyes looking so fucking bright that it makes my heart clench. “I love you, too,” he murmurs before kissing my chest. He gently wraps my right leg around his waist as his head ducks lower, kissing down my stomach. When he gets to my groin, I’m breathing heavily, my chest rising and falling with my panting. My skin breaks out in a sweat.

  “Please, Hayden,” I groan. He blows over my heated dick and the cool air makes me shiver. Without giving me any warning, he dives in, taking the tip of my cock into his mouth. A third finger pushes into my ass and for a moment, I tense up. It’s too much, I can’t possibly stretch anymore. But then his fingers find my prostate and I melt against the bed, letting out a moan. Between his mouth and his fingers, Hayden brings me dangerously close to the edge.

  Pulling off with an audible pop, Hayden sits back on his heels. He slowly pulls his fingers free from my ass and I flush as he bites his lips, eyes glued to my twitching hole. “Come on,” I say, my foot pushing him. “I think I’m ready. I wanna feel you.”

  As Hayden slowly covers his dick with the synthetic slick, I flip over to my hands and knees. Hayden lets out a long groan as he stares at my ass, taking me in. He makes me feel so fucking desired that I can’t stop myself from shivering, more than ready to be fucked.

  “Here we go,” Hayden says softly, his voice filled with disbelief. “I can’t believe we’re doing this. Fuck, Matty. We’re about to be mated.”

  His hands shake as he grips my hips, feeding his cock into my ass. He pushes until just the head pops through my tight entrance, both of us moaning at the feeling. I would be lying if I said it didn’t burn, but the burn isn’t too much, and as Hayden continues to sink into my body, his hands moving over my spine, it slowly fades into pleasure. Once he’s buried to the hilt, he falls forward, covering my entire body with his own.

  “Oh my god, Matty,” Hayden breathes against the side of my throat. “This is better than I ever dreamed of. You feel so fucking good.”

  I’m so overwhelmed with the feeling of being stuffed full and my emotions, all I can do is whine and clench around him. Hayden shoves me forward until I’m flat on my belly, his hands sliding over my arms until our fingers are laced together on either side of my head. I feel him all around me and inside me. And then, he starts moving.

  “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I grit out through clenched teeth as he pulls out before slowly sliding back in. I turn my head, whining until Hayden gets with the program and kisses me. The angle is awkward but we make it work. His tongue fucks into my mouth as his cock fills my ass. It’s fucking perfect.

  One of his hands moves down my body until he’s prodding at my ass. “What are you doing?”

  Hayden nips at my earlobe, making me groan. “Gotta make sure you can take my knot,” he says before he’s adding more synthetic slick and pushing a finger alongside his cock.

  “Oh my fucking god,” I cry out, grinding my cock against the mattress below me. “Oh god. Oh god.”

  Hayden shushes me, whispering words of encouragement as he stretches me impossibly further until he’s able to fit two fingers inside my ass as he fucks me with his dick. “You’re doing so well,” Hayden says, his lips pressed against my ear. “Almost ready for my knot.”

  I shove Hayden off my back and he carefully pulls his dick free. Before he can even question what’s going on, I shove him onto his back and straddle his lap. “Need to see you,” I explain before falling down onto his dick, taking him back into my body which is now stretched and ready. “You feel amazing,” I murmur, planting my hands against his chest, riding his cock. “Filling me up so well. God. I’ve never felt like this before.”

  Hayden’s hands find my hips, his fingers digging in so hard and I hope there’ll be bruises tomorrow. “You look so beautiful sitting on my cock.”

  “Next time I wanna fuck you. Need you to experience this. It’s-- Fuck, it’s mind-blowing.”

  Hayden’s hand wraps around my dick, stroking me as I fuck myself. My knot tingles under Hayden’s hand, readying itself to pop when I orgasm. Lightning races down my spine the moment Hayden plants his feet on the bed, thrusting up into me. I slam my hips down, meeting every thrust. The sound of our skin slapping fills the room and it makes me throw my head back and groan. My balls are ready to unload and they tingle with intent when I begin to feel Hayden’s knot grow. It stretches me, giving me that delicious burning feeling.

  “I’m close,” Hayden warns, his eyes solid alpha red. He opens his mouth, panting, and I can see his canines are growing, getting ready to exchange our mating bite. Fuck, he’s so fucking sexy.

  “Me too. Faster, Hayden. Almost there,” I tell him. His knot continues to stretch my rim. It’s getting harder and harder to pull off as it steadily grows until finally, I sit all the way down and it pops, filling me completely, tying us together. The pleasure is blinding. My knot fills as Hayden massages it, cum splashes all over his belly and chest. I swear I scream but I can’t hear anything over the beating of my own heart in my ears.

  Without overthinking, I let instinct take over. I can feel Hayden’s knot throbbing against my tight walls, his cum filling me, claiming me. So I do the same to him. My sharp canines break into Hayden’s skin between his neck and shoulder, his metallic blood making my body sing. At the same time, I feel him biting me right back. Mate. We’re officially mates. I can feel the connection, feel a piece of my soul go to him as a piece of his comes to me. We’re one.

  I pull my teeth back as gently as I can. Staring down at the mark I’ve left I can’t help the giddy noise that leaves my throat. “Oh my god,” I say. “We did it.”

  Hayden laughs, gently thrusting up into me while wiggling his brows. “Yeah, we did.”

  I just shake my head at him, my smile never leaving. I snuggle down against his throat, loving the way his arms fit around me. “I love you,” I whisper, just because I can.

  “I love you, too, Matty.”

  “Now go to sleep,” I say through a wide yawn.

  Hayden snorts. “There’s the take charge alpha I know and love.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Hayden

  I wake up to the sound of happy screams coming from the other room. It makes me smile against my pillow. Matt must have gotten up with Emma, letting me sleep in. My mate-- and oh my god, the thrill that goes through me at that phrase-- is spoiling me.

  After quickly using the bathroom and changing into a sweater and jeans, I walk through the apartment to find Emma and Matt in the kitchen. Matt greets me with a wide smile and a gentle kiss before sliding over a cup of coffee. “You’re spoiling me,” I murmur, feeling my cheeks flushing.

  “You deserve it,” Matt says back.

  “Present time?” Emma asks, pulling at my sweater. I look over at Matt, raising my brow.

  “She’s been waiting very patiently for you to wake up before we opened presents.”

  “Then yes, I think it’s present time,” I say, picking Emma up. She’s still in her pajamas that make her look like a penguin. “Come on, my little penguin, let’s see what Santa brought.”

  Emma cheers, wiggling around in my arms. I set her on the floor before sitting beside our tiny tree. I grab her first present, sliding it over. “There you go, little penguin.”

  “I’m not a penguin!” she says, her voice filled with amusement. “I’m Emma!” She picks up her gift and carefully opens it. She lets out an excited giggle. “Penguins!”

  We got Emma an adorable penguin play set. She loves penguins right now. The next gift is a giant stuffed anim
al that she promptly names Penny the Penguin. Then she opens a package and pauses. “What? Underwear?” Emma tosses the package over her shoulder, going back to playing with Penny, making Matt and I both laugh in amusement.

  “Here,” I tell Matt, tossing him a small package. He smiles before handing over his own present for me. “At the same time?”

  Matt nods. My stomach is in knots as we both open our gifts. I wonder if he’ll love it or think it’s stupid. I worry right up until I finish opening the box in my hands. I suck in a sharp breath, staring down at the little velvet box. My hands shake as I snap open the lid. “Oh my god,” I whisper, finding a simple silver ring. “Matt.”

  It’s becoming more common for people to not only exchange mating bites but rings as well.

  I finally look up, finding Matt staring at the ring I’d gotten for him. He looks up, his face breaking out into a wide smile. “I can’t believe we both had the same idea,” he says, shaking his head.

  “More proof that we’re meant for each other,” I say.

  “Like this wasn’t enough?” he teases, tapping his mating bite which is mostly healed. I can’t help but gently touch my own, a thrill going through my belly.

  I slide my new ring on, finding that it fits perfectly. Emma’s little hand touches mine, playing with my new ring. “So pretty,” she tells me before going back to playing with her new toys. I look up at Matt, my cheeks hurting from how big my smile is.

  “I love you,” I tell him softly.

  “I love you, too.”

  A knock at the door has our eyes darting away from each other to the door. “Uh, I’m not expecting anyone.”

  Matt shakes his head. “Me neither.”

  I watch from my spot on the floor as Matt steps up to the door and pulls it open. Matt’s eyes widen before he’s stepping back, letting whoever’s at the door in. “Hello, Stephanie,” he greets and my stomach floods with nerves, a rock plummeting to the bottom of my belly. I pull Emma into my lap, squeezing my arms around her out of instinct. My inner alpha growls to protect our young and I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself.

  “Hello, Matthew, Hayden,” Stephanie greets. “This is Mr. Parker. He’s the judge looking over your case.” I give a nod to the large, older man beside Stephanie. “I’ve brought good news, stop looking so drawn,” she says with a wide smile.

  “Sorry. We just weren’t expecting you,” Matt says, ushering them into our home.

  “Surprise?” Stephanie says with a laugh. “We’ll be quick but I thought you’d like a surprise Christmas gift.” Suddenly her face brightens as her eyes land on Matt’s neck. She turns and looks at me. “Oh my god,” she says excitedly. “Congratulations you two! I’m so happy for you!”

  “Thank you,” I say shyly, ducking my head.

  “Congratulations, son,” Mr. Parker says, his deep voice ringing through our little apartment. “Where are your lucky omegas?”

  My heart sinks again, wondering if this is going to cause us some sort of problems. But then Stephanie is hitting the back of her hand against his chest. “Mr. Parker! Get that small minded question out of here! Two alphas being mated isn’t even that wild in this day and age.”

  “Alphas can be mated and love each other,” Emma says, nodding her head seriously. “My Uncle Hayhay and Uncle Matty are alphas and love each other.”

  Mr. Parker looks over, a fond smile on his face as he looks at Emma. “You’re right, darling. My apologies. Sometimes my tongue gets the better of me.” Then he turns to Stephanie, holding out his hand. “Let’s get these papers signed.”

  I sit in shock as Mr. Parker signs the adoption papers, sealing Emma’s place in our family. Matt and I each sign the papers, both trying to ignore the tears in our eyes. Stephanie hugs us both, overjoyed to be able to help us make our dreams a reality, helping us each step of the way.

  Before Stephanie leaves, she takes a picture of the three of us, our official family.

  That night, as Matt and I lay in bed, I can’t help but close my eyes and marvel at how far we’ve come. I say a silent pray up to Jeff and Tristen, thanking them for the unexpected gift they’ve given us. I miss them every single day, but having Emma and Matt helps the hurt like a soothing balm.

  “I love you,” I whisper into Matt’s hair as I slide against his back, holding him as we both fall asleep.

  His hand twines with mine. “I love you, too. There’s no one I’d rather raise a family with, Hayden. You’ve given me the best Christmas.”

  I kiss the side of his neck, nuzzling against him. “And here’s to many more in the future, Matty.”

  Epilogue

  22 Years Later

  Matt

  I snuggle against Hayden’s side, rubbing my beard against his throat. He lets out an amused growl at my teasing. He touches my chin, forcing me to look up at him before he’s kissing my lips gently. Always so gentle, my alpha.

  “I love you,” I practically sigh, my chest overfilled with happiness. I run my fingers through his messy curls which have thinned out in our old age. He’s lucky he’s blonde, he’s not going salt and pepper the way I am. Hayden always tells me it makes me look even more handsome, the charmer.

  “I love you, too,” Hayden says sweetly, kissing my cheek one more time before sitting up. He looks at our guests who are just as cozy on the other couch. “Do you guys need anything to drink?”

  “We’re fine,” Noah says with a wide smile, perpetually amused by Hayden’s hosting personality. “And if I need something, I’m very aware where I can find it.”

  Hayden rolls his eyes. “So sorry for being a good host.”

  Jackson, Noah’s alpha, snorts. “We’re nothing special, Hayden. We’re your friends, not your guests.”

  I smile, my hand drawing random patterns against Hayden’s chest as we all talk and catch up. We’ve made it a tradition for all of us to get together every year for Christmas. Noah is still a therapist, helping people every day even if he’s not my therapist anymore.

  “You know,” Noah says, a smirk playing against his lips, “I’m still taking credit for all of this.” He points his finger between Hayden and I.

  “That’s fine,” I say. “Just like we’ll take credit for you two getting together.”

  Noah lets out a wistful sigh, snuggling against the underside of Jackson’s throat. Jackson used to work with Hayden and we’d helped set them up together. Their size difference is ridiculously adorable. Noah’s small even for omega standards while Jackson is tall and a little bit pudgy. They’re perfect for each other and my heart sings happily.

  “When do you think the kids will get here?” Hayden asks, checking his phone for any signs from Emma.

  “I’m sure they’ll be here any minute,” I tell him. “You know how Emma is; always running late.”

  “You’d think Mac would help keep her on time,” Jackson says, amusement plain in his voice. “That boy used to get up early for everything to make sure he was on time.”

  Emma and Mac grew up together, enjoying playdates as kids and then going to the same school when they were older. They’d both presented as betas during puberty and it wasn’t a huge shock when they graduated from high school and declared they were going to college at the same school. It was a shock when they’d come home for their first break, mating bites adorning their necks, but I couldn’t be happier for them. When they look at each other, I can literally see the love between them. It’s everything I ever wanted for my girl.

  “Did Emma tell you, too?” Noah asks. “That they have news?”

  Hayden nods. “Yeah. Did Mac give you any hints?”

  “Nope,” Jackson says. “But I have a feeling it’s about Emma’s degree? She’s been working so hard for that internship. Maybe she finally got it.”

  “That would be amazing! And what a great time to celebrate than with Christmas, right? We need something extra happy since Marcus couldn’t make it this year.”

  Marcus was an alpha going to school across th
e country. He was a bit of a surprise between Jackson and Noah, but no less loved by everyone.

  Just then, there’s a tap on the door before it’s flying open, Emma’s smiling face coming into view. I’m up on my feet before she’s even put the gift bags in her hands down. I scoop her up into a fierce hug. “Hey there, pretty lady,” I say, kissing the top of her head.

  “Dad,” she whines playfully, shoving me away to go and hug Hayden. I pull Mac into a hug before everyone is settling into the living room.

  I look around my living room, surrounded by all the people I love. These are my people. My inner alpha purrs, truly and wholly content. Hayden steps up into my space before looking up with a smirk. I follow his gaze, finding some mistletoe above our heads. I grab the front of his shirt, pulling him into a deep kiss. I sigh as his tongue licks into my mouth, brushing against my own. Arousal simmers just under my skin as I think about the gift I’d given Hayden this morning before we’d even left the bed. I’d opened him slowly with my tongue before sliding into his body. We’d made love slowly, holding each other, ending with my knot locking us together.

  “Oh my god,” Emma whines. “You two are the worst. Can’t keep your hands off each other for one second!”

  I break the kiss, my forehead resting against Hayden’s cheek as we both laugh. “Sorry,” I tell her, coming back to sit on the couch next to Emma.

  “It’s cute,” Mac says with a gentle smile. “I hope we’re like that when we’re old.”

  “Ouch,” Hayden murmurs. “Now we’re old?”

  Mac just shrugs.

  “So what’s this big news?” I ask, wrapping my arm around Emma’s shoulders.

  Mac’s face lights up as he looks at Emma. “You tell them, baby.”

  Emma’s cheeks turn pink as she bites her bottom lip. I squeeze her in encouragement and she looks up at me. “You guys,” she says, looking at me and Hayden. “Well, all of you,” she adds, nodding over to Jackson and Noah, “are gonna be grandpas.”