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  “Really?” Gregor said.

  “He’d deny it, of course, but I think he’s only going through with this because it would be embarrassing to call it off. Plus, if he did call it off, everyone would know he’d really denied you.”

  “We were just discussing that,” Gregor said. “The fact everyone thinks we’re merely trying to entertain them.”

  “Makes me wish I’d thought of it. It’s certainly making everyone view the wolves with more favor,” Asmund said. “I think my people are getting excited about the alliance.”

  Gregor managed a smile. “I’ve certainly never been ogled quite this much.”

  The king laughed. “I read that often your race finds mates among humans. Could there be mates here as well?”

  “Possibly. The fact I found mine here will encourage others to hope.” He met the king’s gaze. “We each get one mate. Only one. Some never find their fated mates.”

  “That’s sad,” the king said. “We keep to ourselves here. I’d be willing to encourage more intermingling. I’ll definitely be coming to visit Jared.”

  “Perhaps we could find you a mate, Your Majesty.”

  “What percentage of your population is female?” Asmund asked. “I’m going to need an heir one day.”

  “About thirty. But an omega might suit you well.”

  “Wouldn’t I have to be a wolf to get him pregnant?”

  “No. Omegas are special. Only one in every ten ordinary wolves is an omega. Any man could get an omega pregnant.”

  “Ah. I should continue with my reading.” He pointed down to the blond man. “Jared’s friend Dane has been doing lots of research. He’s always been an excellent scholar. We sit and talk some evenings.”

  Gregor cast a quick gaze over at Luke, who seemed to suddenly be paying more attention to their conversation. “The blond? There by the table?”

  “Yes, he’s Jared’s best friend. I should introduce you. I’m sure Jared will want him to visit often.”

  “I’d like that.” Gregor eyed his Beta again, noting the deep breath Luke took.

  “He may be shy at first, but he’ll warm to you.” Lowering his voice, the king said, “He had a bad experience in the human world several years ago.”

  Luke’s head turned sharply. “Bad experience?”

  The king’s eyes cut over to Luke, and something in the man’s face told Gregor the king had started talking about Dane on purpose, possibly because he’d noticed Luke’s attention as well. “Yes. A human attacked him.”

  “Was he dealt with?” Luke asked, his fists clenching at his sides.

  The king’s expression sobered as he looked around, perhaps checking to be sure they were alone. “I took care of things. That man will never harm another ever again.”

  “Does he live?” Gregor asked after looking around and checking the area for himself.

  Asmund met his gaze. “He does. But I’m sure some days he wishes I’d killed him.”

  “Good,” Luke said, his voice low.

  Asmund stepped closer to the balcony railing and looked at Luke more directly. “I take it you’re unmated?”

  Luke gave the king his full focus. “My mate, Sabina, passed away two years ago. She had cancer.”

  The king’s face fell. “I’m sorry to hear that. Please accept my condolences.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” His eyes lowered to the crowd below, once again seeking Dane out.

  “I wouldn’t have tried to play matchmaker if I’d known of your loss.” His gaze flicked down to Dane. “Though Dane’s a very gentle man. Sensitive to the feelings of others. If I may be so bold, you two might find solace in each other. You’re both interested, unless my wits are addled and I’m imagining the two of you staring at each other.”

  Luke tore his gaze from Dane again. “If he’s Jared’s close friend, it only makes sense you’d introduce us. But perhaps I should speak for myself after the little misunderstanding between Jared and Gregor.”

  “Little misunderstanding?” Gregor said with a snort. “That’s not what I’d call it.”

  “Quite true,” the king said. “I’ll stay out of it.”

  Silence fell for a few moments, and a servant came out and offered them wine. Asmund accepted a goblet, but Gregor and Luke declined. “Will the festivities last all day?” Gregor asked.

  “Yes, though I imagine things will wind down around lunchtime. With wine flowing this early, people will be seeking their beds for naps and … other pursuits.”

  “I plan to pursue Jared in my wolf form. Will your people be offended if I disrobe in front of them?”

  The king paused with his goblet halfway to his mouth. “Be offended? You may get a round of applause and a few bawdy remarks.” His gaze flicked up and down Gregor briefly. “By human standards, we’re a very effeminate people, but that only makes us appreciate masculine traits all the more. The same way humans are practically mesmerized by our beauty.” He gestured down to the crowd. “Come and let me introduce you to some more of my people. You’ll be pacing soon if we don’t find something to occupy you.”

  Gregor smiled. “My wolf is impatient for its mate.”

  The king smiled back. “I’m sure he is.” He made for the stairs.

  Gregor began to follow but then waited for Luke, who stared down below for another few seconds. “Coming?”

  Luke nodded, his tongue darting out to lick his lower lip.

  Gregor walked down the stairs with a smile on his face, glad he had decided to bring Luke on this trip.

  ****

  Jared couldn’t see the sun from where he lay on the grass, but he knew it had to be nearly noon. He’d found the perfect spot, a broad patch of grass underneath several large oaks. There was even a little waterfall trickling over some rocks nearby, a pretty pond of clear water at the bottom. Dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, and a cool breeze blew over him every now and then. As he rolled to his side, he tried to work out how far he’d walked from the palace. He thought it had to be less than two miles.

  Why isn’t he here yet?

  A sound caught his attention, and he sat up to look behind him. When the sound came again, he lowered his gaze in time to see a wolf emerge from the bushes. The beast’s eyes burned into his as it came forward.

  Moments later, Gregor knelt before him, naked and with a sheen of sweat over every inch of his body.

  “You caught me,” Jared said softly.

  “You don’t seem to be running,” Gregor said in a husky voice.

  “I’d say I’ve done enough running.”

  “On your hands and knees. Now.”

  Jared wanted to reach for Gregor and kiss him, yet he shivered as he obeyed. Something deep inside him stirred, but he couldn’t be sure what it was. It seemed to run much deeper than the physical desire pulsing through him.

  Gregor moved in behind him and ran one strong hand up and down his back, before grabbing the collar of his shirt and ripping the garment in half. It fluttered to the ground, the sleeves pooling around Jared’s wrists. Gregor’s hand moved over Jared’s back again, the direct contact making Jared shiver.

  His hands moved over Jared’s ass, hesitating over the right back pocket. Gregor drew out the small bottle of lube Jared had stashed there. “Came prepared, I see,” Gregor said.

  “Of course,” Jared said, looking back over his shoulder. He licked his lips as he got a better look at his Alpha. The man was pure muscle, every inch taut and perfect, and his cock jutted up and almost touched his stomach, the tip wet and glistening.

  Gregor slowly undid Jared’s trousers and slid them down his legs, helping him out of them before reaching up and grabbing both of his ass cheeks. Jared trembled as one thumb played over his hole, massaging the ring of muscle there.

  One hand rose and then came down with a loud smack. Jared felt the pleasure the blow brought move over his whole body. Gregor’s other hand repeated the slap on the other cheek. Gregor alternated blows to each cheek, setting his o
wn sporadic pace. The anticipation made each strike all the sweeter. Jared cried out when Gregor spread his cheeks and licked his crack, pausing all too briefly over his hole.

  Gregor rolled him to his back and looked down at him once he’d helped him get untangled from his torn shirt. “We go no further until you say you’re mine.”

  Jared took a deep breath. “I’m yours.”

  Gregor’s hands moved all over his body, making Jared arch and wiggle. “You submit? Today and always?”

  “Yes.” Jared reached up and finally ran his fingers through the hair on Gregor’s chest. “Mmmm.”

  Gregor chuckled as he lowered himself. Their lips met in a surprisingly soft kiss. “I’m getting my wedding night,” Gregor said. “Do you still want a wedding?”

  “You asking?” Jared said, his hands moving nonstop over Gregor’s chest and shoulders.

  Gregor grabbed one of his hands and stilled it, holding it against his heart. “I am.”

  Jared gazed up into those dark eyes. “Yes,” he said softly. “I want to marry you here at court and make every fae alive jealous.”

  Gregor chuckled again. “My pack will be riddled with jealousy as well when they see that I’ve claimed such a beautiful mate.”

  Jared reached down and lightly stroked Gregor’s cock. “Claim me. Please.”

  Gregor pulled away, which confused Jared at first. The Alpha looked around and picked up Jared’s shirt, twisting it in his hands. Jared’s breath caught in his throat when he realized Gregor was twisting the material to make a rope. When Gregor’s gaze came back to him, a slight glow had come to his eyes. “Kneel in front of that tree.”

  Jared obeyed, shivering with need as Gregor secured him to the trunk by his wrists and then put him in position, his ass raised and his legs spread wide. Gregor kissed his abused cheeks gently, but when his mouth returned to Jared’s hole, the gentleness evaporated. Gregor licked him vigorously, his tongue probing deep. Jared gasped at the way Gregor practically devoured him, bringing him right to the edge and then backing away to swat at his ass again. Gregor alternated between rimming him and spanking him for so long that Jared was panting with need and pulling at the material binding him.

  “Claim me, Gregor, please,” Jared said, not caring how desperate he sounded.

  Gregor said nothing, but Jared heard the little bottle being opened. The man had eaten him out so thoroughly they probably wouldn’t even need the lube, but Jared groaned with need as slicked fingers worked into his hole.

  Gregor moved around and brushed his cock to Jared’s lips, and Jared opened right away to suckle his lover. He lifted his gaze and moaned at the bliss he saw in the Alpha’s eyes. Gregor drew away all too soon, but then Jared felt his cheeks spread again.

  The Alpha slid into him, and Jared pushed back, knowing he’d finally come home.

  ****

  Gregor trembled as he entered his mate. Nothing had ever felt so sweet. He’d nearly lost every ounce of control as he’d watched Jared suckling the head of his cock. He gripped his mate’s hips and tried to go slow. The sight of his cock spreading Jared’s hole between those pinkened cheeks had him ready to explode, but he wanted to make his mate come first.

  By the sounds of Jared’s moans, he wouldn’t have to hold out for long. The knot would come once Jared found release, and then their bond would be complete. Gregor caressed Jared’s shoulders and back as he watched Jared’s muscles working. Even in his agitated state, every move Jared made was graceful and beautiful.

  Gregor bent over and kissed the back of Jared’s neck, nuzzling him and breathing in the scent of his hair. One hand went beneath his mate, caressing his chest and stomach and then moving down to his cock. Three strokes did it. Jared arched beneath him and came, his channel tightening so sweetly around Gregor’s cock. As Jared spilled over his fingers and murmured his name, Gregor felt his cock swelling and anchoring inside Jared.

  As he came down from his release, Jared flexed, seeming to feel the knotting as it took hold. He gasped and turned his head to accept Gregor’s hungry kiss. They panted together and locked eyes as Gregor moved the few centimeters he could and felt another quick gush of cum slip from Jared’s cock.

  That did it for him. The pleasure broke over him fully, and he spilled inside of Jared. His mate shuddered as he did so, and Gregor kissed his neck and shoulders as he emptied himself. It was almost two minutes later before he could pull out, and once he’d done so, he untied Jared and pulled the smaller man into his arms.

  He closed his eyes as they settled against each other, but just as he was slipping off, a strange cry brought him fully awake. Gregor blinked when he saw that a wolf lay beside him. He could only stare as Jared stood up, shaking and with his head darting every which way. Gregor reached out and took him by the neck, letting his scent and touch calm Jared. He stroked the beautiful dark-gray wolf and smiled.

  “See? I’m the one who made you complete, my beautiful little wolf,” Gregor said.

  Jared locked eyes with him and then licked his hand. And then he was off, running excitedly in circles and letting out joyful little yips. Gregor laughed as he watched his mate enjoying himself, and then he shifted himself. Jared stilled and looked at him, approaching slowly and rubbing against him.

  Then, much to Gregor’s delight, Jared moved off a little and seemed to shake his now-furry ass at Gregor. When he took off running, Gregor only hesitated for half a second.

  Just wait until I catch you.

  ****

  One Week Later

  Jared stepped through the portal that he’d created, beaming over at Gregor.

  “Proud of yourself, aren’t you?” Gregor said playfully.

  “I am. I can shift, and my magic works as it never has before.” He closed the portal and threw his arms around Gregor’s broad shoulders. “I’m complete, just as you said.”

  Luke cleared his throat. “You two remember I’m here, right?”

  “Mmmm-hmmm,” both men said at once before dissolving into laughter.

  “Uh-huh,” Luke said before walking away.

  Jared watched him go. After a moment, he asked, “I thought he’d stay. He and Dane were spending so much time together.”

  “Perhaps it’s only friendship. Dane’s scent hasn’t changed. I’d be able to tell if he’d slept with a wolf.”

  Jared arched a brow. “Smelling my friends now, are you?”

  Gregor slid his hands around Jared’s waist and then over his ass. “I’m yours, and you know it.” He smacked one cheek. “And tomorrow, you’ll really know it.”

  “You’re actually going to take me in front of your entire pack?” Jared asked, heat stirring low in his belly.

  “I am. An Alpha must make his claim clear.”

  Jared arched against his wolf. “I think your claim is clear to anyone who sees us.”

  “Good.” He took Jared’s hand. “It’s time to meet your pack.”

  Jared finally looked around them. He’d opened the portal in a clearing beside Gregor’s cabin, and he slowly took in the beauty of the trees around him and the river in the distance. Other cabins sat nearby, and already he could see people stirring from their homes and daily tasks.

  Jared squeezed Gregor’s hand. “Lead the way, my Alpha.”

  Gregor drew him close. “You call me that on purpose to get me riled up.”

  Jared laughed and kissed his cheek. “Of course I do.”

  “You’ll pay for that later,” Gregor said in a low voice before moving toward the forming crowd.

  I certainly hope so.

  The End

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  Denying the Alpha: Manlove Edition

  BONUS SAMPLE CHAPTER

  ASSASSIN’S RETURN

  Valladora Tales, 3

  Marie Medina

  Copyright © 2017

  Chapter One

  Valladora

  3156, The Year of Blood />
  Quentin looked up from the vegetable garden every time he heard his nephew Jesse shriek in delight. He couldn’t help it. Even though he had grown used to his nephew’s boundless enthusiasm for everything under the twin suns, he still worried the adventurous little boy might hurt himself. Jesse had just turned two, and he could already run so much faster than Quentin had ever imagined someone so small could run. Luckily, the fence Samuel had built on his last visit had proven sturdy enough to keep Jesse from wandering, or sprinting, away from Quentin.

  The letter Quentin had received three days ago had indicated Samuel would be back soon, possibly today. Part of Quentin rejoiced in his childhood friend’s return, but the rest of him remained baffled at the man’s continued devotion. Quentin’s twin sister, Lizzie, had gotten pregnant by a man who had been passing through their village—to this day, Quentin had no idea who Jesse’s biological father was. Lizzie had refused to even give him the man’s name. When she’d died in childbirth, Quentin had been left to raise Jesse alone. Samuel had returned to the village a few days after Lizzie’s funeral, and upon hearing the news had declared publicly that he was the child’s father before lamenting that Lizzie hadn’t told him about the baby. Murmurs had immediately gone up, quieting down when Samuel promised to do all he could for the child.

  Quentin had been too stunned to object, even though he’d known it was a lie, and he’d stood by and watched Samuel chastise himself for not marrying Lizzie and staying in the village. Word had spread, but Samuel was so well liked and admired in the very conservative village that most hadn’t blamed him for putting his duty to the king first, especially as he hadn’t known there was a child to consider. Quentin had kept his mouth shut, as no one else seemed to disbelieve Samuel’s assertion. But Quentin knew Samuel had not been in the village anywhere near the time of Jesse’s conception, plus Lizzie would have had no reason to lie if Samuel had been the father. She’d been infatuated with him since she was twelve, and Quentin would definitely have approved of them being together. Samuel also would never have even started to court a friend’s sister without obtaining permission first. But more importantly, Samuel had always preferred male lovers. He’d often mentioned the interesting and exotic men he met on his travels. Everyone else in the village believed Samuel was an ambassador for the king, but Quentin knew what he actually was—an assassin.