Bell easily slid into his black tailored suit jacket. He smirked as if he knew his friend well enough to know what Alek would tell him. “And how did he react?”
“He flipped his shit.” Alek chuckled. “He and my brother had only been bonded for a couple days. They’d fallen asleep after a late-night run, and when Wick woke up at seven in the morning he was sure he was about to get fried. He freaked so much that it forced Justice to shift and his wolf to call on his betas. When we got there, Wick had realized he was in no danger and was jumping around, whooping like a lunatic. It was the funniest thing ever to see the king running in circles with his arms outstretched wide and his face turned towards the sun. I swear he was happier than a pup chasing a squirrel.”
“Well I think I can be a bit more dignified than that. No jumping and hollering I’m sure.” Bell’s nerves were visible. “Unless I’m on fire.”
Alek didn’t laugh. It wasn’t funny to any of them. Instead, he took Bell’s hand and led him back to the narrow hallway before the living room. It was even brighter at ten in the morning. Bell halted at the start of the wood flooring, staring down at the silver-tips of his black boots just touching the streak of sunlight. Bell inched forward, then stalled again.
Alek wrapped his arms around him from behind and leaned into him, burying his nose in his neck. Damn, he smelled heavenly—as if Bell’s genetic makeup was infused with all the scents that drove him wild. Especially that underlying citrusy smell that lingered at the base of Bell’s skull where Alek already loved to scent. He massaged Bell’s rigid shoulders in an effort to relax him as he slowly began to lift Bell’s hand and extend it towards the sunlight. His mate watched as the tips of his fingers illuminated under the warm rays and waited to see what—if anything—would happen. Waited to see if Wolf would stop them.
Nothing did.
Bell gasped and stretched his hand out farther. “So warm,” he murmured.
Alek linked their hands, smiling against Bell’s skin. “I told you you’d be fine. How does it feel?”
“There are no words,” Bell whispered, stepping forward with Alek right behind him. He was trying to be as supportive as possible… and patient. Bell needed this time. He deserved this gift from the Mother because Bell had a serious task ahead of him. One he hadn’t asked for. He’d have a vital role to play in the prophecy, and he’d need all the gifts he could receive. To be blessed with sunlight wasn’t something to be taken for granted. Alek could understand his mate’s joy, and he felt it right along with him.
“Come on. Let’s go out.” Alek squeezed Bell’s waist and got him moving. He had to help his mate navigate his living room and not run into anything on their way out of the front door, since Bell couldn’t stop staring up at the bright blue vastness visible through the skylights. The moment Alek opened the heavy door, a frigid chill whooshed past them and into the warm house. It was the middle of winter and the White Mountain Forest, where he and his pack lived, had already seen a significant amount of snowfall for January. It felt wonderful to him. His Siberian blood craved it.
Outside was bright with the sun balanced high over the mountains, reflecting brilliant light off the white snow. Bell’s steps were measured as he made his way onto the porch and down the wooden steps. He turned in a complete circle as if taking in everything in a new way. Bell alternated from staring at the flushed skin on his hands to the squirrels chasing each other up a towering spruce tree. He was used to nocturnal animals. Alek gave his mate some space to wonder and roam.
“I can’t even understand how this is possible, Alek.” Bell gaped at him. “You did this. Your blood made this happen.”
Alek couldn’t stay away. He crossed the short distance and put his arms around Bell’s waist. He was so tight with all lean muscles. Alek smoothed his hands inside Bell’s dress coat, unable to resist touching him. His fingers trailed over fine silk material that probably cost more than it took to build Alek’s cabin. His mate was still gazing into the sky when Alek pressed a kiss on the side of his neck that held his mark. Damn, he smelled so right. He smelled like lemon, and pine, with just enough boldness from his power to make Alek’s tongue tingle when he tasted him. And now he also smelled like him… but not enough. He needed his seed inside his mate. Needed their souls to connect and intertwine so Alek could breathe easier. So the beast within would settle back into the depths of him where he belonged.