***“Fair enough.” Philip nodded. “As you said, Sylver is just a baby. So we have years ahead of us. When he’s old enough to pick a mate, he will definitely come and find you. We toe the line of humans so that will probably be in the next twenty-one years…”“Don’t you mean eighteen?” Gaia muttered.“In some cultures, it’s thirty,” Jeremy growled, making Philip, Stan, and Paige burst into laughter.“I believe it’s up to Enzo and Sylver,” Aurora said, trying to suppress her smile.“Well, for now, you can forget about him,” Jeremy stated.“I’m sorry but I can’t do that,” Enzo growled, a scowl marring his handsome face. “In as much as you’re the child’s father, I am the one he’s to spend the rest of his life with so...”“The fuck did you just say to me?” Jeremy bellowed, startling everyone.“Shush, son,” Aurora whispered. She clearly didn’t want her son to make Jeremy angry. They’d heard enough to know that it wasn’t a good idea.“No mother, I need to say my piece.” Enzo got to his feet a
***“Thank you.” Aurora mouthed at Ryan. “We are grateful to you for not killing us on sight. And I do apologize again for dropping in unannounced. We’ve taken much of your time already.” She got to her feet and extended her hand to Philip. “We will definitely be getting in touch.”The others stood too and shook hands with the werewolves. It was no surprise at all when Aurora hugged Ryan. Stan gave Enzo a one-arm bro hug and insisted on kissing Gaia on both cheeks which made the chic vampire laugh. Ryan gave Enzo a warm hug and told him to take good care of himself for Sylver. When Enzo came face to face with Jeremy, both men sized each other up, gave each other curt nods, and then turned to go.“You must be shitting me.” Ryan muttered, rolling his eyes at his stubborn mate and equally stubborn son-in-law. “Really, Jeremy?”“He wants to take my son from me.” Jeremy growled under his breath. “Surely you can’t expect me to like him.”“He never said he wanted to take…ugh why do I even bo
***“So where’s Jeremy?” Gloria asked quietly.“Ryan had to whisk him away,” Philip responded.“Alright, can I have a chat with you, Enzo?” Gloria smiled and then gestured at a door in the conference room.“Sure.” Enzo stood with Sylver in his arms and followed Gloria into an inner room even as the people who remained in the conference room finally began to converse.“So you actually told my son you wanted to take his son,” Gloria said with a chuckle as she took a seat on a plush couch.“Well, I meant I was going to take him for a day or two.” Enzo sighed. “Your son didn’t even allow me to complete my sentence. Of course, I know that no parent will be comfortable with their kid going away for a few days but…”“Try with a complete stranger,” Gloria muttered.“I wouldn’t harm him,” Enzo said. “I just…” He let out a deep breath.“I understand you. But put yourself in the shoes of the parents.” Gloria said softly. “Of course they know you wouldn’t harm Sylver. I mean Ryan did whisk my son
***Everyone seemed to be in good spirits. Conversation flowed so easily it seemed as if they’d all known each other for years. Even when the door to the conference room opened later to reveal Jeremy, Ryan, and the three elders, the calm atmosphere remained. Ryan went to sit beside Enzo and picked up Sylver whose arms were stretched out towards him. The boy had clearly missed his dad. After a quick nod at Philip, Jeremy asked for everyone’s attention.“I apologize to all of you, especially our guests, for losing my temper out there.” He began in a quiet voice. “The thought of not seeing my child made me see red…literally. I’ve arranged for a chopper to take you to your…”“No need for that.” Piero cut in. “I’ve already called for another to pick us up.”Jeremy nodded. “I will replace or pay for the one that I destroyed.” He said. “Whichever you prefer.”“You don’t have to do that, Jeremy,” Enzo said. “What I said was wrong. Your reaction, although extreme, was only to be expected of an
***“I owe your mate big.” Philip breathed. “But for him, I definitely wouldn’t be planning my mating ceremony right now. We’d have been in the middle of a war.”“Yeah, he did save the day didn’t he?” Jeremy chuckled.“And it’s clear that he actually likes Enzo,” Philip said. “I think you should make an effort to get to know him. Our ceremony is a fine opportunity to do that, Jer.” Philip said quietly. “He’s part of the family now, anyway. It’s about time we started treating him like one.”“Aright, alright invite him.” Jeremy groaned. “It’s your party.”“It sure is.”“Ryan will be happy.” Jeremy couldn’t hide his smile.“I know he will.” Philip beamed.***Troy threw his head back and drummed his fingers on the dining table. He was tired. He’d spent the day helping some of his mates complete their assessment courses which were due for submission. He therefore had a lot to cover before his paper the next day. He was sure the anxiety he felt was due to the fact that it was his first pap
***“You know what I mean…” Troy snapped, thrusting up into Philip’s fist. “Just give me your cock already.”‘Shut up and feel.’ Philip whispered on their mind-link even as he increased his tempo. He loved to make his sexy mate come but he couldn’t deny how fun it was to tease the guy.“Oh shit, I’m gonna…what the fuck, Philip.” Troy gasped when Philip let go of not only his drooling cock but also his nipple. He broke out in a sweat. “Why?” Frustrated lust-glazed eyes stared up at Philip. “I really need to come, Philip.” He whispered shakily.“And you will...” Philip breathed. He thought the lust, frustration, irritation, and urgent appeal within his mate’s beautiful eyes made the man so hot. “…soon.” He murmured, getting to his feet. “I just want to give your other nipple some attention too.”“Bullshit, you’re just teasing me,” Troy growled. “That’s mean, Philip.” His eyes followed Philip as he moved to the opposite side of the dining table. “You want me…” He breathed, his eyes stuck
***The energy in the brightly lit indoor arena of the Stanwood Pack was like never before. There were at least four thousand people in the arena which could easily accommodate ten thousand people. It was indeed a special day for the pack. Their alpha was finally having his mating ceremony. The pack had been looking forward to the ceremony for months. Every member of the pack, except for babies and toddlers who wouldn’t be comfortable with all the excited noise, was present. Before the revision of the ceremony, only wolves from age twenty-one going up were allowed to attend a mating ceremony.But since the x-rated parts had been taken out, every pack member could be part. Not only was every alpha present, there were invited guests from other packs and also, other supernatural beings. The dancing, drinking, and merry-making had begun in the morning when the group who had attended the Bachelor Soiree at Quain Islands got to the pack-house. Everyone was therefore already in the festive m
***When the announcer gave the signal, the two werewolves began to circle each other, both looking for an opening to pounce. The first clash was explosive, both clearly meant business. It was definitely not like any mating combat that had ever happened. Stan was bigger, taller, and had experience on his side but Troy had speed. The young in the crowd were impressed and inspired by the sheer power and skill that was being displayed whilst the grown-ups couldn’t help but appreciate and admire the beauty of the combat. Neither held back. It was definitely not an act. After about eight minutes of awesome display of strength and skill, Stan finally got the upper hand.A collective gasp went up when Stan pinned Troy and raised a hand to deliver his victory strike. What the crowd didn’t anticipate was the swift, brilliantly-executed move that Troy pulled. They did see the shock on the warrior’s face a split second before everything changed. One moment, a cocky Stan had his hand up ready to