He hadn’t realized how much the fight had taken out of him until he’d had to face the trip back to the island. By the time they made it back to his house, Kyle was almost tempted to just pull Aidan into bed and sleep for the night. He could always jump the alpha in the morning. It was late enough as it was, and the idea of sleeping became more and more tempting the closer they got.

Kyle groaned when he heard Elder Sky’s voice call from up the dark path. “Pack Leader Aidan. A moment?”

Aidan turned to the older man with a growl. “Is this really the right time?”

The Elder stopped, inclining his head. “My apologies, I’m sure you’re both quite tired. I heard you were attacked during your run?”

Aidan shrugged. “It’s been dealt with and I doubt they had any reinforcements with them, otherwise they would have shown up when Kyle was seeing to my wounds.”

Elder Sky looked at Kyle. “Well, he certainly has a talent for treating wounds. He has learned quite a lot from Shaman Magdiel.”

Kyle snorted, annoyed that the elder had nice things to say about him now that he knew he was Aidan’s mate. “Can this wait? I really don’t want to give you the details of what happened when bed sounds like the greatest thing in the world right now. Can we just go over the grisly details with you in the morning or something? Or better yet, the afternoon.”

“If that’s your wish,” Elder Sky said slowly, as if waiting for them to insist on doing it now despite what Kyle had just said.

“It is,” Aidan said shortly.

“Very well. When you’re awake and ready to give us the details, the other elders and I will be prepared to hear them. Since I am already here, I should inform you that the other elders and I decided upon the first night after the full moon has ended to have the celebration for the Joining between you two. Would that be acceptable?” Elder Sky asked politely.

“Oh Gaia, I forgot there was going to be another party,” Kyle groaned, slumping against his door.

Aidan snorted softly. “That will be fine, Elder Sky. Good night.”

The elder blinked rapidly, his only show of surprise at the cordial dismissal from Aidan. Kyle knew he would have never gotten away with something like that, probably not even with his status as Aidan’s mate. But it was probably the nicest thing Aidan had said to the elder since he’d returned to the village. Kyle could blame it on the fact that Aidan was probably tired too, but somehow he thought maybe their shared moment in the woods had softened a few of the rough edges of Aidan’s personality.

“I think he about dropped dead when you were a little nice to him,” Kyle told Aidan after the door closed behind them.

“A common courtesy,” Aidan replied.

“Yeah, and the first time I saw you interacting with the man, you were as rude as you could get,” Kyle said with a laugh.

“I also remember you telling me off at that moment for being that rude. I suppose I wanted to avoid getting chewed out again,” Aidan said with a smile.

Kyle lit a lantern before he turned to Aidan. “That’s how it is, huh? Are you going to behave yourself from now on just because you don’t want me to yell at you?”

Aidan reached out, pulling Kyle closer to him. “Does that mean you’re accepting a place within my pack?”

“It was always something I was going to have to face at some point, right? I don’t see why I shouldn’t just say yes now,” Kyle said.

“And why’s that?” Aidan asked.

Kyle hugged Aidan’s waist. “Because I’ve seen and heard everything I need to know to tell me it’s the right decision. You’ll probably never stop trying to boss me around at times, and you’re going to drive me crazy half the time. But you’re not the man you were when you were younger. You don’t have to be.”

“Because I’ve got you to take care of me?” Aidan asked with a throaty chuckle.

“You’re damn right you’ve got me here to take care of you. You don’t always have to be a hardass when you’re around me, and somewhere along the line, you figured that out before I did. I don’t know how it got to this point, and I don’t think I ever will, but I’m glad it did,” Kyle said with a relieved sigh.

Aidan picked Kyle up, shuffling backward toward the bed. “That would make two of us.”

Kyle flailed. “Are you going to go alpha on me now?”

Aidan turned around so that he could lay Kyle on the wide bed. “You’ll just give me that look, and tell me to behave.”

It was true, but Kyle tried to look innocent of the accusation anyway. Aidan was being both strong and gentle with him, using his strength to move him around, but not to overpower him. Kyle hadn’t realized how much he craved Aidan’s strength, without wanting to feel overshadowed by it. He liked being held by Aidan, liked feeling the passion in his touch, yet the gentleness of his kisses. Aidan had somehow discovered a weakness in Kyle’s defenses, and seemed to enjoy it as much as Kyle did.

“Pack Leader Aidan, are you trying to seduce me?” Kyle asked, wriggling under the man.

“I’m truly hoping it’s working, because I have never wanted to be inside someone as much as I want to be inside you right now,” Aidan said, his breath warm against Kyle’s neck.

Kyle shuddered, pushing his hips up against Aidan’s body. The alpha could speak so eloquently, but when it came to dirty talk, he was direct and to the point. That bluntness had once irritated Kyle, and now he found that he loved it. There was never any question Aidan wanted him, and the way the man changed the way he touched Kyle told him he wanted to do it in a way that made them both happy.

“Well, good news for us then, because I want it too,” Kyle whispered, grabbing hold of each side of Aidan’s face and pulling him down into a kiss.

Aidan growled at the touch, pushing himself forward and pinning Kyle’s body to the bed with his weight. The warmth of the alpha’s body radiated through their clothes, soaking into Kyle’s skin. He groaned as he pushed his hands beneath Aidan’s shirt, grabbing hold of the hem and trying to pull it over his head. Aidan broke the kiss just long enough to let Kyle remove his shirt, taking a moment to pull Kyle’s free as well.

When Aidan’s mouth returned, it was to kiss and nip at Kyle’s neck. The omega groaned, exposing his neck in a gesture of submission as Aidan pinned his hips to the mattress. The alpha’s need was overpowering his ability to control himself, making him forget that he seduced Kyle with a slow burn. Kyle didn’t mind, as he’d already seen that Aidan was willing to try, and he was thrilled at the idea that he could drive Aidan past the point of self-control.

“Need you naked now,” Aidan growled, his fingers finding Kyle’s jean’s button and undoing them as quickly as he could.

Aidan was careful when he removed Kyle’s pants, pulling them off him without snagging anything important on the way down. Kyle looked up at the alpha, taking in the sight of his broad chest in the light of the flame. The way his muscles moved was hypnotizing, and the look of desire in Aidan’s eyes sent another shiver through him. He couldn’t help but reach up and run his fingers over the strong muscles, following them down to Aidan’s pants.

“Your turn,” Kyle whispered as he unsnapped the buttons.

It was Aidan who removed his own pants, since Kyle was stuck on the bed. He hadn’t noticed that Aidan hadn’t put his underwear back on when they were changing on the boat until his jeans were shoved past his hips. His eyes followed the length of Aidan’s heavy cock as it swung into view. He reached forward, taking the solid cock in his hand and stroking it. Aidan paused in his motions to shift forward, eyes glittering in the light of the flame as he watched Kyle intently.

“I’m going to feel this one in the morning,” Kyle said with a light laugh.

Aidan pushed his hips forward, his cock sliding between Kyle’s fingers. “I promise I’m not going to hurt you.”

Kyle reached to pull Aidan closer. “Oh, it will sting a little, but I’m okay with that. I need you inside me, Aidan. Tonight, tomorrow, and the day after. If I’m not walking funny when I leave this village, I’m going to be disappointed in us.”

Aidan gave a bark of laughter, but allowed himself to be drawn down closer to Kyle. It was the first time their naked bodies were pressed against one another. Well, it was the first time it had happened when they weren’t having a heart to heart while Kyle tried to treat Aidan’s wound. Aidan’s strength seemed so much more obvious when he was pressed against Kyle’s body like that. There was an odd sense of vulnerability, being naked and pinned under the alpha’s naked body. Everything about Aidan was big and strong, and Kyle gasped softly as Aidan settled on him.

“You okay?” Aidan asked suddenly.

Kyle gave a small laugh, feeling a rush of gratitude and lust drive through him. Here he was, feeling higher than he’d ever felt before, and Aidan was worried he was hurting him. It was weird to think of this cocky, tough, and difficult alpha, being worried about his well being. It was such a contrast to the hard and fast kissing from before, and Kyle softened under Aidan’s concerned stare.

“I’m better than I’ve ever been in my life,” Kyle assured him with a whisper.

Aidan’s concern faded away, giving way to a look of such warmth Kyle felt like he might cry. Instead, he craned his neck and took Aidan’s mouth against his. The alpha responded by pressing himself against Kyle. Kyle moaned, thrilled at the sensation of being squeezed between Aidan’s body and the mattress. It was amazing how just the simplest of touches from Aidan drove Kyle crazy with a dizzy mixture of desire and joy.

Kyle extracted an arm from beneath Aidan, flailing to reach for the small table beside his bed. It took him a moment to find the small bottle of oil he was looking for, humming happily when he found it. He pulled his arm back and tapped Aidan on the side of the head with it.

Aidan pulled back from the kiss, green eyes on the bottle. “Another one of your personal creations?”

“Well, aren’t you the clever one? The smart alpha gets laid,” Kyle teased.

Aidan took the bottle. “How do you want to do this?”

Kyle laid himself back, making himself comfortable. “You’re in charge Aidan, so however you want.”

Aidan’s cock twitched against Kyle’s leg. “You sure?”

Kyle laughed. “I told you. I’m definitely sure, about all of this. Now get to it before I sit on it.”

Aidan made a show of coating his fingers first, and Kyle stirred with anticipation. He hadn’t known if Aidan would simply lube up his cock and see if Kyle could take it. The omega was fully confident he could; he just knew he would have been a little more tender than usual come morning.

“Slow and steady, huh?” Kyle asked with a smile.

Aidan leaned over Kyle, bringing his lubed fingers to Kyle’s ass. “For the moment. I can always fuck you through the mattress later.”

The crude promise was punctuated by one of Aidan’s thick fingers pushing into him. Kyle’s back arched slightly, and he gasped. Aidan’s finger didn’t stop sliding into him, the alpha already beginning to recognize when Kyle needed a moment and when he didn’t. Kyle reached out, hooking one hand behind Aidan’s neck as the alpha moved his finger inside him. He held tight, biting his bottom lip as pleasure shivered its way up and down his spine.

When the next finger entered him, Kyle was ready, spreading his legs and letting Aidan in. The alpha’s eyes never left Kyle’s face as he worked his fingers deep. Kyle had never felt more exposed and vulnerable in his life. Aidan’s words from before echoed in his head, aware of just how much of himself he gave away when Aidan touched him. He chuckled faintly, letting his head flop back as a third finger joined the other two.

Maybe he did expose himself completely whenever Aidan touched him, but he loved it. There might just be corners of his soul he was exposing to Aidan at this moment. He was going to put even more on display when Aidan was inside him. The idea thrilled him as he watched Aidan’s face, rapt and fascinated as he continued to spread Kyle open. The alpha wasn’t judging him for what he’d already seen, he loved what he’d discovered in Kyle. He’d earned the right to see everything else Kyle was.

Kyle gasped, wriggling his hips. “Aidan, for the love of Gaia, just do it.”

Aidan kissed Kyle’s hip, spreading his fingers apart slightly within him. “You need a little more, to be comfortable.”

“Fuck that! I need you on top of me, inside me,” Kyle admitted with a whine.

Aidan pulled his fingers free, transferring his grip to his cock. Kyle picked his head up to watch as his mate spread the oil over his arousal. Anticipation rose as Aidan positioned himself over Kyle, picking his hips up so he rested against Aidan’s thighs. He grunted when he felt Aidan’s cock slide along his ass, teasing, tempting.

Kyle glared at him. “Don’t you play with me, Pack Leader Aidan.”

The alpha chuckled, positioning himself so the head pressed against Kyle’s hole. “Getting bossy now?”

Whatever response Kyle had was lost as he felt Aidan push forward. The moment where his body resisted the intrusion felt as if time slowed down. Then came the feeling of stretching, and a faint burn that drew a soft gasp from him. Aidan was inside him, keeping himself in place as he waited for Kyle’s muscles to adjust. The larger man’s hand caressed Kyle’s body, gentle and searching, all while keeping his attention on Kyle’s face.

When he felt it was safe, Aidan shifted forward, pushing deeper into Kyle. He took his time, slowly inching his way into the omega. Kyle fought to keep his eyes open and held onto Aidan’s face. He could feel every part of Aidan’s cock sliding into him, his sensitive body measuring the slow push. When Aidan finally bottomed out, his hips pressing against Kyle’s ass, he felt his body tense and relax in alternating rhythms. His mate was completely inside him, and he breathed deep, trying to wrap his mind around the sensation.

He’d been expecting the discomfort of being stretched wide, the faint burn from not having been stretched completely. Instead, he swore he could feel every inch of Aidan inside him. The man hadn’t even started moving yet and Kyle could still feel a radiating warmth of ecstasy building. He had never felt that whole, that fulfilled by having someone inside of him. If that was the effect of Gaia’s choosing them, then he might have to start offering a few more prayers in her direction.

Aidan huddled over him, his hands holding the back of Kyle’s shoulders. “You feel amazing.”

Kyle could feel himself shaking, but he tried to still himself when Aidan finally began moving. The alpha’s movements were slow at first, testing the waters. Kyle groaned, feeling Aidan spreading him every time he thrust inward. They rocked together, trying to build a pace that worked for them both. Kyle’s body felt as if it were full of energy that threatened to spill over the edge. Pleasure built within him as Aidan’s speed increased, hips beginning to slap against Kyle’s ass.

The alpha’s thrusts reached deep within him, drawing on a source of pleasure that Kyle had never known before. None of his previous partners had ever made him feel anything close to this ecstasy. It grew larger within him, wave after wave of pleasure building within his body. It felt like he was losing his mind, and like he was finally coming home.

He held tight to Aidan, trying to find the words to encourage him but only managing to gasp out his name. Aidan buried his face in Kyle’s neck as he thrust into him, building strength and speed. The alpha’s body quivered as he shoved himself into Kyle, trying to get deeper with each thrust. His body shone in the light of the small lantern, a thin layer of sweat covering him as he lost himself inside Kyle. Both of them were lost in the moment, both trying to relish the moment and lose themselves in it at the same time.

“Aidan, I’m going to come,” Kyle gasped, feeling his body’s release rushing toward him.

His mate responded by pulling his face free of Kyle’s neck and kissing him hard. Another burst of ecstatic heat crashed through Kyle at the kiss. Everything they had been working for in the past week, everything they had shared in the past 24 hours, everything they hadn’t been able to say, found meaning in that one kiss. It was hard, demanding, needy, vulnerable and ecstatic. It was every bit of unexpected happiness they had found in one another, and every hope they had for the future.

A cry tore from Kyle’s throat as his orgasm hit him. He clung desperately to Aidan as his body bore down around Aidan’s cock. Their kiss never broke, even as Aidan’s own orgasm found him. Kyle cried out once more when he felt the alpha spilling inside him, marking him completely. The physical pleasure mingled with the rush of understanding, that this was going to be his life from then on. It would be pain and battling wills, but it would be passionate moments of embracing one another, rocking together and reaching their peak together.

The knowledge was still humming in his mind when he came to, wondering if he had passed out. Aidan was laying on top of him, barely keeping his full weight off Kyle with one arm. His mate was kissing his shoulder lazily, whispering inaudibly as he did so. The room felt warm, comfortable, and inviting. Aidan was still inside him, weakly stirring within Kyle.

“Did I pass out?” Kyle asked weakly, aware of how hard his heart was beating.

“If you did, then your unconscious was whispering ‘I love you’ to me,” Aidan’s muffled voice replied.

Kyle blinked. “I was saying that?”

Aidan kissed the side of his neck. “That you did.”

Kyle hadn’t used those words since the last time he’d spoken to his mother. He would privately admit he loved Mags and Lily. The words could never find their way out of his mouth, even when he felt happiness and joy just by being around them. In one blissful moment spent with Aidan however, he had uttered the words. There was no way he could have said them by accident, or if he’d been truly unconscious.

Kyle snorted softly. “Well, I guess if my unconscious is saying it, then it must be true, huh?”

Aidan picked himself up enough to look down into Kyle’s eyes. “You mean that?”

He realized the light in the room wasn’t enough for him to make out the full color of Aidan’s eyes. Kyle felt a pang of regret that he couldn’t, as he had come to treasure the moments when he saw the glitter of vulnerability in the verdant green of his mate’s eyes. He could see it on Aidan’s face though, the alpha hopeful that Kyle was speaking the truth to him, but still wary of showing it.

Kyle reached up, stroking Aidan’s cheek. “I do.”

Aidan grinned wide. “Good, because I love you too.”

“Just didn’t wanna be the first to say it, huh?” Kyle asked.

Aidan eased himself out of Kyle slowly with careful movements of his hips. There was no real physical discomfort as the alpha eased out, but Kyle was struck by a moment of loss. He felt oddly incomplete now Aidan wasn’t inside him.

As if sensing it, Aidan lay himself next to Kyle, flat on his back. He reached to pull Kyle to him, letting Kyle lay his head on the alpha’s chest. Kyle threw an arm over Aidan’s waist, wrapping a leg around him. He could hear the steady thumping of Aidan’s heart against his ear as he lay there, and the sound soothed him as much as Aidan being inside him did.

“This is what it’s going to be like, isn’t it?” Aidan asked then.

“Amazing sex?” Kyle replied, rubbing his cheek affectionately against Aidan’s own.

Aidan ran his fingers through Kyle’s hair. “And everything else.”

Everything else meaning not just the sex, but the battle of wills that was sure to pop up between them. It was having to deal with each other, both in good and bad moments. It meant having to contend with Aidan’s ego as well as his tendency to hide behind his alpha mask, while Aidan himself had to deal with Kyle’s pessimism and fear-fueled lashing out. It meant having to face that he or Aidan could lose their limbs or their lives through battle. It also meant having to worry over Aidan and the rest of the pack when they fought.

Yet, as he lay there, listening to the slowing rhythm of Aidan’s breathing, and the steady beat of his heart, he thought he might be okay with that. Because it would mean he would also have moments like this, where he could soak in Aidan’s presence without anyone else around. Sure, it would mean more mind-blowing sex, and the kisses that still drove Kyle crazy. It would also mean nights where he would lay beside Aidan, breathing in the comforting scent of him, and feeling his body relax beneath him. It would mean feeling more complete and happy than he ever thought he would, and knowing a contentment he had once thought only a fairytale.

“Yeah, I think this is what it’s going to be like,” Kyle said with a smile, letting himself give in to the siren song of sleep.