On the Road: Sometimes family makes decisions
for you…and you just have to roll with the
punches.

Richard Ponders joins the Tamang wolf pack
when his younger brother, Crain, mates with one
of its members. When the pack gathers to celebrate
passing the alpha mantle from father to son,
naming Abbott Tamang as alpha, Richard
discovers his mate is part of the Tamang pack,
too…and it’s the new alpha. Sensing unrest in the
pack, Richard decides allowing the pack to settle is
the safest thing for everyone. Unfortunately, the
choice is taken from him when Crain asks him to
come over and discuss more changes in pack
dynamics, bringing him face to face with Abbott.
Now, not only will Richard be fighting for a
position in his new pack, he needs to fight for the
trust of a man he’s been hiding from for weeks.
Can he and Abbott come to terms? Or will the
unrest in their pack tear them apart?

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fine of $250,000.

Please purchase only authorized electronic editions,
and do not participate in or encourage the electronic
piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the
author’s rights is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters,
places, and incidents either are products of the
author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any
resemblance to actual events or locales or persons,
living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

ISBN: 978-1-77111-776-0

Cover art by Angela Waters

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the
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Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Kontra’s Menagerie: Book Fifteen

Charlie Richards

Dedication

For those who help out, even when they don’t have to.

Bless you all!

Chapter One

bbott leaned against the side board and,
lifting his tumbler, watched the amber liquid

swirl around and around as he rotated the glass.
“So, I need you there, brother. I know you don’t
want any of the positions, which makes me value
your opinions all the more.”

“You never even have to ask, Abbott,” Aaric

stated, slapping him on the shoulder and grinning.
“I know you and dad have been putting it off for
decades, so I’m happy he finally stepped down.
This’ll be good for you and Diego.”

Chuckling softly, Abbott nodded. “Thanks.”
Abbott knew he hadn’t actually needed to ask,

but after being passed the alpha mantle just over a
month before, Aaric had begun to pull away.
Abbott didn’t like it and couldn’t figure out what
he’d done to cause such a reaction. At four years
Aaric’s senior, Abbott had always been close to his
brother.

“You know I still want you as my lead tracker,

and if you’d wanted an enforcer position I’d have
given it to you in a heartbeat,” Abbott stated

Charlie Richards

before swallowing most of the liquid in his glass.
The scotch burned just right as it slid down his
throat.

Aaric’s brows shot up, surprise evident in his

scent. “I don’t want to be an enforcer.”

Abbott sighed. “I didn’t think you did. You’ve

just been a bit withdrawn lately, ever since you
mated.” Grimacing at how whiney he sounded,
Abbott shook his head. “Sorry. That came out
wrong. I know you need time alone to bond with
your mate.”

At that, Aaric exchanged looks with said mate,

Crain Ponders. The much more submissive wolf
actually ducked his head and curled tighter
against Aaric.

Damn it, I didn’t mean to make Crain feel bad.
The small wolf was just too cute to look that

dejected. “I apologize, Aaric, Crain. This is about
me and my stress over change,” he assured,
turning back to the bar and refilling his tumbler.

He rubbed his fingers between his brows,

trying to ease the frustration headache he could
feel building behind his eyes. His father, Diego,
had been Alpha for over a century and a
half…taking over when their grandfather, Gorn,
had stepped down. Now, Diego wanted to do the
same. His father had actually petitioned Kontra
Belikov—a grizzly bear shifter who acted as Alpha
of a nomadic biker gang—requesting to travel

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

with them. It was the same group Abbott’s own
son, Vail, had been traveling with for over two
decades.

The group planned to leave right after the

holidays.

In the meantime, Abbott needed to hold a pack

challenge. He needed to assign the roles of beta, as
well as two enforcer positions, to other members
in the pack. Having been best friends with his
brother, Abbott only had two other close friends,
Darrell and Pritchard.

Abbott had invited Darrell to participate in the

pack challenge. The wolf shifter was a large, fairly
aggressive wolf and loyal as hell. Abbott hoped
and prayed to the Gods that his buddy ended up
an enforcer, not really thinking he had the
aggressiveness to be beta. Shame, really.

Pritchard, on the other hand, was not in the

least bit aggressive but had one of the best noses.
When he’d told his friend he thought it best he sat
it out, Pritchard had laughed in his face, winked,
and said, “Good call, Alpha.”

Abbott had chuckled at that. Only his best

friends could get away with talking to him like
that, which was why he normally did those kinds
of conversations in private.

As he swallowed down a mouthful of scotch,

Abbott heard Crain whisper something to his
brother, but he didn’t bother to listen. If Crain was

Charlie Richards

whispering, it was private, and Abbott tried to
respect that.

Instead, he thought about his biggest

concern…Delorian Saverman. The wolf shifter
was both aggressive and mean. Abbott wished he
could have removed Delorian’s name from the
invitation list, but he couldn’t. It would have been
a recipe for alpha challenge.

In fact, Abbott mused, Delorian still might do

just that.

Abbott knew he could take the asshole wolf

shifter, but it was the principle of the thing. He
hated division among the pack and he just knew
that if Delorian challenged him, he’d have at least
four or five backers.

He could name at least that many that weren’t

happy about an unmated, bisexual alpha.
Refusing to hide his attraction to his own sex had
been a tough decision, but his father had
understood. Especially after Emily passed. He
smiled as he thought of his late wife. She’d have
been the first to tell him to go for what he wanted.
In fact, they’d shared a male on more than one
occasion before they’d gotten married and
completed the mate bond…not that anyone in the
pack—other than his brother—knew about that
little tidbit.

“Tell him!”

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Crain’s hissed words drew Abbott out of his

thoughts. He turned and lifted a brow as he
peered at the men. Crain’s face appeared flushed,
maybe from frustration. Aaric’s brows were
creased—perhaps drawn down in thought—as he
rubbed the back of his neck, a sign of his unease.

“What?” Abbott couldn’t wait to hear it. It’d

been years since he’d scented Aaric this worked
up. In fact, decades…not since his brother had
struggled to get over walking away from Melissa,
a possible mate.

Aaric’s jaw clenched for a second, then—

surprisingly—he looked Abbott directly in the eye
and stated, “You need to invite Crain’s brother,
Richard, to your challenge. I think,” he scratched
his five o’clock shadow and once more glanced
toward Crain—who nodded—then finished, “you
might be surprised.”

“Richard Ponders?” Abbott queried. He

frowned, trying to put a face to the name. Diego
had been the one to meet with Crain and Richard
when they’d petitioned to stay due to Crain’s
bond with Aaric. He couldn’t remember Richard
at the last full moon run three weeks ago or even
at the announcement that he was taking over as
alpha over five weeks before. “Have I met him?”

“Um, no,” Crain mumbled. “He’s, uh, he’s been

adjusting.”

Charlie Richards

“Adjusting?” Abbott wasn’t certain he wanted

someone who had a hard time with change being
one of his inner circle…especially since he didn’t
know him. It made him too hard to predict.

To Abbott’s surprise, Aaric rose and crossed to

him. He placed a hand on his arm and urged,
“Trust me.”

Never one to question his brother, Abbott

immediately nodded. “Of course. Consider him
invited.” Cocking his head, he asked, “Can I at
least meet him first?”

Aaric turned toward his mate, lifting a brow.
Crain nodded once, punched a couple numbers

on his phone, then held it to his ear. After a couple
seconds, someone must have answered, for Crain
said, “Hey, Richard. You busy?”

“Never too busy for my baby bro,” Richard

stated. Abbott was just able to make out the man’s
words with his sensitive hearing. “What’s up?”

Crain licked his lips and met Aaric’s gaze, then

said, “I’ve just learned of some changes in pack
dynamics that you’ll definitely be interested in. I
need you to come over, so I can talk to you about
them.”

“You can’t tell me over the phone?” Richard

asked, sounding surprised.

“I-I think it’d be better if I could tell you face to

face.”

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

“Damn, bro, must be serious. I’ll be there in

ten.”

Crain slowly lowered his arm, resting the

phone on his leg. The submissive wolf looked
Abbott in the eye just long enough for him to feel
his own wolf rise at the challenge. Abbott beat it
back. He did narrow his eyes a bit as he slowly
stalked across the room. For some reason, Abbott
just knew these men had kept something from
him…although, hell if he knew what.

Stopping in front of Crain, Abbott crossed his

arms over his chest and asked gruffly, “How come
I feel like something important is going on? Even
my wolf is on edge.” Not something he’d admit to
most, but this was his brother and his mate. If he
couldn’t admit his unease to family, who the hell
could he trust?

Aaric settled back next to Crain, pushing a

tumbler of dark liquid into his man’s hands. Crain
took it, smiling wanly at him, then sipped, only to
grimace. The shifter took a second sip.

Finally, Crain licked his lips and stated softly, “I

need to tell you about my past before Richard
arrives. It might explain why he did what he did.”

Abbott felt confusion flood him, but willing to

listen before passing judgment—on what he had
no clue, yet—he settled into a chair and motioned
for Crain to go on.

Charlie Richards

“My old alpha, Preston, was a controlling man.

Ruled with an iron fist,” Crain explained. “If you
didn’t remain in step, you were punished. If you
didn’t ask how high when he said jump, you were
punished. Everyone walked on eggshells around
him, cow-towing and on edge.” Crain took
another sip, then frowned into his drink.

“The only thing Preston respected was

strength…and since he was a pretty powerful
wolf, there wasn’t anyone who could challenge
him.” He fell silent for several seconds. His lips
pressed together. Lifting his gaze, Crain actually
met his gaze and clearly stated, “Richard is a
damn strong wolf. He won Preston’s favor. He
was an enforcer by the age of forty. Some people
didn’t like that, so they used the fact that I’m gay
to get me kicked out of the pack. We’re the only
family each other has, and we’re pretty loyal.
Richard followed when I had to leave, trying to
protect me.”

Abbott tried to make sense of Crain’s words,

wondering why he needed to know this. Rubbing
his temple with two fingers, he slowly asked, “Are
you telling me Richard is a young alpha, hovering
on the outskirts of my pack?”

“No!” Crain almost shouted. He jumped to his

feet and actually started pacing the floor. “No,
Richard isn’t an alpha. He’s…” Crain growled low
in his throat and shoved a hand through his hair.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Swinging back around, the wolf stated, “He
doesn’t want to lead. He just hates taking orders
from those weaker than him.”

Frowning, his jaw clenching at this sudden, odd

development, Abbott snapped, “Then, how come
he hasn’t declared himself?”

Once again, Aaric and Crain exchanged a

glance.

This time, Abbott growled, tired of their little

mate secrets. “What the fuck, Aaric?” he snarled,
zeroing in on his brother.

“Please,” Crain quickly cut in. “Please, wait.

After everything Richard did for me, I couldn’t
betray his trust. Please, just wait until he arrives.”
Crain rung his hands as he glanced between
Abbott and the door. “You’ll understand when he
arrives.”

Abbott knew he wasn’t known as the most

patient man…something he was working on.
Clearing his throat, he downed the last swallow of
his beverage and set the tumbler aside. “Very
well.” He frowned at his brother. “Don’t make me
eat my words about my faith in you.”

To that, Aaric chuckled low in his throat. “Oh,

you won’t. You’ll like this surprise.”

Crain snarled at Aaric, whapping his chest with

the back of his hand.

Charlie Richards

Abbott’s brows shot up. He’d never before seen

Crain behave aggressively. What the hell is going

on?

Before he could question more, the doorbell

chimed. At the same time, someone knocked
loudly—pounded really—on the front door.
Evidently, Richard had arrived.

Crain leaped to his feet and scampered across

to the front. He yanked open the door, mumbling,
“Sorry for the crash landing.”

Abbott frowned at the odd comment. He

watched Crain’s brother enter the room…and
swallowed hard at the sexy hunk of wolf shifter—
naked wolf shifter, indicating Richard had come in
shifted form—that appeared in the hallway. Tall—
maybe six foot two—broad-shouldered with thick
muscles and well-defined arms and pecs—good
Gods, is that an eight-pack?—even most shifters
didn’t have that!

Richard had thick strawberry-blond hair, deep

blue eyes, and a body any wolf shifter would be
proud of.

However, it was the scent of the man that truly

sent Abbott reeling. Heavy, masculine, and spicy
flavors burst across Abbott’s senses. Even as
Richard took the sweats Crain handed him, his
head snapped around and he pinned his gaze on
Abbott.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Abbott’s eyes widened as he peered into

shocked, yet knowing, blue eyes. Then, Richard
broke the stare and aimed a betrayed glare at
Crain. The look told Abbott a couple things at
once.

Richard Ponders was his mate…and Richard

had known.

Charlie Richards

Chapter Two

ichard wanted to howl in excitement, snarl at
his brother, and present to Abbott, all at the

same time. He’d been keeping his distance from
his alpha for over four weeks now—ever since
he’d scented Abbott in his brother’s home and
realized who and what he was to him—and his
nerves were stretched taught.

Now, because of Crain’s urgent call, Richard

stood face to face with the man…finally.
Swallowing hard, Richard quickly shoved his legs
into the sweats and yanked them up to cover his
growing arousal. Not that he could hide the scent,
but still…

As soon as he was covered, he lowered his gaze

and presented his neck to the alpha wolf, and
nearly croaked, “Alpha.”

Abbott growled low in his throat, the sound

going straight to Richard’s balls. His cock filled as
he watched his sexy alpha stalk slowly toward
him, the man’s deep hazel eyes blazing.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

“You call me alpha,” Abbott rumbled. “Yet, you

know I’m your mate. How did you know? We’ve
never met.”

Richard slowly lifted his gaze and peered at

him beneath his lashes. “We haven’t, but you’re
here often enough. I scented you…weeks ago,” he
admitted. The fire sparking in Abbott’s eyes
warned Richard to watch his step. Deciding he
needed to be completely honest at this point, he
added, “You’d just been passed the alpha mantel
by your father. Since Crain and I had just joined,
we remained on the outskirts.”

Meeting his alpha’s gaze carefully—hell, the

guy might be his mate, but the conflicting scents
rolling off the man told of his inner turmoil—
Richard struggled to explain his reasoning.
“Seeing you from a distance, I definitely felt
attracted to you. It wasn’t until I watched your
brother hug you, then return to me and Crain, and
I caught your scent, that I realized why. You’re my
mate.”

“And you decided to hide this from

me…why?” Abbott’s tone held clear warning.

Part of Richard wanted to pounce on the man,

wrestle with him, challenge the other shifter’s wolf
just for the thrill. He also knew getting wrestled to
the ground by this man would be fantastic
foreplay.

Charlie Richards

Later, he promised his randy dick and excited

wolf.

Swallowing the saliva pooling in his mouth,

Richard softly replied, “There is unrest in your
pack. A few people aren’t happy with Diego
handing you the reins, thinking an alpha challenge
was in order, instead. I didn’t want the bigots I’ve
overheard to add to the problems you might
possibly be facing.”

“Protecting me?” Abbot murmured, his brows

lifting. “Is that your intention?”

“Yes.” It was a simple thing to admit, yet, he

knew his alpha deserved more. “I was an enforcer
in my birth pack for several years,” Richard
explained, trying to control his desires. Abbott had
stopped directly in front of him. With the wall at
Richard’s back, he began to feel trapped, cornered,
and he struggled to control his need to move
closer to Abbott—or step sideways from the
man—or even push into him—just to alleviate that
sensation. He’d never liked being cornered.

All those options could cause trouble.
Needing to get some space before he did

something stupid, he blurted the first thing that
came to mind that might appease his alpha. “I’m
already used to controlling unrest. When you add
that to you being my mate, I thought only to lower
the possibility of problems for you. That meant

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

waiting until your people settled before revealing
myself.”

Unfortunately, Abbott didn’t back off at his

words. He stepped closer, pressing his big body
against Richard. Sucking in a harsh breath,
Richard’s mind reeled as his man’s scent flooded
his senses. His cock thickened in his borrowed
sweats. Abbott pinned him to the wall, nudging
him with his groin.

Richard hissed at the contact, his prick oozing.

Spikes of pleasure tingled in his balls and danced
up his spine. It’d been so long since he’d been
intimate with another. It’d been so hard keeping
his wolf in check. Now, breathing in the other
male’s earthy and wild scent, he feared he’d come
without even a touch.

Abbott, while only an inch taller than Richard,

seemed to tower over him as he leaned in and
settled his weight against him. His eyes gleaming,
Abbott’s gaze roved over Richard’s face, his focus
lingering on his mouth for several long seconds.
Richard fought the urge to lick his lips. Finally, the
alpha pinned him in place with a solemn stare.

“Even before we meet, you hide things from

me, Richard,” he rumbled, his displeasure clear.
“You should have come to me, expressed your
concerns. Then, we could deal with the interlopers
together, as mates should, by standing at each
other’s sides.”

Charlie Richards

Said like that, Richard could certainly see

Abbott’s point of view. “Shit.”

Before he could think up how to fix his mistake,

Abbott chuckled low in his throat. The move
vibrated Richard’s chest, sliding the fabric of
Abbott’s t-shirt over his skin. Richard’s nipples
beaded. The skin on his arms goose-bumped.

When Abbott traced his thin, dry lips up his

neck, Richard shivered and tilted his neck,
exposing his throat. His alpha nipped his tendon
lightly, then crooned, “You made a mistake,
Richard.”

It wasn’t a question, but his name spoken by

Abbott in that deep croon, nearly fried his brain.
“Yesss,” he hissed.

“And you won’t do that again, will you, mate?”
Abbott’s sultry tone caused Richard to want to

agree to anything the man said. “No, mate,” he
murmured.

“Good,” Abbott whispered, nuzzling his neck,

licking and nipping. “We’re a team, aren’t we?”

“T-Team.” Richard panted, barely holding in

his moan as he submitted to this man. Losing
some control, he bucked his hips, searching for
friction on his aching shaft. Abbott didn’t
disappoint. He slid his jean-clad leg between
Richard’s thighs, pushing up against his balls.

“Fuck,” he groaned.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Abbott chuckled roughly. “Later, lover. Gonna

mark you now. I’ll ride your ass into submission
later,” he growled.

He’d never admit it, but Richard whimpered.
Rumbling low in his throat, Abbott wrapped

his jaws around the point where Richard’s
shoulder met his neck.

Richard shivered at the pressure. He rested his

head against the wall, giving Abbott more access.
His breath came in harsh pants, anticipation
making his blood hum and his cock twitch.

“Abbott, wait.”
The alpha’s growl registered more to Richard

than Aaric’s warning cry.

It was Crain’s words that really cut through

Richard’s lust-induced haze. “Alpha, please,”
Crain pleaded. “You can’t mark him before the
challenge.”

Wait, what? Challenge?
Abbott lifted his head and snarled. He glared at

Aaric and Crain where the two men stood to their
left. It gave Richard just enough time to engage his
brain…and

his

mouth…and

ask,

“Wait!

Challenge? You’re being challenged?”

He really thought he’d been doing a good job

keeping an eye on the outer crowd. He’d even had
some asshat named Delorian approach him in a
bar, wanting to know more about him and his
opinion of the new alpha. It’d been tough, and

Charlie Richards

he’d had to keep his answers short to avoid lying
and smelling of deceit, but he’d been fairly certain
he’d managed it. Especially when Delorian had
smelled smug as he patted Richard on the
shoulder when he left, promising to be in touch.

“Did Delorian challenge you?”
That caused Abbott’s gaze to refocus on him.

“No. No one has challenged me, and Delorian
would be a fool to try.” His eyes narrowed. “Why
do you ask? Do you know him?”

“I’ve met him a handful of times,” Richard

admitted. “I’ve met a number of the dissenters in
this pack. Refusing to seek you out got around, so
they thought I’d be interested in, well…” He
grimaced. “They misunderstood why I was
avoiding you.”

“Really?” Abbott glared. “And when were you

planning on telling me any of this?”

Richard blinked, struggling with the sudden

change in his mate. “Once I found out their plans,”
he stated.

Frustration rolled off Abbott, his scent turning

slightly bitter. His jaw clenched as he stared at
some point just over Richard’s shoulder.

Wanting, needing, to soothe his man, Richard

lifted one hand and settled it on Abbott’s
shoulder. Then, he slid it up his neck to his jaw.
Even as Abbott focused on him, Richard gently

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

traced his thumb over the top of his alpha’s firm
lips.

“I didn’t want to point fingers if they were all

talk and no action,” Richard told him. “I’m new in
this pack, so had no way of knowing if Delorian
really was a trouble maker, or just a wolf who
liked to blab his mouth.”

Abbott held his gaze for several long seconds,

searching his face even as his nostrils flared,
telling Richard that he inhaled his scent. That his
mate thought he might intentionally lie to him
hurt, but considering the last twenty minutes, he
understood the reaction.

“Okay, I understand your reasoning.”
Relief filled him…until he remembered the

comment about challenges. “So, if he didn’t
challenge you, who did?”

“No one challenged me,” Abbott explained.

“I’m holding a pack rank challenge. I plan to
invite about ten members. There’s only twenty-
three members in the pack, so that’s about half,”
he admitted.

“A rank challenge,” Richard murmured, his

mind awash with hope. He hadn’t thought he’d
get the opportunity to gain a pack rank for…well,
decades. “Just enforcers? Or others as well?”

“Actually, I need a beta as well as hopefully

two enforcers,” Abbott told him. “While my
father’s inner circle has been working with me,

Charlie Richards

they’d prefer to move on with their lives, as well.
They’re not getting any younger, and I haven’t
earned their respect as my father had.” He lifted a
brow, even as his lips thinned. “I understand their
reasoning and appreciate their honesty.”

Richard nodded slowly, knowing he’d need to

do some research on the wolves in the pack, their
strengths and weaknesses. He hoped Abbott,
Crain, and in-laws would help. Surely they
wouldn’t begrudge him now that they knew what
the hell was going on. He actually kinda liked
Adriana, his brother’s sister-in-law—and his, too
now, he guessed, since she was Aaric and Abbott’s
sister. He’d hung out with her a couple of times at
Aaric and Crain’s, and the strong female wolf
gave him shit, which he returned whole-heartedly.

“Can I get a list of who else will be at the

challenge?” Richard asked.

“Why?”
Richard’s brows shot up at Abbott’s apparent

confusion. He cocked his head, frowning.
“Because I need to know who I’m going to be
facing. It’d be nice to know at least a few things
about them and their wolves beforehand,” he
pointed out.

“You’re not entering the challenge,” Abbott

stated flatly.

Releasing the man, Richard placed his hands on

Abbott’s chest and shoved. It gained him maybe

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

two feet of space as his alpha backed several steps.
Richard glared, first at Abbott, then at Crain and
Aaric. “Then, what the fuck am I doing here?”

Abbott snarled and grabbed Richard’s upper

arm. “What the hell do you mean? You’re my
mate. That makes you the alpha-mate. You don’t
need to fight for position!”

Richard returned his attention back to Abbott.

He licked his lips, taking in his alpha’s fierce
expression and blazing eyes. It was sexy as hell, as
was the dominant curl to his lips. It took a hell of a
lot to keep his tone level as he asked, “And what
rank does the alpha-mate hold in your pack?”

His alpha actually looked confused, his brows

creasing as he replied, “He doesn’t. He’s the
alpha-mate.”

Blowing out a breath, Richard shook his head.

“I don’t think me or my wolf would handle that
very well. We’re too dominant.” He shook his
head again. “If the beta’s wolf wasn’t as strong as
mine, or the enforcer’s, how do you think that
would work? I’d never follow their commands,
which would create all kinds of discord in the
pack.”

“You could try,” Abbott pointed out.
Richard snorted. “And you could try taking

orders from me.” At Abbott’s shocked expression,
Richard placed his hand on his man’s shoulder

Charlie Richards

and squeezed. “Look, we’re all wired with our
wolf. You of all people understand that.”

“Shit,” Abbott snarled. “I don’t want to see my

people trying to rip out your throat.”

His brows shot up. “Aren’t these to

submission?”

“You know what I mean,” he snapped.
“Then, you’d better back away from him,”

Aaric advised.

Both he and Abbott turned to stare

incredulously at the other wolf. “Why?” they both
asked nearly in unison.

Crain reached out and grabbed Richard’s

fingers, gently tugging Richard away just as Aaric
did the same by resting an arm around Abbott’s
shoulder. For several seconds, neither man
moved, before each allowed their brother to draw
them away.

Richard glanced over his shoulder at Abbott,

seeing the man looking at him, too. It took a hell of
a lot of focus, but he managed to turn his attention
to his brother. “What?” he asked gruffly.

His brother grimaced.
Richard sighed. “Sorry. You call me over here

when you know my mate is here, one I’ve been
avoiding, so I’m already on edge. Now you pull
me away from him?” He frowned. “What gives?”

“He can’t claim you. He can’t even have his

scent on you,” Crain whispered.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Blanching, Richard’s jaw sagged. That was the

last thing he’d thought his little brother would
say. “Why would you try to keep me from my
mate now?”

Crain cupped Richard’s jaw in both hands and

stared deep into his eyes. No other but his brother
could get away with such a move. Richard would
do anything for his brother, but give up his mate?
He didn’t understand.

“Tell me. If another wolf scented their alpha on

you, would they fight you?”

Richard thought about his brother’s words and

realization sank in. “Awe, shit.”

Charlie Richards

Chapter Three

bbott prowled around the perimeter of the
clearing. He struggled to maintain a pleasant

façade, but from the way a few of the more
submissive wolves instantly bowed their heads to
him when he passed, he knew he didn’t quite pull
it off.

Pausing, he discreetly sucked in several deep

breaths under the guise of sweeping his gaze over
the assembling pack.

Ten days. It’d been ten fucking days since he’d

seen his mate. Getting his hands on the sexy wolf
seemed to be the only thing he’d been able to
dwell on these past few days. His body vibrated
with anticipation.

Soon. Soon I will have my mate.
After decades of being alone, bouncing from

one night stand to one night stand, he’d have a
steady lover, a partner. Gods, he’d missed that so
much. Thinking of his late wife, he smiled faintly.
She’d have been happy for him. Getting over her

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

had been difficult. He’d nearly lost his mind to
grief. Only caring for his newborn son, Vail, and
the love and support of his family had gotten him
through. Emily might not have been his fated
mate, but he’d bonded with her just the same.
Abbott had seen several shifters lose their minds
after losing their bonded spouse. He felt blessed
Fate had given him the fortitude to move on.

“I haven’t seen you smile like that in a while.

It’s good to see.”

Abbott peered at his sister. Adriana grinned at

him in return.

He nodded. “Yeah, well, I’m glad this will

finally be finished. It’ll be nice to have things
settled.”

Adriana nodded, resting her hands on her hips

as she surveyed the group. “I look forward to
showing these wolves a thing or two.”

“You—What?” Abbott’s brows lifted in surprise

at her words. “What are you talking about?”

Lifting a brow, Adriana stared imperiously at

him…which was actually pretty impressive since
she stood almost six inches shorter than Abbott’s
six foot three height. “I know you’re not thinking
I’m going to sit this challenge out,” she stated.

Abbott realized he’d just somehow entered a

verbal field of landmines. He struggled to figure
out the right words to tell his sister he didn’t want
to see her get her ass kicked.

Charlie Richards

Evidently, Adriana knew exactly his thoughts.

She lifted a finger and pointed at him. “Oh, no you
don’t. I have every right to attempt to earn a
position. My wolf is far more dominant than half
those people you’ve invited and you know it.”

At least she kept her voice down as she hissed

the words.

Grimacing, Abbott bent close and murmured,

“You’re only five nine, Adriana. I know that’s tall
for a woman, but most of the shifters fighting are
six foot or more.”

“What about Darlene?”
Rolling his eyes, Abbott pointed out, “Darlene

might be five seven, but she’s almost as wide as
she is tall. She’s built like a damn brick
house…only the female version. Her wolf is
huge.”

“I can take her easy,” Adriana insisted. “Don’t

make me go behind your back.”

Abbott sucked in a harsh breath, only to catch a

whiff of Richard’s scent. He glanced around and
saw his mate appear through the trees with Aaric
and Crain. His mind instantly fixated on what he
wanted to do to the wolf once this whole challenge
was completed. Absently, he stated, “Fine. Do
what you wish.”

His sister’s surprise came through in her scent.

She followed his gaze. “Who’s caught your

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

attention? Is it appropriate to govern over this
with a hard-on?”

Nearly choking, Abbott snapped his gaze to

Adriana. “What the fuck?”

She shrugged one slender shoulder. “Just

curious. There aren’t too many women here, so
who is he?”

Abbott shook his head. “You’re far too

observant for your own good. You’ll know after
the challenge.”

“Oh, Richard then,” Adriana stated, peering at

him. “Yeah. I can see how you’d think he’s hot, in
a silent broody type of way.”

“How the hell—”
“Oh, please.” Adriana waved a hand

negligently. “He’s the only new wolf in our pack
that’s unmated.”

Shaking his head, Abbott growled, “Off with

you. It’s time to begin.” He took a step away from
her, then paused and turned back to stare into her
mirth-filled brown eyes. “And, Adriana, please
don’t mention that to anyone until I’ve announced
it.”

For a second, Adriana looked confused, then

her eyes widened just a bit. “Your—?”

She didn’t need to finish. Abbott knew what

she asked. He nodded curtly.

Adriana squealed, dancing a jig in place for

several seconds, before giving him a swift hug.

Charlie Richards

Then, she was gone, hustling off to join the other
shifters getting ready to fight…which essentially
meant stripping down to sweats—or in her case, a
halter top and biker shorts. Something easy to
remove so they could shift.

Putting Richard out of his mind took some

effort, but Abbott did it. He strode several steps
forward and lifted his hands. “Good afternoon,
everyone. I know you all want to get this done so
you can get back into warmer clothes,” he stated,
garnering chuckles from several. Yeah, doing a
challenge in December sucked, but at least the
day’s weather had turned out to be nice.

“This challenge is triple elimination. If you win

your first two fights, you won’t need to fight a
third. If you lose your first two fights, the same.”
He pointed to Aaric. “My brother has pen and
paper. Everyone write your name on a slip and
put it in the jar held by his mate, Crain. Once
done, reassemble over there,” he ordered, pointing
to the area across from him.

He waited patiently for each person to comply.

He caught Richard’s gaze for a second, just long
enough to see heat flare in the other shifter’s eyes.
He knew an answering desire flashed across his
own countenance before he could mask it. Then,
Richard broke contact.

Abbott watched him scribble his name on a

paper and shove it into the jar Crain held. Richard

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

received an encouraging smile and a pat on his
back from his brother, then he turned away and
took up what appeared to be a parade rest stance
near the others preparing to fight.

Huh, I didn’t think he’d been in the military at any

time. Of course, Abbott realized he knew very little
about his mate, but he sure looked forward to
finding out everything.

Soon, everyone was ready, and the fights

began.

There ended up being a dozen shifters vying for

the three positions. Abbott watched as the
numbers were quickly cut in half. To his surprise,
Adriana fought very well. Moving fluidly, her
wolf showed tenacity and agility that Abbott
hadn’t been aware she possessed.

It didn’t surprise Abbott that Delorian made it

into the top six. He felt grateful Darrell made it,
too. Along with those two, Adriana, Richard,
Nedrik—a dark gray wolf who was good friends
with Delorian—and Jimmy—a black wolf who’d
just retired from the military. Abbott hadn’t had
much contact with him since his return six months
before, but his name had been recommended by
his father.

Abbott had been a bit surprised, and

disappointed, by his mate’s performance. Not that
he’d ever admit that to Richard. The shifter had
barely won his two fights, almost losing to

Charlie Richards

Darlene, before taking down Bernie—an eighty
plus year old red shifter who’d been with their
pack since birth—in his second fight.

Now, they started the next round. Each shifter

fought each other wolf. Three losses and they were
gone. If they won all five, they’d be beta. Four
wins earned the head enforcer position and three
wins won the second enforcer position. It wasn’t
the best system, but Abbott planned to add a
caveat…a two week trial to make certain they all
meshed.

The first pair to spar was Jimmy and Darrell.

Abbott watched as the pair of black wolves circled
each other. Jimmy was a bit smaller than Darrell,
but when they moved, lunging back and forth,
swiping paws, snapping at legs, Abbott quickly
noted how Jimmy easily out-maneuvered Darrell.
After only two minutes, Jimmy forced Darrell to
submit.

The next pair to face off was Richard and

Adriana. For almost a minute, Richard and
Adriana circled each other. Suddenly, Richard
pinned his ears and growled low in his throat, his
warning clear. Adriana froze, and in a surprising
move, lowered to the ground and showed her
belly. Richard stalked forward then wrapped his
jaws around her throat.

The bout was over.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Abbott scowled, trying to figure out if his sister

had done that because she knew Richard was his
mate or because she didn’t think she could win.
Seconds later, he got his answer.

A naked Richard helped an equally nude

Adriana to her feet. Laughing, she patted him on
the shoulder. “Damn, you got a mean growl,
Richard. My wolf demanded we show our belly in
the worst way. I just couldn’t help it!”

Richard nodded. “I appreciate the opportunity

to save my strength,” he replied, smirking.

Seeing his mate nude, and touching another—

even his sister—Abbott nearly lost control. Even
as his cock hardened at the view, he struggled to
keep from stalking across the area and snatching
him away from her. Fortunately, Aaric calling the
last two into the center to fight—Delorian and
Nedrik—refocused Abbott’s attention where it
needed to be.

Within minutes, Delorian forced his buddy to

submit.

The next round went to Richard and Darrell.

Abbott watched, impressed, as Richard repeatedly
slipped past Darrell’s guard. At one point, Darrell
managed to get his jaws around Richard’s
strawberry blond wolf’s neck, but the smaller
animal twisted and rolled, slipping from his grip.
In the next moment, he used Darrell’s now
awkward position to grab his throat from beneath.

Charlie Richards

He tightened his jaws. Darrell froze, surprise
shining in his eyes. He remained in place for thirty
seconds, indicating his submission.

Huh, had Richard been holding back on purpose?

Maybe he considered the other fights a warm up?

Abbott wasn’t certain as he turned his attention

to the next pair. Jimmy successfully took Nedrik
down, making it look easy to wrestle the nearly
same size wolf to the ground.

Next up, Adriana faced off against Delorian.

Abbott watched, just holding back a grimace, as
Delorian raked his claws down Adriana’s side
when she didn’t move fast enough. She made a
valiant effort, but Delorian was just as fast as her,
more aggressive, and managed to pin her.

After several more rounds, Jimmy remained

undefeated, Nedrik had lost all fights, and Darrell
had only won one…against Nedrik. Both were out
of the running. Adriana had lost to Jimmy,
Richard, and Delorian, placing her in a runner up
position.

The final match began, between Delorian and

Richard, and Abbott found his control over his
wolf stretched horribly thin. He watched the pair
circle, lunge and retreat, claw and snap. More than
once, Delorian drew blood. The scent of Richard’s
blood called to him, making him horny and angry
all at the same time. He wanted to shift and tackle
Delorian, wrestle him away from his mate.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Unfortunately, Abbott couldn’t.
That knowledge did nothing to appease his

wolf.

Charlie Richards

Chapter Four

ichard felt his strength failing. The scrapes,
bites, and cuts from not only this fight, but

those prior were taking their toll. He needed to
find a way past Delorian’s guard. The wolf was
bigger, but not quite as fast. However, his mean
aggression more than made up for that.

While dodging another lunge and swipe, an

idea formed. Aggression meant impatience. He
could use that.

Purposefully, Richard started counter-attacking

only half the time, while dodging Delorian’s
strikes by a narrower and narrower margin.
Finally, seeing a blow that wasn’t aimed to tear
out his throat or innards, he allowed it, partially,
to connect with his haunch.

The power behind the strike still sent him

sprawling, just as he knew it would. He rolled an
extra foot, putting his back to Delorian. The gasp
from several pack-members nearly botched up his
plan.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Fortunately, Richard heard his opponent’s snarl

over the noise of their audience. He rolled toward
the other wolf, right under his attack. Reaching
up, he latched his jaws around the other wolf’s
throat just as he brought his legs up and raked
them down Delorian’s belly.

The larger wolf howled.
Richard used Delorian’s continued momentum

to roll them, forcing the other wolf to his back.
With his belly up, exposed, and Richard’s jaws
sinking deeper and deeper into his neck, Delorian
struggled but couldn’t budge him. Finally, with
his oxygen supply most likely running low,
Delorian submitted.

After holding his opponent for an extra fifteen

seconds, just to be certain, Richard slowly released
the other wolf’s neck and backed away, all the
while growling low in his throat.

The sense that told Richard exactly where his

mate was the entire afternoon, warned him that
Abbott approached from somewhere behind him
and to the left. He appreciated that, since he’d
been injured on that side and if you couldn’t trust
your mate, who could you trust?

“Both of you, shift,” the alpha ordered.
Sucking in a slow breath, Richard searched for

his human form and obeyed. His body reshaped
quickly, and seconds later, he stood and popped
his neck. Struggling to ignore his burgeoning

Charlie Richards

erection, he accepted his sweats from his brother.
The man must have known that he hadn’t wanted
to pop wood in front of most of his new pack,
especially since he’d just managed to snag the lead
enforcer slot.

Richard had to hand it to Jimmy. The man used

his military training even in wolf form, executing
rolls and strikes he never would have thought
possible in their animal form. He knew he
wouldn’t have any trouble following him as beta.
Well, as long as he didn’t turn out to be a bigoted
asshole, anyway.

At least focusing on Delorian kept Richard’s

arousal at bay. He’d managed to dress and move
back toward where Jimmy waited before Delorian
had even managed his feet. That concerned him a
bit. What if he needed Delorian to have his back in
a hurry? Would Delorian blame any possible
injury on Richard because he couldn’t shift
quickly enough?

Time would tell, but after some of Delorian’s

previous conversations, Richard didn’t think he
could trust the man. Especially after some of the
things he’d said in the bar a few weeks back.

After a minute, Delorian joined them.
Abbott swept his gaze over them, meeting each

man’s eyes in turn. Richard did his best to keep
his expression neutral when his mate looked him
up

and

down.

Finally,

Abbott

stated,

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

“Congratulation, gentlemen. James Noleander,
you’ve earned the honor and responsibility of my
pack beta. Do you accept?”

Jimmy nodded briskly. “Thank you, Alpha.

You have my allegiance. It will be an honor to
serve you and our pack.”

After a nod, Abbott turned to Richard, then

Delorian. They each went through the motions of
accepting their position and reaffirming their
loyalty.

Abbott turned back to the rest of the shifters

standing around and said, “Thank you all for
coming. I’m honored by your presence. I present
to you the new members of our pack’s inner circle,
our beta, Jimmy, and our enforcers, Richard and
Delorian.”

Cheers went up from many members of the

pack. A few just clapped, looking concerned or
exchanging looks. Richard wasn’t certain what
that was all about, but figured he’d find out soon
enough. Then, Abbott turned to them and stated,
“If you three would join me at my home for
dinner, I’ll fix everyone steaks and we can discuss
what I expect of each of you.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Richard murmured, hardly

listening to the words of agreement from the other
two men. His fingers itched to grab his mate and
pull him close, but he knew now wasn’t the time

Charlie Richards

or place. Richard turned away and headed toward
the rest of his clothes.

As he dressed, he accepted congratulations

from Crain and Aaric as well as several
acquaintances and even a few of the shifters that
he’d beaten. Darrell slapped him on the back.
“Damn, man,” he cajoled. “You never acted so
aggressive when we went out for beers.”

Smirking, Richard stated, “We were drinking

beer. What the hell is there to be aggressive
about?”

“True that,” he quipped. Then, sobering, he

leaned close and confided, “I don’t envy you
working with Delorian, man. He’s a bigoted
asshole.”

“I’ve met him,” Richard admitted, his voice just

as hushed. “I’m more worried about unrest in the
pack. Especially after—” He bit off his words and
shook his head. At Darrell’s interested look, he
shook his head, finishing lamely, “You’ll know it
when you hear it.”

“All right.” Darrell nodded. “I got your back,

should you ever need me.”

As soon as Darrell moved off, Nedrik drew

close. “Awesome move with playing injured.” He
grinned and snickered. “Delorian never saw it
coming!”

Richard nodded. “You’re right.” He winked,

leaning close, “The bigger they are, eh?”

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Nedrik snorted. “You got that right.” Then, he

glanced around, looking worried. “Don’t tell him I
said that,” he quickly mumbled.

Giving his shoulder a squeeze, Richard nodded.

“Not a word.”

After chatting with a few others, whose names

he wasn’t certain of, Richard finally made his way
to his motorcycle—a 2013 Ducati Diavel. One
thing could be said for Kontra’s pack—the
assorted shifters that had rescued him and his
brother from a group of asshole scientists bent on
experimentation and world domination. They
knew how to pick a great mode of transportation.

He’d just swung his leg over his bike, steadying

the machine between his thighs, when he spotted
Abbott stalking toward him. A couple shifters
made as if to stop him, but upon seeing the alpha’s
almost feral expression, their brows shot up and
they watched him in shock.

Abbott’s

eyes

glittered

with

obvious

appreciation as he swept his gaze over Richard.
Licking his lips, Richard found he really liked the
way Abbott eyed him. Why the guy did it now, in
front of everyone, stumped him.

Richard’s

confusion

regarding

Abbott’s

intentions intensified as his alpha drew near. That
was, until Abbott stopped at his bike’s side,
cupped the back of Richard’s skull, and hauled
him in for a deep lip-lock. Richard’s thoughts

Charlie Richards

scattered. He reveled in the heady taste of his
mate—earthy, musky, and oh-so-masculine.

Richard felt the hand in his hair tighten, forcing

his head a bit to the side. When he felt his alpha’s
tongue prod at his lips, he opened. Grunting,
Richard welcomed Abbott’s tongue, then
proceeded to suck the appendage, showing his—
hopefully—soon-to-be lover exactly what he
intended to do to his cock—that evening, if it
could be arranged.

Abbott’s groan, a sound full of pleasure, set

Richard’s blood on fire. His dick ached in his
sweats, but he kept his hands on the handles of the
bike, refusing to reach for himself…or his mate,
for that matter. Richard didn’t think he’d be able
to control himself if he touched Abbott now.

Gasps and whispers from others reminded him

of where they were.

Evidently, it reminded Abbott, too, because he

brought the feral kiss to an end and—even while
he still gripped Richard’s thick hair, holding his
head—he peered around at their audience. Maybe
half a dozen strangers—as well as a gaping
Darrell—stood within twenty feet, most with
mouths open in shock.

Abbott grinned widely. Then, he stated in his

deep voice, husky from the tonsil hockey, “Yes,
everyone. Our new lead enforcer is also my mate.
Feel free to spread the word.” Seeming to ignore

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

the shocked gasps and questions of a couple
females, Abbott returned his focus to Richard and
gruffly ordered. “Head off to my house, now,
Richard. We have new inner circle members to
share this news with, then a mating to complete.”

Then, Abbott walked away with a relaxed

swagger.

Richard wanted to tackle the man, wrestle, feel

their wolves battle. Sure, he knew he’d lose, but it
was the feelings, the foreplay, the fun that it
would entail. Instead, he struggled to ignore his
need. Besides, it wasn’t like he could do anything
too physical until he checked his wounds…well,
he didn’t want to, at least.

Ignoring the questions from others that plagued

his alpha—yeah, Abbott can deal with them, since he
raised them—Richard started the engine of his
machine and roared away. He knew where Abbott
lived and headed that way. Upon reaching his
man’s drive, Richard slowed down, carefully
navigating the gravel.

Roving his gaze over Abbott’s home, Richard

took in the three foot high deck that wrapped
around the domicile on both sides. He figured at
some point, there was a door to the basement, but
he couldn’t see it from there. The only thing he
could do was park his Diavel in front of the
garage—right next to a vintage mustang and an
old battered S-10 pick-up.

Charlie Richards

Richard could only guess at who owned

what…hell, for all he knew, his mate owned both
of them and drove them around depending on his
mood. Leaning his bike on its stand, he glanced at
the darkening clouds. He grimaced. Stepping to
the first garage door, he tried to lift it, but it didn’t
budge. Richard figured he could have broken the
garage door mechanism keeping it closed, but he
resisted the urge.

Shaking his head, Richard crossed to his bike

and pulled out a rain cover, then draped it over
the bike. Right now, there was no wind. He made
a mental note to listen, so he’d know if that
changed. Once his ride was taken care of, he
headed up the half dozen steps and rang the front
door’s bell.

A woman opened the door. Richard started to

get concerned by the beautiful brunette’s presence,
until she sniffed the air and shook her head. “You
must be Richard. Jimmy said you were the third.
Come inside then. I’ll patch you up.” She actually
grumbled about pack challenges and stupid,
outdated shifter traditions as she led the way to
what must have been a family room.

Jimmy and Delorian already occupied the two

easy chairs, so Richard settled on a short sofa. The
woman’s clipped words drew his attention.

“Well, take your shirt off, and if you have

wounds on your legs, take the sweats off, too.”

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Richard couldn’t help it. His brows shot up and

his eyes widened. “Uh, you think that’s wise?”

The woman snorted rudely. “Please, not like

you got anything I ain’t seen before.”

Okay, so not the smartest thing to say, perhaps,

especially to a doctor. Except, even as she
motioned for him to strip completely, Richard
heard the front door open and scented his mate
enter the building.

The brunette stood over him, her arms crossed

as she snapped, “Well, let’s see it. I can smell the
blood oozing from your thigh even as we speak. I
need to clean it up.” She scowled and added,
“Hell, from the heavy scent, you might even need
stitches.”

“Then, perhaps, you could show me to a

bedroom,” Richard requested.

Never in Richard’s life had he been self-

conscious or shy, but with his unbonded mate
moving through the home, he didn’t want to strip
down in front of everyone. He’d just come from a
shifter challenge where he’d had to be naked in
front of everyone—continually. Since he could
easily imagine how angry he’d feel upon seeing
Abbott—Gods just the thought made him want to
punch someone—naked with others, Richard
forced out the request.

The doctor looked shocked, her eyes wide.

“What the hell is your problem? I’d think the lead

Charlie Richards

enforcer wouldn’t give a rip about who saw him
naked.” Suddenly, her eyes narrowed. “Wait, does
this have something to do with showing
weakness? You don’t want to show your
wounds?”

A low menacing growl sounded through the

room.

Everyone looked up to see Abbott standing in

the doorway. His arms were spread, hands braced
on each side of the door frame. His glittering gaze
was focused on the female, the doctor. “Perhaps
you should have listened to Richard when he
spoke,” he snarled softly.

The woman looked confused, concerned, and

gave off a fearful scent. “I-I don’t understand,
Alpha. I just wanted to tend his wounds,” she
whispered, ducking her head.

“You asked my mate to bare himself to you. I

should flay you alive and bathe in your blood.”

Okay, Richard knew his alpha didn’t actually

mean that. Or, he hoped he didn’t.

Leaping to his feet, Richard maneuvered

between Abbott and the doctor. He lifted his
hands in placation. “Easy, Alpha.” Licking his lips,
Richard moved toward his mate. He could almost
feel the rage and jealousy rolling off the male.
Settling his hands on his man’s chest, he rubbed
over his pecs in what he hoped would be soothing

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

strokes. “The doc didn’t mean anything by it. You
know that.”

Damn, I hope that’s true.
Abbott rumbled a low growl, glaring at the

doctor over Richard’s shoulder.

Richard continued smoothing his palms over

Abbott’s chest, then up to his shoulders,
massaging gently. He tried not to get too excited at
the feel beneath his fingertips, even as his body
ached in ways he hadn’t felt in years. He knew
they were both giving off all kinds of pheromones,
but he couldn’t do anything about that even
though he didn’t mean to embarrass anyone.

Finally, Abbott seemed to calm. He wrapped

his arms around Richard, holding him close as he
nuzzled first one side of Richard’s face, then the
other, marking him thoroughly with his scent.
Slowly, Abbott’s breathing calmed and the rage
Richard scented faded.

“Thank you,” Abbott whispered.
“We’re both running a little hot,” Richard

replied.

Richard couldn’t remember the last time he’d

been so hard, when he’d anticipated a coupling so
much. His blood surged through his veins, lust
and desire swirling through him. Abbott nuzzled
down the side of his face, humming softly until he
came to the crook of his neck, then nipped his
tendon lightly.

Charlie Richards

Abbott lifted his gaze and grinned ferally. “You

smell good,” he rumbled against Richard’s skin.
“Can’t wait to sink into this tight ass and claim
you,” he growled. He slid his hands down and
squeezed Richard’s globes.

A hiss escaped Richard’s lips. His dick flexed

and his hole clenched. Anticipation surged
through him.

“I really think I should stitch up your mate’s

side first,” the doctor hazarded softly.

At about the same time, a disgusted snarl

sounded, followed by, “What the fuck, Alpha?”

Tightening his grip on Abbott’s neck, Richard

kept his gaze locked with his man’s for just a
second. He took advantage of that instant, shaking
his head sharply, just a bit, in warning. Abbott’s
eyes narrowed, telling Richard his message had
been received.

Pressing his lips together in an obvious effort to

keep himself together, Abbott held Richard’s gaze.
Then, he plastered a smile to his face—a fake one,
since Richard saw it didn’t reach his eyes—and
looked at Delorian.

His smile widened.
“I’m sorry it couldn’t be made public

knowledge earlier, Delorian, but we didn’t want
anyone disputing Richard’s abilities or whining
about favoritism if he earned a position.” Abbott

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

swept his gaze over those in the room. “Richard is
my mate.”

Jimmy grinned from where he sat sprawled on

a recliner. “Congrats, Alpha. I’m very happy for
you.”

Delorian scowled at their new beta. “You’re

okay with this…this—”

“Sure,” Jimmy stated, his dark eyes twinkling.
“But, they’re both men,” Delorian growled.
“Now you’re stating the obvious,” Jimmy

replied. Lifting a brow, he asked, “What? Have
you never been with a guy?”

“Of course not!” Delorian snapped, appearing

offended.

“Your loss, Del.” Jimmy dismissed Delorian

with those words and returned his focus to
Richard and Abbott. “You want us to come back
later, Alpha?” His grin returned and he
exaggeratedly sniffed. “I think you’ve got
something on your mind other than cooking us
steaks and discussing what’ll be expected of us.”

Richard snorted. He had a funny feeling he’d

end up really liking the new beta. Smirking, he
quipped, “Why don’t you watch TV? Just give us
five minutes and we’ll get back with you.”

“Five minutes?” Abbott scowled in mock

offense. “You think that’s all I’ll last?”

Charlie Richards

Running a finger down his soon-to-be lover’s

jaw, Richard all but purred, “Oh, that will just be
an appetizer to take the edge off for later.”

Delorian made a choked sound, drawing

attention, and Richard noted his suddenly red
face. Jimmy leaned forward and placed his hand
on Delorian’s knee. “You need a glass of water,
buddy?”

Looking askance, Delorian jerked away from

the beta, leaping to his feet.

Deciding to push just a little bit more, after all,

they needed to prompt the man to move up
whatever plans he had against their alpha,
Richard winked at Delorian and smirked. “Sorry,
man,” he said, shrugging, trying to appear
sheepish. “We’ll try not to embarrass you too
badly. You really think the others would have
dared rolling around in the dirt with me, even in
wolf form, if they knew I was the alpha’s mate?”

“Of course, I wouldn’t,” Delorian snapped.
“Since we don’t know each other well,” Abbott

cut in, “there is a two week trial period. That
should be plenty of time to see if we can figure out
how to work together.”

“Wait a minute.” Delorian immediately butted

in. “What’s that supposed to mean? We’ll lose our
position?”

“Easy, Delorian,” Richard cut in, putting just a

bit of growl into his tone. He really didn’t like how

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

the lower ranking wolf spoke to his soon-to-be
lover…not to mention their alpha. “That’s not
what he said.”

“What are you saying, Alpha?” Jimmy asked

respectfully.

Abbott shrugged. “Actually, that’s exactly what

I’m saying,” he stated mildly, completely blunt.
“We need to be able to work as a well-oiled
machine. I am your alpha, and you’ve sworn your
loyalty to me. If you can’t act on that oath, respect
me and my decisions, carry out my orders, it will
create dissension in the pack. That is not
acceptable.” He scowled at both Jimmy and
Delorian. “There are others in my pack who’d be
honored to hold your positions.”

Turning toward the brunette, who looked

distinctly uncomfortable, shifting her weight from
foot to foot, Abbott smiled. “I apologize for
snapping, Lacy,” he stated. “My mate and I are
not yet bonded, so perhaps you can understand
the jealousy.”

Lacy nodded, keeping her head bowed in

submission. “I do, Alpha. If I’d known about the
two of you, I certainly would have offered more
discretion.”

Abbott nodded. “Of course.” Pointing toward

the doorway behind him, he ordered, “Go down
the hall to the first room on the right. It’s a spare
bedroom, so it should be fairly comfortable for

Charlie Richards

you to clean my mate’s wounds. Then, leave. I
have other things to complete tonight.”

Lacy bowed, then gently guided Richard from

the room. At the last second, Richard glanced back
and caught his alpha’s eye. Abbott winked. Relief
flooded him when he realized the overbearing
attitude was just an act.

As Richard reclined on a bed and grunted

through getting the slices on his hip cleaned and
stitched, he hoped Abbott would hurry the hell up
and tell him what he’d been thinking.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Chapter Five

ifting a brow, Abbott crossed his arms over his
chest and leveled a hard gaze on first Jimmy,

then Delorian. He really hoped he wasn’t going to
drive his beta away with his next words, since
they were more meant to mess with Delorian.

“If you can’t take orders from a fag, you’d best

decide damn quick,” Abbott stated, leveling a cold
gaze at both men. “Betrayal is met with lethal
force.”

Delorian straightened his spine, his eyes fixed

forward. At least he didn’t salute. That’d be
completely over the top since Abbott knew he’d
never been in the military. “You can count on me,
Alpha. I apologize for my earlier words. I
was…surprised.”

“Glad to hear that,” Abbott stated. “For your

first assignment, I need you to check on Cooper.
I’ve heard rumors that there is unrest in the home.
Sheriff Psydia has record of two domestic
disturbance calls to his place. His wife, Lydia, is

Charlie Richards

human, and I need to know their disagreements
will not put our pack’s safety in jeopardy.”

“You can count on me,” Delorian assured.
Abbott smiled, making certain the move lit his

eyes. “I’m glad to hear that. Think you can get me
a report in forty-eight hours?”

“Yes, Alpha.”
“Fantastic. I look forward to your findings. We

need our pack safe.”

At that point, Abbott scented his mate before he

saw him. Turning, he watched a bare-chested
Richard, wearing a clean pair of sweats riding low
on his waist, stride into the room. He licked his
lips, taking in Richard’s hard pecs, cut abs, and
thickly muscled arms. Abbott couldn’t wait to feel
his man’s muscles under his fingertips.

Maybe he’d bend him over the sofa, fuck him

hard and fast, coating his innards with his seed.
Then, he’d drag Richard into the bedroom, lay
him out on his bed, nip and suck every bit of the
man’s flesh until he begged to be taken again.
Finally, he’d give him a slow, thorough fucking,
until he sank his canines into Richard’s neck,
marking him as his own for all eternity.

A low growl of excitement escaped him.

Abbott’s cock thickened in his jeans at the
possibilities. His fingers itched to touch and his
canines ached to descend.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

“I’ll get to my assignment now,” Delorian

grumbled. “I’m not hungry for steak.” Without
waiting, the wolf shifter fled the house, slamming
the front door loudly behind him.

The loud slam yanked Abbott’s mind from the

gutter. He frowned at the doorway through which
Delorian had disappeared. Forcing his expression
to ease, he looked at his mate. “How are you
feeling?”

Richard smirked. “Fine. Or I will be. Just a few

scrapes.”

“Good,” Abbott crooned, stepping close and

pulling Richard back into his arms. “Gods, never
have days been longer than this past week and a
half. Knowing about you but not having you,” he
mumbled. “I can’t keep my fucking hands off you.
How the hell did you go over two months without
jumping my bones?”

Richard grunted at the way Abbott bit into his

neck, hard enough to feel but not enough to break
skin. Abbott reveled in the sound, almost giving in
to his urge to mark his man when Richard tilted
his head, giving him more room, and gripped
Abbott’s shoulders.

“It wasn’t the right time,” Richard practically

hissed.

“Damn, you two really are horn-balls,” Jimmy

commented, almost idly.

Charlie Richards

Abbott lifted his head and peered at his beta,

his brows shooting up.

Jimmy grinned. “So, we’re gonna have a

problem with Delorian, aren’t we?”

Sighing, Abbott nodded. “I’m afraid so.”
“A bigot, an asshole, uses aggression instead of

smarts, and now he’s in a position of power.”
Jimmy ticked off the points on his fingers as he
shook his head. “That’s really not a good combo.”

Abbott’s brows shot up. He eased away from

Richard, then led his mate to a sofa and pulled
him down next to him, unable to allow his man far
from his side. Leaning forward, he eyed the
slender, dark-haired wolf. “You’ve been in the
military for the last fifteen years, just returning
permanently six months ago.” His eyes narrowed.
“You’ve been using that time to assess the pack,
haven’t you? Did you intend to challenge me?”

Chuckling, Jimmy smiled as he tapped the

bottle of beer he held against his leg. “Yes and no,
Alpha.”

“Which is which?” Abbott demanded.
Taking a moment to formulate his answer,

Jimmy popped his neck once, twice, then bowed
his head and peered up through his lashes. “I have
no real desire to lead, Alpha, but there are a
couple wolves I couldn’t, in good conscience,
follow, or allow to remain in power if somehow
they gained it.” He licked his lips, then admitted,

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

“And from the things I’ve heard, they’re not
happy.”

“Let me guess,” Richard said, cutting into the

conversation. “Delorian is one. Walter is another.”

Jimmy grinned widely. “Well, well. You’re not

just another pretty face.”

Abbott didn’t like that tone addressed toward

his man and growled low in his throat.

Surprisingly, Richard rested his hand on

Abbott’s arm and squeezed lightly, then rubbed
soothingly. “Relax. He’s our beta, and I’m the
enforcer. Even though I’m your mate, he has every
right to tease me like that.” Then, Richard snorted
and rolled his eyes. “Besides, I kinda like the ass
and I think he’s gonna work out well.”

His brows shooting up, Abbott pinned Richard

with a disbelieving look. “You do? Why?”

“Other than the fact that Jimmy thinks it’s

funny that we’re talking about him in front of him
as if he isn’t here?” Richard teased, waving his
hand toward the clearly amused shifter. “Because
he’s straight-forward, doesn’t play games, and…”
He shrugged. “I enjoy his sense of humor.”

Abbott growled, not liking that his mate was

complimenting another shifter.

Jimmy snorted and rose to his feet. “Okay. It

sounds like you two have a coupling to complete.
I’m gonna follow Delorian. See what the asshole is
up to. I’ll swing by tomorrow.” He glanced

Charlie Richards

between them, then scented the air. Grimacing, he
mumbled, “Afternoon. Tomorrow afternoon.”

The shifter moved toward the doorway, his

head still bowed.

Sighing, Abbott knew he couldn’t leave it like

that. “James Noleander,” he called. When the
other shifter paused and looked back at him,
Abbott smiled. “I look forward to working with
you.”

“Thank you, Alpha.” A smile curved the

corners of Jimmy’s lips, and he left the house.

Once Abbott heard the front door’s clasp click,

he returned his focus to his mate. He smiled at
how Richard’s eyes glittered.

Richard smirked and quipped, “So, you had a

reason for being a complete asshole?”

Abbott chuckled, even as he pressed Richard

down against the sofa’s arm. “Oh, yes.” He
lowered his head and nibbled up his soon-to-be
lover’s neck. “Gotta make sure to piss the guy off.
We both know he’s gonna try to use his new
position against us.”

“Us?” Richard asked, his breath hitching.
Humming, Abbott sucked on Richard’s tendon,

slowly working his way up to the sensitive skin
directly below his man’s ear. “You are head
enforcer, aren’t you?”

Richard’s breathing hitched. “Y-yes.”

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

“Then, you have just as much a stake in this as I

do,” Abbott whispered into Richard’s ear. “Maybe
even more,” he added. “You’ve been an enforcer
before. Now, you’re an enforcer to your mate.”
Chuckling, he mumbled, “No pressure,” before
sucking his lover’s earlobe into his ear.

Growling softly, Richard tilted his head. His

arms came around Abbott, and he dug his nails in
so much Abbott felt them through his sweatshirt.
He hummed his approval, goose bumps breaking
out on his skin. Responding with a snarl, Richard
released him, only to slide his hands under the
fabric and scrape his nails up his back, stopping to
latch around his shoulder-blades.

Abbott hissed and arched, pressing into

Richard’s touch. The sting of his man’s hold
caused his balls to tingle and tighten. He released
his mate’s ear and growled, “That feels fucking
fantastic. Love the feel of your hands on me.”

“You’ll like this better then,” Richard muttered,

his voice low and guttural.

To Abbott’s surprise, he suddenly found their

positions reversed—him under the other man on
the couch—with his sweatshirt off, to boot. He
growled at the change, not certain he liked being
the one under his lover. Except, then Richard
wrenched open his button fly—his cock springing
free—and swallowed him to the root.

Charlie Richards

Abbott howled at the tight, wet suction around

his throbbing length. His prick oozed pre-cum.
Richard lifted his head a couple of inches, swiped
his tongue over his glans, scooping up pre-cum
and swallowing it down in one smooth move.

Digging his hands into Richard’s thick sandy

hair, Abbott moaned at the feel of his mate’s
tongue gliding up, down, over, and across his
hard aching flesh. His balls drew tight.
Undeniable need—need he’d been feeling for
days—erupted through him.

He tightened his hold and bucked, driving his

prick deeper into his lover’s mouth. Richard took
it, sucking and licking, swallowing around his
head, massaging his glans. The contract and
release around his head caused his balls to pull
tight, delicious sparks rocked up his spine…then
right back down. His prick jerked and swelled.

Abbott wanted to hold on, but watching his

cock slide in and out of Richard’s mouth, slick and
shiny with spit, set his blood on fire. When
Richard peered up at him through his lashes—
heat blooming in his deep blue eyes—and
hummed, Abbott’s control snapped.

He howled as his orgasm bowled through him.
Cum spurted from his dick and Richard

swallowed it down.

Seeing his mate’s throat muscles work as he

unloaded into his mouth, Abbott grunted and

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

thrust once more. Richard took it, holding his gaze
as he petted his thighs. The mixture of heat and
smug satisfaction on Richard’s face told Abbott
that his man had gotten exactly what he’d
wanted—for him to lose all sense of control.

Abbott growled softly, his lust renewed, even

as endorphins from his release still pinged
through his system.

Two can play at this game.
Abbott released Richard’s hair and moved his

hold to his man’s shoulders and pushed. His mate
grunted in surprise as he fell backward, landing
unceremoniously on his ass. The baggy sweats slid
lower, revealing the wet head of Richard’s prick,
flushed red with blood and oozing another drop
of pre-cum.

Freezing, Abbott licked his lips, appreciating

the sight of Richard’s obvious arousal. He couldn’t
wait to pull those sweats off his man, revealing the
rest of him. Abbott just bet his man’s hard cock
would jut from a nest of reddish-blond curls.

Richard frowned and snapped, “What the

fuck?”

Too bad his jerking, leaking prick belied the

irritation in his mate’s tone. The man’s musky
arousal permeated the room, mixing headily with
the scents of cum. Growling low in his throat,
Abbott grabbed his lover, picked him up a bit, and
moved him to the center of the throw rug before

Charlie Richards

the roaring fire. Next, he ripped the sweats the rest
of the way off.

Humming gruffly at the sexy sight—yep, he’d

been right, reddish-blond curls—he petted his
mate’s hard thighs. “Stay there,” he snarled,
pointing a finger for emphasis.

He watched Richard’s Adam’s apple bob, even

as he licked his lips. More pre-cum oozed from his
man’s dick, betraying his excitement.

Growling his pleasure at the sight, Abbott used

every ounce of self-control he possessed to turn
away. He hustled from the study and practically
sprinted to his bedroom. He grabbed the tube of
lube from his nightstand and retraced his steps
just as quickly.

Abbott froze in the doorway of the room, and if

the tube of lube had been open, he’d have squirted
half the contents all over the place.

Richard hadn’t obeyed. Instead, he’d rolled to

his knees, reached back with both hands, and
spread himself open, exposing his pretty, dusky
brown hole. Licking his lips, Abbott sucked in a
breath as his cock jerked and twitched at his groin.
Even after coming, hard, in his lover’s mouth, the
desire to slam his prick into that inviting hole and
ride his mate until he howled with the knowledge
of to whom he belonged rode him hard. His wolf
snarled in his mind, urging him on.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

He took several deep breaths to steady himself.

Finally, when he felt he had some semblance of
control, Abbott peeled his grip from the
woodwork. As he took his first step, realization
slammed into Abbott. Once more, his mate had
pushed him.

A low growl rolled up his throat.
Naughty mate!
Yes, he couldn’t wait to bury himself balls deep

in Richard, but first, he needed the man to scream
his name, to beg him, plead and whimper.

Abbott smiled at that thought.
Devouring Richard with his gaze, Abbott

stalked toward the man. “Looks like someone
wants something,” he crooned, quickly closing the
distance between them, only to kneel behind the
other shifter and wait, not touching.

Richard looked over his shoulder at him, his

eyes wide in surprise. “Wh-What are you waiting
for?”

“Just admiring the view,” Abbott explained,

lifting a brow imperiously. He took in Richard’s
hard thigh muscles, firm ass, and strong back
lines. Reaching out, he gently stroked down his
lover’s flank, admiring the goose bumps that
broke out over his man’s sides and back.

Richard groaned.
Abbott shoved his mate’s hands away, then

palmed the globes himself and pulled them apart.

Charlie Richards

“Get your elbows under you,” he ordered.

“And no touching yourself.”

“A-Abbott,” Richard whined, even as he did as

he was told.

Grunting with pleasure at Richard’s immediate

obedience, Abbott stroked his lover’s body more
firmly. He enjoyed the smooth skin over firm
muscle even as he wondered about the scar
trailing up his hip to disappear at his abs. Abbott
vowed to learn the story of each and every mark
on his mate’s body…but later.

“So,” Abbott started, stroking his hand lightly

up the inside of Richard’s thigh. “What exactly did
you want me to do with this?”

“Fuck me, damn it!”
Abbott chuckled darkly. The harsh pounding of

his blood through his veins made it difficult to
control himself, but he refused to be detoured
from his plan. Draping over his lover’s back,
Abbott slid his erection between Richard’s legs.
When his cock head bumped the back of his
mate’s balls, he bit back a hiss of his own at the
contact.

Richard whined and wriggled in his grip.

Oh, hell, yeah!
Abbott wanted more of those noises—those

sexy as fuck responses—and he suspected he
knew just how to get them.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Chapter Six

ichard felt as if his blood fired through his
veins, causing his dick to throb and pulling

his balls flush to his body. Gods, just a few more
touches, a few more bumps to his balls by his
lover and he’d tip right over the edge.

Abbott’s rough fingertips wrapped around the

base of his prick and squeezed—hard. Richard’s
orgasm backed off and he howled in frustration.
“No!” he moaned.

Rough chuckles sounded behind Richard. He

peered over his shoulder at Abbott, catching his
lover’s eye. His alpha released his prick and began
slowly threading his fingers through Richard’s
pubes, softly tugging, touching, and every once in
a while, rubbing along his cock. Abbott’s hazel-
eyed gaze blazed with lust and…something else.
Abbott’s wolf peered out at him, and Richard’s
breathing hitched as he realized his mate would
accept nothing less than total submission.

Charlie Richards

Richard’s own wolf howled in the back of his

mind.

If he could have in his lover’s tight hold, he

would have rolled over and showed his belly—
anything to speed up the process of getting the
thick rod rubbing between his legs into his ass.
Instead, Richard bucked his hips and lowered his
shoulders. He’d never presented to another—
ever—but if that was what his man needed, he’d
do it.

“I need you,” Richard admitted roughly.
“Hmm,” Abbott rumbled. He nuzzled his

temple against Richard’s own, spreading his scent.
“Just as I need you.”

Without another word, Abbott popped the lid

off the lube, poured some on his fingers, and
rubbed the cool gel over Richard’s entrance.

Richard couldn’t help it. His body tensed at the

contact, at the touch of the cool liquid. Abbott
didn’t stop the slow, soothing massage of slick
fingertips against his muscle, keeping up the light
caress.

After a few seconds, Abbott slipped just the tip

of one finger into Richard’s channel. He thought it
should hurt…or, at least, feel uncomfortable.
Instead, he really wanted more of his mate inside
him, to feel that connection.

Even as Abbott gently slipped the first couple

inches of his finger in and out of Richard’s

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

channel, he nibbled up the side of his neck and
whispered into his ear, “You’re so very tight,
mate. When was the last time you had someone in
here?” As he spoke, he eased his finger all the way
in and nudged his prostate.

Richard moaned. Sparks shot out from his

chute, making his cock throb and his balls roll in
their sacks. Closing his eyes, he gasped hard and
managed to admit, “N-Never.”

Abbott froze, his hand stilling.
Richard groaned with frustration and scowled

over his shoulder at his lover. “Don’t stop, damn
it!” he snarled.

Abbott growled in response, but at least he

started moving his hand again. “Although I’m
honored I get your cherry,” he snarled into his ear,
“You are not in charge, mate.” Abbott nipped his
ear, hard. “I am.”

With those gruff words, Abbott pressed a

second digit in alongside the first.

This time, Richard felt the burn. He stiffened in

surprise at the pain. “Fuck.”

“Easy now,” his lover crooned, moving his free

hand down over his side, up his thigh, and over
his flank. “Just relax.”

Abbott’s light touches soothed him. Richard

rested his forehead on the rug and sighed. He felt
his clenching chute ease. Abbott must have felt it

Charlie Richards

as well, for he added more lube and started
moving his fingers again.

The burn faded quickly, turning into an odd

sensation of feeling full but still not enough.
Moaning, he arched his back, trying to get more
every time Abbott pulled his fingers nearly all the
way out. When Abbott added that third finger,
stretching him even wider, Richard hissed.

Once again, Abbott crooked his fingers and

massaged his prostate.

Richard shuddered, his body seeming to catch

on fire as goose bumps erupted over every inch of
his skin. Even his toes seemed to tingle. “Holy
shit, A-Abbott! Never felt—” He couldn’t finish, a
moan ripped from him. Abbott still worked the
nub inside him, rendering him unable to continue
speaking.

“It gets better, lover,” Abbott purred into his

ear. “Just wait until it’s me in here.” He
punctuated his words with shallow thrusts of his
fingers, working the walls of Richard’s chute,
continuing to stretch him. “I’m gonna fill you up
so good. Gonna slide my cock in here and sink my
teeth here.” Abbott rubbed Richard’s prostate and
nipped the point where Richard’s shoulder met
his neck.

“Oh fuck, yes,” Richard moaned. “Wanna feel

you. Please, mate.”

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Abbott hummed. “Oh, you’re gonna feel me,”

he assured.

Except, then Abbott pulled his fingers free, and

Richard whined his frustration—not that he’d ever
admit to it later. “Abbott!”

“I’m still here, Richard,” his lover assured. “Just

lubing up. Don’t want to hurt you.”

“Shit, never thought I’d feel like this,” he

muttered. His body practically vibrated with need.
His wolf rolled to his belly in his mind. His cock
oozed, aching, throbbing harder than he’d ever
imagined possible, surely more than he’d ever felt
before.

“Feel like what?” Abbott asked softly, sliding

his cock head against Richard’s entrance.

It took every bit of self-restraint Richard had

left not to press back and try to get his lover’s cock
into his ass. “Like I’ll fly out of my skin if you
don’t fuck me.”

“Well, we can’t have that, can we?”
Then, Abbott pressed forward and popped his

wide head past Richard’s guardian muscle. The
stretch took him by surprise. His breath left him in
a soft hiss between clenched teeth.

“Shit!”
“Easy, lover,” Abbott soothed. “Push out for

me. Keep breathing. The first time is always tough
but it will get better.”

Charlie Richards

Richard nodded, rolling his forehead on the

rug. “Just put it in me already,” he ordered
gruffly. “I don’t care about the pain.”

“I do,” Abbott responded, then slowly started

rocking his hips.

Back and forth. Back and forth.
Richard felt Abbott’s cock slide into him in near

infinitesimal increments. He wanted to rock up,
force his lover to sink into him more swiftly.
Unfortunately, his mate’s tight hold on his hips
didn’t allow him to move.

He did the one thing he could…something he’d

never done before. He begged.

“More, fuck, please, more,” Richard pleaded.

“Please, take me. Make me yours. Been waiting so
long.”

Abbott growled low, but didn’t change his

speed. However, he did release one hip, place his
hand on the floor next to Richard’s and drape over
him, blanketing him with his hard, muscled body.

“And whose fault is that, mate?” Abbott hissed.
Back and forth. In and out. So slow!
“Mine,” Richard mumbled.
“Yes,” Abbott confirmed, his voice throaty and

low. “Now, you wait on my time.”

“Fuck!”
“We are, baby,” his lover crooned. “We are.”
Finally, finally, Abbott bottomed out.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

“Hmm,” Abbott hummed into his ear. “Now

this is the place to be.”

Richard groaned, feeling stuffed full, stretched

almost beyond max, and nothing had felt better in
his life. Abbott was inside him, connected to him,
in the best possible way. His lover remained still,
his breathing ragged in Richard’s ear.

After nearly a minute, Richard thought maybe

something was wrong. “W-Why aren’t you
moving? Are you okay?” he whispered.

He rolled his head a bit so he could peer up and

over his shoulder. The feral light filling Abbott’s
hazel eyes almost turned them brown, taking his
breath away.

“Abbott,” he gasped.
Abbott growled softly, vibrating Richard’s

back. “My mate,” he snarled. “You’re mine,
Richard. Mine.”

“I’m yours, Abbott. All yours.”
Some of the feral gleam in his lover’s eyes

eased. Abbott blinked, then grinned widely.
“Mine,” he whispered. Leaning down, he pressed
a soft kiss to Richard’s lips. “Gonna please you
now.”

Richard really thought Abbott would pull out

and start fucking him. Instead, his lover slowly
rotated his hips. The move massaged his opening,
sending odd tingles up his chute and across the
sensitive tissues of his opening. He felt his lover’s

Charlie Richards

balls rub against his own, the crinkly hair
brushing pleasantly over his sacks.

“Oh,” Richard whispered, his eyes widening in

shock.

“There we go, lover,” Abbott stated, repeating

the move. “Feel me. Feel me in you, reaching all
your most intimate places.”

The next roll was a bit more pronounced.

Abbott’s cock shifted in Richard’s chute, jostling
his gland. His groin felt hot and waves of fire
pulsed up his dick. His balls pulled tighter and
tighter with each rotation, with each rub, rub over
flesh.

“You gonna come, babe?” Abbott growled. “I

want you to come. I want to feel you squeeze my
dick.”

“Y-Yeah, please!” he whined.
His body practically vibrated with the need to

come, with the desire to please his mate.

Abbott released his other hip and reached

beneath him. The bigger shifter’s calloused hand
around his dick was the final straw. One stroke
was all it took. Richard’s orgasm crashed over
him. His cock spurted, pumping strings of cum
onto the rug beneath him. Moaning, he clamped
down on his lover’s thick cock spearing him. He
knew it wouldn’t take much to get addicted to the
feel of his mate’s prick filling him, stretching him.

“Amazing,” he slurred, his body still twitching.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Continuing the slow strokes to Richard’s dick,

Abbott licked and nibbled the side of his neck. He
slowly pulled most of the way out. Richard could
feel his chute muscles ripple, the sensation almost
indescribable. Between his lover’s soft stroking on
his shaft and the riot of tingles up his ass,
Richard’s erection didn’t wane.

His balls rolled in his sacks, telling him he was

drawing dangerously close to a second orgasm.
His body felt like a wire strung too tight and he
had to move. He began rocking backward into
each of his lover’s thrusts.

The slap, slap of skin on skin, the heavy scent of

his man’s arousal mixed with his already spent
seed, sent Richard’s blood roaring through his
veins. A tingle started at the base of his spine.
Wanting his alpha with him this time, he clamped
his ass muscles, struggling to milk his lover’s cock.

It worked. Abbott snarled, his thrusts becoming

erratic.

Richard tilted his neck, offering to his mate.

“Pleeassse,” he hissed.

Abbott didn’t even hesitate. He sank his canines

into Richard’s neck, biting deeply. The flash of
pain almost instantly morphed into pleasure, the
most intense bliss Richard had ever experienced—
even considering he’d just come—and he came
again.

Charlie Richards

Spots danced across his vision and darkness

grayed around the edges of his sight for a few
seconds. When he managed to catch his breath
and focus—Richard thought it’d only been for a
few seconds—then he realized his lover had
already pulled out and was gently easing him
sideways onto the rug.

“Damn, that was—” Richard paused and shook

his head.

Abbott smiled, smug and satiated. “Hell, yeah.”
Leaning down, Abbott sipped from Richard’s

lips. He gently sucked his bottom lip, before
dipping his tongue inside and slowly fucking his
mouth. Richard sighed, opening wide, not even
trying to fight for control. After a couple of
moments, Abbott eased up and drew the kiss to an
end.

Smiling up at Abbott, Richard relaxed onto the

rug. He had no clue what to say to the man who’d
just rocked his world.

Evidently, Abbott didn’t need words. His mate

pecked one more kiss, then drew away. “I’ll be
right back with a towel.”

“How about we go shower? I think I need one,”

Richard stated, rising up on his elbows. He
grimaced, feeling the pain in his thigh for the first
time since the doc had stitched him up.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Abbott swept his gaze over his nude form and

nodded. “Good idea.” He held out his hand.
“Come on, babe.”

Richard took Abbott’s hand, allowing his lover

to help him stand. The bigger man immediately
wrapped his arm around him, offering him
support. If anyone else had been in the room, he
would have refused, but with just his mate, he
smiled his thanks.

As they moved out of the room, he muttered,

“We really need to work on that pet name.”

Smirking, Abbott winked. “Sure, babe.”

Charlie Richards

Chapter Seven

bbott crossed his arms over his chest and
leaned against the wall. He frowned at his

beta. “Jimmy, I’m not asking you. I’m telling you.”

His beta growled low in his throat, even as he

ducked his head in submission. “I know, but I
don’t have to like it.”

The corner of Abbott’s lip curved up. Over the

last couple of weeks, he’d grown to like and even
respect his beta. The man garnered trust from the
pack, remained level headed, friendly, and polite
to the families even as he got to know them. He’d
been gone for fifteen years—in the military as a
navy seal, which was long enough for his lack of
aging to start getting noticed. So, he’d retired and
come home.

His skills made him an excellent beta, and

Abbott felt grateful the man was willing to back
him instead of trying to take his position.
Although Abbott’s wolf was stronger than
Jimmy’s, because of the man’s military training, it

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

was entirely possible the younger shifter could
take him.

“You need to be seen at the lake already. We

can’t allow Delorian to know we’re onto him,”
Abbott reminded the man, growling back just a
bit.

Jimmy grimaced. Keeping his head bowed, he

stated, “I know. I just don’t have to like it.”

“I’ll be with him,” Richard’s lip curled. If he’d

been in wolf form, his hackles would probably be
rising. “You think I can’t care for my mate?”

Cocking his head, Jimmy met Richard’s gaze.

Slowly, he narrowed his eyes and growled low in
warning.

Hissing in frustration, Richard bowed his head,

peering at Jimmy through his lashes. “I apologize.
That was just insulting.”

After the beta nodded, Abbott rested his hand

on the back of Richard’s neck and massaged
gently. Having his mate be his enforcer, hence
lower ranking than his beta but still aggressive
and protective, left Abbott walking a fine line. He
couldn’t show favoritism to his lover. Richard and
Jimmy had to find a balance on their own. So far,
the pair did a fairly good job of it. They’d never
spoken out of turn in front of others, keeping their
disagreements behind closed doors.

“So, it’s decided then. You drive to the lake and

hang with the others,” Abbott instructed. “We’ll

Charlie Richards

be cutting through the trees in wolf form. We’ve
already told Delorian, so if he’s going to follow
through with those rumors that reached you, it’ll
be then.”

“Two against five is not good odds,” Jimmy

grumbled. Sighing, he nodded. “If I don’t see at
least one of the shifters that are supposed to be
involved with the coup, I’m shifting and coming
to you,” he warned.

Abbott’s brow lifted as he eyed his beta. For just

a second, Jimmy met his gaze, before lowering it
again. He had to hand it to the man. The shifter
had brass.

Delorian had been carrying out his duties to the

letter over the last week or so…when they could
get hold of him. One too many times having to
leave a message began to erode Delorian’s façade
of being loyal. Although they hadn’t let on, they
all had started sending out feelers with the shifters
they knew they could trust.

It didn’t take long to find out that in Delorian’s

off time, he hung out at a bar and insulted the
alpha. They’d heard several tales, a couple from
various members of Kontra’s shifter gang,
including from the alpha bear himself, as well as
from the bar’s owner. The human didn’t
understand why Delorian hated Abbott so
much—at least the wolf had been discreet about
that—but the owner had assured Richard when

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

questioned that Delorian was there at least four
evenings a week with sometimes up to four
others.

“All right,” Abbott stated. “Then, I’ll see you

shortly. We’ll leave here in thirty minutes. Call me
as soon as you get there and give me a heads up,
hmm?”

“Yes, Alpha,” Jimmy replied. After a nod to

first Abbott, then Richard, he turned and strode
from the room. A moment later, the front door
opened and slammed.

“Thirty minutes,” Richard murmured. “How

should we pass the time?”

Abbott grinned and pulled his mate into his

arms. He pressed a soft butterfly kiss to Richard’s
lips, then whispered, “By packing our bags and
getting ready to go.”

Richard snorted and rolled his eyes. “You’re so

mean.”

Barking a laugh, Abbott released his man and

headed out of the kitchen to the front room. Since
that first time, his man had been insatiable. The
morning after their mating—and after a morning
blow job—Abbott had asked Richard if he’d ever
been with a man before. It’d been more curiosity
than wanting to know about his past lovers, but
the way Richard had slowly explored him—while
amazing—had indicated a level of inexperience

Charlie Richards

Abbott would never have anticipated from the
good looking man.

“Uh, yeah. Once,” Richard had admitted.
“Wow. Just once? Wasn’t, uh, wasn’t what you

expected?”

His face flaming, Richard had licked his lips

before saying, “Uh, it wasn’t really that, actually.”
He’d stared at the ceiling, frowning. “The only
guys who ever really came onto me were slender
twinks, but it was men like you that I found
attractive.”

Abbott’s brows had shot up at that admission,

but his mate hadn’t been done.

“To be honest, I didn’t even know you had to

stretch a guy.” Richard turned and looked at
Abbott, shrugging one shoulder. “The dude I took
home was wearing a butt plug.”

“So, when I stretched you yesterday…” He let

his sentence hang.

Richard flushed. “I’d actually thought you were

just, uh…” His face darkened a bit more. “I
thought you were just prolonging the activity.”

Abbott had explained that, yes, stretching did

prolong their time together, but it was also a
necessary part of it. Not to mention, he loved
giving pleasure to his mate. The only problem
was, once they got started, it took a hell of a long
time to satiate either one of them.

Abbott loved that about his man.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Grinning, Abbott looked back at Richard and

winked. “You and I both know that if we start
something now, we’ll never get there on time.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Richard grumbled, but he

grinned while saying it.

Abbott headed into his garage and pulled out

his ice skates. Lifting the black hockey skates, he
checked the blades, running his finger along them.
They could stand to be sharpened, but they’d do
for another two or three outings. He’d have to
remember to put it on his to do list.

Taking them into the house, he placed them

near the door to the back deck where they’d shift.
Upstairs, he grabbed a small duffel bag, then
returned to the back door and proceeded to
remove his clothes, roll them up, and carefully
tuck them into the bag.

Standing in the buff, Abbott waited. A few

minutes later, Richard appeared, carrying his own
bag. He set it down, along with his skates. They
stood silently for a moment, watching the tiny
snowflakes drift to the ground, adding to the
white blanket already covering the ground.

Finally, Richard broke the silence. “I won’t

leave you. You know that, right?”

Smiling slightly, Abbott nodded. “Any enforcer

worth his salt would fight beside his alpha to the
death. The only time that’d be different was if
there were cubs to get away and protect.” He

Charlie Richards

turned his focus on his man. Reaching out, he
gently cupped Richard’s jaw. “You being my mate
just makes the compulsion that much stronger.”

Richard’s eyes narrowed. His lips pressed

together into a thin line. “So we understand each
other.”

Abbott’s heart pounded in his chest. He licked

his lips and, lowering his head, pressed their
foreheads together. “I’d expect nothing less from
my partner,” he whispered. “And I would do the
same for you.”

“You were married,” he pointed out. “Would

you feel differently if I were a woman?”

Smiling, Abbott shrugged. “Emily was human,

so it’s a non-issue.”

For a second, Abbott thought Richard would

disagree, so he added, “You’d have liked Emily.
And she would have loved you. Two big men,
loving up on her, then me fucking you through the
mattress. What wouldn’t there be to love?”

To his surprise, Richard growled low in his

throat. His eyes turned feral. His canines
lengthened. “Mine,” he snarled. Instead of
wrenching away from Abbott though, Richard
twisted his head and sank his teeth into Abbott’s
bare neck.

Abbott roared in shock. Pain swept through

him, followed quickly by heat waves of bliss
rushing through his veins. He moaned as his body

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

shuddered. His dick thickened and shot, an
orgasm blind-siding him…hard. Sucking in
ragged gasps, Abbott tried to catch his breath.

Seconds later, Richard slid his teeth free and

lapped at his wound, sealing the mark.

After swallowing hard, Abbott found his

tongue. “Not that I didn’t enjoy the orgasm,” he
whispered. “But what the fuck?”

Richard nuzzled Abbott’s cheek, humming

almost contentedly. “Mine,” he rumbled.

“Yours,” Abbott murmured. Blinking, he

struggled to figure out what the hell had brought
on Richard’s sudden need to mark him. Then, it
hit him. He’d talked about sharing his mate with
another. “Shit, that was a stupid thing to say. I’m
sorry, Rich. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Richard,” he hissed, yanking away from him.

“Not Rich.”

Abbott grimaced at his mistake. Richard had

been adamant on that one point, and when he’d
asked why, his mate had explained his old beta
had used his shortened name as a derogatory
term…a way to put him in his place. Now, and for
good reason, Richard hated being called Rich.
Abbott knew he’d need to be far more careful in
the future.

“And I don’t fucking share. You’re fucking

mine. You got that?”

Charlie Richards

Sure, he’d shared Emily, but that’d been before

he’d claimed her. But, she hadn’t been his fated
mate. As a human, he’d loved her, but his wolf
hadn’t been involved. He lifted his hands in
placation. “Yeah, Richard. I got it. No sharing. I
never plan to share you, either,” he assured. He
wished he could grab the agitated man and hold
him close, soothe him, and it hurt like hell that the
wild look in his man’s eyes told him not to even
try.

“Good,” Richard snarled. He pointed his finger

at Abbott and snapped, “You fucking remember
that. I will shred anyone who tries to touch you.
Man or woman.”

With that parting shot, Richard grabbed his

stuff and stalked outside. He dropped the items
on the porch and proceeded to shift. By the time
Abbott got his head together and followed him
outside, Richard was already wolf and holding his
bag and skate laces in his mouth, looking at him
expectantly.

Sighing, Abbott dropped to his knees before

Richard. He grabbed his mate’s ears and forced
the other wolf to look him in the eye. “Richard,
I’m sorry. I didn’t think about how my words
would affect you.” Richard looked unconvinced.
“It’s not common knowledge, but before I married
Emily, we’d…we enjoyed the occasional ménage. I
would never dream of doing that with you.” He

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

grimaced, then admitted, “Believe it or not, if
anyone were to touch you, I’d do the same. I’d
shred them.”

Richard stared at him for a long moment, and

Abbott prayed he would accept his apology and
forgive him. Finally, his lover released his stuff,
dropping it, and licked the side of his face. Abbott
wasn’t a fan of wolf kisses—although he tolerated
them from pups on occasion—but after his and
Richard’s misunderstanding, he’d accept anything
his man wanted to give him.

Ruffling Richard’s ears, Abbott smiled. “Thank

you, babe. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a
relationship. I’m bound to make mistakes on
occasion.”

At his words, Richard’s wolf did a really great

job of rolling his eyes.

Abbott chuckled, releasing his man just as his

phone rang. “This is Abbott.”

“Delorian is here.”
“Well, damn,” Abbott mumbled. “Okay. See

you shortly.” He disconnected the call and tucked
it into his bag. “It looks like they must have
changed plans or something,” he explained to
Richard. “Jimmy says Delorian is at the lake.”

Richard growled softly.
Abbott nodded absently. “I hear ya,” he

mumbled. “What the fuck is he up to?” Knowing
even if his man had been in human form, he

Charlie Richards

wouldn’t have an answer, Abbott didn’t waste any
more time and initiated his own shift. His skin
tingled as his fur grew, his tendons and muscles
popped as his skeleton cracked and reshaped.
Although he’d heard humans comment that it
sounded painful, for the most part, it wasn’t any
more painful than a really good stretch.

Plus, as an alpha, it only took Abbott about

fifteen seconds to get it done.

Once done shifting, Abbott shook out his fur.

He grabbed his bag and skates, and took off
running. The crunch of paws on snow behind him
told him his mate followed. In wolf form, it’d take
about twenty minutes at a steady jog to reach the
park owned by his pack.

They’d bought the nearly two hundred acres

almost eighty years before. The pack had met
three weekends in a row to clear dangers to cubs,
put in a couple pavilions and fire pits, as well as a
dock for the seven acre lake on the property.

Every year, the pack held a number of

celebrations there, including a holiday party. The
shifters enjoyed ice skating, BBQing, and at the
end of the evening, a tree lighting. If they weren’t
working, everyone attended.

Fifteen minutes into their jog, three wolves

skittered across their path, growling and snarling.

Abbott skidded to a stop, dropping his bag and

skates, and peered around at the disrespectful

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

shifters. He returned their aggression with his
own, growling back. Richard stood at his side, his
head lowered, his ears pinned, and his teeth
bared.

As Abbott surveyed the three wolves before

him, he recognized Bernie, Walter, and Logan. The
third one surprised him. He knew the shifter was
gay, having spotted him dancing in a gay bar out
of town. Why was the shifter backing these other
homophobes?

When he’d growled, these three should have

backed down, offering their submission. They
hadn’t. For now, that information was enough for
Abbott. He’d take these fuckers down and remind
them why he was alpha.

Knowing his mate—an enforcer—had his back,

Abbott lunged at the nearest wolf—Bernie. Even
as Abbott landed on Bernie’s back and sank his
teeth into the other wolf’s neck, he heard Richard’s
snarls and the thumps of bodies colliding.
Focusing on Bernie, Abbott used his larger mass to
flip his opponent to his back.

Just as he was about to sink his teeth deeper

and demand submission, a heavy weight slammed
into him, knocking him sideways. Abbott rolled
twice before splaying his legs and regaining his
feet.

Abbott snarled upon seeing Richard faced off

against three wolves, Walter and Logan having

Charlie Richards

been joined by Nedrik. He realized it’d been
Delorian who’d attacked him, knocking him away
from Bernie.

Damn it! How could Delorian have slipped away

from Jimmy?

Realizing it didn’t matter now—what’s done is

done—Abbott swept his gaze over the attacking
wolves, searching for an advantage. He needed to
level the playing field. Two against five, even with
that pair being the alpha and enforcer, were not
good odds.

Slowly, growling in warning, Abbott circled the

two wolves he faced while trying to keep an eye
on the others. He watched carefully, trying to find
an opening…any opening. When Abbott crossed
between Nedrik and Walter, Delorian lunged.

It was the opening Abbott needed.
Abbott leaped away from both of them, directly

at Walter. He landed on the unsuspecting wolf’s
back and sank his teeth into his neck. Driving the
wolf to the ground, he tightened his hold, tasting
blood.

Another wolf slammed into him—again.

Except, this time, Abbott showed no mercy. He
refused to loosen his hold, tearing out Walter’s
throat. He’d feel bad later. Right then, he crashed
sideways into a tree, slamming the wolf latched
onto his back into the trunk.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

With a howl of pain, the brown wolf Abbott

recognized as Delorian released him and thudded
to the ground. Turning back toward his mate and
the others, he spotted Richard standing over
Bernie—who appeared down permanently. To his
surprise, Nedrik snarled at Logan, who dropped
and showed his belly.

Pain sank into his flank, drawing a surprised

yip from his lungs.

Charlie Richards

Chapter Eight

ichard’s head snapped around upon hearing
Abbott’s pained cry. He leaped toward the

pair. Before he could get there, his alpha had
turned on his haunches and swiped a clawed paw
at the wolf that had attacked him.

With one mighty swing, Abbott knocked

Delorian away from him. Richard’s mate didn’t
wait for Delorian’s next attack. Instead, he
pounced on the enforcer. With a quick move and
powerful jaws, Abbott ripped out Delorian’s
throat.

Abbott stepped away and spun around,

growling again as his gaze fell on Nedrik and
Logan. Nedrik immediately rolled and showed his
belly.

Stalking forward, Abbott clamped his jaws

around first Nedrik’s neck, then Logan’s. Both
wolves remained still, baring their throats,
waiting. Abbott backed away and sniffed. Seconds
later, a naked human Abbott knelt in the snow.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

“Shift,” Abbott snarled, glaring at the

remaining pair of wolves. Once they’d both begun
their changes, his alpha turned his stare toward
Richard, his expression softening just a bit. “You,
too.”

Richard obeyed, pushing hard to shift as

quickly as possible. Even having started a good
ten seconds after the other pair, he still managed
to get done just as they were. He quickly stood
and crossed to stand beside his mate, showing a
united front.

“Son of a bitch!”
Keeping one eye on the pair of men, Richard

spotted Jimmy appearing between the trees at a
dead run, skidding to a stop in the clearing. The
beta took in the three dead wolves and the four
naked men. His jaw sagged open.

“Son of a bitch!” Jimmy hollered again.
Richard smirked at the beta. “You said that

already.”

Jimmy’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth,

then must have changed his mind, for he snapped
his jaw shut. Instead, he turned his attention to
Abbott and cocked his head. “I apologize, Alpha. I
allowed myself to become distracted.” Jimmy
flushed red and explained, “The little kids asked
me to decorate the tree with them.”

Charlie Richards

Abbott nodded once. “It’s fine, James,” he

stated, the alpha remaining formal in front of the
two wolves who’d attacked them.

Although, now that Richard thought about it,

Nedrik hadn’t actually attacked them. He hoped
his mate realized that, because he’d hate to have to
stand up for the dubious shifter, because he didn’t
truly trust him.

Crossing his arms over his chest, unmindful of

his nudity—and the freezing snow—Abbott
glared at the pair of men. After a second, where he
peered at first one wolf, then the other, and
scented the wind, Abbott gave Logan a narrow-
eyed glare.

“Logan St. Clair, you sided with Delorian

Saverman, backing him when he led a coup
against his alpha. The coup failed. Your fellows
are dead.” For a heartbeat, Abbott paused. His
eyes narrowed as he took in the tense lines of the
man. “Logan St. Clair, you are hereby banished. If
you ask for sanctuary from another pack and they
ask why you were banished, I will tell them you
mutinied.”

The more Abbott spoke, the more Logan paled.

The wolf shifter’s Adam’s apple bobbed as his
entire body trembled.

“You have seventy-two hours to say your good-

byes, pack your things, and get off of my pack-
lands.”

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

Logan licked his lips and swallowed hard. His

eyes gleamed for a moment and he blinked
quickly. Finally, Logan sucked in a slow breath,
nodded once, and bowed his head. “I apologize,
Alpha Abbott. I see the error of my ways. Should I
be granted another pack, I will do my best to earn
back my honor.”

At that, Abbott lifted a brow. “I wish you all the

best in your quest.” After a second, the alpha
sighed and softly added, “Join us this evening, for
the festivities. There will be time enough
tomorrow to tell the rest of the pack of
your…misdeeds.”

“Thank you, Alpha,” Logan whispered, his

voice hoarse.

Abbott turned to Nedrik, scowling. He grunted

low in his throat, then snapped, “And you, Nedrik
Rosher. You did not warn us of the danger. Why?”

Nedrik flushed. His gaze on the ground, he

whispered, “I didn’t think you’d believe me.”

“We would have,” Richard assured softly. He

crossed his arms over his chest and growled,
“How do we know you didn’t change your mind
because you realized, even five against two, you
all couldn’t win?”

“I’m sorry,” Nedrik immediately murmured. “I

was afraid.”

“Afraid?” Jimmy quickly cut in.
Logan whispered, “Of Delorian.”

Charlie Richards

Everyone turned to stare at the banished wolf.

Logan swallowed hard. “Delorian wasn’t a real
nice wolf,” he whispered. “If someone spoke
against one of his ideas, he used his fists to
convince him.”

“Never anywhere noticeable, of course,”

Nedrik quickly cut in. “In the gut or the kidneys
were his favorite places.” He glanced toward the
downed wolf—trepidation on his face—as if he
feared the shifter would get up and attack.

Abbott scowled. “And this was something you

tolerated? Why didn’t you come to me? Or my
father? Or Daniel?” he snapped, referring to the
prior beta.

“He always did it in the guise of one wolf

showing another who was more dominant,”
Logan mumbled, his gaze fixed on the ground
before him. “Then, he became an enforcer. We
didn’t think we’d be believed.”

Sighing, Abbott shook his head. He stared up at

the gray sky for a few seconds, then focused on
Logan. “In your future pack, I hope you choose
your friends more wisely.”

Logan nodded stiffly, his tension nearly a

visible thing.

“Jimmy, head back to the pack. I need you to

keep the deaths of Delorian, Bernie, and Walter
under wraps for tonight,” Abbott ordered. “We’ll

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

need to meet with Bernie’s mother and Walter’s
brother and sister tomorrow, first thing.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Jimmy responded. The beta’s

gaze swept over the downed wolves. For a
moment, it appeared he planned to ask something,
but then he turned away and trudged through the
snow, back the way he’d come.

“You two can help us get these wolves back to

my place. We’ll put them in the shed for now,”
Abbott said, heading toward Delorian.

That’s when Richard noticed it…the slight

thinning of Abbott’s lips, the pinch to the corners
of his mouth, and the tense way he held his
shoulders. Wait? Is that a limp? Richard followed
his alpha to Delorian’s prone form. With each step
Abbott took, small drops of blood colored the
snow.

Grabbing Abbott’s bag, Richard thrust it at him.

“Here. I can get Delorian if you carry our stuff.”
He tried to make it sound like an offer, but upon
Abbott’s narrow-eyed look, knew he hadn’t quite
pulled it off. Forcing a smile, he stated, “We’ll just
drag them in wolf form. No sense in all of us
freezing our asses off.”

Abbott peered at him. Fatigue and regret

flashed in his eyes for just a second before he
managed to hide it again. “Very well. I’ll go ahead
and get tarps and open the shed.”

Charlie Richards

Relieved his mate wasn’t going to argue,

Richard quickly shifted. Once again a wolf, he
sniffed around the downed Delorian, searching for
the best way to grip him. Finally, he decided what
the hell. He latched onto the shifters tail and began
to drag him home.

Behind him, Nedrik and Logan did the same to

Walter and Bernie.

Abbott paced beside them, making certain no

one was around to see. Once they crossed onto his
land, he jogged ahead, presumably to prepare the
shed as he’d mentioned.

Richard wrapped a tarp around the last wolf,

muttering thanks to Logan. Even upon hearing the
pressure Logan had been under, Richard
understood why Abbott hadn’t overturned his
decision to banish Logan. The wolf could have
gotten out of the situation at any time. Instead,
he’d committed mutiny. Still, feeling bad for the
wolf, Richard figured he could throw the shifter a
bone.

After Nedrik had left the small space, Richard

grabbed Logan’s arm to keep him from leaving,
too. Logan cringed and hung his head.

Immediately releasing the shifter, Richard lifted

his hands in placation. “Look, I’m gonna tell you I
agree with my mate. You didn’t give him the

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

respect he deserved, so it’s time for you to move
on.”

Logan’s cheeks flushed scarlet as he mumbled.

“Yeah. I know.”

“However,” Richard continued, “I also know

what it’s like to not have a pack.” Running a hand
through his hair once, he settled his fists on his
hips. “Look, go talk to Kontra Belikov. He’ll be at
the park this evening with a few members of his
pack. Diego and Vail are part of his pack now and
they’re gonna head out tomorrow evening, so
they’re saying good-bye to most everyone
tonight.” He paused for just an instant, then before
he could second guess himself, suggested, “Ask to
go with them.”

Finally, Logan’s head snapped up and he stared

wide-eyed at him.

Richard smiled and nodded once. “He’s a fair

alpha and firmly believes everyone deserves a
second chance.”

“H-He’s a bear shifter,” Logan whispered, his

trepidation clear. “A grizzly bear.” He paled a bit
more. “And there’s a hyena and a bull and a s-
snake!”

His last few words came out on a squeak.
Chuckling, Richard patted his shoulder.

“They’re good guys. Give it some thought,” he
recommended. Knowing he couldn’t convince the
shifter if he didn’t want to be convinced, Richard

Charlie Richards

patted the man on the shoulder and headed out of
the shed. Besides, he was ready to get the hell out
of the cold.

The house was quiet when Richard entered.

Cocking his head, he listened. Hearing a grunt,
then a hiss, Richard started toward the master
suite, calling for his mate. “Abbott?”

“Bathroom,” his alpha called back.
Stopping in the doorway, Richard leaned

against the trim and watched his lover tape a piece
of gauze on his leg, covering the claw marks.
Richard growled low in his throat. Abbott
straightened, his brows shooting up. Flushing,
Richard admitted, “I hate seeing another’s marks
on you.”

Abbott stepped in front of him, cupped his jaw

in one hand and slid his other arm around his
waist, pulling him close. “They will heal. You had
my back, just as I knew you would.”

Remembering the fight, Richard scowled at his

lover. “You turned your back on Nedrik and
Delorian to attack Walter. What the hell were you
thinking?” he roared.

Instead of getting upset, Abbott pressed a soft

butterfly kiss to his lips, then rested their
foreheads together. “You, babe.”

“What?” Confusion laced his voice.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

“I was thinking of you, Richard. You are my

mate and you were facing three wolves,” Abbott
stated. “I know you can take care of yourself, but
you are my mate. I will always consider your
safety above my own.” Sighing, Abbott rubbed
their temples together, nuzzling, as he added in a
hushed voice, “I love you. I needed to see you
safe.”

Richard’s heart tripped in his chest. His anger

dissolved nearly instantly at those words. He
swallowed hard, remembering the rage and
jealousy he’d felt upon Abbott’s careless words
earlier that evening. The fear that he wouldn’t be
enough for his lover had nearly torn a hole in his
heart.

Hearing Abbott’s apology out on the deck, then

facing off against those wolves, had put things
into perspective for him. Richard knew he’d been
so angry, so hurt, because he loved Abbott.
Richard had known only one thing…he had to
keep his alpha safe so he could share that
information. Even if Abbott hadn’t reciprocated
his feelings, Richard had vowed to tell him
anyway, and he’d have prayed that, someday, his
mate would feel the same.

“Look, I know we haven’t been together long,”

Abbott’s soft words cut into Richard’s thoughts.
“And it’s okay if you don’t feel the same, but you
asked, so I wanted to be honest with you.” His

Charlie Richards

man pressed a soft kiss to his temple. “I always
want honesty between us.”

“I love you, too,” Richard blurted. He jerked his

head back a couple inches so he could look Abbott
in the eyes. He scented the man’s disbelief, even as
he read the hope on his face. “I’m not good with
words or emotions, but that’s the truth. I do love
you.” He smiled, running his thumb over Abbott’s
brow, easing the creases there. “Honesty would be
great. To that end, I want to tell you that you
scared the shit out of me.” His tone lowered as his
jaw clenched. “Please, try not to do it again.”

A grin slowly took over Abbott’s features, his

eyes softening, expressing his pleasure. “We live
in a dangerous world, my lover, so I can only
promise to try.”

“Thank you,” Richard replied, putting every

ounce of gratitude he could into those two words,
even knowing how inadequate they were.

Abbott captured Richard’s mouth in a slow,

thorough exploration. He tangled their tongues,
encouraging Richard’s appendage into his own
mouth, then sucking it lightly. The gentle pulls
seemed to transfer straight to his cock, and
Richard moaned into his lover’s mouth as his cock
hardened, painfully so.

After a few minutes, Abbott eased the kiss to an

end, then grinned at Richard. “I plan to make

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

slow, sweet love to you this evening, mate,” he
crooned. “Show you emotion in action.”

Richard grunted. Reaching down, he pressed

the heel of his hand against the base of his shaft.
“Fuck,” he muttered.

“Oh, we will,” Abbott assured softly. Pecking a

kiss to Richard’s lips, he spoke against his mouth.
“Later, babe, I’ll take very good care of you.”

“Why not now?” Richard knew he sounded

whiny, but he couldn’t help it. His cock ached and
his ass clenched. Sure, he’d felt his lover’s dick just
that morning, but he wanted his man pounding
into him again…almost desperately.

“Not enough time to take care of you properly,”

Abbott murmured, nibbling on the sensitive skin
at the joint of his jaw. Suddenly, he stepped back
and grinned…looking smug as he took in what
Richard knew must be his kiss-swollen lips and
flushed face. Damn, his man did it for him.
“However, I can help out with that.”

Upon watching his alpha lower to his knees,

Richard’s breath caught in his throat. His shaft
twitched, tapping against his stomach. Pre-cum
strung from his abs to his cock-head, connecting
them with a thin, gleaming thread.

“So pretty,” Abbott crooned. Gripping

Richard’s hip in one hand, he used the index
finger of his other hand to break the thread, then
swipe the moisture around his head.

Charlie Richards

100

Richard moaned at the feel of the gentle touch

on his sensitive glans. Seeing his mate’s lust-filled
expression, he felt his balls roll in his sacks.
Seconds later, Abbott opened his mouth and
sucked him to the root. Wet, sucking heat
surrounded his shaft, drawing a groan from his
lips.

Seeing his lover, his alpha, sucking his cock,

combined with the sensations shooting through
his stalk to zing through his veins, had Richard
riding

the

edge

embarrassingly

fast.

Unfortunately, right about then, Abbott released
his hip, reached between his legs, and rolled
Richard’s balls in his palm.

Orgasm swamped him. Shouting hoarsely,

Richard coated his lover’s throat with blast after
blast of seed. Bliss pinged through his system as
his body convulsed.

When Richard finally returned to some

semblance of his senses, he sighed and smiled
down at his lover. “Give me a sec, and I’ll return
the favor.”

After licking his lips, Abbott grinned up at him.

“No need, mate,” he assured. He rocked back on
his heels and revealed the hand he had on his own
spent cock. “I came when you did.” Leaning
forward, he gently kissed Richard’s cock head,
sending renewed tendrils of arousal through
Richard’s system. “You taste delicious.”

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

101

Grinning, Richard debated what he could say to

get his man to take him to bed right then when the
sound of Abbott’s phone sounded from the
dresser.

Abbott

must

have

read

his

disappointment, for he laughed as he gained his
feet, slapping Richard’s hip as he went.

“Get dressed, lover,” Abbott ordered. With a

wink, he ordered, “Duty calls.”

Richard lounged on the bench, grateful for the

thermal underwear he wore under his jeans. The
wood beneath his ass was damn cold. Watching
his mate teach a ten year old girl how to ice
skate—Naomi, if he remembered correctly—
Richard couldn’t be more proud.

Somehow, he’d managed to snag the heart of

that man.

Damn, Fate is good to me.
Sipping the hot apple cider, he stretched his

toes for a minute before sliding them into his
boots. Gods, it’d been ages since he’d ice skated
for that long. He put down his cup and tied his
shoes. Just as he straightened, the bench under his
butt jostled and the scent of a fellow wolf shifter
drifted to his nostrils.

Richard picked up his mug—it felt damn

awesome on his cold fingers—and turned to smile
at his brother. “Hey, Crain. How you doing?”

Charlie Richards

102

“Great.” Crain took a sip of his own mug,

which Richard recognized from its scent as coffee.
His brother loved the beverage. “That was a really
nice thing you did for Logan.”

Richard peered at his brother from the corner of

his eye. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

Crain bumped his shoulder into Richard’s. “I’m

sure you don’t.”

Richard remained quiet, knowing he couldn’t

really speak openly about the whole incident with
his brother. Of course, sibling intuition meant the
second he’d arrived at the lake, his brother knew
something was up. Ten minutes after Richard’s
arrival, Crain had pulled him aside and Richard
had spilled the whole sordid mess to him.

“I heard Logan talking with Kontra,” Crain

revealed softly.

Richard grunted in response. He knew his

brother wouldn’t need any other response of
acknowledgement from him. Instead, Richard
took in the scene before him. Families milled
around the area, stopping at the grills, eating
hotdogs and hamburgers, chatting and playing.
The tree had been decorated by just about
everyone. Even Richard had added a few
ornaments, although most had been added by the
children.

“I really like it here,” Crain whispered,

watching the activity.

Unwrapping the Alpha’s Mate

103

Richard grinned. “Me, too,” he murmured.

“Me, too.”

He spotted his lover hobbling off the iced-over

lake, helping the little girl and almost landing on
his ass. Richard stood and after an affectionate
squeeze to his brother’s shoulder, he crossed to his
man’s side.

Abbott smiled his welcome, accepting Richard’s

arm around his waist even as the mother took the
little girl’s hand. “Thank you, Alpha,” the female
shifter said sincerely, her grateful smile
encompassing them both. “Say thank you,
Naomi.”

Naomi beamed up at Abbott. “Thank you,

Alpha!”

Laughing, Abbott replied, “Of course, sweetie.

You keep practicing. You’ll be a pro in no time.”

“I will,” she called over her shoulder as her

mother led her away.

Helping his lover to the bench he’d vacated not

long before, Richard grinned over at his man.
“You have a fan.”

Abbott chuckled. “Naomi got the hang of it fast.

That was fun.” After removing his skates and
shoving into his boots, he rose and held out his
hand.

Richard’s brows lifted, but unwilling to deny

his lover, he took the man’s hand and allowed
himself to be pulled to his feet. He was even more

Charlie Richards

104

surprised with Abbott leaned forward and pecked
a quick kiss to his lips.

“Come on, babe, it’s time to light the tree.”
Glancing around, Richard realized no one

freaked out over their PDA. In fact, no one seemed
to care at all…except Adriana who gave him a
huge grin and a double thumbs up. Following his
mate to the decorated tree, Richard realized he’d
really done it. He’d found the love of his life in a
pack that accepted him.

Grinning, Richard stood at his alpha’s side,

watching him light the tree. Pride and love for the
man mixed strangely with the satisfaction he felt
at watching the people laughing and chatting
around him. An amazing sense of peace and
contentment filled Richard.

Leaning close to his mate, Richard whispered,

“Love you.”

Abbott paused in his conversation with Aaric.

He turned and smiled at Richard, his eyes glowing
with his own pleasure. “I love you, too, Richard.”

Knowing his lover spoke the truth, Richard

couldn’t wait to get home and see just how Abbott
planned to express his emotions.

About the Author

Charlie started writing fantasy when she was
eight, and after stumbling onto her first erotic
romance at age nineteen, she realized her true
calling. She now focuses on writing gay erotic
romance, normally of the paranormal variety, with
heroes of all kinds. With the help and support of
her husband, Charlie finally fulfilled one of her
life-long goals…move to acreage with her horses.
You can often find her curled up with her laptop
and a cup of tea or glass of wine, creating her next
adventure. Charlie enjoys exploring the mountains
of her new Oregon home on horseback, 4-wheeler,
or motorcycle.

She can be reached at ch.richards2010@yahoo.com
Or visit her at www.charlie-richards.com

Document Outline

Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
About the Author

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