With a soft smile, I reach out to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering a silent gesture of support and understanding. “You’re doing great, brother,” I assure him, my voice filled with encouragement. “And I’m sure Aurora will appreciate the effort you’ve put into this.”
But as he continues to stuff the fluffy stuffing into the basket, a shadow of doubt crosses his features, his uncertainty laid bare for all to see. “I’m not sure how to date a female anymore,” he admits, his eyes searching mine for reassurance. And in that moment, I realize the depth of his vulnerability, the fear of rejection that lingers just beneath the surface.
With a gentle squeeze of his shoulder, I meet his gaze with unwavering confidence. “You’ll figure it out, Jayce,” I assure him, my voice filled with conviction. “Just be yourself, and let your heart guide you. That’s all anyone can ask for.”
And as we continue to prepare the surprise for Aurora, I can’t help but feel a swell of pride for my brother, his determination to show her how much she means to him a testament to the depth of his love. For in this moment of uncertainty and vulnerability, I know that he’ll find his way, guided by the unshakeable bond that binds us together as family.
“Okay, not a problem; that’s an easy one, and I’ll do what I can to help. You know how you like being held and snuggled?” He nods emphatically. “Well, Aurora loves touch, especially her neck. It’s super sensitive, and she’ll soak her jeans if you kiss her just right. If you’re looking to build up to sex but not have it, then offer to give her a massage, but don’t touch her neck.” I can tell he’s taking mental notes, and his eyes are pulsing between human and wolf. “Maybe go hunt with her. She loves a good hunt, and it would be a good base layer for you two.”
He raises his right eyebrow and tilts his head to the left. “Seriously, Dom! You know I’m not a great hunter. I don’t want to look like a complete ass in front of her. You know it would be my luck Sebastian shows up and makes me look like a worthless pup.” He already looks defeated, and he hasn’t even tried yet.
“I’ll get Dimitri to keep Sebastian busy so you can have some quality time with our girl. I promise it will be okay.” I walk over and give my brother a heartfelt hug and kiss to his temple. “Yourpresent looks fantastic, now let’s go find our queen so you can give it to her. I’ll be right there with you, I promise.” He smiles and nods, then starts to head towards Aurora’s favorite tree on the property.
There she is, our future queen, hanging upside down from the lowest limb on the tree, just swinging back and forth. Her hair is so long the tips are touching the grass blades. “Keep that up, love, and your beautiful white hair will be stained green.” Her eyes pop open, and she smiles at Jayce and me.
Curiosity is getting the better of her, so she drops down out of the tree. “Whatcha got there, cutie?” Slowly she moves towards us, like the apex predator she is—her steps, silent and deadly as she approaches Jayce and kisses the corner of his mouth.
Gently she snuggles into him, trying not to spook my poor brother. Jayce bands a single arm around her waist and touches his nose under her chin in submission. “I brought you a present, love. I hope you like it.” He carefully backs up and offers her the present. Up to this point, I believe my brother is the first of us to get her one. Aurora’s eyes light up, and she bounces up and down before dragging Jayce over to a picnic table. Ever so gently, she sets the package down, afraid to break its contents. I’ve never watched her do anything so carefully in my time with her. Nico and Andre are on the hill to our left, watching with rapt attention.
Slowly the bow is untied, and the ribbon is laid out flat on the table. The first layer of the iridescent paper is gently pulled away and folded neatly. It’s placed reverently next to the ribbon. Watching her closely, I see tears forming in Aurora’s eyes; this single action has touched her heart so deeply. The following layers are peeled away in the same careful manner and placed on top of the first. Now she’s down to the fluffy stuffing. Aurora looks completely baffled as to how to remove it without damaging anything. Her steel-grey eyes plead with Jayce forhelp, and he swoops in quickly to assist her. “Close your eyes, love.”
Aurora obeys Jayce immediately. Everyone gathered is completely shocked, watching her immediate obedience to the omega of the pack. Jayce removes the fluff and sets it down beside the basket. Now all the different chocolates are exposed. “Open your eyes, love.”
Aurora can’t open her eyes fast enough. Those same eyes open so very wide in shock. It appears he’s the first to render her speechless. Her eyes dart between him and the chocolates, then back again. “They’re all for me?” Aurora’s tone is so innocent you could almost forget the carnage she caused less than a week ago. Jayce gives her a single nod, and she leaps into his arms, burying her face into his neck, sobbing and thanking him repeatedly. Poor Jayce doesn’t know what to do. Honestly, he kind of looks frightened. I catch his attention and motion for him to hug her and hold her tight.
Instantly he bands his arms tightly around her middle, holding her. Aurora slowly lifts her head, and it’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her. Her eyes search his face, questioning if he’s okay. Jayce smiles like the big idiot he is and kisses her cheek gently. Aurora buries her face between his neck and shoulder again. He turns in my direction and locks eyes with me, mouthingthank you.
I give him a thumbs up and walk off towards Andre and Nico. As I approach, they hand out high fives all around at my arrival. “I thought that would never happen.” I breathe a sigh of relief. I was starting to get frightened that he was going to be stuck in a holding pattern forever. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one—Andre and Nico nod.
We watch my poor brother fumble through the gift exchange. He’s finally hit by a stroke of genius, or should I say a text message. Andre shoots him a text suggesting he feeds Aurorasome of the chocolate. He glances our way just briefly, and by the look on his face, my brother thankfully takes the hint. He sits on the tabletop, and Aurora lays her head in his lap as he feeds her piece by piece.
Possible disaster averted by our covert team of matchmakers. Now, if we can get Sebastian to stop being a fucktard, we’d all be in a better place. Speaking of the fucktard, I better have a talk with him so he doesn’t piss in Jayce’s cheerios.
CHAPTER 21
Dominik
I headout in search of the fucktard, and as usual, he’s in the outdoor gym pumping iron as his mother talks to him about pack politics. “Got a minute Sebastian?” He puts the weights down and flexes a bit before walking over to me. I never realized how sexy muscles covered in sweat look. Now I understand why Aurora likes watching us work out. Sebastian is now in my personal space and way too fucking close just for a conversation.
I lock eyes with him and tilt my head to the side. “Like what you see?” Challenging him? Absolutely. Why the fuck not? I want to see what kind of wannabe alpha he is. I look over his shoulder, and his mom is long gone. Thankfully there is no one else around.
Without warning, he reaches down and cups my balls, and gives them a gentle squeeze. “What if I do? Are you wolf enough to stop me?” He puts a finger under my chin to keep my gaze locked with his. Slowly his eyes turn the ice-blue of his wolf, and his fingertip turns into a claw.
Its sharp point lightly digs into the soft skin under my jaw. I’m not about to show discomfort or fear. I reach down and cup his balls. His cock is hard as steel and pulsing under my hand. Obviously Sebastian likes being challenged. I back up astep and raise my chin in defiance. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. There’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?” I’m very curious as to where this new desire to fuck or be fucked by Sebastian is coming from. In all actuality, the strongest bonds come from all the mates being mated to each other. I turn and start walking back towards the alpha house. Sebastian hot on my heels. He takes the bait: hook, line, and sinker. I don’t need to turn around to know he is right there. I head into my room and begin to remove my shirt.
I start thinking of the way Aurora would strip slowly out of my button-downs. I stop in the middle of the room and turn around, locking Sebastian’s eyes and start undoing the top button. His wolf surges to the forefront, watching me undress with rapt attention. Each button slowly reveals my muscular chest hidden beneath the soft fabric. I bite my lower lip hard, drawing blood—it’s something that affects us males, and any blood play makes us rock fucking hard.
Sebastian’s gasp is audible as my blood drips slowly onto my exposed chest. I reach the last button and ease the shirt off my shoulders, letting it fall to the floor at my feet. My hands go to my favorite black jeans. Claws burst free of my fingertips as I pop the belt buckle open. Sebastian strips down at a record pace, trying to get ahead of my agonizingly slow progress. His massive, veiny cock springs free of his once restrictive briefs. He’s already dripping precum down his thick, pulsing shaft. This is getting more and more interesting by the minute. My jeans hit the floor, and I’m bare before him.
What he has in length, I have in girth. I do not lack in any sense; I’m just thick and throbbing at the thought of being able to dominate Sebastian. But the look in his eyes tells me he has other ideas.
“Turn around, Dominik. Hands on the mattress and feet by the posts,” Sebastian growls out his commands, and fuck, mycock is leaking a small river thinking about what he may do. I slowly obey. After all, I don’t want to make it too easy on him. A loud crack is heard, and my left ass cheek is burning from his hand’s impact on my flesh. It’s moments like this that I’m thankful I love pain. I don’t turn to look at Sebastian as I hear him freeing a belt from the discarded pants, and then the sound of a second belt is freed. Smart male using the leather belts to bind my ankles to the bedposts.
I feel his sharp claws run up the backs of both of my thighs as I stand there, curious as to what he has in store for me. His clawed hands grip the meat of my ass hard, probably drawing blood. His lips are so close to my neck; I feel his hot breath caressing me.
“Someone’s just as turned on as I am. I can smell your need, Dom.” Sebastian’s hands slide around my waist and down my V until he grips my rock-hard cock. He gives me a few firm tugs as he thrusts his wet cock between my ass cheeks. I can’t help the moan that escapes my lips. I’m trying to fuck his hand as he’s thrusting from behind. Suddenly he pulls away quickly, and instantly I miss his heat and his hands upon me. I look over my shoulder to him, and he’s grabbed a tube of lube from god knows were. That shit is going to be fucking ice cold. “Lean on your forearms on the mattress Dom. I’m going to get you ready for me because I can’t promise I’ll be gentle once I’m in you.”
I do as he commands and slowly lower down onto my forearms. I’m so fucking close to orgasming; it’s not even funny at this point. I understand entirely why Aurora fully submits to Sebastian... the man is a sex god, and he fucking knows it. I feel his lube covered fingers slowly rubbing around the tight pucker of my asshole. The tingles he’s producing causes my cock to jump against the mattress. “Grab your cock, Dom. I want to know you’re stroking yourself while I play with your ass.”