Unexpected Mate(11)

“Why didn’t you say anything sooner? Hell, why didn’t Michael or Luke?”

“How could we?” Seth’s brows furrowed. “By admitting that Michael and I aren’t destined mates, we would be saying our relationship isn’t as important. We decided to mark and claim each other. That way everything would be equal between the three of us. Luke may have brought us together, but Michael is my mate as well. Neither one is more important than the other.”

Kaden stood silently, letting Seth’s words roll around inside his mind. The story seemed surreal, but Seth was genuine. Kaden didn’t know if he should allow himself to hope. Hoping could be dangerous to his heart. He wanted to keep Adam in his life forever. Just the idea of losing the other man hurt him more than he’d ever imagined.

“Do you think my mate…I mean…Adam and his mate…could they be…” Kaden paused for a moment, trying to figure out how to word the question properly instead of stumbling over each word. Clearing his throat, Kaden tried again, “Do you really think it could happen that way for me?”

“I don’t know.” Seth shook his head.

Thinking about their pack, Kaden wondered if the other trio matings were similar to Seth’s. Could this phenomenon be coming back after generations? Was it really possible? What did it mean? There were so many unanswered questions.

“What about Joseph, Dillon, and Aaron?” Joseph Pierce, Dillon Bird, and Aaron Madden had been together a really long time. The three men seemed happy, but could they be harboring the same secret as Seth and his mates?

“They’re a true mating.”

“Oh.” Kaden’s shoulders dropped in disappointment.

“It’s not really my place to say anything…” Seth started.

“I’ll never repeat our conversation to anyone. You have my word,” Kaden swore.

“I recently found out that Raymond, Micah, and Curtis aren’t true mates.” Raymond Woods, Micah Hines, and Curtis McKee were a newly mated trio. “I noticed they were having some problems. I heard Raymond and Curtis arguing one night. I wasn’t sure if they were experiencing the same issues that I had, but the fight sounded familiar. I shared my story with them, and it turned out that Micah was the one that brought the three of them together.”

“Where the hell have I been?” Kaden couldn’t believe he’d missed so much. Had he really been so wrapped up in his own life that he didn’t know what the other members of his pack were going through?

“Mating is personal and intimate. It’s not something that should be shared with the rest of the pack.” Seth stood up in one smooth motion. “I don’t know what the future holds for you. I don’t know if you’ll end up with Adam, but I’m hoping you’ll stick around to find out.”

With those parting words, Seth left Kaden standing alone in the forest with his thoughts.





Chapter Four




Nicholas sat hunched over the bar inside the Silver Bullet. He stared down at the shot of tequila in front of him, ignoring the wild crowd and heavy beat of the music. Lifting the glass, Nicholas pressed it against his lips and swallowed the contents in one gulp. The liquor burned its way down his throat, settling in his empty stomach. Nicholas hadn’t been able to eat a single bite since Adam had left. Without the other shifter nearby, he could barely function. It felt as if an important piece of himself was missing, one that Nicholas couldn’t live without.

“Damn!” Sam said, leaning against the counter. “Someone got claimed by a big, badass Alpha.”

Nicholas growled. “Shut up, Sam.”

“You do realize that none of the shifters or vampires are ever gonna touch you again, right?”

Nicholas wasn’t interested in finding a temporary lover anyway. What would be the point? He’d already found his forever with Adam Procter.

“Thanks for the reminder.”

“You’ve been claimed real good, Nicky.” Sam whistled. “That Alpha wolf’s stink is all over you, man.”

Nicholas sighed heavily. He’d showered and scrubbed, but it was useless. Adam’s scent clung to him like a second skin, telling everyone to stay back, although, truthfully, he didn’t really mind all that much. The scent brought him a small amount of comfort to both him and his jaguar.

“I mean…” Sam made a face, scrunching up his nose. “It’s all over you.”

“Yeah.” Nicholas nodded. “Thanks, I got it.” He pushed the empty glass toward Sam. “Pour me another one.”

“Where’s your mate?” Sam asked, looking around.