Page 24 of The Aurora Marelup Complete Saga Omnibus

“Andre. The pleasure is all mine.” I stand before him, and we’re almost the same height—my tall, lithe frame to his I’ll-end-your-fucking-world muscular build. I rest a hand on his firm shoulder and look deep into his eyes. Mine are boring compared to his, but I can easily get lost in his. Just as he leans in to kiss me, I hear catcalls coming from behind him. Damn it to all hell;the gods must hate me. Aurora and her other two mates are approaching.

She’s smiling from ear to ear and has to rub it in that in the last two weeks, she’s gotten more dick than I’ve gotten in the previous hundred years. “Hey, Dre! Darren, I see you’ve met Dre!” She’s way too fucking chipper; it’s scary to witness this side of her.

“I thought we would have lost you for the better half of the afternoon with these two young studs.” I quirk a brow and look between the two of them. Immediately they both start posturing and puffing out their chests, trying to look all badass. Aurora smacks them both and starts laughing.

“Oh, trust me, they can handle me. I was more concerned where mate number three disappeared off to.” Her eyes shift to that of her beast as she scans the area. Her nose twitches for a moment, and I know she picked up his scent. A soft smile crosses her lips briefly before continuing. “He’s so... I don’t know how to explain it.” A sigh escapes her lips as her steel-gray eyes stare at the ground. “It’s almost like he has a hard time adapting away from his boyfriend. I gave him the option to stay with him. I don’t want him unhappy.” Both of the boys’ wolves surge to the surface, making their eyes glow as they sense and, perhaps, feel her distress. Aurora is sandwiched between the two of them within moments, and she visibly starts to calm down. She sighs gently and rests her head on Dominik’s chest. “I just don’t want him unhappy, Andre. Please talk to him for me. I honestly don’t know how to broach the subject.”

“I talked to him a little today already... he sought me out.” That gets her attention, and she pries herself away from her mates. She grasps both of my hands to drag me to the picnic bench to sit. “You’re partially correct. He is having a hard time adapting, but I think it’s mainly because he’s mostly dated males.” Gently I kiss her cheek and rub my thumbs over thebacks of her hands. “He loves you, and he’s grateful he’s found his mate. From personal experience, it takes time to get over a breakup. He appreciates that you gave him a choice.” Smiling confidently, I squeeze her hands tightly, trying to reassure her. “Jayce knows in his heart he made the right decision. His mind just needs time to catch up with what his heart wants.” I draw in a deep breath and watch Aurora. I can tell she’s in a deep conversation with her Lycan and just nods slowly.

“I understand, Andre. Thank you for being the best momma bird a pup could ask for.” She leans forward and kisses my cheek, hugging me tightly. Her mates slowly move off to give us time and space. “I hope he understands I accept him fully. I don’t mind him kissing or having sex with any of my other mates.” Sebastian’s head shoots up with that, and his eyes glow faintly. “There are things only another male could give him. I know I’m strong, and I can be rough at times. But let’s face facts, I don’t have a schlong, and I’m not about to put a strap-on on to rail my mate from behind.” Every male within hearing distance coughs, and their eyes bug out of their heads.

I cough and clear my throat, attempting to look as serious as possible. “Aurora, love, that was quite the visual you painted.” She smiles and nods, proud of herself. “Trust me, we fully understand the differences in the mechanics between the genders.” Stifling my laughter, I shake my head at Aurora. I swear you never know what’s going to come flying out of that girl’s mouth. “You’re absolutely right; there are things a male can do to another male that a female could never do on her own. But that would never replace your part of this whole bond.” I can’t help but smile at how far my baby girl has come. “You are the glue that holds these boys together. It’s fortunate for all of you so far that they have been all true matings. Trust me when I say that when a bond is forced, it’s never the same or as strong as a true mate.” Sebastian winces at my statement; I study himclosely as he regains his composure. “Your poor mother, gods, rest her soul. Her only true mate was Nicodeamus. She had to force the bond with the other three males to make the political alliances.”

I grit my teeth. “That fucking Lycan Alpha chose her other mates for her. She didn’t have the choice as to who was in her bond.” I release Aurora’s hands abruptly and make fists trying to contain my anger over what happened. “I was so thankful when I saw her Lycan reveal itself to Nicodeamus. The Lycan Alpha was furious, and it’s why shortly after that, he forced the other males to be castrated—including Nicodeamus. He wanted to be the only male capable of being able to father children.” I start to laugh. “Little did he know that during one of his meetings, I snuck Nicodeamus in to be with your mom before the Shamans arrived to perform the castrations.” I look down, thinking about those dark times, and I feel a hand land on my shoulder. The dragon king is standing right behind me. My eyes widen in fear because I didn’t know if he had wanted Aurora to know the whole story, and I just blabbed everything.

“Relax, old friend. I’ve been dreading having to tell Aurora that story since we’ve been reunited. You have once again done me a great service.” He gives me a gentle side hug and moves forward to stand before Aurora. “Jayce is a smart man. He has a lot to sort out in his mind. Moving and relocating isn’t easy for everyone.” Nico walks over to his daughter and hugs her. He holds her as only a father can. “Little one, he loves you so very much, never doubt that. Before your mom... I also had a male that I was considering bonding myself to.” Nico slowly lowers his head on top of Aurora’s and sighs softly. “He was the most beautiful male I had ever seen; he and his dragon were lean and sleek and brilliant.” Nico closes his eyes as he remembers the past. “My brother, the alpha of our clan, called for me one day and told me I was being sent to the Lycan fortress. I argued withmy brother as I had no interest in an arranged mating. After all, I already had someone I loved right at home with me.” Nico opens his eyes and pins a returning Jayce with his stare, rooting him to his spot.

“I arrived at the Lycan Fortress and was escorted to the main hall. Your mom was already so defeated after her first couple of mates were forced matings. She was so sad she wouldn’t even meet my eyes when I first entered. My dragon had other plans. He dropped the temperature in the room so swiftly that frost began to gather on the wine glass your mother was holding.” Nico closes his eyes again and nuzzles the top of Aurora’s head. “Anca’s eyes opened wide as the frost spread across her glass. That’s the moment she looked up at me. She actually saw me. Her Lycan in all of its glory burst forth and made her presence known and ran to stand before me.”

He sighs wistfully. “I only allowed my eyes to shift to that of my dragon, for the hall we were in wasn’t large enough for me to fully shift in safely. I touched her face, and she nuzzled my cheek. I knew at that moment that she was mine.” Nico hugs Aurora and kisses the top of her head, and backs away so she can look him in the eyes. “It took a while before your mother, and I slept together and completed our bond. It took Andre running to tell us about the alpha’s plans to castrate all the mates, other than Vladimir, to force my hand. Mentally I was ready; I knew what she was to me. Emotionally, that was a whole other demon to deal with. Emotionally I felt like I was betraying the male I had loved for many years.” There was a hollowness to Nicodeamus’s haunted gaze.

You can see the gears turning in Aurora’s head as she takes in Nico’s story. “So, what you’re saying, Dad, is that just because he’s not trying to bone the hell out of me doesn’t mean that he doesn’t love me. It just means that he has a few things to workthrough first.” Aurora bites her bottom lip and searches her father’s features.

“Da! That’s exactly what I am saying. Give the lad some time. I’m sure when he’s ready, he will make the first move. In the meantime, be supportive of him, love him, and show him affection.” Nico smiles. “Make quality time just for him because out of your mates, he’s the most emotionally sensitive. With two potential alphas in your bond already, you need someone that isn’t always trying to prove themselves.” He smiles a smile that tells you of the years of wisdom he is speaking from. Nicodeamus gently hugs Aurora again and then pats me on the shoulder. He heads straight to Jayce, and they both walk off towards the main house.

I look between Aurora and her two mates as they move to join her. Her eyes search mine for a bit, then look between her two mates. “You guys know I’m all good with ya’ll being together, right?” Sebastian and Dom nod and look at each other, then back to Aurora. “Sebastian, I’m counting on you to make sure Jayce feels secure and comfortable. Dom, you’re his brother and know him best. Any advice you can offer would be wonderful. I know it may be months before he’s ready to mate with me, and I’m fine with that.” Her eyes turn to me.

“Andre, take flight and find that stubborn bear of ours. We will not go in search of the next mate until my bond with Jayce is in place. We cannot venture forth without being able to sense everyone in the bond.” Her hand rubs over her heart as she closes her eyes, clearly concentrating. “I feel him faintly, just barely a whisper. That’s not strong enough to be venturing into new territory.”

The guys nod, and so do I. We had our orders, and now it’s time to put them into motion. My first mission: seek out the bear. Secondly, watch over all my new pups and make sure they all play nice. I start to walk away from the love fest behind meand strip as I go. Before my new admirer knows it, I shift into my eagle and begin my bear hunt.

CHAPTER 20

Dominik

I’ve always beenmy brother’s keeper; it’s not a task I take lightly. Jayce has always been the sensitive one between us. I was schooled in combat, where he was schooled in the art of negotiating and politics. For being twins, we’re polar opposites. I’m a brute; I’m bulky and have a horrible temper, whereas Jayce has a toned, athletic build and is calm as all hell. I mean, seriously, it takes a lot to rattle his cage. Our faces are almost identical, except I have more green in my hazel eyes, and he has more gold. I always thought it was unfair because it seems like his wolf is showing more often than not.

I stand here listening to Aurora talking to Andre about Jayce, and my chest hurts thinking about how this is hurting her. The level of understanding she has for what he’s going through is mind-blowing. I wish Jayce could hear what she’s saying. Then I remember I have my cell phone, so I start recording the conversation. He needs to know that she’s seeking help to understand. Listening to her makes me love her more. How could you not? She defended my brother against me, of all people, when she first met us. Put me flat on my back, and sadly, she was right I... was being a dick.

Andre is a saint of a male having raised her; it couldn’t have been comfortable with as jumpy as he always seems to be. Nico, her father, has arrived, and shit, I didn’t know he is bi also. Am I the only one that hasn’t fucked or been fucked by another male?

I’m kind of feeling like the odd man out here. Sebastian kissed my brother, and the way Aurora confirmed what I smelled… shit, it was hot. I didn’t think two dudes kissing would ever be seen as hot by me, but it was. I almost was able to imagine myself in Jayce’s place. What the fuck am I thinking? Am I bisexual? Do I want to fuck my bond mates? I mean, anyone other than my brother because that would just be fucking weird. I know it’s common among our culture for the dominant wolves to fuck the weaker ones to establish dominance. Hmm, I wonder if I could dominate Sebastian by fucking him stupid, then I will be viewed as an equal to him instead of a threat.

I start to turn to walk away and spot my brother reappearing with a brown paper bag in hand, looking suspicious. Nicodeamus roots Jayce to the spot with a glance as he tells his sad tale. I watch the emotions flitter over my brother’s features, and he seems more at peace with the way Aurora responds to her dad. Nico moves to join Jayce, and they walk off together. What the actual fuck just happened? Did I miss a secret meeting or something? I must have. I return to Aurora’s side, and she snuggles in closely and kisses my cheek.

“What can I do to help your brother? I mean, I don’t want him to feel pressured, but I also don’t want him to feel ignored or isolated.” Her beautiful brows furrow as she ponders her predicament.

“The best thing I can suggest is to spend time with him. He likes to cook and bake, so maybe hang out in the kitchen with him. Tell him which foods are your favorite, and he’ll be thrilled to cook for you.” I beam with pride. I am always so very proud ofhow good of a cook my brother is. And if his cooking could bring them closer together, then that would be awesome.

Sebastian and I could definitely use the help. There have been times where we have come damn close to tapping out. Aurora is a beast in the bedroom, with an appetite that we’re having problems keeping up with. I hope my brother gets with the program soon as I don’t know how much longer Sebastian and I can last. She’s got the drive to handle three mates, and when only two are in the game, it gets exhausting.

As I step into his line of sight, my brother’s surprised expression speaks volumes, his eyes widening in shock at my unexpected arrival. But any tension that lingers in the air is quickly dispelled by the warm smile that spreads across my face as I approach him.

“It’s all good, brother,” I reassure him, my tone gentle and reassuring. “Let me help you.” I move to join him at the picnic table, taking in the array of chocolates and the carefully arranged basket before us.

As Jayce’s gaze meets mine, I can sense the weight of his uncertainty, the doubt that lingers in his heart as he grapples with the complexities of courting Aurora. And yet, beneath his uncertainty, there’s a determination, a fierce desire to show her how much she means to him.

“I hope it helps,” he confesses, his voice tinged with vulnerability. “I mean, I don’t want Aurora to think I don’t care for her. I want her to know that she’s special, and I’m only hers.” His words resonate with sincerity, a heartfelt confession of his deepest desires.

---