He chuckles, and I squirm in his lap. “You picked it, Little One. You said you like it.”
I shake my head. “I usually do. It’s your babies that don’t seem to care for it,” I say dejected.
The whispers start at the first few tables and flow back quickly. It only takes a moment to realize my mistake. I’m not used to people watching and listening; I need to learn to keep quiet. “Well, that’ll give them something to talk about,” I whisper, embarrassed about my error.
He shrugs. “They would have found out soon, anyway.” Masen instructs the awestruck waitress to, “bring us another plate without the meat.” She rushes off to complete his task without even putting the dish she was holding down.
After we finish eating, Masen, his dad, and Sniffer excuse themselves to go outside where our ceremony will take place. Mickey, Nicole, and Red lead me to through the back of the hall. We gather in the empty bar until it’s time to head outside. Red pours four shots and passes them to each of us. I push the small glass back. “Ah, I can’t drink this.”
Mickey’s knowing smile makes Red’s eye brows arch. “And, why might that be?”
My cheeks pink up quickly. “Well, see um, I’m pregnant?” It sounds like I’m asking them instead of telling them.
“No shit?” Red says and looks a Mickey.
“Is that why Michael told me all the males thought you smelled so good, you were in heat?” Nicole asks suspicious.
“Not exactly.” I hedge.
“What does not exactly mean?”
Well, just like Masen said, they’ll find out soon enough. “I didn’t know the significance before, but I guess I’m a white wolf. Apparently, I don’t need to be in heat to conceive.”
“No shit?” Red says again this time in a wonder filled statement. The both look me over like it’s something they should have seen or can see now.
Mickey throws back her shot and huffs. “Yup, grandbabies. By spring, you’ll have four new Pack members.”
“Four!” They both shout.
Mickey laughs at their expression. “Yup, two little and two big. Caleb and I will go back up north long enough to hand his Pack over to the new Alpha. We’ve both been ready for a while, and this is just the excuse we need.” She seems so sure when she and Caleb told us this morning. I was flattered and grateful that they’ll both be here to help us. “My only problem now is convincing my son to let me build within a mile of his house,” she says chest fallen.
“He was totally kidding. He was already planning to build a guest house. He’s just as excited to have you guys here as I am.”
The door to the bar flaps open, and Michael pokes his head in. “You ladies almost ready?”
The sunset leaves a clear twinkling sky. The low full moon cast a pinkish glow on the clearing around me. Michael stands in the forest, so I’m in clear view the entire time. Traditionally I would be alone, but Masen insisted his Beta accompany me.
I wait barefoot until Masen, who’s been separated from me for the past two hours, finds me by scent alone without shifting. He must prove he’s worthy of being my Mate.
I hear his deep howl the moment he was allowed out to seek me. I’m at least two miles from the hall, but I’m not sure where he was being kept. Michael and I walked here so Masen would have my scent trail to follow. It’s probably only been three minutes when I hear a deep growl coming from behind Michael. We both turn in the direction it came from. I watch as Michael starts moving further away from me, retreating deeper into the forest. Masen’s large frame comes into view, coming closer to me, but he stares in Michael’s general direction, still growling.
Finally, he reaches me and swoops me up in a fiery kiss. His hand travels down my back, and he squeezes my butt. It’s the first time all night I’ve regretted not wearing a dress. “Mine,” he thunders as he continues ravishing my mouth. Forever passes when finally sets me back on the ground. He twines a thick leather cord around my wrist and attaches it to his own a way of binding us together for the trek back to the gathering place.
Masen makes sure to find the easiest path for me to follow and often picks me up and carries me to give my overused knee a break. As we near the clearing, I can see hundreds of candles suspended in small jars that hang from branches or are just set on the ground to illuminate the area. His father stands beneath a beautiful arch made of heavy vines dotted with white flowers. A white cord is swaged through some of the knurled vines.
When we emerge through the tree line, the crowd whoops and howls in victory from our presence. Masen raises our bound hands high in the air. His large body seems to expand, and he lifts me in the air and shouts out at roar of triumph, causing his Pack to grow even louder.
He walks us to his father and takes hold of the white cord. Caleb smiles at both of us but whispers to Masen, “you need to set her down for this part son.” He looks down like he’s forgotten I’m still in his strong arms then sets my bare feet on the ground.
“When a male is lucky enough to find his Mate, they celebrate with a Mating ceremony. When an Alpha is blessed with his Mate, the whole Pack celebrates for their union. Alpha Masen Black has sought and found his Mate in Sophia Brair. With the moon as their witness, we ask the Magic that makes us to bind their souls together just as this unbroken cord will bind their bodies together.”
Masen pulls the white cord from the branches and uses his free hand to loop it intricately over and around our joined hands and forearms. When he’s done, Caleb speaks again, “the journey of life is seldom easy, so these knots will show you the difficult times you will traverse, but just like these cords each will be overcome and lead you closer to the other.” Masen kisses me quickly and his dad laughs quietly. “We aren’t there yet son.” A few of the Pack members whistle and clap. “We; your family, your Pack; bless your Union.”
Masen’s Mark on my shoulder tingles when he says, “I, Masen Black, accept you, Sophia Black, as my Mate.” The air leaves my lungs in a whoosh as a strength I could never imagined fills my body. I can feel him inside me.
When I can breathe normally, I say, “I, Sophia Black, accept you, Masen Black, as my Mate.”
Masen’s hands shake, and his head falls back from our power exchange. When he looks back down at me, his smile is huge. “Damn, Baby, that felt good.” He groans sexily. Without instruction from his father, he kisses me deeply; his unbound arm wraps around my back and up to my neck. He caresses his fingers over my Mark, and it makes me gasp into his mouth.
The night air is filled with howls as he claims my mouth. His father stops our kiss before it turns into more. “Light the fire, and you can go son.”
Masen doesn’t speak but walks us over to the massive fire ring. It’s over filled with branches and twigs stacked by only Masen’s hands to burn at least through the night, signifying our burning love. It ignites with a fiery whoosh. The wood crackles from the sudden heat. He looks down at his hand that hasn’t yet touched the torch. “Oh shit,” he says then looks over at me. No one seems to notice he never physically lit the blaze.
The party is winding down my little ones are curled together with their uncle, Sniffer, listening to his stories of the adventures he’s had over the past five years. Every time he comes home he spends hours regaling them with his exploits. The difference this time, he’s home to stay. After all these years, he’s hasn’t found his Mate, but I do believe he’s found himself.
Sniffer’s white hair still remains the same, but his eyes tell a completely different story. The once clear dark blue has now shadowed a bit with age and experience. His smile is still easy but sad, especially when they travel to his once best friend Sam. Over the years, they’ve spoken, but time and distance along with Sam’s relationship with David seems to have strained their once vibrant friendship.
I’ve watched Sam’s’ gaze wander to Sniffer repeatedly. The longing is almost palpable, even if it’s just his friendship he misses. You can feel the loss.
David has been gone for almost
two years now. Sam never fully divulged what happened, but I do know he was deeply hurt by the man. His smile isn’t quite as bright; his laughter, which I’ve always loved, doesn’t come so easy anymore. I hope with Sniffer being home they can rekindle what they once had.
My thoughts are interrupted as Stella launches her little body onto my lap. “Mama, did you hear that? Uncle Sniffer said he’d take me for ice cream tomorrow!” She exclaims excitedly. Then in a not so quiet whisper, she adds, “I’m going to invite Uncle Sam, too!”
I laugh at her declaration. “Okay, Sweet Stuff, I’m sure he’d enjoy that.” She knows how close they once were from the stories she’s been told.
Aiden climbs onto my lap slowly, making sure not to bump or dislodge his excitable twin. The quiet confidence he displays is in complete contrast to his fiery, little sister. He takes the role of big brother very seriously. Though, he was only born minutes before her. I’ve never seen closer or more complimentary siblings.
Masen walks in the room, and my breath falters. Still after all this time, he has a small smile playing at the corner of his lips as he reaches down a scoops Stella out of my lap, but before pulling away, he drops his lips to mine and lingers for just a moment. My neck instinctively reaches up to catch more of his mouth as he pulls away chuckling. My huff of disappointment goes unheard by most but not him.
I look down when Aiden speaks, “Mama, can we have cake now?” His face which so closely resembles his father’s looks up to me.
“Sure can, Little Man,” I say and pat his legs so he knows to get up. He scampers out of my lap and makes a beeline to the table where both of the cakes I made last night are.
“Cake, cake, cake,” Stella says animatedly while bouncing in Masen’s grip. “Who’s wants cake?” She sing-songs. Most of the occupants answer affirmatively as we all convene around the table.
Aiden’s cake is simple strawberry Bundt cake with thick white glaze drizzled over the top. One candle with in the shape of the number five sits atop.
Stella’s cake on the other hand is anything but simple. The three-layer chocolate cake topped with shiny ganache, circled with homemade chocolate, and covered cherries screams decadence. She chose five candles to adorn her cake stating, “I need ‘em for the wishes.” I shake my hand and smile when I remember both her and Aiden’s faces as they discussed the different possibilities. I think he chose the single candle so hers would shine brighter. He’s perfectly happy to let Stella be in the limelight.
Mickey lights the candles, and Caleb starts the singing in his deep baritone. Both of the children’s faces volley back and forth from the cakes to the happily singing faces, in case the candles extinguish themselves before their wish taking blows are delivered. When silence falls, Aiden closes his eyes briefly before he purses his lips and blows slowly. The flame flickers and dies, and he smiles triumphantly. Stella’s eyes are still squeezed shut, and her lips move silently as she concentrates on the task of wishing. When she finally opens up her caramel eyes, she blows like her life depends on it and giggles quickly when the smoke rises from the candles.
After the presents are opened and the crowd slowly leaves, Mickey and I clean up the remnants of the party. I open a few windows letting the cool spring breeze filter through the window. “I was thinking about leaving for the lake tomorrow morning instead of Friday,” Mickey says while wiping down the counter.
I shrug my shoulders. “That sounds fine by me, the sooner the better.”
She nods her head slowly. “You mind if I take the kids home and have them ride with us?”
I tilt my head. It’s not unusual for the kids to stay the night with her and Caleb with them being so close, but something seems off about the way she’s not looking at me and the way she sounds. “Uhh sure, I guess,” I answer already thinking of the extra alone time I’ll have with my Masen. My skin flushes so I open another window. “It’s so warm in here,” I say more to myself then her.
“Ah-huh.” She smirks then calls loudly, “Caleb, collect my grandbabies. It’s time we head out.”
I’m taken back by her abrupt declaration. “I haven’t packed a bag for tonight,” I say while plucking the shirt from my frame and blowing down the neckline.
“Yeah, I had Cass put their pajamas on. We’ve got to go,” she replies and gives me a quick, one-armed hug. Stella and Aiden come in and give me a goodnight kiss before leaving with Masen’s parents.
Once the door shuts, I take a moment to see the area is clean, so I drop the towel I was using to dry dishes and head to Masen’s office where I know he is talking with Sniffer. I hear their muffled voices as I near the door. When I get closer, I hear Masen say, “would be good for both of you. He’s not happy either. He hasn’t been happy in a long time Cass.”
I make sure my steps are heard over their conversation so they have ample warning of my arrival. I know neither would care if I heard, but I’d hate to intrude. I peek my head around the door, and both men’s eyes are on me. “I’m beat. I’m going to bed.”
Masen looks at me sympathetically and nods. “I’ll be in soon, Little One.” I smile to myself as I wave goodnight to Sniffer that after all these years it’s still rare for Masen to call me by my name.
My shoulders are achy, and I’m feeling a bit feverish as I make my way to our room. I hope I’m not getting sick. Shifters are immune to most illnesses, but the common cold can affect us just as easily as a human. I’m grateful I made it through the party, but I hope I don’t get sick for our family vacation. I’ve been planning this getaway for months. Masen’s family including Sniffer and a few of our close friends will be joining us for ten days away from the pack, and I surely don’t want to be sick for it.
By the time I’m in the room, I’m lightheaded and wish Masen was here to shower with me. I strip my jeans and shirt off, dropping them to the floor as I turn the water on just above cold. My bra and panties fall carelessly before I step under the spray.
I shiver when the barely warm water hits my skin; my body is achy and sluggish as I stand under the downpour.
Minutes later, I feel every drop of the now frigid water as its pelts my over sensitive flesh. I’m still burning up though; I feel even hotter with every minute that passes.
Turning my face up to the water, I close my eyes, and my mind flashes to this morning when we were in shower together. The image is so powerful I can almost feel his fingers trailing down my back and further down as he drops down before me. His eyes are almost black with need as he nuzzles my inner thigh. He looks up at me before lifting my leg to drape it over his shoulder. My back falls to the wall behind me leaving me leaning most of my weight on my one leg. When his lips brush against me for the time, I sigh with the knowledge of what’s to come.
I open my eyes on a long moan, finding my own fingers searching down my body. My breath hitches, and I’m almost in tears as I realize I’m alone. I need Masen! That is my only thought as my body starts shaking.
I turn off the water and step out with the intention of finding him, but as the icy water drips down my body, I scent him. The fire that was burning turns into an inferno when I realize he’s close. “Masen.” His name comes out pleadingly just above a whisper.
His massive frame fills the door. Both hands grip the door molding, making the wood creak from the pressure. His breathing is hard, and his head is down low as he looks at me with hooded eyes from under his brow. He hasn’t spoken yet, but his tongue licks his full bottom lip before his teeth including his descended fangs sink into the glistening flesh. I groan and squeeze my thighs together, and my clit throbs twice as I clutch them closed.
His head drops even lower, and he growls. I feel him scanning through my thoughts quickly trying to find out how long I’ve been in Heat. Holy hell, that’s what this is? As soon as I hear his thoughts, I realize he’s right, and when I acknowledge the word, my body almost collapses under the onslaught of emotions, his and mine.
“Need me, Little One.” It’s a statement, a
proclamation, that’s spoken more on a growl than actual words. My body instantly responds to his voice. I shudder and close my eyes, unable to voice my needs verbally. Closing my eyes only lets my mind wonder as I vividly replay almost every erotic encounter over the past five years, and I whimper.
NEED, my mind sends to his. I’m broken down to the most basic of compulsions. His eyes darken impossibly, more and he grunts.
His body is a breath away before I can blink. He uses his speed to reach me. My head falls back, and his cool hand lands on my lower belly. The relief is almost instantaneous. “I’m here, Baby. I’ll make it better, yeah.” The relief I felt evaporates quickly, and the fire returns even hotter, scorching me. I tremble, and I just know there won’t be anything left of me but ash if he doesn’t touch me soon.
Masen lifts me quickly and turns me to the sink. My back meets the cold mirror, and I hiss from the contact. I try uselessly to unbutton his pants; my hands fumble limply like I’m trying to perform surgery instead of a task I’ve done almost day my entire life.
“Ahhh!” My cry of aggravated frustration prompts him to shush me. He grabs both of my wrists in one hand and starts to loosen his pants swiftly.
Not quick enough though because milliseconds later I feel him gasp as his clothes literally disappear, leaving him gloriously naked and harder than steel. I purr and ungulate my body, pushing us closer together. “Still learning new tricks, Little One?” I don’t know how he’s even speaking to me. I don’t even try to understand what he saying to me. I send my thoughts and how my body feels to him in heated waves, trying to get him to understand my condition.
Masen’s jaw tenses, and he pulls in a harsh breath through his teeth on a hiss. He reaches down between our bodies, grabs his heavy cock, and pushes the tip just inside me. I’m almost frantic as I try to impale myself on him. He holds me firmly keeping me under his control. His dark grin tells me how much he enjoys doing just that.