Alpha's Heart
Book One of the Northern Pines Den Series
An M/PREG Paranormal Romance
Susi Hawke
For all of my fellow weirdos – we're all peacocks at heart!
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Cover Art Designed by Cosmic Letterz
Copyright © 2017 by Susi Hawke
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Any characters, locations, events or businesses are totally parts of the author's imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Chapter One
Taylor
“I don't know, Ry. What if they hate me there? I mean, it's not like I exactly blend in all that well.” I carded a hand through my pastel pink faux hawk styled hair while my best friend gave me the elevator eye treatment. I like this about Ryan. He didn't just give me a trite answer, he actually looked me up and down and put thought into his reply.
Finally, he met my eyes with a sweet smile. “Tay, trust me. Nobody who spends more than five minutes with you could ever hate you. Sure, you don't exactly blend in to the crowd. But isn't that part of what makes you who you are? You're loud and proud, so just own that shit. Besides, Ivan taught me a saying that I think applies to you.”
“I'm afraid to ask what that mate of yours would possibly say that would apply to me, but please, go on.” I smirked at my best friend while I waited.
“It's simply this: Other people's opinions of you are none of your business.” Ry looked so adorably serious, I just wanted to tackle-hug him right now.
“What the hell does that mean? Is that another one of his wise teacher quotes?” I actually really liked Ivan. He and I had grudgingly become friends over the past six months since I'd joined the pack and he had mated with my best friend.
Ryan rolled his big brown eyes. “No, dumbass. And what it means is that you should just do you and not worry about what other people think. I saw a meme the other day that said something else that applies to this too. People who mind don't matter, and people who matter won't mind.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “I like that one. So basically, you're telling me that the people who judge me aren't people that I want to know?”
Ryan tilted his head with a soft smile. “Kinda. But, you should give them a chance to know you. Let them get past their initial impression of you, and get to know who you really are as a person.”
Shuddering, I shook my head. “That's a big nope on that one. I don't let anyone in, you know that. Shit, you're lucky that I let you in!”
“That's just because I'm so lovable.” Ryan fluttered his eyelashes with a sassy grin. “But seriously, Taylor. You have to let people in. Quit using your appearance to push people away and let them see what a sweet guy you really are, okay? The bears are really quiet and reserved, but they're good people. You'll see, just go in with an open mind.”
I sighed and leaned back on Ryan's couch. “I mean, this sounded like a good idea a few months ago when I signed up for this pack exchange program. As much I hate to admit it, maybe I'm just nervous.”
Ryan scooted over and wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug. “Of course, you're nervous. Who wouldn't be? You're leaving your wolf pack behind and going to live with a whole new community of people. But you know what? I'm only a text or phone call away. Not to mention a short drive. Seriously, Tay. Say the word and Ivan will have me at your side in under an hour.”
My eyes pricked with tears as I returned his hug. “You're right. But you'd better get right back to me when I text. The only excuse I wanna hear is that you were doing the nasty with your hot mate or changing a diaper for one of my godbabies.”
As if on cue, the sound of babbling came over the baby monitor. Ryan gave me one last squeeze before hopping up to go check on his infant twins. The little ones were three months old now. It amazed me how much life had changed for my friend over the past six months that we'd known each other.
I listened to him cooing at Otto while promising Anna that he would see to her next. With a soft sigh, I got up and went in to give him some help with the twins. They were good babies, but man, were they a lot of work!
“Hey, Miss Anna.” I smiled down at the little cub of a girl in the pretty white crib. “Do you want your favorite uncle to help you get clean and dry? Do you? Come here, princess. Let's get you smelling pretty again.”
I cooed at her as I carried her over to the other changing table. I quickly went to work getting her changed and into a fresh yellow onesie. “There now. My little princess is fresh as a daisy. Now let's go see where your daddy and brother got off to, hmm?”
Ryan was just settling in on the couch with a bottle in hand and Otto in the crook of his arm. He smiled up at me and jerked his chin toward the coffee table. “Do you mind? It's faster if I have help.”
Ryan had tried to breastfeed the babes at first, but he hadn't been able to produce enough milk for them. He'd felt crappy about it until Doc had helped him engineer a mix of his own expressed milk and canned formula. The upside was that we all got to hold the babies while they were fed.
I grinned and snagged the bottle on my way over to sit down with Anna. “Do I mind cuddling our pretty little princess while she eats? Not at all. It's gonna be hard leaving these two behind for a month, not gonna lie.”
Ryan looked sad for a minute, as if remembering that I was planning to stay with the bears for an entire month. Our pack was sending me and another wolf to visit the local bear den, while two of their community members came to stay here. This cross exchange program was designed between the Alpha's of each community to help the single citizens hopefully find their fated mates.
I wasn't entirely sold on the idea of having a mate. And I was pretty sure that there wasn't an alpha out there that could handle my particular brand of crazy. But I wanted to at least give it a shot. Plus, getting to go and explore another shifter culture for a month was enticing.
It would be an adventure, at least, that was what I was hoping. The exchange program had been in the works for a few months now, and tomorrow morning we would do our first swap. I was excited that our pack Alpha had chosen me to be one of the first pair to be sent over there. I had no idea why my application had been approved, but despite my butterflies, I was excited about going.
“So, you never told me. Who is going with you to the den? Another omega or an alpha? I keep meaning to ask, but I always forget.” Ryan was looking down at Otto with a soft smile while he spoke to me.
“Oh, get this. I think they wanted to send one of each, but since it's me going? My freaking cousin, Walter, is the one going with me! Can you believe my luck?” I rolled my eyes.
Walt was an okay guy. If you didn't mind being seen next to dweebs in sweater vests with seasonal allergies. Every season. Seriously, the dude was always red-eyed and dripping mucous. Or sneezing. Or wheezing. I felt bad for him, but that shit was gross.
“Wait. I don't understand. Why, Walt? I thought that he had already been mated but his mate died. How is that fair to the unmated omegas?” Ryan wasn't being catty, he was honestly curious.
“Milton wasn't Walt's fated-mate. They were just an arranged pair, so there's a chance that he could still have a fated-mate that he hasn't met yet. But, mostly it's because of Sean. My brother's inner alpha at work again. He thinks that Walt is a good influence on me, so he asked Alpha Jake to pair us up for the exchange.”
“Oh, dang. I'm sorry that your brother is so bossy, Taylor. But, I think he really just wants to make sure that you're safe.” Ryan giggled before continuing. “Plus, he probably hopes that with Walt on your tail, you'll be less likely to get into trouble.”
The door opened before we could talk more as Ivan came walking in. “Hey, peacock.” I rolled my eyes at the nickname. “Are you all ready for your big adventure tomorrow? I heard that Walt is going with you, huh?”
“Wow, how did you hear that? I just got that information myself,” Ryan pouted.
“Hmm. Maybe because Walt works for my dad? Papa and Walt were busy training one of the young alphas to handle the office while he's gone when I popped in to visit during my lunch hour.” Ivan explained as he went into the kitchen to get a drink.
“Yeah, Doc Ollie is hoping that if he trains a young alpha this time, then maybe he will have office help longer since he seems to have bad luck with omegas. Something about how we all end up getting mated and having pups?” I grinned over at Ryan, knowing full well that he still missed working with Doc.
Ryan's eyes narrowed as he stuck his tongue out at me. “Ivan, do you have any advice for our friend before he leaves tomorrow? I mean, you are from the den. Surely you have some tips for Taylor.”
Ivan came over and sat down beside Ryan, stretching his arm out behind him over the back of the couch. “Honestly? You'll be fine, Peacock. Just try not to shock them too much. Most of the people there are reserved and will be easily shocked by you at first. But, they're good people. Remember that, even if they seem stiff around you. They'll be kind to you, so don't worry about that. Don't let their uptight ways get you down. Now, that doesn't mean that I want you to shake things up either. Just be yourself, and let them get to know you. You're an acquired taste, but you're okay. For a peacock, I mean.”
I grinned over at him as I lifted Anna to my shoulder and rubbed a few good burps out of her. “You're not too bad either, Ivan. If the other bears are like you and Doc, I'm sure that I'll be just fine.”
Ivan shook his head. “Uh, Peacock? You should probably know that Papa and I are among the more progressive bears from the den.”
I took a steadying breath and nodded slowly. “Okay, then. Well, I guess it's good that I went pink on the hair this month instead of the bright rainbow stripes over a light purple base that I'd originally planned on then.”
Ivan chuckled as he scrubbed a hand over his face. “Oh, Peacock. Those bears have no idea what they're in for with you. Your hair is the last thing I'm worried about.”
Chapter Two
Mikael
I glanced up at Peter, my beta assistant, as he stepped into my office. Peter was a foot shorter than my height of seven feet. I was a few inches taller than the average bear, but that was to be expected given my strong alpha heritage. Peter was a bland, gentle man who excelled at blending in. He was the kind of guy that worked behind the scenes and made things happen, while never letting the spotlight hit him.
Even though he was a beta, he still had a stocky, muscular build. It saddened me that it was unlikely for him to ever have a fated-mate, especially as I longed to find my own one day. Beta bears were far less fertile than alphas. Even if he did manage to find a mate, the chances of them having cubs were slim. Poor Peter. He would have made a terrific father and mate.
“You seem as though you are daydreaming again, Mikael. Perhaps I should come back later?” Peter asked me this in a reasonable tone. He wasn't being sarcastic, he truly meant every word that ever came out of his mouth. I adored this about my little beta pal.
I tapped my fingertips against the polished wooden surface of my desk. “No, Peter. Now is just fine. I was thinking about this exchange program that we are starting today. Have our new guests arrived?”
“Yes, Alpha. They are settling into their rooms right now. I took the liberty of putting them in your wing, sir. They are both omegas. I thought it best to have them near you. They are cousins, apparently. I believe that you may find the younger one to be a bit colorful though.”
Peter's tact was amusing. I knew full well that he was referring to the little blue-haired sprite that I'd seen at the lodge meeting a few months ago when Jake and I had first gone to his pack with our innovative exchange idea. My friend, Ivan, had referred to him as “the peacock”. I'd found that quite amusing, and fitting. But the little bird had flitted away before I'd been able to get close enough to meet him.
“Aha. I believe I know the young man that you are referring to, Peter. I have seen him in passing when I have been over to the lodge. It will be interesting to meet him. And I approve of having them stay in my wing. I will feel better knowing that I am close enough to protect them. Is there anything else that I need to be aware of right now?”
A shadow passed over Peter's face. “I do not like to mention this, sir. Especially with our guests in residence. But there are rumors of your sister being seen near her old cabin on the mountain.”
I took a deep, calming breath to steady myself. “And is this from a credible source, Peter?”
“Unfortunately, I believe so. I have actually had more than one report of her presence. I apologize for having to tell you this news, Alpha.”
I nodded mutely. I had shunned my sister and revoked her rights to be within five hundred miles of our den after she had tried to attack a pregnant omega with the idea of killing his unborn child. Oskar was her former mate. He had left her with my help after I had learned of her abuse. The sickening part was that if she had succeeded in killing his child and fated-mate, it would have only been to torture him more.
No, shunning my sister had been my only choice. But I had warned her that if she ever returned it would be at her peril. My den would not accept anything less than her death at my hands if I were to remain in power. And rightfully so. It was my duty as Alpha to protect my people, even from my own sibling.
Peter waited patiently while I thought things over. I looked up into his pale green eyes and shook my head. “I have no choice, Peter. I need to go investigate personally. I cannot run the risk of Yvonne's presence. I will call Stefan and have him come stay here to watch over things for a few days while I am gone.”
“Are you sure, Alpha? I know that young Stefan is your Alpha Heir, but do you think that he is ready for this kind of responsibility?” Peter's brows pushed together with concern as he thought of my young cousin.
“Stefan is twenty-four years old, Peter. It is time that he begin to act it, yes? And I am certain that he will not be required to do more than entertain our guests and handle any nuisances that may crop up in my absence. And to be honest, you will probably be the one actually keeping an eye on things. But, perhaps you can teach him a thing or two. It is not the worst idea, Peter.”
Peter huffed out a breath, but nodded his agreement. “Yes, Alpha. I will keep a careful eye on things around here, and try to keep Stefan in line. Please be safe, sir. And come back as soon as you can. Between your cousin having temporary charge of the den and the colorful little omega wolf, I fear that things may be shaken up around here.”
I smirked up at my worried beta captain. “That's why you are the second-in-command, Peter. To keep things running on an even keel, yes? Besides, it might not be the worst idea for things around here to get shaken up a little. Breathing a little life into our community might be just the thing. What is the worst that could happen?”
Peter narrowed his eyes as he replied: “That is exactly what I do not wish to find out, Alpha.”
* * * * *
I called Stefan and put the fear of our goddess Artio into the boy. I was not impressed by his flippant response when I had reminded him of his duty to our people. But right now, I had no other choice. I needed him to be here in my absence. While Peter was perfectly capable of handling den affairs, we needed a strong alpha present as a precaution. Especially with the wolf omegas in residence and under my protection.
It would be interesting to see how things went in my absence with Stefan here. I needed to test his ability to lead my people should something happen to me. Unless I mated soon and sired an alpha cub, Stefan was next in line to be Alpha. My sister had once been next in line, but thankfully her shunning had removed her from that. I did not want to think about my psychotic sister having any kind of leadership role among our people. That was just a nightmare for me to even imagine.
There was a knock at my office door, and Peter came in with Stefan at his heels. “Your cousin has arrived, Alpha. Is there anything else I can do for you before you leave, sir?”
“No, Peter. Thank you. I will be back before you know it. Try not to miss me too much, yes?” I smiled encouragingly at Peter. I waited until he left before turning my gaze on Stefan.
He stood there with a lazy grin on his young face. I gave him my stern Alpha look, and waited for him to get serious. Didn't happen. With a sigh, I shook my head.
“Stefan. What is it going to take to make you take this seriously, hmm? You are the Alpha heir. I need to know that I can leave the den for a few days to take care of something and trust that you will be able to lead in my absence. I do not feel entirely confident of this, I must admit.”
Stefan rolled his eyes. “Listen, cuz. Just because I don't have a stick up my ass doesn't mean that I can't keep things cool while you're gone. Peter Rabbit there filled me in on everything on our way up here. I know you're worried about Yvonne, I get that. But chill. It's possible for me to take things seriously without needing more fiber in my diet. Try it, cuz. You'd be surprised at how good it feels to just let yourself relax.”
I glared up at him and took a deep inhaled sniff. “Are you stoned, Stefan? And do not call my beta captain by that ridiculous nickname. It is rude. Peter Rabbit, indeed.”
Stefan threw his head back and laughed at that. Then he walked over and took a seat across from me at the desk. “No, Mik, I'm not stoned. I'm just not spending my life acting so properly that I forget how to breathe. I can run things without losing myself in the process. Trust me. I know that I'm only your heir because you haven't had any cubs yet. I get that. And I also know that you don't take me seriously. Just go do what you have to do, and let me prove that I can handle this, okay?”
I looked at him skeptically, but nodded. I honestly had no other choice at this point anyway. “Oh, one more thing. Did Peter tell you about the two omegas that are staying in my wing?”
Stefan's eyes lit up at that. “Yeah, he did! I think this is gonna be sweet. I can't wait to meet them. I figure I'll show them around the den tomorrow, if that's cool?”
I nodded. “Yes, please. I do not want them to feel unwelcome. Especially the younger one. But realize this, cousin. If neither of them smells like your mate, do not touch them or you will face my wrath. This exchange program is to help our people of both communities to find their fated-mates.”
“Well, shit. That's cool, cuz. I can't believe that you actually signed on to do such a modern thing. Good. That gives me hope that you're not stuck in the middle ages like the rest of our people.”
Shaking my head, I stood and began to unbutton my shirt for the shift I would make to my bear half. “Well, I am so happy to have your approval,” I spoke dryly. “Just don't piss anyone off, try to take things seriously, and I will see you in a few days.”
Stefan stood and followed me over to my private entrance. He surprised me with a brief hug before I stepped through the door and out onto the patio where I would make my shift. With once last glance around my property, I let my bear form take over and then I took off running into the treeline. The sooner I got this over with, the sooner that I could return home again.
Chapter Three
Taylor
I bumped into Walt as we walked through the main hall toward the dining room. “Oof! Sorry, man. I wasn't paying attention.”
Walt smiled over his shoulder at me. “It's okay, Taylor. I get it. This place is amazing. I keep finding my own eyes wandering too.”
It really was amazing. I don't know what I'd expected when we arrived at the den. Log cabins, maybe? Despite the name, the den was actually a modern looking small town nestled between two mountain ranges. The houses were all spacious homes that looked like they belonged inside of a magazine.
But the Alpha's home? Holy shit. This place was like a mansion or something. I was admiring a gorgeous crystal chandelier that sparkled above us where it hung from the high ceiling when I'd bumped into Walt. How the hell did they clean that monster? I would have to ask at some point, because that one was gonna bug me.
Walt pulled me into a fancy dining room. The long table was covered with a white linen tablecloth, sparkling crystal glassware, fine china with gold trim around the edges of the plain white dinnerware, and shiny cutlery. There was a long centerpiece of mixed flowers, with candles lit on either end of it.
As soon as I registered the presence of flowers, Walt began to sneeze. And wheeze. And gasp for air as he frantically dug through his pocket for his inhaler. He pulled it out with a shaky hand and took a big puff on it. Before I could check on him, the beta captain that had shown us to our rooms earlier came rushing up to see what was happening with Walt.
“Oh, dear! Are you alright? What is happening?” He looked scared to death.
“It's okay, Peter. My cousin's having an allergy attack. I hate to tell you this, but I don't think that he's gonna be able to eat dinner with those lovely flowers in here.”
Peter's eyes widened in alarm, but he responded smoothly. Snapping into service mode, he went over and grabbed the centerpiece. He was carrying it out of the room before I even realized what was happening.
I put my hand on Walt's shoulder and guided him to a chair. “Sit down, Walt. Let me pour you a glass of water. Do you need an allergy pill? Or do you think you'll be okay in a minute?”
Peter came walking back in, concern etched into his placid beta face “I have never seen this before. Will Walter be okay, or should I phone the physician?”
I handed Walt the glass of water I'd poured him and took a seat. “Walt will be fine, Peter. Just give him a few minutes for his wolf to help him fight this off.”
“That was crazy! What's up with that? I've never seen a shifter with allergies before,” a young guy about my age said as he slipped into the chair at the end of the table.
“Who are you?” I asked without thinking as I checked out the hot alpha. “You're not the Alpha. I've seen him before and you're not him. Besides, you don't talk like the other bears.”
“No fair. I asked first.” He spoke with a broad grin that perfectly showcased a row of pearly white teeth.
“Wow. Okay. Good point. You were nosy first, so I'll bite.” I jerked my chin toward Walt who was still wheezing but starting to revive himself. “Walt is a halfling, not a full wolf. He has human issues that most of us don't deal with, like allergies.”
The young alpha's eyes widened as he looked over at my plain, awkward cousin with interest. “That's even cooler! I've never met a halfling before. Can you shift? What's that even like?”
Peter spoke firmly as he shot the young alpha a reproving look. “Walter, you do not need to answer this line of impertinent questions. Please allow me to apologize for the flowers, and for our young Alpha Heir here.”
Walt waved off Peter's concern. “No, no. It's fine, I'm used to the curiosity. And you didn't know about the flowers. How could you? Don't worry about it. Please.”
My cousin was turning red again. This time from the embarrassment of being in the spotlight, instead of his allergies. Peter seemed to understand this, and took the seat beside Walt.
“I will worry about this, as you are our guest. Please let me know of any other allergy triggers, and I will have them removed at once.”
Walt began to drone about his allergies in a nasally whine, and I knew that he was okay. I rolled my eyes and dug into the plate that a young beta girl had carried in and set in front of me. The strange alpha smirked as he caught me rolling my eyes. He ignored the other two, and spoke only to me.
“I'm Stefan, by the way. I'm Mikael's cousin, and his current heir. He was called away on den business. He decided this was a good time to take off my training wheels and have me keep an eye on things while he's gone.”
Peter interrupted. “Oh, no, Stefan. Your training wheels are definitely attached. This will be a learning experience for all of us, as we see what you are or are not capable of doing in Mikael's absence.”
I rolled my eyes at Stefan. I felt bad for the guy already. Based on the way the little beta dude treated him, he obviously didn't get a lot of respect. I totally knew what that felt like.
Stefan grinned back at me. He took a long drink of water before speaking again. “And as for your earlier question? I don't talk like the other bears because I believe that we need to grow with the times. You know, pull the stick out of our collective arse and quit being so damned formal.”
I snickered as Peter glared over at Stefan. “There is much to be said for the old ways, young alpha. Our community has lived quite happily with them for generations. Perhaps you should consider having respect for our traditions, yes?”
Stefan's eyes flashed gold as he looked back at Peter. “I can respect our traditions while still having both feet set in the twenty-first century, Peter. I don't believe that this dinner is the time or place for this discussion though.”
He smiled lazily at me and Walt. “Let's all just chill out and let our omega guests enjoy their first evening here at the den.”
The rest of the meal went by slowly. Peter and Walt became fast friends, sitting there discussing exciting topics like tax shelters, human politics, and my personal favorite: Walt's allergies. Ugh. Just kill me now if this is what the rest of my month was gonna look like. Things looked up after dinner when Stefan caught my eye and asked if I'd like to go for a walk and look around.
I eagerly accepted. Peter tried to include Walt, but I put that idea right to bed. “I'm sorry, Peter. I appreciate your consideration. But I can't let my cousin go walking around outside after that allergy attack that he had earlier. Perhaps you could give him a tour of this lovely manor while Stefan and I go for a walk?”
Walt's eyes lit up at that idea, although he looked conflicted at the idea of me going off with a young alpha. I bit back a snarky comment, and instead reassured him that he could trust me. He didn't look convinced, but allowed me a few minutes freedom anyway. I practically skipped out of there with Stefan. I was just happy to make my escape from Walt.
“Do I wanna know what that was about?” Stefan grinned down at me as we walked down the driveway.
I groaned. “Walt and my brother have decided that I need a keeper. That's why I'm here with his fabulous company instead of someone else.”
“That sucks, Taylor. I'm sorry. I hate it when family decides that they know more about what I need than I do. Trust me, I get that all the time.”
Nodding at him, I joked: “I bet you do. Shit, just the fact that you talk normally must send up all the red flags with your family.”
“Shit. You have no idea. So, tell me about you. Why are you here? Were you hoping to meet your fated-mate? I'm sorry it's not me. I wish I had caught your scent, you're pretty cool from what I've seen.” He grinned as he totally checked me out.
“Yeah, you would've been an okay mate. But sadly, I can't smell you either. As for hoping to meet my fated-mate? I dunno. Part of me wants to meet my mate, if for no other reason than to be free of my brother and cousin. The other part of me though? That part just wants to explore, and have fun adventures.” I shoved my hands into my pockets as we walked. This was a frustrating topic for me. Freedom.
Stefan seemed to get it though, because he changed the subject and kept up his mild flirtation. “Well, mate or not, can I tell you that I love looking at your tight, little ass? You're definitely working those jeans, I gotta tell you.”
He made a show of biting into his fist. I giggled and shook my head. “Is that your best line, Stefan? Seriously? I'm working these jeans?”
Stefan chuckled. “No, but I'm holding those back. Mikael told me that unless one of you were my mate, you're strictly hands off.”
“Oh, wow. He's not even here and he's cock blocking you? That's some messed up shit, Stefan. Damn, you have it as bad as I do, don't you?”
He shrugged. “I don't know. I mean, I don't have anyone following me around like your cousin does with you. But yeah, I pretty much get watched by everyone and found lacking. I'm not traditional enough for them, you know?”
Shrugging, I said: “Yeah, but you know what I think? I think that people who look at us and judge us are the ones that are lacking something. Whether it's creativity, or the ability to live and let live, I couldn't tell you. But I refuse to live my life for other people's pleasure. You know? I mean, we only live once. We need to make the most of the time that we have while we're here.”
“Exactly. And I'm not going to waste the one life I have by living it to other people's expectations.” Stefan grinned down at me. “Okay, you earned it. Now I'll take you and show you where the cool bears hang out one night while you're here.”
“Really? This place has a cool spot? I find that hard to believe.” I said.
“Oh, hell no. It's in the human town a few miles away. There's a gay bar that is a lot of fun. There's a strong shifter turnout there too, so don't worry about that.”
“Why would I worry? I think hanging out with the humans would be fun. I'd do it more if I could break free of my family's constant need to shelter me. But since I came back from my last foray into human civilization with these ear gauges, they've been a lot more wary about letting me mix with the humans.”
“I totally wanted to ask you about your ears! Does it hurt? What happens when you shift? What are those rings that you have in there? Can I touch them?” He sounded like a pup now, he was so excited as he questioned me.
Giggling, I pulled him over to a bench that was sitting under a light post in front of a small cafe . We sat down as I looked over at the cafe with longing. “I wish they were open. A latte and a fresh scone sounds so good right now.”
Stefan nodded as he reached a finger up to touch the bone plug in my stretched lobe. I giggled as his finger tickled my sensitive flesh. His eyes widened, but he continued his exploration of my ear jewelry.
“Okay. Let me slow down. Tell me about your ears, and this cool ring thing that you have in there.” He ran his finger around the inner edge of my plug.
“Well, most people call the holes gauges, although the word gauge actually refers to the thickness of the jewelry or the size of the hole. It's actually been a process of letting it stretch, heal, and scar to build up to the 3/4” holes that I have now. And the ring itself is made of the bone from a water buffalo.”
Stefan's eyes popped wide open as he looked closer at my ear. “Why bone? Isn't that kinda weird? I mean, we're shifters. It doesn't bother you to have an animal bone in your ear?”
“Not really. There are many different materials that can be used for body jewelry. I prefer bone or horn jewelry because it is natural. It will actually shift with me when I turn, while other materials won't. If they don't shift with me, I end up having to remove them, and risk having my holes close up while I'm in wolf form.”
I leaned back onto the bench to gather my thoughts before I continued. “I guess it doesn't bother me because the bone used to make the jewelry is from a non-shifter animal that was treated respectfully in death. I can't fault that. In a way, it's like I'm honoring it, you know? If that's not too weird for me to say.”
Stefan nodded as he leaned back and dropped his hand from my ear. “I'm sorry if I was too nosy. I probably shouldn't have been touching you either. My cousin would kick my ass for that one.”
I tilted my head up at him curiously. “Why would your cousin be pissed? You were just looking at my ear jewelry. Is that a crime?”
“Touching you isn't allowed. He was very clear that unless I caught your scent, I was to keep my hands off of you. The idea of the exchange is for us all to get a chance at meeting our fated-mates. If you're not mine, you might be someone else's mate. They wouldn't appreciate another alpha touching you, no matter how innocent my intentions were at the time.”
I shuddered with distaste. “And that right there is why I'm divided on the whole wanting an alpha thing. My body. My choice. Not my alpha's to dictate! You know? Ugh. I'm guessing that from the way that Peter was treating you at dinner that you're a little different from everyone around here?”
Stefan grinned. “That's putting it lightly. Just wait. We're having a mixer at the manor tomorrow night. All of the single alphas are invited to come and sniff you guys. I can't wait to see how those stodgy fucks react when they get a load of you!”
I sat up straighter as my head whipped around with a fierce glare. “Excuse me? I am not submitting myself to being fucking sniffed at by a bunch of strange alphas. Nope. That's gonna be a hard no, Stefan. What the fuck is up with that shit anyway?”
Stefan chortled gleefully as he held his palms out to me. “Don't attack! Shit, you're like one of those fierce little Mexican dogs! You're tiny, but damn! Sheathe your claws, baby. I'm not the enemy!”
I sniffed at him disdainfully as I bared my teeth. “I am a wolf, not a chihuahua. Say that again, go ahead. I dare you.”
Stefan held his sides as he fell into full blown laughter. I bit my lip not to laugh along with him. “Shut up, Stefan! It's not funny! How would you like being the one put on display like it's a fucking meat market or something?”
Sobering finally, Stefan sat up and shook his head. “Honestly? I'm pretty sure that isn't the intention. I think that it's Peter's misguided plan to get you guys and our single alphas in the same room at one time. Peter Rabbit is all about expedience and how to keep things running smoothly. It's the beta in him, I think. They aren't known to be the most passionate of shifters, right?”
Huffing out a breath, I rolled my head on my shoulders as I looked up at the night sky. With a grin, I glanced over at the young alpha and asked: “Peter Rabbit?”
Stefan grinned back at me. “Don't quote me on that one. Mikael gets pissed when I call him that. But it fits, right? He's so timid but at the same time, he busily hops around taking care of business.”
Chuckling, I nodded in agreement. “Yeah, that does seem to fit him. Well, from what I've seen of him anyway. And thanks, now I'm going to have that nickname in my head every time I see him. But seriously, how bad is this going to be tomorrow?”
“How honest do you want me to be?” He quirked a brow at me with an apologetic smile. “I mean, they'll probably all stand around shuffling their feet and making polite small talk to each other while trying not to stare at you.”
“Well, I guess I'm used to people staring at me. I mean, my look doesn't exactly lend itself to blending in with a crowd.” I folded my hands in my lap and pursed my lips as I thought about the reactions that I would be expecting tomorrow.
“No, Taylor. Don't get me wrong. I'm not even talking about your style, although can I just say kudos on that one? I'm talking about the fact that you're a petite omega wolf with a big mouth. We're used to our omegas being strong and sturdy. Bear omegas are treated equally, unless they're mated to an alpha that's a total douchebag. I don't know if that's mostly because they don't look like they need protection? I mean, our omegas are larger than the omegas of other species.”
“Oh, yeah. Do you know Oskar! He's mated to a wolf in our pack.” Oskar was a sweet guy, but bigger than many of our wolf alphas.
Stefan shook his head. “No, Oskar is big even for a bear omega. But yeah, our omegas are still pretty big. Plus, they don't act sassy and flirty like you do. If anything, I'd say they're usually more like your cousin.”
“Holy shit. There are more omegas like Walt? I'm sorry.” I grinned as I stood to stretch my legs.
Stefan immediately rose beside me and we began to walk back toward the manor. “Exactly. So, your personality combined with your body size is going to leave these guys speechless. And when you add your look onto that? Let's just say that I'm going to be taking sneak pics with my phone so that I can laugh later.”
I giggled and bumped my shoulder into his muscular arm. “Okay. As long as you promise to show me later!”
“I'll do you one better. Get me your social media info and I'll share them with you. It's not like any of these old-fashioned fucks get on those sites anyway.” He looked down at me with a wink.
I giggled and promised to text him my contact info later. When we made it back, I said good-night and headed to my room. I was dreading tomorrow, but knowing that I'd made a friend in Stefan made it more appealing somehow.
Chapter Four
Taylor
“Dude. Are you sure I don't smell funny or have spinach in my teeth from lunch? Most people get over my hairstyle and color by now.” I looked down at my khakis and plaid button-up. “I dressed down as much as I could too. I even had Walt approve my outfit before I came down.”
Stefan sat on a folding chair beside me, his forearms resting on his thighs as he looked around the room where a couple dozen alphas stood around in clusters. They were barely attempting the minimum of polite conversation as they all stared at me.
“Well, I warned you that they were uptight. But I'm guessing that nobody has caught your scent or they would be glaring at everyone else for looking at you. Have you caught anyone's scent?” He glanced over at me patiently with a slight smile.
“Honestly? I smelled an alluring apple cinnamon scent the day I arrived, but that was probably from the kitchen or something. I don't smell anything in here except for the judgment of a bunch of alpha-holes.” I kept my voice barely audible, knowing how well shifters could hear.
“Screw this then. You came, you saw, you didn't smell anything worth mating. Wanna leave?” He grinned at me as he offered an escape.
Without hesitation, I said: “You know what? No. Let's move around. Introduce me to some people. Fuck this. I'm not going to be run off. I mean, it's not like they'll be rude, right? I'm a guest of the Alpha.”
Stefan shrugged. “Rude? Not so much. They'll just kill you with politeness. It's a much slower form of torture. Trust me. I've been on the receiving end of it for my entire life with these guys.”
I stood and grabbed his hand, not giving two fucks if anyone disapproved. “Then come on, let's go shake this party up.”
Stefan's eyes flashed with amusement as he stood and allowed me to drag him over to the largest group where Peter and Walt were quietly chatting. I pushed aside my natural nervousness and projected the confidence that I always wore in front of others.
“Hey, Peter! Walt! I felt bad just sitting over there like a wallflower. I figured it was time that I got myself up and came around to meet everyone. I mean, that's the whole idea of a mixer, right?” I looked around the group with an innocent, sunny smile.
“Ah, Taylor. It is good to have you join us. And young Stefan, of course.” Peter flashed an irritated look at Stefan's and my joined hands before he began to introduce me to everyone with an uncomfortable look in his eyes.
Taking a play from my old playground days, I sized up the biggest alpha and focused my attention on him. He was a big one, but seemed snotty as fuck. I couldn't even begin to take in the pristine white three piece suit that he was wearing with a silky, white ascot. Seriously? White on white on white? Although, it did look good against his tanned skin and coal black hair. I had to admit that much.
I looked into his icy blue eyes and took a breath. Breaking my hold with Stefan, I held out my hand to the strange alpha. “I'm sorry, I don't remember which one you are. I'm Taylor, and you are?”
He looked down at me with polite sneer. “I am Gregor. It is a pleasure to meet you, yes?” He shook my hand with a limp grip as he spoke in a patronizing manner.
Another alpha pushed his way forward. This one was a ginger with a freckled face and bright green eyes. He was dressed in a blue sweater and slacks combo with a cream colored turtleneck underneath. “I am Nicolai, but most call me Nic. It is a pleasure to have you here,” he simpered down at me with a saccharine smile as I accepted his offered hand.
Fighting back my need to recoil from his touch, I shook his hand with a polite smile. Unlike Gregor, this guy tried to crush my hand in an annoying display of his alpha strength.
Pulling my bruised hand back, I smiled politely through gritted teeth. “It's nice to meet you too, Nic. That is quite a grip you've got there though!”
As I spoke, I stuck my hand out to the side to make a show of shaking off the pain of his grip. Unfortunately, I didn't see the beta girl walking through with a tray of drinks. A full tray of red drinks. A full tray of red drinks that went flying in a wide arc when I inadvertently bumped it with my shaking hand. I watched in horror as the liquid went up and splashed down in a red shower. A bright red shower that went all down the front of Gregor's pristine white outfit.
I bit my lip to hold back my nervous giggles, but when Nic took a step back to avoid being splashed he slipped in the puddle of spilled drinks. He knocked into another alpha, who then fell into another alpha, who then...well, yeah. I giggled uncontrollably while I watched in frozen awe. A row of five alphas went down on their asses in the big puddle of what smelled like fruit punch while the rest of the room looked on in horror.
Gregor sputtered speechlessly before turning on his heel and exiting the party. His shoes squeaked against the marble floor as he made his way to the door, dripping punch leaving red droplets in a trail behind him. Gasping, I tried to stop giggling, but those squeaks! And the trail! I was still giggling hysterically when the other alphas pulled themselves upright and quietly saw themselves out.
The room was emptying around me quickly. The only sounds in the room were retreating feet and my giggles. When I finally calmed myself, I looked up to see Walter glaring at me with disappointment written all over his face. I blushed hotly.
“Walt, you have to know that this was an accident!” I defended myself, but Walt just shook his head at me with a dark scowl.
“Just once you couldn't avoid a scene, Taylor? And then to follow up that shameless display by laughing at those poor men the way that you did? Even for you, that was just unconscionable!” Walt was puffing himself up into a self-righteous anger with Peter standing beside him in obvious agreement.
“You know what, Walter? Fuck. You. You know damned well that I have a nervous laugh! I always have your back. When you're blowing nasty snot all over the place or showering people with your sneezes? I'm always right there at your side. Maybe just once I needed you to be on my side. Whatever. I'm done with this shit.”
I ignored Walt calling my name to come back as I stalked out of the room and headed for the backyard. I'd noticed a lovely little gazebo from my bedroom window, and it seemed like the perfect place to go lick my wounds.
It took me several seconds to realize that I had company. I looked over my shoulder with a death glare, but it was just Stefan. He'd not only followed me, he was also carrying a tray of food and a couple bottles of ale. Now that's what I call having your friend's back.
“Where are we headed?” He asked companionably as he stepped up beside me.
“I saw a gazebo out here somewhere. That looked like a good place to be where my cousin is not.”
“Ah. Follow my lead, it's right over this way.” Stefan led me through a maze of garden and to the gazebo. It was much larger than it had appeared from window, and twice as lovely.
Stefan let me go ahead and settle myself on one of the benches. It was about twelve feet across, with four benches placed around the edges of the round, open area. He set the food down and went over to flip a switch on the wall. Strands of twinkling white fairy lights lit up the ceiling over my head, casting a soft glow down over us.
After opening our bottles of ale, Stefan passed one to me. He tipped his against mine with a grin. “Would you feel better if I told you that the whole thing got caught on video? And I know the password to access it, too.”
I huffed out a sigh. “Holy shit. Do you really think I want to replay that? I'll be seeing it in my nightmares as it is.”
Stefan chuckled and took a long pull from his bottle. “Even if I cut it into a montage and set it to music? I mean, just think of the song possibilities!”
I snickered. “Free fallin'?”
“Fall like Rain!“ Stefan snorted and named another three song titles. “Fallin' for you, Where were you when I was falling? Wait! No, I've got it! Raindrops keep falling on my head.”
Giggling now, and feeling much better, I said: “All falls down? Falling into You? Or, what about Fallin' Apart?”
Stefan's warm laugh filled the cold places that Walt's attitude had left in my heart. He held the tray of finger sandwiches over for me to pick one or even five. I decided to be polite and took two to start.
My moan when I tasted the light cucumber mint sandwich had Stefan groaning at me. “No! I'm not supposed to touch you, remember? No fair teasing me with porno sounds, punk.”
I swallowed and replied: “Do you know my friend Ivan? He calls me Peacock.”
Stefan chuckled and passed the sandwiches back my way. “Yeah, I know Ivan. He's another progressive like me. We need more people like him around here. I mean, you saw how stuck up those alpha-holes were tonight. I hate to say it, but they are pretty much a good representation of the kind of people that I have to deal with around here.”
“Wow. I don't even know what to say to that, Stefan. What about Mikael? Is he like that too?” I hadn't met the Alpha yet, although I'd enjoyed checking him out. With his thick, shoulder length blonde waves and muscular body, I'd had to run and hide when he was around our pack. I was afraid I'd either sport a boner or succumb to the desire to climb the big guy like a tree. Either way, it would embarrass my pack.
“Mikael?” Stefan sighed softly. “He's kinda in the middle. He respects the old ways and puts off the whole uptight Alpha vibe. But, he also uses tech and isn't as formal in his speech. Well, that's not entirely true. He picks up the formality when he's talking to conservatives, but he eases up on it with us progressives.”
“What does that mean? Is he like some hypocritical politician or something? Always all polished and shit?” I asked curiously, mentally crossing my fingers that the studly Alpha wasn't like that.
“No, not at all. He's just what I would call a social chameleon. He fits in with whoever he's talking to, and makes them feel comfortable. It's not something he does on purpose. It's just his way. Honestly? I don't know if he's even aware that he does it. I've just spent a lifetime observing him, you know?”
“Wow. You must really admire him, Stefan. Is it weird that you might have to take his place someday?”
“Yes and no. Yes, the idea of replacing Mikael is laughable at best. But no, because I don't expect it to happen. He'll mate at some point and sire an Alpha Heir. I'm sure of it. In the meantime, I try my best to toe the line and follow his example. As best I can, anyway.” He looked at me with a shy smile. “I tend to get in trouble sometimes with my mouth. Mikael thinks that I don't take my shit seriously. I do, I'm just not as uptight as he wants me to be, you know?”
I tipped my bottle up and chugged it down. Wiping the foam from my mouth with the back of my hand, I reached over and grabbed another sandwich. “Ooh! This one is ham! How did I get stuck with the veggie options before this? Were you pulling a fast one on me over there, alpha?”
Stefan grinned and held the tray out again. “Hard to accuse me of that when you're the one picking from the tray, little peacock.”
I narrowed my eyes and grabbed another ham sandwich as I muttered: “I never should have told you about that name.”
We polished off the tray in companionable silence. I looked up at Stefan and asked: “Why does Peter think it's okay to be so rude to you? I've noticed that he's pretty demeaning in his treatment of you.”
Stefan sighed as he rubbed a hand over his face. Looking down at me, he said: “I think it's because he's known me since I was a cub. He and Mikael are eleven years older than me. They were driving when I started kindergarten, you know? Peter thinks I'm disrespectful of the old ways because I don't speak formally and I embrace modern technology. I don't go to church every time there's a meeting, and I like hanging out around the humans. This makes him think that I'm not a good Alpha candidate if something happens to Mikael. He's right, but still, fuck him. You know what I mean?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I totally get what you mean. Does he even like you? I mean, are you sure it's all about the leadership thing?”
“Yeah, Peter likes me. In his own way, you know? He's an uptight little guy. I pity the fool that mates him. If he ever mates anyway. Who knows? I mean, betas don't have the same drive to mate that we do. At least, that's what I've heard.”
I snorted. “Dude. You should meet my Alpha's Aunt Kat. She's a beta, and that little old lady oozes the horny vibes. I even heard she and Doc Ollie have a side thing.”
Stefan wrinkled his nose. “Ew. Cuz Doc's old, wrinkly balls are something I want to discuss. Damn. Seriously though? It's cool that the old guy is getting some, right?”
I laughed and pulled out my phone. I showed Stefan her website for adult toys and sexual aids. Then the links to her erotic novels. He shoved it back at me.
“Enough. I'm going to have nightmares now about old people doing it. Thanks a lot for the mental image, Tay-Tay.” He reached over and ruffled my hair.
Choking back a laugh, I asked: “Tay-Tay? Really?”
“What, would you prefer that I stick with Peacock?”
“Well, Peacock does have cock in it, but then again, maybe not? Okay, call me whatever you want, as long as you don't call me your bitch.” I winked up at him, making him cackle.
“Fuck. I'm going to miss you when you go back to your pack next month.” He smiled sadly as he said that.
“What? You don't drive, own a cell phone or any other communication devices? Our friendship ends when I leave? Damn. I didn't know we had an expiration date, Stef.”
Stefan laughed. “Okay. Point taken. So, you think you'll still wanna be my friend after you go home? I don't have too many of those around here, if I'm being honest.”
“Try and get rid of me, big boy. I'm like an infectious rash. Hard to get rid of once you've got me, you know?” I nudged him in the side with my elbow and grinned.
“Yeah. There's a good self-description. Infectious rash? Fuck me, you're awesome. I can't wait until my cousin gets home. He's gonna trip when he meets you.”
“Should I be afraid?” I asked cockily, but was honestly a little worried now.
“No, not at all. Mik's cool. He'll probably be amused by you, if anything. Hell, I'm gonna propose kidnapping you and making you our den mascot.”
“Because I'm so tiny? Fuck you. Keep Walt. He seems to be getting along pretty well with Peter anyway.” I shuddered and made a gagging noise.
“There you go with the mental images again, Tay-Tay. You've really gotta quit doing that shit to me, dude.”
* * * * *
Two days later, Stefan and I were hanging out in my new favorite Walt-free zone. The gazebo. It was a homey little place and far enough from the house that Walt would not follow. Plus he'd have to maneuver through a garden full of allergens if he tried, so I felt safe here.
“Okay. You've got to see this video I found online last night. This dude seriously shot his load like three feet! He totally pegged this other dude's mouth from a yard away. It was insane! Hold on, I'll show you.” Stef dug in his pocket for his phone.
“You think that's impressive? I know I can do better than that.” I looked over at his phone as he brought up the video in question.
After we watched it, he looked over at me thoughtfully. “Is it weird that we just watched that together?”
“Are you actually being serious right now?” I asked with surprise. I mean, the dude had pulled out the video and he was having second thoughts now?
“I mean, I didn't think about it before. It's not weird for me. I just don't know if it's weird for you, being an omega and all. Forgive me, I've really never had a lot of friends. I don't mean to be awkward.”
I shook my head and bit back a laugh. “Stef? I'm the last person you need to feel awkward around. And if I'd felt weird, I'd have said something before we watched it. So just chill out, okay? Now get ready. If you thought that was weird between friends, my next suggestion is probably going to shock the fuck out of you.”
“Okay. I'm listening,” Stef replied with a cocky smirk.
“Why don't we have our own shoot-off? I bet we can beat that dude's distance. I'd bet my ass on it.”
Stefan looked at me with rounded eyes and a dropped jaw. “Seriously? I mean, I totally would do it! But, umm, Mikael told me not to touch you guys. Remember? He'd fucking kill me.”
I shrugged. “I kinda thought the idea was that we'd be touching ourselves, so you're technically not breaking any rules there. We wouldn't even be shooting at each other. We'd aim straight out, and measure the distance after we're done.”
Stefan looked thoughtfully at the ground, then nodded. “Okay, but lemme go get some tape. We'll mark off the ground with lines every foot, starting at 3 feet. That will make it easier to judge after we're done.”
“Ooh. I love it. Mr. Technical! Okay, go grab the tape, I'll wait here.” He nodded and took off to the house in a jog.
I wondered for a minute if doing this was crossing any lines, but I couldn't see who it would hurt. We weren't doing anything to each other. Besides, it was more about the competition than about getting off together. Although, I was intrigued to see what my new alpha friend was packing.
Stefan came back a few minutes later and handed me a tape measure. I marked off the distances, while he'd put up the line of tape. The duct tape wouldn't stick to the grass, so we'd ended up grabbing sticks. We'd stuck them into the ground, and ran the duct tape between them like a low hanging volleyball net.
Once we had the final tape laid out, we walked back over to the step of the gazebo and admired our handiwork. We were on the back side of the gazebo, where nobody inside the house could see us from the windows. They'd have to actually be here in the yard to catch us, and we'd most likely see them before they saw us, er, coming.
“So how are we gonna do this? I'm good with whatever you want, Tay-Tay.”
“Well, I really don't want to make you break your word to the Alpha, so how about we stand like a couple arm lengths apart. That way, it's obvious if anyone comes out that we're not touching. Then we just jack off and see how far that we each shoot. Bonus points for who comes first?” I grinned as I unfastened my pants and took a few steps away from him.
Stefan visibly gulped as I pulled out my cock and began to stroke it. He shook his head and walked a few steps in the other direction, until we were a good five feet apart. My eyes widened when I saw the monster he pulled out of his pants.
“Damn, Stef. If I'd known you were packing that level of beef, we might have had a different kind of competition here.” I stroked myself harder as I watched him pull on his cock.
Stefan grinned at me then looked away. “Yeah, well. There's still the whole thing where I promised not to touch you if we're not fated, so I think this is the closest you're ever getting to my junk. Now shut up and quit distracting me!”
I giggled low in my throat, happy to see him affected by my teasing. I could feel him watching me from the corner of his eye, which only made me get more turned on. We were stroking in sync now, our hands moving faster as we panted. With a loud groan, Stef came. I watched him point his cock at the tape, measuring how far his cum shot out.
My own balls tightened while I watched him spew ropes of cum across the grass. I gasped and threw my head back as my hips jerked forward. I barely remembered to aim as I shot my load.
“Damn it. I thought I had you with five feet. How the fuck did a little thing like you get it six feet out?” I looked up at Stef with a blank look. My mind was momentarily gone from the post-orgasmic haze.
Stef rolled his eyes. “Head in the game, Tay-Tay. You just totally kicked my ass. Look.” He pointed at the strips of tape in front of us, where the evidence dripped in spots from the tape.
Before I could respond, I heard a loud roar as a big ass fucking bear came flying out of the woods. I squeaked as I jumped backwards, only to land flat on my ass on the step of the gazebo. Stefan reeked of fear, but stood his ground and casually tucked his dick away as the bear came charging toward him.
As the bear got closer, I was overwhelmed by the same delicious apple cinnamon scent that I'd picked up the day that I'd arrived. I looked up at the intruding bear in shock, as I realized that it was coming from him.
The bear came over, slowing as he approached. He stepped in between us, his big body blocking mine from Stefan. He growled low in his throat as he bared his big teeth inches away from Stefan's face.
“I-I-I'm s-sorry, Mikael! I didn't know he was your mate! We didn't touch! I kept my promise, I swear!” Stefan was cowering in front of the Alpha bear, his arms raised up with his palms out in surrender. I didn't even know how the poor guy was staying upright, his legs were shaking so badly.
I stood up, not even thinking about the fact that my dick was hanging out of my fly. Bracing both hands on the bear's flank, I pushed at him until he moved. His head snapped around, intelligent eyes looking at me through the bear's disturbingly human blue colored orbs. The pointed snout sniffed at me as he turned and pressed his nose right up against my omega-gland.
I glared at him. “No! You do not get to sniff me right now, mate or no mate! How dare you charge over here and scare the shit out of us like that?”
Without warning, the bear morphed in a blur of light, color, fur, and skin until a man crouched before me. He slowly stood to a freaky ass height that had me craning my neck back to look up at him.
He reached down and grabbed me by my armpits, lifting me up and holding me out in front of him so that we were eye to eye. “I am Mikael, the Alpha of this den. Who are you, my little elfin mate? Give me your name. Please.”
I don't know if it was shock, or the imploring look in his eyes, but I answered him. “I'm Taylor. Now put me down, I'm not done being mad at you yet! Even if you are a gigantic Alpha and apparently my mate. Although I'm not sure how that's even gonna work when you're so fricken huge.”
Stefan found his voice then. “That's simple, Tay-Tay. You're a spinner.”
I threw my head back and laughed while Mikael carefully set me down before turning back to unleash his fury on Stefan.
“Do you really think that it is alright to make comments like that about my mate, boy? Seriously? Especially after what I came up on when I arrived?”
He was practically roaring, even in human form. I took a deep breath, and stepped around in front of him. I positioned myself between him and Stefan before I let my temper loose.
“What the hell is your problem, Alpha? Neither of us knew that you were my mate until you came charging in here like a brute on steroids. And don't you dare belittle my friend! Stef has been the only kind person I've had to talk to since my arrival! This wasn't even his idea, if you want to know the truth!”
I stood there in front of him with my hands on my hips, vibrating with fury. It wasn't until I noticed him glance down at my hanging dick that I finally remembered to tuck it away and zip up my pants. He grinned in amusement, his anger evaporating as he took me in slowly from head to toe.
“Damn. This is really going to shake things up around here, yes?” He looked over my head at Stefan with a boyish grin. “I cannot wait to tell Ivan that his little peacock friend is my fated-mate. He will love this.”
I heard Stefan snort behind me. “Ivan told you about the whole peacock thing?”
Mikael nodded at him. “Yes. When we spoke at the pack meeting a few months back. My little mate here disappeared before I could introduce myself. A shame. That is three months wasted when we could have been mated.”
I sputtered with frustration. “Will you quit talking over my head to Stefan like I'm not fucking standing here! Dammit! I'm not a fucking chihuahua! I've already been over that with your cousin here. Now quit talking over my head!”
Mikael smiled down at me adoringly. “I would never forget that you are standing there, dearest heart. I will always be aware of your little elfin self, no matter where you are. Now come, let us go in and get to know each other better. I want to know everything there is to know about my darling mate.”
Chapter Five
Mikael
“Are you fucking kidding me? After that display of Alpha bullshit, you think that I'm just going to run inside and canoodle with you now? Just like that?” Taylor stood there in front of me, his little body tense with fury.
Stefan snorted behind him. “Seriously, Tay-Tay? Canoodle? Remind me what century you're from again?”
Taylor looked over his shoulder and glared daggers at my idiot cousin. Happy to not be the recipient of my fierce little mate's temper for a moment, I smirked at Stefan over my little omega's head.
Stefan made eye contact with me, which had Taylor spinning back to me. “Oh, hell no! I told you two to quit that shit!” He turned back to Stefan. “Get out from behind me, Stef. Stand beside me or something, but I'm done being the monkey in the middle.”
I growled low in my throat at that comment, not liking the idea of my mate being in the middle of anything. He was mine and mine alone. Stefan was lucky that he hadn't known that Taylor was my mate when I came upon them, or I would have had to rip him apart limb from limb.
As much as I loved my cousin, I would not put up with any more of this nonsense between him and my mate. I'd been coming home after my fruitless journey to the old abandoned cabin when I'd seen them through the trees. Originally, I'd been irritated that Stefan was doing something so foolhardy with our omega guest.
I'd been heading over to put the fear of the goddess Artio into my cousin when I was hit all at once by that intoxicating scent. Like a nutty blend of spices, Taylor's omega scent blasted itself at me and I'd nearly lost my mind. Looking down at the fierce little thing in front of me, I still couldn't help but be both amused and impressed.
Taylor looked up at me with narrowed eyes and crossed his arms over his small chest. “Quit looking at me like that, and don't growl at Stefan. It's not polite. Now, are you going to apologize for scaring the shit out of us so that we can all get on with our day instead of standing out here posturing?”
“I am not. Stefan knows better than to behave like that. Especially while at my home that he is running in my absence. Are you going to stand down and accompany me inside so that we can get to know each other better?” I ran my eyes over his compact frame, imagining what he would look like without his clothing.
“Dude. Eyes are up here. And no, I am not going anywhere with you. At least, not without that apology.” He spoke defiantly, and damned if it did not make me want to know him even more.
“My name is not Dude. My name is Mikael. Or Alpha, as well as any other form of endearment that you may choose to call me in the future.” I looked down at him with an amused smirk, watching to see his reaction to my words.
Shaking his head, Taylor turned and began to walk toward the manor. Ignoring my cousin's wry grin, I took two lazy steps and scooped my omega up. I tossed him over my shoulder, and headed for my office. Stefan's laugh followed us as Taylor kicked and wriggled against me. I reached up and swatted his little butt with a light smack.
I turned and looked back at my young cousin. “We will speak later, Stefan. Until then, you are free to do as you please.” I huffed out a breath at his eager expression. I threw him a bone, although I was still irritated with him. “And Stefan? Thank you for taking care of the den in my absence.” As I spoke, Taylor went still. I could feel him relaxing against me with approval as I spoke to Stefan.
My cousin's radiant smile filled my heart in a strange, new way as I opened the door to my office and hauled Taylor in with me. Peter was putting some paperwork on my desk when we entered the room. He looked up at me with a bemused look on his face. I realized suddenly that I must make quite a sight. Standing there buck naked after my shift with an omega slung over my shoulder. It wasn't my most dignified moment.
Peter's eyes flicked over at Taylor. My spine stiffened at the flash of irritated distaste that crossed his face before he regained control and greeted me.
“Hello, Alpha. What a surprise to have you home already. I will wait until we are alone to inquire as to how your investigation went, yes?” His perfunctory politeness did nothing but irritate my already frayed nerves. Especially as he continued to watch Taylor from the corner of his eye.
“Peter, anything that you have to say or wish to discuss with me can be said in front of my mate.” As an afterthought, I lowered Taylor to the floor with a twist so that he could stand beside me with dignity. Looking back to Peter, I added: “Taylor is my fated-mate, and will be treated from now on with the respect due the Alpha Mate, yes?”
Peter almost managed to cover his low opinion, but I did not miss the dark look that flashed over his normally bland face. “Congratulations, sir. Shall I plan a special meal for the community to celebrate your mating?”
I heard Taylor's sharp intake of breath, and pushed down a chuckle. “No, Peter. Thank you, though. Any parties to be planned will be done by Taylor, as is his right. For now, I would like to retire to my suite. After a shower and some clothing, I will be spending the rest of the evening alone with my mate. Tomorrow I will no doubt be in a better position to discuss business, yes?”
Peter nodded silently. Flicking a glance at Taylor, he asked: “And if you should be needed before morning, sir?”
With a hint of irritation in my voice, I replied: “If there is anything that needs an alpha's intervention, contact my cousin. Stefan is more than capable of handling anything that crops up. It's time that we stop treating him like a cub and show him the respect that he is due as my Alpha Heir. That will be all, Peter. I am retiring now.”
I held out a hand to Taylor. To my complete surprise, he gracefully accepted it and took my hand. We quietly left the office with Peter staring after us. I waited until we got up to my room and the doors were closed and locked before I spoke again.
“Thank you for not correcting me or interfering with things downstairs, little one.” I turned to find him standing in the center of the small sitting room, looking around the fussy little area with a wrinkled nose.
“Why would I? You're the Alpha. I respect that. Besides, you stood up for Stefan. Also, I wasn't about to give Peter any more ammunition to hate me. I'm sure that my wonderful cousin has filled his ears with all sorts of fabulous tales in the past few days.” His eyes flitted around the room a little more, before he stopped and looked up at me.
I looked down at him in turn, taken by how the vulnerable light in his eyes battled with the indifferent expression on his face. My poor little mate. He cared what others thought about him. Of course, he did. I quickly determined that no member of my den would ever make Taylor feel less than welcome and that he would be appreciated as one of us. Starting with my own beta captain.
Walking into the attached bedroom, I flipped on the light and walked over to my dresser. I pulled out the first pair of sweats I found, and quickly stepped into them.
“I thought that your first item on the to-do list was a shower.” I turned to see Taylor lounging in the doorway, his head resting against the frame.
“No, I changed my mind. I felt it was probably more important to talk to you first.” I walked toward him. He quickly scooted out of the doorway and went back over to the sitting area. I hid my smile but followed behind him. I went over and took a seat on the small, hard couch with the ugly baby-puke green upholstery. Patting my leg, I invited Taylor to come join me.
As he walked over, I stretched my arm over the back of the couch. Taylor eyed my lap, and the small area of cushion left on the couch beside me. He chose the couch. He sat down and pulled himself up into a tight, stiff position with his back straight and feet barely touching the floor.
“You do know that you have nothing to fear from me, don't you?” I asked him softly, watching his body language intently for his response.
He jerked his head into a nod. “I know. It's just that, oh, never mind. You'll never understand anyway.” Taylor waved a hand in the air dismissively and turned his head away from me.
“You're right about that, Taylor. I can't understand you if you don't talk to me. Can you try to explain? I promise to be quiet and listen.” I spoke calmly, not even injecting my Alpha strength into the request. I wanted Taylor to come to me on his own terms.
With a sigh, he scooted back into the corner of the couch and angled himself to face me. He pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them as he peered over at me.
“It's just that, even if you don't intend to cause me fear? I still have it. Not from you personally. I know that as my fated-mate, you could never stomach hurting me. I mean, I know you wouldn't anyway. I can tell that you're a gentle giant.” He paused and grinned at me. “I meant that I'm afraid of what this will mean for me.”
He waved his hand around my suite. “This manor? The den itself? Your citizens?” Taylor snorted. “Peter would be only too happy to tell you that I won't fit here, Alpha. Look at me. Really look. Do I look like I fit into this environment? And yet, I know that I can't just walk away from you either.” He blinked away tears and laid his head against his knees.
“Now that we've met, neither of us will be able to even look at, let alone touch, another person. It would feel like a betrayal, even if we never bond. I know that. Yet, I'm afraid that mating you will take away my right to be me. I know that I just look like a scruffy little peacock, but this is who I am!” His face came up as he stared at me defiantly.
I smiled softly. “I see who you are, Taylor. And I would never call you scruffy. Interesting? Colorful? Intriguing? Those are all good descriptions. And yes, it's true that you don't fit in here. But would you like to know my answer to that? Don't even bother trying! Instead of fitting in, stand beside me and be yourself. I'd much rather have you stick out like the shiny little jewel that you are, than to have you try to fit into a square box that isn't designed for you.”
Lowering his knees and crossing his ankles, Taylor leaned forward sadly. “But, you don't know what happened while you were away!”
I huffed out a laugh. “Trust me. Anything that happened while I was gone wasn't as bad as the scene that I found when I came home.”
Taylor blushed. “I'm sorry for that, Alpha. I don't always think when I get crazy ideas. And I honestly didn't think that I had a mate here after that horrible mixer the other night. I never would have dreamed that you would be my fated-mate! And Stefan has been a true friend to me, so I don't know why I thought it was a good idea to even go there with him.” He looked up at me and shrugged. “I guess it just seemed like a fun idea at the time?”
I closed my eyes and pushed back my earlier irritation. He was right. Neither of us knew at the time that we were mates. Opening my eyes, I looked directly at Taylor and finally said the words that he'd demanded of me earlier.
“I'm sorry, Taylor. I shouldn't have scared you by charging up like that. I will also apologize to Stefan at another time. You guys were just doing the kind of stupid stunt that young guys tend to do when they're bored.” I looked down and grinned. “It's entirely possible that I may have overreacted.”
Taylor giggled with a new lightness coming over him. “No, I don't think so. But thank you for apologizing. Seriously though? If I had been the one to find you like that? I probably would've bitch slapped your ass and killed the other guy before I even asked questions, whether you knew about me or not.”
I threw my head back and laughed at the audacious little shit. “You mean that you were pissed off at me for reacting the same way that you would have?”
He shrugged. “Hey, I said I would do it. Not that it was the correct behavior. Ask anyone, I rarely behave properly.”
Reaching out, I rested my hand on his knee. “I'm glad that we're talking to each other now. Although you're completely adorable when you're angry, I like this version of you much better.”
Taylor huffed at me. “Adorable? Really?”
I was saved from answering that by a sharp knock at the door. I got up and strode over to answer it. A beta was standing there with a cart filled with covered trays of food. I motioned him in, and waited while he set up our dinner at the small table where I took my meals when I was alone.
After he'd left, I pulled out a chair and looked over at Taylor. “Care to join me?”
He smiled and came over to take a seat. I pushed his chair in and went around to sit down in my own seat. As we ate, his guards came down more and I was able to see more of the real man that stayed hidden behind all the shields.