Marked (Marked by Alphas #1)

Chapter 15

STONE brOTHERS

T he Stone brothers retreated to Marcus’ study after ensuring their mate was safely tucked away in the guest suite. The moon hung full and heavy outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting shadows across the dark wood paneling and leather-bound books that lined the walls. The room, like its owner, managed to be both imposing and elegant.

Ancient artifacts of the Stone pack’s legacy decorated the space with careful precision. The original 1667 pack charter, its parchment protected behind UV-resistant glass, hung above the stone fireplace. Beside it, yellowed maps marked the evolution of their territory from that first settlement. Display cases held ceremonial daggers used in past claiming ceremonies, their silver blades still gleaming after centuries. In one corner, a locked glass cabinet protected the family grimoires—knowledge collected since before they fled England.

The usual crystal decanter of scotch sat ignored on the antique sideboard while Jorge’s coffee machine worked its magic. The rich aroma of his special blend filled the study—a closely guarded recipe from his mother’s family in Madrid, specifically roasted for supernatural senses. The beans, sourced from a small, secret plantation in the mountains outside Valencia, were treated with an ancient process that made them perfect for wolf shifters’ enhanced senses.

Jorge himself appeared with a fresh carafe and a plate of late-night pastries, his normally stern expression softened by the late hour. “For the occasion,” he said, setting down the treats.

“Knox scouts were spotted near the north border again this evening,” Derek reported once Jorge left, his military bearing at odds with the way he kept glancing toward the wing where their mate slept. Even from here, they could sense Kai’s presence, a warm pulse at the edge of their awareness that made their wolves pace restlessly. “Two of them. Dealt with.”

“They’re getting bolder,” Caleb observed from his sprawl in one of the leather armchairs, coffee cup balanced on his knee. His wolf was closest to the surface, drawn by the full moon and their mate’s proximity. “Testing our borders more frequently since Kai arrived.”

Marcus’ jaw tightened as he inhaled the rich coffee aroma. “They sense his potential. Even diluted, his bloodline calls to them.”

“The Blackwoods will be worse,” Derek growled, pacing like his wolf. “They’ve always been more… strategic in their approach.”

“Liam Blackwood was seen in Seattle last week,” Caleb confirmed, reaching for one of Maria’s pastries.

“Keep tabs on him,” Marcus ordered, his own wolf stirring at the thought of rivals near their mate. “The Blackwoods are too clever to make obvious moves. They’ll try to get close to Kai through legitimate means first.”

“Speaking of sneaky approaches…” Caleb’s grin was teasing. “…like that convenient bookstore job we arranged for our mate?”

“That’s different,” Marcus said stiffly. “We have prior claim on him. The Blackwoods are interfering where they don’t belong.”

A distant whimper drew their attention. Through their growing bond, they sensed Kai stirring in his sleep, caught in what felt like an uneasy dream.

“Tell that to our wolves,” Derek muttered, his body instinctively turning toward where Kai slept. “They don’t give a damn about doing things properly. All they want is to claim him now.”

The three alphas felt their wolves surge forward at the word ‘claim,’ sensing their mate so tantalizingly close yet untouched. The urge to protect, to possess, to mark thrummed through their blood like a fever.

“We wait,” Marcus said firmly, though his knuckles were white around his coffee cup. “He’s not ready. We need to give him time to adjust, to feel safe here first.” His wolf growled in protest, but Marcus knew rushing this would only hurt their mate.

“He doesn’t even know what he is yet,” Caleb added softly. “Let alone what we are to him.”

Derek nodded reluctantly. “The Knox pack and the Blackwoods are just minor annoyances. Our priority is making sure Kai feels secure and comfortable with us first.”

Jorge returned with fresh coffee, Maria trailing behind him with more pastries.

“Ay Dios mío!” Maria exclaimed, seeing their tense expressions. “You boys will wear holes in the carpet with all this pacing. The pequeno is safe here.”

“We’re just concerned about—” Marcus began.

“Bah!” Maria waved her hand. “I know that look. You’re plotting.”

“Strategic planning,” Derek corrected.

“ Tonterías !” (Nonsense!) She turned to Jorge. “Tell them.”

Jorge simply raised an eyebrow, years of experience evident in his expression. “The pack has waited this long. A few more days won’t kill you.”

After a few more minutes of motherly scolding, Maria finally herded Jorge out, leaving the brothers to their brooding. The night deepened, broken only by the distant sound of wolves howling in the forest. Each brother was acutely aware of Kai’s presence in their den, their wolves practically purring with territorial satisfaction.

Hours later, Derek stood abruptly. “I should do one last perimeter check.”

“Seventh time’s the charm?” Caleb smirked.

“It’s called being thorough.”

They made it halfway down the hall before Maria materialized in front of them like an avenging angel.

“ Virgen Santísima !” (Holy Virgin!) “What are you doing? Again?”

“Perimeter check,” Marcus said with all the dignity he could muster.

“Security protocol,” Derek added gruffly.

“Just stretching my legs,” Caleb tried.

Maria’s eyes narrowed. “The boy is sleeping. The wolves are guarding. You are being”—she waved her hands expressively—“… completos idiotas !” (complete idiots!)

“We’re just—” Marcus began.

“No! Don’t even think about it! You go to bed. All of you. Tomorrow is another day to moon over el pequeno. Tonight, you let him rest!”

They retreated, thoroughly chastised, each to their own wing. In the privacy of their rooms, they could finally drop the pretense of control. Derek buried his face in the silk throw pillow Kai had dozed against that morning, inhaling deeply the lingering traces of their mate’s scent from his impromptu nap. Caleb curled around his own prize—one of the scattered pillows from Marcus’ room he managed to snaffle, still carrying Kai’s sweet scent from his encounter with the dogs. And Marcus… Marcus definitely did not spend hours in his bed with two pillows from the earlier chaos, each bearing traces of Kai’s scent from his frantic attempt to defend himself against the dogs. His wolf rumbled with satisfaction at having their mate finally under their roof, even if they were reduced to hoarding scent-marked pillows like lovesick teenagers.

D awn found Marcus already at his desk, the soft glow of his laptop the only light besides the gathering sunrise. The family grimoire lay open before him, its ancient pages a stark contrast to the modern technology surrounding him. He’d read the same paragraph twelve times without absorbing a word, his enhanced senses entirely focused on the guest wing down the hall.

The manor was never truly silent—not with three alpha wolves prowling its corridors. The soft pad of Derek’s boots echoed from the security wing, while Caleb’s restless energy manifested in the quiet hum of the entertainment system he wasn’t actually watching.

He’s stirring, Derek’s wolf announced through their pack bond, far too alert for five a.m.

We know, Caleb’s wolf replied. Some of us haven’t stopped monitoring his breathing all night.

From his position at his desk, Marcus could track Derek’s path past Kai’s door—again. The worn carpet would need replacing at this rate.

Like you’re any better, Derek’s wolf growled. I saw you circling his wing at three a.m.

I was stretching my legs.

Seven times?

Marcus pinched the bridge of his nose, watching through the security feed as Caleb made yet another “casual” pass by the guest wing. Both of you, enough. We agreed to give him space.

A soft shuffle from the guest wing had all three wolves perking up. The security monitors showed Derek freeze mid-stride, while Caleb nearly dropped his pretense of checking his phone.

He’s just turning over, Marcus’ wolf noted, trying to sound dignified despite tracking every tiny movement. The morning air carried Kai’s sleep-warmed scent through the manor’s ancient ventilation system, a tantalizing mix of their den’s atmosphere and Kai’s natural sweetness.

His scent’s stronger when he moves, Derek’s wolf rumbled appreciatively.

Maria appeared in her morning robe and slippers, already bustling about despite the early hour. Her diminutive form somehow managed to herd the massive ex-military wolf away from Kai’s door.

“Dios mío! Not even sunrise and you’re already…” She switched to rapid Spanish, gesturing expressively as she shooed both Derek and Caleb off. “The poor boy needs his rest! Go, go! Let me work!”

By seven, all three brothers had migrated to the kitchen under the pretense of “early breakfast preparation.” The space, with its gleaming equipment and warm wooden accents, was Jorge’s domain. Morning light streamed through the wall of windows overlooking the herb garden, catching the steam rising from various pots and pans.

Jorge took one look at the three alphas pretending to be useful and rolled his eyes. Marcus was “organizing” the morning papers he wasn’t reading, Derek was “checking” the coffee maker that was working perfectly fine, and Caleb was “arranging” place settings that had been immaculate since the night before.

“The pequeno won’t starve if breakfast is served at a normal hour,” Jorge muttered, but his hands were already moving to prepare Kai’s coffee blend. The rich aroma of freshly ground beans filled the kitchen as he worked his magic with the expensive machine.

The first real signs of Kai waking had all three wolves snapping to attention. Marcus straightened papers that were already straight. Derek abandoned his pretense of checking security feeds on his tablet. Caleb nearly knocked over a chair in his haste to appear casual.

The manor’s ancient corridors carried their mate’s scent—sleep-warm and sweet, mixed with their den’s atmosphere after a night in their territory. The combination had their wolves pacing beneath their skin.

Mine, Derek’s wolf growled instinctively.

Ours, the other two corrected automatically, though their wolves were equally affected.

The breakfast room, with its wall of windows overlooking the misty morning gardens, was already set for the day. Sunlight streamed through crystal glasses and silver serving pieces, creating dancing patterns on the polished wood table. Maria had outdone herself—fresh flowers from the greenhouse, fine linens, and enough food to feed a small army.

Their practiced composure shattered the moment Kai walked in, all three massive wolf-dogs padding protectively around him. Shadow led the way, having apparently appointed himself Kai’s personal guardian during the night. Storm and Scout flanked their mate, looking entirely too pleased with themselves for dogs who were supposed to be guarding, not cuddling.

Miguel’s old clothes clung to Kai in ways that should be illegal before breakfast. The jeans, clearly from Miguel’s younger days, hugged every curve. The borrowed shirt slipped teasingly off one shoulder, and he’d tucked in the hem, highlighting his slender waist. His hair was still mussed from sleep, giving him an adorably rumpled look that had their wolves whining. The sight of their mate, sleep-warm and surrounded by their pack guardians, sent their wolves into overdrive.

He let them sleep in his room, Caleb’s wolf practically purred.

Look how protective Shadow is already, Marcus’ wolf noted with satisfaction.

Storm barely lets anyone that close, Derek’s wolf added proudly, watching his dog brush against Kai’s leg.

Scout, the smallest but most mischievous of the three, was practically prancing around Kai’s feet, clearly showing off for his new favorite person.

“Did you guys let them stay with me all night?” Kai asked, reaching down to scratch Scout’s ears. The movement made his borrowed shirt slip farther, revealing the elegant line of his collarbone. “They were perfect gentlemen, by the way. Very protective.”

Marcus nearly choked on his coffee, while Derek’s hand tightened on his tablet until the screen cracked. The image of their mate sleeping peacefully, guarded by their wolves, combined with his current disheveled appearance, was almost too much for their control.

Down, Marcus ordered his own wolf, even as he noticed Derek’s muscles tensing visibly. Their enforcer brother was having the hardest time controlling his wolf around their mate.

But he tucked in the shirt, Derek’s wolf whined, loud enough for all of them to hear through their pack bond. Look at that—

We can ALL see that, Caleb’s wolf interrupted, amused. Derek’s about to leap the table in three… two…

I am perfectly in control, Derek’s wolf protested, even as Derek’s fingers dug into the solid oak table, leaving visible marks in the ancient wood.

Sure you are, Caleb’s wolf snickered. That’s why you’re leaving claw marks in the furniture. Marcus, I think our dear brother needs another one of your ‘control yourself’ lectures.

“Good morning.” Kai yawned, completely oblivious to the effect he was having. He reached up to brush back his sleep-mussed hair, the shirt slipping farther to reveal more smooth skin.

A collective growl rumbled through their wolves’ connection, low enough that Kai didn’t notice but making the crystal glasses vibrate slightly.

“Virgen Santísima!” Maria materialized, somehow managing to herd three alpha wolves into their seats through sheer force of will. “Sit! All of you!”

The dining table could easily seat twelve, but somehow all three brothers managed to converge on the same end. Shadow, Storm, and Scout padded in behind their masters, taking up strategic positions around the table.

I’m taking his left side, Marcus’ wolf declared, already moving to pull out the chair.

You sat there yesterday, both other wolves protested as Caleb smoothly claimed the right seat, leaving Derek to settle directly across from Kai again.

I’m the eldest, Marcus’ wolf replied smugly as Kai slipped into the chair between them.

Shadow settled at Marcus’ feet, managing to look regal even while lying down. Storm positioned himself behind Derek’s chair, alert and watchful, while Scout sprawled practically on top of Kai’s feet near Caleb, tail thumping happily against the hardwood floor.

Traitor, Derek’s wolf grumbled at Scout’s obvious favoritism.

Not my fault I’m the cutest, Scout seemed to reply through their pack bond, pressing closer to Kai’s legs.

Jorge appeared with a steaming carafe of coffee, the rich hazelnut aroma filling the air. “Coffee, pequeno?” he asked, already pouring a cup for Kai.

“Yes, please,” Kai smiled, the sleep-soft expression making all three wolves’ hearts stutter. “With sugar, if you don’t mind.”

Derek immediately seized the opportunity, sliding the sugar bowl to his side of the table. “Here,” he offered innocently, ignoring his brothers’ knowing looks.

Kai leaned forward to reach it, the borrowed shirt slipping farther off his shoulder as he stretched across the table. “Thanks,” he murmured, completely oblivious to the effect the movement had on the brothers.

Real subtle, brother, Caleb’s wolf snickered, even as Caleb casually draped his arm over the back of Kai’s chair. Using sugar to get a better view.

Says the one marking his chair, Derek’s wolf shot back, thoroughly enjoying his strategic advantage.

Maria bustled in with a platter of fresh pastries, her sharp eyes catching Caleb’s not-so-subtle arm placement. “More coffee, pequeno?” she asked Kai, deliberately bumping Caleb’s arm as she reached for his empty cup.

She did that on purpose, Caleb’s wolf grumbled as his arm was dislodged.

Maybe stop being so obvious then, Marcus’ wolf replied primly, even as his human side-eyed every movement of Kai licking a stray bit of pastry cream from his thumb.

The collective growl that escaped had Maria rolling her eyes. “ Compórtense !” (Behave yourselves!)

The kitchen door swung open as Miguel entered, looking far too knowing as he took in the scene before him. “Morning,” he greeted, grabbing a coffee and leaning against the counter rather than joining them at the table. “I see my old clothes are being put to good use.”

Derek’s wolf practically snarled at the reminder that Kai was wearing another man’s clothes, even if it was just Miguel’s.

Anna appeared in the breakfast room doorway, already in her maid’s uniform and carrying cleaning supplies.

“Anna?” Miguel frowned. “I thought I told you to take the day off after…” He trailed off.

“Good morning!” she chirped, far too enthusiastic for someone who had supposedly been upset the day before. “I just couldn’t stay away. There’s so much to do and—” She broke off as Kai shifted in his chair, causing all three brothers to lean slightly closer to him in perfect synchronization.

Miguel caught the barely suppressed squeal behind her professional smile. “Anna, after yesterday, you should be resting—”

“Oh, there’s so much to do,” she said vaguely, trying to appear focused on arranging her cleaning supplies while sneaking glances at the scene before her. “So pretty,” she whispered under her breath. “Like art… just like in the manhw—” She broke off, busying herself with the sideboard.

Why does she smell so… excited? Derek’s wolf questioned, distracted momentarily from Kai’s presence. And keeps muttering ‘perfect uke energy’?

Focus , Marcus ordered, as Kai innocently stretched his arms above his head, the borrowed shirt—which he’d neatly tucked into the jeans—riding up to reveal a tantalizing strip of smooth skin above his hip bone. The sight of that pale flesh, combined with their mate’s soft morning yawn, had their wolves whining with barely contained need.

The resulting growl had Maria throwing her hands up in exasperation. “For heaven’s sake!”

Subtle, Caleb’s wolf snorted.

More subtle than you drooling over his stretch, Derek’s wolf replied.

“I do need to head into town for a bit,” Kai mused suddenly, absently licking cream from his fingers. Three pairs of eyes tracked the movement with laser focus. “That bookstore—Stone & Page?—had a Help Wanted sign in the window. But I’ll be back for lunch, Maria. I wouldn’t miss Jorge’s moussaka. My taste buds would stage a revolt.”

Maria beamed at him, pausing in her breakfast preparations to exchange a pleased look with Jorge. “Good, pequeno. The moussaka needs to be appreciated properly.”

“I’ll drop you off, Kai,” Marcus offered smoothly. “My meeting’s at ten, which gives you plenty of time to submit your application before lunch.”

“I could take him,” Caleb interjected quickly, earning a sharp look from his eldest brother.

“I have a meeting at ten,” Marcus repeated pointedly.

“Wow, you guys really fight over who gets chauffeur duty?” Kai quipped, hiding his smile behind his coffee cup. “I’m flattered, but I promise I’m not that entertaining of a passenger. Just ask my GPS—we’ve had some very one-sided conversations.”

At least one of us will get to drive him, Marcus’ wolf noted smugly.

For now, both other wolves grumbled in response, though they couldn’t argue with the prospect of having Kai safely home for both lunch and dinner.

“More coffee, pequeno?” Jorge asked, already reaching for the carafe. His knowing smile suggested he was well aware of how the brothers tracked Kai’s every movement.

“Please.” Kai nodded, accepting the refill.

Three pairs of eyes darkened at Miguel’s clothes on Kai.

We need to get him proper clothes, Derek’s wolf growled.

After he’s changed out of Miguel’s, Marcus’ wolf agreed, a hint of possessiveness coloring his thoughts.

Anna, still pretending to dust the already spotless china cabinet, whispered something that sounded suspiciously like “perfect setup” under her breath.

What’s a ‘seme-sandwich’? Caleb’s wolf wondered, catching another of her muttered phrases.

Caleb pulled out his phone, typing quickly. His eyes widened slightly at the search results.

Don’t ask, his wolf advised, hastily closing the browser. Just… don’t.

And why does she keep saying ‘uke’? Derek’s wolf added, genuinely puzzled.

Trust me, you don’t want to know, Caleb’s wolf said, still disturbed by his Google search.

Jorge busied himself with clearing plates, though his shoulders shook with barely suppressed laughter. “I should start the moussaka,” he announced.

Maria turned to Anna, hands on her hips. “Since you’re here working instead of resting, the upstairs needs attention, sí?”

“But I haven’t finished—” Anna protested, reluctantly tearing her gaze away from where Kai was unconsciously leaning slightly toward Marcus while reaching for the cream.

“Now, por favor,” Maria added pointedly, shooing the younger woman toward the door. “Those rooms won’t dust themselves.”

She’s still muttering, Caleb’s wolf noted. Something about ‘found family tropes’?

Kai glanced down at his borrowed clothes and winced. “Hey, Marcus, any chance we could swing by my cottage first? As much as I’m rocking the ‘just rolled out of bed’ look, I don’t think it screams ‘hire me’ so much as ‘help me find my coffee.’”

“Do you have anything more… suitable?” Marcus asked carefully. “A suit perhaps?”

“On my student budget?” Kai snorted. “Unless you count the suit of armor made from instant ramen packages, I’m afraid my formal wear consists of slightly less wrinkled t-shirts and jeans that haven’t met my art supplies yet.”

“Oh, pequeno!” Maria exclaimed, her face lighting up. “We still have all the brothers’ old suits from before they shot up like trees. Everything’s stored away in perfect condition.” She turned to Jorge with excitement. “Remember when they were just boys?”

“Of course.” Jorge nodded, smiling at the memory. “Three demanding young men, each insisting on their own closet space. Dios mío! They were so particular about their clothes. But now…” He gestured at Kai with a knowing smile. “Perfect size for our pequeno here.”

“That’s… that would be really helpful actually,” Kai admitted, looking grateful.

“I know exactly what we need!” Maria declared, already bustling toward the door. “Let me check the storage room. We’ll have you looking proper in no time, carino.”

“My navy suit from eighth grade,” Caleb called after her, unable to hide his pleased smile. “It should be perfect since I was closest to Kai’s size back then.”

“The black one would—” Derek started.

“Caleb’s right,” Marcus cut in smoothly, though it clearly pained him to admit it. “His old suits would fit best.”

Maria nodded her head fondly as she left, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like “Virgen Santísima” under her breath.

At least it will smell like pack, Marcus’ wolf consoled himself.

Better than Miguel’s clothes, Derek’s wolf agreed grudgingly.

Finally, something goes my way, Caleb’s wolf preened.

From the kitchen came the sound of Anna dropping something, followed by “…just like chapter three when—” before Maria firmly closed the door.