Page 7 of Big Top Bear Raid
To Wraith’s relief, because he felt a little tongue-tied and a lot embarrassed about Stephan’s outburst, the bear shifter had no such issue.
“My apologies for the row, Beta Dixon,” the bear shifter rumbled, his deep voice sending shivers down Wraith’s spine that were damn tantalizing.“I scented Wraith here and realized he’s my mate.”He indicated Wraith, then turned his attention to Stephan as he continued, “But Stephan seems to be taking issue with it.He’s spouting some stupid and inflammatory shit.”With a roll of his deep, dark eyes, he scowled at Stephan.“We all got a past, dude.”Then the guy turned his attention fully to Wraith and held out his hand, a warm smile curving his lips.“Hi, Wraith.I’m Zion, and it is truly a great blessing to meet you.”
Taking Zion’s hand, Wraith returned the bigger man’s smile.“Likewise, Zion.”He didn’t bother releasing Zion’s hand, enjoying the warmth that was spreading up his arm along with the way it caused the hairs on it to stand on end.“I can’t wait to get to know you better.”
Before more could be said between them, Stephan cut in once more.“No, goddamnit!Wraith is mine!”He even stomped his foot as if he was having a temper tantrum.“He wants me, and I want him.He’s mine.”
Beta Dixon frowned at Stephan, his eyes narrowing.
“You know that’s not how it works.Fate matches people,” Gage stated drolly as he strolled over.
Wraith would bet his last dollar that Gage was the one who’d pointed Beta Dixon their way, and he would thank him for it later.
“It’s always a gamble to get attached to someone who isn’t your fated mate because you never know when you’ll meet that special someone.”Gage grinned at Wraith and Zion, his tone warming considerably as he stated, “Congratulations, my friend.I’m happy for you.”Then he focused on Zion and swept his gaze up and down him.“And a little jealous.”
A niggle of the green-eyed monster bloomed within Wraith, and he scowled at his friend.“Stop checkin’ out my mate, Gage.”
In response, Gage just tipped his head back and laughed.
“The damn bear is not—” Stephan began again.
Cutting him off by placing his hand on his shoulder, Beta Dixon stated, “That’s enough, Stephan.”He frowned at the wolf.“Stop talking.”
Stephan snapped his mouth shut, a mutinous expression creasing his features.Crossing his arms over his chest, he stood there seething.If looks could kill, Wraith was certain his mate would be dead.
Damn.
Dixon glanced to his left and used his free hand to signal to someone.It became apparent to whom when Enforcer Gracen came jogging over.His slightly shaggy, light-brown hair shifted over his forehead as he glanced between the group with an arched brow raised in silent question.
“Sorry to draw you away from your mate at a pack barbeque, Enforcer Gracen,” Dixon began apologetically, and Wraith knew that by using his pack position, the beta was telling Gracen that it was for pack business.For the most part, their pack didn’t stand on a lot of ceremony when gathering with just their own.Then Dixon glanced at Stephan pointedly before returning his attention to the enforcer.“Please escort Stephan to Alpha Declan’s library and keep him company until the alpha and I can join you.”
Gracen dipped his nod, indicating his understanding and acceptance.“Of course, Beta Dixon.”He turned toward Stephan, and when Dixon removed his hand, Gracen replaced it with his own.“Come on, Stephan.Let’s go to a quiet place to relax.”
As Wraith watched Stephan walk away with Gracen, he felt his wolf growl softly in his mind.He was on board with his animal.He would need to keep an eye on his former fuck-buddy.
No way do I want him trying to interfere like he did at his prior pack.
Feeling Zion squeeze his hand redrew Wraith’s attention back to where it should be—his newly discovered mate.He looked up their couple of inches in height difference and met the man’s deep brown eyes.Feeling his body warm, Wraith realized nothing he’d ever felt for another—Stephan included—ever compared to the way just that look from Zion made him feel.
Recalling that he’d nearly fucked Stephan the prior evening suddenly made him feel so...guilty.With a mental wince, he slid his attention to the man’s left shoulder.
“Hey.”Zion lifted his free hand and cradled Wraith’s jaw.Giving in to the male’s encouragement, he lifted his focus and met his mate’s gaze.Zion’s black brows had furrowed just a little, and a troubled tightness creased his full lips.“Whatever you’re thinkin’, please stop.”Lowering his head, Zion nuzzled his clean-shaven cheek over Wraith’s carefully groomed five o’clock shadow.“Hmmm, like the way that feels,” the bear shifter whispered into his ear.Then he added, “And whatever it is, it’s fine.We both have a past.Hell, I ain’t no saint.”Lifting his head again, Zion pinned him with an understanding expression.“No judgment, baby.”
Wraith inhaled deeply, taking in Zion’s masculine, earthy scent.There was an element of excited tendrils mixed with arousal within his aroma.What was missing, however, was any hint of deceit, telling Wraith Zion spoke straight from his heart.
Nodding once, Wraith murmured, “Thanks for understanding.”
Zion scoffed softly as he traced a thumb under Wraith’s lower lip.“Told you I ain’t no saint.”His eyes darkened from brown to damn near black as he focused on Wraith’s lips.“Can’t wait to taste these.”
Flicking out his tongue, Wraith caught the tip of Zion’s thumb.The flavor of his mate exploded across his taste buds—earthy masculinity mixed with salt and perhaps earth.His mouth watered at the unique combination, and his gut clenched with anticipation.
“Then don’t,” Wraith whispered in encouragement.
Letting out a soft groan, Zion dipped his head the couple of inches separating them.He sealed his lips over Wraith’s.At the same time, he slid the hand on his jaw around to his nape, controlling his head movement.As Zion thrust his tongue between Wraith’s lips, he wrapped his other arm around Wraith’s waist and yanked him close, flushing their bodies together.
Wraith groaned as he welcomed Zion’s explorations, sliding his tongue against the other man’s and meeting him touch for touch.Winding his own arms around his mate’s wide torso, he clung to him.His arousal surged, firing through his blood, heating his veins, and causing his cock to thicken nearly to the point of pain so damn fast he feared he would’ve swooned without Zion’s support.
When breathing became a necessity, Wraith broke from Zion’s grip on his nape and turned his head.He panted harshly as he rested his forehead on his mate’s broad shoulder.His body trembled with need, and his senses swam as he tightened his hold on Zion’s leather jacket.
