Running with the Pack - 8. Chapter 8

There were well over six hundred people inside the community hall and all attention in the room was immediately focused on the newcomer. Most everyone could pick up he was human from his scent and no one missed the fact he was holding hands with Aiden, considered one of the most eligible young bachelors in the pack.

Ethan tried to take it all in, but was distracted when Alpha Stockdale cleared his throat getting the attention of everyone and began the meeting. Soon, people’s focus returned to their alpha where it belonged. He noticed Rafe Tucker standing in the same position next to the alpha that Casey was with him and Aiden. There was another man on the opposite side matching how Trevor always stood. He would have to ask Aiden about that later.

After all the regular pack business concluded, the alpha looked towards Aiden. “Aiden Jacobs, step forward with your companion.”

Ethan was startled and almost wanted to run; he might have were it not for Aiden holding his hand and not letting go. Aiden gave a reassuring nod. With him at his side and still flanked by Casey and Trevor, Ethan tried to push his fear aside. For some reason, he felt safe enough even though people he knew were wolves surrounded him. He remembered a comment made about Casey being his bodyguard.

As they approached the front, the alpha spoke in a normal enough voice but it filled the hall like he was using a sound system. It seemed so much louder than from where they stood before. Alpha Stockdale’s presence commanded total authority; there was no denying he was in charge.

“Aiden Jacobs, you come before us today accompanied by a human outsider.”

Ethan was a little bewildered, but tried to trust in Aiden that everything would be okay. He began to think the alpha might have changed his mind about allowing him to stay.

Aiden’s voice was strong and filled with pride. “Alpha, I present my mate Ethan Scott to you. I humbly request he be granted sanctuary status in our pack while he learns our ways in preparation for us to be joined should he decide he wishes it.”

There was an immediate uproar from the crowd. Many objected to allowing a wolf as strong as Aiden to mate another male. Others were angry it was to a human. Several she-wolves that had their eye on Aiden as a potential mate were particularly vocal.

“SILENCE!” At the alpha’s command the hall instantly became deathly quiet. He approached Aiden who bared his neck and the alpha leaned in to sniff his scent. He then stepped in front of Ethan and gave a reassuring nod. Ethan copied what Aiden had done and the alpha repeated his actions. Stepping back he spoke once again, “These two share a mixed scent and are true mates. Ethan Scott, is it your desire to remain with us, live with our pack, and learn our ways?”

“Yes, Alpha.” Ethan’s shoulders straightened and he held his chin high as he responded; it earned him a smile and wink from the somewhat harsh man.

“Do you pledge with your life that you will protect the secret of our existence now and always?”

“Yes, Alpha. I do pledge my life to keep your secret.”

“Your pledge is accepted and you are hereby under my protection and the pack’s. You are to be treated with the same respect any other member would expect. I hope that in time you decide to officially join us.” The alpha paused and nodded at Rafe. “There are nine wolves here that have something they would like to say to you.”

Moments later, a group of eight teenagers were called forward with a ninth being escorted in wearing shackles. Each of the eight came up to Ethan and apologized for taking part in the attack on him in the forest. He accepted the apologies and shook hands with all eight. The one wearing the shackles stood glaring at Aiden. He finally broke his stare off when he heard the alpha growling. “Michael, don’t make me tell you again.”

Lowering his head he, walked over to stand before Ethan. Michael spoke in a barely heard whisper. “If I’d known you were a fag, I would have fucked you before I bit you. Guess there’s always next time.”

Aiden’s eye’s flashed amber as intense anger filled him at his mate being disrespected. Even with his enhanced hearing the alpha had not heard what was said, but saw the amber flash in Aiden’s eyes knowing it could not be good. As quickly as Aiden’s loud growling started, it ended as he and the alpha gasped. Before he could defend Ethan’s honor or anyone else was able to react, Michael dropped to his knees clutching his stomach; Ethan returned his balled-up fist to his side from where it impacted Michael just seconds before. Everyone was surprised by how quickly the human had moved, though Aiden was smiling. The alpha snapped his fingers and two guards dragged Michael from the hall to be returned to his cell.

Glancing up at the alpha with fearful eyes, Ethan quietly apologized. “I’m sorry, sir. I shouldn’t have done that.”

The alpha stated loud and clear as his eyes panned around the room. “I repeat, Ethan Scott is a guest in our territory and has been granted protection by me. I expect him to be treated with respect like any other pack member would receive. I will not tolerate any comments or actions due to him being human or Aiden’s mate.” With that, he closed the meeting and people went to get food and mingle with friends or headed outside to shift into wolf form to go run in the forest.

Several members walked up to Aiden and Ethan to shake hands, congratulate them on finding each other, and welcome Ethan. Finally, John walked over, a stately woman with long flowing brown hair held his arm. “Ethan, this is my mate, Jackie.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Stockdale,” Ethan managed to get out. After the stress of being brought into the meeting, the comment from Michael, and punching him in front of the entire pack he was feeling a little unsure of himself.

Jackie spoke in a soft and gentle voice. “Please call me Jackie and welcome to the pack. As alpha, John’s the leader here and in some respects the father of the pack. As his mate, I take on the role of mother to the pack and do what I can to help people who require it. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “I wanted to say how sorry I am for our son harassing you in the forest, biting you, and for whatever it was that he just said to you.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

The alpha eyed the two and tried to use a more gentle tone than he normally would. “Do you mind if I ask what was said before you dropped him to the floor so quickly?”

Aiden had his arm wrapped protectively and proudly around his mate. Ethan glanced up to him not wanting to repeat it and hoping it could just be dropped. Aiden thought for a moment. “With your permission, Alpha, at least for now can we just say it wasn’t an apology and leave it at that? I think Ethan handled it more diplomatically than I might have and I’m pretty sure this has all been a little stressful on him.” Aiden mouthed to the alpha, ”I’ll explain later.”

“I’m sorry I hit him.” He stared at the floor unable to meet the man’s gaze. “I did that before I even thought about it, but yeah would it be okay if we let it go for now?”

“That’s fine for now. Why don’t you two go get some food. Aiden, have fun introducing your mate.”

Once they were away from everyone and it was just the four of them, Ethan worriedly glanced between Aiden, Trevor, and Casey. “I just punched their son In front of everyone?”

Casey broke out laughing. “Man, you dropped him quick. Don’t think I’ve ever seen a human move that fast. That asshole deserved it though, both for before and for what he said to you.”

“You are full of surprises. Little dude packs a big punch.” Trevor also laughed hoping like Casey to lighten the mood.

“It’s not funny guys. I just hit someone in front of everyone right after being introduced and welcomed to the pack.”

“It’ll be okay, Pup. I’ll eventually have to let the alpha know what happened, but if he was mad about it, we would already know.” Aiden tried to reassure his mate. “If nothing else, you put on a little show of strength in front of the pack. Around a group of predators, it isn’t a bad thing to demonstrate from the start that even as a human you can’t be easily pushed around.”

About that time, Rafe and Mary walked over with their two younger sons who giggled and joked about how Ethan handled the alpha’s son. Mary told them to quiet down and behave. “Are you boys going to go for a run? If so, we’ll stay with Ethan.” Casey and Trevor turned to Aiden to await his decision.

Aiden placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Are you going to be okay if we go for a quick run? My wolf is kind of clawing to get out and burn off some energy.”

“Yeah, I’ll be okay.” Ethan shyly dropped his gaze to the floor. “Do you think I could see your wolf again before you take off?”

Nodding his head, he took Ethan’s hand and walked to where most of the shifters put their clothes before going on a run into the adjoining forest. Stripping down, he kept his eyes locked on Ethan’s as he transformed into his wolf with his mate watching.

Where the first time Ethan was terrified by Aiden’s shift, this time he watched with fascination. Once the change was complete, he wrapped his arms around his wolf’s neck, running his hand through the thick fur and scratching the ears. He pressed their foreheads together enjoying the feel of the fur against his face. “You are such a great looking wolf. Have fun.”

Aiden yipped happily, licked the tip of Ethan’s nose, and nuzzled his neck before he ran off with his two friends in their usual positions flanking him.

Walking back to Mary and Rafe, Ethan appeared lonely already. Mary gave a motherly grin. “I have a feeling it won’t be too long before you’re going for runs with them.”

Ethan gave a half smile to that. The thought both excited him and scared him. He addressed Casey’s younger brothers. “Why aren’t you two out running with everyone else?”

The older of the two, Ryan, answered, “We’re not old enough to shift yet.”

“I really have a lot to learn about this world I’m in now.”

The family hung around the pack hall chatting with other members of the pack, and introducing Ethan to various people. Ryan and his younger brother Zach tried to distract Ethan from thinking about Aiden being off on a run.

******

Aiden led his little pack on a long run to burn off frustration and stress. They stalked prey, but decided not to go for a kill since they had all eaten at the meeting. No point in killing what you are not going to consume. After about two hours, they returned to the meeting hall to still find several families talking. Ethan was there staying somewhat close to Mary and Rafe while seeming to watch Ryan and Zach horsing around.

Aiden shifted back to human and dressed quickly before walking over and picking Ethan up and giving him a short but meaningful kiss. “I missed you,” he said before returning the teen to the ground.

Ethan leaned into Aiden’s strong chest breathing in the scent of sweat mixed with what he was beginning to recognize as his mate’s unique smell. “I missed you too.” He was quiet for a moment as he pushed back slightly to gaze up. “It’s weird. I’ve been alone for so long, but when I’m away from you now I feel like a part of me is missing.”

“Did anyone give you any problems while I was gone?”

“Rafe and Mary stayed pretty close to me so other than some funny looks, everyone was nice.”

“Well, with Rafe close to you I doubt anyone would say something, though the alpha did warn people to be respectful. Casey’s dad is what’s called the pack enforcer or by rank the pack gamma, though he’s really a beta wolf. That makes him third in command of the pack. He’s one of the alpha’s two most important advisors. He enforces orders and administers punishment set down by the alpha. He’s also the bodyguard for either of the alpha pair when needed,” Aiden explained. “See that guy over there?” Aiden said pointing towards a very businesslike man. “He’s the county sheriff and the pack beta, meaning he is second in command after the alpha and also his most senior advisor. If a warrior party is sent out to defend our territory from an outside attack, he’s usually the one to lead it, although the alpha might decide to lead the troops himself. The sheriff replaced my dad as prime beta after he met a she-wolf from another pack and moved away to be with her last year.”

Ethan quickly picked up on some of the pack dynamics. “Wow. You guys even have warriors? I was kind of curious about your father, but since you hadn’t said anything, I didn’t want to ask.” Ethan sat quietly a while considering what he had been told. “Would that make Trevor your beta and Casey your enforcer?”

Aiden had to laugh at Ethan’s observation. “I’m no alpha, but I guess in a way you’re right. We do kind of make up our own pack within the pack. My dad’s the beta of a pack in Washington State now. He wanted me to move with him. Even though I miss him, I wanted to finish school here with my friends. Plus, this is my home and where I feel I belong. Lucky for me I stayed or I would have never met you.” Aiden leaned in kissing Ethan’s forehead.

******

Over at the pack jail, the alpha walked into the cellblock and to his son’s cell. “You couldn’t leave things alone and just apologize for once, could you? Are you ever going to learn? Admitting when you’re wrong is not a sign of weakness.” He paced back and forth in front of the cell. “Not only have you lost every time you’ve tried to challenge Aiden, but now you do something where his human mate got the best of you.”

Michael stared at the floor, unable to look his father in the face.

“I always thought I was doing my best to be a good father to you and bring you up right. I’ve tried teaching you to respect the members of the pack as well as the communities we coexist with. Apparently my best wasn’t good enough since you’ve become selfish, self centered, and don’t seem to think the rules apply the same to you as they do to others. I had hoped one day you would replace me as alpha.”

Michael finally raised his eyes to meet his father’s. For the first time, he realized maybe it was not a sure thing he would become the next alpha as his father did when his grandfather stepped down. The very thought angered him, but he did his best to keep it hidden.

“I want to know what you said to cause Aiden’s mate to punch you like that in front of the entire pack.”

He once again kept his eyes on the floor. “Why don’t you ask them? It’s what happens when a stray human is allowed into the pack.”

“I’m asking you.” His father growled without using his full command voice.

Michael stayed silent. Finally, John turned his back on his son saying over his shoulder, “You better think long and hard during the remainder of your time in here about your future with this pack. No matter if you’re my son or not, right now your future is in your hands and the decisions you make will determine your status in this pack.” The alpha stormed out causing even the guards to jump.

******

Aiden and Ethan walked back to Aiden’s apartment so he could get a shower following his run. When they had stopped by prior to the pack meeting, Ethan had not had a chance to look around before they had to leave. He took in the main room; everything had a masculine feel to it. It seemed surprisingly clean to Ethan, who imagined Aiden would be the type to leave things lying around. The leather sofa looked like it would be fun to curl up on in his boyfriend’s arms. It surprised him thinking of Aiden like that already. The kitchen was small, but typical for an apartment. At the back of the main room was a door Ethan suspected led to the bedroom.

Aiden happily watched as his mate explored the apartment. There was an innocence to Ethan’s actions as he viewed the room; kind of like bringing home a date for the first time. Holding out his hand to Ethan, he was happy the smaller one reached out and took his. He tipped his head towards the door as they walked in that direction.

The bedroom was not quite as neat as the main room; there were clothes lying on the floor instead of being in the laundry basket. The king size bed had been straightened, but not made. It was lived it and even though Ethan did not have the sense of smell the lycan did, everything in the room smelled of Aiden.

Ethan sat on the edge of the bed and watched Aiden strip to his boxers. He openly stared in admiration at the hard muscular body he had already seen naked several times. He let his eyes wander over the tight abs and the thick fur that covered Aiden’s chest and arms. Allowing his eyes to drop, he also admired the strong furry legs. Trying to not let his gaze fall to the obvious location, he did lick his lips at the cloth covered bulge.

Standing and walking a few short steps, he reached out and ran his hand along the coarse stubble on Aiden’s jaw line. Laying his face against the furry chest, he breathed in deeply and held it for several moments before exhaling with a happy sigh. He raised Aiden’s arm and inched his face until it was at the armpit where he took several breaths before swiping his tongue through the damp hairs and purring at the taste. Reaching his hand around the back of Aiden’s neck and getting up on his toes, Ethan ran his face along the scruff feeling it burn his skin a little before locking his mouth over Aiden’s, initiating a long passionate kiss. When both needed to come up for air, Ethan smiled mischievously, grabbed onto the waistband of Aiden’s underwear and quickly yanked them to the floor.

Seeing the man was not completely flaccid, he smacked him on his tight ass. “Okay, go get your shower.”

Aiden let out a frustrated growl. “Oh, you are an evil one, Pup.” He picked up his boxers and playfully held them over Ethan’s face for a moment before giving him one last kiss and heading into the bathroom to take his shower.

While he lathered up, he thought about how with anyone else he probably would have just taken them on the spot, but he loved the foreplay happening. He was determined not to push things to quick. He knew if Ethan did accept him as his mate, they would be able to spend the rest of their long lives together and that made any amount of waiting worth it.

When he came out of the shower, Ethan was sitting on the edge of the bed holding something. His pup would occasionally put it to his face, breathing in deeply. Watching the smile spread across Aiden’s face, he tried to give him his most innocent expression. “I love the way you smell.” Placing them over his nose again, he savored the aroma. “Normally I wouldn’t be sniffing someone’s armpits or their underwear, but I can’t get enough of yours. They smell so good. I definitely want to do it more often.”

For a brief moment, Aiden’s eyes flashed a brilliant amber, followed by letting out a deep, sexy growl as he adjusted himself. Slowly closing the short distance between the two, wrapped only in his towel, he moved like a predator stalking its prey. Never taking his eyes off Ethan’s, he crawled onto the bed pushing the smaller body of his mate back. Looking down he growled again. Instinctively, Ethan rolled his head to the side, baring his neck to Aiden who attacked it with gentle play bites in between running his tongue and beard stubble over the sensitive spot. Ethan moaned in pleasure under the larger man, running his hands over any part of Aiden’s upper body he could reach. Finally Aiden clamped his mouth down on top of Ethan’s, feverishly kissing his pup as their tongues dueled for control. They were both happy to consider it a draw. Finally separating to take a breath, Aiden’s eyes once again flashed amber as he tried to get control of himself. He licked the tip of Ethan’s nose before rolling off to the side.

He took a few deep breaths to calm himself. “You are incredible, Pup. It takes every ounce of my self-control not to try and pin you down and have my way with you.”

Ethan turned his head suddenly feeling a little bashful. “I’ve never acted like this before. I’m not sure why I am now, but I like the way it feels.”

“I’m not one hundred percent sure, but I think it’s my fault.” Aiden paused for a moment, still feeling aroused and excited. “I think since my wolf knows we’re true mates, I’m throwing off strong pheromones that are affecting both of us. I’ve heard people talk about the mating drive. It tries to push us to complete the process. As much as I want to rip your clothes off you and make mad, passionate love to you, I’m enjoying taking this slow and savoring each new kiss, touch, and feel. You have my word I won’t do anything more than ravish you with kisses until we both know you’re ready.”

Reluctantly, Aiden got up and searched for clothes to put on. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw his mate staring intently at his ass while still holding his boxers. Aiden picked up something out of his dirty clothes and hid it behind him as he returned to the side of the bed. Reaching out, he gently took the boxers from his pup and tossed them into the pile of clothes that needed to be washed. Ethan was a little disappointed his prize had been taken from him. With a devilish smile, Aiden pulled out what was hidden behind him and handed Ethan a very well used jockstrap he had worn several times and sweated in heavily. “I want you to have something with my scent on it. If these are too strong you can have the boxers back.”

Ethan stared at the jockstrap, and giving a mischievous grin, held it to his nose. “They smell just right. You are so going to model these for me sometime.”

Aiden let out a happy howl having kinky thoughts of his pup liking the scent of his used jockstrap. He took them out of Ethan’s hands before sliding them up his legs, adjusting how the pouch was packed, since their playing had gotten him worked up. He slowly turned giving a view from all directions. When he was done modeling, Ethan knelt in front of Aiden, pressed his face into the pouch and moaned. He slowly pulled it down so Aiden could step out of it.

After Ethan put his prize in his pocket, the two walked out of the apartment to find something to eat. Aiden was happy he could smell his scent on his pup, both from the jock in the boy’s pocket, as well as from the body contact during their make-out session.

******

They held hands with Ethan not giving a second thought to his head resting against Aiden’s arm. In the parking lot they approached an older vehicle.

“This is sweet!”

“Thanks. It’s a 1968 Jeepster Commando. It belonged to my grandpa who bought new. Dad said he loved it. People would come up to him and offer to buy it and others would try to talk him into getting something newer. He always refused to give it up.” Aiden ran his hand over the fender reverently. “After he died, it sat unused for over ten years, under a cover in the garage. Dad couldn’t bear to drive it and he wasn’t about to sell it. I remembered Grandpa taking me around in it when I was real little. When I turned fourteen, I asked Dad if I could fix it up instead of buying a car when I got my license. Dad and I tore it down to its frame and spent the next two years rebuilding it.”

“You restored this?” Ethan’s excitement grew.

“Yeah. It was a fun project to do with Dad. We spent a lot of our free time working on it.” Aiden sounded proud of the accomplishment. “We did some safety upgrades but tried our best to keep it as close to original as we could. I learned a lot and he wanted me to know how to fix it if anything broke.”

“Wow. I bet it’s a lot of fun.”

“It is. During the summer I usually have the top off.”

“Being your grandfather’s makes it special. Since you rebuilt it to keep his memory, makes it even better.”

Aiden pulled Ethan into a hug. “Girls I dated in high school complained it was old. They wanted to ride around in something fancy and new. I’m happy I’ve got a boyfriend that gets it’s more than just something to drive.”

He opened the door for his pup before going around to the driver side. He leaned in giving his mate a light kiss which quickly became passionate. Pulling back, his eyes sparkled with happiness as he started the engine.

It was a short drive to the nearby town of Parker. Easily finding a spot, he parked. Ethan noticed the street appeared to have several dozen businesses and restaurants lining each side, including an old style movie theater mid-way down the street. There was one flashing yellow light above the main intersection. A little ways past the downtown area, the high school could be seen with ‘Home of the Parker Valley Wolves’ painted on the side.

“This is cool.”

“It isn’t much, but it’s a nice place.” Aiden sounded proud. “There is a mix of shifters and humans here. Most of the humans have no clue about us. Down there is the high school we all went to. It serves all the surrounding communities.” He pointed down the street. “Let’s go to the diner. It always has great food.”

Dropping his eyes to the ground Ethan whispered. “I only have a couple dollars. I can’t afford to go in there.”

“I know it is going to take you some time to adjust, but let’s just think of this as your boyfriend taking you on our first date.” Aiden hoped that might make Ethan feel better.

Aiden wiped the lone tear from Ethan’s cheek as his pup nodded.

Walking into the diner, the old waitress saw them. “Hi, Aiden. About time you showed up. Haven’t seen you in here for a while.” She looked to Ethan and gave a friendly smile. “Who do we have here? I know all the kids around here and I’ve never seen you before.”

“Hi Edna. This is…” He paused for a moment and broke into a huge grin. “This is my boyfriend, Ethan.”

“Well, well,” the old woman smiled back. “Guess there are going to be a lot of heartbroken girls all over the county, myself included, now that you’re off the market. He’s adorable though. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ethan. You two grab any seat you want and I’ll be right with you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too, ma’am.”

“Oh, and so polite too.” She teased Ethan making him blush.

They took a booth in the back corner and paid more attention to each other than the food selections on the menu.

“What can I get you to drink?”

“Ice tea for me, please,” Aided answered.

“I’ll just have water.”

“Do you know what you want or would you like to stare at each other some more?” The older woman grinned and giggled.

“We’ll take two dinner specials,” Aiden told her.

“Coming right up.” She walked away to get their drinks.

Aiden reached across the table and took Ethan’s hands in his own. “I know you have a hard time letting people do things for you. You’re just starting out a new life so in the meantime, let me help out some.”

Ethan reluctantly nodded. After a few minutes of silence he asked, “What causes your eyes to flash amber sometimes?”

Aiden thought for a moment on how to answer since he didn’t fully understand the process. “Best I can describe is it’s a response from the wolf inside us. When there are strong emotions, sometimes our eyes will flash amber. It can be in anger or at much more pleasant times like when you caused it earlier. My wolf wanted to come out and be with you.”

“If I had to guess, your wolf wasn’t all that wanted to come out,” Ethan teased. “You were sticking out of the top of your jockstrap pretty good.”

“Like I said, you caused it; the eyes and the other problem. I can’t help it. I think you are the most beautiful and sexiest person there is,” Aiden said with conviction. “Sometimes the eyes flashing like that is a sign that we are close to losing control and letting our wolf take over.”

“Since I first met you, the furry you, I’ve been wondering what I would look like as a wolf and what it would be like running through the forest. I was terrified when you first started coming up to me thinking I was going to be a snack for a wild animal. I’ve always had a thing for wolves. When I got to pet you the first time, it was like a dream come true.” Ethan’s eyes sparkled as he thought about Aiden’s wolf.

“I should’ve known when I first saw and scented you that you were my mate, but I never gave much thought to finding mine so soon.” Aiden gently rubbed his thumb over the back of his pup’s hand.

Shortly, the food arrived and they quietly ate, unable to stop the furtive glances. As they walked out, they waved to Edna and promised to be back in soon.

Outside, the two walked both sides of the three blocks that made up Main Street, looking in the windows of all the different stores. At the hardware store, Aiden mentioned it was run by a bear.

Ethan was totally surprised. “You mean a furry beefy guy or like a shifter bear?”

“He’s a shifter.”

“So there are other animals besides wolves?”

“Quite a few, actually. You’ve already met another bear once before.”

“I have? Who?”

“Doctor Alexander that treated you after the bite. He’s a bear.”

Getting back into the Jeep, they made the short drive back to Silver Pines.

“Will people in the pack be okay with you being mated to me? I mean, does that happen much in wolf packs? There was a lot of yelling when you said who I was at the meeting.”

“People find mates all the time no matter if it’s their true mate or someone they just fall in love with. Most aren’t as lucky as me to find their mate this young. I won’t lie though, there will be some people against it just like in human life. Either because you’re human, or male, or both. But it does happen. Since we have the blessing of the alpha, no one would dare cause a problem.” Aiden drove in silence for a short time thinking of how to ease his pup’s concerns. “We have some same sex couples within the territory. I heard about a pack in Texas and one in Washington whose alpha has a male mate.” Aiden paused for a moment. “No matter if anyone has a problem with it or not, I don’t care because I know you’re the one I am meant to be with. I also know with everything you’ve had to deal with the last couple years, it’ll take some time for you to be able to trust I won’t just get bored with you and toss you aside in a little while.”

“Wow, if it can happen in Texas I guess we’ll be okay here,” Ethan joked. “Yeah, I guess I do worry that you won’t want me around after a while. I know it isn’t fair to you to think that. I feel different around you then anyone else I’ve been near. It almost feels like I’m complete, but I didn’t know anything was missing before.”

“That’s part of the mating bond forming. Even though you’re not a lycan, something in you is telling you we belong together. If you’re feeling the effects from it, the bond might also try to push you into mating with me. Let me know if things are going too far too fast for you. My wolf instincts might cloud my judgment sometimes. From the first time you saw me shift you’ve taken all this really well. Most people would totally freak.”

“To tell the truth, it did kinda freak me out, especially the night of the fight. But in a way it was like one of my biggest dreams or fantasies come true. I used to read any story I could find about shape shifters and you already know how I feel about wolves. As scary as it was to see you change the first time, how many people get to have a beautiful wolf turn into a hot naked guy in front of them?” He feel silent for a few minutes. “Is the entire mating just about you biting me and giving me your mark?”

“The bite is one part of it. The way I understand it, we would literally have to mate, have sex and me cum in you at the same time I bite you. That would complete the mating. Since we’re both guys, once you’ve been turned, you could eventually bite me in the same spot I mark you while cumming in me.” Aiden grinned ear to ear at that. “I’m looking forward to both parts of the mating.”

Ethan worried at the idea of unprotected sex. “You know I was a hustler. Even though I always tried to use protection there were times…” He let the sentence drop off as he couldn’t finish it. “I should really get tested.” He felt this could be a problem he could not overcome.

“Lycan aren’t susceptible to human diseases and I’ve heard that a human being turned can cure some things. If it makes you feel better we can get you tested.” Aiden tried to sound reassuring. “Just so you know I have to head back to work tomorrow. I won’t be available for a few hours.”

“I never even thought to ask what you do.”

“Well, you’ve been a little overwhelmed with everything. I’m training for the local sheriff’s department.” There was pride in Aiden’s voice.

“Let me know when you need to practice frisking someone.” Ethan chuckled feeling a little better about their conversation and Aiden joined him in laughter. “I bet you’ll look so sexy in your uniform.”

Aiden pulled the Jeep up to Rafe and Mary’s house and shut the engine off. Leaning in part way, Ethan met him in the middle for a long kiss before getting out.

The two walked hand in hand to the house and as Ethan was about to knock, Aiden opened the door and walked in. “I spent at least half my childhood in this house. They’d be shocked if I actually knocked before coming in.”

Zach came running over to see who had arrived and gave Aiden and Ethan fist bumps. Jack and Ryan barely looked up from the video games they were playing, other than to offer a brief wave.

“Mom and Dad are sitting out on the back porch and Casey’s out on a date.”

Walking through the house, they let Rafe and Mary know they were back.

Mary was the first to speak. “Did you boys have a good time?”

“Yeah, we did.” Aiden was all smiles. “Ran over to the diner in Parker.”

“Are you going to stay the night again or head back to your place?” Rafe’s eyebrow rose as he smirked.

“I should probably head home, but to be honest, I don’t want to be away from Ethan.”

“We can understand that. I’m surprised you both aren’t just staying at your place.” Mary gave them a motherly look that had the two blushing. “Don’t get us wrong, Ethan. We are very happy to have you here with us.”

Before Ethan could say anything, Aiden did. “I’d thought about it several times and as much as I want him living with me now, we still need to get to know each other better. Ethan also needs time to adjust to all this. You know how the wolf can be. At my place, the wolf might cause me to do something Ethan isn’t ready for yet.”

“We may be getting older, but we still know how frisky our wolf can get,” Rafe joked. Mary slapped him on the arm while Aiden and Ethan laughed.

“Eww. No son should ever hear his parents talking like that.” Casey had arrived home undetected; the comment earned him a glare from Mary.

The trio headed back inside the house to talk. “How’d the date go?” Aiden grabbed a drink from the fridge.

“Pretty good. Always funny how many supposedly straight jocks want to fool around and can’t seem to get enough when no one’s around to see them on their back.”

“Broke in another virgin did you? Or was this one a repeat?”

“He said it was his first time. I’m sure I’ll be hitting that ass again soon. He was on the swim team at Mitchell High last year. His body’s still tight in all the right places and smooth all over.”

Aiden and Ethan rolled their eyes.

Walking Ethan up to his room, Aiden sat with him on the bed for a light make-out session. “I don’t want to leave you for the night, but it will hopefully give you some time to settle in.”

“I’ll be okay. I like the Tuckers and I do feel safe here with them. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Ethan gave Aiden one last kiss before walking him to the door to say good night.

Aiden reluctantly headed home to get some sleep before work in the morning.

******

Sitting in his cell, Michael thought about what his father had said. He was angry about being threatened with possible exile from the pack all because that little human had shown up. He did not believe for one minute Aiden and that monster could be true mates. It just was not possible. He thought hard about his future with the pack. He fully expected to become the next alpha, following his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He still had a little over ten days in confinement and he would use every one of those days to work out what he needed to do.