Page 42 of Kitten Kisses

Slater whipped his head around and saw his mate, fists clenched and glaring at a stranger. “I don’t care why you want to talk to me. My silence should have said it all.”

“You’re not too old to get your ass kicked,” the stranger threatened. “Watch your goddamn tone with me, boy.”

“Fuck. You,” Alex ground out through gritted teeth.

Alex’s father. William Preston.

Slater growled as he shot across the yard to the driveway. He slammed the guy against his SUV, one hand dangerously close to his throat. “Did I just hear you threaten my fucking mate?” he snarled.

Alex stood back, arms crossed, giving the man a deadly glare.

“Get your hands off of me or I’ll call the police,” William said slowly.

“I am the police.” Leaning down until their noses were almost touching, Slater spoke in a low and menacing tone. “I’ll trade you one threat for another.” A low growl rolled through his chest like thunder. “If you come near Alex or his mother again, I will personally carve your name onto a headstone.” He emphasized each word slowly and deliberately. “Do we understand each other?”

He didn’t stop his tiger from looking out of his eyes. Alex was theirs, and no one would ever harm him again.

William stared angrily at him. “Yes.”

“No calling or visiting. No contact whatsoever.” Alex continued glaring at him. “You’re dead to us. Come around again and I’ll make damn sure that headstone is personally delivered to you.”

William stormed around the SUV and got in, slamming the door shut before he drove off. Slater had his scent now. If he smelled it again, he would let his tiger hunt.

“Ugh!” Alex stomped his foot. “He pisses me off so badly.”

Slater wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close. “Can I ask a favor?”

Alex rested his hands on Slater’s chest. Fuck. He loved looking into those beautiful blue eyes.

“Don’t face down anyone. That’s what you’re for,” Alex said in a monotone voice.

He looked skeptically at his mate. “Are you going to grant me that favor?” He nuzzled into Alex’s neck, breathing in his intoxicating dark chocolate scent.

“Only if I can see you act that deadly again.” Alex chuckled and squirmed as Slater licked up his neck. “No kitten kisses. You’re tickling me on purpose!”

Slater just wanted to wipe away the scowl on his mate’s handsome face. “You thought I was deadly?”

He was totally fishing for compliments and ready to give them right back.

Alex leaned up and stared into Slater’s eyes, so close their lips almost touched. “I’m giving credit to Mr. Deadly Kitty in there. Hi, boy.”

Slater rolled his eyes as his tiger purred contentedly.

“I love you.” Alex cupped Slater’s face, his eyes shining like brilliant Nordic-blue gems in the sunlight.

“I love you too, hummingbird.” That had been a million punches to the heart.

If they weren’t standing on the street, the things Slater would do to his mate right now. “Let’s go check on Mitzy.”

“Your tiger better not be crushing on her.” Alex laughed.

“Only you, babe.”

When they entered the house, Becky was just inside the door, anxiously wringing her hands, a terrified look in her eyes. Slater hated seeing her like this.

Alex hugged her in a tight hold. “He’s not coming back around.”

“How can you be so sure?” She hugged him back.

---