Page 6

Kyle could feel the tension in the car. He didn’t have to look in the back to know how his siblings felt as he stopped the car in front of the gate. The pride house loomed in front of them.

This was it. They were there to talk to Gal, and once they did, they’d know what would happen to them. Gal would make his decision, and they’d have to live with it.

Kyle swallowed. It was good that the alpha didn’t hold what he’d done against him, but would he continue doing so? Kyle wasn’t looking forward to the upcoming conversation, but he was looking forward to this mess ending. He was tired of not knowing, of wondering what his life would be like now that he’d left everything he knew behind. He wanted to settle down and be happy.

He hoped the pride could give him that.

He leaned out the car window and pressed the intercom. No one asked who it was. There was a click, and the gate started to open. Kyle hoped that was a good sign, but he was nervous as he slowly drove toward the house.

There were several cars parked in front of it, but it was easy to find a spot. Once Kyle had parked, they all clambered out and stood there, looking at each other.

Kyle’s grandfather was wearing a suit and a tie because he wanted to make a good impression on who he hoped would be his new alpha. After living all his life with the pack, this was a new situation for him. He kept fixing his tie and smoothing down his suit, no matter how many times Kyle told him that he looked fine.

Jennifer was less bouncy today, while Christopher looked more like he was about to throw up than grumpy. Even though Kyle had told them everything would be all right, they were nervous, and so was he.

The front door swung open, making Kyle jump. He relaxed when he saw Dennis step out. Kyle and his family wouldn’t be facing Gal alone. Dennis would be there, which gave Kyle more courage. He could do this. He’d already talked to Gal, so this meeting was only a formality. There was still a chance the alpha would change his mind, but why should he?

He’d heard Kyle’s story. He’d understood where Kyle was coming from and why he’d done what he’d done. He was willing to give Kyle and his family a chance anyway, and Dennis was convinced there wouldn’t be a problem. He’d stayed home today to support Kyle, and Kyle almost couldn’t believe it.

They truly were mates, weren’t they?

“He’s waiting for you,” Jennifer murmured.

Kyle nodded and swallowed. Since he’d already been here before, he led the way toward the house and up the porch steps. The house was large, but when Kyle was here last time, it had felt kind of empty. Dennis had explained that people had left when Kyle’s father had decided to keep the pride prisoner in their own home. They wouldn’t be coming back because they’d built new lives outside the pride, so the pride had more than enough space and would be able to welcome Kyle and his family.

Kyle didn’t know if his grandfather and his siblings would want to live here, but Dennis did, and Kyle didn’t want to be away from him. He wasn’t ready to move into Dennis’s room yet, but they could be close, and Kyle was looking forward to that.

“Hi,” Dennis said when Kyle reached him.

Kyle hesitated for a moment before deciding to kiss him. It was slightly awkward because it wasn’t something Kyle was used to doing in front of his family, but Dennis wasn’t just a guy. He was Kyle’s mate.

The kiss was quick, but it helped Kyle feel steadier. Part of that was probably because Dennis took his hand and pulled him inside the house, telling Kyle he was there for him through his actions. They didn’t know if Gal would allow Dennis to be in the office when he talked to Kyle and his family, but if he didn’t mind, Dennis had already promised he wouldn’t leave Kyle’s side.

“You should know that someone found out you were going to be here today,” Dennis said in a tone that told Kyle something had happened.

He looked back at his family, then at Dennis again. “What does that mean?”

Dennis looked slightly exasperated but not worried or angry, which Kyle hoped was a good sign. He pulled Kyle inside, and Kyle understood right away what he’d meant.

Why were all these people crammed into the entrance of the house?

He looked at the pride members in front of him. He had no idea why they were there, but he prayed it wasn’t to run him out of their territory.

Everyone started talking at the same time. Kyle took a step back, overwhelmed, but Dennis didn’t let go. He waited as if he knew something was about to happen, and something did. A young man stepped forward. He had brown hair and brown eyes, and he was smiling.

The people behind the man quieted down as he stopped in front of Kyle. He watched Kyle for a moment, his head cocked.

“You look like your father,” he said.

Kyle cringed. It wasn’t the first time he heard that. “Maybe, but I’m nothing like him.”

The man grinned and offered Kyle his hand. “I sure hope not. I’m Ellery.”

“Kyle, but I suspect you ready know that.”

“I do. The entire pride knows who you are and why you’re here, and a group of us wanted to welcome you and your family.”

Kyle frowned, not having expected that, since Ellery knew who his father was. After what Alpha Carter had put these people through, Kyle would have thought they wanted nothing to do with his son.

“We know you’re not your father,” another man said.

Kyle remembered seeing him the last time he was here. If he wasn’t mistaken, this was Simon, the alpha’s personal assistant. “That’s good, because I only met him a few times when I was a baby, and nothing I’ve heard about him since then has made me want to have a relationship with him.”

“That’s good, because I would have hesitated to do this if you did,” Gal said as he pushed forward. “Welcome to the pride.”

His people parted around him, allowing him to reach Kyle and his family. Kyle swallowed, knowing that this was it. Considering the circumstances, he didn’t think he and his family would be invited to Gal’s office. It looked like Gal had already made his decision.

Kyle couldn’t believe it. The pride had gathered here to welcome him and his family. Well, the entire pride probably wasn’t there, but it still made Kyle want to cry.

No wolves would have done this. Kyle had never been welcomed in his old pack, and while his family had always lived there, they’d been pushed aside after he was born. They’d been guilty by association. Kyle had hated that, but he hadn’t been able to do anything about it.

Now, he could. Well, Gal could.

Kyle’s grandfather inclined his head to Gal, who laughed. “There’s no reason for you to do that, and I don’t want or expect you to,” he said. “I don’t know how things were done in your pack, but we’re not that formal here. I don’t expect you to call me alpha, either. Call me Gal or Galbraith.”

Kyle’s grandfather looked like he was about to cry, and since Kyle knew his grandpa wouldn’t like everyone to see him like that, he decided to distract the crowd.

“We didn’t expect a welcome committee,” he said.

Gal smiled. “When they found out you were coming today, they all wanted to be here. This can be your home if you want. No one here cares that you’re not all tiger shifters or who your father is. As long as you commit to the pride, this can be your home.”

“Even though I tried taking the pride?”

Gal grinned, clearly not holding that against Kyle. “Old news. You didn’t do it because you wanted to. You were trying to protect your family, and I can understand that.” He gestured at the room and the people standing in it. “They’re my family, and I’d do everything to protect them. That’s why I’ll never hold that against you. We can forget it ever happened.”

Kyle was glad about that, but he was confused. “How can you forget about it? Any other alpha would have kicked me out of the house and the town. Instead, you’re taking me in. How can I be sure you won’t change your mind?” That was Kyle’s greatest fear.

What would happen if Gal decided he didn’t want him after all? Would Kyle’s family sacrifice their happiness again to follow him? Or would he be on his own this time? And what about Dennis?

Gal had wanted to meet Kyle and his family to ask them a few questions, but the opposite was true, too. Kyle needed to ask questions to be sure this was the right thing to do—for himself and for his family.

* * * *

Dennis wasn’t surprised to see that Kyle was hesitant. Anyone would be in his position. Kyle and his family were excited to become pride members, but at the same time, considering the experience they’d had with their pack, they didn’t understand why Gal was taking them in so easily.

Dennis squeezed Kyle’s hand. He didn’t think people had noticed they were holding hands, but they would eventually, because he wasn’t letting go.

Gal’s smile never vanished. He gestured at the family to follow him into the living room, and everyone in the entrance went after them. Dennis had been stunned when he’d come downstairs earlier to find that people were hard at work making food and setting things up so they could celebrate the new pride members. Gal had held another pride meeting after talking to Kyle, so everyone knew Kyle and his family weren’t dangerous and that Gal wanted them to become pride members. As far as Dennis knew, no one had argued with him that he shouldn’t, but even if they had, Gal was the one making decisions. He could take in anyone he wanted.

And he’d chosen Kyle and his family.

Dennis wasn’t one bit surprised to see his sister make a beeline for Jennifer. It only took a moment for Jennifer to relax, and seconds later, she was following Annabelle into the crowd. Christopher hovered by the wall, looking like he might bite anyone coming too close.

That left Kyle and his grandfather. Since Dennis wasn’t letting go of Kyle, he followed them when they joined Gal. Gal arched a brow at him, and Dennis grinned.

“Do you have something to tell me?” Gal asked.

“I do. This is Kyle, my mate.”

Gal blinked. “You couldn’t have told me sooner? It would have saved me a few meetings I would’ve rather not have had.”

So someone had gone to Gal to protest. Dennis grimaced. “Sorry. Who’s been giving you a hard time about Kyle?”

Gal was still smiling, so Dennis knew he wasn’t angry. “A few people didn’t like me welcoming Alpha Carter’s son into the pride. I believe they’re afraid he might try to take over the pride, and considering how Kyle introduced himself, I understand.”

“I can apologize however many times you need me to for doing that,” Kyle offered.

“There’s no need for you to. There’s also no need for these people to be worried. I don’t expect you to attempt a takeover, but even if you did, I don’t think you’d be a bad alpha. From what I know about your father, he didn’t care about much beyond himself, while it’s clear you do. You love your family so much that you were ready to sacrifice your happiness for them. As far as I’m concerned, that makes you a good person. It’s one of the reasons I’m happy to take you in.”

“We don’t know how to thank you,” William said. “We realize you don’t have to do so, and we’re grateful.”

Gal waved a hand at Kyle and Dennis. “Clearly, I do have a reason to. I don’t actually have to welcome Kyle into the pride, because he’s already a pride member through Dennis, and you and your family are pride members through him.” His expression turned more serious. “I don’t want you to worry about anything. There might have been a few people worried about Kyle being his father’s son, but they won’t cause any problems. They might give you a wide berth for a while, but eventually, everyone will realize you’re nothing like your father. Besides, my pride members trust me. I’ve shown them again and again that they did the right thing by accepting me as their alpha, and that won’t change. I wouldn’t be allowing you and your family to become pride members if I wasn’t sure it’s the right thing to do.”

Dennis thought he was right. As he looked around, he could tell that everyone in the room was excited to welcome Kyle and his family to the pride. Those who were wary hadn’t come today, and a few people hadn’t been able to take time off work, but they wouldn’t cause problems. They trusted Gal as their alpha.

Well, most pride members did. Dennis noticed Kevin skulking in a corner, watching the crowd. He was surprised to see him there. Since Anne had been kicked out of the pride, Kevin had stayed out of sight, but most people still kept an eye on him. They didn’t trust him. Dennis certainly didn’t.

Maybe Kevin was curious about what was happening. Maybe he wanted to see Alpha Carter’s son for himself. Dennis wasn’t sure he could give Kevin a second chance until he showed he deserved one, but that didn’t matter now.

Only Kyle did.

Gal lightly punched Dennis’s shoulder. “I don’t like that you didn’t feel you could talk to me about Kyle being your mate.”

Dennis shrugged. “After what Kyle did, I thought for sure that I’d have to choose between the pride and him. I also wasn’t sure I wanted to get to know him initially.”

Gal grimaced. “That couldn’t have been easy. I’m sorry you felt that way, and I hope you know that you can come to me in the future.”

“I don’t believe I’ll have a reason to, but I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Is this why you’re welcoming us, then?” Kyle asked. “Because I’m Dennis’s mate?”

“I didn’t know you were until now, so no. That’s not why,” Gal said gently. “The pride gave me something I didn’t suspect I wanted. I was only supposed to be here temporarily. I’m a bear shifter, and I used to work for the council. They sent me after what happened with Alpha Carter so I could get the pride back into shape and find a suitable alpha in the pride. There was no one, and after meeting my mate, I wanted to stay. Thankfully, the pride was okay with that, and I’ve been their alpha ever since. Things haven’t been easy, and we’re still fixing things, but we’re getting there. We’re missing a lot of people we won’t be getting back, and the house is big. We could do with more pride members.”

“And you decided that taking us in was a good idea.”

“Once I knew the entire story, yes. I know how it feels not to have a place where you belong. I didn’t go through what you did, but that doesn’t mean I don’t understand rejection and not having a home. I hope the pride can be that for you. You didn’t have a place in your old pack, but you do have a place here as long as you’re not a danger to the pride.”

“I’m not,” Kyle quickly said.

Dennis wanted to kiss him, but he didn’t think Kyle would appreciate it at the moment. He understood why Kyle was still nervous. He didn’t want him to be. Gal had already welcomed Kyle and his family into the pride. Technically, Kyle was already a member through Dennis. It was official now, though. Kyle wasn’t going anywhere. The pride and Green Hill was his home.

This was everything Dennis could have wanted. He’d been terrified he’d have to choose between his home and his mate, but things had worked out, and he was happy. It was odd to feel that happy, actually. He’d known he’d feel like this, but considering how complicated things had been, he was relieved.

Kyle was his future, and he was here to stay.

Gal clasped Kyle’s shoulder. “Take as much time as you need to trust that you’re a pride member and that you’re welcome here. This is your home, Kyle. You can relax and stop worrying about your family.”

Kyle’s body sagged against Dennis. Dennis let go of his hand and wrapped an arm around his waist, ready to hold him up if he had to. It was as if all the tension had been released from Kyle’s body at once. He might not truly believe everything Gal had said yet, but he was ready to give Gal and the pride the benefit of the doubt, which was all Dennis needed. He could show Kyle that he and his family belonged here.

No matter how long it took Kyle to accept that the pride wanted him, Dennis would stand by him.

* * * *

Kyle wanted to believe Gal, but the only way for that to happen was time. Once he saw that the pride truly accepted him and his family, he’d be able to fully relax, but not until then.

As he looked around the room, he thought things would work out. He might be hesitant, but his family didn’t seem to be. His sister was talking with a young woman who looked enough like Dennis that Kyle wouldn’t be surprised to learn they were related. Grandpa was talking to two older women who were smiling at him like he hung the moon.

Christopher was against the wall, looking like he might bite the hand off anyone who tried coming close to him, but that hadn’t deterred the gentle-looking man who was talking to him. He stood next to a young blond Nix, and considering the way the Nix looked at him, it was easy to see they were close. It was as if the Nix was there to protect the man with him, even though Christopher wasn’t actually dangerous.

He might be hesitant, but he wanted this as much as everyone else in their family. They all wanted a place to call home, and hopefully, they’d found it.

“All right?” Dennis asked as Gal walked away.

“It’s a lot,” Kyle confessed. “I expected Gal to want to talk to us before making his decision, only to arrive here and realize he’d already taken us into the pride.”

“I should have warned you, but by the time I realized what was happening, it was too late.”

“It’s fine. It was just surprising, but in a good way.” Kyle looked around. “It’s good to see that my family’s happy. It’s all I ever wanted.”

Kyle had believed he’d taken every chance his family had of being happy when he’d been kicked out of the pack and they’d followed him, but he’d fixed it. This wasn’t the pack, but in some ways, Kyle felt it would be better. Here, he and his family would be accepted, and no one would look at them as if they shouldn’t be there. It didn’t matter that Kyle’s family were wolves. They belonged here just like every other pride member.

Dennis let go of Kyle to talk to someone, and Kyle glanced around. It would take time for him to get used to this. Even when he’d been a pack member, people had avoided him. Some of them believed he didn’t belong since he was a tiger, while others knew that Alpha Davis disliked him and didn’t want to be involved. Whatever the reason, the result was the same. Kyle had been ignored on the best of days, and he prayed things wouldn’t go the same way here. These people had organized a small party to welcome him and his family into the pride, which was more than Kyle could have ever expected.

He noticed a man at the edge of the gathering by the door. He looked angry as he stared at the people in the living room, and Kyle realized that maybe not everyone was happy to have him there. Gal had mentioned some people had something to say about it, but this guy looked pissed. Kyle wondered if he should go talk to him, but something told him it would be better to stay away.

Since Dennis was busy, Kyle decided it would be the perfect time to take a breather. He headed back to the front door, hoping no one would mind if he spent a little time on the porch. The door was still open, but he didn’t get a chance to step out. He saw the man he’d noticed in the living room quickly walking away, and while part of him knew he shouldn’t be spying on his new fellow pride members, he was curious, especially when he realized that the man was headed toward a woman hiding in the bushes.

Kyle could barely see them from where he was. He hid by the door so they wouldn’t notice him if they looked up, but unfortunately, he was too far to hear what they were saying. From the way the woman behaved, it was clear she wasn’t supposed to be there. She kept glancing at the house, and she hadn’t left the bushes yet.

The man gestured, but the woman kept shaking her head. Maybe Kyle could shift and sneak after them. They were probably tiger shifters, though, so they were bound to notice him.

“What are you doing here on your own?” Grandpa asked from behind Kyle.

Kyle turned. He didn’t want to worry his grandfather, and he didn’t have a reason to. He had no idea what was happening, but that didn’t mean that whatever the people out there were doing was bad. It looked bad, but after what Kyle himself had done, he was ready to give people the benefit of the doubt.

“It was a lot,” he confessed.

Grandpa came to stand next to him. When Kyle looked out again, he realized that the two who’d been talking were gone. He couldn’t help but again wonder what they were up to and who they were. Should he inform Gal? It didn’t feel important enough, and Kyle didn’t want to start trouble, especially when there might not be a reason to.

“It is a bit overwhelming,” Kyle’s grandfather agreed. “I didn’t expect them to welcome us like this. I thought they’d be more hesitant, but a few people told me they’re happy to have us here.”

“It’s a massive change from the pack.”

Grandpa chuckled. “That it is.” He paused. “I’m proud of you, and I know your mother would have been, too. I’m sorry we had to leave her behind.”

Kyle sucked in a breath and told himself not to cry. “It’s all right. We might have left her body behind, but she’ll always be in our hearts.”

“She would’ve been happy for you. She only ever wanted you to have a place to call home and a family, and she knew the pack wouldn’t be the place for you to have that. She didn’t have a choice, but she’d love to see how far you got. This might not be what you had in mind for your future, but it doesn’t mean it won’t be good.”

As far as Kyle was concerned, it already was. He’d even met his mate. He had no doubt that his mother would be happy for him.

“I’m glad you let go of your stupid plan and adapted,” Grandpa continued. “Frankly, I believe you wouldn’t be a good alpha, and I never thought you should be one. It was for the best that you didn’t obsess over it.”

Kyle snorted. “It would have been nice if you’d told me that before I made a fool of myself.”

“I feel things went the way they were supposed to go. I don’t know how Gal would have reacted if you hadn’t told him that you wanted the pride, but things turned out well. You shouldn’t regret what happened.”

“I don’t.” Kyle could never regret it because it had given him the pride and Dennis.

This might not be the future he’d imagined for himself and his family, but it was the future they’d have, and it was even better. The pack would never have accepted him, even if Alpha Davis hadn’t kicked him out. The pride, on the other hand, had welcomed him, and he could see himself growing old here.

“There you are,” Dennis said as he stepped onto the porch. “I’ve already had a few people ask me where you went, Kyle. They want to meet you.”

Kyle wasn’t sure he wanted to meet them. He knew he’d have to field many questions about his father, and he didn’t particularly want to.

But these people were his new family. If he had to talk about his father to be accepted, he would. He was sure that, eventually, people would come to see him as one of them and not a novelty. In the meantime, Kyle would carve himself a place in the pride with every conversation.

And into Dennis’s heart.

* * * *

Dennis could see how overwhelmed his mate was. If he’d had time to warn him about what he’d be walking into, he would have, but maybe it was better like this. Kyle needed to see that the pride was welcoming him, and he might have thought it was fake if he hadn’t been surprised. He definitely would have tried to convince the people here today not to celebrate having him as a new pride member, but Dennis believed everyone needed it.

Kyle and his family needed to feel welcome and wanted, while the pride members needed to feel that the pride was finally thriving. What better way than to welcome new people in? It meant the pride was expanding and was strong enough to support more people, which was what Gal had been working toward to.

Dennis stuck by his mate’s side as they went back inside to spend more time with the pride. Kyle’s family had scattered around the room, but Kyle seemed happy to lean against Dennis and stay close to him. They talked to pretty much everyone, or everyone who was there, anyway. Dennis’s mind spun with the possibilities and the future he and Kyle would share. He’d been so afraid they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do that, that he hadn’t allowed himself to think about what would happen if they did.

Their future was only beginning. Thankfully, they didn’t have to rush. They could take their time deciding what they wanted to do and how they wanted to be together.

But hopefully, not too much time.

Dennis kept an eye on Kyle, so he noticed when it became too much. The party had started in the afternoon, but when it was clear it would continue through the evening and night, Dennis pulled Kyle to the side. “We should take a break,” he murmured.

Kyle looked around. “It feels like I should stick around.”

“Maybe, but no one will be offended if you disappear for an hour or two.”

This had gone from being a welcome party to being an occasion for the pride to relax and have fun together. They’d been through a lot through the years, and while Gal had been the alpha for a while now, everyone had still been on edge. Dennis could only speak for himself, but he kept expecting something to happen, like maybe for Alpha Carter to return. Every day that passed helped Dennis feel more secure, though, and he suspected the same went for a lot of people.

More and more pride members arrived as they got off work or decided to peek in. The living room was full to bursting, and the party had spilled over into the kitchen. Someone was cooking enough spaghetti for an army, and while Dennis’s stomach growled at the smell, this was getting to be too much even for him.

“As long as you think it would be okay, I wouldn’t mind taking a break,” Kyle admitted.

That was all he needed to say. Dennis grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the living room, barely nodding at the people who tried stopping them. He didn’t stop to talk to anyone because if he did, he and Kyle would never get out of there.

Once they were in the entrance, Dennis considered their options. They could go outside, which might be nice with the stars and everything, but people were streaming in and out of the house, so they wouldn’t have any privacy, and Dennis doubted they’d be able to relax. Staying on the ground floor of the house was also out, which only left the upper floors.

Dennis hoped Kyle wouldn’t take this the wrong way. “We should go upstairs to my room.”

Kyle blinked. “Are you trying to seduce me?”

Dennis couldn’t tell if he was joking or if he was serious, and he didn’t want to risk it. “I don’t want to push you into anything you’re not ready for, but my room will be quiet and private. I can see the party’s going to continue for a while, and I thought you’d want some silence, but we can stay downstairs if you’re more comfortable.”

Kyle shook his head. “Let’s go to your room. You know, I wouldn’t mind if you tried to seduce me.”

Dennis’s heart raced. That wasn’t what he’d had in mind, but it didn’t mean he wouldn’t do it. He wanted to seduce Kyle. They hadn’t done a lot until now because they hadn’t had many opportunities. Kyle shared a room with his grandfather at the motel, and even when William was out, it would have felt disrespectful to use the room for that. Dennis didn’t share a room with anyone, but he wouldn’t have been allowed to bring Kyle in before. He hadn’t been a pride member before, and most pride members would have been wary of him and might even have kicked him out if they’d found him there. Between who Kyle’s father was and what Kyle had done when he’d first arrived, Dennis wouldn’t have blamed them.

But no one would kick Kyle out now. He was finally Dennis’s, and Dennis was never letting go.

He was still holding Kyle’s hand, so he pulled him toward the stairs. Kyle laughed, which made Dennis’s heart stutter. Kyle had relaxed so much today that he felt almost like a different person. He probably didn’t quite believe he was welcome here, but he would eventually, and seeing his family happy was enough to make him happy, too. In time, he’d feel more secure, but for now, Dennis was only interested in making sure Kyle knew he wasn’t going anywhere.

It was too soon for them to bond. Dennis didn’t feel ready, and he doubted Kyle did. He needed time to settle in with the pride, maybe find a job and start his new life. He’d need even more time to believe he wouldn’t lose all of this.

Dennis could wait. He would wait.

They were both laughing by the time they reached Dennis’s room. He dragged Kyle inside, slamming the door shut and locking it for good measure. Normally, people wouldn’t just barge into a bedroom that wasn’t theirs, but Dennis’s sister was known not to wait more than a few seconds after she knocked when she wanted something.

Dennis looked at Kyle. He was glancing around, clearly curious about Dennis’s personal space. His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were wide with mirth and happiness. His hair was a little messed up, maybe because he’d run his hand through it. His body language told Dennis that he was feeling good, and Dennis wanted that to continue.

He prowled toward his mate. Kyle was examining a trinket on the bookshelf, but he quickly noticed Dennis and grinned at him.

“So you really were planning to seduce me.”

Dennis grabbed the bookshelves, caging Kyle in. “Is that a problem?”

Kyle’s smile as he shook his head was glorious. “I told you. I want you to seduce me.”

Dennis wasn’t sure he’d be able to seduce anyone if he was trying to, but he didn’t have to try with Kyle. They were mates, and as soon as he leaned down to kiss Kyle, he felt his mate’s body respond.

They couldn’t feel each other through the bond yet, but it still sang between them, tightening and pulling them closer every time they kissed. Eventually, they’d feel it was time for them to bond, but for now, Dennis enjoyed the anticipation and getting to know his mate.

But he wanted more.

He skimmed a hand down Kyle’s side, then around him. He grabbed Kyle’s ass, hauling him even closer, smiling against Kyle’s lips when he squeaked.

They had no idea what they were doing, but they didn’t need to know. Dennis was fine with letting their bodies make the decisions, so he went with the flow. He didn’t argue when Kyle grabbed his t-shirt, pulled it up, and dropped it to the floor. It was hot, anyway. He didn’t need a t-shirt.

What he did need was more skin-to-skin contact with Kyle. He’d had to let go of his mate to allow Kyle to strip him, and he couldn’t wait to get his hands back on Kyle’s body, but first, he needed to see more of it. He did the same thing Kyle had done seconds later, grabbing the bottom of his mate’s t-shirt and raising it up his body. He went slower, allowing his fingers to skim Kyle’s skin, grinning when Kyle shuddered in what was hopefully pleasure.

Kyle raised his arms, and Dennis whipped off the t-shirt. He didn’t want to trip on it, so he threw it behind himself before grabbing Kyle’s hips. Their chests brushed together, then pressed against each other as they both leaned in for a kiss at the same time.

Kyle’s skin was warm and sprinkled with hair. Dennis could feel it rubbing against his skin, and it made him want more. He wasn’t about to haul Kyle over his shoulder and drag him to his bed, but it was a close thing.

The bookshelves rattled behind Kyle, telling Dennis this wasn’t the best place to do this. He pulled Kyle away and toward the closest wall in case he needed something to lean against.

“What do you want?” he asked in a whisper.

“You,” Kyle answered without hesitation.

That didn’t help Dennis decide what his next step should be, but it was what he’d wanted to hear.

He buried his fingers in Kyle’s hair and used the hold to tilt his mate’s face for a kiss. Kyle groaned and pressed closer, but Dennis wasn’t done. He could feel Kyle was hard in his jeans, and he was dying to see what Kyle was hiding inside the heavy fabric.

He dropped to his knees and looked up. Kyle had always been handsome, but with his red lips and blown pupils, he was the most gorgeous man Dennis had ever seen. Dennis couldn’t believe how lucky he’d been that Kyle, of all people, was his mate. It hadn’t felt like a good thing before, but now, he was sure it was. He couldn’t have asked for anyone better.

Dennis grinned and undid Kyle’s jeans. Kyle sucked in a breath when Dennis let them drop down Kyle’s legs. He was already reaching for Kyle’s underwear. Without the jeans hindering him, he could see the heavy bulge of Kyle’s hard cock. It made his mouth water.

He pulled down Kyle’s underwear, too, hooking it under Kyle’s butt. The movement made Kyle moan and tilt his hips toward Dennis, silently telling Dennis what he wanted.

Dennis wanted the same.

He wrapped his fingers around the base of Kyle’s cock and leaned forward, closing his eyes for a moment as he inhaled his mate’s scent. It swirled around him, heavy and going straight to Dennis’s head, pushing him forward and making him want more. Thankfully, he would have it. They might not be bonding today, but that didn’t mean they weren’t both in this for the long term.

Very long term.

Dennis licked the head of Kyle’s cock to get a taste. He hummed at the salty and slightly bitter taste he found there, and since he was eager for more, he wrapped his lips around the head. Kyle’s hips punched forward, but Dennis had expected it, and he used his hands to keep Kyle in place as he started sucking.

He loved having Kyle writhing in front of him. He’d never been one to enjoy power dynamics or anything like that when he was in relationships, but having Kyle under his control was thrilling. Even more so, what made Dennis happy was that Kyle trusted him enough to allow him to do this. He would never have expected that before, but now, it made him happy.

“Take your cock out,” Kyle whispered.

Dennis hesitated. He didn’t want to let go of his mate, but at the same time, he felt his dick might be about to explode in his jeans. It was so hard it hurt.

“I’m taking mine back if I don’t see yours,” Kyle added.

That was all Dennis needed to spur him on. He kept Kyle’s cock in his mouth, gently suckling as he opened his jeans. He fished his cock out, not as careful with his own body as he’d been with Kyle’s. He didn’t need to get rid of his jeans or anything like that. He just needed his cock out, and now, it was.

There was a glimmer of appreciation in the way Kyle stared that made Dennis feel ten feet tall. He puffed out his chest and grinned around Kyle’s cock, causing him to laugh.

This was sex with his mate. It was hot and sexy but also happy and almost familiar. Dennis couldn’t imagine how good it would be once they got to know each other’s bodies.

“Touch yourself,” Kyle murmured.

Dennis was happy to oblige. He didn’t pay too much attention to himself while he lavished Kyle’s body with kisses, touches, and anything else he could think of. Just feeling Kyle, smelling him, and hearing the sounds he made, was enough. Dennis came close to coming embarrassingly fast, so he renewed his enthusiasm for Kyle’s cock. He didn’t think he would have to focus for long. Kyle had buried both of his hands in Dennis’s hair and was pulling at it, pushing his hips forward in an attempt to get more.

Dennis had been put on this earth to give Kyle whatever he wanted, so he renewed his efforts. He wanted Kyle to come.

He jacked himself off as he pushed Kyle to the edge of pleasure. When Kyle came, it was down Dennis’s throat. The taste was more powerful than it had been earlier. It sent a thrill down Dennis’s back.

Dennis moved his hand faster, able to focus on his own pleasure now. Having Kyle with him was a big part of it. He just had to look at his mate, and his body locked as he came.

Kyle was too beautiful for Dennis not to. His cheeks and chest were flushed, there was a shine of sweat on his body, and his eyes were wide with pleasure and affection. He still had his hands in Dennis’s hair, but his touch had gentled. His body was relaxed, and after Dennis came, too, Kyle slid down the wall to join him on the floor.

They stared at each other, both of them panting as if they’d run a marathon. There was no trace of embarrassment in Kyle’s expression, which was a relief.

“Do you think people noticed we’re not downstairs anymore?” Kyle asked.

Dennis pulled him close to kiss him. “Even if they did, I don’t care.”

“They might come looking for us.”

“They can pound on my door the entire night. I. Don’t. Care.”

Kyle stared at Dennis for a moment, and Dennis wondered what he was thinking. He didn’t have to wonder for long.

“We’re going to make it, aren’t we?” Kyle asked in a soft voice as if he was afraid to say the words out loud.

He shouldn’t be so adorable. He was a grown man, and so was Dennis, but seeing his mate like this made him want to twirl Kyle around the room and sing in happiness, to act silly in a way he couldn’t with other people.

“We are,” he promised.

He had no doubt that their relationship would be the most complicated and the hardest relationship he’d ever had, but it would also be the most rewarding and loving. It would be worth all the work he had to put into it.

He couldn’t wait.