Smokey quickly interrupted Dylon. “Yeah…about that. My bear wants to claim him, but as Norm’s Alpha.”
“And Norm doesn’t want that?” Dylon guessed.
“I don’t’ know…I haven’t asked him.”
“Why not?”
“After we both claimed Theo, Norm asked me if I had a problem with him as a Dom, and I told him no…that I enjoyed being submissive to him…and now I’m gonna demand he submits to me? I can’t do it because I saw how happy he was when I gave him my answer.”
“Oh…I see,” Dylon replied. “Okay, first of all, the act of claiming your Fated Mate has nothing to do with being submissive or dominant. Has Theo bitten you yet?”
“No. But Norm and I both bit Theo.”
“Are you going to allow Theo to bite you even though he’s submissive?”
“Of course! That doesn’t matter!”
Dylon raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. “Right! Norm’s bear knows your bear is his Alpha merely because your animal is up higher on the predator scale.” Leaning forward, Dylon continued, “Claiming unites our animals but that’s it. Trust me, whether you are dominant or submissive in the bedroom, it means absolutely nothing when it comes to your animal claiming Norm.
“Outside the bedroom, Theo and Norm see you as their Alpha, as you found out yesterday when you left to go help Willow. Even though Norm wanted to go with you, he stayed and did what you told him to do. If he viewed himself as your Alpha, he wouldn’thave obeyed you. Look, I know it’s hard to have one part of your relationship dominant and submissive and the other part not, but time will help you and your mates sort it all out…especially once you all are claimed. Then, your mind links will make things easier.”
Smokey remained silent for a moment, thinking over what Dylon said. The confusion he’d had about Norm had cleared…enough that he was ready to claim him, but there were still questions about being a good submissive. Never having been one before, he felt there was more he should know. “Uhm…Norm said he watched some videos on YouTube about how to be a Dom…do you know if there are any about how to be a Sub?”
“There are…but I’d recommend talking to Cody first,” Dylon said, smiling. “He’ll be able to answer your questions…like why you enjoy Norm being in control in the bedroom.”
Smokey’s face grew hot and he knew it was bright red once again. Dylon had hit the nail on the head; he’d been wondering about that in particular. “I would like that…if he doesn’t mind,” Smokey muttered.
“He won’t…I think the answer will surprise you.”
Smiling, Smokey stood. “Honestly, this whole submissive side of me blew me away. I never thought I’d enjoy it so much.”
“The Fates knew what they were doing when they gave you Norm and Theo as mates,” Dylon replied, shutting down his computer before rising. “Sorry to cut this short but the twins are awake and Cody needs me.”
“Nah, that’s cool,” Smokey said. “I have to get going, too. Thanks for your help.”
Slapping Smokey on the back as they headed out the door, Dylon said, “Any time you wanna talk, my door is open.”
~/~/~/~/~
Groaning, Kahn rolled over in bed and stared up at the ceiling. Sleep had been elusive and he’d finally given up on getting any more. It was just as well since he could use the time to plan his day. Telling his mother was his first task and, even though he wasn’t looking forward to that, it wouldn’t be as bad as it would be with his sisters. Both of them grew up sheltered from the harsh reality of who Josiah really was because he and his mother always gave his sisters a false impression of their father. But now, his sisters were about to have their world come crashing down around them when he told them what their father had done.
Sighing, Kahn realized it was a mistake to protect his sisters as much as he had, but at the time it seemed like the right choice. All he tried to do was to make up for the complete lack of interest Josiah had in his daughters. He was sure his mother had gone along with it simply because she couldn’t bear to see her girls hurt. And Josiah knew how to do that very well.
Missing birthdays, holidays, and other important events in his and his sisters’ lives was a routine occurrence. It never bothered him since Josiah’s absence meant Kahn wasn’t subjected to his father’s constant cutting, criticisms. But it was different with his sisters. The rare times Josiah was present on special occasions made them happy since he’d be sure to heap lavish praise on them. They never realized their father did it only to impress dignitaries who might be visiting the pack at the time.
Sighing again, Kahn sat up on the edge of the bed, cursing his father once again for the pain his sisters were about to suffer.What a fucking mess.Girding himself for the day ahead, he rose and padded to the shower, wishing it’d be as easy to wash away his father’s sins as it was the night sweat from his body.
As Kahn turned on the water, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror over the sink. He winced when he saw the effects of several nights of restless sleep and, involuntarily, one of his fingers ghosted over the dark bags under his eyes.What the fuck did you expect?Turning away, he climbed into the steamy shower, letting the hot water do what it always did for him.
Twenty minutes later, Kahn shut the water off and grabbed a towel. Rubbing briskly, he quickly dried himself before heading to his bedroom. Picking up his backpack from the floor, he searched through it for a shirt that had the least amount of wrinkles. He did not expect to see anyone other than his family, but still, as the new Alpha of the Silver Point Pack…gods I hope no one calls me that or I just might lose it…it was important to look like he hadn’t just fallen out of bed after a night of drinking and fucking.
Initially, Kahn had no intention of assuming the title, but during the night he realized it might be useful to counteract Reeve and his demands—especially concerning his mother and his rights as her Alpha. Tucking in his button-down shirt, he grabbed his phone and wallet and then, taking a deep breath, opened his bedroom door.
After several cups of coffee, Reeve resumed his post and, rather than sitting, he chose to lean against the door. Suddenly, he found himself falling backward into Kahn’s arms. It took him a moment to gather his wits because his buffalo was bellowing in joy to finally be held by their mate.
“What the fuck?” Kahn growled, shoving Reeve off him. “What the hell are you trying to do?”
Regaining his balance, Reeve glared at his mate. “Just protecting your ass! What the fuck did you think I was doing?” Then, remembering Heath’s advice, he lowered his voice and said, “Sorry…I didn’t mean to get angry.”
