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An Alpha for the Demigod

Ezra Dawn

Cover art created by EzSigns

graveshadowcrow@gmail.com

eBook ISBN: 9781370964482

ISBN-13: 978-1535383462

All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced in any form or by any means without express permission from the copyright holder. This book contains sexually explicit content which is suitable only for mature adults.

Contents

Character Name Pronunciation

For Lisa Oliver, the amazing author and friend, that encouraged me to listen to the voices in my head.

Character Name Pronunciation

Lykos Cassidy (Lie-k-hose, Cass-idy)

Declan Devine (Deck-lahn, Deh-veen)

Krealik (Cray-Lick)

Valik (Vah-Lick)

Crispin (Chris-pin)

Prologue

I woke up with the sunlight streaming through the blinds hitting me right in the face. I flinched away from the light before forcing my eyes open. My head was pounding, which was strange for a shifter but not unheard of. I must’ve drank way too much the night before. Too bad I can’t remember any of it.

I look around the room suddenly aware that I am in an unfamiliar place. I should’ve known I wasn’t at home with the sun coming through the blinds. Blackout curtains were made for a reason and since there are none here I’m certain that I am not in my own bed.

Chapter One

Declan

There’s this little town, on the east coast no one’s ever heard of. It’s a cute little place surrounded by forests and mountains and tons of wild animals. A little place called Asphalt Bay. You’ll never find another town like this one, trust me. Why you ask? Well, Asphalt Bay is home to a wolf pack but not just any wolf pack. The wolves of Asphalt Bay are shifters. This is a town created by shifters for shifters and all that hoopla.

Of course, times have changed and you can’t just go around discriminating against other paranormals. Lest you have the Paranormal Council on your ass. You do not want to deal with those guys. They’re like our version of the human’s mafia. We all have our own councils of course. There’s a Shifter Council, a Vampire Council, and so on but when they can’t deal with the problem the Paranormal Council does and well, let’s just say you don’t want them dealing with it. So, because of that there are some vamps, other shifter types, and even a couple witches in town.

The place isn’t that large, only home to a few thousand people, most of them pack. The hierarchy breaks down the same too. There’s the Alpha and his mate, the betas, the enforcers, the trackers, the gammas and then the omegas. We have a few of the last two but there aren’t many. Oh, and then you have me, the Alpha’s oldest son. Next in line to take over the pack.

After me are my three idiot brothers, Wyatt, Joshua, and Caleb. My sister Eloise doesn’t count because well, she’s only ten. She was the surprise my parents weren’t expecting but welcomed anyways. My father plans to retire sometime this year. He hasn’t specified the day but with his birthday coming up in a few months it will probably be soon. As for me, I’m not looking forward to becoming Alpha. At first, it was something I was excited to be able to do but, that was until my father had to go and ruin it.

See, I thought being Alpha would help get me laid, not that I need help in that department but it would mean more partners for me. Understand what I’m saying? So, I was all prepared to become Alpha and lead the pack like a good Alpha should while also getting laid but no, I’m not allowed to do that. I have to find a mate even though I don’t want one. Mates are a hassle, at least bonded mates are. They’re free to cheat and lie. Some of them are high maintenance assholes no one wants to deal with. I swear if I have to listen to my mate yap like a fucking Chihuahua I’ll shoot myself.

If I have to take a mate, I would prefer it to be my fated mate instead of a bond mate. At least, then I know they won’t be able to cheat, and with a mind link it’d be easy to figure out when they’re hiding things. Not that it’s likely we’ll get one since a lot of fated mates don’t anymore but I have hope. I probably sound naive wishing for this perfect relationship where my partner won’t have to lie or hide things from me. I just want it to be open and honest because if I can’t have that then I don’t want a mate at all.

I guess I am a little naïve. I mean, I’ve only had one serious relationship ever in my life and I was only 52 when it happened. It was almost a hundred years ago but still, if I’d bonded then I wouldn’t be in this mess. Joel was an enforcer for the pack but his wolf was an Alpha, we loved each other and it was good for a while but it wasn’t enough. Joel ended up leaving to start his own pack and I thought he’d take me with him but I was wrong. Only one of my brothers would have been able to take over if I had left and Joel knew that. Once I realized that, I wasn’t going to do that to him especially since he had his own dreams and being Alpha was not one of them.

As for what I said about my father ruining my desire to become Alpha, I should probably clarify that. He was the one who told me I needed to take a mate before he retired. I assume he’ll announce the exact date at tonight’s pack run. In the meantime, I’ll be going fishing out on the bay with my best friend Crispin.

He has a boat down at the docks and we go fishing whenever we can. So, once I throw out last night’s bed bunny and get dressed I’ll grab my shit and go. I finish drinking my cup of coffee, then head towards my bedroom. I grab the air horn can off the dresser when I walk in and press down on the button…hard. The cute little twink I brought home last night falls out of the bed in a tangle of sheets and high pitched squeals.

He glares at me and says “What the fuck is wrong with you?!”

I shrug. “I need you to leave, like now. I have to be somewhere and you can’t stay so yeah, get out.” I watch as he slowly gets up and starts gathering his things so that he can get dressed. I look at the clock on the nightstand and start tapping my foot impatiently. This guy seriously needs to hurry up or I’ll be late. He finally pulls on the last of his clothes and heads my way.

As he passes by to go out the door he hisses “You’re an asshole.”

I wait until I hear the front door slam before saying to myself “Fucking cat shifters, always in a tizzy.” I grab my clothes for the day and quickly change into them. Once I’m dressed and I’m sure I look good, I grab my truck keys, cellphone, and wallet then I head out the door.

After double checking that all my fishing gear is loaded and ready, I climb into the truck and crank it up. I turn up the radio, put on my sunglasses, then head for the gas station to fill up and grab another cup of coffee. I can’t live without my morning cup of Joe. I have to have a minimum of two cups a day otherwise it throws off my entire day and I can’t function. Once I’ve had my second cup of coffee, I get back on the road and head to the docks to meet Crispin.

Crispin is already on the boat waiting by the time I get there. I ran into construction traffic on the way and ended up late. Even though, I tried to avoid it by throwing out the bed bunny earlier than usual I still ended up late because of construction. It would seem that Fate is being finicky today. She doesn’t appear to be on my side at all. I grab my fishing gear out of the truck and throw it into the boat a little too forcefully.

Crispin laughs and says “Someone forget their coffee today?”

I shake my head. “Nope, had both cups. It’s just one of those days.” He nods slowly and says “Oh, one of those days huh? Bad lay?”

If I’d been drinking something I would’ve choked. “It was fine. He got a little pissy when I threw him out this morning. Might’ve been the cat in him though.”

“So, this time it was a cat shifter of the male persuasion. You really have no morals.”

“Oh, fuck off.”

He laughs and says “Come on, help me get this boat untied so we can go.”

“Since you asked so nicely I guess I can.” I head to the front and untie the rope. Normally, he’d need help getting this huge ass thing into the water but we’d already done that part on our first fishing trip. Now, all we do is tie it to the dock during the fishing season. I’ll help him when he decides to bring it out of the water at the end of the season.

Once we’re out in the bay he drops the anchor in our usual fishing spot. We crack open a few sodas since it’s too early for beer and cast our lines. It’s so peaceful sitting out here even if the fish aren’t biting. I find that it’s still nice to enjoy nature when I’m not furry and running around on all fours. Crispin reels in his line and recasts it. I go to do the same but my phone starts ringing.

Crispin says “Hey man, we agreed no cellular devices on manly fishing excursions.”

I laugh and say “Dude, it’s my dad. I have to keep my phone on me for when he decides to give me more ultimatums.”

Crispin shakes his head while I answer the phone. “Hello?”

My dad says “Took you long enough to answer.”

“Sorry, I’m out on the bay fishing.”

He sighs. “Of course you are. Have you thought about what I said?”

I sigh. “You know I don’t want a mate dad. I’ve said this a million times already.”

“It’s pack law. You have to have a mate to become Alpha. That’s the way it’s always been. You know your brothers are only betas in rank and can’t take over and I refuse to hand the pack to some knucklehead who doesn’t know his ass from his face when it comes to pack matters.”

I roll my eyes. “I know dad. Can’t you change pack law?”

“I would have to get approval from all the wolf shifter packs in the country plus the shifter council to change pack law. You know that. The shifter council gathered each species of shifter to create the laws. An alpha can create other laws for their specific pack but when it comes to the main pack laws that are the same for each pack across the country an Alpha can’t touch them without a lot of work.”

I sigh in defeat “I just thought I’d ask dad.”

“If you don’t find someone to be your mate by my birthday I’ll choose someone for you.”

My mouth drops open in shock. “Dad you can’t be serious!”

“Deadly. I’ll announce it at the pack run tonight. I’ll be retiring after my birthday. Your mother and I would like to raise your sister in peace without the issues of the pack getting in between our time as a family.”

I probably looked like a gaping fish with the way my mouth was moving. “That’s in two months! That’s not enough time!”

He growls “It’s plenty of time to find a suitable mate.”

I shout back “Yeah, a bond mate not a fated mate!”

“Forget about fated mates! You’re 130 years old. If you haven’t found yours yet with the way you sleep around then you probably never will. You know they’re rare in this pack. The last confirmed pair died in a pack war before you were born and we haven’t had any since. Your mother and I were lucky but we met nearly 300 years ago in our late thirties.”

I nod and say “I know dad. I just hoped…never mind. I’ll find someone suitable by that time.” I hang up before he can say anything else. My hopes have already been crushed so I might as well salvage what’s left of my fishing trip before I start searching for a suitable mate. I have a couple in mind that might work but I’ll need a clear head and maybe a shot of jack before I start the wooing. Gah…wooing the word gives me cold chills just thinking about it. The sooner I get this over with the better. Just fates willing please no yappy Chihuahuas please I’m begging here.

Chapter Two

Lykos

There’s a place in the mountains, no one knows exists. It’s an underground fortress of sorts with multiple levels, sections, and rooms. The location is top secret, only a select few know about it. I’m not supposed to know about it either but I’m what you call “Special.” I don’t live here even though there are many who do. I have my own place on a little island about 300 miles off the coast of Asphalt Bay. Out there on my own I’m free to do as I please. If I want to create my own storms I can. Although, I don’t do that too often. I don’t need to set off some human radar and have them storm my island paradise for their science. Stupid fuckers.

I can also do some work for the council from there since it is secluded and off the radar. No one would suspect it. Since my work life is so hectic I’m rarely there. It’s basically my little getaway when I’ve been working for too long and have to take a much needed break. I may seem like a cold hearted son of a bitch on the outside but sometimes all the blood and gore just gets to me and I need to take some time to myself. Add to that my sense of bitter loneliness and you’ve got one pissed off demigod on your hands.

I’m not heartless although it seems like it sometimes. I do have feelings and after being on my own for more than 3000 years it’s really starting to bring me down. Loneliness is such a fucking mood killer. I’ve become a workaholic because I don’t want to sit in my empty house and stew. I haven’t been home in almost a year that’s how bad it is.

You know something is seriously wrong with you when you can’t even walk into your empty house without feeling this huge amount of despair because there’s no one there to come home to. It fucking sucks and the feeling is not something I like to experience often so I spend all my time in hotels when I need to sleep or abandoned buildings when I need to work.

Being a “Fixer” for the Paranormal Council has its perks. I’m filthy rich and want for nothing. I have multiple houses across the country in case I need a place to go if a job goes bad. Everywhere I go I seem to gain instant respect. I have a human name I go by when around others. No one uses my real name anymore except my parents, my siblings, and my employers. My real name is what instills fear in people. I usually go by it when I work. Everyone has heard the name but they can’t put it to a face.

It makes me somewhat of a legend and a mystery at the same time. A legend for what I can do but a mystery because very few actually know what I look like. Even my mother isn’t counted among them. I’ve changed since she saw me last. We are still in contact of course. I call her every once in a while but I have never visited her and she has never visited me. There are reasons behind this of course.

My mother is a wolf shifter who became a lone-wolf after being cast out from her home pack because of me. They didn’t like the fact that she’d had a child with a god so they drove her out. Had it not been for my father’s gift of immortality she would have died from her injuries. At first, she refused the gift but when she found out that the same gift had been given to me at birth to give me a fighting chance against others who may have wanted to kill me for what I was she accepted.

She raised me by herself and even stayed with me well into adulthood. A few years after I turned two hundred and twelve she found her fated mate while on a trip into town. She wasn’t going to do anything about it but I made her. I’ve been on my own ever since. Thanks to fate’s rules about intertwining lifelines with fated mates her mate is now immortal as well and the trait passed on to their children.

It’s bittersweet. She has a pack now and a new family. Her mate is the Alpha and will likely remain in that position until he decides he’s ready to retire. I will not ruin that for her. I’m not sure if she’s told them about me or what I am but I refuse to be the cause of her losing everything.

Especially, because I’m different even among demi-gods. My father and my uncle do not get along but even though that’s true I am still favored by my uncle. When I surpassed all expectations and reached my 1000^th birthday when most of my kind would have been killed off by other demi gods or were too weak to survive he did something he’s never done before. My uncle gave me some of his powers as a gift. I’m now the only demi-god in existence to have the powers of two gods instead of one on top of being able to shift into a wolf at will. Being immortal on top of all that makes me nearly impossible to kill. I’m practically invulnerable. It’s crazy.

I became a target after that but the others were nothing I couldn’t handle. It’s been a long time since anyone from that world has attacked me. Anyone from that side who doesn’t know me personally will know exactly who I am when they look at me. The tattoos at the corner of my eyes right at the cheekbones symbolize that. The trident on the left is for my father Poseidon and the lightning bolt on the right is for my uncle Zeus.

I’m not sure where my cold heartedness comes from but I do know I tend to be on the borderline of evil when I use that side of me. Especially when it comes to work. I own every kind of weapon known to man. I’ve been trained in the art of torture. I know every form of martial arts out there and it doesn’t take me long to get information out of someone. The only thing that factors into it is what mood I’m in. I can torture someone slowly and get information or I can go the quick route and scare the shit out of them to get what I need.

Bottom line is, most of the time I get what I need and still have to kill them anyways. It’s just part of the job but the bad part is depending on my mood I actually enjoy it. Which says something about me. I’m a seriously twisted and fucked up individual. Most paranormals refer to the Paranormal Council as the equivalent to the human mafia and they’re probably right. We do things just like they do. Sure there’s trials and stuff but the things that come to us are usually so bad the sentence ends in death.

We’re usually the last ones called. No one wants to involve the paranormal council or the fixers if they can avoid it. If we get involved things usually have escalated to the point where it almost always ends in blood. There are times where a fixer is called in to do the interrogation because the suspect won’t talk no matter what they’ve tried on said suspect. Since some paranormals have laws against their own kind torturing for interrogation they bring in someone from the paranormal council to handle it. That way no one is breaking any laws and no one else needs to get arrested or killed.

I’ve had a few jobs like that but most of the time I’m rounding up die hard rogues, interrogating suspects for the council, investigating cross-species smuggling rings, or just flat out assassinating people because they’ve done some horrible shit. You name it I’ve probably done it. Like today’s job for instance, I grabbed a shifter from a back alley when he got off work. He’s sedated so he wouldn’t struggle and now I’m waiting for it to wear off.

I got his file two days ago. The shifter council sent the case to us because they didn’t have any evidence on the guy and had to drop the charges. The pack he’s from refused to pursue it any farther after that. He’s not exactly a rogue but he’s just as despicable. Kevin Wright is a rapist piece of shit. First it was his wife who he beat to keep silent then it was his two teenage daughters and after that three other women from his home pack.

Once the alpha found out, he interrogated Kevin but didn’t get anything out of the man. Even Alpha power didn’t work which isn’t normal. With no evidence besides the history of physical abuse with the wife, the Shifter Council couldn’t really do anything but let him go with a fine and a mark on his record that meant they’d be watching him. There isn’t exactly a law against abuse among shifters. Except between fated mates and in certain packs, prides, and flocks etcetera.

So, the Shifter Council sent the case to us with the stipulation “Find out why Alpha power doesn’t work.” The case was given to me and now here we are. I’ve dressed in my usual attire for this. Black cargo pants, a black tank top, black combat boots, and black leather gloves. Black is always best. You can’t see any blood that way. I’ve slicked my hair back so it won’t fall into my face and laid all my tools out on the table behind me.

I’m currently using the storeroom in an abandoned building. I’ve covered the floor in plastic along with the walls just in case and Kevin is in the center of the room zip tied to a chair. I coated the zip ties in a mix of wolfsbane and pure silver so, he won’t be going anywhere. It’ll burn like a bitch once he finally wakes up. Wow, I totally sound like a serial killer. Oh, looks like we have movement. Showtime.

He looks around slowly taking in his captive state and the location, “What the? Where am I?” His gaze lands on me. “Who the fuck are you?”

I laugh and say “I’m the one who’ll be asking the questions here Kevin.”

He glares at me and tries to pull out of the zip ties but yelps instead “How do you know my name?”

“Tsk, tsk. I told you. I’ll ask the questions. Those ties are coated in a mix of wolfsbane and silver so, I wouldn’t squirm too much if I were you.”

His eyes widen and he says “You’re crazy.”

I nod while scanning the rows of knives I have laid out. “Indeed, but not as crazy as you. Now tell me, how is it that Alpha power doesn’t work on you?” I pick one up and test the tip.

“I’m not telling you shit!”

I grin like a madman and say “Wrong answer,” then I spin around and throw the knife I was holding, lodging it right in his left foot.

He screams. I circle him and say “Oh, I’m sorry did that hurt? Care to answer my question now?”

He spits at me but I dodge it. “Fuck you.”

I laugh. “No thanks. I prefer my men with a lot more man and a lot less weasel.”

He glares at me and says “You’re a fucking faggot?”

I roundhouse kick him in the face so hard he spits blood and a few teeth. “I really don’t like that word.” I crouch down so we’re eye level and say “Now, be a good boy and tell me why Alpha power doesn’t work on you.”

He smiles a bloody smile and says “Never.”

I give him the coldest smile I possibly can. “Never say never.”

I pull out a few more of the knives that I have hidden at my back and lodge one in his other foot, and both his thighs. I grab the left one in his foot and slowly twist. He’s screaming bloody murder but I’ve barely gotten started. “You want to tell me everything now? Huh? I haven’t even begun yet. This is only the tip of the iceberg.”

“I refuse.”

I shrug. “Guess it’s time you start losing body parts then isn’t it. So, where should I start hmm?” I hold another knife in my right hand pointed at his left “Here?” I move it lower and point it at his crotch “Or maybe here?”

His eyes widen and he says “Okay! Okay! I’ll talk just, please don’t cut anything off.”

I stand so that I can lean against the table that has all of my tools on it. “So talk.”

“Alpha power doesn’t work on me because I asked a warlock to use a spell to conceal my Alpha status so I could stay in my pack. In my pack, Alphas are expected to start their own packs but I didn’t want to. Alpha power doesn’t work on other Alphas.”

I scan the table over my shoulder and say “And the girls? Why did you do it?”

He shrugs or tries to. “They needed to be taught a lesson. Walking around dressed like whores trying to lure men. They deserved it. So, are you going to let me go now?”

I nod and slowly reach behind me to grab what I was looking for. “Yeah, I’ll let you go. Straight to hell.” I whip out the gun I had behind my back and fire two bullets before he can even blink. One straight through his heart and the other right between his eyes. I sigh as the blood starts pooling on the plastic. Good thing I covered the walls too. I pull out my phone and call my handler Valik. He’s the one who gives me assignments and sends out the cleanup crew when I need one. Which is usually often.

He finally answers on the third ring. “Lykos, I’ve been waiting to hear from you.”

I laugh. “Ugh huh sure. Why’d it take you so long to answer the phone then?”

“Umm...”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. I need a cleanup crew sent to my location. The case has been handled. I’ll send you all of the details through email once I get back to my hotel room.”

He chuckles. “You’re the same as always. I have another assignment that just came across the desk if you want it.”

I smile. “Sure, send me the details and I’ll get on it once I’ve finished everything here.”

“They’ll be in your email waiting for you. The cleanup crew should be heading your way. ETA is twenty minutes.”

“That’s fine. I’ll have all my shit packed up and out of their way by the time they get here.” “Sounds good. Call me when you’ve finished the next assignment.” I hang up the phone instead of replying then get to work packing up my tools. I remove the knives from Kevin’s corpse and wipe them down before putting them in their case.

Once I finish packing everything into the bag, I grab the two sets of black doctor booties I brought with me. They’re thin so I always double up. It was super hard to find them in black too but I did. I don’t want to track any bloody footprints through the building. It means more work for the cleanup crew and there’s a higher risk of someone noticing and suspecting something. So, I’m extremely cautious.

The last thing I need is to end up in a human prison. Not that the council would allow that to happen. There are shifters and other paranormals on all the police forces for that specific reason. To keep us out of human jail cells that way none of us freak the fuck out and expose us all. No one needs that shit.

Especially, with the way some of these humans are nowadays, we’d have an all-out war on our hands. They fear what they don’t understand and therefore they attack it. It was the same with LGBTQ people. Many of them are humans, their own kind and they still treated them like scum. Things have changed now of course but humans can be assholes. Most of them anyways.

Some of them aren’t that bad. I’ve met a few who knew about the paranormal world because of their mates. Those who don’t know will never understand that there’s a whole world they know nothing about. Jesus, what is taking the cleanup crew so long? They should have been here by now. I check the time on my phone again. It’s been half an hour.

Just when I’m about to call Valik again they finally pull up. The driver jumps out and I growl “You’re late.” He jumps like a scared cat and immediately apologizes.

“I’m so sorry. There was a construction detour. We got delayed.”

I sigh. “It’s fine. He’s in a storeroom on the third floor. Just follow the scent of blood and you’ll find it. I hope you aren’t squeamish.”

I jump into my SUV and crank it before he can say anything else. I put on my sunglasses and turn up the radio so I can hear it over the air conditioner. Even though I have heightened hearing I still like my music pretty loud and I can normally hear it just fine over the air conditioner but sometimes, I just feel like jamming. People look at me funny sometimes because I’m a contradiction. I ride with the air conditioner on but the window is down usually. Unless it’s way too hot outside then I leave the window up. It’s also funny to see their faces when they catch me singing to some of my favorite songs. I tend to rock the fuck out.

Once I get to my hotel I pull into a parking space instead of letting the valet do it for me. I grab the duffel bag off the back seat and put it on the passenger seat. I open the bag, pull out the clothes inside, and lay them beside the bag. I strip out of the clothes I’m wearing, including the boots and stuff them into the bag then change into the outfit on the seat. It takes some maneuvering to pull the jeans on while in the driver seat but I manage. I pull on my converse from the passenger floorboard then I hop out and lock the doors.

When I get to my hotel room I check my email then send all the details from today to Valik. I voice recorded it like I always do with an interrogation so I send him that file as well. Once I’ve done that, I head to the shower to get cleaned up before ordering room service for dinner. I’ll check out of the hotel in the morning and get started on the next case. Just like I always do.

Chapter Three

Declan

After having that conversation with my dad during my fishing trip I took a week to prepare myself for the inevitable. I needed to go over my choices for a mate before I started wooing them. I have a couple males and a couple females that I’ve selected. If I have to choose a bond mate then I want to choose someone I’ll definitely be happy with so, I’ve included shifters of both sexes from the pack that I found appealing.

I have a date today with each of them. I figured I’d handle it kind of like speed dating but with a bit more time. I’d sit down with each of them and they’d talk about themselves and why they think they would make a good mate. We’ll do it in a pack restaurant so that I can see if they check out any other men while in my presence just to rule out the cheating option and if I decide on one of them great, if not then I’ll have to look elsewhere.

I’m sitting at my breakfast nook stewing over my options and drinking coffee when Crispin comes barging in. “Dude, knock much?”

Crispin flips me off and says “Have you seen this?”

He lays a shifter newspaper in front of me and I stare at it “What am I looking at here?”

He looks at it and says “Oh, wrong page.” He flips through to page three and lays it in front of me. “Here. Council news. Read it.”

I skim through it not getting what he’s talking about. “What? I don’t see what’s so important.”

He points at a picture with an article. “It’s an Obit for Kevin Wright. That wolf we heard about from a pack three states over who raped all those women. You know the one the Shifter Council couldn’t do anything about.”

I read over it again “So it is. The guy died huh. I guess that’s some form of justice. All the women he raped won’t have to worry anymore.”

Crispin says “But, that’s just it. He didn’t just up and die.”

I sigh. “What are you talking about Crispin?”

“You haven’t heard about it? Seriously? What, are you living under a rock? The Paranormal Council had him dealt with if you know what I mean. Someone said they saw him get grabbed by a guy dressed all in black from the alley outside of his place of work. Dude stuck a syringe in his neck to knock him out and dragged him off. They didn’t see what he looked like though.”

My mouth drops open in shock. “Holy shit, they actually do that. I thought it was just a myth created to put fear into the heart of paranormals. You know, so they don’t fuck up and get on their radar.”

Crispin shakes his head and says “Nope, it’s true.”

“Dude that’s fucking awesome. I always said they were like the mafia. Holy shit, I was right! They totally whacked this guy because of what he did.”

Crispin laughs and says “You’re insane.”

I shrug. “I think it’s cool that we have our own version of the mob looking out for us. You know how it is, in those old movies they aren’t bad people they just do bad things. But, the Paranormal Council doing things the way they do is kind of like vigilante justice.”

“You could be right but, can you imagine how lonely it must be for these guys? No one knows who they are, where they’re located or what kind of paranormals they are. Nobody has seen their faces except for the paranormal leaders that hire them sometimes and those guys are sworn to secrecy. It’s a bitter life of solitude. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.”

I nod and say “Yeah, you’re right.” I look at the time and jump out of my seat. “Oh shit, I’m going to be late. I have four dates to sit through and I still haven’t gotten dressed yet.” I run towards my bedroom quickly stripping off my clothes and jumping into the shower so that I don’t smell like a total bum when I get there. Once I’m finished I hurriedly get dressed and run out the house toward my truck but I feel a sudden breeze. I look down and say “Shit, no pants.” My neighbors are laughing at me so I just smile and wave, naked as a jaybird from the waist down.

I walk back inside, put on a pair of pants then turn around and walk back out. I climb into my truck and head to the restaurant. My first date of the day has already arrived by the time I get there. I take a seat across from him and say “Sorry I’m late. I ran out of the house without pants on and had to go back.”

He snorts and bursts into laughter. “I just got here myself but you sound like you’ve had one crazy morning.”

I nod and say “I have. So, here’s how this is going to work, I have more than one person I’m looking at for a possible mate and I’ve decided to get the preliminary part over with all at once. You have one hour to tell me as much of yourself as you can and why you think you would make a suitable mate. Starting now.”

He launches into this super long list of his likes and dislikes what he does for a living etcetera. By the time he finally gets to why he would be a suitable mate I’m so bored that I tune out most of it. I thank him for his time tell him that I’ll let him know my decision after I’ve met everyone else. The rest of the day goes exactly the same. I’m not sure what it is I’m looking for exactly but, the people I’d chosen thinking one of them was sure to be the perfect bond mate were nothing of the sort.

I didn’t like a single one. I didn’t even want to sleep with them. Which is saying something considering my status as a total slut. I pay for the bill I racked up drinking so many sodas all day while I met with four different people then I walk outside to my truck. I left my phone in the dash so I wouldn’t be interrupted. I check it and find a voicemail and missed call from my dad.

I press the button to listen to the voicemail. “We’re having issues with the Coal Springs wolves again. The enforcers handled the trespassers but we could be looking at another pack war if something isn’t done soon. I might have to arrange another sit down with Bastille the Alpha over there, get this straightened out before the fragile truce we have with them goes right down the shitter.” After deleting the voicemail a crazy idea pops into my head. Before I realize what I’m doing, I’m in the truck and driving towards Coal Springs.

I pull up to the border of their pack lands and get stopped by three wolves. One shifts and comes to the window. “State your business here outsider.”

I hold my hands up in a friendly gesture so that I don’t provoke anyone. “My name is Declan Devine. Oldest son of Joseph Devine the Alpha of Asphalt Bay. I come in peace. I wish to speak to Alpha Bastille.”

The guy laughs and says “You’ve got balls coming here. We’ll take you to the Alpha. Just follow us and try not to run over anyone.” He shifts and leads the way forward. I follow him in the truck. Going slowly so I don’t run over him or his friends.

He stops in front of a huge house in the center of a circular compound of houses. I park the truck in the circular driveway in front of the main house. I climb out slowly and walk up to the porch. He shifts and says “Follow me.” I follow him inside and he leads me down a hallway to a set of polished wooden double doors. “Wait here.” He knocks then enters the office. The door closes and I wait. A few minutes later, he walks out and says “The Alpha will see you. Go on in.”

I nod and slowly walk inside. The man sitting behind the desk looks younger than my dad but just as intimidating if that’s even possible. He leans back in his chair and says “Have a seat.” I sit down in a leather armchair across from him. “You’re a long way from home.”

I nod and say “Yes sir.”

He leans forward on his elbows and says “So, what brings you here?”

I look him in the eye and say “I have a proposition for you.”

He raises an eyebrow and says “I’m listening.”

“I’m sure my father has already called you about the trespassers and has most likely arranged another sit down to discuss another fragile truce.”

“Yes he has. Continue.”

I stand up and start pacing because I can’t do this sitting down “So, my dad is stepping down in two months. I’ll become Alpha at that time but according to pack law I have to take a mate before that can happen. Since I haven’t found my fated mate and it’s likely that I never will. I have to take a bond mate instead. So, I propose a marriage truce. If I take someone from your family line as a bond mate it will unite our packs through marriage and be the ultimate peace treaty.”

I look over at him to make sure he’s still paying attention before continuing “Also, territory lines wouldn’t really matter because we could all live like separate packs but still hunt and run as one across both territories. Therefore, your wolves would no longer be trespassers and the only wolves that would need to be dealt with would be rogues should any pop up. However, I will sever the bond if they cheat on me at any point after we’ve bonded. Same for them if I ever cheat while we are bonded. They have the right to sever the bond from me as well. The truce will still be in effect of course should that happen. This truce will only happen if you agree to it, the person from your family line agrees to it and I become Alpha. If I’m not Alpha when this takes place my dad could decide not to go through with the terms of the truce itself and we’ll end up in a pack war.”

“Are you done?”

I stop pacing and look over at him “Yes sir, I think I am.”

He nods. “Good. I’ll go over your terms with my family this evening and I’ll let you know our decision. Leave your phone number with Ian. He’s the enforcer who brought you in.”

I nod and say “Thank you for your time sir.” I walk out the office and find Ian standing outside the door. “I’m supposed to leave my phone number with you.” He already has a pen and paper ready so I recite my number to him.

“I’ll give this to the Alpha. Just go back out the way you came and take no detours got it?” I nod and head towards the front door.

Once I’m safely back in Asphalt Bay territory I can finally breathe easily. My phone beeps and I look down at it to find a text message. I read it in short glances while I drive.

Unknown: We accept your proposal. We’ll discuss details at a later date.

I park my truck in the driveway at my house and walk inside to find my dad and mother both sitting at the kitchen table while dinner is cooking on the stove. My younger sister is sitting on the couch watching TV.

I look at them and say “Am I in the wrong house?”

My father looks up at me and says “No you’re in the right house. We just wanted to have dinner with you that’s all.”

I sit at the table and say “Ugh huh, what’s going on?”

My father looks at me and says “I got an interesting phone call about an hour ago from Bastille the Alpha of the Coal Springs pack. He said he was looking forward to becoming in-laws. So tell me son, what did you do?”

I scratch my head and say “Well, umm I may have gone to Coal Springs today and made Bastille an offer he couldn’t refuse concerning a peace treaty.”

My dad jumps out of his chair “So you sacrificed yourself? When I said you had to take a mate this was not what I meant!”

I smiled and said “Dad, it’s fine. As you said, I will most likely never find my fated mate so if taking a bond mate from Bastille’s family line means that we can form a permanent truce with their pack and avoid another pack war then that’s what I’ll do. I’m fine with it. There’s nothing to worry about. I’ve already laid out my terms with Bastille so there’s no point in arguing. Now, let’s have dinner and just enjoy the fact that you’re going to be gaining a new family member soon.”

Chapter Four

Lykos

The new case Valik gave me sent me to Bumfuck, Indiana where I was told to investigate allegations of a rogue vampire coven in the area. If it turned out to be true my orders were to handle the situation with the use of deadly force. As usual. The Vampire Council had caught and dealt with some of them originally but the ones that got away dropped off their radar. They haven’t been able to track them down since. I’ve already figured out that there are rogues here. Wasn’t hard with all the sudden deaths by exsanguination.

Once I discover where they have their hideout I’ll blow the place sky high. After, I surround the place with sunlamps of course, don’t want anyone escaping. It won’t kill them but it’ll weaken them just enough to throw them back inside. Vampires are virtually impossible to kill but they do have a few weaknesses. Prolonged exposure to sunlight makes them sick and eventually leads to death. Beheading works if you want a quick but true death. Fire also works but it takes longer.

I’m currently standing in a bar the rogues frequent looking every bit the badass twink that I’m not, with tight ripped jeans, the tightest mesh tank top I could find, black boots, eyeliner, purple nail polish and lip gloss. I’ve been nursing some fruity cocktail for the past half hour while scanning the room. It tastes like shit but it’s part of the cover. I need it to draw a rogue vampire’s attention.

If I get one to take me home with him, I’ll get the details on their hideout and get laid at the same time. It’s a win win situation. Valik would probably frown upon sleeping with the enemy but I don’t give a shit. I haven’t had sex in over eight months and I need to get laid. If by filling that need with a target I get information I need then I don’t see it as a conflict of interest.

I look down at my half-drunk cocktail and try to decide whether or not I want another of these nasty ass things or if I want something else. I go to motion for the bartender when someone comes up behind me and says into my ear “My, aren’t you a pretty little wolf.”

I smile to myself. Jackpot. I slowly turn around and say “I might be a wolf and I might be pretty but, I am most certainly not little.”

Another man walks over and puts his hand on the first one’s shoulder. “What are you doing all the way over here Ben? The girls are waiting.”

The one named Ben says low enough that only the three of us can hear. “I found something far more interesting than a human woman.”

The other one looks at me, takes a discreet sniff and smiles. “So you have.”

Ben says “Isn’t he a pretty wolf Max?”

Max nods and says “A very pretty wolf.”

They both move closer to me and Ben touches my cheek. “Why don’t you come with us?” I almost want to laugh. A twofer hot damn. I throw some money down on the bar for the bartender, grab the two vamps by their ties and start walking toward the exit. On my way there I’m stopped by two very busty women. One blond and one brunette “Where are you taking our dates?”

I laugh and say “Anywhere but here. We have business to attend to.”

The blond one says “You fucking faggot how dare you try to steal our dates!”

I roll my eyes.

Ben says “Caroline, that’s not very polite. Max and I are both bisexual and often share dates. Just because we found this young man to be better suiting of our tastes doesn’t mean you have to be so rude.”

Caroline’s mouth gapes open like a fish while the other one says “So what if you’re bisexual. That doesn’t mean that he can come in here dressed like a slut and act like a slut by taking our dates.”

I let out a growl and both men glance down at me. I step forward right into the brunette’s face and say “Insult me one more time little girl and I will drop you so hard you won’t even remember your fucking name when you wake up.” I added a cold knife like edge to the sound of my voice so she would know that I meant it. She let out this little squeak then dragged her friend away leaving behind the acrid scent of fear.

As soon as we were out of the building Ben busts out laughing. “Where’d you learn to sound so cold and threatening little wolf?”

I laugh and say “It’s not hard to master. I may not look it but I’m kind of old.”

Ben and Max look at each other and say “How old?”

I laugh and say “I’m not telling you that.” They turn down a side street and I walk with them. I act like I’m not paying attention to where we’re going but I’m actually following every move, every street sign, every turn, etcetera. When we end up in an empty lot I know shit is about to go down. Ben walks up to me and says “I’m sorry about this little wolf.” Then he kicks the back of my legs so I fall to my knees.

Max makes some kind of whistling noise and more vamps come out through the trees. I count eight plus Max and Ben make ten. Shit this is going to be a pain in the ass to get out of. This is what I get for thinking about sex instead of business. Stupid ass individual.

They all stop in a circle around me. “Ooh a wolf, you brought us a good one this time. Where’s his pack?”

Ben says “From what we could tell, he came alone. There are no packs in the area.”

Ben has a grip on my wrists binding them together. I close my eyes and breathe deep, fuck this is going to hurt. I wiggle slowly so that I’m crouching on my tip toes with my feet under me instead of my knees.

The other vamp says “Oh goodie, well then let’s eat boys.” I take that as my cue and launch myself in a backflip putting my arms in front of me instead of behind my back. It hurt like a bitch to do but I succeeded as I am now on top of Ben’s shoulders with my legs around his throat. I use some lightning and zap his hands so he lets go of my arms.

“Ouch! What the hell was that?!”

I look around the circle to gauge the threat level. Most of the vamps here are still in shock over what has happened so far but none are moving any closer. Except for Max. He’s slowly moving forward with his hands raised in a friendly gesture. “Stop there Max.”

He stops and says “Calm down little wolf, no one is going to hurt you. Let Ben go.”

I laugh and say “Like fuck you aren’t, I’m not some naïve child like you seem to think I am. All of you want to feed from me and with ten of you and one of me you’ll drain me dry. I’m not stupid. I told you I was old Max. Didn’t you believe me?”

Max shakes his head and says “Of course not. You wouldn’t say how old you were. You played it off like a joke. Only a young person does that when they want to appear like they’re older. On top of that you talk like a younger person and you dress like a twink. So, I just assumed you were in your hundreds.”

I stare at him blankly before laughing harder than I have in a long time. “Oh wow, that was good. You got me there. You’re totally right I’m in my hundreds.”

He raises an eyebrow at me and says “I am?”

I glare at him. “Of course not you fucking idiot. I’m half a millennia over 3000 years old. You do the math while I kill all your friends.”

I started with Ben. I gripped his head with my legs, flipped backwards, and twisted, decapitating him in a complicated maneuver most people couldn’t have pulled off. I dropped to the ground and started shooting lightning from my fingertips at the rest setting them aflame before they even knew what hit them. The ones I don’t get with lightning I behead and add to the flames, finishing Max off last. Once the bodies are burned I use my power over the sea to draw water from a nearby pool and put out the flames before it spreads.

I look up at the stars and sigh. That so did not go as planned. Better call Valik because I know I’m going to get my ass chewed. I pull out my phone and dial. “Do you have any idea what time it is?”

“Time for you to yell and scream at me about how stupid I am then send someone to pick me up before I get arrested for arson?”

He shouts “What?! What happened? What did you do?! You weren’t around humans were you?!”

I sigh. “I tried to lure out a couple of the rogues so that they would lead me to their hideout but they led me to a vacant lot and eight other rogues instead. They planned to drain me dry. I killed them all and burned the bodies in said vacant lot. It isn’t far from a human neighborhood so I’m sure someone saw it. I put the fire out of course but I have no way back to my hotel. It’s too late for a taxi and I took one to get to the club instead of driving my SUV. So, I need a pick up.”

He sighs and says “Sometimes, I don’t know what to do with you. I’ll send someone to your location. If you hear sirens hide before they get to you and update me on your location.”

He hangs up without giving me an ETA on the pick up so I know I pissed him off a little bit. I walk to the edge of the lot and sit on the sidewalk to wait. It takes a full hour for my pick up to arrive and by then I’m pretty sure I could have walked back to the hotel or teleported. I don’t teleport very often only when I really need to. I usually only teleport to my home island when I don’t feel like taking the boat and also to Olympus when I want to visit my uncle and father. It takes a lot of energy out of me to do it.

By the time I get back to my hotel room I’m exhausted. I strip out of my clothes and drop myself into a scalding hot bath to relax for a while. If I fall asleep and drown then so be it. Not like I’d die from it anyways. I’d just wake up in a pool of water like it was no big thing. Sometimes it’s a pain in the ass being immortal and invulnerable at the same time. It’s not the good kind of pain either. God, I need someone of my own. I really can’t stand being alone anymore.

Pretty soon I’ll be picking up men when I should be working instead to ease the loneliness and that’ll be bad for business. If things take a turn down that road I’ll end up getting my ass kicked by Valik or worse his brother. Krealik. He even scares me and that’s saying something. That man could make even the coldest and hardest of men run scared with a single look. He’s one scary badass motherfucker. I would hate to be the one who ended up tied to him. With his evil glares and long sullen silences. It’s like he may not be talking but you just know he’s plotting a million ways to kill or maim your ass just by the look in his eye. Fucking scary.

I try to stay far away from him. Very, very far away. As far away as physically possible and then some. Man, I seriously need a vacation but for now, I think I’ll just soak in this bathtub and imagine I’m on a beach somewhere with a bottle of tequila and two cabana boys that are there to wait on me and take care of my every need. Mmm yeah, that sounds so nice. I close my eyes, lie back in the tub, and say to myself “Hellooo, cabana boys. Mrowr.” If you speak of my cat like noises to anyone I will deny it ever happened.

Chapter Five

Declan

I have a meeting today with Bastille to go over the details of the mating ceremony. He’ll be bringing a couple people from his family line that I can choose from so, on the bright side I’m not going to be permanently saddled with someone I’m going to hate. Which is a good thing, I’d really hate to be stuck with someone I despise for the rest of my life.

My father is coming to the meeting with me so that he and Bastille can go over the terms of the truce that I laid out. It’s just a formality in case my father decides he wants to change some of the terms before allowing me to go through with it. I think he’s still in shock over the whole thing. I know I seem like an irresponsible prick but I do think of what’s best for the pack. I mean after all, I’m supposed to be the next Alpha and without this truce we’ll have another pack war on our hands.

We don’t need another pack war. The last one resulted in a lot of deaths according to my father and it’s taken a long time to come back from that. Another one could wipe us out completely. By sacrificing myself it saves a lot of lives. I don’t consider it a sacrifice though even if my father does. I would rather do this and save a lot of people on both sides than not do it and end up in a pack war later on down the line. It’s the most practical option.

I check the time and sigh. Time to get this over with. We’re meeting Bastille and his family in a restaurant on the outskirts of town. It’s neutral ground right between both territory lines. I hear it’s owned by a couple of vampires but they’re only around at night. I walk out of the house and climb into the truck with my dad. He’s already behind the wheel waiting for me. He pulls out onto the street and says “Are you ready for this son?”

I sigh and say “As I’ll ever be.”

He looks over at me and says “You know, you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

I look at him and say “Yeah, I do.” I turn back to look out the window and notice a black SUV following us. At first I don’t think anything of it, lots of cars go the same direction to get to the highway but after my dad takes three more turns and it’s still there, I glance at my dad and say “We’re being followed.”

He glances into the mirror and says “I know. Don’t worry about it. We’re almost there anyways.”

We stop at a stoplight and I roll the window down as the SUV pulls up beside of us, ready for anything. My mouth drops open in shock at the guy behind the wheel. I’ve never seen him in town before. He’s wearing a hoodie with the hood up, and sunglasses so I can’t see his face but he’s rocking the fuck out. Drumming on the steering wheel, nodding his head to the beat and singing so loud I could hear every word even without my heightened senses. “My life’s so pitiful, give me one good reason why I shouldn’t end it all…..and I try every drug I find except maybe heroin and cyanide.”

He turns in a different direction than we do and I bust out laughing. “Well, that was interesting.” My dad laughs and pulls up to the restaurant a few minutes later. We’re actually early so, we get a booth in the back that faces the door and wait for Bastille to arrive.

He finally enters the restaurant about fifteen minutes later, with three women trailing behind him. We rise to greet him. He and my father shake hands and we all squeeze into the booth. Bastille then goes on to introduce the three women he brought with him. “This is my mate Lilith, and our two daughters Shiloh and Mirajane. Mira here is the youngest at 93.” He looks at my dad and says “Why don’t we give them some time alone? That way he can make an informed decision while we discuss the terms of the truce.”

My dad nods and says “Sounds good to me. We’ll be over there if you need us.”

“We’ll be fine.” Once they’ve moved to another table I look at both girls and say “So, tell me a little about yourselves.”

Shiloh starts first by glaring at me and saying “Well, I’m 125, I don’t want to be here. I like to swim, hunt, and fish. I play video games, and cheat at cards. I work as a tattoo artist. Oh, and I’m a lesbian.”

I stare at her blankly and say “Well then, Mira how about you?”

She smiles and says “Well, I teach first grade classes at the elementary school. I love kids. I love the outdoors. I like to camp out under the stars. There are tons of other things but if I told you all of them I’d probably bore you to death.”

I laugh and say “You’re probably right. So, how soon can you move in? I’d like for us to be around each other so that we can develop our relationship and get to know each other a little better. You’ll have your own room until we get to that point where you’ll move in to mine.”

She nods and says “Okay, I can move in, in a few days. Will I still be able to work?”

I nod. “Of course, it might be a longer commute but you don’t have to quit. If driving so far becomes too hard on you though, we could have you transferred to a school around Asphalt Bay.”

She smiles and says “Okay, that’s fine with me.”

At that moment Bastille, Lilith, and my father walk up to the table. Bastille looks at me and says “Have you made your decision?”

“Yes sir. I’ve decided to take Mirajane as a mate.”

He raises an eyebrow and says “Are you sure? She’s not too young for you?”

I smile and say “I’m sure. Age doesn’t really matter.”

Bastille nods his agreement and says “So, we’ll set the date for the mating ceremony a month and a half from now? Before your father retires?”

I nod. “Sounds like a plan. Mira will move in with me in a few days so that we can get to know each other before the ceremony takes place.”

“I understand that. We’re looking forward to becoming in laws. See you in a month and a half.”

He turns to his daughters and says “Come on girls.”

Mira hands me a napkin as she slips from the booth. “This is my phone number. This way we can call each other or text, and go over ceremony plans together.”

I laugh and say “I’ll leave that to you but, thanks for this.” She kisses my cheek and runs out after her family.

My father smacks me on the back and says “You chose well son. She’s a very pretty girl.”

“Thanks dad.”

He stretches and says “Well, let’s get something to eat before we head home shall we?”

“Sure.” We sit at the table and order steaks for lunch.

Once our meal is finished and we’re back on the road my father takes the time to give me a speech. “I’m proud of you son. I know I don’t say it often because you tend to sleep with anything that moves but after everything you’ve done these past few days I couldn’t be prouder.”

“Thanks dad.” He looks at me all serious and says “and if you need help with any of the ceremony planning, call your mother. She’ll know what to do.”

I laugh. “Sure thing, dad.”

“I’ll call a pack meeting tomorrow afternoon and make the announcement. You don’t have to be present if you don’t want to be but, I would like for you to be there. After all, we have this truce with the Coal Springs Pack now because of you.”

“Okay dad. I’ll be there.”

He drops me off at my house and says “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

I nod. “Yep. Tomorrow.”

I walk inside and immediately get assaulted by Crispin. I go down hard yelling “Ambush! Ambush!”

He laughs and says “Shut up drama queen. I got you didn’t I?”

As I peel myself off the floor I say to him “Yeah, asshole you did. How did you get in here anyways?”

He laughs and says “Back door was open.” “No it wasn’t but, I’ll ignore your breaking and entering in exchange for you telling me what you’re doing here.”

He smiles wickedly. “Your brothers invited me.”

“They what…Oh shit!” Before I can react I’m tackled to the ground by the three aforementioned wild animals.

Wyatt says, “So, word on the street is that you’re going to take a bond mate from the Coal Springs Pack.”

Joshua says, “Yeah. So tell us brother, who is this mystery mate of yours?”

Caleb says, “Yeah, tell us.”

I laugh and say, “Get off of me and I will.”

They shake their heads and say “Nope, tell us anyways. Or we’ll torture it out of you with string cheese and lemon candies.”

I stare at them wide-eyed not sure how they’d pull that off but they probably could with their mischievousness. “Fine, fine. I’ll talk. The youngest daughter of the Alpha. Her name is Mirajane. She’ll be moving in with me in a few days.”

Wyatt stares at me wide-eyed and says, “Dude, you totally skipped the appetizer and went straight for the main course.”

I laugh and say, “Yeah, I know. Now, let me up my limbs are going numb.”

They groan like it’s a hassle to move but finally let me get off the floor. Once I’m standing I hug each of my brothers and say “So, other than coming here to harass me was there anything else you guys needed? Are you staying for dinner?”

They all look at each other and Wyatt speaks first. “We want to throw you a bachelor party before the ceremony. We’ll have it at my club in Venetian Hills and invite your friend Crispin. It’ll be fun.”

I smile “I meant to ask you how things were going with the club. You know it being south of here in the city and all.”

He smiles and says “It’s going great we’ve got a DJ that plays regularly but I’m looking into getting a house band to play as well so that I can alternate them.”

I nod. “That makes sense. How are things working so far with it being Paranormal only? Any issues?”

“No issues. It’s members only. You have to be a member to get in or pay a guest fee which is pretty high but it’s at a level that Paranormals can afford it easily. Humans who aren’t privy to our world that apply for membership get rejected. We come up with reasons for it. There are some humans that are members just because they’re either mates of a Paranormal or they know about us another way. It’s a complicated system but it works and it protects everyone.”

I smile wickedly. “So, a bachelor party huh? Will there be strippers?”

They laugh.

“What? It’s my party, if I want strippers I shall have strippers.”

Wyatt shakes his head “I’m sorry brother but, I can’t have strippers in my club. It’s just not that kind of club.”

I sigh. “Bummer. Oh well, so when are we doing this?”

He exchanges looks with the others and says “Three weeks? That should give us enough time to plan and it puts the ceremony date three weeks away after the party. In case you get cold feet and back out. It gives you plenty of time to either run or come up with a new plan.”

I smack him upside the head “Asshole. I’m not going to back out. You guys staying for dinner or what?”

Joshua shakes his head and says “Nah, I have to get back to the apartment and finish cleaning up the mess my ex left. That’s what I get for getting all romantic with my roommate I guess but the sex just wasn’t right. My wolf didn’t like her so I gave her the boot. She wasn’t happy. I now have to clean the room she trashed plus put out an ad for a new roommate. Not fun.”

I manage to wait until he’s finished before I bust out laughing. I laugh so hard it brings tears to my eyes. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh but damn. You treat women like shit. I know you can’t smell but seriously. You could’ve been a little nicer. I’m not one to talk though. I’m worse than you when I kick my one night stands out the next morning.”

He blushes and says “It’s not that I can’t smell it’s just everything smells the same. I only don’t smell anything at all occasionally. Besides, I’m waiting for my fated mate. I know Dad says we’ll never find them but it’s not like we don’t have one. So, if I have sex with someone and don’t feel the urge to bite them I kick them out. I know it’s harsh but it’s the only way I can find my mate.”

I stare at him with a raised eyebrow. “I understand where you’re coming from. I didn’t know you could actually smell things. I always thought you couldn’t smell anything at all. What does everything smell like to you?”

He laughs and says “Cinnamon toast and roses. All the time. Cinnamon toast has always been my favorite breakfast but I’m not sure why I smell roses too. I’m not all that worried about it of course. It’s always been like that.”

I nod and say “Well, maybe your mate will smell different to you?”

He shrugs and says “Who knows. I’ll catch you later.” He walks out and I turn to my other two brothers.

“How about you two? Are you guys staying for dinner?”

They shake their heads and say “Nope, sorry brother but we’ve got a top secret bachelor party to plan. Later.” They wave as they walk out the door and I’m suddenly left alone.

I shrug and pull a steak and veggies from the refrigerator. Looks like I’m dining alone tonight. Tomorrow I’ll make sure the spare room is ready for Mirajane but for now I think I’ll kick back, relax, and enjoy some good food and a beer. As soon as I cook this that is. I can’t exactly eat it raw. Well, I could if I shifted. My wolf has no problem with raw meat but that might be a little weird. Shifting just to eat a steak because I don’t want to cook it. Yeah, so not happening.

Chapter Six

Lykos

After the whole rogue vampire fiasco I decided to take a little vacation. I figured it was high time I went back home for a little while. Well, that and Krealik totally kicked my ass. He and Valik showed up at the hotel the day after I had to call for a pick up. Once Krealik heard the full story of what happened he kicked my ass for my stupidity and told me to go on vacation for a while.

Said I needed to take a break because I’d been working too much. I had to wear sunglasses and a hoodie for three days to hide the bruises. They healed pretty quickly but I still looked like a friggin’ raccoon. Which brings me to now, sitting outside my mother’s house like a fucking stalker because I don’t want to go home to an empty house.

The place is surprisingly secure. I had to go all “I’m with the Paranormal Council” on the patrol wolves so they would let me through. It’s only a matter of time before the Alpha comes looking for me. I parked my SUV near the front gate and walked the rest of the way. Using cologne to mask my scent. I really don’t want to be discovered too quickly. From what my mother has told me I know she and the Alpha don’t live in the main pack house. His office is there and he handles meetings and business there but their house is actually one of many on the pack lands. It’s one of the bigger ones and I only found it because she said she had the front door painted yellow.

Apparently, she thought the house could use some color, the rustic log cabin look just wasn’t doing it for her. I understand the feeling completely. The bad thing about this decision is my mom doesn’t know I’m here and she also doesn’t know about my job. I never told her. She’s a sweet woman and she doesn’t need to know about the awful shit I have to do for work.

So, here I am outside their house hiding in the bushes like a creep, trying to catch sight of her. I pull out the stash of baby carrots I have in my jacket and start munching. What? Sitting on the ground in the bushes basically staking out their house is making me hungry. Don’t look at me like that they’re good! They’re full of….I don’t fucking know what but they’re healthy snacks. So, so, just fuck off.

Anyways, now that I’ve had my snacks I can focus. I don’t do well on an empty stomach. I situate myself on the ground with my legs in a pretzel shape. I take a deep breath and focus on my surroundings. It’s kind of like meditation. I kind of center myself so I can focus my senses on things around me. That way if someone tries to attack me I’m ready for it but I wasn’t ready for the huge ass male that tackled me to the ground. I went down so hard it felt like I was hit by a freight train. It totally came out of nowhere.

He jerked me to my feet and forced my hands behind my back. “Walk. I’m taking you to the Alpha. You can explain to him why you were watching his house.” I sigh. Shit. My luck is really going downhill lately. First vampires and now this. Wonder what kind of situation I’m about to walk into. I doubt it’s going to be pretty. Oh well, let’s just go with it. Might as well since I have nothing better to do.

The guy, who I assume is either an enforcer or a tracker takes me to the pack house and downstairs to the cells. He forces me into one and says “The Alpha will be here in a few minutes. Don’t try anything stupid.” He moves away from me to stand outside the door to the cells. Which was a mistake. I could have escaped at that moment had I chosen to but there wasn’t any point. Idiot didn’t even check me for weapons. Not that I was carrying many but still. I sit on the small cot cross legged and wait.

It doesn’t take long. The Alpha and the enforcer walk in a few minutes later. The Alpha grabs a chair from the corner, turns it around so the back faces my cell, and sits down. He says “My name is Orion and you are?”

“Liam.”

I don’t want to give him my real name just yet.

He nods and says “So, Liam. Want to tell me why a scout from the Paranormal Council is watching my house?” I stare at him wide-eyed before laughing so hard I nearly cry.

He stands and glares at me. “What is so funny?”

I wipe my eyes and say “Is that what you think I am? A scout?” He nods.

I flinch dramatically. “Ooo…sorry to break it to you sweets, but I’m not a scout. I’m a fixer.”

His face goes completely pale and he drops back into the chair. “A fixer…watching my house…but why? We haven’t done anything wrong.”

“It’s personal. I’m not here on orders. That’s all I’m willing to tell you.” He goes to say something else but my phone starts to ring. I hold up a finger at him signaling him to wait.

He hisses at his enforcer. “You didn’t take his phone?! Are you insane?!”

I snicker and answer the phone. “Hello?”

My mother says, “Hi honey. How are you doing?” A huge smile makes its way across my face. “Hey Ma. I’m doing as well as can be expected.”

She says, “Oh no, what happened?”

I sigh. “Well, I decided to surprise you with a visit but I think I went about it the wrong way.”

She says, “Oh honey, I’m so happy! I can’t wait to see you! Just wait until you meet the family. I told them all about you and they’ve wanted to meet you for so long but I wanted it to be your choice. Don’t worry though, only Orion knows your real name, everyone else knows you by the name Liam.”

My mouth drops open in shock. “Really?”

“Of course. You’re my oldest boy. When I needed to keep my other boys in line I always threatened to call you. They fell in line right quick too, let me tell you.”

I laugh and say, “That’s great mom but, I um kind of got myself into a little trouble.”

She gives me the mom voice when she says “What kind of trouble?”

I look the Alpha dead in the eye when I say “The kind that has me locked in the pack cells right now.”

She shouts loud enough for everyone to hear. “LYKOS CASSIDY!! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!!” I hold the phone away from my ear to protect it from her shouting.

I say into the phone “I’m sorry mom.”

“SORRY MY FOOT!! I’m coming down there right now!”

She hangs up and I stare at the phone. “Oh shit.”

The Alpha…Orion stares at me wide-eyed and says “You’re Vicki’s son?”

I run my fingers through my hair and say “Yeah? Sorry we’re meeting like this. I wasn’t sure if she’d said anything to you or the family about me or not so I stayed away. I was trying to protect her. I’m here because I wanted to see her that’s all.”

He looks over his shoulder and shouts “Keith open this door! My stepson shouldn’t be in the cells. If he’s in there when his mother gets here, she’ll kill all of us.”

Keith says “It’s not locked. He can walk out.”

We both look over at him and say “You didn’t lock it?” Keith shrugs and walks off. I look at Orion and say “Dude, you really need better help than that. He didn’t even check me for weapons.” Orion shakes his head and we walk up the stairs together. We reach the top and find my mother standing there tapping her foot with her arms crossed.

Orion smiles, kisses her cheek, and says “Hi honey.”

She glares at him, points her finger, and says “You! You had my son locked in the cells!! I am so not happy with you right now.” She punctuates every word with a jab to his chest.

He raises his hands in surrender. “For the record, the door wasn’t locked and he was only in there while I asked him a few questions. I didn’t know who he was!”

She raises an eyebrow at him and says “Mhm…sure.”

His mouth drops open in shock. “It’s true!”

She turns to me and smiles “Lykos honey, it’s been too long. Look at you, you’re all grown up! Come here.” She holds out her arms for a hug and I immediately step into them. I can’t help it. I’ve missed my mother’s hugs. She uses the opportunity to pull my ear and start in on her lecture.

“What were you thinking?! You could have been injured or killed! If you wanted to see me all you had to do was call.”

I wince. “Ow, ow, ow. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I’ll call next time. Please, let go of my ear.” She narrows her eyes but releases the hold on my ear. I rub it gently to soothe the pain. “Devil woman.”

She looks at me with a raised eyebrow “What was that sweetie?”

I smile. “Nothing. I didn’t say a word.”

She nods, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “Well, since you’re here now why don’t you come over to the house for an early dinner with the family? You can meet everyone.”

I nod and say “Okay.” She loops her arm through mine and we walk out of the pack house together. Orion follows close behind.

She’s smiling the entire time. “I can’t believe it. Just look at you, so many tattoos, I’ve never seen so many. Except maybe, on your younger brother Julian but you definitely have more than he does. You’re still so tall too. I didn’t think it was possible for you to get any taller since I last saw you but I think you have.”

I laugh and say “Probably.” We walk into the house and I’m immediately hit with the amazing smell of food. My stomach growls and my mother laughs.

“Sounds like someone’s ready to eat.”

I laugh and say “Yeah, I’m starving.”

“Come on everyone should be in the dining room. Your sister was helping me finish up the cooking when I decided to call you. Everything should be ready now.” We walk into the dining room where six people are sitting around the table chatting. The conversation suddenly stops when we enter the room.

Everyone must’ve stopped to scent the stranger with their mother but because of the cologne they wouldn’t get much. My mom smiles and says “Everyone this is Liam my oldest son. He surprised us with a visit. Isn’t that nice?” Everyone’s mouths drop open in shock. One guy leans so far back in his chair to see he hits the floor. He jumps up and laughs then comes over to me. I’m taller than he is so he has to look up at me.

The first words out of his mouth are “Dude! You totally have way more tattoos than I do! See Cheyanne! I told you there were some people out there with more than me and that my amount wasn’t a lot!”

The girl he must’ve been referring to sticks her tongue out at him and says, “Whatever Julian, you just want an excuse to get more.”

He rolls his eyes and says, “So? They’re cool.” He grabs my arm and says, “Come sit by me.” He drags me over to the table and pushes me into a chair.

Our mom sits at the end of the table with Orion at the other end. She smiles and says “Let me introduce everyone so that Liam doesn’t get confused.” She nods toward the end of the table and continues “You’ve already met Julian and Cheyanne. Next to Julian is Mikhail. Across from him is his mate Darla. On your right is Fin and across from Fin is his mate Andrew.”

I look over at Fin wide eyed and say, “You’re gay?”

He glares at me and says, “Yeah, got a problem with that?”

I laugh and say, “No, not at all. I was just fascinated because you have a mate. Are you guys’ fated mates?”

Fin nods and says, “We are.”

I smile. “That’s awesome.”

Fin blushes and says, “Thanks, I guess.”

Andrew looks at me and says ‘So, what about you Liam? Are you mated?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m not. I’ve kind of given up hope honestly. When you’ve been around for over 3000 years and still haven’t found the one for you it puts a damper on things.”

Andrew spits out the soda he just drank and says, “You’re over 3000 years old?”

I shrug and say, “Yeah, I thought all of you knew that already.” They shake their heads and I look over at mom.

She shrugs. “I didn’t want to broadcast it.”

I laugh and say “I understand.”

Mikhail says, “So, what do you do for a living?” As we pass around the plates of food and start serving ourselves I think about how to answer that.

I sigh and say “I work for the council.”

Mikhail says, “Oh, the Shifter Council? Me too. I’m an enforcer but I have to say I haven’t seen you around before. I would’ve remembered.” I grab the pitcher of water in the center of the table and pour myself a glass.

I take a generous sip, clear my throat and say “Um no, not the Shifter Council.”

Darla says “Then, which one?”

I sigh and run my fingers through my hair. Before I can say anything my phone rings. I thank the fates for the reprieve while I answer the call. “Hello?”

Valik says “Lykos, it’s Valik.”

I sigh. “Yeah, Valik what is it?”

He says, “I have an assignment for you.”

“What?! You can’t be serious! I’m on vacation.”

He says, “Yeah and vacation doesn’t mean anything to you unless you decide to be the one taking it. You’re a workaholic. Krealik ordered it so, it doesn’t count for you. I know you.”

I sigh. “Yeah, and I’m having dinner with my family right now. I may have been ordered to take the vacation and had my ass kicked by Krealik for that shit the other night but I intended to take the vacation.”

Valik says, “I’m sorry but this assignment needs your expertise.”

I sigh and run a hand down my face. “What’s the assignment?”

“Trolls. They’ve come through a portal from the Fae realm and are terrorizing a wolf pack in Oregon. You need to get out there and take care of it before they reveal us all to humans.”

I groan and start pacing the floor. “You’re fucking kidding me! Trolls?! You’re sending me to deal with fucking Trolls! Are you insane Valik?! Do you have any idea how big they are?! Jesus Christ!! I can’t believe this shit! You fucking owe me!!” I hang up the phone and plop down in my chair. Thinking to myself “Fucking Trolls. Seriously. I’m going to need a long fucking vacation after this. Eight months of nothing but rogue this rogue that, Hey Lykos take care of this for us. Nonstop fucking shit. At least it wasn’t dragons this time. Man I hate those guys. Uptight hoity toity assholes. Fucking Paranormal Council owes me big time for this shit. Trolls, really?!”

It’s when I hear the dead silence in the room that I realize I just said all of that out loud. I look around and find everyone staring at me. I just smile and wave “Umm. Hi guys how much of that did you hear?” My mother stares at me gaping like a fish.

My brother Mikhail says, “All of it pretty much. So, you work for the Paranormal Council?” I nod.

“That’s cool what do you do?”

I smile. “I’m a fixer.” I stand up and walk to my mom. “Thanks for dinner. Sorry I didn’t get to eat any of it but I have to go. There’s an emergency out in Oregon.” I kiss her cheek. “I’ll call you.” I wave at them as I walk out the door. Once I’m inside my SUV, I check my email for the assignment then drive towards Oregon.

Chapter Seven

Declan

It’s been almost two weeks since Mirajane moved in with me. Things are going really well between us. I can really see myself with her permanently. At first, I didn’t want to be involved with any of the planning for the ceremony but she kind of talked me into it. Now, we’re working together on it. She asks for my opinion whenever she has ideas and I ask for hers. Her friends are planning a bachelorette party for her on the same night as my bachelor party next week. Well, technically it’s in a few days since we’re already into the weekend.

They’re going to have it here at the house while my brothers have mine at Wyatt’s club. Most of the stuff is already planned out but there are still some things that need finishing touches. Today though, I’m going out on the boat with Crispin. Between all the planning for the ceremony and getting to know Mirajane, I’ve kind of neglected my friend recently. To make it up to him we’re going on a fishing trip today. I know he’s been helping my brothers plan the bachelor party so I hope to get a few details out of him.

I make sure all my gear is loaded onto the truck before I climb in it and drive to the docks. I park the truck, grab my stuff and climb onto the boat. Crispin is late getting here so I have to get everything ready myself. Once he arrives we untie the boat and head out onto the bay. I save all my questions until we get to our spot and get anchored. “So, what things do my brothers have planned for the bachelor party?”

He laughs and says, “I’m not telling you shit. You can ask all you want but you won’t get anything out of me.”

I sigh. “Damn, and here I was hoping I’d get some idea of what I’d be walking into.”

He shakes his head and says, “Nope. I can assure you though. It will be fun and you will leave drunker than a skunk.”

I laugh and say, “Well then, I look forward to it.” After a few minutes of silence I turn to him and say “Do you know who is coming?”

He says, “Yeah, me and your brothers. Some guys from the pack we went to school with will be there and I heard a few people from Coal Springs are also coming to show their support of your mating.”

I stare at him with a raised eyebrow “Do you know the guys from Coal Springs?”

He shakes his head. “None of us do but your dad gave them permission to be there. They heard about it through the grapevine I suppose. Since they asked for permission from the Alpha and it was granted Wyatt can’t exactly turn them away at the time of the party.”

I shrug and say “That’s kind of suspicious but, there’s nothing I can really do about it.”

Crispin looks at me and says “There’s one other thing.”

“What?”

He says, “At the party, if you find someone you would like to you know, share a bed with one last time before you commit yourself fully to this relationship. Your brothers and I will look the other way. We won’t keep you from having one last hurrah before you strap yourself down with the old ball and chain.”

I stare at him wide eyed “What about the guys from Coal Springs? I doubt they’ll look the other way. It’s part of the truce. I can’t cheat.”

Crispin shrugs. “Technically, you aren’t cheating. You said you couldn’t cheat while you were bonded. You’re not bonded yet. So, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying one last hurrah before the ceremony. Don’t worry about the guys from Coal Springs. We’ll keep them occupied if you do happen to find someone.”

I nod and say, “Okay. Not saying I will find someone but it’s a deal I guess.”

“Deal. Now, let’s fish.”

After hours of not catching anything we decide to head back to the shore. We tie the boat to the dock and load our gear back onto our trucks. Crispin says “Hey, let’s go get something to eat before we head back. I’m starving.”

I laugh and say, “Alright, I’m pretty sure there’s a restaurant around here somewhere that’s within walking distance.”

He points and says, “I think it’s that way.”

We start walking and I can’t help but laugh. “This is just sad. We live here and we don’t even know where the restaurants are.”

He laughs with me. “It is pretty sad.”

We find the restaurant about two blocks away from the docks. It isn’t super busy so we get a table easily. I order a huge steak platter and he gets a burger with everything and fries. I don’t realize how hungry I actually am until the food is placed in front of me. I devour that shit. I’m pretty sure some animalistic noises are made and some people may have been staring at me but damn I couldn’t help it. I was starving.

I pay for the food once we’ve finished and we walk back to our trucks. Crispin calls out “See you in two days for your bachelor party.” I nod as I climb into my truck. I thought it was further off than that but I guess not. I crank the truck and head off towards home.

I walk in the door a few minutes later to find Mirajane sitting at the table with a few of her friends. She smiles at me and says, “Hey, you’re back early. I thought you’d be later. Did you catch anything?”

I shake my head and say, “No, we didn’t catch anything.”

She nods and says, “Have you eaten? I made spaghetti, there’s plenty left over.”

I smile and say, “Yeah, we stopped at that little diner two blocks from the docks and grabbed a bite. I had steak.”

She laughs and says, “Okay, well we’re just going over some details for the ceremony if you want to help.”

I shake my head and say, “Nope, I’ll leave that to you lovely ladies. I’m going to go shower and sleep.” I kiss her cheek and say, “I’ll see you in the morning.”

She smiles and says, “Okay. Goodnight.”

“Night.” I walk down the hallway and into the bedroom. It’s nice to come home to a house that isn’t empty. I strip out of my clothes and walk into the bathroom. I tap the waterproof tablet I have built into the wall that controls my sound system. I’m a little weird. I have to have music to sing to while in the shower. Well, when I’m not in a rush that is. Once I’ve got the music going, I turn the water in the shower to near scalding just the way I like it and step under the spray.

I wiggle my hips to the beat while I wash my hair and if I happen to sing into the shampoo bottle while doing so, then there’s nothing wrong with that. I rinse myself and continue with the rest of my routine. Once I finish my shower, I step out and dry myself off then wrap the towel around my waist. I brush my teeth, hang the towel back up once I’m done then pull on my sleep pants and crawl into bed.

The next day is spent going over bonding ceremony details with Mirajane before she goes to work. After she leaves, I spend the day cleaning the house, doing the laundry that we forgot to do over the weekend and making out a grocery list for things we’ll need for the rest of the week so that I can do the shopping. I would’ve done all of this over the weekend but we were busy planning everything and I forgot, so I’m doing it now. Especially, since tomorrow night is my bachelor party and that’s all I’ll be focused on. Apparently, the guys have an entire day of stuff planned to do with me before the official party at the end of the night.

Once I’ve got the list ready I double check that I’m dressed. I don’t need another no pants dilemma like last time and head out to do the grocery shopping. It doesn’t take me long to get to the store. The grocery store isn’t that far into town. I probably could have had them delivered but that’s just too much work for the old wolf that runs the place. I know someone else is taking over for him when he retires or dies but they aren’t doing the deliveries yet. They’re still in training technically.

I grab a cart and greet the old wolf on the way in. “Afternoon Percy.”

He smiles and nods “Afternoon.” I walk down the center aisle and start stocking the cart with the things on the list. Once I’m done I head up to the front, pay for everything and go. I put everything away as soon as I get home, fix myself and Mirajane a quick dinner and head to bed as soon as we’ve finished eating. I know it seems kind of harsh but I’m just super excited to start the next day.

My brothers and Crispin wake me up via air horn around seven the next morning. I now know how my conquests felt. I apologize to all of you for my assholishness. We start the morning off with a run in our wolf forms. We run for a while, play, and even hunt. We finish the run around eleven. After the run they take me out for lunch and we go a couple towns over to one of those paintball parks. We break into teams of three and face off against each other for a couple games of paintball.

Once we finish with paintball we go back to Wyatt’s house where we all have showers to get rid of the paint and change clothes. Wyatt and I are the same size so I borrow some of his. He picks the outfit which turns out to be a pair of black leather pants, a tight black muscle top, a black wrist cuff and my black boots that I was already wearing. After we’re all dressed and ready, we stop for a bite to eat before heading over to Wyatt’s club in the city.

Wyatt’s club is packed when we get there. There’s even a line around the block. He has a table reserved for us in the VIP section. Some people are already there and Wyatt introduces them as the guys from Coal Springs. I don’t pay attention to their names just plop down onto one of the plush couches surrounding the table. Everyone files in around the table. Wyatt sits next to me and orders a round of drinks from the waitress. She walks off before I’ve ordered anything.

When she comes back she has another waitress with her. She places the drinks in front of everyone while the second waitress places this huge ass blue drink in front of me. I stare at it wide eyed and say “I didn’t order this.”

Wyatt laughs and says, “I did brother. With our metabolisms it’s hard to get drunk and since it’s your bachelor party you’re supposed to get drunk. So, I ordered you this. You drink one of these and keep drinking steadily after it and you’ll be drunk in no time.”

I just kept staring at the drink. It was literally a fucking huge ass fish bowl of glowing blue liquid. “What is it?”

“It’s called Witch’s Brew but don’t worry, there are no witches involved in the actual making of the drink. Drink up!”

I shrug “What the hell, might as well.” I pick it up and chug it. I immediately feel the buzz after it’s all gone. “Can I have another one of those?”

Wyatt stares at me and says, “I don’t know, they’re pretty potent.”

“It’s my bachelor party man. I want to have fun.”

He sighs and says, “Fine, but two is your limit. Regular drinks after that.”

I give him a two finger salute. “Scouts honor.” He orders a second one for me and I smile.

When the second one comes I chug that one too and continue with steady shots of tequila afterwards. After a while I nudge Wyatt in the side, “Let me out, I want to go dance.” He nods and lets me out of the booth. I stand up and all the alcohol I drank rushes to my brain. I stumble but steady myself.

Wyatt yells “Are you okay?”

I shout back “I’m fine! See you later!” I walk out to the dance floor and push my way through the bodies until I reach the center. I close my eyes and lose myself to the beat.

After a while, a pair of hands lands on my hips and I’m pulled back against a hard body. I’m not used to being the one held from behind by a dance partner but, it’s kind of nice. I reach my arm up behind me and wrap my hand around the back of my partner’s neck. Surprisingly, he’s a bit taller than me. I like that. I pull his head down so that his chin is resting on my shoulder and we’re closer together as we dance. I tried to scent him but the alcohol has dulled my senses so, I can’t scent shit.

He runs his nose along my neck and bites the tip of my ear. I shiver from the contact. My ears are kind of a hot spot, not that anyone has ever figured that out. Most of my partners have all been shorter than me and never wanted to top me. Is it odd that I’m an Alpha shifter that wants to be dominated? I think it might be but it’s my deepest desire. Another nip on my ear followed by a little lick has my cock hard and ready inside these leather pants. I can feel my dance partner’s erection rub against my ass every time we move together.

He practically growls into my ear “You smell fucking fantastic wolf, I bet you’ll taste even better.” I turn my head to look up at him and find myself staring into crystal blue eyes. He has these sexy little tattoos at the corner of each eye right on his cheek bones that I kind of want to lick. I lick my lips instead and his gaze immediately lowers to track the movement. I open my mouth to say something but before I can his lips are on mine and his tongue is inside my mouth. The kiss itself is electric. It’s like fireworks going off on my taste buds, it’s that good.

We’re panting when we finally pull apart, he looks down at me and smiles wickedly. “You want to get out of here?” All I can do is nod. I pat my pockets to make sure I have my cell phone and wallet –which I do- that way I don’t end up stranded anywhere. He grabs my hand and leads me out the front door to a black SUV in the parking lot. He presses the unlock button on the keys and opens the passenger door for me. I laugh and say “Thanks,” as I climb inside.

He smiles and says, “No problem.”

He climbs in on the driver side and cranks the SUV. I jump at the rock music suddenly blaring from the speakers. He winces and reaches over to turn it down. ‘Sorry, I like to jam.”

I laugh and say “It’s okay, I just wasn’t expecting it. You don’t have to turn it down.”

He smiles and says “It’s fine. I don’t need to be pulled over for disturbing the peace this late anyways.”

I laugh and say “Yeah, you’re probably right.” He pulls out of the parking lot. I put my hand on his thigh, stroking his leg slowly while he drives.

He growls “You’re playing with fire.” I wink at him and continue to stroke his leg. I glance over at him and nearly laugh. He’s white knuckling the steering wheel. I lightly brush his crotch and he groans. While I continue to tease him I say “So, what’s your name?”

He grabs my hand to still its movements. “Liam, yours?”

“Declan.”

He parks the SUV and says, “Well Declan, I’d appreciate it if you stopped teasing me.”

I frown. “Why?”

He laughs and says, “Because sweetness, if you don’t stop I’ll fuck you on that seat. I don’t see why I would want to do that when I can take you upstairs and do the same thing on a bed.”

I smile. “Well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s go.” I climb out of the SUV thankful that I didn’t stumble this time and wait for him to get out. He locks the SUV and takes my hand leading me inside the hotel. He presses the button on the elevator for the 6^th floor. Once we reach the 6^th floor he leads me down the long hallway and stops in front of room 613. He pulls a room key out of his pocket and unlocks the door, the lights are already on inside the room. I assume he left them on.

I put the do not disturb sign on the door and lock it behind us. As soon as I turn around he pushes me back against the door and kisses me senseless. He licks my bottom lip and forces my mouth open with his tongue. He explores my mouth thoroughly until it becomes more important to breathe. He pulls away and we both take a couple deep breaths. I wrap my arms around his waist and pull him closer, grinding our erections together to relieve some of the pressure.

His hands move under my shirt and start to push it up. He kisses his way up the left side of my neck and whispers into my ear “I’ll fuck you first and then we can switch. Sound good to you? Or you can do me first, either way is good for me.” I don’t even notice when he takes my shirt off, too focused on his question. He’s already started on the pants so I have to answer soon. I sigh when the pants are finally gone. Sweet relief. He looks up at me from his position on the floor. “You going to give me an answer sweetness?” I grab his hand and pull him up so that I can strip him down. I nod as I strip off his shirt.
He smiles and says “Yeah? What is it?”

I lick my lips and say, “I want you to top me but I’m an Alpha wolf so I’m not exactly sure how my wolf is going to take that.”

He laughs and says, “Sweetness, I won’t make your wolf submit although with what I am it’s likely that he would. Don’t worry about a thing.” He kisses me before finishing on a whisper “I’ll take care of you.”

As soon as I have him naked he leads me to the bed and pushes me back onto it. He grabs lube and a couple condoms from a black bag that’s on a chair and drops them on the bed next to me. He climbs onto the bed and knee walks over to me. I look up at him admiring all the ink that covers his body. “How do you want me?”

He smiles and says, “Just as you are sweetness, it’ll be easier for your wolf if we’re face to face.” He grabs a pillow and puts it under my hips then reaches for the lube.

Once he gets situated between my legs he pours some lube onto his fingers and rubs it around my hole then he moves down a little and takes my cock into his mouth at the same time as he inserts a finger inside of me. I gasp at the slight burn but the pleasure from having my dick sucked is taking away from it. He finger fucks me in time with his sucking until I’ve become a writhing mess. “Ah, Liam…stop I can’t…I’m going to come.”

He releases my dick with a pop and says with a smile “That’s okay sweetness, I’m sure I can get you hard again. You can come if you want to.”

I shake my head. “I don’t want to. Not until you’re inside.”

He smiles wickedly “Well, all you had to do was say so sweetness.” He tears a condom with his teeth and slips it on then removes his fingers. He uses what’s left of the lube to lube himself up. He looks up at me as he positions himself “You ready sweetness?”

I nod. “Yes! Fuck me! Seriously, I might die if you don’t.” He thrusts inside in one hard push. There’s a slight burn at the start while I adjust to his size but it mellows out into intense pleasure.

I groan long and loud. “Yesss….”

Liam looks at me and says “Are you alright?”

“I’m perfect. Just fucking move.”

He laughs. “Sure thing, sweetness.” He starts off by pulling out slowly and pushing back in just as slowly then he gradually picks up the pace. Until finally, he’s thrusting into me so hard the headboard is hitting the wall. I growl, I moan, I scream, and when he starts to peg my prostate on every thrust I lose it. I may have turned womanly for an instant with the sounds I made. “Yes, fuck right there, Jesus….”

I eventually partially shifted which has never happened to me during sex before. I know I clawed the shit out of his back but he didn’t seem to care. Just stared right back at me with now glowing glacier blue eyes. It was fucking stunning to watch. One pretty good thrust had my back arching and my canines dropping. I cried out “So close going to….” The urge to bite hits me hard all of a sudden. Without thinking I strike as soon as my orgasm hits. Liam groans and I feel a sudden flood of warmth from the inside. Knowing that he came from my bite has me extremely satisfied for some reason that I don’t fully understand with my alcohol addled brain.

I pull my teeth free and gently lick the bite closed. Liam pulls out gently and tosses the condom into the trash bin by the bed. He has a look on his face that’s hard to decipher. To me it’s a cross of something between awe, satisfaction, and adoration. He kisses my cheek and says “I’ll go get something to clean you up with. Be right back.” I nod and once the adrenaline rush from the sex wears off I proceed to pass out as soon as he leaves the room.

The next morning, I woke up with the sunlight streaming through the blinds hitting me right in the face. I flinched away from the light before forcing my eyes open. My head was pounding, which is strange for a shifter but not unheard of. I must’ve drank way too much the night before. Too bad I can’t remember any of it.

I look around the room suddenly aware that I am in an unfamiliar place. I should’ve known that I wasn’t at home with the sun coming through the blinds. Blackout curtains were made for a reason and since there are none here, I’m certain that I am not in my own bed.

I stand up and stretch my arms above my head taking a deep breath as I do so. Suddenly, a tantalizing scent hits my nose and I suppress a groan. I slowly turn around and say “Holy shit, what have I done?” I immediately start pacing the floor. There’s a tattooed, male, hot as fuck, gorgeous shifter in the bed sporting a claiming bite. Yeah, so obvious what happened last night. Especially, since he smells fucking amazing like the ocean during a lightning charged thunderstorm while the room itself smells like sex. Yep. Totally obvious what I did last night. Oh shit, this is bad.

I quickly grab my clothes and run into the bathroom. I lock the door behind me and jump into the shower. I turn the water to scalding and scrub myself near raw with the hotel soap to get rid of the scent. Once finished, I put on the clothes I wore last night and pull my phone from my pocket. I check the messages first. There are three from my brothers and one from Crispin. All of them pretty much say the same thing. That they saw me leave with a guy and they’d cover for me. Also to be safe. Yada, yada, yada. I pace back and forth not sure who to call but, in the end I settle on Crispin.

Chapter Eight

Lykos

It took me two and a half weeks to take care of the Trolls in Oregon. I had to make a trip to the Fae realm and everything. It was not fun. When I finished the job, I immediately told Valik I was going on vacation because I needed a bit of a break. After I hung up the phone, I decided to go out for a night of clubbing and while there, maybe find someone to take back to my hotel room for the night. Imagine my surprise when I noticed a buff, tanned, brown haired, hottie in leather tearing up the dancefloor. He danced like a twink but he was built like an Alpha. The idea of that combination alone made my mouth water.

I chugged the rest of my Jack and Coke and made my way over to him. Once, I got close enough to scent him, it hit me like a ton of bricks. So fucking sweet like vanilla and raspberries. The smell alone got me instantly hard. The close dancing made it painful. Which brings us up to what happened on my end after the sexcapades. I was in the hotel bathroom grinning like a loon to myself in the mirror sporting a fresh claiming bite. It was only part of the process but it was a start. I knew he’d had a few drinks judging by the way he tasted like tequila and something fruity so, I made sure to play it safe this time around. We could finish our bond anytime. I’d have hated myself if he felt like the decision had been forced on him the next morning.

I wet a washcloth in the sink and walked out into the bedroom. He was already fast asleep so I gently wiped him down as best as I could without waking him. I threw the rag towards the bathroom and turned off the lights. I climbed back into bed next to him and pulled him over so that he was lying on my chest. I smiled as I fell asleep.

That brings us to the present which is now, the morning after. I wake up in bed alone, but after hearing the shower turn off I’m excited that my mate is still here. Hoping to have breakfast with him and get to know him a little better I get up and get dressed. Concerned that he’s taking a while in the bathroom, I walk over to knock on the door and suddenly wish I hadn’t. “You know I never wanted a mate Crispin!! Then my dad says I have to take one and she’s not that bad. I could see myself with her you know? The mating ceremony is in three weeks! Three weeks!! And I just fucked it up! This will start a pack war! What am I supposed to do now?!”

I sigh, finally realizing what it’s like to have the hope you’ve held onto for so long snuffed out in an instant. So, I’ll be alone forever, big deal. I’m used to it. Guess, I better get used to an empty house. But, hey at least I have my family now. That’s something. Shit, this sucks. Never thought rejection could hurt this bad. Fuck.

I grab all of my stuff and throw it into my duffel bag. Once I’m sure I’ve got everything I walk over to the nightstand and scrawl a note onto the hotel stationary. I leave the room keys beside it, don my sunglasses and walk out the fucking door with my head held high like a badass. That’s what I am. A badass. A little thing like heartbreak won’t get me down even if it does make me want to burn something to the fucking ground in a fit of rage, but I’ll be fine. I’ll just end my vacation a little early. Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I’ll go back to work and get my mind off of it.

Before I do that though, I have to fulfill the promise I made to Declan in the note I wrote. Once I’m back at my own house on my little island I find myself a spot and sit on the floor in a pretzel. I calm myself and clear my head then I push out with my mind and reach for my uncle.

Uncle are you there?

Yes, nephew I am here.

I need your help

What is it?

Can you sever the mating link between me and my mate that was formed last night?

Yes. There are two ways. One cannot be undone the other can.

Explain. Please.

The one that cannot be undone severs the tie completely, your scent will no longer appeal to him or her. You will no longer be mates. The one that can simply starts the process over. It’s like a reset button. It severs the tie that has already been started but if you change your mind you can start the bonding process again.

I’ll go with the reset button.

So it will be.

Thank you.

As soon as that last thought leaves my mind searing white hot agony shoots down the side of my neck from the claiming mark straight into my heart. I scream until it’s finally over. A bond that took only seconds to form with a mistaken bite took three days to sever. It was the worst pain I have ever felt in my entire life and I never want to experience it again. My voice is hoarse now because I screamed so much.

Once my voice is back to normal it’s back to the daily grind.

Today, finds me with a sleaze named Rat Bill. Seriously, that’s his name. He’s a fucking cockroach and I’m supposed to be torturing him for information. I already got the information I needed. He was easy to break but, I’m not in the mood for easy. I don’t want easy to end my day early. I don’t want to go home to an empty house because my fucking mate didn’t want me.

So, here I am still torturing Rat Bill because I don’t want to go home, because I’m still pissed the fuck off, because if I don’t do something productive the emptiness in my heart is going to eat me alive. Rat Bill finally wakes up after having passed out from the pain earlier. I stare coldly at the tools on the table. “Tell me Rat, does a cockroach scream when it dies?”

He squeals “I don’t know man! I don’t know!”

I turn around and smile the coldest smile I can muster. “Well, let’s find out then. Shall we? You filthy little cockroach.” He screams as I rip out his insides with a hook. I guess, I finally snapped huh?

I pack up my tools and step outside to wait for the cleanup crew. I got the number from Valik so that I could stop asking him every time I needed one. Especially lately, I’ve gotten more violent than usual. Valik says he’s concerned. Krealik says if I keep it up it could be me on the chopping block next but, I just can’t find it in myself to give a shit anymore. Why should I? The man fate chose for me didn’t even want me. What the fuck am I supposed to do with that? That’s all I had left to live for. My mother has her own family so she’s not alone anymore. She doesn’t need me to survive.

I shout at the sky “What the fuck am I supposed to do now!!?” I don’t even realize I’m crying until I collapse on the ground with my head in my hands. By then though, it’s turned into full blown sobbing. Guess we can add full on mental breakdown to my list of undesirable personality traits. I leave once I see the cleanup crew’s van pull up to the building. I don’t even explain where to find the body like I usually do. I just get the fuck out of there before they see me losing my shit.

The next day, I find myself sitting in an interrogation office like the ones in a human police department. Krealik is sitting at the table across from me and Valik is standing behind him. I guess the cleanup crew reported in about the mess I made last night, and with the recording I sent in containing the information they’ve probably figured out I continued the torture even after he gave up the information. I’m in for one hell of a lecture. Krealik leans forward. He steeples his fingers and points at me. “I don’t know where to start. What the fuck is going on with you? You’re spiraling out of control.”

He throws down Rat Bill’s case file in front of me and says “That shit right there is what I’m talking about. What the fuck were you thinking? He gave up the info at the beginning but you continued and the way you ended it was…just fucking brutal let’s put it like that. You are one seriously twisted individual. We all know that but you’ve never gone this far. So tell me, what happened?”

I sigh and run my hands over my face. “I found my mate.”

Krealik says, “That’s great kid but that’s no reason to go off the deep end.”

I bark out a harsh laugh. “Ugh, yeah it is. He doesn’t want me. The guy is already planning to bond with someone else so yeah. I’m sorry for losing my shit but it’s really fucking hard not to.” Jesus, I’m such a fucking loser nearly crying just talking about this shit. I’m so much stronger than this.

Krealik stares at me wide eyed “Shit, I’m sorry. Why don’t you take some time off?”

I practically shout “No! I can’t. I can’t handle being alone. I need to work. It’s all I’ve got left. I’ll try and reign in my anger about it but, I can’t take time off. I’ll fucking snap if I do.”

He nods and says, “Okay, no vacation then. Why don’t you go to one of the training rooms and let your anger out on some equipment?”

I laugh and say, “Nah, this kind of rage is only going to be taken care of with arson. So, unless you have some old shack I can burn to the ground then I’ll handle it myself.”

Valik steps forward and says, “You can burn my house down. I just bought this place I wanted to fix up but, the water lines burst and flooded the place so all the old wood is ruined and I’d have to gut it anyways. So, you can burn it down and I can start from scratch. Win, win situation.”

I laugh and say, “Okay, sounds good to me. I’ll meet you over there in a few hours yeah? I need to pick up some supplies.”

He nods and pats me on the shoulder. “See you then. Sorry about, you know.”

I nod. “Thanks.” He walks out and I’m left alone with Krealik.

He looks at me and says, “You get this shit under control got it? I really don’t want to have to find a way to kill your immortal ass.” He walks out before I can reply. I shrug and walk out. I have to make a trip to the store before I head to Valik’s. First stop is Wal-Mart for a couple plastic gas cans, lighter fluid, and some other things like lawn chairs, and stuff to make s’mores. It’ll be a fucking party.

I stop by the liquor store and get a few big ass bottles of vodka because well, I plan to get shitfaced and with my metabolism I need a lot to accomplish that. I stop by the gas station and fill the containers I bought then I head to Valik’s. He’s already waiting when I get there. I unload everything and he says, “Damn what’d you do? Bring an entire arsenal of fuel and shit?”

I laugh and say, “Well, you said you flooded the place so the wood is wet and will be harder to light. I want this place to go up in flames not fizzle out.”

“And the vodka?”

I shrug. “I plan to get drunk. Best way to ease a broken heart is to drink the pain away, so I’ve heard.” I close down the back of the SUV and say “So, let’s get this party started.” I take two cans of gas and douse the outside perimeter of the house and the walls then I take the other two and douse the inside. I add the lighter fluid at the front near the door since that’s where I’ll aim when I start the fire, then I walk back outside.

I take Valik by the arm and pull him back with me so that we’re a good distance from the house because when this baby goes, she’s going to GO. I send a spark of lighting right at the front steps and watch it go up in flames with a whoosh. Valik hands me a bottle of vodka and says “Here you go.” I pop of the cap and tilt the bottle back, taking a giant swig.

I wipe my mouth and say to Valik “I can’t believe you let me burn your house down.”

He shrugs. “We’re friends. I wasn’t going to let you keep spiraling and end up being one of our cases instead of the one handling them.”

I shrug. “I wouldn’t have cared if it happened. I think that’s the reason why I did it.”

Valik stares at me in shock. “That was your goal? To die? Are you insane?!”

I shake my head and take another sip of vodka. “No, just tired of being alone.”

“I understand what you mean but still that’s no reason to end it. You’ll find someone.”

I shake my head. “Even if I do it won’t be the same. I’ve had a taste of what it’s like to be with a fated mate. If I can’t have that then I’d rather be alone or dead whichever happens first.”

As I sit there drinking vodka like it’s water I realize that what I’ve said is true. I would rather be alone or dead than be with someone who isn’t my fated mate. With that thought in mind I continue to drink. I’ll drink to forget tonight, and tomorrow I’ll shake off the pain like it’s nothing and get back to work. I won’t let it keep me down for long even if I have to shut off my feelings. I’ll just be a cold hearted son of a bitch for the rest of my life. I can do that. There’s no need for me to smile and pretend to be happy so I’ll just be cold and frown all the time. It works and there’s no pretending in it. It’ll be the start of a new me. At least it would’ve been if I hadn’t gotten that phone call the next morning.

Chapter Nine

Declan

I walked out of the bathroom after my phone call with Crispin and found the room empty. The only thing that proved my mate had ever been there was the note on the nightstand next to the room keys.

Declan,

I know biting me was a mistake, since we used a condom last night the bond is incomplete. Don’t worry though I’ll take care of it. You can continue with your ceremony as planned. If this does get out and a war is started, call me and I’ll handle it. 857-6959. Good luck with your mating.

P.S check out is at noon. The room is paid for so enjoy breakfast on me. Sorry for ruining your night.

Jesus, he heard everything and he thinks he ruined my night. I’m pretty sure he didn’t ruin the night. If anything he probably made it but, I can’t really remember it anyways. I program the number into my phone under the name my mate L. I hate that I can’t remember his name when he obviously knows mine. I fold the note and put it in my pocket. It might be sappy but it kind of smells like him and even though I said I didn’t want him in a fit of hysterics I was wrong. I just have to figure out a way to get out of mating with Mirajane without starting a pack war. It’s not going to be easy but I’ll work it out. I grab the room keys and head downstairs. I turn the keys in at the front desk, grab a bagel from the free breakfast bar and pick up a taxi out front to take me home.

Mirajane isn’t home when I get there which isn’t odd since she’s probably working. The house is surprisingly clean even though she had a bachelorette party here last night. I change my clothes and walk over to Crispin’s house. I knock on the door and he pulls me inside and slams the door. “What was that all about?”

He peeks out the blinds and says, “We have a problem.”

“What do you mean?”

He crosses his arms and says, “I mean, Wyatt just called after I got off the phone with you and said that your dad was on a war path. Apparently, someone caught you macking on your dance partner last night and sent the pictures to both your dad and Bastille. They’re pissed. Mirajane was ordered to come home immediately while they discussed what to do.”

I collapse on the couch “But, I didn’t technically cheat. We aren’t bonded, those were the terms. He was my fated mate and I fucked that up too.”

Crispin nods and says, “Yeah, fucking awful timing. If this starts a pack war it’ll be the end of Asphalt Bay. How’d you fuck up with your mate?”

I shake my head. “He overheard the conversation I had with you but that’s not the point. It won’t start a pack war. I may have fucked up with my mate but he did give me an insurance policy. His phone number and a note that says if a pack war is started to call him and he’ll handle it.”

I shrug but continue. “I’m not sure what he’ll do because I can’t remember a thing from last night, I only know he’s a shifter. That much I could tell from his scent this morning but I got nothing else because I was too busy freaking out.”

Crispin nods and says, “Well, I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out. Have you heard anything from your dad?”

I shake my head. “Nope, and that’s what scares me.”

It takes five days for my father to finally call me into a meeting. Mirajane hasn’t been back to the house at all during that time. I have no idea what I’m walking into with this meeting but I need to get it over with. I nod at the enforcers guarding the office door on my way in. I’m immediately shocked to find both Bastille and Mirajane sitting on one of the couches across from the chair my father is sitting in, at the center of his office.

I clear my throat and say “You called for me, dad?”

He waves me over and says, “Come and sit down son, we have a lot to talk about.” I walk over and sit down in a chair next to him. He rests his elbows on his knees and says “Now, you know why we’ve called you in here?”

I nod and say “Yes, I do.”

Bastille says, “We’ve gone over the terms of the truce you laid out for the past few days and after some lengthy discussions we’ve come to the conclusion that the truce hasn’t been broken. However, my daughter doesn’t wish to continue with the ceremony because of what has happened. She’s afraid that it could happen again in the future and we want to avoid a pack war.”

I sigh and say, “Oh, thank the fates.”

Mirajane says, “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

I look at her and say, “I’m sorry for what happened, I really am and while I could promise you that it wouldn’t happen again I’m not going to because I want out of this as much as you do. That man wasn’t some random trick he was my fated mate. Of course, I had too many drinks and can’t even recall his name and I messed it up because I was so freaked out about this truce. I didn’t want to start a pack war. Which I almost did anyways because some asshole took pictures. So, I’m sorry things turned out the way it did but I hope we can still be friends Mira.”

Bastille says, “We’re looking into where the pictures came from. I’ve narrowed it down to three suspects that were there that night but they refuse to talk and no form of interrogation is working on them. They’re extremely tight lipped.”

Mirajane smiles at me and says, “Of course we can be friends. I’m glad you found your mate.”

I look at Bastille and say, “I might be able to help with the interrogation part.”

My dad says, “How? You’re not an interrogator.”

I laugh and say, “No, but I said I screwed things up with my mate right? Well, he left me his phone number and a note in case a pack war was started. His exact words were call me and I’ll handle it. So, I figure if he was going to handle a pack war then maybe he can handle the interrogations.”

Bastille says, “Well, I don’t know about you Joseph but I say we let the boy call his mate. I don’t see the harm in trying.”

My dad nods and says, “I agree. Call him son.”

I pull out my phone and dial. I wait patiently as it rings. He answers on the third ring I think he assumed I was someone else because he says “Valik, I swear to god if you send me after more dragons I will come down to that office and put my foot so far up your ass you’ll be choking on my leather boot. I have had it with these uptight, hoity toity bastards.” There’s a noise in the background and he shouts “Shut up dragon cunt I’m talking here!!” Then he says all sickeningly sweet “Now, what is it I can do for you on this fine day sir?”

I laugh and say, “Um, hi it’s Declan.”

There’s dead silence in my ear and I check to make sure the call is still connected. He finally starts talking after releasing a sigh. “Hey. Wasn’t expecting you to call.”

“I kind of need your help.”

He laughs harshly and says, “Yeah, of course you do. So, what is it? I’m working so talk fast.”

I sigh. I really fucked this up. “I know you said you could handle a pack war if what happened between us got out. Well, it got out but I managed to avoid the pack war.”

“So? What do you need me for?”

I run my fingers through my hair and say “Interrogation. The suspects we have that leaked the info aren’t exactly being cooperative.”

He sighs. “Fine, I’ll handle it. What pack are you with?”

“Asphalt Bay.”

He laughs and says, “Just my luck. I’ll be there in three hours.” He hangs up and I stare at the phone in shock.

My dad says, “So, what’s the verdict?”

I look over at him and say, “He’ll be here in three hours.”

Bastille stands says, “I’ll have the suspects brought over here. See you in three hours.” He and Mirajane leave.

I look over at my dad and say, “So, where are we going to set this up at?”

He says, “The basement where the cells are most likely. There’s a lot of space down there.” I nod and we head that way.

He sets up two chairs across from each other with a table in between, standard interrogation style. Bastille and his enforcers come down with each suspect. They put each one into their own cells and lock the doors. We walk up the stairs to the living room and wait for my mate to arrive. When the three hour mark passes and he still hasn’t arrived I worry that he isn’t going to come.

One of my dad’s enforcers comes into the room and says “Sir there’s a Liam Cassidy outside the gate. Says he’s expected. Should we let him in?”

My dad nods and says, “Yes, let him through. Bring him straight here.” I’m suddenly full of excitement at the prospect of seeing him again. I really want a second change to make things right.

The man that walks through the door after the enforcer a few minutes later is a wet dream walking. He’s wearing black cargo pants with knives strapped to his legs, black combat boots, and a tight fitted black long sleeve shirt with the sleeves pushed up; topped off with black leather gloves, sunglasses and an unlit cigarette between his lips. He has a large duffel bag over his shoulder but the thing I notice the most is that my claiming bite is no longer on his skin. Is that what he meant by taking care of it?

My father stands and holds out his hand. “I’m Joseph Devine, Alpha of Asphalt Bay but only for a few more weeks. It’s nice to meet you Liam. I hear you’re my son’s fated mate.” Liam’s expression doesn’t change at all.

He shakes my dad’s hand and says, “Nice to meet you sir. Where are the suspects I’m supposed to be interrogating?”

My dad says “Follow me, they’re in the basement.” Bastille and I follow after them. When we get to the basement my dad, Bastille and I all move off to the side and let Liam do his thing. He takes one look at the table set up and laughs. He moves one chair to the corner pushes the table against the wall and drops his duffel down onto it. He opens it and pulls out a black case that’s rolled up like a sleeping bag, a couple rolls of plastic, tape, a smaller black case, and zip ties. He cracks his neck, opens the black roll and unrolls it down the length of the table then he flips it open revealing the contents within.

He drops the rolls of plastic on the floor and kicks them so they unroll across the basement. He picks up the chair and rolls the plastic to the other side of the room under it. He unfolds the plastic and tapes it down then he covers the walls with some smaller rolls of plastic. Once that is done he looks over at us and says “Bring me the first one and put him in the chair.” My dad opens the cell and grabs the first one. He struggles but my dad gets him to the chair. He’s still fighting but Liam injects him with something out of a syringe and he stops fighting.

“This will only knock him out for a few minutes. Usually, the shit I use is more potent but I had to improvise on short notice.” He zip ties the first guy’s hands and feet to the chair and steps back to wait for him to wake up. He doesn’t even look our way when he says “If any of you are squeamish leave now.” None of us leave.

When the guy starts waking up Liam slaps his cheeks to help him along. “Wakey, wakey pup. Time to get up.”

The guy glares and says, “Who the fuck are you?”

Liam laughs and says, “I’m the one that’s going to have you squealing like a stuck pig and turning on your little friends.”

The guy scoffs and says, “Bullshit, there are laws against us using those kind of interrogation tactics on our own kind.”

Liam shrugs and says, “Yeah, well those laws don’t apply to me. So, here’s how this is going to work. I’m going to ask you a question and you are going to answer, got it?”

“No fucking way.”

Liam shrugs and says, “I guess we’ll do this the hard way then.” He picks up a knife from the table and throws it at the guy lodging it right into his thigh. While the guy is sitting there screaming Liam tilts his head and says “Shit, I missed.” He throws another knife and this time it lands in the guy’s other thigh. Liam frowns “Missed again. Damn. I am off my game today.”

The guy screeches, “Missed?! Missed what?!”

Liam smiles this evil smile and says, “Your junk, tsk. Guess, I’ll have to try again. You ready to talk now or did you want to lose your manhood?”

He screams “It was Steve!! I had no idea I swear! Please, please, leave my balls alone.”

The guy that must be Steve, in cell three starts screaming “Shut your mouth you stupid fuck!!”

Liam looks between them and saysm “Well, that was quick. My work here is done. I’ll leave the cleanup to you guys.” He pulls his knives from the guy in the chair, wipes them off, and packs his tools back into his duffel bag. He puts a set of black doctor booties on over his boots and strolls out of the room.

I look between my dad, the guy in the chair, and the door. Making a split second decision, I make a mad dash for the door hoping to catch Liam before he leaves. I run straight through the front room of the house and out the door. Once I’m outside I take a deep breath to calm myself so that I don’t sound so much like a phone stalker.

I look around and find him bent over behind an SUV pulling off his doctor booties. He opens the lift gate on the back, pitches the duffel bag inside and drops the booties into a mini trash can. He closes down the back and walks around to the driver side door. I finally snap myself out of whatever staring hold I was under just in time to call out “Liam wait!!” He sighs and closes the door he’d just opened.

He turns around, crosses his arms and says “What do you want Declan?”

I run my fingers through my hair and say, “Can we talk?”

He snarls. “Oh, so now you want to talk?!”

I nod. “Yeah, I want to talk.”

He stomps forward and shouts in my face “Well then, let’s fucking talk!! Let’s talk about how you bit me after we fucked and then called it a mistake the next morning! Let’s talk about the fucking agony I had to go through to have the bond we started severed!! Oh, I know! How about we talk about the fact that you’re going to mate with someone else and leave me to be alone for the rest of my fucking life while you prance around happier than a…a...fucking Christmas tree on crack!! Yeah, let’s talk about that!”

By the time he’s finished his rant he’s breathing heavily. I can’t help but stare at him in open mouthed shock. I almost want to laugh at that last part but I don’t. Instead, I just smile and grab his hand. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that to you.”

He pulls his hand away and says “Don’t touch me. I can’t handle it.” Boy, this is going to take some serious groveling but I’m prepared for that.

I grab his hand again and say “Well, you’ll just have to get used to it. I have a few things I want to say to you and since you don’t seem to want to talk to me you’re going to stand there and listen.”

He glares at me and says, “I don’t have to do shit.”

I shrug and say, “No, but you’re going to.”

He sighs and says, “Fine, talk. I’m listening.”

I nod. “Good. First off, I’m sorry you heard that conversation. You weren’t supposed to and I hate that you did. I was freaking out about the possibility of a pack war and I wasn’t thinking when I spoke. No brain to mouth filter.”

“It’s fine, I’m not worried about it. You done? Can I go?”

I shake my head. “Not yet. Second, the only reason I was mating with someone else was to become Alpha and hold a truce with the Coal Springs pack.”

He sighs. “I know all of this already, what’s your point?”

“My point is, I found you. There’s no need to choose someone else as a mate to become Alpha when I have a fated mate. The truce side worked itself out.”

He tilts his head like he’s making sure he hadn’t misheard what I said “So, what are you trying to say?”

I smile. “I’m saying that I want you. I always wanted you even if I didn’t act like it. I’m sorry I made you feel differently.”

He smiles wickedly and says, “I hope you’re sure because I won’t be undoing our bond a second time.”

I nod. “I’m sure. I was sure of it that day you left me alone in a hotel room because of a conversation you overheard.”

He laughs and says, “Good, now hold still.”

I stare at him wide eyed. “For what?”

“For this.” He grabs a handful of my hair, jerks my head to the side, and sinks his shifted canines into my shoulder. The bite of pain has me almost pulling away. However, the pain quickly shifts to a burning pleasure that rapidly spreads from my neck straight to my crotch and has me releasing a groan. I’ve never come so hard, so fast before and in my jeans no less, on the front porch of the pack house! Wow, I’m totally going to be the pack gossip for weeks.

He pulls his teeth from my shoulder and licks the wound closed. He strokes my cheek and smiles at me “Sorry about that sweetness. I know it hurt but I wasn’t about to let you walk around unclaimed. At least in part, now that you’ve made it clear that you want this.”

I blush. “It wasn’t that bad.”

“Good. I have to go now. I have some things to take care of but I’ll be back later. Which house is yours?”

I point in the general direction. “It’s down that way. The blue one with the white shutters and the red door. You can’t miss it.”

He nods and says, “Good, I’ll be back sometime tonight. We have some things to talk about before we take care of our unfinished business.”

I smile. “Okay, do you like steak? I can cook.”

He laughs. “I love steak. Who doesn’t?” “Veggie people?”

He laughs harder and says, “Okay, smartass. I’ll see you later.” He kisses my cheek and steps off the porch. I watch him climb into his SUV and wave as he pulls off then I head back inside to help with the cleanup. Afterwards, I go home to cook dinner and pack up Mirajane’s things so that she can pick them up.