Francis checked his watch, worried when he saw four hours had passed since Jimmy had left the house. What if he had tried to track down his parents? Francis didn’t think Jimmy was that stupid.

He headed to the bedroom, looking at his bag laid out on the bed. Over the last few weeks, they'd gone back and forth between his house and Jimmy's, but the truth was he liked Jimmy’s house better. His parents’ house brought back too many memories. This place was fresh for both of them. It was a home they could grow together in without memories fighting to be heard.

He heard Jimmy’s truck and went to the door, looking out as Jimmy parked. His man stepped out of his truck, a bunch of white roses in his hand.

Francis pulled open the door and stepped out, trying hard not to smile. “Who are those for?”

“Eh, just some guy I met.”

He huffed and let his lips twist up as he shook his head. “Really? What’s his name?”

A smile spread over Jimmy’s face. “See, here’s the thing. He goes by multiple names. I know him by ‘lover boy,’ and that ‘sexy smartass.’ You might know him.”

Francis warmed, and his heart sped up. “Hmmm, sounds like you know him well.”

“I’d say I do. Tonight, when the sun drops low in the sky, I’m going to ask him to be mine forever.”

“Forever, that’s a long time.”

“Not when you’re with the man you love.”

Francis drew in a slow breath as excitement filled him. “Got time for a quickie?”

“Nope. Let’s go, my love. I have everything in the truck.”

Francis pulled his lips into a pout and jutted out one hip as he touched his hair. “But I haven’t done my hair.”

“Get over here,” Jimmy growled.

Francis threw his head back and laughed before he ran to Jimmy and threw himself into his arms. This was how they were supposed to be. Screw the haters and people who didn't understand how any man could love an infertile Zeta. They were more than the sex they had and more than the babies others wanted them to have. They were real and amazing. They were already family, a pack of two.

Jimmy drove, taking him up the side of the mountain. When they stopped, he marveled at the beauty of the area. A lake sat between two rising hills. It was fed on one end by a stream, and at the other, a grassy bank kept the water from racing downhill. The greens were greener up here, and the flowers that coated the field provided a splash of color that was more vibrant than any painting he’d ever seen.

“This is beautiful,” Francis said.

“I snuck over to your place and borrowed the air mattress. I figured after we mated, we could sleep out here.”

“Where are we going to sleep?” Francis looked around but didn’t see a tent.

Jimmy chuckled. “I set the tent up in a clearing halfway around the lake. Come on. Let’s hike over.”

Jimmy grabbed a pack from the back of the truck and handed it to Francis, taking a second one and slinging it over his shoulder.

“Two bags? Exactly what did you pack?” Francis waggled his brows and winked.

“That’s for me to know, and for you to find out,” Jimmy said slyly.

“So, sex toys?”

“Jesus, Kirby. No, I didn’t bring any sex toys. It’s mainly clothes, blankets, and food.”

Francis moved to him and took his hand. “You’re really thoughtful.”

“And you’re a bit sarcastic”he paused“but I like it.”

“Of course you do,” Francis quipped. “I keep it interesting.”

“You do.”

The path led them away from the lake to a clearing about twenty feet back. There was already a tent set up and a firepit with logs ready. Francis’ heart swelled as he glanced around at the little touches Jimmy had added. Four bouquets of roses were placed in makeshift vases around the camp. He moved to one of the bunches of roses and picked one up, sniffing deeply.

He turned and stared at Jimmy, wondering how he’d gotten so lucky. “You did all this?”

“I sure did. I want this night to be special. We’ll be mates after this. No turning back. You’re stuck with me.”

He shook his head. “Oh no Jimmy, I’m not stuck with you. You’re a prize.”

“And so are you.”

“No, I’m—”

“Stop,” Jimmy barked before he pulled Francis close. “None of that ever again. You’re a Zeta and amazing. I wouldn’t want it any other way. If I did, I would have chosen a different mate. I want you.”

He sighed. “I just can’t believe you want me.”

“Well, believe it.”

Francis' heart filled with love, and he jumped up, wrapping his legs around Jimmy's waist. Jimmy laughed as he caught him. Their lips brushed together, sending sparks of electricity through him.

He pulled back and stared into Jimmy’s eyes. “Make me yours. I won’t fight submission this time, but next time I will.”

Jimmy chuckled and kissed the tip of his nose. “Oh, lover, you don’t ever have to give up on who you are. Be your feisty Zeta self for me. I’m good with that.”

Francis laughed, loving how easy this was with Jimmy. Why had he ever tried to deny he was meant to be with this man? They were supposed to be together.

He needed to get naked and move this along because he wanted to be mated. He unwrapped his legs from around Jimmy’s waist and tugged at his shirt, pulling it off.

Jimmy took Francis’ shirt and folded it, placing it on top of one of their packs. Francis kicked off his shoes and then unbuttoned his pants. Jimmy’s eyes grew darker along with his cheeks.

“Are you going to get undressed?” Francis asked.

“Oh yeah, but first, I’m going to make sure you feel loved. This is all about you.”

Francis cocked up an eyebrow and shook his head as he shoved his pants and underwear low. “You know I’m ready.”

“I know, but I want this to last.”

Jimmy stepped close and placed his hands on Francis’ waist. He liked how Jimmy’s thumbs slid over his skin. He warmed, his cock growing harder as anticipation filled him. In all his years since presenting, no one had ever wanted to mate with him. They would sleep with him, some would even date him, but most guys didn’t want the aggravation of having to deal with a misfit.

“Hey, what’s that look for?” Jimmy asked as he tugged off his shirt.

The thoughts of his past relationship failures vanished. “Nothing at all. You’re so freaking gorgeous.”

Jimmy shook his head. “Nah, you are.”

Jimmy laughed, then moved fast, picking Francis up, slinging him over his shoulder. He grunted when Jimmy’s wandering free hand brushed over his hole, then toyed with his balls. He was hard and ready to mate. His gland had been buzzing for the last thirty minutes. He reached up and noticed it was sensitive. Only with Jimmy had his gland become engorged. That had to mean something.

At the tent, Jimmy lowered him, then delivered a kiss that stole Francis’ breath. He allowed Jimmy to direct them into the tent, and he stretched out on the air mattress that had pillows and sheets already in place. There were flowers in the corner and a bottle of wine with two glasses.

“You really thought of everything,” Francis said.

Jimmy stared into his eyes, his expression full of love. “I want you to understand how special you are.”

“I didn’t really get you anything.”

“Not true.”

Francis lifted his brows. “How so?”

"Your bonding gland is huge. You brought me the best gift an Alpha can ever receive. A good mate is more important than anything else. You've brought me life and love, happiness, and a family." Jimmy held up his hands when Francis was about to interrupt. "I know you're infertile. That’s not what I'm talking about. You and I will be family enough. If we adopt a baby, that will be our family too. We'll have Jamie and Max's kids to play uncle to, and then there will be others who we can adopt into our family. So yes, you brought me a family. I was so alone before you."

Francis’ heart squeezed, and he felt so bad about everything that had happened before. He cupped Jimmy’s face, hoping he could convey how he felt. “I’m sorry I ever walked out.”

Jimmy’s lips twitched, and his eyes filled with love. “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters.”

“I’m yours.”

Jimmy lowered and brushed his lips over Francis’ bonding gland. The sensation made Francis’ legs weak, and they sunk to the mattress. He stretched out and lifted his head, watching Jimmy kiss his way up his body.

Desire for more pumped through Francis, and he tried to sit up, but Jimmy pushed him down and shot him a look that told him to stay. He crossed his arms behind his head and allowed Jimmy to kiss, stroke, and fondle him. Molten-hot need filled him as Jimmy licked up his cock but didn't suck down. He was about to demand to be sucked when Jimmy flipped him over and spread his cheeks. He grunted as Jimmy licked over his pucker.

Everything before now was irrelevant. All that mattered was the two of them. He was ready to give his heart to Jimmy, and even give up his dominance if it meant he could be with this incredible man.

The brush of Jimmy’s fingers against his opening had him lifting his ass. He wanted to be filled by Jimmy and receive his bite. The kisses and touches kept coming, driving him higher into an uncharted ecstasy. He whimpered and begged to be taken. Then Jimmy flipped him over and stared down into his eyes. The love so evident it made him shiver.

Jimmy did something he never expected. His man lifted up and straddled him before sinking down. The thought of ‘when did Jimmy lose his pants’ was closely followed by ‘oh my God, this feels so freaking good.’

He pumped his hips up, watching the wonder and love cross Jimmy’s face. This display of submission, Jimmy letting him fuck him, meant he wouldn’t have to give up his own wants just to please his Alpha. His heart swelled even more. Jimmy loved every part of him. He was Alpha and Omega, and Jimmy accepted him.

Jimmy lifted and moved fast, rolling to his back, taking Francis with him. He wasn’t too surprised when Jimmy had him move to almost the same position he’d been in earlier. The feel of Jimmy’s cock inside him was wonderful, and he never wanted this to end.

Jimmy pulled him down so their faces were close. He stared into his lover’s eyes, noticing how they’d changed with passion.

“I’m going to bite you now,” Jimmy said.

“How?” Francis asked. “We’re not in the right position.”

“You are for me. We’ll adjust if we need to. Just lower carefully and don’t move too much because I’m going to swell as soon as I bite you. I want to be inside your ass when my knot pops.”

“Okay,” Francis grunted.

Francis’ breath caught in his throat as Jimmy shoved in deeper. Then he was pulled down as Jimmy lifted his hips and wrapped his strong arms tight as he held him in place. The first swipe of Jimmy’s tongue over his bonding gland felt like lightning. He arched his back, and Jimmy pushed his ass down, forcing more of his cock inside.

Francis’ body vibrated, and his head throbbed along with his gland as anticipation filled him. Jimmy teased him with his teeth, grazing them over the surface of his skin before he bit down. White light filled Francis' vision. He was floating on a cloud, and he felt like he could shift at any moment, but not how he normally did; this would be slower.

He blinked open his eyes. Jimmy’s teeth were still in his gland, their bodies connected as he realized his thoughts weren’t just his. He’d never felt anything as deep or powerful. His lover wasn’t just his lover; they were a part of each other. The pleasure Jimmy felt rolled through Francis, taking away the self-doubt, the worry about being Zeta, leaving in its place a confidence he’d never felt about his designation. The love he felt nearly overwhelmed him.

Jimmy's mouth pulled at his gland, and another wave of hormones washed through him. His Alpha was coming out to play, and he wanted satisfaction. Jimmy chuckled and removed his teeth from Francis' neck.

The knot of Jimmy’s cock hadn’t deflated, so they were stuck like this. But that didn’t mean Francis wasn’t going to bite him. He moved fast, wrapping his arm under Jimmy’s back, forcing him up so he could get his mouth on his neck, right in the crook where Jimmy’s gland sat.

Francis could feel the excitement pumping through Jimmy. His cock grew harder, larger, almost like he had a knot.

Need overwhelmed Francis, and he bit down on Jimmy’s gland. The shock was like getting hit by a live wire. They were already bonded, but this was intense. Seconds before he could feel Jimmy, now he was Jimmy. They were one. Not only were they connected in their minds, but their spirits were also connected in a way he couldn’t explain. It was like a kaleidoscope of colors he could see that had previously been shades of gray.

Jimmy gasped, and Francis felt the overwhelming rush of emotions and feelings running through his mate. When Jimmy came seconds later, Francis felt it too. It triggered his own orgasm, but he swore Jimmy’s was more present in his mind than his own.

He retracted his teeth and lay there in a puddle on top of Jimmy. The knot deflated, and Jimmy slid out. After a moment, he rolled to the side, and so did Jimmy. They stared at each other for a long moment as Jimmy ran his hand over Francis’ arm and shoulder.

Words weren’t needed. The wonder and excitement of being bonded passed between them. This feeling of wholeness and completeness filled him. It was like he’d found the piece of himself that had been missing for so many years.

Tears leaked from the corner of Jimmy's eyes and sadness passed between them. Jimmy rolled closer and brushed his lips over Francis'. Through the bond, he felt how Jimmy loved him. The promise of never leaving him was loud and clear.

He cupped Jimmy’s face and met his gaze. “I’m whole now. Don’t feel sad about my past.”

“I knew Zetas were mistreated, but I had no idea it was so bad.”

Francis shook his head. Love so overwhelming filled him he thought he could cry. “None of that matters now.”

“Maybe not, but I’ll stand up for you forever. I’ll never let anyone ever treat you like that again. You’re not just my mate; you are a part of me that will ache if anyone hurts you.”

Francis chuckled and brushed his lips over Jimmy’s. “I have no doubt you’ll be my fierce protector, and I’ll be yours.”

Jimmy’s lips curved up a little. “That bite, when your teeth pierced my skin, it was freaking amazing.”

“Yeah, that was surprising.” Francis’ whole body tightened as tingles ran down his arms.

“Totally. I didn’t know it could be so intense. Maybe that’s why people are afraid of Zetas. When I bit you, it was amazing, but Francis, when you bit me, everything in my world shifted. It was like I could see colors I didn’t even know about.”

“I know. I felt everything. I still do.” Francis met Jimmy’s gaze and lifted his brow. “Like right now you want to go for a swim in the pond. Let’s go.”

Jimmy’s brows creased. “But you’re tired.”

“Doesn’t mean I don’t want to swim. We’ll wash off and then sleep. In the morning, or whenever we wake, we can hunt.”

“Sounds good.”

The rest of the evening was spent in a haze of bliss and love. Being connected to Jimmy was better than he’d thought it would be. If he’d known having Jimmy as a mate would have been like this, he would have demanded they bond earlier.

The next morning, before the sun was up, they were hunting together. It was better than any other hunt he’d ever experienced. They moved as one. Together they were a lethal pair. They took down an aging buck in minutes. After they ate their fill, they played in a field for a while, then ran back to the tent and shifted to human form before they spent the next hour making love.

Neither of them wanted to leave, so they stayed one more night, holding each other tight as the world went on, but none of that mattered because they were mates.