The Quiet Giant's Mate Chapter 20 - Regina

I am officially over people treating Ivan like some second-class person. That nanny is damn lucky he’s nicer than I am. How dare she stand in the Furlan villa and speak to him like that. And it’s worse, she was HIS nanny! How can someone who helped raise and knew him as a boy treat him like that? I don’t give a flying fuck what she lost in the war.

I don’t care that he’s the only surviving ranked wolf from that coup. He didn’t take part in it willingly. He is a victim like everyone else. Icky Iggy, his assclown bestie Gastone, and the wicked witch Melania are responsible. They wanted the war. Icky and Gastone wanted power, while Melania wanted to keep Zio Alec and Crista from awakening Darkness and Light. All three of them paid for their actions. Zio Alec killed Icky Iggy, Darren killed Gastone, and Katrina killed Melania. The END!

I hope that future interactions with Tasha are more pleasant. I’m not saying she needs to learn her place because she’s the nanny, and we are ranked wolves. She must learn some decency and basic respect for a fellow werewolf who lost loved ones. I won’t throw around my title or family connections unless I have to, granted name-dropping does tend to shut people up. I’d rather handle people myself. I am my mama’s daughter. She raised me to be polite and soft-spoken till I needed to be brash and loud.

I wasn’t surprised that Ivan drives a lifted truck that was modified for him to get in and out easily. My only problem with his truck is that he doesn’t have one of those step rails for short people like me to get in. I felt ridiculous when he picked me up like a child and put me in the front seat. I felt slightly less ridiculous when he leaned over, buckled me in as a rouse to kiss my neck, and called me his fiery pixie. Impossible to feel anything but aroused when he does things like that.

The drive to his villa was nice. We chatted, getting to know each other better. Sure, the start of the conversation seemed one-sided. But I accept that getting him to open up and say more than a few words won’t be easy. He’s a hard nut to crack. I know that probably sounds like a punch line, gutter brains. I’m not André, so I won’t be making innuendos about making Ivan bust a nut.

He talked more once he felt more comfortable, especially when discussing his vineyard and family. I love his voice, and maybe because he doesn’t speak much, it makes me appreciate every word more. He’s also not the most expressive man, but when he spoke of Grace and Amelia, the soft smile on his face melted my heart. I’m so lucky the Goddess gave me such a sweet man.

“Whoa…” I blinked as I looked out the window as we approached his villa.

It’s gorgeous and looks bigger than the Petridis ancestral villa we will live in as long as there are no objects from my parents. The estate doesn’t have all this property as it’s closer to the city center.

“The Pavesi family liked to show off and live above their means.” Ivan shrugged. “I don’t use most of the rooms unless Amelia visits.”

“I can understand not using all the rooms. I’d never get the reasons for being flashy or living above your means.” I assured him.

“I’m sure your home is just as big.” Ivan shrugged as he parked and hurried around the truck to help me.

“I’ll have you know my parents’ villa has three bedrooms. I grew up sharing a bedroom with Zoe. Not an easy thing after she hit puberty” I wrinkled my nose.

“I should count myself lucky that she and our cousins went in on building the Night Haven, so she never risked bringing any of her lovers home.” I shrugged.

“One of the many reasons I don’t want to stay there when we go to Incubi.” Ivan sighed as he led the way inside.

“I only use the first floor. And I don’t use all of it.” Ivan explained. “Upstairs are three guest suites my sister’s family uses.” He pointed to the curved stairs.

“Past the stairs is the wing I mostly use. My office and the master suite. The kitchen and laundry are the only other things I use.” He pointed to the left of the foyer.

“So, you don’t even use the living room?” I asked, pointing to the large room with its showroom-quality antique furniture.

I giggled as he gave me that straight-faced ‘you better be joking’ look. I started to wander, exploring the villa. Besides a toy box in the family room and a few dolls that I’m sure Grace left out on her last visit, nothing felt lived in or like it was a home Ivan would call his. It wasn’t till I ventured to the east wing that I found pieces that felt more like Ivan. They were masculine, rustic, made of solid wood, and looked custom to fit a giant.

“That is the biggest bed I’ve ever seen.” I blinked as I explored his bedroom and saw a massive bed that could fit ten people my size.

“They call it an Alaskan King. It is about three meters wide and long. So, it gives me ample space to sleep.” Ivan shrugged as he leaned in the doorway.

“It’s HUGE!” I laughed, dropping my bag and kicking off my shoes before I climbed into the bed.

“We are bringing this with us. I don’t think we’d find another bed offering this comfort level.” I laughed as I started jumping around on the enormous mattress.

“Are you done?” He arched an eyebrow as he walked closer when I jumped near the edge.

I laughed and jumped back before I had a chance to fall off. It’s adorable that he’s worried I would fall off this bed.

“Please be careful.” He sighed, stretching his arms out to act as a barrier.

“I would have to try to fall off this bed.” I laughed while still jumping around.

I yelped and laughed as his arms wrapped around me when I got within his reach. Of course, I’d gotten that close on purpose. I love being in his arms—no safer place in the world.

“That’s enough jumping. Your dress keeps rising, and I can see your breasts moving under the fabric.” He growled but not an angry growl, the horny kind.

I laughed and wiggled out of my dress, so I stood on the bed in his arms in only my underwear. “Is that better?” I smirked.

“Regina…” That growl became needier as his eyes darkened.

I said I’d call my family when we got to his place. And I will, but I refuse to feel bad that we detoured and partook in a little afternoon delight. Emphasis on delight. Being in a bed that gave him all the room he needed made a world of difference. And he took his time working me up with his fingers and mouth. If I thought he had talented fingers, his tongue exceeded that. We again neglected using a condom but discussed that we wouldn’t actively avoid having a family.

“As fun as making you scream my name is…” After a few minutes of us silently cuddling in his enormous bed, Ivan sighed.

“I know.” I sighed and snuggled closer. “I need to call my family, but I want to stay in your arms.”

“Five more minutes.” Ivan conceded and held me tighter.

I smiled, happy knowing he wanted to stay here as much as me. Of course, five minutes was not long enough and ended too soon. But there was no more putting it off or avoiding it. Especially as my phone started ringing with my mom’s Angel of Music ringtone while we were getting dressed. I didn’t even get a chance to fix my hair before I answered. I knew if I didn’t, she’d keep calling.

“HI, mama!” I smiled as I turned the phone to avoid giving her a glimpse of Ivan’s bare ass while he looked for his underwear.

“Ciao, uccellino.” Mama smiled, but I could tell she had much she wanted to say. “I heard something rather interesting from Dayna.”

I expected her to say André, but he’s managed to keep his mouth shut. Shocker! Instead, it was my damn ex that outed my mating to his mother, who told mine. I am going to stone his whiny ass when I see him again. I sighed and rolled my eyes.

“Oh, I can only imagine what her precious little shithead told her,” I grumbled. “Let me guess. He whined to his mama that my mate Ivan broke his wrist and threatened to break more bones.”

“That was certainly a topic Dayna brought up. She’s concerned for her son’s safety with you bringing Ivan home.” Mama nodded.

“Why aren’t you home yet? Where are you? That’s not André’s villa or the packhouse.” Her brow furrowed as she tried to see what was behind me.

“I’m at Ivan’s villa,” I explained.

“And Valter deserved what he got. He had no respect for Ivan, me, or our bond. And if he hadn’t tried to grab my arm to stop me from walking away, Ivan wouldn’t have had to break his wrist.” I defended Ivan’s actions.

“I assumed Valter did something out of line. I told Dayna that he deserved it if he did something to aggravate a newly mated male. And that if he continued to be disruptive to your relationship, I would apologize to my brother for the headache of picking a new Delta.” Mama smiled.

‘Did I hear her right? Did she threaten to kill Valter?’ Ivan asked in our link.

‘She sure did.’ I said proudly.

“Mama…” I laughed and shook my head.

“I can and will handle Valter. He knows I’m not above stoning him.” I assured her.

“And otherwise, I’m pretty sure he’s terrified of Ivan, even though he’s a total teddy bear.” I glanced to be sure that Ivan was dressed before I moved the phone so he was in the frame. “Aren’t you, my gentle giant?”

Mama laughed as my sweet mate looked embarrassed at my calling him my gentle giant. I felt a little bad because he looked like a deer in headlights when I camera pointed at him.

“Ciao, Ivan.” Mama smiled. “Welcome to the wild, fun, and occasionally violent world of being a member of the Petridis family. You’ll get used to it.”

“Um… Ciao Beta Isadora. And um, thank you.” Ivan awkwardly answered.

“You don’t have anything to fear from me, Ivan. No one in our family will cause you harm or be rude. At least not if they know what’s good for them.” Mama shrugged.

Ivan grunted with a nod. He’s back to being quiet, but that’s okay. I know it will take time for him to warm up and feel comfortable with my family. With me, it’s easier because we are mates and share a special bond.

“Mama, I will add in Papa, Zoe, and Alexander. I wanted to do the introduction with everyone to get it out of the way.” I sighed.

“And have me play chaperone to ensure your papa and brother don’t speak out of turn.” Mama nodded in understanding. “Go ahead.”

“Oh, Ivan, before I add the rest of my family, is there somewhere more appropriate we could do this? Like maybe your office or living rooms here, I could link my phone to a larger screen?” I asked.

“We can use my office,” Ivan said as he led the way to his office.

“Perfect.” I smiled as I went about linking my phone to his laptop.

Soon my mother’s face was on one screen, and I included my papa, Zoe, and Alexander in the Facetime call. Ivan had stayed out of frame while I set everything up. Soon both monitors filled to show all four members of my family.