Coming Up Aces (The Hounds of Zeus MC #9)

Chapter Twenty-One

Ace

The following week was both a flurry of excitement and chilling at home. Once Regina got over the fact that Ace and Rayna had already spoken about children, the two couples enjoyed a nice lunch on the patio where they talked about Glory and how talented she was, Ace and Rayna’s plans for the future, and Regina showed them photos of the houses she and Con were looking at. Ace was ecstatic they were moving closer. When he and Rayna had children, he wanted them to have grandparents, and the Davidsons were the perfect couple to dote on kids.

Even though Ace felt well enough to cook, Regina threw together a few meals they could freeze, then pop in the oven when they wanted them. She and Conrad left them alone to get started on giving her some grandkids – her words. Ace didn’t share that it wouldn’t happen as soon as Regina wanted, but he also didn’t say it wouldn’t.

Sutton called Ace, asking if he and Rayna would consider moving and continuing their work taking down The Ministry, helping some Hounds who had taken over the task on the West Coast. Ace told his boss that he and Ray were looking forward to some down time and starting a family. Rayna typed up her letter of resignation and sent it to the director. He didn’t respond with a counteroffer. He merely replied with his acceptance. Then again, he had his hands full with two agents who had confessed to all sorts of crimes. Grissom’s were the worst including extortion, guns, and drugs, all of which went back several years. Perkins would go on trial for the murder of his fellow agent, Hanson. Sartain had done nothing wrong other than lie to Rayna about Seth being held at Ray Brook, but he’d done so on the orders of his boss. When that fact came out during Seth’s interrogation, Tamian took the agent aside, voiced him to forget about everything that happened that morning, and convinced him that Seth had never been at his facility.

Lachlan found David Spencer, who moved to France, changing his name and purchasing a defunct vineyard. He left his wife, Marion, behind at Haven. When Lucy asked Rhiannon if she wanted the Hounds to seek David out and voice him to forget about her and Daisy, Rhi said no. She no longer cared what happened to her father, but after listening to his message to Rayna, Rhi figured he’d lost enough when Rhi’s mom died.

Ace accompanied Rayna to get seeds, and since his ribs were no longer aching, they planted their garden together. He and Rayna had progressed from chaste kisses to making out, and the one time Ace had gotten fully erect, Rayna gave him his first blowjob instead of expecting penetrative sex. That was the moment he fell in love with her. He thought he would pass out from how explosive his orgasm had been. He returned the favor by licking her clit while fingering her. Ace had watched plenty of porn over the years, and he knew how to please a partner without going all the way, so when his mate came apart from his efforts, he rode the high all night. Soon , he thought as he held his mate while she slept.

They met up with some of the Hounds for a group ride, and Rayna got to know the other mates. Ryker had the barbeque he’d mentioned, and Rayna got to meet Mac, Elijah, and Nikita. The twins kept everyone entertained with their cuteness, and Ace got to hold Daisy. Knowing he had a mate who could give him children settled something in Ace, and he no longer felt such a deep longing being around the baby girl. Rayna came back from the bathroom, and when she saw him with Daisy in his arms, her eyes lit up. Then she strolled over, bent down, and whispered, “You’re going to make the best papa.” His father had been a stellar role model, and if Ace modeled himself after the male, gave his child or children all his love, he thought he would be. Maybe not the best, but as close as he could get. He understood being different, so he would help his kids navigate the world while offering unconditional support. And he would do so with Rayna by his side.

The night after the barbeque, Rayna was lounging on the patio, and Ace had gone inside to whip up another batch of margaritas when his phone rang. As expected, Ripley was pissed when he found out what Ace had been through and hadn’t told him. He and Glory were still in Florida when Rip called Ace to check in.

“You are on my shit list,” Rip said after Ace answered.

“Rip—”

“Fucking hell, Ace. You’re my best friend. My brother. Didn’t you think I’d want to be there for you?”

“I knew you would, and that’s why I didn’t say anything. You had your hands full with Glory and her family.”

“I could have at least offered moral support over the fucking phone. Zeus.”

“I’m…” Ace blew out a breath. “How is Glory?”

“She’s great. The sisters and Scott are settling in. I bought Hope and Scott a car, and we’re looking at houses for them since Leona’s place is too small for everyone. Glory and I spent a few days at my parents’ place. We’re headed back to her grandmother’s to take care of a few things and then we’ll be home.”

“Good. Rayna’s looking forward to seeing Glory again.”

“You mean Melinda?” Ripley chuckled. “I told Glory the whole story, and she was both shocked yet excited. She really likes your female.”

“The feeling is mutual. Rayna only has one good friend that I’m aware of, and Vanessa is busy with work and her kids when they’re not visiting their grandparents. Rayna loved riding my Harley, so maybe we can take our mates out when you’re back.”

“I know Glory will want that.”

“Also, we’re both looking forward to hearing Glory play piano. Con couldn’t stop talking about how talented she is.”

“So fucking talented, Ace. Like, imagine Rhiannon singing Daisy a lullaby and multiply it by a hundred. On top of her singing, Glory can listen to any song, then after a few times running through it on the keys, she can play it perfectly. You’ll see when we get back.”

“I can’t wait. I miss your ugly mug.”

“I miss you too, Brother. So, uh, how is it with you being demi? Are you attracted to Rayna that way? Sorry if that’s too intrusive.”

“Like you said, you’re my brother, and if I can’t talk to you about my issues, who can I? And I’m getting there.” More like he was already there, but that would be TMI. “Maybe it’s because I’m her fated mate, but I knew she was something special the moment I met her. My Gryphon felt the connection immediately, and her Cheetah assured my beast everything would be okay. That Rayna could be patient. And she is. Rayna is so much more than I could have dreamed of.”

“I’m so happy for you, and I look forward to getting together when we get back. And expect Glory to ask Rayna to see her Cheetah. My mate loves big cats.” Rip chuckled, and Ace smiled. After they disconnected, he took the pitcher of drinks outside where his own cat was lounging on the patio in cut-off jeans and a thin, spaghetti strap camisole. Ace’s dick approved of her bare skin that was deeply tanned from all her time spent outdoors.

Rayna turned to face him as he stepped outside. “Everything okay?”

Ace refilled her glass before pouring his own. “Yes. Ripley called. He and Glory will be home soon.”

Rayna took the proffered glass. “How much grief did he give you for not calling him?”

Ace blanched. “Not too much.”

“Right.” After taking a sip, she set the glass on the table next to her, returning her gaze to the dark sky.

Ace took his chair, but instead of looking at the stars, he stared at his mate. She must have felt his eyes on her because Rayna glanced over. “What?”

“I’m ready. I want us to claim each other.” They’d talked about completing the bond without sex, but Ace had wanted to wait.

“Are you sure? We don’t need to rush.”

“I’ve waited fifty-two years, Ray. I want you.”

Rayna rose, then climbed onto Ace’s lap, straddling his legs. She ran a hand over his spiky hair and leaned down to kiss him. It was the first time his dick had come into contact with something other than his own hand or Rayna’s mouth, and even through their clothes, it was electric. Rayna undulated her core, stoking the fire.

“Let’s move this inside.” Ace cradled Rayna to him and stood, carrying her to their bedroom. Rayna pressed open-mouth kisses to his neck, nipping his skin with her teeth. Ace shivered, ready for the bite that would tether them for eternity. When he reached their room, he lowered his mate to her feet. Ace thought he would be nervous, but he wasn’t. He was ready. His dick was pressing against the zipper of his shorts, harder than ever.

Rayna lifted the camisole over her head, dropping it to the floor. Her nipples were pebbled, and Ace cupped her breasts, rolling the hard peaks between his thumb and forefinger. Rayna arched her back, pushing into his hands. Staring with hooded eyes, she unbuttoned his shorts and lowered the zipper, pushing the garment along with his briefs down his thighs. Ace shrugged them the rest of the way, kicking them off to the side. He removed his tee, then stood naked while Rayna divested herself of her own shorts and panties.

Stepping closer, Rayna ghosted her fingertips across the many tattoos on his chest before leaning in and licking a stripe from his sternum to his jaw. His cock jumped, the tip leaking. Rayna gripped his length and tugged with just the right amount of pressure. Ace grasped her wrist, stopping her. “I’m too close.”

Rayna released him, then palmed his cheek. “Good.”

“Good?”

“Mmm hmm. I like that you’re so turned on.” She folded the comforter down, then climbed on the bed, her ass wiggling. She glanced over her shoulder with a wink before lying in the middle with her head on a pillow. She crooked a finger at him, and Ace didn’t hesitate to follow her command. He settled between her parted legs with his hands on her bent knees. Ace knew every inch of her skin, and now he was itching to know her from the inside out. Gripping his cock, he rubbed the tip over her clit, and Rayna writhed, her hands gripping the sheet.

“Asher, please.”

He placed the tip at her slick opening and pushed inside. Ace bottomed out and held still, taking a deep breath to gain control. He was too close to coming, and he wanted their first time to last. Rayna hooked her feet around his ass, opening herself to him while tugging him closer. He leaned down, placing his hands on the bed beside her neck.

“Zeus, you’re stunning.” Ace rocked back and forth, the glide slick, as her channel hugged his length. “You feel so fucking good, Ray.” He called on his Gryphon’s strength and fortitude to keep his orgasm at bay long enough to satisfy his mate. Ace raised up and draped her knees over his arms, changing the angle of his thrusts. Rayna moved her hands to her breasts, squeezing and tugging on her nipples, moaning softly. Ace had never imagined sex with his mate. He never thought he would find them, but watching Rayna touch herself was better than any porn he’d perused over the years. Her moans were real, and her gaze was steady. Filled with heat and love.

“I’m close,” she husked. “I want you to bite me, Asher. Bite me and make me completely yours.” Her fangs elongated, and Ace had never seen a more enticing sight. He released his own sharp teeth and rocked into her body faster and harder when she urged him to do so.

“Ash!” Rayna’s claws dug into his biceps as her core tightened around his cock. Rayna pulled herself up and sank her fangs into his shoulder. His orgasm was instantaneous, and he roared with the powerful release and her toxin coursing through his veins. When he was somewhat coherent, Ace returned the bite. Rayna’s pussy tightened around his still hard cock, and she groaned around her fangs still in his shoulder. Ace retracted his fangs and lapped at her blood. His cock pulsed, shooting more of his seed deeper into her body. His head swam with dizziness as the toxin from her bite ignited every nerve cell. Rayna licked over the punctures, settling back against the pillow.

Ace lowered Rayna’s legs, barely catching himself before he crushed her. “Holy, Zeus.” He shook his head, praying his equilibrium returned.

Rayna pressed her palms to his cheeks. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Yes.” Ace blinked several times, and his mate came into view. “That was… I’m not sure I have the words to describe it.”

“You don’t have to, my love. I felt it too.”

My love.

Ace eased his spent dick from her core and rolled to his side, taking Rayna with him so they were facing. He brushed her hair back from her face, then kissed her softly. Tears filled his eyes, and he didn’t try to stop them. Never had he felt as alive, as loved, as fulfilled as he did in that moment, and it was all due to the unbelievable female in his bed.

“I…” He cleared his throat. “I love you, Rayna Bellamy. You have made me the happiest male on the planet, and I will cherish you as long as we live. I vow to be the best mate to you and the best papa to any children we have.”

Rayna pushed on his shoulder so he was lying on his back. She draped herself across his chest. “I love you too, Ash. So very much. I’m looking forward to every second of our lives together.” Rayna kissed him, filling him with the love she vowed.

Ace lie awake with his mate asleep in his arms. He couldn’t turn his brain off. Nor could he get his dick to go down. Now that his libido had awakened, it was raring to go with no provocation other than Rayna’s scent in his nose. She awoke around three and climbed off the bed, padding naked to the bathroom. After the toilet flushed, the water in the sink ran for a bit, and when she returned a few minutes later, the combined smell of their orgasms was gone. She slid under the cover, snuggling back into his side.

“Hi.” Rayna nuzzled his neck with her nose as she ran her fingers up his hard length. “Ready for round two, or do you want my mouth?”

How was this his life? Both sounded amazing, but he wanted something he’d seen in a video.

“I’d love for you to ride me.”

Rayna straddled him, lowering down on his erection. Using her thigh muscles, she set a slow, sensual pace. She lifted his hands to her breasts, and Ace kneaded the tissue, rolling her hard peaks. His mate moved up and down, then rotated her hips in a figure eight. She kept her eyes glued to his, and whenever Ace groaned, Rayna took note of what pleased him and did it over and over. He lasted much longer than the first time, and when this orgasm hit, it wasn’t as explosive, but it was just as mind-blowing. She found her release as well, and when they came down from their high, she suggested a shower. They silently washed each other, sharing gentle caresses and soft kisses. Ace was afraid to go to sleep. He just knew this was all a fantastical dream, and when he awoke, it wouldn’t be real.

The next morning proved it was so very real when Rayna woke him with her mouth around his morning wood. When he offered to return the favor, she smiled and said she’d rather have coffee. When he frowned, Rayna laughed. “I always want you, Ash, but I’m sated for now.” They dressed in shorts and T-shirts, then retreated to the kitchen where she sat on the counter sipping her morning go juice while Ace whipped up some breakfast. Every time he looked at Rayna, she giggled, and he chuckled along with her. He felt so much younger than his fifty-two years.

As they shared bacon, eggs, and biscuits at the kitchen island, Rayna wiped her mouth with a cloth napkin. “I was thinking…” She took a sip of coffee, and when she set the mug down, she reached for Ace’s hand. “I think we should have the same last name for when we have children.”

“Rayna McMurray? It does have a nice ring to it. Speaking of rings…” Ace stood, held up a finger, then disappeared for a few seconds. When he returned, he pulled her down from her stool, got down on one knee, and held out a black box. He opened the lid to reveal a band with alternating diamonds and onyx. “We’ve already tethered our shifter lives together with our mate bond, but I’d love nothing more than to officially make you my wife. Will you marry me?”

Rayna held out her left hand, and Ace slid the ring on her finger. “I would be honored.”