Keon dropped the crutch in favour of wrapping his arms around Milo’s waist. “Your eyes say you like the idea,” he said, pleasantly surprised by a kiss. Out in the open. With an approving hum, Keon licked his way into Milo’s mouth as fingers scraped into his hair. Tempting Keon to get on his knees in front of the whole pack to show Milo how stunning he was, to worship him. To lift him off his feet and fuck him where everyone could witness them cementing their bond.
Resisting, Keon pressed their foreheads, forcing his body to comply. “You’ll need to get used to this,” he warned, the rush of Milo’s public acceptance, of knowing everyone knew, of being proud to claim his mate in front of the whole pack, buzzing through his body.
“To what?” Milo whispered, fingers grazing over his chest, one slipping between buttons to touch bare skin.
Keon kneaded the arch of his spine in response. “Letting the world drift past while I stare at you, kiss you.” He plucked another kiss from his lips. “Not caring who the hell sees us.”
Milo tensed, glancing at the pack members who wandered the village. A couple of teenagers sitting around the well, for book club. A man chopping wood by the side of his home. Two women washing clothes between houses as their young sons looked on. The usual buzz of pack activity.
As Milo registered what he’d done, he hid his face in Keon’s neck. “I forgot,” he muttered, hands never leaving their place on Keon’s chest. He mustn’t have minded or he would have backed away, put distance between them.
Keon’s heart swelled at his shyness and he kissed his temple. “What a compliment.”
Milo thumped his chest but couldn’t hide his laughter.
The curious glances from the pack intrigued Keon. The man had looked on, smiling at their antics—the usual for a mated pair, or those courting—and the two women had laughed at the boys who crunched their noses. The two boys by the well captured his attention.
Callum sat against the well, book in his lap. Yosi sat beside him, barely paying attention, arms trailing lazily over his bent knees. Both watching his interaction with Milo, one with naked jealousy and the other with determination. For the first time, Keon realised what they hid from the pack wasn’t a crush or attraction, and he should have recognised it the day they read the new laws at the podium.
Cupping Milo’s head in his left hand, Keon raised his right with one finger, and mimed, “One hour.”
Yosi gave a sharp nod, Callum staring at his friend in shock. Yosi slung an arm around his neck and whispered in his ear, drawing a blush to his cheeks. One that, when Keon resumed their walk, matched Milo’s.
“The colour suits you.”
Milo rolled his eyes, but he meant it. The flush of colour to his pale cheeks was a sign they were heading in the right direction.
With an hour alone, they planned for a short run and shower, before meeting Yosi and Callum. Milo was excited about their relationship inspiring others, and if Keon was right about Yosi, they would be the first in the pack to have a legal, recognised, same-sex union.
A part of him wished his mating with Milo would come first, but Milo was right. It was sweeter to know they’d inspired bravery in another couple. The catalyst, showcasing their same-sex mating to the pack without fanfare or ulterior motive, and inadvertently reminding everyone the Fates had never discriminated.
Times had changed. A celebration was in order, but first, a run.
I’ve never been happier than when I’m with you, Milo said, a caress in his mind.
Keon smiled, stunned to hear his own thoughts echoed.When I first came home, I had nothing but my father, grief, and a mate I didn’t want,he confessed, no longer shrouded by the past.I could never have imagined I’d find you.
Milo huffed a sweet laugh and glanced up with adoring eyes.Running away was the best decision I ever made,he said, faint and tired, a sign of the trust he gave Keon. He lowered his guard, trusting Keon to keep him safe and protected.
My best decision was locking my teeth around you.
Milo sent a flood of warmth through their link.I’m glad they haven’t faded. I won’t forget how lucky I am to have you. The Fates gave you to me right when I needed you.
As I needed you, mikha.More than he could put into words.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Keon
KEON RUBBED HISwet hair dry as the front door opened and Weston welcomed their guests. He hadn’t blinked when Keon informed him their first same-sex couple were to be united, but when he told Weston who, he’d muttered, “About time,” promising to have the paperwork filled out before their arrival.
Most of the paperwork involved with matings was a formality, as in Yosi and Callum’s case. With a long-standing family history, their personal details were noted in the official pack records. Few details remained for the couple to answer during the official interview.
Tossing aside his towel, Keon waited for the duo in the living room, wanting to start this on the right footing, from one family member to another. They weren’t blood, but their families had been close for generations.
Yosi walked in, hand trailing behind to reveal a solid grip on Callum’s. His swagger screamed confidence, posture straight, the gleam in his eye screaming,Finally!Callum followed, more subdued, glancing around the house and holding on to Yosi with both hands. The poor kid was shaking in his boots from nerves, while Yosi’s aura said this couldn’t have come quick enough.
“It’s good to see you,” Keon said, stepping in to hug Yosi. He resisted the hug initially to offer his hand and shake, then hugged Keon like the brother he wished Yosi was, while Callum met him in a hug eagerly. Different, yet perfectly matched.
