The Gift of My Mate (Siberian Volkov Pack Romance Book 9) (6 page)

“You are so beautiful. Undo my pants, take me into your hands, Margot. Feel how much I want you.”

Margot licked her lips and reached for the fastening. Once released, he pushed into her hand, a rod of steel covered in silky flesh. She teased him with soft touches from the pads of her fingers, alternating with light scratches of her nails. Then she squeezed his shaft and loosened her grip causing him to feel a pulsing sensation Mathis stiffened.

He ran his fingers through her hair. He caught her gaze and she was transfixed. “I will win tomorrow. I want a life with you and the children we will adopt. Nothing will stop me.”

He tugged her face closer to his burgeoning flesh. Margot blinked and focused on the head of his member, so close to her mouth. She leaned over and licked around his shaft, treating it like her favorite ice cream cone, she swiped again. Mathis’s hips bucked. She wrapped a hand near the base and continued to drive him crazy, licking and teasing his flesh.

He cupped her head and held her still. Raising his hips, he pushed into her mouth. She enveloped him, sucking hard. Mathis moaned. His hands tightened in her hair.

Margot loved that she controlled his pleasure. She pushed down and swallowed, letting her throat constrict around him. She watched his face as he threw back his head. Fine tremors ran through him and she knew he was close to coming. She ran her teeth over him as she came up. He growled, tugging at her hair.

She refused to release him, and went down again, swallowing around him.

“Margot, stop. I won’t last.”

Margot opened their telepathic bond, desire and pleasure flooding each of them. Mathis growled again, his gaze scorching as he looked at her. She winked.
“Come for me. Let me give you pleasure,”
she sent into his thoughts.

Something wild broke free inside him. He grabbed her head as he pulled out and thrust back again. Over and over, he touched the back of her throat. She loved it, loved that he lost his careful control. She sucked on him, making it harder for him to pull free. He pounded into her wet heat. She hummed, her whole mouth vibrating in pleasure.

Mathis shouted, the cords in his neck showing, as jets filled her mouth and she swallowed his tangy essence. He blinked, his gaze mellowing as he ran his thumb over her cheek. She released him with one last lick.

“That was incredible,” he said sincerely. He pulled her up next to him and kissed her. His tongue dueling with hers. She sighed when his mouth went to her neck and licked at the mark he left on her skin. His hands caressed her breasts, molding the soft globes. He kissed his way down her chest, over her heart, and then he took a nipple into his mouth. He sucked hard on the little nubbin and moisture gushed between her thighs. Margot pushed closer, wanting more.

“Mathis,” she said breathily.

“Hmm,” he asked, his mouth still holding her flesh, vibrations rippling over her skin.

She shifted her legs, restlessly, before hooking one around his thigh. His hand brushed against her stomach and then lower stroking through her curls. Margot moaned. Mathis teased her, never really penetrating the petals of flesh guarding her core. She began to pant. The need to be filled consumed her.

Mathis switched to the other breast, nipping lightly at the globe before sucking the nipple into his mouth. Margot’s back bowed as the tide of desire built into a tsunami waiting for land fall. He cupped her possessively, before finally pushing in with one finger. She was so wet, he had no problems pushing in another finger. Margot tried to push up her hips, wanting to take him deeper, but he held her down.

“Please…” she begged.

Mathis released her breast and kissed her stomach as he moved between her thighs. He opened her with his fingers, taking a long look before he lowered his head, and thrust his tongue deep. Margot shuddered, the pleasure almost too much. He sucked her clit into his mouth. She cried out and exploded, flying high. Ecstasy washed over her. Mathis continued to feast on her, his tongue licking and his mouth sucking.

“Again, Margot,”
echoed in her brain.

Mathis continued to lick and suck at her, not letting her recover, not letting her relax. He pushed his desire and pleasure into her mind, filling her with erotic sensuality. Her body grew hotter, burning her from the inside out. She began to tremble. He pushed a finger in deeply, in and out, building the firestorm waiting to take her. Margot’s mind spiraled with pure feeling. Her mind, his, she was caught in a whirlwind of emotions. He pushed in again, curling his finger and letting it slide against her inner channel, as he pulled back out.

She cried out, tears coming to her eyes. Margot began to buck against his hand, her body no longer her own, her legs trembling from the extreme release.

“I’ve got you, baby. I’ll always catch you.”

§

Mathis watched as the room brightened, heralding a new day. He couldn’t take his eyes off the beautiful woman in his arms. He had loved her, from the first moment he saw her. Now she was his. He promised himself he would make a good home for her and the amarok pups, a home where no child would be turned out. First he must win this fight with his uncle. A fight much more dangerous than he had shared with his mate.

Margot held Mathis’s hand, needing the contact to steady her. They walked to the ice and snow-covered area where the fight would take place, followed by Mathis’s parents. Itigaituk waited across the space, his young wife next to him. He spoke sharply to her and she turned away. Margot gasped when she saw the black eye and bruises on the woman’s cheek. The woman looked to be younger than her. Itigaituk glared first at Margot, then at Mathis.

The elders and village members gathered around. Margot squeezed Mathis’s hand, needing to reassure him, or maybe herself. He turned to her and swept her close, kissing her in front of the assembly. “You must wait with my mother,” he said, cupping her chin. “Everything will be all right.” Margot nodded, biting her lip. Mathis ran his thumb over the offended flesh, his gaze tender. He released her when his father and mother stepped forward.

Nicole took her arm and led her to one side. Margot grabbed hold of her hand. Inside she was terrified. It took every ounce of control to stop from shuddering. Mathis needed her to be strong, to believe in him. She did, she could do this.

Ujarak and Kumaglak appeared and made their way through the crowd to their father and Mathis. Margot wondered where they went when they disappeared last night. They whispered a few words and then came to stand next to Nicole.

Ujarak winked at her. “Hey, you okay? You look kind of like you did in the cabin before you freaked out. Now wouldn’t be a good time to lose it.”

“Shut up, Ujarak. I’m not going to lose it.” Margot knew he was partially kidding. She could barely keep it together and his teasing wasn’t helping.

“Ujarak, leave her alone,” Nicole chastised him.

“Yes, Mom,” he drawled.

Margot felt her lips twitch. If she could relax one bone in her body, she might be able to smile at his antics. But not right now.

Ujarak looked across the fighting circle. He froze, his gaze on Itigaituk’s wife. Swearing under his breath, he turned to his brother, Kumaglak. They spoke quietly together.

Taliriktug handed his oldest son a long bone club. For a moment, Margot’s curiosity was caught and she wished to examine the weapon closer. Then she realized the weapon would be used against Mathis and her fear returned. Someone handed Itigaituk a similar shaped piece of bone.

The angakkuq walked to the middle of the circle and beckoned everyone to silence. “A challenge has been made and accepted. This fight will take place as men with weapons only. No shifting is allowed. To do so is a forfeiture of the fight. If the combatants are ready, they can begin.”

The whole crowd stood silent while the shaman walked out of the circle. Margot began wringing her hands. A litany of,
I will be strong
, running through her head. Both men entered the ring and began to circle each other, the crunch of the snow under their feet, the only sound. Margot closed her eyes. A part of her wanted to shake Mathis. Her eyes popped open. Why did he think this fight was all right with her?

§

Mathis felt the moment Margot’s worry turned to anger. He smiled. She was stronger than she realized.

He looked at his uncle across from him. How did his father’s brother turn into such a bitter, angry man? This fight needed to end quickly and without anyone dying. His family couldn’t handle anything else. His grandfathers stood at the edge of the circle, grief on their faces. His grandmother refused to come. Itigaituk didn’t seem to realize how painful this was for their family, or maybe he didn’t care.

His uncle moved suddenly, swinging at Mathis’s head. The crowd erupted with men cheering for their favorite. Mathis ducked and slammed his club across his uncle’s arm. Even with the fur clothes offering some protection, the crowd heard the sound of bones breaking.

Itigaituk bellowed and swung again, coming from the opposite side. Mathis used his club to block the blow, his body vibrating with the collision. His uncle grunted and swung again. Mathis dodged, but the tip of the club scored his jaw. Pain lanced through his head. Mathis heard Margot cry out as blood dripped from his face onto the white snow.

Calling on his strength. He thrust the club into his uncle’s gut. Itigaituk bowed over, holding his middle. He panted, trying to regain his breath.

Mathis could take the shot to his uncle’s head, a blow that would be fatal. Instead, he stepped back. His foot slipped on the ice. He went down hard on one knee. His uncle, using a two handed strike, once more aimed for his skull.

Mathis rolled. The blow glanced off his shoulder. He pushed the pain aside. He needed to move quickly. A sudden influx of strength filled him, coming through the mating bond from Margot.

He jumped up and struck his uncle’s wrist. Bones cracked, blood dripped from mangled flesh. The club fell from Itigaituk’s useless hand. His uncle roared, grabbing his arm.

White lights began to circle Itigaituk. His form changed, grew bigger, his clothes shredded, and lay on the snow. In moments an enraged polar bear took his place. The crowd gasped. Growling, the bear rose on hind legs.

Mathis stepped back out of reach. One swipe of those claws could end him.

“Stop!” the shaman shouted.

Everyone froze. Itigaituk lowered until he was on four legs again. Still growling, he glared at Mathis.

“The challenge was met and answered. Mathis is welcome in the village as the son of Taliriktug. Go now, back to your homes. It is done,” the angakkuq commanded.

Mathis waited, the hair on the back of his neck rising. He held his uncle’s gaze, refusing to back down. Itigaituk turned and lumbered away, the crowd parting. Mathis sighed in relief.

Margot cried out and ran to him. He dropped the club and caught her.

“You’re hurt, you need to shift!” Margot placed her hand on the cut trying to staunch the bleeding.

“I’ll shift once we get back to the house.” Mathis pushed the pain to the back of his mind. The only thing that mattered was the woman in his arms.

Margot finally pulled back. Tears trailed down her cheeks. “You won.”

Mathis brushed the tears away. “Were you worried,
nutara
?”

“Of course not.”

Mathis touched his forehead to hers. “Little liar, I might have to spank you if you keep lying to me.”

“Hmm, sounds interesting,” she teased.

Ujarak and Kumaglak laughed. Ujarak reached down and picked up the club. His father walked up and patted Mathis on the back. His mother murmured her relief and handed him a cloth to wipe his face. It felt so good to win.

“Be careful,” Ujarak warned. “You shouldn’t taunt an amarok. He might eat you.”

“That’s enough, Ujarak,” Nicole barked at him.

“Yes, Mom. Jeez, everyone is so serious.”

Malina walked up with Cybille, wrapped in furs, in her arms. Nicole ran over, taking the child, kissing and murmuring to her.

“We’ve enjoyed your visit, son, but there are people waiting for you. The car is packed. Ujarak will drive you home,” his father said.

Mathis sighed, his feelings of triumph, turning to regret. It was time to leave his family, again.

§

Margot gazed at the small child asleep in her car seat. The poor little girl was inconsolable when she had been taken from her mother. Who could blame her? Margot glanced at Mathis in the front seat with his brother. He too, was grieving, she could feel it through the mating bond. Why the nanuk wouldn’t accept their amarok children, she’d never understand.

“Where are we going?” she asked quietly.

“To the Alpha’s lodge. We will discuss our options once we get there. How many children are we taking charge of?” Mathis asked Ujarak.

“Six, when you add Cybille to the group. There is one family, Tikaani, a boy of ten and his two twin sisters, Ukiuk and Ila, who are five. Then there is another boy, Nuvuk, who is eight, and another little girl, Elisapie, who is four, no relation. Are you going to keep them all? I thought you would find homes for them.”

Mathis glanced back at Margot and his little sister. “It might be easier for the children if we kept them together. They may have some of their polar bear family traits that regular lycans would not. They will also be larger and stockier than the other lycans. “Before we make a decision, I want to talk to Jared. He will know more about our options.”

“We can build a house and keep them all. Money isn’t really a problem,” Margot said quickly.

“Your father might not like that idea. I didn’t tell him I was taking you, and I doubt he will accept our mating without a fight,” Mathis pointed out.

“He may be angry, but he understands the mating bond comes first.”

“Honey, your father is human, with human ideas. He will respond as a human father whose daughter has been carried away. Plus, there is still Ouelette to consider. I have been out of touch with my security force. I have no idea what has transpired the last few days.”

“I still don’t think there’ll be a problem,” Margot mumbled.

Mathis looked at Ujarak, who shook his head. “Try and rest while you can, Margot. Once we get to the lodge, there will be six children needing reassurance.”

The ride to the lodge seemed to take forever. Cybille woke and yawned. Margot smiled and tried to be reassuring. She handed the child a toy and urged her to play with it. Cybille threw the toy on the floor. Next, Margot reached for the sipping cup of milk her mother provided. Finally satisfied, the child greedily drank the liquid.

Margot stared out the window. This mothering thing wasn’t so hard. Suddenly growls started coming from the car seat. Cybille had shifted and her little teeth were gnawing on the straps.

“Cybille. No. Stop that. Mathis what do I do? She’s going to ruin her car seat.” Margot looked to the front seat in a panic. She didn’t want to strike the puppy.

“Stop the car, Ujarak,” Mathis said. Margot was amazed at how calm his voice sounded.

Ujarak pulled over and Mathis walked around the car and opened the back door. He took Cybille out of her chair and walked back and forth, talking quietly to her. Cybille finally shifted back to her human form. Luckily, her clothes stayed on since the puppy was smaller than a human toddler.

Mathis put her back in her seat and handed the now forgotten toy to her. Cybille grabbed the toy and put it in her mouth. It had only taken minutes for Mathis to handle the situation. Margot shook her head. How did he do that? She looked at the now content Cybille and the huge man who was her mate. They were once more on their way.

“Are all the children so strong willed?” Margot asked. Maybe she wasn’t cut out to be a mother of six children after all.

“I’m sure they are,” Ujarak said chuckling. “The older ones you can reason with, or bribe. Kumaglak and I offered them treats to make them behave. It worked.” So that’s where they disappeared to last night; Ujarak and his brother had transported the children to the pack.

§

Mathis undid the straps on the car seat and handed his sister to Margot. She bit her bottom lip, took the child, and balanced the bundle on her hip. Mathis smiled at the sight. Margot was nervous about taking on this burden, since she’d been stuck in a car with Cybille for a couple of hours.

He unbelted the seat and then put his free arm around Margot’s shoulders and headed for the door to the Alpha’s lodge.

The door opened, and a harassed looking Felicity stared out at them. Felicity was an older woman mated to the beta, Aramis, and she was also the mother of Granger, the other beta of the Quebec Pack.

“About time you got here. I just finished cleaning up after the little darling’s lunch. They’re in the den watching television. Susan stayed home from working with the sled dogs to help watch them.”

“We’ll be sure to thank her once we’re inside. Thank you for taking care of them, Felicity,” Mathis said. “Margot and I appreciate it. This little one is my sister, Cybille, and Ujarak is my youngest brother. He is nanuk, but he is going to stay a while to help out.”

“Someone needs to take care of them,” Felicity grumbled. “How a whole tribe of shifters can give up their children, I’ll never understand. Come in, come in. I’ll let Jared know you are here.” Felicity waved them in and down the hall. “Margot, dear, I’m so glad you’re safe. I see you finally found your mate. How is this possible that Mathis is your mate?” Felicity hugged Margot from the side, being careful of Cybille.

“It seems he needed to protect me by keep our mating bond a secret,” Margot said.

Felicity frowned and glared at Mathis. “Shame on you, hiding the heartmate bond from your mate. I’ve never heard of such a thing. You are lucky Margot is willing to put up with your nonsense.” She hurried down the hall.

“I tried to keep you safe, I have apologized already,” Mathis complained.

“I guess you will need to apologize again.”

Mathis growled and walked down the hall to the den and opened the door. A fairytale princess kissed a frog on the television. Susan sat on the floor with one little girl on her lap and two others leaning against her. The boys sat on the couch and a bowl of popcorn sat on the coffee table. All the children had the dark hair and eyes of the arctic people.