Mating Brand: 3 (Mating Heat) (10 page)

He tore open drawers, removed a T-shirt and threw it at the
bed. A pair of drawstring shorts followed. He walked to his cousin, slapped a
hand over the curve of his shoulder and pushed him forward into the hallway. He
would have closed the door but it was broken from Braden’s entry. He settled
for pulling it near the busted frame to give Charma some privacy.

“What did I say about not coming up here?”

Braden sighed, turned his head and met his gaze. “I’m sorry,
man. I really thought you were in trouble. It sounded like all hell was
breaking loose.”

Brand released him. “I appreciate the concern but as you
could see, the only one in danger is you.”

“Me?” Confusion clouded Braden’s features before he stumbled
back a few steps. “Hey, that’s not funny. I thought I was coming to the rescue.”

“Tell you what, don’t do it again unless I yell your name.”

“Your neck is bleeding.”

Brand grinned. “I know.”

“Freak.” Braden backed up more. “You let her bite you? Really?”
He stared at the marks. “She’s got smooth teeth? I thought she was half
shifter.”

“She’s my mate.” He touched the tender spots. “Wait until
she’s in heat.” His grin spread. “It’s the only time she grows fangs.”

“She doesn’t totally shift?”

“Nope.”

“I guess that’s good. I mean, that would be too weird if you
tried to fuck out of skin. I don’t even think that would be possible. It would
be—”

“Shut up. You’re rambling.”

“Sorry.” Braden sniffed. “Lucky bastard,” he whispered. “I
need to go to the running. I need a woman.”

“No, you’re not going.”

“My hand is tired and you only gave me three porn videos. I’ve
watched them a dozen times.”

“Switch up. Remember what I told you? It will help you keep
your muscle tone balanced in both your arms.”

“That’s not funny, damn it. You’re getting some. Why can’t
I? I’m—”

“Not going out,” Brand ordered him. “Rave specifically told
me to keep you in. Charma said the prides have called a joining.”

“What the hell is that? It sounds kinky.”

“It’s where the prides get together to pool their resources
and they plan to attack us tomorrow night.”

“No shit? Why would they do that? It’s stupid.”

“They are angry that we took Shannon back and killed some of
their males in the process.”

“They shouldn’t have taken her.”

“I agree.”

“They were going to do some seriously fucked-up shit to her.
That’s not cool. Only a douche bag would force a woman.”

“The prides are angry that we killed them. They don’t know
it’s mating heat and probably the worst time ever to pull this stunt. Charma
came to warn us. She thinks they will hit town tomorrow but you’re not going
anywhere without me. That’s why you’ve got to stay inside.”

“Fine but I can handle some pussies.”

“They are sending a few dozen and I’m betting they’ll stick
together. They know we’d win in a fair fight.”

“Great.” Braden grinned. “I can at least fight if I can’t
fuck.”

“I hear you, man. I was really happy to get the call there
was trouble in town.”

“You should have taken me with you.”

“There wasn’t time and besides, you’re the baby.”

“Screw you.” He frowned. “I’m twenty-five years old.”

“I know, Braden, but that’s young. You’re still learning how
to control your aggression and it’s so much worse now. We sometimes need to
knock some heads together but you might end up killing someone by accident.
Trust me when I say you have no idea how easy it is to lose control.”

Braden hesitated. “Your back?”

“My back,” he confirmed, turning enough to show his cousin
the scars. “This was youth and stupidity. I’m lucky to be alive after taking on
that group of rogues. I’d have been dog food if Rave hadn’t shown up when he
did.”

“Fine, but can I at least have more porn flicks?”

“Hang on. I’ll grab my favorite five. I kept those for
myself.” He grinned widely. “I don’t need them anymore. I have a mate.”

“Fuck you,” Braden muttered. “No need to rub it in. I can
smell how hot she is and it’s torture. I swear I’m going to find a girlfriend
before next year so I don’t have to go through this heat alone ever again.”

“You’re too immature to mate.”

“I said a girlfriend, not a mate. I don’t want one of those
until I at least try to have a long-term relationship first.”

Brand snorted. “Good luck finding a real girlfriend. The
women you spend time with are into screwing almost every guy in our pack and
all the surrounding ones. They aren’t settle-down types if you want to try your
hand at a monogamous relationship. In other words, that stunt you pulled
playing stripper wrecked your chances of any serious woman giving you the time
of day. You mocked the system by fucking those three women at that party. No
one is going to forget that any time soon.”

“They were hot and depressed. I just wanted to cheer them
up.”

“They were promised to mate guys from other packs but you
still had sex with them. You’re lucky it didn’t get you killed.”

“Yeah but it was really fun and I was right. I could totally
handle three women at once.” Braden grinned. “And they weren’t mated yet. I
thought they might enjoy a last fling. I saved them money by providing my body
to them at that send-off party. I can dance and strip at the same time. Did you
know some guys actually charge money to do that shit? I totally want that job.”

“And that’s why you’re single. It was wrong, Braden. Their
families made those alliances, yet you put them at risk. Never touch a woman
promised to someone else. You screwed three of them in the same night.”

“I did.” He grinned, holding up three fingers. “You’re just
a little jealous that I could have that kind of stamina.”

“Wrong. You’re missing the damn point. You shamed the entire
family.”

Braden’s cheerful expression changed to one of seriousness. “I
get it. My bad but that wasn’t my intent. They weren’t happy when their parents
made those agreements. They didn’t love those guys and they wanted to rebel a
little. They needed to have a little fun and I gave them an outlet to do both.
Would you have preferred they spent that night crying and being miserable? You’re
judging something you don’t understand.”

A hint of pain glimmering in his cousin’s gaze surprised
Brand. “Talk to me without the usual act you put on for everyone then. What did
happen that night besides you fucking them, if it wasn’t you just being
irresponsible?”

“I knew those girls. They were my friends. They got a raw
deal so I showed up at Carmen’s house to wish them luck with their new lives.
It was just the three of them having a pity party. You can’t imagine how much
ice cream depressed chicks can put away.”

“Ice cream?” Brand hadn’t expected that.

“They’d been crying, empty ice cream cartons were all over
the coffee table and it broke my heart, man. You should be allowed to mate
someone you love, not because your parents were lured by money. That’s what it
boiled down to. Carmen’s old man sold her to the Carlton Pack for a new truck
because they’re short on women there. Tina and Mandy were traded to the Bolt Pack
because they promised their parents a vacation home near a lake and welcome
access to the territory. Someone thought it would be cool to mate their twin
sons to a set of twin girls. How fucked is that? They had no say in the matter.”

“It isn’t right but they could have gone to Uncle Elroy and
asked him to stop those matings if the girls were dead-set against it.”

“My mom ruled on the decisions concerning the girls.” Braden
looked disgusted. “She made it clear their lives would be hell if they stayed
and made waves. She didn’t want them around in case I or my brothers took an
interest in them. They were from poor families, not good enough for her
precious boys. I love my mother but she’s the ultimate bitch. We wanted to get
even and have fun at the same time. Mission accomplished. Tell me that any
family considering trading their daughters for profit won’t think about what
happened that night and worry about a repeat. We sent a message that no one will
forget. It’s not acceptable to force matings and there should be consequences
when it happens. I brought shame to my family and they did the same to theirs,
which was deserved. That was the damn point, Brand.”

Brand understood. He wouldn’t have gone to that length to
make a point but he respected his cousin on a new level. Payback was something
he could relate to. “Were you the one to think up that plan?”

“Mandy did.” Braden grinned. “She said their old man would
be too afraid to sell off their younger sisters if she and Tina were to set an
example of how to throw a proper send-off party. It also gave them some
protection because their new mates would be afraid to hurt them since we’d
become intimate friends. Our family is known for kicking some ass to protect
the people we care about. Carmen just wanted to piss off her dad and I could
relate. Mom hit the roof. You know how she feels about us doing anything she
didn’t approve of.”

Brand shook his head but was amused. “Your heart and dick
were in the right place, huh? I won’t bust your balls anymore about that night.”

“Speaking of balls, let me go to the runnings. I’ll be
careful.”

“It’s too dangerous. Sorry. Hang on while I grab those
movies. That’s the best I can do for you. Don’t enter my room again unless I
actually yell for you.”

“Got it.”

Charma grinned as Brand held out the spoon. “Seriously?”

He wiggled it in front of her mouth. “Take a bite. You’re
too thin. I bought chocolate ice cream and brownies. Eat.”

“You put them all together and this is lunch? Really?”

His gaze dropped to her waist. “I miss those curves.”

“I’m going to get them back if you keep feeding me this way.
This morning I thought the pancakes with chocolate chips and chocolate syrup
was over the top but this is junk food on a whole new level. I’m not a full
shifter, you know. My human side is going to pack on the weight.”

“Good. You shouldn’t be this thin. You need to gain at least
forty pounds.”

“I really missed you, Brand. Have I said that enough? Most
guys want model types. You sure don’t.”

“I want you happy and you’re sexy when you’re all curvy and
plush. I’m afraid I’m going to break you. I can feel your bones.”

The phone rang and he sighed, handing her the utensil. “Hang
on. I have to get that. I’ve been expecting the pack to contact me.”

“Will they be angry about me being here?”

“No. This will concern what to do about the prides.”

Charma watched him stride quickly to the wall and answer the
phone. She couldn’t stare at him enough. Sleeping in his arms had been pure
heaven the night before and the amount of sex he needed was over the top. Her
muscles ached but she wasn’t going to complain.

“Okay.” He paused. “Right. I’ll be there.” He hung up and
turned. “That was Rave. He and his brothers are holding an emergency pack
meeting at my uncle’s house. A few strangers were spotted on the outer edges of
town and from the smell of them, your pride has reached us. They are probably
waiting until darkness falls to attack but just in case, don’t leave the house.”

“I would be too afraid to do that,” she admitted. “I’ll
never forget last night. I thought those wolves were going to tear me out of
the car and rip me to shreds.”

Rage twisted his features. “Fuck. That’s another thing that
is going to be taken care of today. It won’t ever happen again once the pack is
informed you’re my mate. We have a lot of wolves visiting from nearby areas but
they’ll immediately take off to avoid being dragged into a war. Word will
spread fast that the runnings have been canceled and why.”

“What is that?”

He hesitated.

Charma studied him. He obviously didn’t want to answer her. “What
is a running? Some werewolf thing? Do you shift and all run together?”

“Um…”

The door to the basement jerked open and Braden stepped into
the kitchen. He glanced at Charma, grinning. “At this time of year, it’s when
all the single wolves get naked and fuck like mad in the woods during mating
heat.” He glanced at his cousin. “I heard your conversation as I came up the
stairs. We’re going to a pack meeting at Dad’s? Is that what you said? I’m
dressed and dying to go somewhere. No offense but your basement is making me
claustrophobic.”

The information of what a running was settled into Charma
and her gaze fixed on Brand. He avoided looking at her, instead glaring at his
cousin. It suddenly became clear why he hadn’t wanted to answer her question.
The image of Brand out there running with a bunch of female wolves to have sex
made her lose her appetite. She wondered how many of his pack bitches he knew
intimately.

“Yeah,” Brand growled. “We’re going to your dad’s house. Go
wait for me in the truck.”

Braden frowned. “Why are you angry? You don’t want to leave
your mate? I get that.”

Charma cleared her throat. “I think it’s because you just
answered a question he was avoiding.”

Braden paled. He glanced between her and Brand, inched away
from his cousin and winced. “Sorry. You didn’t want her to know? Shit.” He put
more distance between them. “Hey, he hasn’t gone in a few years. That’s good
news, right? He got sick of women coming after him for all the wrong reasons.”

“Shut up,” Brand rumbled. “Now.”

“What?” Braden got closer to Charma, putting her between him
and Brand. “I’ve got your back. She won’t be angry if I explain it to her. He’s
the nephew of the pack alpha and a lot of women try to lure him into mating to
challenge for the leadership of their packs. He inherited the strength of the
bloodline and all the traits of an alpha. He’s too loyal to our family, though,
choosing to be an enforcer here rather than kill another alpha to take over his
territory. He’s a great guy but the women don’t care about that. It’s just his
bloodline they want and his strength.”

“Shut up,” Brand warned, taking a threatening step forward. “You’re
digging a hole and don’t even know it.”

“I’m not. I goofed up and I’m clearing the air. Most women
from our pack won’t consider mating with him while my older brothers are
single. They are hoping they’ll hook up with them instead but other packs would
be thrilled to have Brand. He got tired of women trying to use him. That’s why
he stopped going. They’d hound him for months afterward if he fucked any of
them. He’s a prime catch for some bitches.”

“Shut up!” Brand snarled, his fangs elongating.

Charma rose from her chair and frowned. “Calm down.”

“He’s upsetting you.”

“I’m fine. You beating on your cousin, though, will upset
me. I hate to clean up blood.”

“I just told her you haven’t gone to the runnings in years.
He usually holes up with one bitch or hides in his house until it’s over. He
doesn’t even keep a girlfriend for long.”

“Shut up.” Brand lunged.

Charma stepped into his path and her palms flattened on his
chest to hold him in place. She turned her head to shoot Braden a pleading
look. “Go wait in the truck and seal your lips.”

He fled, the door slamming behind him. Brand’s body trembled
against her hands as she gave him her full attention. She had to tilt her head
back to peer at his face. He grimly regarded her.

“I’m sorry.”

She rubbed him. “For what?”

“You shouldn’t have heard about that.”

“You had sex while we were apart. I’m just grateful you didn’t
mate anyone. It would break my heart to see you with someone else and not be
able to be with you. It worked out, didn’t it?”

His hands gripped her hips. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever
loved, hon.”

“You’re the only man I’ve ever loved. It doesn’t matter.
Your runnings are over though.” She smiled to soften her words. “That would
upset me.”

“Never. You’re it for me.”

“We’re fine then.”

“I’m your mate. I’d never want another.”

She leaned into him and dropped her chin. Her cheek rested
against his chest. He hugged her and placed a kiss on top of her head.

“I’m not him.”

“I know.”

It amazed her that Brand would guess she had thought about
Garrett and how he’d cheated. She’d driven him to it but it had still shocked
her at first. She hadn’t been hurt, though, more relieved that he’d sought out
physical release with other women. The thought of Brand touching someone else
made pain sear through her heart.

“I’ll send Braden without me and stay here with you. They
don’t really need me at the meeting.”

“No. You should go. I’ll be fine and this is about your
pack. That’s important.” She pulled away enough to meet his intense gaze. “Call
me if you have any questions about the prides. I’d offer to come along but I’m
kind of afraid to do that.”

“It’s
our
pack now, yours too, and after this meeting
you’ll be safe anywhere you go within our territory. I’ll make damn sure of
that and my cousins will back me.”

“Are you sure?” It worried her still that his pack might not
accept her.

“Positive. Grady married a full human and Anton mated a
quarter-puma.” He grinned. “Now we have a half-breed spotted leopard in the
family. We’re going to gain a reputation for being a totally cool pack. All we
need now is a bear shifter and I’m thinking Braden should volunteer for that.”

“Don’t bears hate everyone? I heard stories that they eat
our kind.”

“Yes.” He chuckled. “That’s why I think Braden should go
find one to bring home. He’ll be on toast the first time he pisses her off, which
shouldn’t take too long.”

She laughed, shook her head and pulled out of his arms. “He’s
young and his intentions were good.”

“I’ll try to remember that. Lock the door and don’t answer
it. I’ll be back soon. Get the phone if it rings.”

“I will.”

He leaned down to kiss her lips. “I’ll be home real soon. I
can’t be away for long.” He growled softly and a hungry look filled his gaze as
it traveled down her body. “I’m already hurting for you.”

“I’ll eat and wait for you on the bed.” She backed away. “Naked.”

A pained look crossed his handsome features. “Now I’m really
hurting. Damn, hon, don’t torment me while I’m in heat. I’ll hurry. Lock the
door.” He spun on his heel and left the house.

* * * * *

Brand shot dirty looks at Braden the entire trip to the Harris
Pack alpha house. “You don’t speak to my mate of such things,” he ordered.

“I’m sorry.” His cousin shifted a little closer to the door
to keep space between them. “Where’s your sense of humor? Gaining a mate has
made you kind of a dick.”

“You could have hurt her feelings. I didn’t want her to know
about the runnings. It’s not cool to discuss fucking other women in front of
your mate.”

“She would have heard the truth from someone at some point.
She didn’t seem angry.”

“You’re lucky.” Brand slowed the truck and parked behind a
line of vehicles near the driveway. “Just don’t talk when you’re around her.”

“Really? I’m living in your basement.”

Brand growled softly. “Fine. Just don’t discuss sex with
her, or bitches, and take hints when I shoot a glare your way. That means shut
your trap.”

“I’m sure cats have runnings.”

“You’d be wrong.” Brand jerked on the handle and slid out of
his truck. “The females can take pills to stop the heat. They only allow it to
happen when they are with someone they trust or when they’re already mated. It’s
frowned upon if they get pregnant otherwise.”

“Tell it to those pussies who wanted to hurt Shannon.”

“Only prides with low birthrates are willing to do that
breeding-for-litters bullshit and from what I heard, they force the half-breed mothers
to give up those babies to barren full-blooded women to raise.”

“That’s some fucked-up shit.”

“Agreed. Just watch your mouth around Charma and remember
that she’s different from us.”

“Fine.”

They walked side by side to the front door. Braden opened it
and stalked inside first. The scent of pack filled the entire house and it didn’t
surprise Brand that they’d met in the large living room instead of going
downstairs to hold their usual family meetings. He nodded at his packmates but
ignored the shocked expressions as they got a whiff of him. He’d expected the
scent of Charma to draw plenty of attention.

Rave met his gaze across the room. He watched his cousin
sniff the air and a grin spread across his face. “Glad you dragged your ass out
of bed.”

Grady walked out of the kitchen with a beer in his hand. His
head snapped in Brand’s direction and then his eyebrows lifted.

“Charma came home to me.”

“The spotted leopard from college?” A smile curved Grady’s
lips. “I heard something about her from Rave.”

“She’s not leaving me a second time.” He lifted his chin to
level a fierce look at the faces around the room. “She’s my mate. Got it?
Anyone have a problem with that? Say so now and I’ll kill you before the
meeting starts.”

“We welcome your mate so don’t slaughter anyone.” Anton’s
deep voice resonated as he entered the room carrying a big tray of food. “Congratulations.
Tell her thanks for the heads-up on the pride threat.” He shot a menacing look
around the room. “Is everyone cool with she-cats as protected mates in our
pack? If not, step outside to get your ass kicked. You can pick who you want to
fight but there will be no killings. I’d hate to get stains on Dad’s carpet so
we definitely will take it to the backyard. There’s a hose out there to wash
away the blood.”

No one spoke or moved toward the door. Brand relaxed. He’d
never worried that his cousins would have a problem with Charma but the other
wolves were another matter. Some of them were older, set in their ways, and
cats were considered to be the enemy, no exceptions made. He had a suspicion
that some weren’t cool with it but they were too afraid to protest. They’d get
their asses handed to them by a Harris family member.

Anton placed the tray on the coffee table and moved to sit
in a chair by the fireplace, apparently relaxed. Brand knew better. His cousin’s
eyes were solemn, his fingers clawed a little on the arms of the chair. He took
a seat on the couch opposite him.

“We have pride males lurking outside of town and they think
they can take us.” Anton leaned forward a little. His cold smile didn’t reach
his eyes and his voice was gruff. “The runnings are officially canceled. Spread
the word to your family and neighbors. Any visitors we have need to leave. It’s
too dangerous to be caught unaware that way. I want them gone, even if they
offer to stay. The last thing we need are other packs pissed that they lost
some of their own in our war. Turn your cell phones on and keep them close. I’m
ordering families to go to house lockdown. The more family members in one home,
the better. If you scent cat, call for help. We’ll be there with the enforcers
immediately.”

Raymond Borl protested. “I don’t want my son-by-mate fucking
my daughter under my roof. That’s why they have their own home.”

“Would you prefer to hear she was killed when they were
slaughtered at their home?” Grady crossed his arms over his chest. “We’re
better off staying in large numbers since I’m sure those pride males will
attack en masse. They would be stupid to separate into smaller groups to come
at us.”