Chapter 17
STONE brOTHERS
M arcus Stone had faced down rival alphas, navigated hostile takeovers, and managed a pack of temperamental werewolves, but nothing had prepared him for the exquisite torture of having his mate inches away in his car, smelling of desire and innocence. Years of iron control were crumbling with every breath he took of Kai’s intoxicating scent. Even worse, his enhanced senses picked up every spike in Kai’s arousal, every quickened heartbeat when their eyes met, every heated thought his innocent mate tried to suppress. The way Kai’s eyes kept drifting to his hands on the steering wheel, imagining them elsewhere… Marcus had to bite back a growl.
His wolf’s rising interest must have alerted his brothers because Derek’s voice suddenly growled through their pack bond, straight into his mind. Don’t you dare , the warning clear even mentally. We agreed to wait.
You’re breaking protocol , Caleb’s voice joined in, though his mental tone held more whine than warning. I had plans for our first kiss with him!
Marcus ignored them both, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel as they drove through the forest. He was hyperaware of every tiny movement Kai made—each shift in his seat, every quickened breath, the way those delicate fingers fidgeted with his borrowed suit. The suit that made him look so perfectly small, so temptingly breakable. Another wave of desire rolled off Kai as his mate snuck another glance at him, this one accompanied by thoughts that would have made a lesser alpha lose control entirely.
His brothers, sensing his control slipping through their shared bond, increased their protests. I can smell your desire through the bond , Derek snarled. Get it together, Marcus.
The responsible one, remember? Caleb’s voice echoed in his head. Mr. Perfect Control? Ring any bells?
His wolf snarled at their mental interruptions. After nine years of waiting, watching, protecting from afar—having Kai this close was pushing him to his limits. The quarter-wolf’s awakening power called to him, sweet and pure and untouched. His to claim. Theirs to protect. And the way Kai’s scent kept spiking with arousal, those innocent but decidedly heated thoughts about his mouth, his hands… Marcus’ wolf was going mad with the need to show their mate exactly what those fantasies would feel like in reality.
That’s when Kai spotted Cedar Lake, his soft gasp of appreciation making Marcus’ wolf preen. Yes, show their mate their territory, their wealth, their ability to provide…
His brothers’ voices immediately crashed through his mind, sensing his intentions. Don’t you dare stop the car , Derek warned.
Marcus, no , Caleb pleaded. We had a plan!
But Kai was leaning closer to the window, those gorgeous eyes wide with wonder, and before Marcus could stop himself, he was pulling into the lakeside turnout. His wolf howled in triumph as Kai’s scent spiked with pleasure at the view. The combination of their mate’s happiness and the privacy of the moment was intoxicating.
If you kiss him, I swear to God… Derek’s threat trailed off as Marcus caught another wave of Kai’s thoughts—this time featuring very specific ideas about his lips that had his wolf scratching at the surface.
At least wait until we’re there! Caleb whined. We deserve to see his first kiss too!
Marcus barely registered their protests anymore. Not when Kai was unconsciously leaning closer to him, those gold-flecked eyes darkening with want. His mate’s body was betraying every careful plan they’d made, responding to the pull between them with an intensity that made Marcus’ control fray at the edges. He could smell Kai’s confusion at his own reactions, the sweet scent of arousal mixed with uncertainty.
When Kai’s shoulder brushed against his, the contact sent electricity shooting through both of them. Marcus caught the echo of Kai’s thoughts—a chaotic mix of want and confusion and need—and had to grip the steering wheel tighter to keep from reaching for him.
Marcus, your eyes! Caleb’s panicked voice cut through the haze. They’re turning!
Control yourself , Derek growled. You’ll terrify him.
Marcus forced his eyes closed for a moment, wrestling his wolf back under control. But Kai’s scent was everywhere in the confined space of the car, and his mate’s thoughts had turned decidedly… distracting. Images of Marcus pinning him down, claiming that delicate throat, marking that perfect skin… He wasn’t sure if they were Kai’s fantasies or his wolf’s demands anymore.
“Beautiful,” he heard himself murmur, his voice deeper than usual. He meant the lake, he told himself. Not the way Kai’s pulse fluttered at his throat or how those lips parted on quickened breaths or the way his mate’s scent turned sweeter with every passing second.
Don’t , Derek’s voice was almost pleading now. You know what will happen if you start this.
Our wolves won’t be able to stop at just a kiss , Caleb added, uncharacteristically serious.
They were right. One taste wouldn’t be enough. His wolf was already demanding more—to claim, to mark, to possess. But then Kai whispered his name, the sound breaking on a need that echoed through Marcus’ entire body, and his last thread of control snapped.
The first brush of Kai’s lips against his sent his wolf into a frenzy. Sweet, so sweet, their mate offering himself so perfectly. His hand came up to cup Kai’s jaw, holding him in place as he took control of the kiss. His brothers’ protests turned to static in his mind as Kai’s taste exploded across his tongue—innocence and desire and something uniquely their mate.
Marcus! His brothers’ shared alarm barely registered as Kai melted against him, making those perfect little sounds of submission that had his wolf howling in triumph. When Kai’s fingers tangled in his hair, Marcus couldn’t hold back the growl that rumbled through his chest. The scent of Kai’s answering arousal filled the car, drowning out everything else.
Your eyes are fully crimson . Derek’s warning barely penetrated the haze of pleasure. You need to stop.
He’s not ready for this , Caleb added desperately. You’ll scare him away.
But Kai was pressing closer, offering his mouth so sweetly, his body instinctively responding to his alpha’s touch. Marcus deepened the kiss, swallowing Kai’s breathless moans as he claimed that perfect mouth. His wolf preened at every shiver, every whimper, every unconscious submission. Mine. Ours. Perfect mate.
It took every ounce of control he’d developed over a decade to pull back when Kai finally needed air. The sight of his mate—lips swollen from his kiss, eyes heavy with desire, that delicate throat begging to be marked—nearly broke his restraint completely.
Get it together , Derek ordered through the bond. Now.
Before you do something we’ll all regret , Caleb added.
Marcus forced himself to take a steadying breath, though it only filled his lungs with more of Kai’s intoxicating scent. “We should head back,” he managed, his voice rough with suppressed need. “Maria and Jorge will be… displeased if we’re late for lunch.”
Good , Derek approved. Now get our mate home where we can all protect him.
And maybe steal our own kisses , Caleb added hopefully.
Marcus’ wolf snarled at that, making both his brothers mentally back off. He started the car, his knuckles white on the steering wheel as he fought the urge to pull Kai back into his arms. The drive home was torture, every breath filled with their mate’s lingering arousal, every glance showing him Kai’s kiss-swollen lips and dazed expression.
His wolf was insufferably smug about marking their mate first, while his brothers’ frustration hummed through their bond. But under it all was a shared recognition—their mate was awakening, responding to them exactly as nature intended. Now they just had to hope their control would last until Kai was ready for the full truth about what he meant to them. About what he was becoming.
About what they would all become together.
M arcus pulled into the manor’s circular drive, his wolf still preening over their first taste of their mate. He didn’t need the pack bond to sense his brothers’ agitation—Derek and Caleb were pacing the front steps like caged predators, their expressions thunderous.
You absolute bastard , Derek growled through the bond as Kai emerged from the car. Their mate was a vision of innocent seduction—lips swollen from Marcus’ kisses, cheeks flushed pink, those gold-flecked eyes bright but shy as he ducked his head, deliberately avoiding Derek and Caleb’s hungry stares. The combination of Marcus’ scent on their mate’s skin and Kai’s bashful demeanor had their wolves howling.
Look what you did to him , Caleb whined, his wolf clawing at the surface. He looks…
Perfect , Marcus’ wolf purred, earning mental snarls from his brothers.
Kai seemed to shrink under their intense gazes, unconsciously stepping closer to Marcus for protection—which only made their wolves more excited. The urge to claim, to mark, to possess was rolling off Derek and Caleb in waves.
“Inside, all of you!” Maria appeared at the door, hands on her hips. Her sharp eyes softened as she took in Kai’s flustered appearance. “Ah, carino, you look all worked up! Did you get to apply for that position at Stone & Page?”
“Oh, I did more than apply,” Kai managed, grateful for the distraction from Derek and Caleb’s stares. “I was interviewed right then and there. Apparently, my ability to alphabetize while quoting Austen was too impressive to pass up. So… I got the job.”
“Dios mío!” Maria’s face lit up. “I knew it! Did I not say the suit would work magic?”
“I wouldn’t get too excited,” Kai said, though his lips twitched. “I might be terrible at it. What if I accidentally shelve Hemingway in the romance section?”
“Nonsense!” Maria waved off his protest. “This calls for a celebration. Tonight, I will make a proper Spanish feast! Cordero al horno with herbs from my garden, that seafood stew Jorge pretends he makes better than me, and my special pollo al ajillo . The Stones’ farm has the best lamb, and Miguel just brought in fresh seafood from the coast this morning.”
“Maria.” Kai’s eyes widened. “That’s enough food to feed an army—”
“Exactly! Growing boys need feeding.” She patted Kai’s slim shoulder disapprovingly. “And you, carino, need feeding most of all. Besides, the brothers eat like wolves.” Her eyes twinkled at some private joke. “Now, inside! The moussaka is getting cold, and if Jorge starts complaining about the béchamel temperature again, I will not be responsible for my actions.”
“Is food always this… dramatic around here?” Kai asked, finally cracking a smile despite his lingering bashfulness.
“Oh, carino.” Maria patted his cheek. “Just wait until Jorge finds out I’m taking over his kitchen tonight. The last time I made my zarzuela de mariscos , he didn’t speak to me for two days—then asked for the recipe.”
The kitchen war will be an excellent distraction , Caleb noted through the bond, his eyes still fixed on Kai’s kiss-swollen lips.
If we survive the crossfire , Derek agreed, though he hadn’t stopped staring at their mate either. At least there will be good food at our funeral.
Clever Maria , Caleb sent through the bond. Ensuring our mate stays for dinner.
If you can keep your hands to yourself that long , Derek shot at Marcus.
Marcus ignored his brothers’ jabs, too focused on how perfectly their mate fit into the family dynamic already. The way Kai unconsciously leaned toward him while Maria fussed, how naturally he bantered despite his obvious nervousness, how beautifully he blushed under their collective attention… His wolf preened at their mate’s responsiveness.
The family dining room was a warm chaos of activity as everyone settled in. Jorge was arranging an impressive spread of dishes while Miguel helped Maria with the intricate place settings—the good china today, Marcus noted with amusement. Anna slipped in quietly, armed with a feather duster and poorly concealed curiosity.
Caleb and Derek executed their plan with military precision, smoothly maneuvering to flank Kai before Marcus could claim a spot beside their mate. Marcus bit back a growl at their smug expressions.
Too slow, big brother , Caleb taunted through the bond.
Consider it payback for that car scene , Derek added, pulling out Kai’s chair with exaggerated courtesy.
Marcus settled for the seat directly across from Kai, which at least gave him an unobstructed view of their mate’s beautiful face. Shadow, Storm, and Scout arranged themselves strategically around Kai’s chair, much to Jorge’s vocal disapproval about “wolves in his dining room.”
“Anna, mi amor, it’s your lunch break,” Maria reminded her as the maid attacked a nearby vase with suspicious thoroughness, her eyes constantly darting to Kai’s disheveled appearance.
“Already ate,” Anna replied breezily, though her careful positioning gave her a perfect view of the table.
“Join us, Anna,” Caleb said warmly, always the most sociable of the brothers. “That vase can’t possibly need more dusting.”
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly— I’m staff—” Anna protested, but Miguel was already moving to pull out a chair.
“Nonsense,” Marcus said smoothly. “You’re practically family already.” His knowing look between Anna and Miguel made them both blush. The brothers had noticed Miguel’s recent suspicious visits to the jewelry stores in Bellingham during his supply runs.
Miguel’s ears turned red, but he couldn’t hide his pleased smile as he guided Anna to the chair.
“The lamb moussaka is one of my specialties,” Jorge announced proudly, placing the bubbling dish in the center of the table. The layered casserole was a masterpiece—perfectly spiced meat nestled between tender slices of eggplant, topped with a golden-brown béchamel that Jorge had spent twenty minutes getting exactly right.
Stop staring at his mouth , Derek growled as Kai took his first bite, his expression of pure bliss making all three wolves shift restlessly.
You’re one to talk , Caleb shot back. I saw you watching his throat when he swallowed.
“This is amazing,” Kai moaned appreciatively, completely oblivious to the effect he was having on the brothers.
Jorge beamed at the praise while Maria heaped more onto Kai’s plate, muttering in Spanish about him being too skinny. The spread was impressive—Greek salad bursting with color, warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and several other dishes that had Kai’s eyes widening.
“You must tell us about the interview,” Maria said, passing a basket of fresh bread. “That Jane, she can be…” She waved her hand expressively. “How do you say… particular about her books.”
“Actually,” Kai said, accepting the bread from Derek’s outstretched hand with a shy smile that made Derek’s wolf preen, “she was surprisingly chill. Though she did make me perform what I can only describe as competitive speed-shelving while quoting The Great Gatsby . I think I won her over when I accidentally started ranting about how Nick Carraway was an unreliable narrator. Turns out it’s her favorite literary debate.”
“Gracias a Dios!” (Thank God!) Maria crossed herself. “See? I told you the suit would work magic. And look at you, getting the job right away! Though…” Her eyes narrowed at Kai’s slim frame. “We must feed you more. You are too skinny. Here, more moussaka.”
“Maria, if you keep feeding me like this, I’ll have to steal more of Caleb’s clothes,” Kai quipped, then immediately blushed as he realized what he’d said.
I volunteer all my clothes , Caleb sent through the bond immediately.
Shut up , Derek growled, though his eyes had darkened at the thought.
Marcus watched his brothers’ mental sparring with amusement until Anna’s voice broke through the tension.
“You look like you stepped out of a manhwa,” Anna blurted out, then blushed furiously when all eyes turned to her. “Sorry! I just meant… you know, like those Korean comics where the cute protagonist suddenly gets a makeover and everyone—” She cut herself off, mortified.
Miguel was hiding a grin behind his napkin while Maria beamed at Anna’s observation.
“Our Kai does clean up nicely,” Maria agreed, making Kai’s blush deepen. “Though he needs more feeding up. Here, more moussaka.” She heaped another generous portion onto his plate, displaying that characteristic Spanish mother tendency to express love through endless servings of food.
Marcus didn’t miss Maria’s possessive ‘our’—their Spanish aunt had already claimed Kai as family after barely two days. His wolf rumbled in approval at how naturally their mate was being integrated into the pack, especially since Maria was usually so protective of their inner circle after the attacks nine years ago. Though really, he thought with amusement, anyone who sat at Maria’s table was destined to be mothered and overfed—it was as much a part of her as her thick Spanish accent and her iron will wrapped in grandmotherly affection.
“The suit does look perfect on you,” Caleb said with a heated look that made Kai’s blush spread down his neck. “Though I think I prefer seeing you in my casual clothes.”
Stop flirting with him , Derek growled. That’s not helping anyone’s control.
Says the one who keeps finding excuses to pass him things , Marcus replied smugly, watching as Derek unnecessarily reached across Kai to grab the salt, his arm brushing Kai’s shoulder.
At least I’m not eye-fucking him across the table , Caleb added cheerfully, deliberately dropping his napkin so he could lean into Kai’s space to retrieve it.
Shadow whined softly from his position by Kai’s chair, picking up on the wolves’ growing agitation. Storm and Scout shifted closer, their protective instincts responding to the alpha wolves’ rising tension.
“The dogs seem very attached to you already,” Miguel observed, trying to distract from the increasingly charged atmosphere. “They’re usually not so friendly with strangers.”
“Maybe they can sense I’m a dog person,” Kai joked, reaching down to scratch behind Shadow’s ears. The action made his borrowed shirt pull tight across his shoulders, drawing three pairs of hungry eyes. “Though I’ve never seen dogs quite like these before. What breed are they?”
If he only knew , Caleb quipped, amused.
Soon , Derek promised, his wolf pushing against his control as Kai’s fingers accidentally brushed his while reaching for his water glass.
Marcus watched the innocent touch send sparks of electricity through their pack bond. His own wolf was clawing at the surface, demanding they claim their mate now, protocol be damned. But the way Kai fit so perfectly here, laughing at Jorge’s dramatic retelling of his culinary adventures in Greece, trading shy smiles with Anna, accepting Maria’s mothering with grace—it made the wait worth it.
“So,” Kai said, pushing his empty plate away, “is there a SWAT convention in town I should know about? Because the amount of tactical gear I keep seeing around here is either overkill for wildlife control, or Cedar Grove has a very aggressive squirrel problem.”
Derek straightened immediately, his military bearing showing through. “Stone Industries takes security seriously. I oversee the training program myself.” His eyes lit up with an idea. “I could show you the training tracks after lunch, if you’d like? There’s a nice trail that leads down to the lake.”
Smooth, brother , Caleb snickered.
Very smooth , Marcus agreed dryly, watching their mate’s interested expression.
“I’d like that,” Kai said softly, meeting Derek’s intense gaze before quickly looking away.
We need to tell him soon . Derek’s mental voice was strained. This is torture.
Patience , Marcus reminded them, though his own control was fraying. Let him settle in first.
But watching their mate seamlessly integrate into their pack dynamic, still completely unaware of his true place in it, Marcus wondered how much longer any of them could wait. Especially when Kai looked up and caught his gaze, those gold-flecked eyes widening slightly before dropping away, a fresh blush staining his cheeks.
Not helping, Marcus , both his brothers growled in unison.
No, Marcus thought as Maria started discussing dinner plans and Jorge loudly protested her taking over his kitchen. This was going to be a very long day indeed—especially for Derek.