Alek ran his nose along the smooth column of Bell’s throat, inhaling, scenting and marking him all at the same time. Bell leaned into him, moaning his name in a way that made his cock jerk in his denims.
“Aleksei,” Bell said almost worshipfully. “You’re so warm. I feel so warm.”
Alek placed a delicate kiss on Bell’s Adam’s apple. His skin was still cooler than most, colder than his, but his mate couldn’t feel it anymore, only the heat of their mating. Just wait until I make love to you. Alek was going to ensure Bell felt his passion and his heat even when they were apart. If only his mate would leave with him so they could get to work on that as soon as possible. It was clear they were attracted to each other and not terribly upset that fate had put them together. Alek believed he saw the bigger picture, but not all of it. He knew his role in the prophecy but didn’t think it logical for the Mother to bless him with his life partner, only to take him away. Maybe the way he’d dreamed of it all ending was only that, a vision, one of infinite options. It didn’t have to be the reality. His reality. With a mate like Belleron Liatos, Alek was believing in the impossible.
“Gods, this feels good.”
Alek hummed his agreement. He took Bell’s hand and began to lead him towards the path that would take them farther across the mountain to his older brother Justice’s home. Alek was the first beta and no one understood why he’d chosen to build his cabin so far away when his other siblings lived practically next door to each other within the heavily-guarded compound. But Alek had made sure to build where he’d have enough privacy. There was too much the pack didn’t understand about him. Then of course, Alek wanted to ensure their safety if things ever got out of control and Wolf took over.
Bell stopped every few seconds when any movement caught his eye. Birds that he never saw after twilight hours, and even foliage that he had to touch as the sun melted the snow from its branches. Alek kept them along the well-worn path, curving around a bend with a spectacular view of the mountainous landscape as far as they could see. His brother had chosen good land to live on. The mountains provided security from attacks and it also kept them secluded from the rest of the world. While shifters and vampires had made great strides in interacting with the human species, they still preferred a degree of separation to live life as they always had.
Bell stopped again when more squirrels scampered out of their way. “You have an infestation.” He scowled.
Alek leaned against a tree as a robust laugh escaped him. “We do have a lot of little critters. The younger pups love playing games with them. I guess you get used to ’em after a while. I hardly notice them.”
“Interesting.”
“You mean different. You’re from a big city. You live in a massive home, don’t you? Back in London. Lots of amenities and butlers, huh?” Alek chewed on his lip. How did he compete with that? He loved his small cabin in the woods with minimal Wi-Fi and lots of nature. But, Bell was accustomed to luxury. Shifters were not synonymous with extravagance. They required very little in life to be happy. All they needed was a strong, loving pack and land to live on, and they’d make do every time.
“I lived on the king’s estate in London, yes.” Bell shrugged. “It’s quite lovely. But it was nothing compared to this. All this is yours, Alek. It’s your home built with your own two hands. I’ve always been right beside Wick, awaiting his every order and never really considered having my own before. I kinda envy you.”
Alek’s heart soared.
“I’ve always loved nature and being outdoors.” Bell gave him a sly grin, moving closer towards him. “I’m not too pompous for you if that’s what you’re hinting at, Beloved.”
Bell moved some long strands of hair out of his face as he squinted at the sun through the thick canopy of trees. After a few seconds, he lowered his head and pressed his thumbs into his eye sockets. “Ouch. Maybe I shouldn’t try to stare directly at the sun.”
“Easy. Not too much exposure too fast.” Alek caressed Bell’s smooth cheek, staring into his dark pupils. “No one can stare at the sun.”
Bell smiled, his two fangs glistening enticingly. “I can stay out here all day. Right here in this spot.”
Alek wished Bell meant stay right there in his embrace, but he wouldn’t dare hope yet. Instead, he leaned against the wide base of a spruce tree and pulled Belleron to him. He loved how disheveled and carefree he appeared with his wrinkled suit and finger-combed hair. It was the complete opposite of how Bell had looked when he’d first arrived with the rest of King Chadwick’s army. He was dressed like a runway model for the vampire collection of GQ, if there was such a thing. His style was impeccable and his walk could almost be called a strut.