Phoenix Reborn (Alpha Pack, #7.5)(18)

Noah’s ass cheeks were parted, leaving him totally exposed. There was something really naughty about that, especially with his man still clothed. It hit one of his kink buttons. Next, a cool finger slipped into his opening, stretching him, preparing him properly. Even though Nix intended to be rough, there was no way his mate would risk truly harming him.

The prep didn’t last long, but was good enough.

“Hurry up and f*ck me,” Noah rasped.

“With pleasure.”

Behind him, there was the sound of a zipper, a rustle of clothing. Then the head of his mate’s hard cock pressed to his hole—and shoved inside. Noah gasped, desire spiking into bald lust as his mate began to f*ck him. Deep, hard, and fast. This wasn’t going to last long.

The rhythmic slap of skin was music to his ears, and he loved the feeling of being owned. Possessed. There was no way he could hold back his orgasm under such a passionate assault, and his release erupted long before he wanted.

“Ahh! Yes!” Noah barely managed to brace himself to take his cock in hand and milk the last of his release, so brutal was the f*cking. He came so hard he thought he was going to turn himself inside out.

“You like that, baby?” Fangs grazed his neck, followed by kisses.

“Shit, yes. I think I just died and went to heaven.”

“Nope. You’ve got to stay right here on Earth, angel. For me.”

After they calmed down, Nix pulled free, zipped up, and helped him straighten his clothes. Turning to face his mate, Noah chuckled.

“What?” Nix eyed him.

“Since we got together, I spend equal amounts of time drenched in come and in the shower.”

His mate looked decidedly smug. “Your point?”

“Well, there isn’t one. Except don’t stop.”

“Thought so.”

They stood on the roof together for a few minutes, appreciating the morning before heading inside to clean up. Again. Afterward, Noah told his mate he had to go meet Blue and Kalen, as he’d been doing every day. He wondered when Nix was going to break, and today was that day.

“What exactly are you guys doing? I heard you say something to Blue the other night about practice of some sort.”

“You’re exactly right—I’m practicing. But it’s a surprise. I can’t show you until I’m ready.”

“What, are you learning karate or something?”

“No.” He rolled his eyes. “I’ll leave the combat stuff to you and your team.”

“Why is it such a big secret? Can’t I come watch?”

“Not yet,” he said. “Be patient. I should be ready to show you and everybody at the barbeque on Saturday.”

“You mean I have to find out along with everyone else? That’s not fair.”

“You’re really cute when you pout, you know that?”

Nix shoved him, but not hard. And he was laughing when he did it. “Shut up.”

Noah made kissing faces at him, and he laughed harder.

“Fine, I’ll wait! Better be worth it.”

“Oh, it will. Trust me. And you won’t be the only one surprised.”

*

Noah walked into the gym and found Blue and Kalen in their usual spots, waiting for him at the far end. They’d been reserving the place to themselves for the same two-hour period every day and, like Nix, others were getting curious about what they were doing.

Oh, he knew his meager abilities were next to nothing compared to the Fae prince or the Sorcerer. Nor could they compare to his Pack shifter friends. But he was proud that he fit in with them somehow, no matter how small the degree. It gave him a feeling of connection, of belonging, that he’d never had growing up, or working in Atlanta.

“Ready, squirt?”

He knew Kalen didn’t mean anything by the nickname. There wasn’t a mean bone in the man’s body—unless you were threatening his friends or family. Then he had the power to destroy mankind.

“As I’ll ever be.”

The brothers put him through the paces, and when they were finished, Blue leaned against the bleachers and waved a hand at Noah. “We’ve taught you everything you need to know about how to tap the well of your power. It’s stronger than you think. Just keep practicing and give it a chance to grow.”

His throat closed with emotion. “Thanks, guys. You’ll never know how much this means to me.”

Kalen shared a look with Blue, then said, “Oh, we have a good idea. Trust us.”

He had nothing to say to that. “Thank you. I’ll keep practicing.”

“You must,” Blue said, suddenly serious. “I have a feeling your abilities are going to be more important than you ever dreamed.”

Noah shivered in spite of himself. He hated when these guys got all mystical and shit. “I’ll remember that.”

Blue’s words stuck in his mind, and he couldn’t forget them. Especially not coupled with Nick’s warning as well.

Still, he managed to savor the days with his mate. As Saturday approached, he grew more and more excited. He was sure that this was the day he’d prove himself worthy. Nix would see him as more of an equal.

And maybe he’d finally claim Noah as his Bondmate.

*

Power sizzled in the air over the Shoshone. Brand-new, unlike any of the others he’d been watching over the past few months. Nowhere close to his own abilities, but . . . malleable. Those wielded by perhaps a novice. He’d felt it a couple of times now, and his curiosity was piqued.