Page 19 of Unsanctioned
Waylon motioned toward Audor. “This is my mate, Audor. He cares every bit as much about this pack as I do. Celeste and Odin chose him for me, and me for him. If anyone else has a problem with that, speak up.”
No one said a word. One by one, they dropped to their knees, kneeling before their new alpha mate. He wanted to tell them to get up. This wasn’t necessary, but it was what Audor was owed. Waylon wouldn’t put up with disrespect. This wasn’t a bigoted town. They wouldn’t be starting tonight.
The wolf growled out his pride.
Audor looked his way at the sound. “That was hot.”
Waylon flashed him a smile.Later. I have to squash this. He focused on the wolves at his feet. “It’s okay, guys. You can stand. We’ve never been fancy like that around here, but we have always been a peaceful community. I plan to keep it that way.”
With a few grumbles of approval, people flooded back inside.
Waylon focused on the vamps, waiting to see what needed to be done. “I really hoped to be home by now, but I guess we need to make sure there weren’t any human witnesses.”
Leif made a dismissive gesture. “We’ve got it. You two have dealt with enough drama tonight.”
Audor linked fingers with him. “Come on, baby. Let’s finish getting those groceries before the store closes.”
A huge smile exploded across Waylon’s face. “You were paying attention every second, weren’t you?”
Audor’s smile was unrepentant. “I was not-so-patiently waiting for you to get home. Your pack needed to see you’re cool-headed and your mate is willing to kill for you. They needed to know you had a worthy mate.”
Waylon had to admit Audor’s timely appearance went far into solving things quickly. No one would likely challenge him again.
“I love you. The gods really knew what they were doing when they chose you for me.”
Audor let out an obnoxious fake laugh. “I think you’ll find the gods chose you for me.”
Waylon couldn’t stop smiling. He absolutely could not wait to spend the rest of his life just like this: heading to the grocery store with his other half, playfully arguing about nonsense. It sounded like the perfect life.
Chapter Eight
Audorwatchedablackwolf prowl the woods from his spot in the trees. He knew damn well Waylon had his scent and knew where he hid. Still, he played along. The light of the full moon shimmered across Waylon’s gorgeous fur. Audor was incredibly in love with his mate. He had been since long before they had been given the blessing of each other. Waylon was huge and strong, but he was also patient and kind. The people adored him for the love he showed them. Despite Yuri’s attempt to undermine him, in a single day, everyone had immediately been on team Audor. They had accepted Audor and treated him with the same respect and kindness they showed Waylon. Just as it had been for Frost, Audor’s willingness to always take part in these full moon runs helped smooth the way into acceptance and make friends. From day one, Audor had done his best to integrate himself into the community. From the first full moon run, he had known this would always be his home. He had known Waylon was special.
Amber eyes turned up his way.Do you plan to hide all night? I want my mate.
With ease, Audor leapt from the branch where he sat and landed lightly on his feet at Waylon’s side. He ran his fingers through Waylon’s thick fur. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”
Howls filled the air.
Waylon turned his head and sniffed the air, as if checking on his pack before giving Audor his attention again. He pressed his massive weight against Audor, nuzzling him.You smell like my dreams come true.
Waylon didn’t need to explain. Scent meant a lot to wolves. As Waylon’s mate, Audor’s scent would be special and unique to Waylon.
Audor sat on a patch of thick grass and kissed Waylon’s snout.
Waylon used his weight against Audor, knocking him onto his back.
Audor couldn’t stop smiling as Waylon settled in close and draped half his body across Audor. He ran his fingers through Waylon’s fur as he stared at the moon. The sounds of animals plowing through the woods and taunting their mates was like a strange sort of music.
I caught you.
A bark of laughter burst from Audor at Waylon’s claim. “Yeah, you did, sexy hunter. You’re a master of the chase.”
Amber eyes turned his way.Are you teasing me?
“I would never.”
Waylon shuffled higher until he was crushing Audor with his massive weight. He nosed at Audor’s neck and licked.
