Holland Brothers 01 Unexpected Mate

Published by Silver Publishing

Publisher of Erotic Romance

Unexpected

Mate

The Holland Brothers Book 1

Toni Griffin

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Dedication

To Shane

The love you give me on a daily basis brings joy to my

heart.

Thank you for not laughing at me when I started this crazy

adventure.

To everyone at Silver Publishing

Thank You

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Toni Griffin

Chapter 1

The loud pop of his tire blowing and the truck

suddenly pulling to the side as he drove down the highway

had been enough to give anyone a heart attack."Shit! Could

this week get any worse?" Brian exclaimed as he slowly

manoeuvred his truck over to the side of the highway.

It was getting dark, and he didn't have a spare. He

knew it was something he should have gotten fixed before

starting his journey, but he had to leave in such a hurry it

had slipped his mind. Thinking back over the last week, he

had to grimace. Whatever had possessed him to finally be

open and honest about his sexuality was beyond him. He'd

known his parents wouldn't be too happy, but he never

thought they would back his Alpha in having him kicked

out of the pack. He didn't think being gay was that big of a

deal, but apparently who he slept with was the entire pack's

business.

He grimaced as he remembered his Alpha telling

him to leave and not come back, as his kind weren't

welcome. He wasn't even given a chance to pack his

belongings. So he had jumped in his truck with nothing but

the clothes on his back, his wallet, and phone and driven

away from the only home he had ever known. He'd been on

the road for the last three days, slowly heading towards the

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southern parts of Australia. Stopping only to sleep at night,

he wanted to put as much distance between himself and his

old pack as possible. He hadn't even had a chance to let his

wolf out for a run and was feeling the tension in his skin, as

his wolf was itching to be let out.

Brian had no idea where he was heading; he had no

family apart from those he'd left behind, and they no longer

wanted anything to do with him. It was just his luck that his

truck would have to break down about five miles from the

next town. He'd been seeing signs for Leyburn for the last

ten minutes. It looked to be a relatively nice small town,

but one could never tell until you met the people.

Brian leaned back against the driver's seat and

closed his eyes. Running his hands through his hair, he took

a deep breath. This helped him settle his wolf even as his

world seemed to be crumbling around him. He had no job,

no family, no pack, and he had to walk away from his one

and only friend. What little money he had in savings was

fast being eaten away by his constant travel. Tears started

to prickle his eyes as he tried to hold them back. He would

not cry!

"What the hell am I going to do now?" Brian asked

out loud, even though there was no one there to answer

him. As he looked in the rear-view mirror, he noticed a

police car had pulled up behind him.

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"Great," Brian grumbled. "This just keeps getting

better and better. I'll bet he's going to tell me it's illegal to

break down on this stretch of the highway."

As he kept watching in the mirror, the sexiest man

he'd ever seen stepped out of the police car and started

towards him. Brian couldn't take his eyes off him. God, he

was stunning. He had to be at least six foot four with a

muscular body and dark brown hair bordering on black that

fell into his eyes. Brian couldn't make out the colour of his

eyes yet, but he was sure they were gorgeous, and the man

had lips that Brian could spend hours kissing and never get

enough. Brian's cock twitched at the sight of the beautiful

man.

"Just what I need, to get beat up for trying to come

on to a cop. Behave," Brian told his cock.

The officer knocked on the window. Brian wound it

down as he looked up at the man and noticed that his eyes

were a deep chocolate brown. Before he could say

anything, the most amazing scent reached him. It was

primal, very male, musky, reminding him of running in his

wolf form through the woods. His wolf instantly sat up and

took notice, itching to get closer to this most amazing scent.

His cock went rock hard in a matter of seconds and

throbbed insistently against the fly of his jeans.

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"Shit! You're my mate," he blurted out, not even

thinking to censor what he was saying. At the look on the

officer's face, he wished he had.

* * * *

Inspector Marcus Holland was not in the best of

moods. He was sick of having to try and defend himself as

to why he hadn't taken a mate and settled down to have few

cubs. It wasn't for lack of trying, that was for sure. Marcus

dated as often as he could. There were only so many

opportunities in a town the size of Leyburn. He just never

seemed to click with any of the women he dated. And they

never seemed to last longer than a couple of weeks.

He'd just gotten off the phone with his mother, who

demanded to know what was wrong with Stacey, the

woman he'd broken up with a couple of days before. It

never took long for news to filter back to his parents. He

hadn't told anyone the reason he'd broken it off with the

pretty blonde. She had actually managed to last for nearly a

year. He wasn't that broken up about the end of their

relationship. He wasn't in love with her, and the sex was

okay, but nothing earth shattering. Marcus always preferred

to sleep alone and had never allowed her to spend the night,

making some excuse about being needed at work early.

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Marcus was furious at Stacey for what she'd tried to

force him do. He was still tossing up as to whether he

should inform Alex, his Alpha and brother, about the

situation.

His dispatcher radioed through about a breakdown

just outside the town limits, and as he was the closest, even

though he was on his way home after another gruelling day,

he thought he'd check it out. As he pulled in behind the old

Ford truck, he noticed the out of state license plate.

"So, not a local then," Marcus mumbled to himself

as he got out of the police cruiser and started towards the

other vehicle. As he got closer, the sweetest scent started to

prickle his nose. His wolf was suddenly scratching at him

to be let out to investigate, and his cock hardened in

seconds. He'd never had this reaction to anyone before and

moaned as he took in a deep breath to try and get his body

under control. It didn't work. The scent of flowers and

sunshine flowed through his body, and he moaned again,

quietly, as he stepped up to the driver's side window.

Tapping on the window, he waited for the occupant

to wind it down. Taking another breath, he tried to calm his

racing heart. He didn't understand what was going on with

his body. As the window lowered, he looked into the most

amazing pair of green eyes he'd ever seen.

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"Shit! You're my mate," the man in the truck said.

Marcus jerked back and frowned down at the man still

sitting in the truck. Surely he couldn't have heard what he

thought he just had.

"What did you say to me?" Marcus asked, still

frowning at the man.

"You're my mate," he repeated, this time without

the cursing and a small smile gracing his beautiful face.

"Mate? What are you talking about? I don't know

you, and I'm not gay," he replied firmly. Marcus inhaled the

sweet scent again. He realised this man didn't smell like

pack, but he was definitely a wolf shifter, meaning he

would know all about mates. Marcus shook his head, trying

to clear it of the thoughts racing through his brain. "Nope,

not gay," he repeated more for himself than the other man.

"Name's Brian Townsend," he said as he held his

hand out through the window.

"Don't really care what your name is, just need you

to move your vehicle," Marcus grunted as he took another

step back from the man with the stunning scent. The guy's

face fell as he made that last remark. He didn't know why

he'd said it, but the young man had him feeling out of sorts.

Being confronted with this stunningly beautiful man who

claimed to be his mate had him feeling like he had been hit

upside the head. He wasn't gay; he couldn't be gay. He had

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never been attracted to a male before. Well, no that wasn't

exactly true, but he had never acted on it. Why would fate

mate him with a man when it was his job, as the only

straight man in his family, to have cubs and help continue

the family name? Brian looked like someone had just

kicked his puppy.

"Look, we are not mates," Marcus stated in a very

firm voice. "You need to move your truck. If there's

something wrong, here's the number for the local garage.

They're probably closed, but someone will come and tow

the vehicle so it can be fixed in the morning."

He handed over the number, careful not to touch

Brian, and turned to leave. As he was turning, he noticed

Brian wipe a tear from his cheek. He felt a pang in his chest

at causing the other man hurt but stiffened his spine and

walked back to his cruiser. It took all of his effort not to

turn around and go back to Brian. He could not be gay. His

parents were counting on him being straight. As he got in

the car and drove away he refused to look in his rear-view

mirror for fear it would be his undoing.

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Chapter 2

Marcus pulled into the driveway of the house he

shared with his three brothers and groaned. Of course all

his brothers had to be home. God, they hadn't all been

home at the same time in weeks. Why did they choose now

to all be here when he just wanted to be by himself? His

cock was still rock hard, and it didn't seem like it would be

going down anytime soon. He could still smell Brian's

scent; it clung to him like it didn't want to let go. He

groaned again and thumped his hand against the steering

wheel. This couldn't be happening.

Steeling his nerves, he got out of the car and walked

towards the house. He could hear his bothers inside talking.

He schooled his features and opened the door.

"Marcus, come on in here," his eldest brother Alex

yelled out to him from the living room.

Well, I guess that takes care of that, Marcus

thought. No sneaking through to his bedroom. He should

have known it wouldn't be that easy. Straightening his

shoulders, he went to join his brothers in the living room.

As he walked in, he noticed Alex lounging on one of the

brown leather sofas with his feet on the coffee table. Next

to him was Patrick, or Rick as he liked to be called, and

Simon was taking up one of the recliners by himself. They

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all looked so relaxed watching the football game. Marcus

strode over to the other recliner and flopped down. His

cock was still hard, and this was the last place he really

wanted to be.

Alex smiled at him "What's the matter with you,

bad day at work?"

"Nothing's the matter. Leave it alone," he grumbled.

Alex just looked at him with that piercing gaze of his, then

noticed the bulge in his pants and raised an eyebrow at him.

Marcus quickly grabbed a cushion from behind him

and shoved it over his throbbing cock.

"You ok there?" Alex had a smile on his face that

Marcus was really starting to dislike.

"Yeah fine," he growled at his brother. That

eyebrow went up again. Shit.

"Talk."

"No."

"Marcus." Crap. Why did Alex have to use that

damn Alpha voice of his?

Taking a deep breath, Marcus sighed. "I think I met

my mate today."

Alex smiled at him. "What do you mean you think?

Where did you meet her? What's her name?"

Both Simon and Rick were now paying more

attention to him and Alex than they were to the game.

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Marcus ran his hands through his hair, the action

making him think that Brian must have done the same thing

that afternoon, because his hair looked all rumpled like he'd

just gotten out of bed. His cock jerked in his jeans, and he

had to hold back a moan. Jesus, this couldn't be right. A

man? … Really?

Looking up, he realized all his brothers were staring

at him quite intently. Well, no time like the present to find

out how they'd react to the news.

"His truck broke down just out of town," Marcus

said, staring Alex in the eyes. He noticed the exact moment

Alex processed what he had said.

"He? Your mate's a man?" Alex asked. The look on

his face was priceless. Any other time Marcus would have

burst into laughter at his Alpha's stunned look, but he just

couldn't seem to find this situation all that funny.

He nodded, not saying anything. He noticed the

satisfied smirks on his other brothers' faces.

"Well, it looks like you owe me fifty bucks," Rick

said to Simon with a smirk on his face. Marcus was stunned

speechless for a minute. The room fell silent as the brothers

continued to look at each other before Marcus found his

voice.

"You bet that my mate was going to be a man?" he

asked.

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"Sure, why shouldn't I? Just because you're not

comfortable in your sexuality yet to explore what you want

doesn't mean I don't know what you want. I see the way

you look at guys. It was an easy bet to make. Simon should

have believed me when I tried to tell him."

Marcus snapped his mouth closed, only just

realising he had been doing a wonderful impersonation of a

fish. Did his brother just say he knew he was gay? "Shit,

Mum and Dad are going to freak. I was the only straight

one left. Their only chance at having grandcubs."

Alex replied before the others could.

"They're not going to freak. Mum and dad probably

won't be too happy about the cub situation, but they'll still

love you no matter who you sleep with."

Marcus just sat there and stared at his brothers,

trying to take everything in.

"So where is this mate of yours anyway?" Simon

asked. "I expected once you found your mate you wouldn't

want to let him out of your sight." Simon gave him yet

another one of those smirks.

"Oh god. He really is my mate, isn't he?" he moaned

to no one in particular. Leaning forward he placed his head

in his hands as he groaned. What had he done? He'd sent

his mate away. He'd been so cruel to the man, and he hadn't

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even told him his name. How was he going to fix this? Shit,

was Brian still even in town?

"Yep," came the reply from Simon.

Alex looked more closely at Marcus's face. "What

have you done? How bad is it?"

Marcus cringed at the tone but replayed the earlier

scene to them while trying not to squirm too much under

their gazes. "What am I going to do?"

It was Simon who replied first. "I suggest you haul

ass and try to find him. Call George from Den Motors and

see if he gave the guy a tow. He might know where he

went. If you're lucky and you find your mate, he might just

forgive you in about a hundred years with a lot of

grovelling."

Not even thinking, he jumped to his feet, pulled out

his phone and dialled George while running to his car.

"Come on… answer already," he grumbled.

"Den motors. You've got George."

"George, Inspector Holland here."

"Inspector, how are you? What can I do for you this

fine evening?"

"Did you get a call for a tow just outside the town

limits this evening?"

"Yep. Poor guy looked pretty devastated when I

arrived. Could tell he had been crying, though he tried to

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hide it. Towed his truck to the shop and promised him I'd

fix it first job in the morning. Why?"

Oh god, his heart was breaking at the thought of

Brian being in tears because of what he'd said to him. How

could he have been so cruel to someone he was supposed to

love? He hoped Brian would forgive him. His brothers

were right. He was going to have to do a lot of grovelling to

get his man to forgive him. His man. Funny, but he liked

the sound of that all of a sudden.

"Do you know where he's staying?"

"Yeah, I dropped him off at the motor lodge after

we dropped his truck at the shop."

"Thanks, man, I owe you one." Before George

could reply, Marcus hung up the phone, started his cruiser,

and headed in the direction of the motel where Brian was

staying. He would have to apologize to George later for

cutting him off, but at the moment his mind was on one

thing, and that was getting to his mate.

* * * *

Brian was curled up in a pair of boxer shorts in bed

at the motor lodge where the nice guy who'd towed his

truck had dropped him. The guy might have mentioned his

name, but Brian just couldn't get his brain to work at the

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moment. The only thought going through his mind was that

no one wanted him. Not his parents or his old pack and

apparently his mate didn't want him either. He'd always

been led to believe that mates were supposed to be perfect

for you. They were your other half, the missing piece of

your soul. If that were the case, then why did fate decide to

stick him with a straight man? It just wasn't fair, damn it.

Brian curled in closer and pulled the quilt up to his

chin, trying desperately not to start crying again at the turn

his life had taken. Gathering his strength, he decided if his

mate didn't want him, there was no reason to stick around

here. He would head down to the garage tomorrow, pick up

his truck, and start driving again. Satisfied he had at least

some sort of plan in place, he closed his eyes and attempted

to get some sleep.

A knock at the door a half hour later scared him

enough that he let out a little squeak. Deciding he couldn't

possibly know the knocker, he ignored it. A few seconds

later, another knock sounded. Cuddling into his quilt, he

wished whoever it was would just join the rest of the world

and leave him alone.

"Brian? I know you're in there. Please open the

door."

Oh god, what did Marcus want? He had been

listening enough this evening to hear when the tow truck

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driver told him the Inspector's name was Marcus Holland.

Brian couldn't think of a reason why he would be here in

the middle of the night knocking on his door. He had made

his feelings clear earlier when he had walked away from

him without a backward glance. But knowing all that didn't

stop his cock from hardening in a matter of seconds and

throbbing in his boxer shorts just at the sound of the man's

voice.

"Please, Brian? I want to talk to you. I'm sorry

about earlier. You caught me by surprise." He sounded so

lost. Brian was in the process on throwing his quilt off

when he remembered how he had felt this afternoon, and

all the hurt came rushing back.

"Go away," Brian said as he pulled the covers back

over himself. "You can't possibly have anything else to say

to me. I'd say you said it all earlier. Please just leave me

alone. I will be out of your town by tomorrow morning."

Brian tried not to let his hurt show through in his voice. He

curled up, bringing his knees up under his chin.

"No! Brian, please, baby, just open the door so we

can talk. I promise I'll leave then if you still want me to.

Just please let me in. I need to see you." He sounded so

defeated.

Brian slowly got out of bed and walked towards the

door. Resting his forehead and hand against the back of the

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door, Brian softly spoke to his mate, "Give me one good

reason why I should let you in." Taking a deep breath, he

waited for the reply. It would have to be bloody good for

him to open the door.

"You're my mate. I don't want to lose you."

When he heard the reply come through the wooden

door, Brian yanked the door open and stood there, glaring

at the man opposite him.

"I'm your mate? That's it? That's your one good

reason? I tried to tell you that earlier this evening and you

didn't want to know anything about it. You denied me and

walked away, leaving me in a broken down truck on the

side of the road. I would say it's a little late to be worried

about losing me, don't you think, Inspector?"

"God, you're beautiful. And it's Marcus, not

Inspector." Marcus's breathy reply left Brian standing there

with his mouth hanging open. Of all the replies to his little

rampage Marcus could have gone with, that was not one he

thought he'd hear.

"I'm sorry. What did you just say?"

Grinning, Marcus said it again as he swept his eyes

slowly from Brian's head down his body and back up again.

"I said you're beautiful. You look damn sexy when

you're angry, and those shorts look sexy as hell on you."

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Brian sucked in a quick breath when he looked

down at his body and realised he was standing in the

doorway in nothing but a pair of boxer shorts with a rock

hard cock trying its best to escape the confines of the

fabric. He groaned as his cock twitched again. Turning,

Brian quickly walked to the bed, ripped the sheet from the

foot of it, and wrapped it around him. He heard the door

softly click closed behind him.

Taking a deep breath to settle his nerves, Brian

turned to face Marcus. God, the man just got more

breathtaking every time he saw him. Still in his full

uniform, hair looking like he had run his hands through it a

time or two, and shoulders he just wanted to wrap his arms

around, Brian had to make a concerted effort not to step

forward and do just that.

Marcus was still watching him, a wicked smile

playing across his lips. Looking into Marcus's eyes, he

could see the hurt and guilt shining in them. Brian's wolf

was scratching at him to go claim its mate. It couldn't

understand why he was standing still when his mate was so

close. Shaking his head to stop himself from walking

forward, he looked at the ground.

"What do you want, Marcus?"

Marcus slowly walked towards him. Even so, it

came as a surprise when a knuckle was placed under his

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chin and gently urged him to look up. God, Marcus was

tall. With his own frame not quite hitting five foot ten,

Marcus had at least six inches on him. Looking into

Marcus's eyes once more, Brian could see a spark of

something he didn't quite recognise. When Marcus slowly

lowered his face towards his, Brian refused to move.

Marcus stopped mere millimetres from touching his lips to

Brian's.

"Kiss me," Marcus demanded as his lips lightly

brushed Brian's.

Brian shook his head. He wasn't going to be the one

to take the first step. He'd already tried that once and had

his heart stomped on. If Marcus wanted this, then he would

have to be the one to initiate it. Brian had also never been

one to take a lead role in the bedroom, always preferring to

take on a submissive role to his partners.

Marcus groaned, grabbed the back of his head and

crushed their lips together. Pleasure like he had never felt

before raced down Brian's spine and stiffened his cock

further. Groaning as Marcus demanded entry to his mouth,

he opened for him and felt Marcus's tongue start its

exploration. Brian tentatively let his tongue intertwine with

Marcus's and groaned again at the exquisite feeling. With a

great deal of regret at the need to breathe, Brian pulled

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back. Resting his forehead against Marcus's chest, he

sucked in great gulps of air.

"For a straight guy, you sure know how to kiss,"

Brian said into his mate's chest. Marcus flinched at the

words but didn't pull away. Instead, he tightened his arms

around Brian and pulled him closer.

"I'm sorry about earlier," Marcus replied softly. "I

was just having a really bad day, and you caught me

completely by surprise. I never imagined my mate would

be a man. I've never acted on any feelings I may have had

towards another guy before. You're the first man I've

kissed." Brian felt Marcus kiss the top of his head. The

thought of him being the only man Marcus had kissed

bought a smile to his face, and his wolf wanted to be let out

to claim his mate. Brian snuggled in, his nose in the hollow

where Marcus's neck met his shoulders. Inhaling deeply, he

groaned as the scent sent a wave of pleasure through his

body.

Marcus chuckled. "You like the way I smell?"

Brian just groaned in response and leaned back to

look at Marcus. He could see the happiness shining in

Marcus's eyes as he held Brian tight to his chest. He could

also feel the rather impressive bulge pressing against his

own rock hard erection. This made him moan again and

thrust his hips against Marcus's. It was then Marcus's turn

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to groan, but instead of continuing the touching like he

would have expected, Marcus stepped back.

Shit. He knew Marcus wasn't gay. What had ever

possessed him to act like that? Of course Marcus would

pull away from him. Taking a step back himself, he

wrapped his arms around his middle as he suddenly felt

very cold and alone. He was very quickly pulled back into a

rock hard chest and strong arms were wrapped around him.

Marcus kissed the top of his head.

"Baby, no. I would like nothing more than to get

naked and claim you right now. But I think it best that we

talk a little bit first, don't you?"

Brian could feel the blush burning his cheeks as he

looked up at Marcus.

"That's cute as hell," Marcus said as he gently

cupped his hand to one of Brian's cheeks and bent down to

kiss him. Brian let out a small whimper as he once again

tasted his mate. Pulling back yet again, Marcus took his

hand and led him to the bed.

"Come on, babe, let's lie down and talk for a little

while. I want to hold you while we chat." Brian let out

another whimper at the thought of being wrapped once

again in those strong arms.

Standing at the edge of the bed, Brian watched as

Marcus sat to take off his boots and his heavy work belt.

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Scooting back on the bed once he'd finished getting

comfortable, the man held his arms out for Brian. Brian

took one look at his sexy-as-hell mate and crawled into the

waiting arms. Spooning his back against Marcus's front, he

settled in and sighed as Marcus wrapped his strong arms

around him and squeezed tightly.

Brian's wolf seemed to curl up inside him in

contentment at being held. Should he mention this to

Marcus? Then thought, why the hell not? What's the worst

that can happen? He's already rejected me once. Before he

could say anything, however, he heard Marcus whisper in

his ear.

"Is your wolf as content as mine is at being here like

this? I swear if I was a feline, I'd be purring."

Brian chuckled. "Yes. And my wolf was just as

devastated as I was this afternoon when you walked away,"

he replied quietly, not knowing how Marcus would take the

information.

Marcus flinched again, but didn't pull away. Instead

his arms seemed to tighten around him.

"Trust me. My wolf wasn't too happy with me

either. It wasn't 'til I got home and my brother forced me to

tell him what was wrong that I really let myself think about

everything. I'm so sorry I hurt you. That was never really

my intention. I think I was in shock. As it turns out, my

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brothers weren't all that surprised to find out my mate was a

man. My younger brothers even had a bet going."

Brian chuckled at hearing Marcus's brothers bet on

the sex of his mate. He snuggled down farther and ground

his ass against the hard cock that was poking against him.

He heard a low growl come from Marcus and grinned.

"So who won the bet?"

"My youngest brother Rick. He said it was an easy

bet to make. I have three brothers. Alex is the eldest and

Alpha of our pack. I'm next. Then comes Simon, and Rick's

the youngest. And apparently we're all gay. Although you'll

be the first man I've ever been with."

"Holy cow, your brother's the Alpha? And he's gay?

What do your parents think about you all being gay?"

"Well, up until today, I was the only straight one of

the group, since I was in denial about being gay too. Mum's

been pushing me hard to take a mate and have a few cubs.

Probably because she knew she wouldn't get any from her

other boys."

"Oh god, she's going to hate me," Brian groaned as

Marcus nuzzled into his neck and laid soft kisses against

his skin.

"Nah. She might be a little disappointed about the

whole no-cubs thing, but she'll love you. You're my mate;

how could she not?"

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Quietly Brian replied, "It's surprisingly easy for

parents not to love their kids, as I found out recently." A

wave of hurt and pain swept through Brian at this

admission.

"Aw, baby, tell me what happened."

"Do I have to?" he moaned.

"Please. I'd like to know."

"I told my parents earlier this week I was gay. I just

didn't want to live without them knowing the truth, you

know? I like who I am, and I don't see anything wrong with

finding other men attractive. I wanted my parents to know

the real me, so I told them. The only other person who

knew was my best friend Jason." He took a deep breath.

"Needless to say they weren't happy. Dad stormed

out of the house and Mum burst into tears. Dad went

straight to our Alpha and a pack meeting was called. Alpha

McEwen stood in front of the entire pack and told me how

vile and perverted I was, then kicked me out. What hurt

worse was that Mum and Dad stood there and agreed with

his decision. I wasn't given a chance to pack my belongings

or to say goodbye to my one true friend. I just got in my

truck and drove away."

"Shit, Brian, that had to suck. How long have you

been on the road?"

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"Three or four days, I think. I had planned to get

back in my truck and keep going tomorrow morning, until

you turned up on my doorstep."

"I hope you've changed you mind, as you aren't

going anywhere anymore without me."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, basic question time. How old are you?"

Marcus queried.

"Twenty-three. What about you?"

"Just turned thirty. What about work? What did you

do before you left?"

"Promise you won't laugh?" Brian asked. He could

feel his cheeks heating.

"Baby, you can tell me anything. I won't laugh at

you."

"Okay. I was a florist. Always wanted my own

shop."

Marcus thought about that for a minute. "Makes

sense."

"Why does what I do for a living make sense?"

"Your scent. You smell like flowers and sunshine."

"Oh."

"It makes me hard the second I smell it."

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Brian turned his head, searching for a kiss from his

mate. Marcus dove into the kiss with abandon, grinding his

lips down on Brian's as he thrust his cock against Brian's

ass. Marcus's hand slid down Brian's body to cup his

throbbing groin. Brian groaned at the exquisite feeling of

his mate's hands on his body. Marcus quickly manoeuvred

his hand beneath Brian's shorts and wrapped his hand

around the hard length, slowly stoking from the base of

Brian's cock to the tip. Marcus's thumb rubbing against the

slit in the top of his cock was Brian's undoing as he thrust

his hips forward.

"Come for me, baby," Marcus growled against his

lips.

"Oh god, Marcus," he cried out as wave after wave

of pleasure exploded from his throbbing cock. Marcus

continued to stroke him until it seemed he had nothing left

to give.

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Chapter 3

Marcus couldn't believe he was lying here with his

mate in his arms. After the way he had treated Brian this

afternoon, he didn't think this would ever happen. Marcus

felt like the world's biggest heel after listening to what had

happened to Brian within his own pack and then, to top it

all off, he rejected him as well. He couldn't even imagine

what Brian must have been feeling.

Marcus slowly removed his hand from around

Brian's slowly softening cock. His hand was covered in

Brian's spunk. He moved his hand towards Brian's tight

hole and started to slowly work one of his fingers inside,

using Brian's cum as lube.

"Is this ok?"

"God, yeah," came the breathy reply.

Brian scooted his boxers down and then rolled over

onto his stomach. Marcus groaned at the sight of that tight

ass swallowing his finger. What would it look like when he

sank his throbbing cock into that tight heat? Moaning

again, he had to will his wolf to calm down, as all it wanted

to do was mount his mate and start fucking him. All in

good time, he thought, trying to soothe his wolf.

Drawing his finger back out again, he slowly

inserted two and began to scissor them in an attempt to

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loosen Brian up enough to take his cock. Brian moaned and

started to thrust his hips back to meet the fingers plunging

in and out of his ass. Adding a third finger, Marcus kept up

a steady rhythm. Searching inside Brian for that special

spot, he could tell he hit home when Brian cried out,

arching his back and thrusting his hips back with more

vigour.

"You like that, baby?"

"Just hurry up and fuck me already. I'm about to

burst"

Pulling his fingers out of Brian, Marcus quickly

unbuttoned his pants and pulled his fly down, shoving his

pants halfway down his legs. No time to take them

completely off, he thought. Quickly spreading the

remainder of Brian's spunk over his cock, he settled his

cock against the gorgeous hole in front of him, slowly

pushing forward until Brian's body swallowed the tip of his

length. He groaned and had to squeeze the base of his cock

hard to stop himself from coming. Sinking the rest of the

way into the welcome heat, he paused to let Brian adjust.

Brian groaned and thrust his hips back into Marcus,

giving him leave to move. Grabbing a hold of Brian's hips,

Marcus slowly pulled out until just the tip of his cock was

held in Brian's body then sank back down again. Marcus

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moaned at the pleasure racing down his spine towards his

balls. Sinking into Brian's tight heat was ecstasy.

"Harder," Brian cried out.

Marcus obliged. Tightening his grip on Brian's hips,

he started to pound into his ass as if there were no

tomorrow. Dragging Brian's hips down a little was enough

to change the angle of his thrusts and have him pegging

Brian's gland with every thrust. Brian cried out again as his

body rocketed into his second orgasm of the night. Marcus

bit back a growl as the exquisite feeling of his mate

clamping around his cock had his own orgasm ready to

burst from his body. Leaning over Brian's back, Marcus

sank his teeth into the muscle at the base of his neck,

claiming his mate for life. Feeling the mating bond take

hold in his head and his heart and tasting his mate's blood

in his mouth was more than Marcus could handle; he

shouted against Brian's throat as his cock exploded deep

within Brian's ass.

Marcus could feel the knot at the end of his cock

lengthen and take hold of Brian's prostate, milking another

smaller orgasm from Brian with the pleasure. Removing his

teeth from Brian's neck, he licked the mating mark clean

and watched it heal to leave his mark on Brian's neck for all

time. Brian groaned and collapsed on the bed under him,

bringing Marcus down on top of him, as they were still

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connected. Grunting he managed to manoeuvre them so the

lay on their side. He held Brian securely in his arms.

"Are you okay?" Marcus asked using the mating

bond they had formed. Kissing the back of Brian's neck, he

waited for his answer.

"Uh, yeah, I think you just killed me," came the

reply accompanied by a giggle. "I hope you like to snuggle,

because it doesn't feel like you'll be going anywhere

anytime soon." Brian ground his ass back against his hips.

"You'd better stop that if you plan of getting out of

this bed any time tonight."

"Who said I was getting out of bed? I'm quite

comfortable where I am, thank you very much." Marcus

could hear the grin Brian had on his face even if he couldn't

see it.

"I said you are. I need to get home as I don't have

any spare clothes here. I would like you to come home with

me. Please." Marcus held his breath as he waited for

Brian's reply.

"Umm, are you sure that's what you want?"

"Yeah, baby, you're my mate, and you belong with

me, not in some hotel room. I would like to take you home

where we can have a shower and snuggle down together in

my nice big bed. If we happen to get a little distracted

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somewhere along the way, that would be okay as well."

Marcus grinned.

"Sounds perfect."

Just then the knot let go of Brian, and Marcus's cock

slowly started to slip from inside Brian's body. They

moaned together as their bodies let go of one another.

Leaning forward and setting a light kiss to Brian's lips, he

patted him on the ass.

"Come on, babe, get up and get dressed." Marcus

tucked his cock back into his pants and did his zipper up.

Grabbing his belt, he clipped it around his waist and shoved

his feet in his boots, not bothering to do them up. When he

glanced up again, Brian was pulling a shirt over his head

and had his pants and shoes on already.

"Do you need a hand gathering your things?"

"Nah. I don't have much, just a spare change of

clothes I bought on the drive down here. I'll just get my

crap from the bathroom then I'm ready to go."

Marcus found his car keys and waited for Brian to

come out of the bathroom.

"We should head over to the reception desk so we

can check you out of the room, babe."

Brian's smile lit up his whole face and caused

Marcus's heart to jump. God, he would be happy for the

rest of his life if he got to look at that smile every day. That

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thought made him stop to think. Was he falling in love with

Brian already? Yes, Brian was his mate, and he expected he

would love him a great deal in time, but he didn't think it

would be this fast, especially after the rocky start they had.

"You okay there?" The question came through his

mind and startled him out of his thoughts. Smiling, he

pulled Brian to him and kissed him deeply.

"Yeah, baby, I'm just perfect. Come on, let's get out

of here."

After stopping to drop the keys at reception, they

climbed into Marcus's car and headed back to his house.

During the drive, Brian started to look a little nervous. He

began plucking at a loose thread on his jeans. Marcus

reached over and slid his hand into Brian's, giving it a little

squeeze to try and reassure his mate that everything would

be fine.

They drove the rest of the way to the house in

silence, just holding hands. Pulling into the driveway

behind Rick's Jeep, Marcus noticed the lights were still on

inside. It was getting close to midnight. What the hell were

his brothers still doing awake? Shit, he should have known

he wouldn't be able to walk his mate into the house without

getting the third degree.

"Umm, why are the lights on and who owns that

car?"

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"Rick owns the Jeep, both Simon's car and Alex's

bike are probably in the garage. And I assume the lights are

on because my nosy brothers want to meet you." He smiled

and squeezed Brian's hand again, trying to reassure him

that everything would be okay. He could see Brian trying to

swallow past a lump in his throat and felt his mate's heart

rate go up. Cupping Brian's chin in his hand, he leaned over

and gently kissed him, putting everything he felt for him

into the kiss. Pulling back to draw in a breath, Marcus

looked into the heavy-lidded eyes of his mate and smiled.

"Come on, babe. Everything will be fine. They'll

love you. And just in case they don't, it doesn't matter

because I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me."

"You may come to regret that later. I think I could

get very attached to you very quickly."

"Never, and I'm counting on it."

He opened the car door and stepped out on to the

driveway. The night was beautiful; barely a cloud in the

sky, and the moon was nearly full and shining down on

them. A slight breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees

as he took Brian's hand once again in his own. They

grabbed Brian's stuff from the back seat and locked the car.

Heading towards the door, Marcus could tell his mate still

felt nervous. He rubbed his thumb across the back of

Brian's hand, trying to soothe him.

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Settling his nerves, Marcus opened the door and

walked into his house, Brian following behind him. He

headed in the direction of the family room where he had

left his brothers earlier this evening. As before, they were

all in there, though they had changed positions. All eyes in

the room were suddenly on him and Brian. Marcus pulled

Brian to his side and wrapped his arm around his waist.

"Guys, this is Brian, my mate. Brian, these are my

brothers. The big guy over there on the recliner is Alex,

Simon is on the other recliner, and the young one on the

sofa is Rick."

"God, was there something in the water around here

when your mom got pregnant? No one should have four

sons this gorgeous. That's just not fair." Brian blushed as

the words finished tumbling out of his mouth.

Marcus growled at the thought of his mate finding

his brothers pleasing to look at. The other guys all burst

into laughter.

"We'll have to tell Mum you said that." Alex

chuckled.

"Oh god, please don't."

"So I take it you managed to work everything out

then, Marcus?" Alex asked while eyeing the tips of the

mating mark peeking out above Brian's shirt.

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Marcus growled at his brother, his wolf not liking

the way his Alpha was looking at his mate. Alex just lifted

an eyebrow and stared at him. Brian's hand was suddenly at

his back, stroking him, trying to soothe his wolf. He

immediately calmed down and took a breath.

"Thanks, babe, I think I'm going to be a possessive

bastard when it comes to you."

"That's ok, I like knowing you want me all to

yourself. It makes me feel special."

"Aw, baby, you are special."

"Have I told you yet that I like it when you call me

baby?"

"Nope."

"Well, I do."

Lowering his head to place a soft kiss against

Brian's lips, he then turned to his brother and smiled.

"Yeah, we worked it all out."

Simon just snorted at what was obviously an

understatement, and Marcus had to grin again.

"Anyway, guys, it's been a long day, so Brian and I

are going to turn in. We'll see you in the morning.

Goodnight."

"Goodnight. Don't make too much noise. Not all of

us have a sexy little distraction waiting for us in bed," came

Rick's reply. Simon and Alex laughed and said goodnight.

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Marcus bared his teeth and growled at his brother

again. He turned and pulled Brian out of the room before he

could even say goodbye, dragging him by the hand up the

stairs and down the hallway to his room.

The house they lived in was fairly large and had

five bedrooms, each with its own bath. There were three

downstairs and two upstairs. The upstairs ones were

slightly larger and were occupied by himself and Alex.

There was also a study upstairs and a media room, which

got a workout anytime there was a new release action flick.

There was a fully equipped gym downstairs, which all four

brothers used regularly. His parents had built the house

especially for them, so each bathroom had His and His

sinks and large dual-headed showers. After walking into his

room, he closed and locked the door when Brian followed

him in.

"You can put your stuff in the chest of draws over

there if you'd like, baby."

* * * *

Brian looked around his mate's room and

immediately felt at home. The room was huge. The king-

size bed was made of dark cherry with bedside tables and a

chest of drawers that matched. Another leather couch sat

before a large set of doors that opened onto what looked

like a good-size balcony. On the other side of the room,

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there were two doors. Brian assumed one led to a closet and

the other to the ensuite bathroom.

Taking his meagre possessions, he walked to the

chest of drawers and ran his hand over the top, smiling at

the family photo resting there. Marcus's family looked so

happy. It sent a pang of hurt through his chest that his

parents couldn't accept him for who he was. Marcus came

up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist.

"It's okay, baby. I'm your family now, and my

parents are going to love you."

Snuggling back into his mate's warmth, Brian

turned his head up, asking silently for a kiss. Marcus didn't

hesitate to give him what he wanted, touching his lips down

on his own. God, he loved the taste of his mate. Marcus

was the first to pull back, smiling like the cat that got the

cream.

"Come on, baby. Let's have a shower and go to bed.

It's been a long day for both of us."

Brian quickly put away his clothes in a drawer and

followed Marcus into the bathroom. Stopping in the

doorway, he decided staring at his mate while he undressed

had just become his favourite hobby. God, his mate had a

gorgeous body. He moaned at the thought of it being all his

to explore. Marcus turned to see him still standing there

fully dressed and cocked an eyebrow at him. He just smiled

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sheepishly and started to remove his clothing. Marcus

started the shower and left the door open for him. Brian

finished undressing quickly and joined Marcus in the warm

water. He stepped up to Marcus and snuggled in.

"You okay, baby?"

"Yeah, never better." Brian rubbed his hands up and

down his mate's muscled back. He could feel Marcus's hard

cock nudging against his own and couldn't get the thought

of what his mate would taste like out of his head. Brian

went to his knees and looked up at his mate. Marcus's eyes

had filled with desire and what looked a lot like love. He

didn't know if it really was love or not, but decided this

wasn't the time to examine it.

Brian leaned forward and swiped his tongue along

the slit at the tip of Marcus's cock so he could gather the

pre-cum already starting to leak. The flavour burst in his

mouth, and Brian whimpered at the taste. Opening his

mouth, he swallowed the large cock as far as he could. The

sudden indrawn breath from above let him know what his

mate was feeling.

"Oh god, baby, that feels good, so fucking

fantastic." Marcus ran his fingers through Brian's hair and

tightened his grip. Brian moaned at the slight bite of pain.

"Feels fucking fantastic from this end as well."

Brian continued to bob up and down on his mate's cock,

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using his tongue and hollowing his checks to increase

Marcus's pleasure.

"I can't hold back, baby, I've got to fuck that pretty

mouth of yours."

Pulling back as far as Marcus would let him, Brian

smiled up at his mate. Brian ran his tongue around the head

of Marcus's cock, sucking lightly at the tip. This seemed to

be all Marcus could take before he lost control and started

thrusting his hips, ramming that huge cock of his into

Brian's mouth. He groaned at the feeling of the hard length

working its way in and out of his mouth and increased his

suction every time Marcus pulled back.

"Here it comes, baby. Swallow it for me!"

Brian whimpered as the cock in his mouth grew

even larger before the first spurt of hot creamy liquid hit

the back of his throat. Brian groaned around Marcus's

length as his own cock erupted at the salty, slightly bitter

taste of his mate. Swallowing quickly so he didn't miss a

drop, he slowly started to pull back, lapping at the tip to

make sure he got every last drop.

Slowly standing again, Brian was quickly engulfed

in a strong pair of arms and mashed against his beautiful

mate's hard chest. Brian lifted his chin silently, begging

Marcus for a kiss. Marcus lowered his lips to Brian's,

granting his wish, and gently kissed him.

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"Thank you, baby. That was wonderful, and the

hottest thing I've seen in a long time."

"You're welcome. I think I enjoyed it as much as you

did, considering I came when you did without even having

to touch my cock." Brian pulled back from the kiss and

smiled at his mate. They quickly washed and got out of the

shower. Marcus passed him a huge fluffy towel, and Brian

dried himself then headed into the bedroom.

Looking at the bed, Brian realized he didn't know

what side of the bed Marcus slept on. Marcus came over

and crawled into the right side then flipped the covers back.

Marcus held out his arms for Brian to join him. Brian didn't

have any objections, so he quickly crawled into bed and

snuggled down into the warmth of his mate.

"Goodnight, baby." Brian received a kiss to the

back of his head.

"Goodnight, Marcus. Thank you for wanting me."

"Aw, baby, I'll always want you. Now get some

sleep." Brian did just that, safe in the arms of his mate.

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Chapter 4

Marcus awoke to the alarm clock blaring in his ear.

Smacking his hand down on his bedside table, he attempted

to hit the right object. Finally getting blessed silence, he

rolled over to snuggle with Brian. What he found, however,

was an empty mattress where his mate should have been.

Growling because he had been looking forward to a round

of morning sex, Marcus got out of bed. He wasn't worried

about Brian. He could sense he was okay and close by

through his mating link.

"Baby, where are you? You're not supposed to leave

our bed before we can have a morning cuddle," Marcus

moaned to his mate. A light chuckle came back to him,

making him smile.

"I'm downstairs with your brothers. If you want any

breakfast, you had better hurry up. Apparently your

brothers like my cooking." Growling back at his mate

through his link, Marcus quickly showered and got ready

for work. He walked into the kitchen fifteen minutes later

to the most amazing smells, his stomach making itself

known loudly. Marcus walked right over to Brian and

kissed him to within an inch of his life.

"Well, good morning to you too." Brian's voice was

husky as they ended the kiss.

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"Morning, baby." Smiling, Marcus walked over to

the table and sat down, joining his brothers. They were all

looking at him with their mouths hanging open.

"What?" Marcus asked of no one in particular.

"Nothing. Just a bit of a shock to see you kissing

another man," Simon responded.

"Brian's my mate. What do you expect me to do

with him if not kiss him?"

Brian placed a full plate of food down in front of

him and went to pour some coffee.

"How do you like it, handsome?"

"Black's fine. Thanks, baby," Marcus replied,

chuckling slightly at the nickname Brian used. Marcus

watched as Brian settled into the seat next to him. He

placed Marcus's coffee on the table before picking his own

back up and savouring the brew in his hands. Pulling his

eyes away from the erotic sight of his mate with his coffee,

Marcus turned to his breakfast. Taking his first bite,

Marcus moaned as the flavours danced across his taste

buds.

"Damn, baby, this is great."

"It's only a basic breakfast, nothing special."

"It's better than anything any of us can do. Where

did you learn to cook like this?"

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"My mum taught me. She told me that cooking was

all about experimentation, so I'm always trying to create

something new. But when I find something that works, I

usually try and stick with it." Brian scooted his chair over,

and Marcus wrapped his arm around Brian's shoulders and

pulled him in close. Brian snuggled in and kissed his neck.

"Do you have to go to work today?" Brian asked.

"I'm afraid so, baby. Although I would like nothing

better than to spend the day exploring your body in bed."

Marcus could tell Brian liked the idea by the quick indrawn

breath and the pink shading his cheeks. The sound of

someone clearing their throat brought his gaze away from

his little mate and back to his brothers.

"Mum called last night," Alex said. "We're all

expected there for dinner tonight by six at the latest. Can

you get off work in time?"

"Yeah, shouldn't be a problem. Did you tell her

about Brian?"

"Nope. Thought that little surprise was best coming

from you. Although I did tell her we would be bringing

someone with us so she knew to cook enough."

Marcus could feel the tension running through

Brian's body at the thought of meeting his folks. "Relax,

baby. They're going to love you."

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"Are you sure? I could always stay behind." Brian

had gone very quiet, and Marcus had to suppress a growl at

the way Brian had been treated by his own family.

However, it was Alex who spoke up before he had the

chance to reassure his mate.

"Brian, you are a part of this family now and will

soon be a member of the Leyburn pack. Nothing anyone

says can change that fact. Mum and Dad will love you.

They knew they would be getting sons-in-law for us three.

Now they just get an extra one as well. All Mum and Dad

will care about is the fact that Marcus is happy. And he is. I

can tell that already." Alex sat back in his chair and crossed

his arms over his chest. Marcus tightened his grip on Brian

and kissed the top of his head.

"He's right, you know. I'm very happy."

Brian lifted his head and smiled at him. Marcus

couldn't help himself. He leaned down and devoured his

mate's lips. When he finally pulled back, Brian's lips were

red and swollen. He looked sexy as fuck.

"Come on, babe, I'll drop you off at Den Motors so

you can pick up your truck, then you can come back here

and relax for the day. I'll try to get away for lunch."

Nodding, Brian stood and stacked the dishes in the

sink.

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"Leave these and I'll do them when I get back,"

Brian said to his brothers.

Simon chuckled, but Rick was the first to open his

mouth this time.

"You won't get any arguments from any of us. We

hate housework. As it is, Mum comes round twice a week

and cleans the place."

"You have your mum clean your house for you?"

Brian asked, sounding incredulous. Marcus actually had the

decency to blush as he nodded. Brian just shook his head

and headed upstairs to grab his wallet and phone.

"You look happy, brother," Simon stated.

"I am," Marcus replied with a very satisfied smile

on his face. "You have no idea how wonderful it is to find

that one person who was made to be your other half. I'm

half in love with him already. And it doesn't hurt that he

cooks like a dream either."

Brian walked back into the kitchen and right up to

him, placing his hand in Marcus's. "I'm ready when you

are." Saying goodbye to his brothers, they walked out the

door and up to his police cruiser. They were quickly settled

and on their way.

Pulling his vehicle into the car park outside the

garage less than ten minutes later, Marcus put the cruiser in

park then leaned over and kissed Brian thoroughly. Pulling

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back, he smiled, loving the look Brian got on his face after

being kissed.

"Come on, babe, time to go get your truck," Marcus

stated quietly, reaching for the door handle. He looked back

at Brian and saw him shake his head to try and clear it.

Smiling to himself at the effect he had on his mate, he

walked around the car and took hold of Brian's hand as they

went in to see about his truck.

* * * *

Brian couldn't believe Marcus was walking into the

garage, holding his hand like he had every right to be there.

Up until yesterday, he'd been straight. Taking a breath to

steady his nerves, they walked through the doors. Brian

guessed they'd see in a minute if anybody had a problem

with their Inspector being gay.

They walked up to the counter, and the same man

who had towed his truck yesterday sat behind it looking at

them. He then saw their hands clasped together and raised

an eyebrow at Marcus. Marcus just smiled and kept sending

reassuring thoughts to him through their link.

"George. How are you this morning?"

"Good thanks, Marcus, and yourself?"

"Couldn't be better. Sorry about hanging up on you

last night, but my mind was elsewhere."

"So it would seem." George smirked at them.

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"I believe you've met my mate, Brian."

"Mate? Really? Well, I suppose congratulations are

in order. Do the folks know yet?"

"No, we're keeping it a surprise until tonight. Would

appreciate it if you didn't mention anything if you happened

to see them."

"Yeah, no worries. I'd love to be a fly on the wall

when you tell them, that's for sure. What do you reckon the

odds are of having four gay sons?" George replied,

chuckling.

"Don't know, but they've got to be pretty low."

Brian just stood back and watched the obvious

friends talk. When they finally got around to discussing his

truck, he was a little disappointed. He had been enjoying

himself watching Marcus. George handed over the keys to

his truck and told him it was all fixed. He even performed a

wheel alignment for him. Brian thanked him and paid him

for his work. When they got outside, Marcus drew him in

against his body and kissed him goodbye. Marcus cupped

his hand around Brian's face and gently stroked his thumb

along Brian's cheek, causing him to whimper.

"I'll see you later, baby. You have a good day."

Marcus's voice caressed his lips as he slowly pulled away.

Marcus took his house key from his pocket and handed it to

him.

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"The others should all be at work by now so you'll

need this to get in. You may as well stop on your way and

get yourself a copy cut. I have to go; otherwise, I'm going

to be late. Even though I'm the boss, I should set an

example." Marcus smiled at him, and Brian said goodbye,

watching as Marcus got in his car and headed off to work.

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Chapter 5

Marcus had one stop to make before he arrived at

work. He pulled his cruiser into the car park at the local

supermarket then headed for the building. Marcus could

feel his cheeks heating slightly at what he needed to buy.

Having never had a male lover before Marcus was

unprepared for one and, as such, had no lube. This situation

needed to be rectified as soon as possible, as there was no

way Marcus was not going to have sex with his sexy little

mate.

Walking into the supermarket, he said hello to

several people as he walked passed them. Once he found

the area he was looking for, he was momentarily

dumbfounded at the variety available. Coloured, scented,

flavoured, heating. Marcus stood there and stared as he

considered the options.

Marcus was startled out of his concentration by a

hand landing on his arm. Looking around, he groaned when

he saw Stacey standing next to him, shopping basket held

in one hand.

"Marcus, what are you doing? You completely

ignored me when I spoke to you." Man, that voice was

annoying. He didn't know how he had put up with it for

nearly a year.

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"Sorry, I guess my mind was somewhere else."

"Whatever. So I was thinking that you could pick

me up tonight at seven, and we could have dinner," Stacey

announced, like she had every right to expect him to

comply. Marcus had no idea what he had ever seen in her.

Brian was cuter, his voice was sexier, and Marcus already

knew he was kinder than Stacey and a hell of a lot better in

bed than she was too.

Marcus removed his arm from under her hand and

shook his head. "Sorry, no can do. I have plans with my

mate."

Marcus saw the exact moment what he had said

sunk into Stacey's brain. "Mate?" Stacey screeched. Her

voice had risen several octaves. "What do you mean mate?

Since when? I'm your mate."

Marcus shuddered at the thought.

"No, you're not." Marcus sighed. He felt sorry that

Stacey seemed so desperate for a mate she had resorted to

lies and deception. "We dated, and then we broke up. You

know this. At no time did I ever lead you to think you were

my intended mate."

Marcus turned from Stacey back to the shelves in

front of him. He could hear the strangled noises coming

from the blonde beside him, but thought it best to ignore

them. He reached out and picked up a small plain bottle of

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lube. If they wanted to try any of the others, he and Brian

could make that decision later and come back.

Marcus turned to head to the checkouts when

Stacey stepped in front of him, blocking his exit down the

aisle. Biting back a curse, Marcus was surprised when his

voice came out flat and unemotional. "Move, please,

Stacey. I have to get to work."

"No, I will not move. I want to know who she is."

Marcus was sure Stacey's voice was just shy of a banshee's

screech. Looking around, Marcus noted several other

people loitering close by, pretending not to listen in on their

conversation. He couldn't blame them really. The

customers on the other side of the store probably heard

Stacey screaming.

Having had enough of Stacey, and now running late

for work, Marcus leaned in close and whispered in her ear.

"His name is Brian." Before she could gather her wits,

Marcus sidestepped her and made his way to the checkout.

Once he had paid, he placed the bottle in his pocket and

headed back to his cruiser.

As Marcus was pulling out of the car park, he

noticed Stacey racing from the supermarket and heading in

his direction, still screaming. Not wanting to hang around

for round two, Marcus pulled out into the road and headed

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for the station, already looking forward to lunch when he

would get to see Brian again.

* * * *

Half an hour after Brian left the garage with his

newly repaired truck, he pulled into the driveway of what

he supposed was his new home. As Brian was getting out

of the car, his phone started to ring. Brian answered it as he

headed inside.

"Hello."

"Hey, Bri, how are you?"

"Jason. Oh god, it's good to hear your voice. How

are you man? Hey, guess what. I found my mate."

"No shit. Well, that was fast. Tell me about him. It

is a him, isn't it?" Walking into the family room, Brian

flopped down on one of the big leather couches and got

comfortable.

Chuckling at Jase's question, he replied, "Yes, it's a

him. He's an Inspector for the local police and his brother's

the Alpha. He's tall and dark and sexy as fuck. But, up until

yesterday, he was playing a straight man."

"Oh fuck, Bri, you really know how to pick 'em."

Brian could hear the laughter in his friend's voice.

"So where did you end up?"

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"I'm in a town called Leyburn just across the

Victorian border. Roughly a day and a half's drive south of

you. So what's happening back at home? How are the

folks?"

"Things here suck. Everyone is still talking about

you. But every time I walk into a room, they all become

very quiet. Mum and Dad haven't stopped going on about it

since it happened. Saying I should never have hung out

with you. They're scared I'm going to catch it." Jason

laughed. "If only they knew."

"Shit, Jase, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for things to

affect you. I just couldn't live the lie anymore, you know?"

"Yeah, man, I know. And I understand."

"Well, if you ever want to get away from all that

narrow-mindedness up there, you can always come and

visit me."

"I'll think about it. I really will. It's starting to get

pretty unbearable up here."

They ended their call not long after, and Brian got

up to do the dishes and clean the kitchen. When he was

finished, he decided he would chill for the day and start

looking for work tomorrow.

He stuck a movie in and settled back on the couch

to relax. He must have fallen asleep, because the next thing

he knew his mate was lightly kissing him awake.

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"Hmmm, you taste nice, baby," Brian heard Marcus

whisper against his lips before the kiss became more

forceful. Winding his arms around Marcus's neck, Brian

pulled him down until he was lying on top of him. He

couldn't believe how fast his cock sprang to life. He thrust

his hips against Marcus's, only to feel his mate's wonderful

stiff prick poking back at him. He groaned.

"Naked. Now," Marcus growled.

Who was he to argue with a command like that?

Marcus pushed up so he was leaning on his hands,

which allowed him the room he needed to shimmy out of

his clothes. When he was naked, he pulled Marcus back

down and devoured his mouth once again. Marcus shifted

his hand between their bodies and wrapped it around

Brian's throbbing length. Moaning into the kiss, Brian

thrust his hips up against the rough pads of Marcus's

fingers.

Marcus pulled back and settled on his knees

between Brian's legs. Brian pulled his legs up, spreading

himself for his mate. Marcus took one look at him, reached

into his pocket, and removed what looked to be a new

bottle of lube.

"You came prepared." Brian smiled.

"I thought we might need this as I don't have any

upstairs. I certainly didn't expect to need it as soon as I

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walked in the door, but one look at you spread out on the

couch, and I couldn't help myself." Marcus popped the lid

and squirted a liberal amount onto his cock, then more onto

his fingers. Brian moaned when Marcus slowly pressed one

finger into his hole, moving it back and forth, trying to

loosen him up.

"Hurry, Marcus, I need you."

Marcus just growled and added a second finger.

Quickly scissoring them, he added a third.

"Marcus, come on please." Brian knew he was

begging, but he didn't care. Marcus hit his prostate, and

Brian screamed, his back bowing off the couch in pleasure.

Brian quickly grasped the base of his hard cock, trying to

stave off his impending orgasm. Suddenly Marcus removed

his fingers from Brian's body, leaving him feeling empty.

He didn't like the feeling. He did, however, love the feeling

of Marcus gliding his cock slowly into his body in one

smooth thrust. Moaning with the pleasure that was coursing

through his body, he began to rock his hips in time with

Marcus's gentle thrusts.

"Harder." Brian panted. Marcus didn't disappoint

him, slamming his hips forward, and Brian screamed again.

Marcus managed to hit Brian's sweet spot with every thrust.

Brian couldn't hold his orgasm any longer. He felt like he

was ready to burst. He turned his neck, silently asking his

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mate to claim him again. Marcus growled and leaned down.

The feeling of Marcus's fangs sinking into his neck, laying

claim to him, was all the pleasure Brian could take. He

went over the edge, screaming Marcus's name.

Brian was distantly aware of Marcus stiffening

above him and his cock erupting within his body, but he

was too blissed out to be able to concentrate on anything at

the moment. That was until the knot extended from

Marcus's cock and attached itself to his prostate. Bowing

his back and moaning, Brian felt himself erupt all over

again. Feeling as if his entire supply of cum had just been

ejected from his body, Brian slumped back against the

couch. Marcus removed his teeth from Brian's throat and

licked his mark clean. He then slammed his lips down on

Brian's mouth and thrust his tongue inside, kissing him and

sucking all the air out of Brian's lungs.

Pulling back, Brian looked up at his nearly fully

dressed mate and giggled. Sometime soon they would have

to do this in Marcus's bed where he could get naked too.

Just then the door opened, and in walked Alex and Rick.

Marcus quickly pulled a blanket from the back of the couch

to cover them.

"Oh seriously, dude. You have a bedroom for that

shit," Rick said, laughing.

"Sorry. I couldn't help myself. Can you blame me?"

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Rick looked Brian up and down the grinned at

Marcus before replying. "No not really."

Marcus growled at his brother and pulled the

blanket more securely around them.

"Hey, you asked."

"Piss off. A little privacy would be appreciated."

"If you wanted privacy, you should have gone to

your room," Alex said as he walked in and plopped himself

down in one of the recliners, a giant smirk on his face.

Brian leaned up and kissed Marcus on the chin.

"I'm sorry, baby. I forgot they would be coming

home for lunch."

"It's okay." Feeling a little playful, Brian thrust his

hips back against Marcus's and watched his mate's eyes

darken as he bit back a moan. Brian smiled to himself.

"Behave."

"But what if I don't want to?" Brian said in the

cheekiest voice he could.

"Brian."

"Ok, fine. Spoilsport."

"Alex, please give us a minute?"

"Fine. We'll be in the kitchen."

The brothers walked out of the family room as

Marcus leaned down and kissed him again. Brian moaned

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as he felt the knot retract and Marcus's cock slide from his

body.

"Time to get dressed, babe."

"Hey, I was dressed until you came home."

"I know, but I much prefer you this way." Marcus

stood up and began to tuck himself away and straighten out

his rumpled clothes. He would have to change his shirt

before he went back to work, as he had cum smeared on the

front. Brian giggled at that. Marcus looked down and

sighed. He removed his shirt and gave Brian a kiss on his

way past.

"So worth the price of having to change my shirt,

baby."

Brian just smiled and got dressed again. Brian

walked into the kitchen fully dressed five minutes later. He

could feel his cheeks redden as he looked at Alex and Rick

who were sitting around the table drinking sodas. Walking

over to the fridge, Brian started pulling things out to make

sandwiches. Marcus walked into the room and gave him a

kiss.

"What would you like for lunch?"

"Whatever you're doing is fine, baby."

Brian made a stack of sandwiches and placed them

on the table for everyone to enjoy. Before he could take a

seat himself, Marcus pulled him into his lap. Snuggling

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down, he reached over and got himself something to eat.

All was quiet while they ate.

"So do you come home for lunch every day? What

about Simon?" Brian asked.

"We all tend to come home as often as we can,"

Alex replied. "Simon had a meeting today, that's why he

isn't here. It's a good way to catch up and make sure there

isn't any urgent pack business that needs taking care of."

"As long as you're here, I'll be coming home,"

Marcus quietly whispered in his ear, causing a shiver to

shoot down his spine and his cock to attempt to harden

again. Brian groaned and wiggled his hips against Marcus.

Marcus quickly stilled his movements with a tight grip and

nip to his ear.

"We don't have time for another round, baby, and I

don't want to be walking into a room full of cops with a

raging hard-on."

Brian giggled at the thought.

"Time to go, baby. I have to get back to work."

Marcus kissed him on the neck and smacked his ass. Brian

stood and watched as the other three left to return to work.

He kissed Marcus goodbye and set to cleaning up the

kitchen.

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Chapter 6

Marcus arrived home from work in a good mood.

Thankfully, he hadn't heard any more from Stacey, and his

lunchtime spent with Brian went a long way to helping him

forget his morning encounter. Taking a ribbing from some

of the guys under his command had been expected as soon

as he let it be known he had found his mate. The three men

he told were all part of the pack, so he was comfortable

talking to them about Brian. He had gotten some flack over

the fact that his mate was a man, but he could tell the guys

were happy he had found his mate.

Walking in the front door at home, the smell of his

mate hit his nostrils and his wolf quickly sat up and took

notice. Scenting out his mate, he found him half naked in

their room.

"Now, that's a sight for sore eyes." Marcus grinned.

Brian just looked back over his shoulder and smiled at him.

"Hey, babe. You better hurry or we're going to be

late and I want to make a good impression. Your brothers

all got home ages ago."

Groaning, Marcus remembered their presence was

required at his Mum and Dad's, meaning he couldn't take

the time to thoroughly ravish his mate like he wanted to.

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Damn. Walking up to Brian, Marcus wrapped his arms

around him and kissed him deeply.

Brian's soft voice floated through his mind as they

continued to kiss. "God, I missed you today. Seeing you at

lunch helped, but I still missed you." Marcus smiled at the

fact that Brian seemed to want to be with him all the time.

"Trust me, baby, the feeling is mutual."

Slowly breaking the kiss, Marcus stepped back. He

put his gun away and had started to undress when he heard

a wolf whistle behind him. Marcus turned and saw the

appreciation and lust burning in his mate's eyes.

"I think you had better wait downstairs or I'm going

to take you to bed and not let you out for the rest of the

night." Marcus heard Brian's indrawn breath at his words,

then watched as Brian ran for the door with a huge smile on

his face. Marcus couldn't help but laugh. God, he loved his

mate. Wait, what? Love? That couldn't be right. He'd only

know Brian for two days. Surely he couldn't be in love

already. But he knew it was a lost cause trying to deny it.

Brian was his mate, and in his heart, Marcus knew he loved

him. Grinning like a fool, Marcus quickly got dressed and

went to find his mate.

Finding Brian in the family room with his brothers,

Marcus went right up to him and kissed him passionately,

not breaking away until it was imperative that he draw

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breath to remain alive. Brian just looked at him with his

eyes half lidded and his glistening lips red and swollen

from the kiss.

"Are you okay, Marcus?"

"I'm perfect, my love." Marcus smiled. Brian's

indrawn breath told him his words did not go unnoticed.

"Love?" Brian asked him hesitantly.

"Yes. Love." He cupped Brian's cheeks in his hands

as he slowly lowered his face again. He wanted Brian to see

everything he was feeling reflected within his eyes. Brian

whimpered and wrapped his arms around Marcus's neck,

holding him close as he opened to his probing tongue.

Marcus could hear one of his brothers clearing his throat,

trying to get their attention, but he was too wrapped up in

the wonderful feeling of his mate.

"I love you, baby," Marcus said without breaking

the kiss. Brian whimpered again, and the sound went right

to Marcus's throbbing cock.

"I love you, too, Marcus."

Marcus slowly pulled back and looked at the truth

shining from his mate's eyes. He gently placed one last kiss

on Brian's lips and stepped back. Taking a hold of his

mate's hand, Marcus looked up at his brothers to see a

mixture of expressions and emotions running across their

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faces. The most prominent, though, was envy. He had to

smile at how lucky he was to have found his mate.

"Well, guys, are we going? The sooner we go, the

sooner we get home and I can debauch my beautiful mate."

He could hear the tiny whimper that squeezed past Brian's

lips and loved the pink colouring his cheeks. He squeezed

his hand and led the way out of the house.

The group took two vehicles to his parents'; Marcus

and Brian in Brian's truck, and the other three in Simon's

car. Pulling up behind his brothers outside his folks' place,

Marcus looked at Brian and couldn't help but chuckle. He

looked like he was about to walk to his execution.

"Relax, babe, everything will be fine." He smiled

and squeezed Brian's thigh. Getting out of the truck, he

waited for Brian to join him and his brothers. They trooped

up the lawn together, and Alex pushed open the door.

"Mum, Dad, we're here," Alex yelled.

"In the kitchen, honey! Dad's out the back getting

the grill going," came the reply from his mum.

Following his brother through to the kitchen,

Marcus walked up to his mum and kissed her on the cheek.

"How're you doing, Mum?"

"I'm fine, thanks, honey, and what about you?"

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"I'm good, Mum. I would like you to meet someone.

Mum, this is my mate, Brian Townsend. Brian, this is my

mother, Maryanne Holland."

"It's lovely to meet you, Mrs Holland," Brian said as

he stepped up beside Marcus.

Marcus wrapped his arm around Brian's waist then

looked back to his mother and saw a big grin on her face.

"We'll have none of that under my roof, you

understand me? It's Maryanne, not Mrs Holland," she said

teasingly. Looking towards the backdoor she yelled, "That's

four for four, Joe!" She chuckled. "It's lovely to meet you,

too, honey. God, you're a cute one, aren't you?"

Marcus laughed at that. He had to agree with his

mother. Brian was cute.

Marcus's father walked in the back door. "What are

you hollering about now, woman?" he said in his gruff

voice before walking up to his wife and kissing her on the

cheek. He then turned to face his son.

"Joe, meet Brian, Marcus's mate," Mum said,

waving her hands in their direction with a big, smug smile

on her face.

"Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. That's four for four.

What are the odds on that? Lovely to meet you, son." He

held out his hand. Brian quickly stepped forward and shook

his hand.

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"Nice to meet you, too, Mr Holland."

"Now that's enough of that. You're family, so it's

either Joe or Dad, you hear me?"

"Yes, Joe."

Stepping back, Marcus took Brian in his arms again

and kissed the top of his head.

"See, I told you they'd love you. You have nothing to

worry about. Except maybe what I'm going to do with you

when we get home." Brian groaned and snuggled back

deeper into Marcus's arms.

"Marcus, I don't want to pop wood in front of your

parents. Please."

"So, Brian, honey, tell me where you're from. How

did you two meet?"

"I'm from a small town up north, about a day and a

half drive from here. I was kicked out by my Alpha and

parents for being gay, so I got in my truck and just drove. I

didn't really have a final destination in mind. I don't have

any family except my parents, and they don't want me

anymore."

Marcus could see the shock and anger on his

parents' faces as Brian told his story.

"My truck got a flat tire just outside the town limits.

I had forgotten to get my spare fixed before leaving so I

was stuck. Someone saw me parked on the side of the road

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and called the police. Marcus turned up and the rest is

history." Brian smiled.

"Thank you, honey, for not telling them what an

idiot I was." Marcus kissed the top of his head again.

"I figure what happened is between you and me. I

am grateful to your brothers for talking some sense into

you though."

"You're right. I love you, baby."

"I love you, too, Marcus."

"Oh, honey, that's just awful. How could you kick

your own flesh and blood out just 'cause they choose to

love someone a little differently than everyone else? Some

people just don't deserve to be parents." She walked up and

gave Brian a big hug. Marcus could see Brian tense for a

moment before he relaxed and wrapped his arms around

Marcus's mum. Marcus smiled and looked at his dad, who

motioned with his head towards the back door. All four

sons followed him outside, leaving Brian to talk with his

mum.

As they walked onto the back veranda, his dad went

over to the grill and started turning the meat. "That man in

there has been through a lot, Marcus. You make sure you

treat him right, you hear me?"

"I know, Dad, he's my life." He smiled at the

thought of Brian.

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"Good. That's as it should be between mates."

"You're not disappointed, Dad? That I'm gay as well

I mean?"

"Disappointed? No, not in the least. Why would I be

disappointed in my son being happy?" Holding back a tear,

Marcus walked up to his dad and hugged him. His dad

patted him on the back and gave him a quick squeeze

before stepping back. Marcus walked to the table and took

a seat.

Brian and his mum came out the back door five

minutes later, carrying the salads and plates. Brian placed

the plates on the table and walked over to Marcus.

Climbing onto his lap, Brian placed a soft kiss against his

lips then snuggled his head into the hollow of Marcus's

neck. Marcus wrapped his arms around him.

"You okay, baby?"

"Yeah. I like your mum a lot."

"You going to eat dinner sitting on my lap, baby?"

He tightened his arms a little.

"Would you let me?"

"You can stay there for as long as you like." Marcus

felt Brian place a kiss against the side of his neck and

snuggle in. The feeling of contentment that rolled over him

wasn't something he was used to. Having his mate in his

lap and his family surrounding him made him feel like the

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luckiest guy in the world. Brian climbed out of his lap a

little while later to sit next to him as everyone seated

themselves around the table for dinner.

"So when is Brian being introduced to the pack?"

his dad asked after everyone had finished eating.

"There's a pack meeting next week," Alex replied.

"I was planning to talk to Marcus and Brian about it later."

Brian stiffened in the seat beside him. Marcus took

his hand and pulled it to his lips, gently kissing the back of

it.

"What if they don't want me either, like my old

pack?" Brian quietly whispered.

"Brian, you're my brother's mate. You will become

a member of this pack soon, and if anyone has a problem

with that, then they can damn well tell me, and I'll deal

with it. You just worry about making my brother happy.

Leave the rest up to me."

Marcus pulled Brian into his arms again and

mouthed the words "thank you" to his brother. Alex tilted

his head in recognition of his thanks.

They relaxed like that for a little while before Brian

got up to help Marcus's mom with the dishes. The rest of

the family sat around the table talking about the upcoming

pack meeting. The pack was one of the largest in the area

with over a hundred members. Marcus's dad had been

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Alpha until two years ago when he decided to step down

and hand the reins over to Alex. It wasn't just that Alex was

the next in line. It was more the fact that he was the

strongest member of their pack to lead.

The pack owned a large portion of bushland just

outside the town that had an abundant amount of wildlife

on it. It would be good to be able to let his wolf out and run

again. Even better to be able to run with his mate. He

couldn't wait to see his mate in wolf form. Just the thought

of that had his wolf itching to get out and run with his mate.

He didn't think he would be able to wait until next week.

"Hey, baby, you feel like going for a run later on the

pack lands?"

"Hell yeah, I haven't been for a decent run in ages,

plus I can't wait to see you," came the fast reply.

Chuckling, he settled back down to listen to his

family talk. Brian and his mum came out a little while later

and joined in the discussion. His wolf was chomping at the

bit to be let out to run with his mate, telling him it was time

to say goodnight and head out. After the goodbyes to his

parents and a promise to be back next week for dinner,

Marcus, his mate, and his brothers left.

Marcus invited his brothers to join them for a run,

but they declined, knowing he wanted some time alone

with his mate. Saying goodnight to his brothers, he climbed

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into Brian's truck with Brian climbing into the passenger

seat. He gave Brian a quick kiss and headed the truck in the

direction of the woods.

Brian was quiet on the drive, and they pulled into a

secluded car park fifteen minutes later. Marcus climbed out

of the truck and started to strip off his clothes, never taking

his eyes off his mate as Brian slowly revealed his beautiful

body to the moonlight. Fuck, his mate was gorgeous.

Marcus's cock was rock hard by the time he had finished

stripping. He folded his clothes and placed them in the cab

of the truck. After walking around the front of the truck, he

pulled Brian into his arms and kissed him.

"I want to see your wolf, baby," he growled huskily.

His own wolf was so close to the surface he could feel the

little hairs starting to erupt all over his body. Brian just

smiled at him and stepped back. Marcus watched as Brian's

body reshaped itself, fur started to cover Brian's gorgeous

body. Brian's face elongated to become that of a wolf and a

tail sprung out from behind. It was over within a matter of

seconds. Human Brian was gone, and standing in front of

Marcus was the most stunning golden-brown wolf he had

ever seen. Brian wasn't as big as his own wolf or those of

his brothers, but Brian wasn't exactly a large human either.

The eyes staring up at him were an exact match to Brian's

beautiful green ones.

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Marcus sent his thought out. "Fuck, you're even

sexy as a wolf, baby."

"Talk about sexy." Brian walked up to him, and

Marcus squatted down so he could run his hands through

Brian's thick fur pelt. Brian nuzzled into his neck, his

tongue lashing out to swipe across the entire side of

Marcus's face.

"Hey, that's enough of that." Marcus chuckled. He

stood and stepped back and let his wolf take over. Marcus

felt his bones popping and reshaping and the fur start to

cover his body. Within moments, Marcus was standing

there as a large black wolf.

He trotted up to Brian and nipped at his neck before

licking his nose. Brian rubbed his head against Marcus's

neck in return, trying to leave his scent on his mate. The

thought of Brian marking him made Marcus extremely

happy. He nipped at Brian's neck again before giving him a

slight nudge and trotting away. It was time for them to run.

"Come on, baby, let's go for a run. Then I'm going

to fuck you up against the truck when we get back." Marcus

could hear Brian's small whimper in reply.

They set off into the bush. Running with his mate

was the most exhilarating experience of Marcus's life. They

ran well together. Brian was a smaller wolf, but he was

extremely fast. He kept up with Marcus the entire way.

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They decided to forgo a hunt, as they'd had a huge dinner

already. After running for a couple of hours, they slowly

made their way back to the car park.

They trotted up to the truck side-by-side and

changed back. Marcus took one look at Brian standing

there with sweat shining on his body in the moonlight, and

he was lost. Marcus pulled Brian in hard against his chest

and crashed his mouth down on his mate's. Stumbling

towards the truck, he finally pinned Brian against the

bonnet. He broke the kiss and brought his fingers up to

Brian's mouth.

"Suck them, baby. Get them good and wet as this is

the only lube we have tonight," Marcus growled.

Brian whimpered and sucked Marcus's fingers into

his mouth. Withdrawing them once they shone with Brian's

spit, Marcus spun Brian around and bent him over the

bonnet of the truck. Marcus placed one hand against the

back of Brian's neck and the other worked two fingers into

Brian's ass. Brian moaned and thrust his hips back at

Marcus, taking his fingers deeper.

"Need you, Marcus. Now. I'm ready."

"Don't want to hurt you, baby."

"You won't. Need that huge cock of yours in my

ass, now," Brian whined. Quickly shoving a third finger in,

Marcus pumped in and out of Brian's body a couple of

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times before he withdrew his fingers completely. Spitting

in the palm of his hand, Marcus coated his cock and slowly

pushed his way into Brian's body. But Brian was having

none of the slow, gentle pace Marcus was trying to set.

Brian thrust his hips back, taking Marcus deep into his

body in one quick move.

"Shit." Marcus growled.

"Fuck me, Marcus. Please, I need it hard and fast."

"Whatever you need, baby." Marcus moved his

hand from the back of Brian's neck, grabbed onto his hips

and slammed his cock into Brian. He could hear Brian

grunting with each thrust and saw him reach between his

legs to pump his own cock. Marcus continued to ram his

cock in deep, pegging Brian's gland with every thrust.

"Here it comes, baby. I'm going to shoot," Marcus

cried out.

"Bite me please, Marcus. Claim me, make me yours

again," Brian begged so prettily.

Marcus grabbed Brian by the hair and pulled him up

so his back was snug against Marcus's chest; never losing

momentum, Marcus continued to ram his cock home.

Giving Brian what he wanted, Marcus sank his teeth into

Brian's neck and claimed his mate again. Marcus yelled

against his mate's neck as his balls erupted, his cum

shooting from the end of his cock at the taste of his mate.

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Brian screamed, and his ass clamped down around

Marcus's cock as he painted the side of the truck with his

spunk. The knot extended from Marcus's cock, and Brian

whimpered as he was forced into a second orgasm. Marcus

groaned as well at the feeling of Brian's ass muscles

massaging his cock.

They slowly collapsed to the ground together,

Marcus's arms wrapped around Brian. They lay there on

their sides breathing heavily for a couple of minutes, trying

to get their breath back.

"Umm… Wow."

Marcus chuckled at Brian's words, or lack thereof.

"Yeah, you could say that, baby."

"I think we need to run together more often if that's

the effect it's going to have on you."

Marcus couldn't agree more. "I didn't hurt you, did

I, baby?" Marcus knew he had been rougher this time, but

hopefully, he hadn't hurt his pretty baby.

"Nope. Loved every second of it. I feel fantastic."

Brian snuggled back into Marcus's hold, wiggling his butt

back against Marcus's hips. Marcus kissed the back of his

head.

"I like this forced snuggle at the end. Never thought

I'd be one for snuggling, but with you, I just want to wrap

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my arms around you and not let go. Although, next time,

remind me when we're going to do this to grab a blanket."

Brian chuckled then tilted his head back, searching

for a kiss. Marcus obliged, leaning down and slowly taking

possession of Brian's mouth. Marcus pushed his tongue into

Brian's mouth, searching for its mate. The kiss lasted a long

time. By the time they pulled apart, Marcus's knot let go

and his cock slipped from its warm, tight home within

Brian.

They lay in each other's arms a little while longer

before getting dressed and heading home. The house was

dark when they pulled in, and they quietly made their way

inside. They showered together, loving on each other as

they washed their bodies, and then crawled into bed.

Brian cuddled up to Marcus, laid his head on

Marcus's chest, and wrapped an arm around his waist.

Wrapping one of his own arms around Brian, Marcus

kissed him on the top of the head.

"Good night, baby. I love you."

He heard the contented sigh leave Brian's lips and

the quiet "I love you, too" as Brian drifted off to sleep.

Marcus followed soon after.

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Chapter 7

Two nights later everyone was gathered in the

family room. Brian looked around at all the people. Marcus

and his brothers were there, as well as their parents and the

pack Beta, Jake Richmond. Jake had been introduced to

Brian when the beta arrived. Jake had challenged for the

role of Beta when Alex took over as Alpha of the pack.

Jake had won his challenge and taken his place as his

friend's second-in-command.

Brian was happy their Alpha had such a great friend

to watch his back and help run the pack. He really missed

Jason and wished his friend could be here to see him being

accepted into a new pack.

Alex and Jake stood in front of the television while

everyone else took a seat.

Marcus walked up to him and kissed his cheek

before taking his hand and walking them to stand before

Alex and Jake. Once in position, the pair knelt on the plush

carpet with their heads bowed. Brian was so nervous. He

was glad that Marcus was beside him, because his mate's

scent helped to calm his racing heart.

Alex's deep voice startled Brian. "Do you, Brian,

accept this man, Marcus, as your mate? Do you wish to join

with his pack and place your trust and loyalty in them,

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always believing they know what is best for their people?

Do you declare yourself to be free of any other pack ties

that may bind you?"

Brian couldn't talk at the moment and nodded in

reply.

"You have to say the words, baby."

Brian wasn't sure how he managed it, but a small

"yes" managed to squeeze out of his too-tight throat. Alex

placed a hand on the back of his neck in acceptance, and

Brian felt the pack bond slip into place. Brian could feel

tears running down his cheeks at the thought of once again

belonging to a pack.

Once Alex removed his hand, Brian was roughly

pulled into his mate's arms. They remained where they

were, kneeling on the floor in front of everyone, just

holding one another while Brian silently cried.

Once Brian had managed to get himself under

control, he pulled away and looked at Alex, his new Alpha.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, man. I hope you two have many

happy years." Brian nodded his agreement before standing

with Marcus. Brian was pulled into hugs by both Maryanne

and Joe and welcomed to the pack with back slaps by

everyone else. Brian thought it was a little weird that Rick

always made sure he was on the opposite side of the room

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from Jake. He wondered if there was a story behind it but

decided to leave it alone for now.

Brian let out a very girly scream when he was

picked up from behind and spun around in a circle. The

room dissolved into laughter as a kiss was placed on his

neck.

"Welcome to the pack, baby."

Once Brian was placed back on his feet, he turned

around within Marcus's arms and hit him in the chest

before reaching up and pulling his head down for a kiss.

Losing himself in his mate's arms, Brian was only vaguely

aware when the rest of the pack left the room.

Marcus broke the kiss and grabbed Brian's hand,

then started to drag him towards the stairs. Brian tried to

tug his hand out of Marcus's hold, but he wouldn't let go.

"Marcus, what are you doing? We have guests."

"Don't care. They're here to see the others as much

as they are here for us. The guys can keep everyone

occupied for a half hour. I have a mate to ravage and

welcome to the pack properly."

Brian gave up trying to get away. Who was he to

deny his mate a chance to ravish his body? Instead he put

on a burst of speed and raced up the stairs ahead of Marcus.

He called out behind him, laughing, "Last one there has to

top," and raced to their room, Marcus right on his heels.

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* * * *

The following week was the happiest of Brian's life.

He and Marcus had been out running twice more since the

dinner at Marcus's parents' house, once by themselves and

once with Marcus's brothers. The explosive sex afterwards

still took his breath away, and Marcus remembered the

blanket. When they were running with the brothers, they

had to hold off until they returned home for a little privacy.

They nearly had an accident on the way, as Marcus was too

busy trying to get his hands into Brian's pants to pay

appropriate attention to the road. The near accident had

sobered them enough and cooled their ardour sufficiently

that they managed to make it home in one piece. Once they

were through the doors, however, their clothes went flying.

Brian didn't think there wasn't a single item of clothing that

made it out alive.

Brian had started a part time job at the local florist

shop, Heart in Hand Flowers, as well. He got along like a

house on fire with the owner, Sarah. He'd only been

working there for the past five days, but he loved it already.

He would finish work at four in the afternoon and come

home to cook dinner for Marcus and his brothers. He

enjoyed doing this; it made him feel special, being able to

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give the guys something to look forward to every evening.

He'd been told there had been a lot of takeout and frozen

dinners before he had mated with Marcus.

Brian was still a little nervous about the pack

meeting taking place that night, but whatever happened, he

knew he had Marcus. It was a wonderful feeling knowing

that there was at least one person in the world who loved

him wholly and unconditionally.

Brian was lying on the couch watching an action

movie, waiting for Marcus and his brothers to return home

from work. They were all heading out together to the

meeting later. Brain had made dinner and the lasagne was

warming in the oven. All he needed to do was put the garlic

bread in and dinner was set.

Settling back, his thoughts drifted to Marcus as they

often did these days. Brian's cock immediately started to

perk right up. His eyes closed as his hand drifted down to

rub against the bulge in his jeans. He moaned and thrust his

hips up against his palm.

"I hope that's for me, baby."

Brian jerked his eyes open and moaned at the look

of lust and love on his mate's face. He gave his most

sensual grin and crooked his finger at his mate, inviting

him to come closer. Marcus shook his head and took a step

back, laughing.

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"Uh, ah, baby. You know I can't be trusted around

you. We've already been walked in on once, and the guys

are due back any minute. Plus, I don't think it would be

appropriate to turn up at the pack meeting reeking of sex."

"Damn. I suppose you're right. Doesn't mean I have

to like it though. I'll just have to turn up at the meeting with

a raging hard-on instead." Brian moaned as he palmed his

cock once more before slowly removing his hand.

"You had better stop that, baby. I'm about two

seconds away from not caring about being caught with my

cock balls deep in you by my brothers again." Brian

grinned.

"Love you, Marcus."

"Love you too, baby."

Brian heard to the door click open, and Simon came

round the corner, closely followed by Rick.

"Damn, something smells fantastic in here. What's

for dinner?" Simon asked.

"Lasagne," Brian said. "Should be ready in about

fifteen minutes. Give me a sec and I'll go throw the garlic

bread in." He slowly pulled himself up from his position on

the couch. His cock was still hard and was pressing

painfully against the fly of his pants. Rick noticed and

raised an eyebrow.

"We didn't interrupt anything, did we?"

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"Yeah, me trying unsuccessfully to get a kiss from

my mate," Brian replied cheekily while not taking his eyes

from Marcus.

"Baby, if all you wanted was a kiss, that would have

been fine. But we both know it would have ended with my

brothers seeing far too much of your naked skin for my

comfort."

Simon and Rick both burst out laughing.

"Well, maybe, but I still want my kiss," Brian

sulked.

"Come and get it, baby," Marcus said, holding out

his arms.

So he did. Brian walked right up to Marcus, threw

his arms around him, and jumped, wrapping his legs around

Marcus's waist. He crashed his mouth down on Marcus's in

a heated kiss. Marcus grunted at the extra unexpected

weight, but he didn't drop Brian, for which Brian was

extremely grateful because he was really enjoying his kiss.

Brian was distantly aware of Simon and Rick's renewed

laughter but was too busy enjoying the way his mate tasted.

Rubbing his hard cock against Marcus's, he groaned into

his mate's mouth.

Marcus finally pulled back but kept his hands on

Brian's ass, where they were massaging his cheeks while

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holding him up. Brian licked his lips at the sight of his

mate's full, plump, just-kissed lips.

"Jesus Christ, baby, warn me next time. I could

have dropped you."

"You would never drop me, Marcus. You will

always be there to catch me when I need you to," Brian said

quietly.

Marcus groaned at his words and slammed his lips

back down on Brian's.

"Jesus, will you two cut it out already? We don't

have time for this tonight."

The sound of Alex's deep voice cut through the

mush Brian's mate had made of his brain. He slowly

retreated from the enjoyable kiss.

Looking over his shoulder at Alex, he smiled

sheepishly and said sorry. Placing one last gentle kiss on

Marcus's lips, he undid his legs from around Marcus's waist

and lowered them to the floor. Marcus kept a hold of him

until he was sure he was steady on his feet.

"Right, well, I'll go see about that garlic bread, shall

I?"

Brian walked out of the room with his head held

high and his cheeks only slightly red. After placing the tray

of bread in the oven to heat with the lasagne, he walked to

the sink and splashed some cold water on his face. He

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needed to calm down. Pawing his mate in front of his

brothers was not good. He should have more control than

that. After wiping the water from his face, he took a deep

breath and went about setting the table for dinner.

Ten minutes later he had finally managed to talk his

cock into not busting out through his fly. Placing a large

pan of piping hot lasagne on the table, he called out to the

brothers that dinner was up and went about getting drinks.

He set beers on the table, then settled into his seat. Marcus

came up beside him and kissed his cheek.

"Looks delicious, baby."

"Smells great too," Alex added as he picked up the

utensils to start dishing out the lasagne.

"And tastes fantastic," Rick added a minute later

around a mouthful of food.

The others nodded their agreement, as they were too

busy chewing to worry about talking. Alex broke the

silence once they had all finished eating.

"So, we all set for tonight?"

Brian swallowed the lump in his throat. "Not

really."

"There really is nothing for you to be worried about.

You're my brother's mate. I've already accepted you into

the pack. All we have to do is announce it to everyone

else."

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Smiling at the Alpha across the table, Brian stood

and gathered the dishes, taking them to the sink.

"Give me five minutes to get this cleaned up and

then we can go."

"Baby, stop trying to stall. You can do those later if

you really want, but we need to go now. It doesn't look

good for the Alpha to arrive late to his own meeting."

Brian sighed and turned to face his mate. "Okay

then, let's go." He walked up and gave his mate a quick kiss

then turned and followed everyone out the door.

The brothers all took Simon's car while he and

Marcus settled into his truck. They drove in silence to the

pack grounds. Marcus's hand resting against the top of his

thigh made him feel safe and loved.

They parked in the car park that was still rather

empty and waited for the others to get out of their car and

join them.

"Let's head to the clearing," Alex suggested.

Marcus took his hand as they all started to walk

through the woods together. After nearly fifteen minutes,

they reached a large cleared area in the middle of the

woods. Marcus had shown Brian the area the last time ran

together. They had stopped to rest together for a time on the

soft grass, curled around each other in their wolf forms.

The memory made Brian smile. Brian suddenly felt better

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about the coming meeting as the feeling of love and

contentment settled in his lower belly. Squeezing Marcus's

hand, he reached up and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

"What was that for, baby? Not that you ever need a

reason to kiss me."

"Just because I love you."

Marcus's smile made everything he had been

through worth it. The smile went right through him, and he

felt his cock twitch. Marcus squeezed his hand and gave

him a knowing look. He knew just what he did to Brian

with that smile of his.

Slowly a crowd gathered, and within twenty

minutes of them arriving, nearly the whole pack had turned

out. Alex stood in the centre of the clearing, Jack to his side

and the rest of the pack gathered around them. The meeting

started, and Brian leaned in to Marcus. Marcus placed his

arm around his shoulders and pulled him in tight. Breathing

in the scent of Marcus, he let peace settle in him as he

listened to Alex conduct the meeting.

Thirty minutes later, after several pack disputes and

another admittance to the pack had been accepted, it was

finally their turn.

Alex's voice rang out, and Brian could feel the

Alpha's power behind his words. "Marcus and Brian, please

step forward."

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Marcus pulled his arm from around Brian's

shoulders and took his hand. They slowly walked forward

until they were standing in front of Alex. They both went

down on one knee, still holding hands, and bowed their

heads in a show of submission.

"What reason do you have for coming before the

pack tonight?" Alex asked of Marcus, smiling.

"I wish to announce that I have found my mate,

Brian Townsend, and have our mating acknowledged by

the pack," Marcus said in a clear voice so every member

could hear.

Brian heard a sharp indrawn breath from behind

him and a loudly screeched "No!"

All four of them turned to look in the direction of

the exclamation. Working her way through the other pack

members gathered around was a woman who looked ready

to kill. She looked to be about five foot eight or nine in

height with blonde hair flowing around her bare shoulders.

She wore a tube top and mini skirt. Brian thought she

looked the epitome of the blonde bimbo. Marcus stiffened

his shoulders when he saw her.

"Marcus, would you know anything about this?"

"Maybe."

"Would you care to share, please?" He heard

Marcus take a deep breath and squeezed his hand again.

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"Her name is Stacey, and I dated her for nearly a

year prior to finding you. I ended our relationship a week

before we met after she tried to trick me into biting her."

"She what?" Brian exclaimed, so angry at what

Marcus had told him he spoke aloud. Alex turned at his

outburst to look at him but quickly turned back to pay

attention to the screeching banshee.

"Stacey, what is the meaning of this? Marcus and

Brian are mates." Alex waved at them as he tried to get to

the bottom of what the woman wanted.

"Marcus cannot be mated to that." She waved her

hand in Brian's direction. "Marcus is my mate, and I intend

to claim him. He is just being stubborn about this matter."

She batted her eyelashes in Alex's direction.

How stupid was she? Seriously? Alex was gay.

Everyone who paid attention knew that. She would only

serve to piss both Alex and Marcus off by the way she

spoke about him.

"Really? Is that why you had to try and trick him

into biting your skanky ass?" Brian replied angrily.

He heard the indrawn breaths from the other pack

members as he revealed this.

"You what?" Alex roared behind them. He rounded

them and stared at Stacey, his face a mask of fury. "You

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tried to deny my brother his true mate by tricking him into

biting you?"

Mating was sacred amongst their kind. Brian was

taught that when he met his mate he'd know who they were

by his body's reaction to their presence. Just like he had

with Marcus. The way both his wolf and body reacted to

the sexy man left no doubt in Brian's mind that Marcus was

his mate.

It was accepted practice to date other people, but

when you'd found your mate, however, that was generally

it. Unfortunately not everyone was lucky enough to find

their mate. Some decided they didn't want to wait any

longer and married and had cubs with someone they could

be happy with. It was just about unheard of for someone to

try and trick a person into biting them.

Brian shuddered to think what would have

happened to him if Stacey had been successful. If Marcus

had bitten and mated with her, he would have been unable

to claim Brian. Brian knew Marcus was his soul mate. They

would have spent the rest of their lives pining for each

other, unable to claim the other halves of their souls.

What Stacey had done was beyond Brian's

comprehension. He had nearly lost his mate forever before

he'd even met him. He looked up into Marcus's face and

saw his own pain reflected in the face of the man he loved.

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Marcus gently cupped his large hand against Brian's cheek

and bent to kiss him.

Breaking apart after a quick kiss, Brian realised

Alex was still yelling. Brian had to hand it to her. She

either had guts or was damn stupid. Come to think of it, he

was going to go with the latter. She stood up straight, head

held high, and looked Alex in the eyes.

"That man cannot possibly be his mate." She

sneered. "Such a thing would be disgusting and immoral.

Marcus cannot mate with a man. I am his true mate. I can

produce his cubs. I wish to claim that which is mine." Yes,

he was defiantly going with stupid. She stepped forward

and looked right at Brian, a sneer still locked on her face.

"Under pack law, I challenge you for rights to mate with

Marcus. He is mine, and I will wipe the floor with you to

prove to everyone that Marcus is my mate."

"Shit," Brian heard the brothers exclaim behind

him.

"Mate Challenge only comes into action when the

couple in question are not True mates, Stacey. You know

this." Alex stated, rather calmly, Brian thought. "In the

history of this pack there has only ever been one other fight

for the rights to mate including True mates, and that was

only because the True mates found each other after the

original mating."

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"They're not True mates, they're an abomination."

Brian was really getting sick of her voice.

"Baby you don't have to do this. You're my mate and

nothing she says will change that fact," Marcus's soothing

voice calmed Brian.

"I do have to do this, Marcus, I hope you can

understand that. I didn't get a chance to fight for my right

to stay in my old pack, but I will fight for my right to you. I

need this, for me as much to prove myself to the pack."

Brian ignored everything else as he stepped

forward. Marcus was his; he knew that. If he had to fight

this bitch to prove it to everyone else then so be it.

Reaching for his shirt, he pulled it over his head.

"Bring it on, Blondie. I've already had to fight

Marcus for him to acknowledge me as his mate. What's one

more? The man is mine, and I intend to keep him." Brian

lowered the zipper on his jeans and pushed them down his

legs to remove them.

Handing everything to Marcus, he quickly placed

another kiss on his lips before he turned back to face

Stacey. She was just shimmying out of her skirt and what

he was sure was a thong. He raised an eyebrow at her. "So

not a natural blonde then?"

He heard Marcus and Alex snicker behind him and

a few of the others in the pack do the same. Stacey's face

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went red with rage, and she snarled at him. Brian started to

change, allowing his wolf free rein in its defence of his

mate. Never taking his eyes from his challenger, he felt his

bones reshaping and popping and could feel the fur erupt

over his entire body. Within moments, he was standing

there in wolf form, growling at the woman opposite him.

"Go show her what you're made of, baby."

Brian felt Marcus's confidence in him settle in his

heart and gave his mate a quick nudge before slowly

starting forward. He raised his lip in a growl when the light

brown wolf, Stacey, leapt forward. Easily sidestepping her,

he managed to connect his claws with her side. He heard a

whimper escape from her, then Stacey turned and attacked

again. Brian wasn't fast enough to avoid her a second time.

She managed to get her jaws around his front left leg before

he was able to pull away. Brian snapped at her back and

felt his fangs sink into her skin. He could taste her blood as

it filled his mouth.

Brian rolled to his back, bringing Stacey down on

top of him. He got his hind legs under her belly before

kicking out with all his strength, sending her sailing

through the air. She landed with a thump, on her back, a

good ten meters away. Brian quickly rolled to his feet and

stood ready for her next attack. His leg throbbed, but he

could still put weight on it, so he was able to ignore the

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pain for the moment. Brian circled Stacey as she slowly got

to her feet. He snapped his jaws at her again, wanting her to

call the fight off and acknowledge his claim to Marcus, but

talk about stubborn. Stacey attacked again.

Brian leapt at the same time Stacey did, and they

came together with jaws and claws attacking everything

they could in mid-air. When they landed, Brian came down

on top of Stacey with his jaws firmly locked around her

throat. He growled at her to surrender, shaking his head and

biting down harder when she didn't immediately give in.

Stacey eventually whined in submission, her body going

limp beneath his. Brian released her throat and stepped

back, snapping his jaws at her one last time. Brian turned

and started back towards his mate.

Brian was halfway back to his mate when he heard

a snarl behind him. Before he could turn around, he was

tackled to the ground as claws shredded his back. He

collapsed under the additional weight, and Brian attempted

to roll over to get the psycho wolf off his back but was

unsuccessful. The claws dug into his back farther and

continued to rip at his skin.

The weight suddenly lifted from him as he saw

Alex in wolf form tackle Stacey to the ground, standing

over her, snarling and snapping his jaws. Brian closed his

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eyes and curled up with a whimper at the pain racing

through his body.

* * * *

Marcus watched in horror as Stacey attacked his

mate after she lost the fight. He could tell Alex was shifting

beside him as Marcus raced towards his Brian. He watched

as Alex passed him and tackled the bitch to the ground.

Racing to get to his mate, Marcus watched as Brian seemed

to curl in on himself. Finally reaching his mate, Marcus

collapsed to his knees. He didn't know where to touch, as

there was so much blood covering Brian.

"Brian, baby, please talk to me. Open your eyes,

sweetheart."

Brian whimpered. Marcus's heart just about broke at

the sight of his mate in so much pain. Marcus gently ran his

hands through his mate's fur, trying to avoid the worst of

the damage on his back.

"Baby, please try and change back. It'll help you

heal." Marcus gently pulled Brian's head into his lap and

continued to stroke his hands through Brian's soft fur.

Marcus could hear Alex yelling at Stacey again somewhere

behind him, but he was too worried about Brian to

concentrate on what Alex was saying. The wolf in his lap

let out a pained whimper and slowly started to shift back to

human. The shift took longer to complete than normal.

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100

Marcus heard Brian moan and wished he could take his

mate's pain away. He ran his hand lightly down his mate's

back. The deep gashes Stacey had inflicted on his mate had

healed to a point where they were only slightly weeping.

Brian opened his eyes and slowly looked up at Marcus.

"Hey, baby, how do you feel?'

"Hmmm."

"Close your eyes and try to sleep. Your body needs

to heal." Brian nodded gently in agreement and closed his

eyes again. Marcus could tell when Brian's body

succumbed to sleep. Careful of where he placed his hands,

Marcus gently lifted Brian fully into his arms and stood,

holding his precious bundle close. He looked at his brothers

and parents who had gathered around him, all looking grim.

"I'm going to take him home," Marcus told them.

"We'll let Alex know. How is he?" his dad asked

quietly.

Marcus tightened his grip on his mate, pulling him

closer to his body. "He should be fine with some rest, I

think." Marcus turned and walked out of the pack clearing.

Marcus couldn't bring himself to focus on anything else but

getting his mate home. He held the sleeping Brian in his

arms as he carefully walked through the trees back to

Brian's truck. Marcus was covered with a thin layer of

sweat as he opened the passenger side door twenty minutes

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101

later. He had taken it slowly so as not to disturb Brian too

much.

Marcus carefully placed his still sleeping mate in

the passenger seat and wrapped him in the blanket they

now permanently kept in the truck for their runs. Getting

into the driver's side, Marcus started the slow drive home.

Letting out a sigh of relief when he pulled into the

driveway, he quietly got out and ran to the front door to

unlock it before going back for Brian.

Brian snuggled into his warmth as Marcus lifted

him into his arms and against his chest. Walking inside, he

gently nudged the door closed with his foot before heading

upstairs to their rooms. Pulling the blankets down on his

bed one handed, he gently lay Brian down on his stomach,

as most of his wounds were on his back.

Marcus made his way into the bathroom to get a

bowl with warm soapy water and a washcloth. Walking

back into the bedroom, his breath caught in his chest at the

sight of his mate. Brian was lying on their bed, covered

head to hips in drying blood. Marcus felt his eyes prickle

with tears he tried desperately to hold back. God, he just

wanted to hit something. This should not have happened.

Brian should not have had to suffer because some jealous

ex wanted to get her claws into Marcus.

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102

Hopefully Alex had taken care of Stacey, 'cause if

he saw her again, he reckoned he could just about strangle

her, even though he was a police inspector and had sworn

to protect the citizens of this town. The only protective

instinct he had coursing through him at the moment was for

his mate. Marcus sat on the side of the bed and started

gently wiping down his mate. Brian moaned and tried to

snuggle farther into the bed to get warm as the cool evening

breeze from the open window hit his damp skin. Marcus

tried to be as careful and quick as he could be. He still had

to change the water halfway through from all the blood.

After covering a couple of the larger cuts on his mate's

back with bandages, he was finally finished. Marcus pulled

the blankets up to cover Brian's body and tucked them in

around his shoulders.

Marcus quickly undressed and had a shower to

clean away all the dried blood from carrying his mate.

After drying himself roughly, Marcus crawled into bed and

carefully pulled his mate into his arms. Brian's breathing

seemed to become easier after Marcus wrapped him in his

arms. Marcus placed a light kiss on the top of Brian's head

and settled in to watch his mate sleep.

Marcus heard his brother's car pull up about an hour

later. Not long after there was a light tap on the bedroom

door before it opened to reveal Alex standing in the

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103

doorway. He quietly walked into the bedroom and looked

down at the sleeping man in Marcus's arms.

"How is he?" Alex whispered.

"He hasn't woken since he passed out at the field. I

suspect his body just needs to heal. She did some serious

damage to his back."

Alex growled. "Get some sleep. We'll talk

tomorrow." With that, he walked out the door, quietly

closing it behind him. Marcus didn't think he would be able

to sleep, so he continued to lay there and watch his mate

breathe. At some point during the night, he succumbed to

sleep, knowing that his mate was safe in his arms.

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104

Chapter 8

Brian moaned as he slowly woke to light shining

through the bedroom window. The muscles down his back

felt like they had been through the wringer. The arms

wrapped around him tightened, and he felt a light kiss

against the side of his neck where his mating mark was.

This caused pleasure to shoot through his body, and his

cock started to harden.

"Hmm, morning, my mate," Brian said quietly as he

wiggled his ass against the beautiful stiff cock poking him

in his lower back. Brian received a light slap to his ass for

his efforts and a "stop that" from his mate. Brian groaned as

heat spread through his ass.

"Like that do you, baby?" Marcus growled in his ear

as he rubbed his hand over the slowly warming area he had

slapped. "I think that's something we should explore later,

don't you, baby?"

Brian felt his cheeks heat as he ground his ass back

against Marcus and slowly nodded.

"How are you feeling, baby? You need to stop that

or I won't be able to stop myself from taking you. You

scared me last night."

"I'm sorry, Marcus. I didn't mean to. I feel good. A

little tired still, and my back's a little tender. But apart from

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105

that, I'm fine. Good enough for a little loving even." Brian

turned his head and sought out his mate's lips. The kiss was

slow and gentle. Everything Brian wanted at that time.

Moaning into Marcus's mouth, he ground his ass back

against Marcus. He whimpered as his back twinged and

sent a shot of pain through him.

Marcus took hold of his hips and firmly held them

away from his body. "Baby, you have to lie still. Stay on

your side that way. We'll keep as much pressure off your

back as possible. Let me do the all the work or we'll wait

till you're fully healed."

"No, I'll be good," he said quickly as he tried to stop

from reaching for his mate. Brian pulled his leg up to rest

against the bed, opening himself to Marcus.

Marcus quickly reached over the top of him to

snatch the lube off the top of the bedside table. Within

moments, Brian felt his mate's slick fingers at his back

entrance. Marcus slowly slid one finger inside his ass,

keeping his rhythm slow and gentle. Brian wanted to growl

and thrust back, but knew if he did, Marcus would make

good on his promise to wait.

"More, Marcus. I need more," Brian panted.

"I know what you need, baby." Marcus ever so

slowly inserted a second finger, searching for that spot

inside him.

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106

"Oh god." Brian tried his hardest to remain still,

knowing if he arched his back like he wanted to, he would

be in pain.

"Found it," came the triumphant reply. Marcus's

fingers were driving him crazy.

"Marcus, either get a move on or I'll do it myself."

Brian growled at his mate, wanting more.

"Now that would be a sight to see, baby," Marcus

said as he inserted a third finger and started to thrust a little

harder. Marcus removed his fingers, and Brian whimpered

at the feeling of loss.

"Shh, baby. It's okay. I'm not going anywhere."

Marcus's fingers were quickly replaced with the blunt head

of his mate's cock. Marcus wrapped his arms around him to

make sure he couldn't move and slowly started to sink into

his ass.

"Argh, god, that feels good, Marcus. Don't stop."

"Not going to, baby. God, I love your ass. The way

it grabs at me and practically sucks me right in, like it's

welcoming me home."

Brian moaned at Marcus's words. Marcus bottomed

out and slowly drew his cock back out again so only the tip

was still inside him. He then gently thrust back in again.

Marcus started up a steady rhythm in and out of Brian's

body. Brian couldn't move. The hold Marcus had on him

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107

was complete, and all he could do was accept the gentle

pace his lover set. Marcus's hand moved down his body to

wrap itself around his cock. Marcus started to stroke him in

time to his thrusts.

"Ugnh… Marcus… gonna…" Brian was going out

of his mind. He couldn't think. All he could feel was the

tingling racing down his spine as his balls drew up against

his body and his cock swelled in Marcus hand. "Marcus!"

He cried out as cum shot out the tip of his cock and painted

his belly and the sheets. He felt his ass clamp around the

stiff rod pounding it and heard Marcus hiss. Brian felt his

channel bathed in heat as his mate came.

The knot at the end of Marcus's cock lengthened

and took hold of his prostate.

"Oh god." Brian moaned as his balls drew up again,

and a second, smaller orgasm racked his body. Marcus

nuzzled at the nape of his neck and gentled his hold around

him.

"You okay, baby? You didn't hurt yourself, did

you?"

"I'm fine, Marcus. I feel better now than I did when

I woke up."

Brian smiled and turned his head so he could get a

kiss from his mate. Marcus never denied him anything and

leaned down to slowly, passionately kiss him. They lay in

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108

each other's arms basking in the glow of great sex and the

love they shared for each other until the knot eventually

receded. Marcus gently pulled his cock free and got out of

bed.

"Come on, baby, shower time, and then we have to

go downstairs and talk to Alex."

Brian didn't argue. Why would he when he got to

see his sexy mate naked and wet? Yum. Brian stood still as

Marcus removed the bandages from his back, then followed

Marcus into the shower and walked straight into his arms.

Wrapping his arms around Marcus's waist, he laid his head

against Marcus's chest and just breathed in the scent of his

mate while the warm water streamed down his tender back.

"I love you."

"Love you too, baby."

They had a slow leisurely shower. Marcus took

great care of Brian's tender back while washing his body

thoroughly. They ended their shower and dried themselves,

sharing a few more kisses. Their bodies still sated from

their earlier romp in bed, and now clean and dressed, they

headed downstairs holding hands. Brian took it slower than

he usually did, as his back was still twinging at any large

movements. Marcus never mentioned anything and just

kept pace with him.

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109

Entering the kitchen, Marcus led him to the table

and told him to sit. Alex, Simon, and Rick were all there,

and Marcus went to get them something to eat.

"How're you feeling this morning?" Alex asked

him.

"I'm good. Back's a little tender, but hopefully it

should heal properly by tomorrow." Brian tilted his head

back so he could kiss Marcus as his mate placed some toast

and coffee in front of him. Picking up his cup, he smiled as

he scented the rich aroma that he was sure smelled just like

heaven would. Taking a sip of his coffee, he moaned in

delight at the taste and sat back in his chair, careful of his

back, to savour it. He could hear Marcus chuckle beside

him at his reaction, but he didn't care. Finally putting the

cup down, he picked up his toast and started eating.

"So what happened last night after we left?" Marcus

asked his brothers.

"No, I want to know everything that happened last

night. All I remember is winning the fight and heading

back to you then there was a lot of pain and I woke up this

morning in bed with my back aching." He frowned. He had

a good idea what had happened, but he would still like to

know the particulars. It was Alex who replied.

"Pack law states that if there is more than one

person interested in someone you can challenge for the

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110

right to mate. You fought for the right to be with Marcus."

Alex tipped his head at Brian. He acknowledged him with a

smile.

"You won the right to your mate when you bested

Stacey, and that should have been the end of it. However, I

believe Stacey didn't see it that way. On your way back to

Marcus, Stacey attacked you from behind. She did a fair

amount of damage to your back with her claws before

Marcus and I could get to you. I took care of Stacey while

Marcus took care of you. Once you changed back to

human, a lot of the major damage had healed enough to

slow the bleeding to a manageable level. Marcus then took

you home, and I continued to deal with Stacey."

"What happened to her?" Marcus almost growled at

his brother. Brian slipped his hand into Marcus's and

squeezed, offering him comfort. Marcus squeezed his hand

back and gave him a small smile.

Alex sighed. "She tried to fight me when I tackled

her off you last night. I didn't damage her as much as I

could have. I forced her to change back to human so she

could answer for her crimes. The fight was over, and what

she did constituted a blatant attack on my brother's mate. I

stripped her of pack by banishing her, which means she is

no longer allowed to attend pack functions or enter pack-

owned businesses. She is able to stay in the town, as I have

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111

no control over where she lives, but I made it quite clear

that, as Marcus is a policeman, he would not tolerate any

further attempts on his mate's life. If she wishes to join

another pack then she will have to leave town. I think she

will, as most of her friends were pack, and they can't stand

the sight of her after what she did."

"Holy shit."

"If she comes anywhere near you, you tell me right

away. Understand?" Marcus growled in Brian's ear.

"Marcus, I can take care of myself. I defeated her

once last night. I can do it again. I just wasn't expecting an

attack after the fight was over, that's all." Brian let go of

Marcus's hand and sat back in his chair, not happy that

Marcus didn't trust him to look after himself.

"I know you can, baby, but please. You mean the

world to me, and if she sticks around, I need to keep an eye

on her." When Brian didn't respond, Marcus tried again.

"Please, for me?"

"Fine."

"Thank you, baby."

Brian couldn't help the small smile that turned up

the sides of his mouth. As much as Marcus being all

protective annoyed him, he loved the fact that someone

cared about him that much. Getting up, he settled himself

down in Marcus's lap, twisting his head back to kiss

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112

Marcus gently on the cheek. As he was pulling back, the

phone in his pocket rang.

Wriggling around on Marcus so he could pull it out

of his pocket, he looked at the screen and felt himself

smile. Pressing to accept the call, he pulled it to his ear and

settled back against his strong mate as arms wrapped

around his waist.

"Jase. How are ya, man?" There was silence on the

other end of the line for a minute.

"Bri." Jason sounded really tentative.

"Hey, what's wrong? You okay?"

"Yeah, man, I'm okay. Hey look, is that offer to

visit still open?"

"Hang on. I'll just make sure it's okay with the

guys." Brian looked up at the men sitting around the

breakfast table. "Guys, is it okay if my friend Jason comes

to visit?"

"Sure," both Simon and Rick replied. He looked to

Alex, who had not answered his question yet. He was

staring at his mobile with a weirdest look on his face.

"Alex?"

Alex started and shook his head as if to clear it.

"What? Oh yeah fine."

Brian turned back to the phone. "Sure, man. When

can you be here?"

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113

"Umm. I'm sort of at the town limits now."

"What! Shit, Jase, what the hell happened?"

"I'll tell you when I get there."

"Okay." Brian gave Jason directions to the house

and hung up, telling him he would see him in less than ten

minutes.

"Everything okay, baby?" Marcus whispered in his

ear.

"I don't know. Something happened to make Jason

drive all this way. I guess we'll find out soon enough."

Brian settled back in Marcus's arms. "Maybe he'll

find his happiness here the way I have." Brian gave a little

chuckle. "As unexpected as it was."

"You know, baby, you may have been an unexpected

mate, but I'm grateful for every day I have you in my life."

Marcus hugged him tighter, and Brian sighed,

comforted in the fact that he was safe and loved.

The End

About the Author

Well, what can I say about me? I'm twenty-eight, married

and a mother to one. I work full time, and when I'm not

spending time with my family or friends, you can find me

either reading on my laptop or writing.

After spending god knows how much money on my

reading obsession (yes, I can admit I'm a little obsessed), I

decided to give writing my own book a try. I still can't

believe someone thought it was good enough to publish.

I'm certainly not going to argue with them.

I hope you enjoy reading my work as much as I enjoyed

writing it.

Webpage:

www.tonigriffin.net

Blog:

www.tonigriffin.blogspot.com

Also by Toni Griffin

Available at Silver Publishing:

THE HOLLAND BROTHERS

Unexpected Mate

Determined Mate (Feb 19)

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