Chapter 30 #2
“No.” Hayden shook his head. “On a different note, I’ve been craving cinnamon rolls. Could we get some?”
Drake burst out laughing. He went to the kitchen, got out a recipe and started throwing them together. Hayden smiled up at Jaxom in amusement and confusion.
“Drake thinks we all have a sweet tooth problem.”
“Cinnamon rolls are my favorite,” Drake said.
“Especially around a campfire full of pine branches,” Jaxom chuckled.
“We should go camping.”
Hayden leaned in and rested his forehead against Jaxom’s cheek.
Jaxom wanted to sink into how sweet his mate was.
Just a little affection and he glowed in happiness.
He set up a gentle massage through Hayden’s long blond hair.
Drake had been brushing and braiding Hayden’s hair as he healed.
The poor guy hadn’t been able to lift his arms long enough to get the job done.
And honestly, Drake had completely enjoyed himself.
Fusing over his mates was deep in Drake’s bones.
He always calmed down as he got into the rhythm of brushing Hayden’s hair.
“We will,” Jaxom said as he ran his fingers through the long blond locks. “How’s your ribs?”
“So much better. I can actually move. Just feels like my muscles are sore.”
There was a knock on the door. “It’s Asher,” Jaxom said.
They were keeping the door locked. There were only two keys.
They’d decided the door would remain locked at all times.
The keys hung up on the inside by the door.
No point in just letting anyone walk through even with the guards posted in the hallway.
Chip had installed a peephole so they could check on who was coming in.
Asher had mind-linked Jaxom to let him know he was coming.
Drake opened the door as Asher pushed in a cart filled with the Tri-Max video game system. They couldn’t get out of the pack house but they could teach Hayden to play.
Tarra followed with another cart full of snacks. Fuel for gaming. And, she had her own pile of books. She’d never cared about video games. It was much funner to give Asher a hard time about rotting his brain playing them. But, not tonight. Tonight was for stupid fun.
“Alright, Hayden, be careful with gloating. Jaxom is a real sore loser,” Drake said as he and Asher got the gaming system set up. “He’s also slow, so you’ll pick it up fast enough to beat him soundly.”
“Hey, now. You pouted for three days after I beat you last time. Then you told me make-up sex was necessary to sooth your nerves after you said, and I quote, ‘Jax cheated'!” Jaxom imitated Drake perfectly.
Tarra giggled in the corner behind her book. “I was there for the end of that game. How does one cheat on a video game?”
“Be careful, little girl, or I’m demoting Asher to a Theta,” Drake said grimly.
“Just as long as I stay a Beta, I don’t care.” Tarra squealed as Asher launched at her, picked her up and marched her to the bedroom.
“Somebody’s getting a spanking,” Asher growled. Tarra’s laughter flowed from the bedroom as he kicked the door closed.
“Good thing the rooms are almost sound proof, otherwise we’d never get sleep.” Jaxom smirked as he picked up the remote control. Then he whispered in Hayden’s ear, “Turning up the volume, otherwise you’ll be feeling more than just a warm embrace.”
“I heard that, still underage,” Drake said in reproof but he was trying to hide a smile.
“Might want to stop adjusting yourself, big guy,” Jaxom suggested all too innocently.
“You seem better, more relaxed. Good hunting in the library?” Hayden asked. His cheeks were flushed. Time to turn down the flirting. One more week to go.
“Quite the opposite. I just realized there’s not much else we can do. The prophecies are laid out. Somebody’s birthday is almost here, and we’re all together. What comes will come and we’ll face it together.”
Drake was staring at Jaxom. He didn’t look happy but there really was nothing else to do. He was done trying to figure out what was coming next. Hazel had already laid out part of the future. It was going to suck, but finding their Luna would be worth it.
“So, you’re giving up?” Drake asked.
“Tonight? Yes. This week? Probably. I just want to spend time with you guys. If there is a route we can investigate, I’ll do it happily. But, I’m at a loss right now. So tonight, come kiss me so I can beat you in some other universe far away from here.”
Drake leaned in to kiss Jaxom, one hand braced on the back of the couch. One hand reached to hold Hayden’s hand. Jaxom could feel them through the mate-bond. It was getting stronger every day.
“Ever been kissed, Hayden?” Jaxom asked, his hand keeping Drake in place. “No sex, no heavy petting, just your first kiss with Drake, yes?”
“Yes, please,” Hayden looked up at Drake, all breathless innocence. Everything in that area of life Drake never had. Jaxom watched Drake soften. His need for his mate thrumming through their bodies.
He leaned in and brushed his lips across Hayden’s.
Their mate’s eyes closed as Drake kissed him.
The kiss was slow and soft. The gentle exploration had Hayden pressing up for more, wanting to feel every moment Drake was willing to give without tipping over the edge.
This week would be gentle foreplay, leading up to a night Jaxom intended none of them to forget.
Drake finally pulled back. He ran his tongue ran over his lips, tasting Hayden again. Jaxom tipped Hayden’s chin up and slowly brushed his lips over Hayden’s. He could taste Drake mingled with Hayden. It was a rush. Hayden moaned into Jaxom’s mouth, inviting more.
Jaxom pulled back, breaking the kiss. “That good?”
Hayden blushed, “Better than good.”
Drake settled in beside them and kicked his legs up on the chaise. “I think I could get used to a week of light petting but no more than that. We have a birthday coming that needs a proper celebration.”
“Here, here,” Jaxom cheered.
For the first time in two weeks, Jaxom completely relaxed. He had a plan. There was nothing left to do but wait. Now he could be with his guys and love on them. For this week, tomorrow didn’t exist and it was good.