Duncan

 

 

“I didn’t realize I became so important to you,” Jordan whispered.

“You became important to me the first time I saw you,” Duncan answered, gripping Jordan’s hips bringing their cock’s together. Duncan’s cock was starting to take interest again. “Let me tell you a secret.”

Jordan raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“I planned on hiring you right away.”

“Really?” Jordan said in surprise.

“Yup, there was something about you that caught my eyes. So…I think you need to show me your appreciation,” Duncan said with a cheeky smile.

“Is that so?” Jordan asked.

“Oh, yes,” Duncan drawled.

Jordan looked at him as if thinking about it, before speaking. “I guess I don’t see a problem with that. But what I have in mind, I’m not sure you’re ready for it.”

“Oh, really, what do you have in mind?” Duncan asked.

Jordan leaned up on his knees, resting his palms on Duncan's muscular chest. He licked the center of Duncan's chest to the pulsing vein in his neck, following his jawline to his chin and then finally his lips. His canines were itching to come out and bite and nibble on Jordan’s sweet, soft and delectable lips. His beast growled softly in the back of his mind with desire, wanting to claim their mate. Jordan pulled away slowly from their kiss and looked down at him, they stared at each other for a few seconds before Jordan spoke. “I know that you have never been with another man and I am quite experienced if I do say so my—”

Before Jordan could finish his words, Duncan flipped them around, he let out a surprised yelp and started to giggle. He looked at the beautiful man beneath him.

“Are you trying to make me jealous, my little mate?”

“Hmm…maybe, but,” Jordan said, licking his lips. “I am more experienced that you are…”

“I think you just laid down a challenge to see how good I am in bed.”

“Did I?” he asked between giggles.

“Oh yes,” Duncan answered as he leaned down, placing gentle kisses on Jordan’s lips, then moved down to his chin scraping his teeth against the flesh.

He dragged a hand down to Jordan’s nipple, pinching and tweaking it while he placed kisses from his chin to his neck.

“Silly me,” Jordan whispered, wrapping his legs around Duncan’s waist and tilting his head to the side, baring his neck. Jordan’s nails were digging into his skin when he pulled in his nipple with the tip of his nail. “I guess now you will just have to teach me a lesson.” Duncan smiled before gently biting on Jordan’s sweet flesh, sucking on it hard making sure to leave a mark.

Slowly, he worked his way down to explore and learn his mate's body. Licking and kissing Jordan’s sweet flesh, memorizing his scent and his taste. He stopped for a few moments to lick and suck on Jordan’s pert nipples. Jordan gasped each time he grazed his canines across the slightly bruised nubs.

Duncan chuckled when he felt Jordan’s erection rubbing against his abs. He was not doing any better. Duncan had been with many women in his lifetime, but being with Jordan was the most turned on he’d ever been. He could feel liquid pooling at the head of his cock. Duncan continued his exploration pausing at Jordan’s belly button, giving it a small kiss before continuing. He stopped when the head of Jordan’s cock bumped his chin. He looked up at Jordan, who was staring down at him. The lust, anticipation, and apprehension shone in his eyes.

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, not on our first night together.”

Duncan didn’t answer, he licked the palm of his hand and gripped Jordan’s cock instead. “I’m doing everything I want to. I want to feel your body quiver beneath mine as I pleasure yours.” He kept his eyes on Jordan as he stroked Jordan’s cock slowly. He watched Jordan’s every response to his touch and the thrill he felt was indescribable. He’d never touched another cock, he wanted to make it enjoyable for his mate. Which was why he sat through hours and hours of videos watching gay porn for research purposes. He didn’t get turned on when he was watching the guys on the videos but watching and feeling Jordan’s reactions, he was ready to fuck the man within an inch of his life.

“Do you like that?” Jordan nodded his head and licked his lips. “Want more, baby?” Again, he nodded his head.

If he’s unable to speak now, what will happen in a few seconds?

Scooting further down Jordan’s body, Duncan looked at the hard cock in his hand. Being a lykosian, it wasn’t the first time seeing another man’s erection, but it was the first time being so close and personal with one. It felt good in his hand, and it smelled just like Jordan: sweet and utterly enticing. Duncan’s lips hovered over the glistening cock, and he knew what he wanted to do, he was ready to do it. He stuck his tongue out and licked the tip and moaned, the taste surprised him. He looked back up at Jordan, who was staring down at him with half-lidded eyes. He was still stroking Jordan’s cock the same way he would do his own.

Duncan wanted to taste more, what he had a few seconds before piqued his interest. Lowering his lips, he remembered exactly how the guy did it and took Jordan into his mouth as he moved his hand up. He closed his eyes and let Jordan’s cock rest on his tongue. He could feel the pulsing vein, he moved his lips down, and the skin on his lips felt soft and silky. He bobbed his head up and down in tandem with the hand on Jordan’s cock. This is different, but a good different. Jordan whimpered and opened his legs wider, pulling him from his observation. With his free hand, Duncan moved his hand down and caressed Jordan’s body, watching as it quivered under his touch. He loved the power he felt, with the control he had over Jordan’s pleasure it spurred him on more. Removing his hand from Jordan’s cock, with both of his hands Duncan grabbed onto his thighs and lifted them, resting his legs on his shoulders. He then put his hands on his mate’s hips and held them down.

He pulled his lips off Jordan’s cock causing him to whimper in distress. “Don’t worry, I’m not done with you yet.” Before Jordan could say anything, Duncan bent down further, sucking Jordan’s clean-shaven balls into his mouth, soaking them with his saliva.

“Oh, shit, Duncan.”

Duncan chuckled around the flesh in his mouth. This was definitely different. The more he did it, the more he liked it. He enjoyed feeling the taste of his mate’s soft, sweet flesh on his tongue. He really enjoyed the control he had over his lover by simply sucking his cock. It made him want to do more things just to see Jordan’s reaction. Duncan brought two of his fingers in his mouth, wetting them, before slowly sliding them between Jordan’s ass cheeks, moving it in and out.

“Oh gods and deity,” Jordan moaned as he quivered.

The pad of Duncan’s finger brushed against Jordan’s hole, causing him to squeeze and clamp down on his finger, stopping him from doing anything else, until Jordan’s muscles had relaxed. Duncan would’ve chuckled at his mate’s reaction, but he was too invested in making Jordan feel good.

“Duncan, I want more,” Jordan panted.

After one last suck, Duncan let go of Jordan’s testicles but kept his finger in between his ass cheeks. He lifted his head and looked at his mate. “What do you want, baby?”

“I want you, all of you, in me. I can’t wait.”

Duncan went to his knees, holding onto Jordan's legs that were still on his shoulders. He looked down at Jordan. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m ready to be yours; to be your sýntrofos, for us to begin our life together.” Jordan reached out to touch him and Duncan caught his hands clasping their fingers together.

“Are you sure?” Duncan asked, looking deep into his mate’s eyes.

“Yes,” Jordan said breathlessly. “Everything feels right when I’m with you.”

Duncan felt pure joy coming from his beast, their soulmate’s final acceptance meant everything to them. He leaned over and Jordan slipped his legs around his waist. Their lips instantly connected, letting go of Jordan’s hands, Duncan reached down and fondled his lover’s ass, moving closer to his target. He brushed a finger across his hole and it felt moist and pulsating under his touch.  He did the movement again purposely and was excited by his mate’s reaction.

He wanted to do more, feel and taste more of Jordan; Duncan wanted his lover begging with need.  Pulling back, sitting on his knees, he stared down at Jordan.  

“What, did you change your mind?” Jordan asked, there was worry in his tone.

“Hell no,” he answered quickly.

“Then what is it?”

He wasn’t sure how to ask the question without sounding like an eager puppy. He cleared his throat. “I want you on your hands and knees.”

Jordan sighed in relief and chuckled, leaning on his elbows. “Is that all?” Jordan moved into position resting on his elbows and pushed his ass directly in Duncan’s face. “All you had to do was ask.”

Fuck, sexy as hell. Duncan had always been a man to admire the beauty of a nice firm ass. He reached out running his hands over the pert globes.

“You can do more than just touch it,” Jordan teased wiggling his ass enticingly.

He looked up and Jordan was looking back at him. “You mean like this?” He buried his face between Jordan’s globes and licked from the crack all the way up and back down again.

Jordan shivered and pushed his ass back showing he wanted more. “Yeah, like that,” he whispered, followed by a moan.

Duncan separated Jordan’s cheeks and buried his face deeper into his ass as a low growl vibrated through his chest. He licked, sucked, and rimmed Jordan’s delicious hole. He was excited by everything that he was doing. Duncan wanted his mind to be filled with Jordan’s scent and taste. He wanted to devour and possess every part of his lover. Engrave his name all over his mate’s body, showing the world that Jordan was his.

“Fuck, Duncan, shit…” Jordan widened his legs.

With one last lick Duncan lifted his head from Jordan’s ass and stared at the wet puckered hole. He rubbed his thumb against it before slowly pressing it inside. It surprised him that it was wetter than expected. From all of his research, lube would have to be used to make it easier for him to enter Jordan. But it seemed that he didn’t need any with Jordan. Could it be a nyxian thing?

Putting it to the back of his mind to research later, Duncan focused on the matter at hand. Finally, claiming his mate and making them one. He moved his thumb in and out a couple of times before pulling out completely. He inserted his index finger before Jordan could complain of the loss. Jordan’s hole was hotter and wetter than anything he’d ever felt.

“Will you stop teasing me and fuck me, dammit.”

Duncan looked up and smiled at Jordan’s reaction. “Sue me, I find your ass fascinating,” he said pushing two fingers inside. “You’re so wet.” Scissoring his fingers while adding a third. “So hot.” Jordan fucked his fingers, moaning and begging for Duncan to fuck him now. But he wanted to prolong his mate’s torture just a bit longer. He was hard as a rock, and there was no denying that he wanted to be inside of Jordan, but he also enjoyed playing and teasing his mate more than he thought he would have. There was a different heightened pleasure being with a man than being with a woman.

Pulling his fingers out, he rolled Jordan onto his back. He was surprised at what he saw. Jordan’s eyes were glowing and his lips bleeding from him biting into them. Without thinking Duncan leaned over and licked Jordan’s lips, moaning when their tongues touched. He pulled back just a bit, then reached over to the bedside table, taking out the lube he bought a couple of days ago.

Going to his knees, he opened it and squirted a good amount on his cock. Throwing the bottle on the bed, he lifted Jordan’s legs, placing them on his shoulders. Jordan scooted closer to him. With one hand on his cock and the other on Jordan’s hip, Duncan positioned the head of his cock to Jordan’s ass. Lifting his head, Duncan looked at Jordan as he slowly pushed the head in.

“Oh, fuck, yes,” Jordan moaned. Duncan’s reaction was not any different. He pushed in deeper until he couldn’t go any more.

Tight, warm heat engulfed around his cock. “Fuck, you’re tight,” he said through gritted teeth, closing his eyes, praying to anyone that would listen that he wouldn’t come too soon. Duncan caressed Jordan’s legs and hips, taking the time to let him get used to his cock. “Tell me when I can move.” He growled hearing the change in his voice.

Jordan didn’t make him wait long. “Move now, fuck me please,” he said pleadingly.

Slowly, Duncan moved, dragging out his strokes, enjoying the feeling of Jordan’s ass squeezing him tighter. “Shit, you feel so damn good, baby.” Duncan’s body prickled with sweat. He opened his eyes, and lifted Jordan’s legs off his shoulders and opened them wide. He looked down and watched his cock move in and out of Jordan. “So fucking sexy,” he growled.

“Fuck me harder, Duncan, please,” Jordan begged. “I won’t break.”

Duncan released Jordan’s legs and leaned forward and pumped his hips faster. Moans filled the room and Duncan felt it, his beast was starting to become impatient. Duncan’s vision was starting to change from color to black and white and he knew he could no longer hold back his beast. To satisfy his beast he partially shifted but remained human. His nails lengthened and his canines extended. His skin bristled with soft, fine hair. Duncan dipped his head, kissing Jordan, their teeth scraping against their lips. Their lovemaking was slow and maddening.

Duncan didn’t want to rush their first time together. He knew that Jordan was on the cusp of coming, his cock was starting to swell and his balls began to tighten up. Jordan wrapped his legs around Duncan’s waist and his heels dug into his butt. He pulled away from their kiss and scraped his canines down to Jordan’s neck. He licked and nibbled at the pulsing vein, he knew what he wanted and his beast wanted the same thing. Jordan tilted his head to the side and Duncan wondered for a split second if he knew what he was doing.

“Please,” Jordan whimpered.

Duncan didn’t think about it, he sunk his teeth into Jordan’s flesh just as he felt the hot cum between them. Jordan was moaning and chanting his name continuously. His entire body felt as if it was on fire and he could not hold back his orgasm. He sunk his teeth deeper into Jordan’s skin, tasting more of his sweet blood was just as tasty as everything else about him.

Duncan closed his eyes and saw their threads of life connecting them together, mating them until death. Jordan was his, and they belonged together.  He pulled his canines from Jordan’s flesh and licked the wound healing and stopping the bleeding but not closing the wound. There would be a mark, letting everyone know that he was mated, and that Jordan was his. Duncan lay completely on top of Jordan, breathing heavily in his neck. The hairs on his body disappeared and his eyes and nails went back to normal. The only thing that remained was his canines that he scraped against Jordan’s mating mark.

Jordan wrapped his arms around Duncan and wallowed in the feel of the man’s strength. “I must say for an old man and a first timer, you did very good.”

Duncan chuckled. “I think you just insulted me and complimented me in one breath.”

“Take it as a compliment, old man,” he told Duncan.

“Not that I’m not enjoying you being on top of me. But is there a reason you haven’t moved?” Duncan moved his hips and Jordan moaned, feeling something hard rub against his prostate. “Shit, what’s that?”

“One thing that’s not a fairy tale. When we bond or mate with our partners, we knot depending on the strength of our orgasm,” Duncan said, rubbing his knot against his prostate. “I hear it can be very enjoyable against certain spots,” he whispered in Jordan’s ear, before nipping at the lobe.

“Hey, cut me some slack. All of this is new to me.” Jordan moaned, he came twice already and looked as if he was going to come again for a third time.

He’d had a feeling that Duncan would be good in bed. Nobody who had a body like Duncan wouldn’t be able to rock his world. Duncan kissed Jordan’s earlobe and made his way to Jordan’s lips. Jordan felt his body heat up again just as it did earlier. His mind felt clouded, and his heart felt as if it was going to burst from his chest. His skin prickled once again. He dug his nails in Duncan’s skin grinding his hips, fucking himself on his mate’s cock. He pulled away from their kiss and just like before he had the urge to bite Duncan. He was going to come again and he couldn’t hold back screaming Duncan’s name before he sunk his teeth in Duncan’s neck and grunted when the first splash of Duncan’s blood touched his tongue.

Duncan let out a loud, long groan but did not flinch as if in pain. Jordan closed his eyes, loving the taste of Duncan’s blood as if it was life itself giving him sustenance. Lights sparked behind his eyes and he felt a rush of electric energy run through his body and settle in his stomach before cooling, making him shiver. Jordan retracted his canines and licked the wound on Duncan’s neck healing it but not closing it. He had no idea why he did that, but it felt as if it was the right thing to do. He closed his eyes, breathing in deeply. They lay like that, caressing and comforting each other, until Duncan’s cock slipped from his ass.

He rolled off Jordan and got out of bed. He heard water running, coming from the other side of the room, a few seconds later he felt Duncan cleaning him off with a warm cloth before joining him back in the bed. Duncan pulled him close and then kissed him on the back of his neck. The last thing he remembered before falling asleep was Duncan whispering good night to him.

Jordan woke the next morning with Duncan’s arms wrapped tightly around him. He looked out the window, it was still dark outside. Slowly he moved Duncan’s arm from around him and slipped out of bed. He pulled on his pants, that were still on the floor, and quietly left the room. He headed for the kitchen and started the coffee pot. He yawned and reached up to take down a cup when strong fingers slipped to rest on his hips and a sultry voice whispered in his ear.

“It’s bad behavior to disappear the morning after.”  Duncan peppered kisses on his shoulder leading up to his neck.

Jordan smiled. “Good morning.” He turned and their lips connected. Jordan wrapped his arms around Duncan’s neck. Duncan tightened his arms around Jordan’s waist, pulling them closer together.

Their kiss went on for a while, neither heard the front door opening nor Ryland walking into the kitchen, then fixed himself a cup of coffee before sitting at the breakfast bar.  

“Do you two plan on coming up for air?”

Jordan started and pulled away from their kiss and looked around Duncan seeing Ryland sitting there.

“When did you get here?” Jordan asked.

“And when are you going back?” Duncan asked right after.

“Duncan, stop it,” Jordan admonished stepping around him.

“A few minutes ago, and after breakfast, I was invited,” Ryland answered, quirking an eyebrow.

Duncan turned around to greet his friend. “Shit, I forgot I invited you over.”

“Apparently,” Ryland deadpanned. “I take it that’s out of the question now?”

Duncan scowled and Jordan snickered as he turned his back paying little attention to their conversation as he went about making himself a cup of coffee and preparing breakfast.

“Shut up,” Duncan said. “Anyway, I need you to call a special meeting for tonight,” he instructed.

“Yeah, sure, no problem,” Ryland said and Jordan heard the distraction in Ryland’s tone. “Um…nice tat, man, when did you get it?”

“What are you talking about?” Duncan asked, and it got Jordan’s attention. He walked around Duncan to see what Ryland was talking about, he also didn’t miss the appreciative look from the other man either. It seemed neither did Duncan. “Hey, keep your eyes off my mate,” he growled, but there was no heat to it.

Ryland cleared his throat and looked back at Duncan. “Congratulations.”

Jordan ignored their banter and stared in shock at the tattoo on Duncan’s chest. It was a black shaded Mayan tribal tattoo that looked similar to the one he had on his hip. The only difference was that Duncan’s tattoo had sharp speared silver edges that looked three dimensional. Jordan reached out and touched it and felt electricity coming off it. He looked up at Duncan who was staring down at him.  Jordan noticed how blown Duncan’s pupils were and filled with arousal.

“When did you get this?” he whispered, for the first time he was able to smell Duncan’s arousal. It smelled like earth, pine, and something else. It turned him on in more ways than one.  How could I have missed this? Duncan didn’t answer him, he simply pulled Jordan closer to him and smashed their lips together. Jordan felt Duncan’s hard cock press against his stomach.

“I’m still here you know,” Ryland said. “Don’t forget you have children in the house,” he went on, trying to get their attention.

Jordan went to pull away, but their lips remained connected. He growled loudly, it sounded like an angry animal. It should have scared Jordan, but it excited him. Three seconds later he heard the door closing and Duncan lifted him off his feet, throwing him over his shoulder. Jordan squealed and slapped Duncan on his pert ass as he carried him up the stairs. Breakfast and Ryland all forgotten.

Duncan traced the tattoo on his chest. It was on the same spot that was itching him just the other day. That nigh would be the first pack meeting since finding out about the silver-laced drug. He wanted to inform his pack of the danger that he felt was coming their way, but knew if he did there would be widespread panic. He was also going to present his mate to his pack.  Duncan wasn't delusional to believe that every member would be happy for him finding his mate, a male mate at that.  It was not only his job to protect but also provide the next Alpha for his pack.  

With Jordan being a man, well, no use worrying about something that would never happen.  The other thing he had to worry about was how the members would look at Jordan since he was a nyxian. Or rather a mixed breed. He wondered if they would be able to see both sides of his mate. And see how much Jordan had already changed his life for the better since he’d been a part of it.

“Hey, I spoke to my mom and as we suspected, it's yours, well, our mating marks,” Jordan told him walking into the bathroom.

He nodded his head. “Anything else we need to know?”

“That we are invited to dinner next week. Also, our mating is new and fragile and that we should spend as much time alone together as possible. So, if we need someone to watch Maddison and Benjamin for the weekend she happily volunteers.”

“What about your dad? I get the feeling he doesn’t like me much.”

“Why, did he threaten you?” Duncan heard the concern in Jordan’s question.

“No.” Duncan shrugged a shoulder. “It’s just, I don’t know, he kept glaring at me last night as if waiting for me to ask him a question.”

Jordan chuckled. “Maybe he is. You did after all end up mating to his only son. He might be waiting for you to ask for my hand in marriage,” he said with a cheeky smile.

“Do you think so?”

“Nah, that’s just my dad, I’ve never realized it before, but he was always watching our surroundings no matter where we were. You could always speak to him.”

“I think I will,” Duncan told him after careful thought.

“I keep thinking luck had a hand in our meeting, more than I want to admit,” Jordan said. “Something I never really paid attention to. Our moms and dads knew each other and years later I walk through your front door looking for a job.”

“I can agree with that, I wasn’t looking for a mate and then there you were, standing in front of me.” Duncan chuckled. “We need to go,” he said, looking at his watch. “Hey, I just thought of something.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ve heard nyxians are born with special abilities, did your mom say how yours will manifest?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “She still hasn’t really said anything about that. I can ask her about it later.” Jordan sighed and looked away.

Duncan walked closer to him. “What’s wrong?”

“Is it wrong that I’m not upset? I should be angry at my parents, but I still see them the same way. I was a bit angry in the beginning. But after hearing how everything went down, I completely understand why they kept it from me. Knowing that my birth mother killed herself should hurt, yet, I feel nothing. Is there something wrong with me?”

“Come here.” Duncan pulled him into his arms and Jordan went easily. He kissed him on the crown of his head. “I think you’ve always known you were a bit different.” Jordan nodded his head. “It’s just now you’re getting some answers as to why you’ve felt that way.” They pulled back looking at each other. “I’m sure your parents will tell us everything when the time is right. As for your birth mother, I don’t think there’s anything wrong in the way you’re feeling. You didn’t know her, maybe the more you learn about her, you might feel something towards her.”

“I keep asking myself if I was in Ayumi and Laxus’s shoes, would I have done the same thing?”

“And what answer do you keep coming back with?”

“That’s it, I don’t know.”

“Well then, let’s hope we will never be in a situation like that to find out.”

Jordan wrapped his arms around his neck. “Do you have any regrets?”

“No.” Duncan slipped his hand down to Jordan’s hip, letting it rest there. “How about you?”

“None, for the first time in weeks I’m starting to feel like myself.”

“Good,” Duncan told him, moving a lock of hair, tucking it behind his ear. “Are you going to cut your hair?”

Jordan reached up and ruffled his hair. “I don’t know. It doesn’t make me look too girly, does it?”

“No, you look like you. And I wouldn’t care how manly or girly you look, I want you for you, not for your hair.”

“Thank you,” Jordan whispered.

“Think nothing of it. Come on, let’s say bye to the kids.”

“Speaking of the kids, who’s watching them tonight?”

“Rochelle, one of the members of the pack.” Duncan saw a quick flash of something in Jordan’s eyes that might have looked like jealousy. “She’s young, but I trust her, and the twins like her a lot.” And again, the flash was back. It might be his protectiveness over the twins. Or something new attributed to his heritage being unblocked. Either way, Duncan planned on keeping an eye on his mate for the entire night. Jordan nodded his head. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah, why?”

Duncan stared into Jordan’s eyes, wondering if he would see the same flash again, but nothing happened. “Just checking.”

“So, I asked my mom about that other thing,” Jordan told him.

“What thing?” he asked confused.

“You know, that thing,” Jordan whispered, running a finger over Duncan’s tattoo that they found out was a mating mark, and it was obviously connected to his cock. He was seriously contemplating canceling the meeting and ravishing his mate for the rest of the night. Recognition dawned on him.

“Oh yeah, what did she say?” He pulled Jordan closer.

“That when I'm extremely aroused, my body makes its own lubricant. One of the many other things I will come to experience along the way and learning about the changes in my life.”

Duncan raised an eyebrow. “Well, that's quite fascinating. I see having you as a mate will definitely keep me on my toes.”

“I hope so; I don’t want you looking anywhere else.”

“No need to worry, baby, I'm all yours.”

He leaned in and Jordan pulled away. “Let's not start something we don't have time to finish, I can already smell your arousal,” he teased, walking back to the bedroom just in time to hear the doorbell ringing. Duncan got dressed while Jordan went to answer the door. He picked something loose to wear, it wasn’t a full moon, but Duncan wanted to spend some time in his beast form with Jordan playing in the woods.

Jordan didn’t have an animal form, but there were other ways that his beast and his mate could become acquainted. He was getting excited thinking about it. Pulling on his shirt, Duncan made his way down the stairs and saw the twins sitting on the bottom of the stairs. He was about to say something but stopped when he heard Benjamin ask Maddison a question that bothered him.

“Maddie, do you think that Uncle Duncan will send us away?”

“Why would he do that? Uncle Duncan loves us, right?”

“I think so,” Benjamin answered. “He treats us nice and buys us stuff. But now that he and Jordan are mates, he might not want us around anymore.”

Duncan felt bad for listening, but he needed to know what the kids were thinking. He hoped he had never given the kids reason to doubt that he cared and loved them. He knew that he would never replace their parents, but he was trying to be that parental figure to them. He tried to spend as much time with them as possible, but he also had a lot on his plate. It also made him realize just how much the pups and Jordan had in common. Unknowingly, that was probably what drew the three together.

“Do you think we should go and live with Nana?” Maddison asked.

Before Benjamin could answer, Duncan decided to make his presence known. “Hey, pups.” He continued going down the stairs and sat down between them pulling Maddison into his lap. “I was thinking, how about we spend the weekend together?”

“Really?” they asked together.

“Yup, I know that I've been busy with work and pack stuff lately, but you guys are very important to me, just as well as the pack.”

“Do you think Jordan will be okay on his own without us?” Benjamin asked leaning closer to him.

Duncan chuckled and placed his other arm around Benjamin. “I'm sure. Plus, I think Jordan wants to go and spend time with his mom.”

“Hey, Duncan, are you ready?” Jordan yelled coming around the corner. He stopped when he saw him sitting on the steps with the twins. “Hey, little ones, Rochelle and I made some snacks for you guys in the kitchen. Why don't you guys go ahead and have them now.”

“Did you make the snacks I like?” Maddison asked. Duncan had no idea what snack it could be. Just a couple of weeks ago peanut butter sandwiches were her favorite.

“Of course I did, I also cut the crust off for you and peeled the skin off the apples for Benjamin,” Jordan answered. He held his arms open, and the twins rushed to him. “I love you guys.” He kissed them on their cheeks. Duncan watched, knowing that Jordan really loved the kids and would protect them. The twins pulled away and turned to him. He nodded, and they headed off in the direction of the kitchen.

“How much did you hear?” Duncan asked.

“Everything.” Jordan crossed his arms over his chest, looking in the direction the twins went. “I know they like me, and that I'm here, but I just came into their lives and yours. In different ways, I don’t want them to feel neglected.”

“Hey,” Duncan said, getting his attention by stepping closer and pulling Jordan to him. “This is all new to all of us, and it will take some time to get used to.”  Jordan nodded his head in agreement. “Come on, let's get out of here. I have plans for us after the meeting.” He ushered them towards the door.

“Oh yeah?” Jordan asked in surprise.

“Yeah.” Duncan brought his voice down lower, adding some bass to it.

“Well then, let's get this show on the road,” Jordan said, grabbing his hand pulling him to the car.

Jordan stood nervously behind Duncan, watching how in control he was of himself and the large group in front of them. He had no idea that the pack was so large. There were a few faces he recognized, and some he had never seen before since he started working for Duncan. He recognized Mrs. Chatman, who ran the diner that he liked to visit a few times, she was always polite to him. The postman, and even the town sheriff.

Jordan looked to his left, Blayze and Ryland were standing beside him. On his right were Sebastian and Charlie, he had no idea where Parker was. He had gotten to know the three brothers a couple of days earlier and found that he liked their quirky sense of humor. He was surprised to find out that they owned a small law firm and represented Duncan’s company and a lot of the local businesses in the area.

Maybe he had to work.

According to Duncan besides being the enforcers of the pack, they were also his best friends and always had his back no matter what. One thing Jordan noticed was that all the members of the pack he’d met so far loved and admired Duncan’s leadership and strength.

“Alright, everyone, settle down.” Duncan’s voice carried over the room as everyone quieted down taking a seat. “I've called this meeting tonight because I have a special announcement. But before I get to that, I want you guys to keep a lookout for any strangers lurking around town.”

“Is there something wrong?” one of his members asked.

“Do we need to be concerned?” asked another.

Jordan wanted to know as well. He understood that he and Duncan had just started their relationship but hoped that his mate would open up to him.

“Right now there is nothing to worry about, but I’ve had reports of hunters in the area,” he told them. Jordan had the feeling that Duncan was holding back a lot more than what he was telling his members.

The room started whispering and Jordan looked at the men standing beside him to gauge their reaction as to what could be going on. Hunters, is Duncan for real? I’m really living in a whole different world, aren’t I? He recalled his first night when Duncan had to leave because of a death in the family. Was it because a hunter killed one of the members?

“With the change in the weather coming up,” Duncan continued, “we won’t have a lot of tourists populating the area. So, I want you to report anyone that seems sketchy to the sheriff. No matter how insignificant it might seem, I want to hear about it. Is that understood?”

The members agreed, and it seemed Duncan was fine with that.

“Now.” Jordan could hear the smile in his tone. “On to the other reason why I’ve called you all here. I've found my sodalis amans.” The loudest cheer of congratulations was almost deafening coming from all the occupants in the room. There were a few “way to go, Alpha” thrown in, bringing a smile to Duncan’s lips that his pack members were happy for him. After a few minutes, he raised his hand, quieting the room again. That made Jordan smile and relieved that things might not go so bad after all.

“Who is it?” Jordan heard a man yell.

“Yeah, which one of the females in the pack finally sank their fangs into you?” another parroted, causing the room to burst into laughter.

Jordan stood directly behind Duncan, shielding himself from the view of the crowd. He was starting to feel more nervous and guilty; he still believed that he turned Duncan gay by being his mate.

“It's not a she, it's a he,” Duncan shouted over the laughter. The room instantly quieted. Jordan could hear a pin drop.

“What do you mean?” It was another man who shouted out the question. “Tell us you’re joking, Alpha?”

“I will do no such thing! My mate is male, so what?” Duncan growled. Jordan flinched, and he wasn’t the only one from what he could tell. “We have same-sex couples in the pack. It’s never known who or what gender the gods would bestow on us when it comes to our sodalis amans!”

“How will you carry on the line if you are mated to a man? I will not stand for this!”

I knew this was going to happen. Next, they’ll tell him to reject me and Duncan will have no choice but to do it.

Some members in the room agreed with her. There were a few who was it? The jovial and happy atmosphere dissipated.

“Reject him now!” another person yelled. And a few more echoed their disagreement. “If your uncle was still pack leader, this would not happen!” said the man who Jordan had never seen before. “It’s fine to have him as a piece on the side, but an Alpha must be with a woman, their union strengthens the pack. You and whoever it is will weaken our pack!”

It was around that time someone whom Jordan had never seen before noticed and pointed to him. “Is that him?”

“Enough!” Duncan yelled silencing the room. “Yes, Jordan is my mate,” Duncan told the room. Jordan heard the steel of anger coming from his mate. “If you do not like the fact that I am mated to a man, you are free to leave.” The don't come back was heard loud and clear. He also didn’t raise his voice. “I have given you my blood, sweat, and tears as your leader. I have sat beside you and cried when you lost a family member. I have rejoiced in your happiness and yet I have never asked for anything. And today I present my soulmate to you all and instead of happiness I’m told to reject my mate! I am not ashamed to have a man as my mate. But I’m ashamed and disappointed to be your Alpha!”

He appreciated Duncan trying to protect him, but it didn't make Jordan feel any better. It seemed as if the entire room was staring at him and he could feel the tension mount. He had no idea what to do. He could feel the anger coming off Duncan in waves. The yelling started again, making him feel anxious and angry at the same time, and he could not hold onto his emotions. Jordan wished he could find some way to protect his mate from his angry pack. If only he was a lykosian as well. A loud growl was heard, and the room quieted. The growl was heard again, but that time it sounded like an angry animal.

Jordan looked around to see exactly where the sound was coming from. He moved closer to Duncan and stopped when he heard synced gasps. He turned to look at Duncan and wondered why the other man seemed taller than normal. Duncan was also staring at him strangely. Movement out of the corner of his eye surprised him and before he knew what he was doing, Jordan leaped off the stage and landing on top of the culprit baring his teeth in their face. He heard the same menacing growl from earlier, but that time he didn’t look around to see where or who it came from. He realized that he was the one growling. Jordan looked down at the man shaking beneath him and saw the large white paw on the man's chest.

What the fuck?

Duncan had a feeling that Tobias would be the most vocal about him having a male for a mate. He also had his little following that would cosign on everything Tobias disagreed with Duncan on. He would have kicked the man and his followers out of his pack a long time ago, but Duncan suspected that Tobias was all bark and no bite.

“Don’t you think you should go over there and save Tobias?”

Duncan looked at Ryland standing on his right. “I should, but let him stew for a bit. I’m fucking shocked about Jordan’s appearance right now. I had no idea he could do that. Shit, I don’t think he knew he could do that.” Could this be one of the abilities I’ve heard about? He was surprised when he saw the snow white distinguishable wolf standing beside him and realized that it was Jordan. He couldn’t miss the familiar marking on the center of his forehead or the striking red eyes glaring at his captive.

Another surprise to add to the list. Tobias foolishly tried to move and Jordan growled, stopping him. A few of the men standing around went to move the agitated wolf off Tobias when Jordan looked up and growled even louder. So, he’s aware of his surrounds in that form. Duncan was becoming more impressed as the seconds ticked by.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Ryland shaking his head. “You’re asking for more trouble the longer you let him stew.”

Duncan shrugged his shoulders. He looked around the room and enjoyed the shocked looks on some of his members faces, while others tried to stifle their laughter. He had never seen Tobias so scared before. Who would have thought that a baby pup would have Tobias shaking in his boots? Coming out of his thoughts, he addressed the rest of the room while keeping his eyes on Jordan and Tobias.

“Do any of you have any objections about my mate?” Duncan looked around the room, his eyes stopped on Anna. “Do you still think I should reject him?” She shook her head. “Do you all still wish my uncle was still in charge?” he asked, looking at the group who had always seen him as weak. “Most of you would never have the same opportunities you do now, if my uncle was still in charge! Most, if not all of you would have been dead,” he said menacingly. The entire room was quiet; as the truth sunk into the minds of those who remembered what life was like under his uncle’s rule. “Listen, all of you, Jordan is my mate and I will not have no other, nor will I reject him. Jordan, come to me,” he yelled without looking away from the group.

Jordan growled one more time before getting off of Tobias and walked back over to Duncan, sitting at his feet. He reached down and ran his fingers though Jordan’s silky soft coat. “I wanted to share my joy of finding my mate with my pack, my family, but I see that I was wrong.” Duncan was a bit hurt, he walked out of the room with Jordan following behind him.  He would give his pack some time to think about their actions. He still had faith in them, they were good people and part of their instant rejection was due to the continuation of the Pryde line. But Duncan was not worried about that, he already knew who would be the next Alpha of the pack if something were to happen to him.

Jordan followed behind Duncan trying to figure out how to change back to human form. He was stunned when he bumped into Duncan’s legs. What in the holy fuck! How did I end up with four legs?  

He looked up and watched as the other man started taking off his clothes and moved his neck from side to side, loosening up his muscles before going to his hands and knees and shifting. If Jordan had blinked, he would have missed the entire thing because Duncan did it so quickly and seemingly without thought.

This time he could appreciate the beauty of his mate in his shifted beast form. Duncan’s beast had a black, almost blue, shiny coat. His intense cobalt blue eyes were looking right at Jordan. If Jordan could have gasped, he would have. Duncan seemed larger than human or any beast imagined. His animal had large canines that looked almost like a prehistoric beast, but not as ugly as what he’d seen in history books.

Jordan went down low on his front legs and dipped his head, showing Duncan the Alpha his submission. When he heard what sounded like a grunt, Jordan got up and walked over to Duncan and licked his nose and nuzzled his muzzle under Duncan’s jaw. He nipped at his ear and felt the low growl coming from his mate.

“Jordan, can you hear me?”

“Oh shit, I can hear you in my head, how?”

“I don’t know; I was just testing to see if it worked. Do you know what happened?”

He shook his head or at least he thought he did. “Not really, I got angry listening to the way the members of your pack were talking and wished I was able to protect you. And I really wanted to shut that loudmouth and his friends up. The next thing I know, I’m standing over that man with a paw on his chest. Wait, can everyone else hear us talk like this?”

“No, I’m channeling my thoughts only to you. It’s an Alpha thing.”

Jordan heard the cockiness coming through loud and clear. And he hoped Duncan saw him roll his eyes.

“Come on, pup, I want to show you something,” Duncan said to him.

“I’m not a pup,” he grumbled.

Duncan stepped back, then turned and ran into the woods. Getting the idea Jordan chased after him, stumbling a bit because he still wasn’t used to walking much less running on four legs. A whole new feeling took over him, he felt free and unstoppable running after Duncan. His paws hitting the wet ground. His heart pounding in his chest, he was moving faster than he would have if he were running on two legs.

Duncan was still faster than him, but Jordan didn’t care. They spent the remainder of the night playing and chasing each other. He mimicked everything Duncan did. Before the end of the night he willingly submitted to Duncan as they both enjoyed each other in their animal form. Duncan took him to a cave where they hunkered down and cuddled next to each other falling asleep.

Jordan woke the next morning looking around his surroundings. He lay frozen for a few minutes as he tried to figure out where exactly he was. One, he was no longer a wolf and was naked lying on the cold hard ground. And two, Duncan was still in his animal form and was keeping him warm. Things came back to him slowly as he remembered what happened at the pack meeting and what followed after. He was trying to absorb everything coming his way.

Being a nyxian and then last night he turned into a wolf. It wasn’t exactly like Duncan’s animal. He blushed thinking about how they ended the night together. He touched the side of his neck and it was still tender. He snuggled back into the warmth surrounding him and realized a couple of things. He went to move but froze when Duncan growled.

Well, this won’t work.

Duncan shifted back into his human form and pulled Jordan closer to him. He could feel Duncan’s hot erection poking him in his leg. He kissed Jordan on his forehead and hummed as his lips trailed down to his ear and nibbled on his earlobe. Jordan closed his eyes and tilted his head to the other side, giving Duncan better access. “I want you,” Duncan whispered hoarsely in his ear.

“Me too,” Jordan told him. He reached up and cupped the back of Duncan’s head. “But I don’t think this is the perfect place.”

Duncan raised his head and looked around and then at Jordan. “Yeah, you’re right.” He leaned down and pressed their lips together. Jordan opened his lips taking their kiss deeper than maybe Duncan was thinking. But the other man didn’t seem to mind as he positioned his body on top of his. They stopped kissing after a few minutes, Duncan raised his head and looked down at Jordan. “Good morning.”

Jordan smiled. “Anytime I get to wake up with you holding me is a good morning.”

“I like the way that sounds.” He kissed Jordan quickly before getting off him. Duncan stood to his feet, stretching, giving the perfect opportunity to admire his body in its entirety.  And Jordan wasn’t disappointed in what he saw. Long muscular legs, broad chest, and thick shoulders to go with his handsome face. “Keep looking at me like that and we won't be going home anytime soon.” Jordan blushed at being caught staring.

“Can you blame me?” he asked finally getting to his feet. “You are quite handsome,” Jordan told him.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, except for right now.” Duncan smiled. “Let's get home. Hopefully, the twins are still asleep and I can show you just how much.”  

They left the cave and Duncan stopped to see which was the quickest way to get them home. Granted, the entire property belonged to him and it was still a bit dark outside, letting him know it was early in the morning, but he didn't want to take any chances with both of them walking around in the buff. He wasn't thinking yesterday after they walked out of the meeting hall. After the confrontation and Jordan shifting into a wolf, he just needed to get the hell out of there. He turned and looked at Jordan, who was standing behind him.  “Are you able to shift?”

“I don't know, I'm not even sure how I did it in the first place.” He sighed. “I need to get a handle on all of the new changes.”

Duncan nodded. “We can do that later, for now let's get home. Do you remember what was going through your mind when you shifted?”

Jordan bit on his bottom lip. “All I can think of is that if I was a wolf or something like you, then your pack wouldn't have a problem with me. I can’t change my gender. I was almost ready for you to reject me when they told you to,” he whispered and was glad that Duncan couldn’t see his face.

Duncan turned around and grabbed him by the shoulders, surprising him. “Look at me,” he ordered. Jordan raised his head gingerly and looked at his mate. “Get that thought out of your head right now. I have no plans of ever letting you go.”

“But your pack…”

“Was trying to protect me. Yeah, the way they went about it was disappointing, but they meant well,” Duncan told him. “Just one idiot who still refuses to come into the present instead of living in the past. I blame myself for their actions in a way.” Jordan went to speak but Duncan stopped him. “As much as we’ve lived out in the open, I’ve also kept them secluded from other sects. And they aren’t ready for the changes that’ve happened so far.”

Jordan nodded. “If you’re sure that’s all it is.”

“I am,” Duncan said, putting a hand on Jordan’s shoulder. “Okay, let’s figure out a way to get you home.”

“I could try changing back into a wolf, again,” Jordan suggested.

Duncan nodded. “Let’s go back inside, this is a perfect time to see what else we can learn about your new abilities.” They walked back into the cave and got comfortable on the cold ground. “Okay, usually when I shift into my beast I can do it quickly because I’m an Alpha, with other wolves it could take them a couple seconds longer. We never shift in our clothes for various reasons, jewelry as well.”   Jordan nodded. “I’m going to have to work with you the same way I would work with pups learning how to shift, so don’t take offense if I seem a bit impatient. Usually, the Omega of the pack works with the cubs.”

“Okay, I’m ready,” Jordan told him.

“I want you to take deep breaths and close your eyes. Clear your mind of everything.” Duncan kept his voice low. He tried to guide Jordan through the same phase an Omega would when trying to help new cubs. He told Jordan to remember that he was safe and to try and imagine himself in the woods, smelling the air, feeling the soft earth under his bare feet. To feel the wind coursing through his fur and howling at the moon. Duncan saw the exact moment Jordan’s body relaxed and expected him to shift, when nothing happened he thought he did something wrong. He was about to give up when, like a camera flash, the room shifted quicker than Duncan could blink. Well shit, how the hell did this happen?

“It’s not working,” Jordan sighed. “Maybe we should try something else.”

“Ah, I don’t think it’s necessary anymore,” Duncan told him.

“What do you mean?”

“Open your eyes,” Duncan instructed.

Jordan opened his eyes and gasped at where they were. “How the hell did we get here?” They were in Duncan’s bedroom, sitting on the floor in front of his bed.

“What were you thinking about?” he asked Jordan.

“I don’t know, the last word I heard was safe and I must have established your bedroom as being a safe place,” Jordan told him. “This is definitely going to take some getting used to.”

“So let’s see what we have. You can shift, even if it was a fluke, and you can transport yourself and others with a thought. I think your mother said phase, but at the time I didn’t know what she meant.”

“That’s a strange way of saying teleport.” He looked down then back at Duncan. “I feel like I’m living in a science fiction novel or movie,” Jordan added.

“How could you have gone your entire life and not known all this stuff?” Duncan asked. Duncan could tell that Jordan didn’t like that question by the scowl on his face. He backpedaled quickly, “I’m not blaming you, it’s just all of this is happening so fast.”

“And how do you think I feel,” Jordan snapped, getting up off the floor, grabbing the sheets off the bed and walking out of the bedroom. Not saying another word to Duncan.

“That didn’t come out right,” Duncan mumbled to himself. He got up off the floor and debated if he should go and speak with Jordan before going to take a shower. He quickly checked the time and was right about how early it was. It was a little after six in the morning. He looked at the closed door again and shook his head. Jordan was simply overreacting to what he said. This was all affecting him, as well. As much as he was okay with the idea of being mated to a man, he was still trying to answer everything that was going on. He knew less about nyxians and their ability than Jordan did. Who knew that the nyxian sect had the ability to travel from one destination to another without noticing the effects?

Duncan rushed through his shower. He had to send the sitter home and get in touch with his Beta and formulate a plan to get the poisoned drugs from affecting his pack more than it already had. They needed to find out where the drugs were coming from. Maybe Ryland could speak with whoever his informant was to get him more information. Duncan got dressed and walked out of his room, passing by Jordan’s. He debated if he should knock and try to at least talk to his mate, smooth things over between them before they went about their day.

Maybe I need to give him some time, to leave him alone for now. We can talk about it later.

Duncan continued down the stairs. He checked the living room expecting to see the sitter sleeping on the couch. Shrugging his shoulders, he continued to the kitchen. He stopped at the entrance when he saw Jordan was already sitting at the table having a cup of coffee. I guess he sent her home. He was about to say something but stopped himself. He wasn’t sure if there was something he could say with his foot still in his mouth. He walked further into the kitchen and over to the coffee pot that was empty. He smiled. I guess we’re having our first fight.

“You could have at least left some for me,” Duncan said as he turned around and noticed that Jordan was gone. “And I’m talking to myself,” he mumbled.