Scent of the Heart Read online

  Sev had told him he couldn’t believe that they had all come. He thought with his standing in the enclave they would be avoiding him. Perhaps it was because of the shaman, but so many came and hugged him with a congratulatory message that Sev said, with awe in his voice, maybe they did accept him.

  Vadim and Mikhail attended to Sev and fussed at Casey when he tried to sneak a peek. Zak wore brightly colored robes, woven of a soft cloth that Casey couldn’t identify. Jake was in jaguar form, perched on a large tree trunk overseeing the preparations. Casey snorted to himself. He wondered for a moment what people back home would say if he went home and introduced Sev as his husband. Then realized he no longer cared. While he might not consider himself gay, he loved Sev with all his heart, and if people thought that made him gay, then so be it.

  A drumbeat announced Sev’s arrival. Casey turned and his breath was torn from him as he caught his first sight of his man. Cascading robes of the purest white were draped over his shoulders, the hems held aloft by Mikhail and Vadim. The lids of Sev’s jet black eyes were shaded by a brilliant blue powder, his white hair tied back with a strip of dark cloth. He was barefoot, the ocean lapping at his toes. He was the most beautiful person Casey had ever seen. Sev stood next to Casey, then waited as Vadim and Mikhail stepped aside and joined the celebrants.

  Zak spread his arms wide as he addressed the group. “Welcome to my first joining. I am honored that today Casey and Tsvetok will declare their love for each other as befits our enclave, gathered as family. I know there is not a formal ceremony, and both Sev and Casey have asked to speak their vow of commitment to one another. Sev?”

  Sev turned to Casey, his eyes sparkling in the sunlight, and whispered a few soft words, then cleared his throat and began again.

  “My parents told my brothers and me that one day we would be lucky enough to meet our heart mates. We would be blessed by the spirits to never be bereft of our mate’s love. The day I met you, my heart was already lost. I couldn’t understand how a stranger had come into my life and taken it over, but that’s exactly what you did. True, we hit a rough patch, and that’s expected in any relationship, but you came to me and declared your love, something for which I am eternally grateful.”

  Casey swallowed hard, the damn lump in his throat refusing to go away. He could have lost this wonderful, patient man. “I…don’t deserve what I gain today. A mate, to be his beloved. I also have a family now. Two brothers whom I love, despite the fact that they’re pains in my behind.”

  Everyone chuckled, except for Vadim who let out a beleaguered sigh.

  “On this day, I declare my love to you. I accept you into my life and your family into my heart. Where we travel, we go together. No road will be too long, nor too steep, because we will be joined as one.”

  A rush of heat roared through Casey’s body as everyone applauded. He’d imagined his wedding many times, and this was nothing like those childhood dreams. He held a living, breathing person in his arms, one whom the spirits had blessed him with and had now united their souls together. His heart thundered in his ears as Sev kissed him. At long last, Casey knew he was complete.

  ***

  His brothers clutched at his arms, then dragged him into a family hug. The events of the day overwhelmed Sev. He’d been joined by the Alpha. Now, in the eyes of the enclave, they were a unit. “I’m so happy, Sev,” Mikhail gushed, wiping a stray tear from his eye.

  “Thank you, little brother. I can’t believe it.”

  “Me either. I was afraid he’d never get his head out of—”

  “That’s my mate you’re talking about, so you’d better be very careful of the words you choose,” Sev snarled.

  Mikhail rolled his eyes. “The clouds, Sev.”

  Sev grinned and wrapped his arm around Mikhail. “I know that’s not what you meant, and don’t tell him I agreed with you.”

  Vadim crowded into Sev. “Does this mean you’ll leave us?”

  “What? No, of course not. Why would you think that?”

  “You’re mated now. You’ll live with him. Isn’t that how it works?”

  Sev stooped down and touched Vadim’s face. “Neither of you has reached the age of adulthood, I think you know that. It would be a crime for me to leave you alone.”

  “But you need to be with Casey. You can’t be away from your mate like that.”

  “We’ll figure it out, but I won’t be leaving you. I promise.”

  “You won’t have to,” Jake called from behind them. “I spoke with Zak, and as our gift to you, we’re building a new home. One with enough room for all of you. It’s going to be a few weeks, but everyone has asked to take part.”

  “We can live together?” Sev asked, not daring to believe it.

  “We can’t have mates being separated, can we?” Jake replied, winking at the younger boys.

  Vadim and Mikhail rushed forward and tackled Jake, dragging him to the ground. It was unusual for the Protector to laugh. He was normally very solemn when he was in the company of the Alpha, but today he rolled around with Sev’s brothers, acting every bit the part of a big brother himself.

  When Sev saw Casey speaking to the Alpha, he headed in their direction. The smile on his mate’s face radiated brighter than the sun off the ocean. As he caught sight of Sev, it grew impossibly wider.

  “Did you hear?” Casey asked excitedly.

  “Yes, the Protector told me we are going to have a home. But…”

  Casey tucked a knuckle under Sev’s chin. “What’s wrong?”

  “I can’t leave my brothers.”

  “What? Why in the hell would you leave them? They’re my family, too.” Then Casey’s expression fell. “Aren’t they?”

  “Yes, of course, but I didn’t know if you would want them in the same house.”

  “Look at me, Sev.” Sev lifted his eyes and locked his gaze with Casey’s. “You and your brothers are my home. We could live in the house I have now, and even though it would be cramped with four of us, it would still be better than trying to live without them. Do you understand? Besides, it will be good experience for when we—”

  Sev cut him off. “I understand. We should not speak of a future that isn’t set in stone, though.”

  A knowing nod told Sev that Casey understood. No events were guaranteed, and though he longed to have a family with Casey, that didn’t mean it would happen, and that would hurt.

  “You’re right,” Casey murmured, nuzzling Sev’s neck. “Zak? Can you have someone watch the boys tonight?”

  Zak beamed. “Yes, that could be arranged. Do you have special plans?”

  “I want to have all my attention focused on my mate.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  Casey hadn’t ever been this nervous. Sev was undressing, and even though he’d seen him naked before, this would be his first time as mates. Sev took his breath away. Pale skin shone in the light cast by the lamp on the wall. Like many shifters, his body was slender, his muscles taut. There was such beauty as he unwrapped layer after layer of his robes.

  “Do I please you?” Sev asked, nibbling his lower lip.

  “So much.” Casey barely recognized his own voice. His throat was dry and he licked at his lips. “Please don’t stop.”

  A seductive smile, another layer stripped. It was sexy and maddening. When the last of the robe fell away, Casey strode over to Sev. His mate was stunning. He took Sev by the hand, then led him to the large tub filled with warm water scented with oils of lavender and jasmine from the gardens. Casey helped Sev into the tub, then stripped off his own clothes and joined him.

  The fireplace crackled, the smoky scent fueling Casey’s desire. He turned Sev around and pulled him close, then kissed his neck.

  “Are you still bothered by the fact I’m a man,” Sev asked nervously.

  “No. I’m bothered by the fact that you’re talking. Relax. Let me take care of you tonight.”

  Sev chuckled and settled in. Casey grabbed a bar of soap, its rich earthy smell
blending with Sev’s natural scent. He swiped it over Sev’s back, working it in with his fingers. Sev’s moans soon turned into pleas as Casey touched him everywhere.

  “Please, mate. I need.”

  “Well, that won’t do,” Casey whispered.

  He pulled Sev to his feet then dried him, lingering over sensitive areas and chuckling as Sev whimpered. Casey placed his hand on Sev’s lower back and herded him toward the bedroom. The door opened and Sev gasped.

  “You did this? For me?”

  The room was alight with lightly scented tallow candles, causing shadows to slide over the walls as they entered.

  “Mrs. Alexi did the down comforter. Mr. Liama gave me the flowers to do the oil. So we all did it for you.”

  Sev turned and Casey could see so much love in his gaze that he kicked himself for ever thinking this was wrong. He clutched the back of Sev’s neck and dragged him into a kiss as he pressed him down onto the bed. He trailed the nails of his fingers down Sev’s side, grinning when goose bumps popped up.

  Casey moved forward and latched his lips onto one of the tiny pale buds on Sev’s chest, eliciting a moan from his mate. Casey stroked Sev’s stomach, then moved his hand lower. He cupped Sev’s crotch, kneading gently. He reached beneath the pillow with his other hand and opened the small container he’d hidden there. Dipping a finger into the oil, he stroked over Sev’s crack.

  “Casey?” Uncertainty was evident in Sev’s voice.

  “Do you want me to stop?”

  “No, it’s just that…”

  “What? Tell me.”

  “I’m not a woman.”

  Casey laughed and stroked a hand over Sev’s hard shaft. “Yes, I noticed. I’ve had this in my mouth, Sev. I’m well aware that you are every inch a man. And you’re also my mate, one whom I love, and tonight I’m going to show you.”

  Sev was quiet for a moment, then lifted his knees, giving Casey access to his hole. Casey put his hands on Sev’s legs and pushed them higher, then leaned forward and dipped his tongue into Sev’s crack, which gained him a whispered curse.

  “Such language,” Casey admonished, then spread Sev’s cheeks and pushed in deep, the oil easing the way.

  “I can’t hold back,” Sev whimpered.

  Casey pulled back and smiled. “So don’t. Shifters have a higher sex drive. I’m sure you’ll be able to go again. And again. Besides, what I have planned, you may want to take the edge off.”

  Then he speared Sev with his tongue once again as he worked a finger into Sev’s ass. Sev cried out and spasms rocked his body. Casey’s fingers slid through the warm spend on Sev’s chest, which he used to further lube Sev’s ass, then returned to slide two fingers into his mate. He wasn’t surprised to find Sev’s cock still hard.

  Casey rubbed a bit more of the oil over his own engorged shaft before positioning himself. Sev gripped his arms as Casey moved forward, breaching the tight ring of muscle. Casey moaned as he sank into Sev, who gripped him in a tightness and warmth Casey’d never known before.

  “You feel so right,” Sev groaned.

  “I can’t believe this,” Casey replied. “I don’t know what this is, but it’s not sex.”

  “It’s love, my mate. Open your senses and you’ll see the truth.”

  Casey began thrusting slowly, feeling every bit that he was being pulled into Sev’s body.

  “Open your mind, Casey.”

  He stared into the deep inky depths and gasped. He could feel Sev. Not just his body. Their hearts were twining together as spirit and body became one.

  “What’s happening?” Casey managed to ask.

  “We are becoming one heart, one mind, and one soul. If you don’t want this, now is your only chance to stop.”

  Casey slammed in deep, dragging a sharp breath from Sev. “Never wanted anything more. This is amazing. I know what you’re feeling. How your body reacts to mine.”

  “It’s only the beginning,” Sev promised, panting heavily. “When we’re done, our bodies will be as one. Our hearts will accept no other. This is forever.”

  The words were like an aphrodisiac to Casey who began to thrust harder, his lust driven to new depths at his ability to feel what Sev did. Deeper layers of emotions cascaded over him, rocking Casey to his very core.

  “I can feel you straining, Casey. Let loose. Let our essences merge.”

  Casey cried out and thrust in once more, trembling at the overwhelming sensations that flooded him. Sev was being imprinted on him on every level, and Casey welcomed it. Now he could not only see the love on his mate’s face, he could feel it in his heart.

  Casey withdrew slowly, pulling free of Sev’s body, and a pang of regret seared through him. He would have been happy to stay linked that way forever. But he still had one more thing he needed to take care of. He pulled the stopper from the oil again and drizzled it over Sev’s still erect cock. Sev groaned as Casey’s fingers stroked him, thrusting up to meet him on each pump. He whined in protest when Casey took his hand away.

  “Shh. I’m not going to waste a perfectly good boner,” he told Sev. He sucked in a deep breath, then rolled over onto his back, gripping his thighs and lifting.

  “I want to feel you in me. Just go slow, okay?”

  ***

  Sev stared at his mate. He’d never expected this would happen. He wasn’t going to ask, and he thought Casey would never offer.

  “Are you sure?” He cursed his hesitation. They were bonded now, and he could feel Casey wanted this, despite his nervousness.

  “Yeah, I’m sure.” Casey’s words held more desire than fear.

  Sev loved Casey’s body. He’d changed in the time he’d been in the enclave. He had been working hard, and his efforts showed. His body was toned and muscled, not as powerful as the Protector, but he was still a force to be reckoned with. That he was giving himself over to Sev was a wondrous thing.

  Sev prepared Casey slowly. He took his time playing with Casey’s hole, teasing it, lapping at it, until Casey writhed and clutched at the blankets. When Casey was able to accept three fingers, Sev took him. Casey quickly adapted to Sev, as a mate should. He began pushing up to meet Sev’s thrusts, begging for more. Sev gave his beloved everything he could, slamming in deep over and over. Casey cried out his name, which was all Sev needed to hear. He began spending inside Casey, loving the way the tight muscle milked him.

  They curled up in each other’s arms in front of the fire, sharing kisses and soft strokes. Neither had to say anything. They simply reveled in the depth of their feelings for one another.

  ***

  The dawn of a new day broke with bright sun and sore butts. Casey snickered as Sev sat gingerly on the hardwood bench, wincing as he did. His laugh faded when he tried to sit, too, and realized how strenuous their nighttime activities had been.

  “Okay, maybe I should make the cream I gave to Zak in bulk, because I’m thinking we’re going to be needing it.”

  Sev smiled broadly. “If you prefer, I would be willing to receive your pleasure.”

  Casey’s cheeks heated and he stood to turn away from Sev’s loving gaze. “If it’s all the same to you, I think we should keep doing it the way we did last night. It was weird, but I won’t ever say I didn’t enjoy it. Well, I won’t go into the enclave proclaiming my love of it, but…you know.”

  Sev’s arms encircled Casey. “I enjoyed it, too. Much more than I thought possible. I never expected my mate to be male, but when I saw you, I realized I was the luckiest man in the world to have one such as you.”

  Sev kissed the back of Casey’s neck, snickering at the goose bumps that shot up. Strong arms spun Casey around and Sev claimed his mouth. Gentle hands cradled Casey’s bare butt and pulled him in tight.

  “When I saw you on my doorstep, I felt the same attraction. I didn’t know what it was, but I tried to pass it off as loneliness and being perpetually horny, but when I touched you, a surge of something passed through me. I don’t know how all this works, and I don’t re
ally care. You’re mine, I’m yours. Nothing else matters.”

  Casey stroked his hands down Sev’s sides, marveling at the sinewy muscle. So very different from a woman, but every bit as beautiful. He was about to say as much when a loud rapping at the door interrupted them. They darted for the bedroom and gathered their clothes.

  “Sev! Sev! I need you!”

  The panic in Vadim’s voice was evident. They rushed for the door just as Vadim pushed it open. “It’s Mikhail. He’s sick,” he choked out.

  Sev took off at a full run before Casey could grab his bag. When he arrived at the hut, he found Sev cradling Mikhail in his arms. The boy was pale, his breathing ragged. His eyes had rolled back in his head, and only the whites showed. Tremors rocked his body as he gasped for his next breath.

  One of Zak’s servants stood nearby, fluttering her hands. “I don’t know what’s wrong. He was fine, then he fell to the floor. He didn’t say he was sick. What happened to him?”

  She leveled her gaze on Casey, imploring him to console her. “I don’t know. I need you to go find Zak. Tell him I need him and Jake here right away.”

  She hurried from the house, calling for their Alpha, even though she was still a distance from his compound. Casey knelt next to Mikhail, opened his satchel, and grabbed a small clay pot. He pulled the lid and the scent of menthol filled the air. He dabbed his fingers into the container and wiped some viscous gel under Mikhail’s nose.

  “It should help him breathe easier,” he said to no one in particular. He dug through his bag, mixing ground herbs into a small glass dish to which he then added some of the gel and a bit of water, swirling them around until the liquid turned a greenish tint. “Sev, I need you to hold his mouth open. He’s got to drink this and you have to help me get it into him.”

  Sev clutched Mikhail’s jaw and pulled down. Casey drizzled the cool liquid at the same time as he massaged Mikhail’s throat. Mikhail coughed and choked, but Casey managed to get enough down to satisfy him. “It’s a natural muscle relaxant. It’s going to help him sleep until we figure out what’s wrong.”