Redemption (6 page)

He was a bit tired, but this was the him he remembered. The guilt still hovered on the edge of his consciousness, but he put it on the back burner.

Zareb threw back his head and laughed.

“Yes, you have, as have I. Now we have to get Kir squared away and life will be good.”

“That is not nice. I am fine without a mate. I am just happy the evil is buried and gone. Too long have we wallowed in misery.” Kir slapped him on the back.

The three left the clearing and went to join the others. It was almost as if they were in the past again. Brothers in spirit, if not blood. The newness washed over him when they reached the others and he finally got a good look at his mate. She was beautiful. She had long red hair and creamy white skin with the deepest blue eyes he’d ever seen. She was taller than most, and strong. She deserved better than him.

They walked to the plane in the same order as they’d come to the circle. Dji was a little rejuvenated and he was able to walk on his own.

“Ive, are you originally from the Master’s pack?”

They knew so little of each other. Maybe they could chat. Not that it mattered, they were fated to be together. All they had to do was complete the bond. Ive smelt wonderful, like freshly cut grass on a spring day. He was becoming aroused for the first time in a long time. His mind screamed mate, and his body wanted to act on it.

“No. I’m a fox shifter. I was a protector to the princess of our den and a vision led us both to the Masters pack. Her mate is the alpha, Russ. I knew I had to help you. You needed me and I was there.” Ive shrugged.

Just like that, she’d given up her life to search for him and he’d been an empty shell until now. Things could have gone so differently.

“The fog is just lifting—things have been unclear for such a long time.”

“That’s why I’m here, to help. I am your other half.” Ive winked at him.

“I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

“We’ll figure it out together. We have time. There’s no rush.” Ive squeezed his arm and they continued to walk. “What is the first thing you want to do when we reach the pack house?” Ive wanted to know.

“I—I’ve got no idea. I guess find out if I’m even welcome. I did a lot of bad things as Dmitri.”

“But they know you weren’t yourself. You and Dmitri were never the same person and you helped save Valerie when Dmitri kidnapped her. Do you think she would have escaped if you hadn’t taken over your body? You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. You just didn’t have the need to push Dmitri out.”

She had so much confidence in him. More than he had in himself. They reached the plane before he was ready. He was enjoying talking to Ive and there was still so much to discover. They did have a long flight, but he was tired and needed a nap to help gain his strength. A good meal wouldn’t hurt, either.

He wondered again how much of a welcome he would really receive. He didn’t remember much of his time at the pack house after Dmitri was expelled from his body. His whole life had been one big fog. Now he needed to break out of it.

Could he redeem himself enough to take Ive as a mate or was he still too weak? When they got to the plane, Ive sat next to him and he only wanted to close his eyes for a second, but the last thing he remembered was Ive laying her head on his shoulder. Peace washed over him as he drifted off.

Chapter Seven

Pete sat as far from Grey as he could get. It was time to distance himself even further. It hurt, but he had to give up Grey forever. It was best for both of them, no matter how much his heart ached.

Grey would find someone new—he didn’t even want to think about it. Once the flight was off and in the air, Pete went to the restroom. Anything to give him distance. He needed to splash some water on his face as well—if he fell asleep he might dream and that would make him crave Grey even more.

When he left the restroom, Zareb stopped him.

“Have a seat.” Zareb gestured to the seat close to him.

“I was going to go back t—” he tried, but Zareb interrupted him.

“And you will, Peter, but we need to have a chat.”

They both kept their voices low so they wouldn’t wake the others, and Zareb wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“About what?” Pete was confused.

“Why you are not with your mate?” Zareb pointed to the front of the cabin where Grey rested.

Pete followed Zareb’s finger and looked with longing on to his mate, wishing he could curl up beside him.

“I don’t have a mate,” Pete stated firmly.

He knew it was a lie, the bond tugged at him every second. Pete had no idea why fate was so cruel.

“Yes, Peter, you do,” Zareb insisted. His anger was rising and that wasn’t good. They needed to keep this between them.

“Gay men don’t have mates.” Pete crossed his arms over his chest, but he didn’t make a move to leave.

“I do not know who told you that—as Joy would say—‘bullshit’, but it is false. The Ancients give us all mates. Some of us are lucky enough to find them in this lifetime. Do you know how long I’ve been alive? A very long time. I was born in the early sixteen hundreds and I had to wait for Joy. You had better believe I will not be letting her go any time soon. Think about this, young wolf. How will you feel when he finds another man to be with?”

Pete growled low in his throat. No way could Grey have another man. He might think it, but to have someone else say it out loud was too much.

“That is what I thought. Do not wait too long or he could leave. There is no guarantee he will stay with the Master’s pack. He has a home to go to, the fox den. He doesn’t need to guard Russ’ mate anymore.” Zareb patted Pete on the shoulder.

Pete nodded and left. He didn’t rush, but went past the first seat he was in to sit in the same row with Grey. He shouldn’t be doing this. It was too much to hope they could make something work.

There was noise from the back of the cabin. Pete noticed that Joy and Zareb were gone from their seats. He smiled at the first scream. The two must be mating. His cock got hard thinking of the others having sex. It reminded him that he still wanted to feel Grey inside him. He wanted to know what it would feel like to be fucked. He’d loved the way Grey’s tight hole felt around his dick. He moaned without realising it.

He looked over at Grey to see if he’d heard, and Grey was awake. His blue eyes were serious. It was Pete’s fault that Grey was so unsure. He was blowing hot and cold. He knew it, but Pete didn’t know any other way. This was the first time he’d let himself even think it could be possible.

Could his family have been wrong? And why did he care what they thought after all these years? The threat was real, but they hadn’t been around in a really long time. He had to stop living in fear. He took Grey’s hand and kissed his palm before entwining their fingers. Just that little touch calmed him. He finally settled down and fell asleep, still holding Grey’s hand.

* * * *

A bus picked them up at the airstrip. Pete had half expected Ev to be there, but he didn’t see him anywhere. The trip to the pack house was short. Pete didn’t say anything, just pulled Grey into the house, bypassing the others. They were talking, but there was something Pete wanted more. He wouldn’t be included in whatever pack meeting Russ wanted to have the next day. He wasn’t part of the core group and he was happy for it. They seemed to have the most troubles and the greatest power. Most days he was happy to just be a shifter with any sort of power.

Grey went along without a word. Pete was happy because he was afraid that, if Grey said anything, he might change his mind and he really didn’t want to. He was just happy he had lube in his bedroom. Tonight he was going to lose his virginity completely. They reached his room and he opened the door.

It wasn’t much to look at. Pete didn’t need a lot of stuff. He had a bookcase full of books, a bed, a nightstand and a dresser. He finally felt like this was home and was settling in.

“Why now? You’re confusing me here, Pete.” Grey rubbed his forehead like he had a headache.

“I—damn it—I don’t know. You make me want things I didn’t know I wanted. Can we have tonight and talk tomorrow?”

“Depends. You gonna stop talking to me like last time?”

His face was hot, he knew he must be blushing. He’d acted like a jackass.

“No—we’ll talk. I’ll be honest, Grey, I don’t know if we can do this, but right now I have this need to have you inside me. I ache for you. Please.” Pete held out his hand.

Grey took it and led Pete to the bed. He was nervous and happy that Grey was taking charge.

“Lube?”

Pete pointed to his nightstand. He kept some stashed because it felt good when he masturbated. He never thought it would get to the point where he’d have someone to share his bed with. Tonight he would put the fear aside.

Grey pushed him on the bed, but this time—he wanted to taste. In the tent, Grey had kissed every inch of him and he’d fallen apart. He wanted to do that for Grey. Pete rolled them until he was on top. They stared at each other for a moment. Without looking away he took the lube from the drawer and tossed it on the bed. They’d need it later, but, for now, Pete had some tasting to do. He started with Grey’s eyelids and kissed them closed before brushing his lips against Grey’s. Pete didn’t deepen the kiss, he had too much skin to taste.

“We have on too many clothes, Pete,” Grey chuckled and thrust up.

Pete moaned. Grey was just as hard as he was. Pete ran his hands under Grey’s shirt and inched it up his body. Grey tried to help, but Pete tangled his hands up and managed to cover Grey’s eyes in the process. Pete kissed him then. Grey was all but helpless, but didn’t struggle. He leaned into the kiss, opening his mouth so Pete could enter. He could kiss Grey for days.

The two hugged each other close and kissed some more. He really couldn’t get enough of Grey’s taste, but Grey was urging him for more.

“Want it to last. Please.” Pete wasn’t above begging.

He’d never had this before and they were connected in a way Pete had never experienced. In the end he couldn’t slow it down forever. His first time was more than he’d ever expected it to be. Not that he should have been surprised. Grey wouldn’t hurt him, at least not intentionally, and he wanted to do it again—but maybe later.

Pete crushed Grey to him and kissed him before they both collapsed on the bed. Grey fell on top of Pete and Pete didn’t want to ever let go.

They finally calmed down enough for Pete to get a wash cloth. He was thankful he had his own bathroom. Grey was dozing when he got back. Pete washed him down and took the rag back to the bathroom, cleaning himself off.

He shut off all the lights and glanced out of the window. He jumped back. His worst nightmare was about to come true. Outside—his mother and father stood looking up to his room. It wasn’t possible—how could they have got on to Masters’ land? He had to be hallucinating. But what if he wasn’t?

Pete backed away from the window and looked at the bed. He’d promised, but he couldn’t stay there. What if they hurt Grey? Pete would never forgive himself. He grabbed some sweats and tiptoed out of the room. He’d go to the gym for a workout. He had to think.

Chapter Eight

Ive was exhausted and it looked like Dji was as well. They’d been given a guest suite. There was no question they’d spend the night together. If truth be told, she was a little nervous. She’d dreamt of this moment for such a long time and fate had claimed them to be mates.

Dji was better. She could feel it. It was odd because she shouldn’t feel this connected to him without the mate bond, but she was. Once they’d left Africa, Dji had relaxed. She knew it had to do with the burial of the Vessel. She was happy it was out of their lives for good.

Tomorrow they had a meeting with Russ, but tonight was theirs, if they could get past being so tired.

“Dji—we can wait—”

“We could, but I want you, Ive. I haven’t felt this strongly in a very long time. Every fibre of my being is saying it wants you. I don’t know if it’s the smart thing to do right now, but I don’t care. I need you in my arms.”

“Thank God.” Ive walked over to Dji and stepped into his arms. She’d waited for this moment for a long time. This Dji she wanted to know more of. The guilt was still a part of him, but he was…whole. Before, he’d appeared dejected and…broken.

Ive looked into his eyes and ran her hands over his face, touching every inch. She used her thumbs to soothe the crinkle in his forehead and traced his nose before landing on his lips. He never blinked. Dji’s eyes were so brown they were almost black. She could drown in them. His skin—so dark compared to her fair complexion.

Dji walked her back towards the bed, but stopped before she fell. Ive continued to look at him, but now she was taking off her clothes. They should probably shower. She looked over Dji’s shoulders to see a bathroom.

“I want to wash the travel off me. Join me?” Ive finished removing her pants and shirt, leaving a trail behind her.

She didn’t look back. She knew Dji would follow and she wasn’t disappointed. Ive bent over to start the water. Dji caressed her back, paying close attention to her ass, squeezing the globes. Ive wished she could see his hands on her skin. The moan escaped her before she could even think to stop it.

It was wonderful having his hands on her and Dji being fully there for the first time. Ive had to focus to get the water to the right temperature before turning in his arms. He lifted her up and Ive wrapped her legs around his waist. He was rock hard—everywhere. Dji was as naked as she was—the first skin on skin contact was heaven, but paradise was his lips on hers. The first touch and she swore she saw sparks fly. The lights flickered and the bulb above the sink shattered.

“What the—” Ive mumbled against Dji’s lips.

“Sorry—it’s been a long time since I had—ah—this kind of contact and my control over my magic is rocky at best right now. We’re lucky that’s the only thing exploding or this would be over before it even started.”