I was trying not to take offense that my mate would rather drink from a blood bag than me. He keeps saying it’s not personal, and maybe it isn’t. He’s not the first vampire to say they don’t like the taste of werewolf. I just, I dunno, thought as his mate, it might be different. Part of me wanted to know how it felt to be fed on. Only by him, of course. In my mind, it would be intimate, like a prelude to what marking would be like.
‘Let him drink from the blood bag if that’s what he wants. Then the first time he sinks those fangs in your neck, it will be the marking.’ Eclipse said. I shivered at the thought. I know that vampires mark in the same way we werewolves do. I don’t know how the marking situation works between a werewolf and a vampire. I’m gonna need to ask Daddy Hale to ask Mister Tracey to look at the mating book to see if it’s talked about in there. I mean, Auðr and I can’t seriously be the first werewolf and vampire pairing the Goddess has ever made in the history of our species. There’s no way she would make us the first in history. Auðr might be that special, given she brought the rest of his family into the species, but I sure the hell ain’t. I mean, I’m special in the human way people use the word. I have ADHD, and I’m on the high-functioning Autism spectrum. So, to some people, that makes me ‘special’. But special enough that the Goddess would choose me of all wolves to mate with someone of another species is impossible. I don’t care that Jason claims he returned from the dead because River and I needed him. That doesn’t make us special. It makes Jason special. I was ready to let the idea of Auðr feeding on me go in exchange for a kiss. Of course, that got ruined. Thankfully, our first kiss hadn’t been so rudely interrupted. RUDE is the keyword. It’s not a secret that Rune is known as the asshole of the band, but calling me a half-breed mutt is as bad as those protester fucks outside calling me and others slurs for our sexuality and gender identities. As such, I don’t feel bad that I told Rune exactly what I thought and let Eclipse out enough to send the vampire flying. ‘Fucker deserved it.’ Eclipse snorted. Rune may be the worst of the bunch, but so far, the only one not giving me shithead vibes is Zeke. Or he was the only one till River and Leo walked in with Léonel. I’m sort of banking on the idea that Léonel won’t be an asshole. Leo’s had enough asshole parental figures. They don’t need another one. Plus, he’s related to Auðr, so he can’t be all that bad. Right? I grinned when I saw my twin and Leo because it meant I wasn’t outnumbered. Not that Eclipse or I were worried about being the only wolf and non-band member in the room. They all saw what I did to Rune, and that was a mere bitch slap. I’m not afraid to throw down when necessary. I grinned as I hugged Leo and River, keeping my arm around my twin’s shoulders as I turned to my mate and his band. “Everyone meet my twin, River, and their mate Leo.” I introduced. “You both know everyone’s names, but that one...” I pointed at Auðr. “Is Auðr, and alllll he’s mine.” Auðr squeezed his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose. He’s adorable as he discovered that being with me is gonna be oh so much fun. He’ll eventually get used to it. We’re mates. We’re meant for each other. All the mates I know complement each other’s personalities. And while I don’t know Auðr half as well as I’d like, I can already tell our personalities will balance out. “How is that even possible?” Léonel asked. The way his head cocked and his nose wrinkled was exactly like Leo’s when they were confused by something. I love it! Getting to see where some of Leo’s mannerisms come from and how even the toxic nurture of the Hanley family and that fucking awful Silvermane pack couldn’t stop nature. I have no idea how well Jane knew Léonel before she ripped his heart out to be with that scumbag Theodore. However, I hope it was well enough that every time Leo said or did something like Léonel, it caused her pain. “All things are possible when the Goddess is involved.” I shrugged. “While even wolfless, I try not to speak ill of the Goddess…” Léonel frowned. “I’m not sure how a wolf and vampire pairing could or would work.” He said, glancing toward Rhapsody, who was pretending not to be staring at him and Leo. Oh, something is going on there. I want the dirt! Why would Auðr be so hesitant about being with me if they are a thing? Or is that why? Do they have a strained relationship? They aren’t fated mates since, tragically, Léonel had been fated to that bitch who birthed Leo. So, their relationship drama shouldn’t have any bearing on Auðr and my relationship. I’ll ask Auðr about Rhapsody and Léonel later. “I doubt we’re the first in history. And if we are, we’re trendsetters.” I smiled. “We’ll figure it out. That’s what mates do.” “This is so fu...” Rune started to grumble but shut up when I growled at him. “I don’t have the time nor patience for this right now.” Auðr sighed. “We have sound check soon, and I need to grab a blood bag. You three do whatever you had originally planned for the night.” ‘I don’t like that dismissive tone.’ Eclipse grumbled. “We planned to see the show,” River said, holding our VIP passes. “David hooked us up with these to ensure Leo could meet their dad. Plus, this one...” They pointed at me. “Is a big fan. And now it and the big poster of you on their bedroom wall makes all the sense.” It was my turn to groan and pinch the bridge of my nose. River needed to shut up. If they didn’t shut up on their own, I’d shut them up. I did not need them to embarrass me in front of Auðr and his band. I can do that all by myself. I don’t need help. So, to shut my twin up, I put my hand over their mouth. “And that’s enough from River,” I glared at them. “I guess we’ll let you all get ready for your set and see you after.” “Of course.” Léonel nodded. “I’ll see you have our set, Leo. We won’t be in Portland long. We have to leave for our next gig in a couple of days. But I’d like to spend time with you, River, and the rest of their family before I go.” “Of course. River’s parents and older brother will be thrilled to meet you.” Leo excitedly nodded. I was thrilled for Leo. They deserved to have a good parent at last. However, I was sad that Auðr hadn’t offered to spend time with me and meet my family. I frowned when I realized Auðr had somehow slipped past all of us. He’s going to pay for that later. We’re mates. The more he fights it, the harder things will be on him. “Don’t worry about my uncle, Sage.” Léonel patted my shoulder. “He’ll come around. He’s just well… when it comes to commitment…” “Auðr is commitment phobic,” Zeke said. “The band is the only thing he’s ever committed to. Over the decades, some guys wanted more than a fling, and he’d be a ghost.” “Thank you, Zeke, for that unflattering and unhelp interjection.” Léonel glared at the bass player. “Uncle Auðr is likely the most stubborn of the Darby line, but no one is more stubborn than the Goddess. This is her will, and he can do nothing to stop it.” Léonel assured me. “Enjoy the show, and don’t worry, I won’t let my uncle sneak off or avoid you before we leave Portland.” “Um, thanks Léonel. No worries. Eclipse and I can handle our mate.” I said. I could tell some of the vampires, especially Rune, wanted to say something but smartly kept their mouths shut. I’m not interested in their negativity. I got it. Auðr is one of them. And I don’t just mean a vampire. He’s a member of Immortal Eclipse. More than that, he’s their leader. They might be worried that being mated would mean the end of Immortal Eclipse. It doesn’t have to. I don’t have any set plans for my future. So, there’s no reason I couldn’t just travel with the band. Sure, it might cramp their style and change the dynamic since Auðr wouldn’t be out prowling the streets for food and a fuck with them. But it would mean the band stays together. I’d never ask Auðr to give up the band to settle in Bloodmoon with me. I’m all for traveling the world with Auðr. If that means it’s with his band, then so be it. I’ll try to get along with them, even with Rune. There must be a way to make this work. The Goddess wouldn’t have brought us together if we were doomed to fail. I just needed to remember the inspirational words that changed my big brother’s life. The Goddess guides us on our paths. But we all have to put in the work to find our destinies. The Goddess has brought us to the path, and I’ll work to find where it leads. Sitting in the VIP booth with River and Leo, I sighed, looking at my yummy mate on stage. I hoped he’d not reject me in the long run and would be willing to walk this path and work with me to see why the Goddess brought us together.At least Léonel plans to ensure his Uncle Auðr gives this mate bond a shot.
Was it wrong of me to duck out while Sage was distracted by their sibling? Maybe. I could handle the repercussions later. My time was running out, and I needed to feed. This whole situation was not one I could deal with on an empty stomach, let alone play a four-hour set. Of course, I took the chance to get out of there. I managed to find a fridge with some blood bags. I mentally thanked Albert for ensuring we always had this. I don’t know what he tells the humans, and I don’t care. I was finishing my third blood bag when the others found me backstage. They’d all changed into their performance clothes. I was already dressed to perform, though I’ll likely lose the jacket while we play. It’s sort of my thing. I liked dressing up when we started our set, but I often wear less by the end. It’s hot on stage, damn it. The crowd enjoys seeing me remove clothes and, if I’m feeling generous, catch them when I throw them into the audience. “So, a mate.” Léonel was the first to speak as he l
As River so embarrassingly pointed out, I’m an Immortal Eclipse fan. Tonight was the first show I’ve been able to attend. However, I’ve seen videos of their shows online. So, I kind of knew what to expect. Auðr always talks to the audience and gets them excited for the show before they roll into the first song. The first song always changes based on the gig. It was fitting that they went with Colors In the Dark for a Pride Festival show. Watching videos of the shows is very different from being here live. I knew Auðr was likely to remove layers as the performance carried on. Eclipse didn’t like the idea of our mate stripping any layers of clothes for anyone but us. I felt Eclipse’s annoyance with how flirty Auðr sounded in his intro. That annoyance tempered when Auðr looked my way and winked at the end of his sentence. That seemed to appease my wolf. There were moments during the song when it felt like only Auðr and I were in the room. His voice was hypnotic and even hotter live tha
Was ensuring Sage caught my jacket, vest, and tie a bad idea? Maybe. Was it better than the alternative of someone else grabbing them and Sage’s wolf going all bitch slap happy in the audience? Definitely. Could I have forgoed removing the vet and tie? Sure, but that would also create questions. I’m known for tastefully disrobing during performances. If I didn’t, fans would question if something was wrong. Léonel had stopped someone from the club and sent them to get Leo, River, and Sage. I’m sure it’ll stir up trouble, especially since he called Leo a Darby and his kid. I may not go by our surname, but Léonel still uses his birth name. So, all our fans know he’s a Darby. They’ll be curious if anyone hears that club employee all Leo a Darby. The nail in the coffin would be if they heard Leo directly referred to as Léonel’s kid. The press is going to have a fucking field day. I made a mental note to contact Albert. He and his company will need to handle it. I don’t want anyone bother
I was unsurprised that Rune probably said or did something duchy, and my reluctant mate took offense on my behalf. Auðr may be in full denial about our mate bond, but I’ve seen the glimmers of his protective side. He’s trying so hard to keep that canoe afloat and moving in that river of denial, but it sounds like he’s lost his paddles, and that canoe is starting to rock. I wonder what more it will take to get him out of that boat and his denial. “What does me having sired Rune and the others have to do with any of them disliking you?” Auðr asked. “Well, I figure that there’s some sire bond. They are all attached to you as their creator. I mean, you probably have some bond with Caleb. Right?” I said. “A bond to Caleb… I guess.” Auðr shrugged. “We’re friends, and I respect him. However, I can be away from him and live as I see fit without interfering with how he lives his.” “That’s the difference between you and the band, Uncle Auðr. Caleb didn’t find you at your lowest. He found y
Knock. Knock. KNOCK! KNOCK! I groaned at the incessant knocking at my hotel room door. I knew who it was. Léonel told me last night when we got to the hotel that he’d get me an hour after sunset to head to Bloodmoon. The sun had set an hour ago, so my time was up. I’d told the rest of the band we’d be in Bloodmoon. Rune wasn’t happy about it, but I told him to keep his mouth shut, or I’d shut it permanently. I’ll deal with him and the band after I’ve talked to Sage tonight. “You are annoyingly prompt,” I grumbled as I opened the door. “Nice to see you too, Uncle Auðr.” Léonel smiled. His smile fell a little as he took in my choice of outfit. My nephew had chosen dressy casual clothes, so he kept his jeans and leather jacket but put on a red button-down that I’d bet he even ironed. On the other hand, I wore what I’d usually wear on a day off. Today, I’d decided to wear black skinny jeans with rips, my black Dock Martins, and an oversized white t-shirt with a skull face. I saw no
“Where’s my… Léonel ?” Leo asked cocking their head, still unsure how to address him. “I’m right here.” Léonel greeted, patting Auðr’s shoulder. “It’s going to be fine, uncle. It’s just a bunch of wolves.” I heard him whisper “Hello. I’m Hale Shelton. Welcome to our house.” Dad greeted as Mom moved to his side. “You’ve met my mate and already know River and Leo. This is my son Austin and his mate Suzanne Walterson.” He gestured to my older brother and his mate. “It’s nice to meet you all. Thank you for inviting us. I know it’s all a bit awkward.” Léonel said. “I’m Léonel Darby, and this is my great great uncle Auðr.” He introduced. “My mate.” I proudly declared, squeezing his hand. “So you’ve mentioned.” Hale smiled fondly at me. The dude has always accepted how crazy River and I can be. That’s why we love him and so easily call him dad. He’s the best dad either of us could ask for. I’m thankful every day he’s in our lives. And tonight, I hope his easily accepting and calming p
What did I just agree to? I haven’t been thinking clearly since meeting Sage yesterday. And now, sitting on their bed with this damn wolf mating book, which didn’t say us being mates was impossible and how sure they are of all this. Outside of my sexuality, I don't think I’ve ever been as sure of something as Sage is that I’m their mate. I’d come here with a mind of telling Sage this wasn’t going to happen. You can see where that determination got me. I have agreed to a monogamous, long-distance relationship with an eighteen-year-old who, despite describing themselves as a demisexual, has a habit of getting their tongue in my mouth. I’m not complaining about the last part.Kissing Sage was strangely better than that first sip of fresh blood after waking up. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, compare it to that first sip of coffee or your drink of choice that wakes you up and makes life tolerable. Things were getting good when I felt Sage check out, so to speak, from the kiss. W
Damn it! I knew I recognized that pack name for a reason. My brain was too fried from all the Auðr hotness to think straight. Plus, I only remember important shit. There is zilch important about Dane Blackburn or his stupid pack. How fucking dare these assholes show up here unannounced and unin-FUCKING-vited. How dare their arrival get in the way of my private time with my mate. Things were getting good before they decided to crash the party.“Alpha Dane is dead.” one of the old fucks said.I’m not always good at remembering names and faces. At least not when I first meet someone. Even less when I don’t want to meet them, but I’m pretty sure the one that just talked, the brunette with brown eyes, was named Joar. I think Alpha Logan said he was the Beta. I don’t care what rank he held in Steelcrest. I don’t care about Steelcrest.I glanced at River and Mom. Based on their expressions, this was news to them. Mom looked conflicted. I think no matter how much she hated the shitstain. She’s