Breaking the Play boy′s Curse(22)
After stopping for lunch, Vail took the lead. Draven rode to the shifter’s right, with the gang keeping pace close behind. Eventually, his lover slowed and turned onto a narrow, two-lane road. Draven noted houses tucked between the trees every half mile or so. It seemed like a stunning place to live. He bet, as a wolf shifter, Vail loved growing up there.
Vail slowed again, then turned onto a gravel drive. “Careful, everyone. This stuff’s a bit loose.”
“I smell plenty of wolves, boss,” Payson warned.
“Understandable,” Kontra replied. “We’re well in the territory of the Tamang Pack. Be on your best behavior, everyone. Due to Vail’s connection to the pack’s alpha and shifter law, we are allowed to remain here for a week, as long as we don’t cause problems,” he warned.
Adam grunted. “Does fucking the wolves count as causing a problem? I could stand to get laid. The pheromones all you mated couples are putting off are driving me nuts,” he grumbled.
Lamar hummed in obvious agreement.
Luc, introduced to Draven as Tim’s father, actually snickered. “You got that right, Adam. Geez, it’s like a regular fuck-fest around you all.”
A house appeared between the trees.
“That’s enough, everyone,” Kontra said, but from his tone, it was easy to tell the big man was smiling.
The roar of all the bikes were probably what drew the man from his home. Tall and muscular with dark hair and high cheekbones, it was easy to see where Vail got his looks. The guy swept his gaze over them, frowning, until his focus landed on Vail.
Vail stepped off his bike and took off his helmet. “Hi, Dad,” he greeted warmly.
“Vail!” the man exclaimed, hustling down the steps. The pair embraced, complete with grins, backslapping, and laughter. “Son! What are you doing here?” He glanced around the group, his gaze landing on Kontra. “You must be Alpha Kontra Belikov. Thank you so much for taking such good care of my boy,” he said, nodding to the man in deference to his position.
Kontra stepped forward and shook the man’s hand. “Nice to meet you…” He lifted his brows.
“Sorry,” Vail responded, smiling. “My father, Abbott Tamang.”
“Abbott,” Kontra said, nodding.
“Dad, there’s someone else I’d really like you to meet,” he said, glancing at Draven and motioning him forward. “I’ve met my mate.”
Abbott went white as a sheet in two seconds flat. “Vail, you didn’t?” he whispered, his eyes widened.
“Dad, I—”
“Son of a bitch, you did!” Abbott cried, taking a step back. He glared at Vail. “After everything we’ve told you? After everything that’s happened?” He swept his gaze over the group and snarled, “Which one of these men have you condemned to die?”
“Take a deep breath, Abbott,” Kontra soothed. “Everything will be fine.”
Abbott glared and pointed a finger at the bear shifter. “You don’t understand.”
“They do, Dad,” Vail cut in. “I told them about the curse.”
Vail’s father looked like he’d just been slapped in the face. “You told them?”
Draven decided it was time to step in. Moving forward, he cleared his throat. “I am Draven Mansetti, your son’s mate.”
Abbott inhaled deeply, then growled. “You’re a vampire.”
“And a warlock, which does give me a unique ability to help your son,” he stated calmly. “Your son broke the curse on him before we mated. If you let me test one of your family line, I’d be able to tell you if Vail breaking his curse removed it from just him, or if all of you are now free to mate whomever you choose.”
Shaking his head, Abbott’s jaw dropped. “A warlock.” He glanced between them, then swept his gaze over the rest of the gang, finally returning to Kontra. “You let a magick-wielder into your pack? How… Why?” His entire body tensed. “You’re okay with this?”
Kontra crossed his arms over his chest, accentuating his broad shoulders. “My own mate is a warlock, Abbott. No, I don’t have a problem with them.” He held out a hand, and Tim joined him. “My mate, Tim Laurent.”
“Nice to meet you,” Tim stated, holding out his hand.
Abbott appeared and smelled completely disoriented. Even as he reached out and shook Tim’s hand, his mouth worked, but no sound came out. After he let go, Abbott looked around at them again. “Wow, I’m—” He frowned. “I don’t think I’ve heard of a group quite like yours,” he said slowly.