“Hmmm.” Maximus considered his mate’s suggestion and agreed. The companyhadgrown too large for the three of them to manage alone. “Carson is ready to take on more responsibility. I’ve been impressed with his mind and his work. He has a natural flair for the business world.”
“Slate wanted him to handle the grant end of things.”
“Good idea. I can help bring him up to speed and since I’m here, we can review the applications together. I’ll talk to our sons while Slate is here and see what their opinions are about getting some help,” Maximus said, giving Oracle a quick kiss. “Now, fess up, you know who Slate’s mate is, don’t you?”
Smiling, Oracle nodded but said nothing.
“Oh, so that’s how you’re playing this. Okay, let’s see how fast I can guess it. Mmmm, is it someone we know?”
She nodded again.
Maximus grinned. “One of Jackson’s brothers?”
Oracle nodded again.
“There are three left…Zane is all wrong for him. Carson has the same intensity regarding business so that match might work…each would understand the other mate’s goals…like Ian and Colton…hmmm…no, no all wrong. So that leaves Dakota!”
Oracle giggled. “Yes, Slate is meant for Dakota and I think it is a perfect match.”
“Does Slate know?”
“No, not yet, but Dakota knows and he is fighting it.”
“Why?”
“He believes our son wants to be free of any ties, including a mate.”
“I can understand that, but I think Dakota is misjudging Slate.”
Oracle smiled at Maximus. “Yes, I agree, but Slate cultivates that impression. It will take someone special to dig beneath that bravado to find the true man.”
Maximus grinned. “You think Dakota will be able to do that, don’t you?”
Laughing softly, Oracle answered, “Yes, I do. Dakota is a nurturer and is exactly what Slate needs.”
Chuckling, Maximus said, “Life is never dull with you. I suppose you’re helping them along.”
“Of course,” Oracle said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “What kind of mother would I be if I stood by and watched my son become unhappier?”
“Uh-huh. That’s quite noble of you but are you sure the possibility of another grandpup isn’t part of it?”
“Moi?” Oracle threw back her head in laughter. Her mate knew her so well. “It might be a teeny, tiny part of it. I am not getting any younger.”
“Bah! You look just like you did when I first met you…absolutely beautiful. I still remember the day I first saw you. I fell in love instantly and knew the Fates had given me the perfect mate.”
Oracle melted at her mate’s words. She also remembered that day; she knew in an instant she’d met the man of her dreams and the one who could make them all come true. Leaning against his chest, Oracle sighed, so very happy to be in his arms as Maximus started kissing her everywhere again.
~/~/~/~/~
Rolling the cart down the hallway, Dakota’s nose picked up his mate’s scent of orange blossom, allspice, and whiskey, causing his dick to harden instantly.Shit, there is no way I can avoid him for even one day much less several. What the fuck am I going to do?Stopping to rearrange his cock so he could at least walk without pain, Dakota was praying his mate was asleep because he’d have a hard time explaining his arousal. Resuming his journey, he renewed his prayers to the Fates to please find someone else for Slate even though every time he thought of another in the arms of his mate, his stomach did a flip-flop and his heart hurt.
After reaching Slate’s bedroom door, Dakota paused, listening to see if he could hear his mate. Not a sound. Taking a deep breath, he held it for a few moments before exhaling quietly—hopefully, his mate’s body would be under the covers with his face buried in a pillow. Turningthe doorknob carefully, Dakota quietly opened it and peeked inside. Relief flooded him as he saw Slate sleeping. He rolled the cart in and over to the small table in the corner and placed everything on it. Just as he finished, he heard his mate groan and turn over, tossing aside the covers.
Dakota froze. Remaining still, he called on his wolf’s hearing to see if his mate had awakened. When all he heard was the even breathing of someone asleep, Dakota grabbed his cart, eager to get out of there before Slate woke up. Turning around, he glanced quickly at the bed, checking to make sure he hadn’t been discovered.Oh, no! Oh, my gods!Dakota couldn’t tear his eyes away from Slate’s nude body.
Leaving the cart where it was, he was drawn to his mate’s body like a moth to a flame. Standing next to the bed, Dakota’s eyes stared at Slate’s face, taking in the sheer, wild beauty of it before they traveled down to the naked muscled chest. His mouth watered at the thought of licking every inch of it. Softly moaning, Dakota forced his eyes lower, seeking his mate’s cock.Oh my gods!
Hard, long and thick, it softly trembled as if it knew the hole it was meant for was close by. Reaching out, wanting to touch the silky smooth cock, Dakota was trying to remember how to breathe. Nothing had ever prepared him for this as he reluctantly pulled his hand back. Looking further down his mate’s delicious body, Dakota’s eyes followed long, heavily muscled legs that seemed to go on forever. Whimpering at the sexy pictures of being fucked by his mate that flooded his mind, Dakota came, unaided, in his pants, unable to stop his orgasm.
