Page 3 of Big Top Bear Raid (Wolves of Stone Ridge #64)

FOR ONE, TWO BLISSFUL seconds, Wraith basked in the knowledge that he’d found his forever fated mate. He took in the other man’s dark features, wide shoulders, and muscular torso. His form-fitting jeans accentuated the muscles of his long legs.

Then Stephan had to open his big, fat mouth.

“This isn’t happening to me again,”

Stephan declared angrily.

“Wraith is mine!”

Stephan even went so far as to try to grab for Wraith.

The tall, dark, and formidable-looking stranger was having none of that.

With impressive agility for a heavily muscled, six-foot-four man, the other shifter slipped between them.

He used one arm to gently guide Wraith back a few steps.

Using his right hand, he not only batted away Stephan’s attempt, but he also finished the move by pressing his palm against the other wolf shifter’s sternum and pushing...hard.

Stephan stumbled backward a few steps.

His face reddened as he caught his balance.

His lip curled as he hissed with seething rage.

“Stephan,”

Wraith began, lifting a hand, palm out in placation.

“Just calm down, Stephan.”

When Stephan cut his focus to him, Wraith had to fight back a shiver.

The possessive glint in the blond’s blue eyes damn near made his skin crawl.

Never in a million years could he be so grateful to have broken things off with Stephan when he did.

Hell, three fucks shouldn’t even need a breaking it off conversation.

They’d been fuck-buddies.

That was it.

Well, that had been it as far as Wraith had been concerned.

Between Gage’s warnings and Stephan’s past and present behavior, Wraith wished he’d never fucked the damn wolf at all.

No sex is worth this.

“I will not calm down, Wraith,”

Stephan snarled, yanking Wraith out of his thoughts.

The enraged wolf took a step toward him, but the big bear shifter—based on his delicious scent, Wraith realized he had to be one of the bears that he and Gage had been talking about just the prior evening—edged between them, forcing Wraith to take a step backward.

That caused an even darker flush to creep up Stephan’s neck, and the wolf shifter growled his words, saying.

“Make him step away, Wraith, and tell him that you’re not mates.”

Wraith couldn’t help the way a tick started in his jaw.

“I will never deny my mate,”

he declared.

The fucking nerve of this guy.

Stephan’s expression turned calculating, and a malicious gleam entered the man’s eyes.

“You were mine first, Wraith,”

he declared, turning his devious gaze on his mate.

“Did Wraith tell you that?”

Stephan’s smirk could only be called smug.

“Did he tell you about him sliding his thick hard cock into my tight ass? About him—”

“What the fuck is going on here?”

Beta Dixon Holsteen called out, stalking toward the group. The big blond glanced between everyone with narrowed eyes, lingering just a few seconds longer on the bear.

“We’re all supposed to be friends here, so tell me now. Why the ruckus?”

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.

“H-Holy shit,”

Zion whispered, nuzzling his lips over the sensitive flesh behind Wraith’s ear.

“Never been so fuckin’ hard.”

With a groan, he mumbled.

“Wanna lay you down and fuck ya so bad, but we have a fuckin’ audience.”

That was when Wraith registered the chuckles, wolf-whistles, and low murmurs all around them.

He lifted his head and realized that a group of guys had circled them, most of whom he didn’t know.

They were either facing away or looking at each other.

A few of them spoke with each other—such as Dixon and another big man.

Others grinned and offered wolf-whistles, although they were respecting their privacy. Some just smirked and chatted with another guy.

Then the rest of what Zion had said registered.

His mate wanted to fuck him.

His ass clenched, and his gut churned, and he didn’t know if it was in anticipation or trepidation.

Wraith couldn’t remember the last time he’d given up his ass.

Can I do it for my mate?

If I expect to be able to fuck my mate, I should, right?

Fortunately, Wraith didn’t have to figure out how to share his thoughts.

Instead, the big black man who’d been chatting with Dixon must have noticed his attention.

He tipped his head toward the beta before using his chin to indicate them.

Dixon ceased whatever he was saying in favor of smirking at him.

Another man grinned at them and quipped.

“Finally came up for air, huh?”

“Just wait until it’s you, Eurik.”

Zion growled his words, but even Wraith could tell there wasn’t any heat in them.

“Then you’ll understand.”

Eurik nodded, his features softening.

“From your lips to Fate’s ears.”

Wraith felt his cheeks begin to heat, but he fought it down.

Damn, when was the last time I blushed?

He wasn’t sure he could remember.

“I know you want to get straight to the fucking and bonding,”

the bear shifter talking with Dixon stated.

“But we have a meeting to go to first.”

Zion grimaced even as he jerked a nod. Turning to Wraith, he hesitated before asking.

“Will you, uh...will you join me?”

The slightest whiff of unease floated on the evening air as he rubbed his palms up and down Wraith’s back, and Zion added.

“I just...really don’t want to let you out of my sight right now.”

Relaxing in his mate’s grip, Wraith smiled up at him.

“Back atcha, handsome.”

That earned Wraith a wide grin that turned Zion’s handsome dark features into stunning. He found himself tongue-tied, and he just wanted to take his mate’s mouth again. Zion slid his hand up and cradled Wraith’s bald nape to exert a little pressure.

Just as Wraith felt Zion giving in to his urging, Beta Dixon hollered.

“Let’s go, guys. Everyone, head to the deck and make up a plate.”

The beta grinned, clearly amused that he was interrupting them.

“Dessert’s later.”

Then Dixon winked and began to turn, adding.

“Congrats, guys. I’m happy for both of ya.”

Once again, Wraith felt heat threaten his neck and cheeks upon hearing the beta’s mention of dessert.

He knew exactly what he would love to have.

Unable to help himself, as Zion used the arm around him to begin guiding him forward with the group of bear shifters, Wraith couldn’t help side-eyeing him and taking an admiring sweep of the guy.

Can’t wait to get my hands on all that.

Once everyone had loaded up a plate with their first course—a massive bacon cheeseburger for himself and a rare T-bone steak for Zion, along with plenty of sides—Wraith followed the group into Alpha Declan’s large study.

As soon as he’d put down the plate, Lark grabbed him in a hug.

The alpha-mate offered his congratulations in a giddy voice before hustling to Declan, who’d entered behind them, and being pulled onto the alpha’s lap.

Alpha Declan wrapped his arms around Lark and pecked a kiss to his cheek.

Then he focused on them.

“Congratulations, Wraith.”

His full lips curved into a smile as he turned his attention to Zion.

“Ye couldn’t get a better man, Zion. Congrats to ye both.”

“Thank you, Alpha Declan,”

Zion replied. Smiling at Wraith, he declared.

“I look forward to learning everything about my mate.”

“I’m sorry I’ll be putting a wrinkle in that,”

Alpha Declan told them before heaving a sigh.

“At least in allowing ye to have as much time as ye’d like with him, that is.”

Relaxing back on the sofa, the alpha turned his attention to Congo and admitted.

“I’m hoping to get yer bear sleuth’s help.”

“You’ve done so much for us,”

Alpha Congo reminded him.

“If it’s within our power, we’ll do it.”

Alpha Declan nodded slowly for a few seconds, then explained.

“There’s a circus coming into a town a little over an hour away, on the other side of Colin City,”

Alpha Declan told them, rubbing his mate’s back in a way that was probably soothing to them both.

“They managed to secure some permits that really have me questioning them.”

Worry filled Wraith as he wondered what kind of permits could concern his alpha so much. He got his answer a second later.

“Permits for animal shows that I thought had been banned,”

Declan explained as a muscle ticked in his jaw. Staring at Alpha Congo, Declan stated.

“I think there may be magick involved in securing those permits.”

“Well, fuck,”

Madagascar mumbled, dropping his fork to wrap his arm around his mate, Ishmael.

Congo’s voice came out hard as he claimed.

“We’ll check it out. We know the signs.”

Unable to help himself, Wraith wrapped his free hand around Zion’s forearm above where he gripped his fork. Even though he knew nothing about magick, no matter what, he would be right beside his mate.