Mating Mal Read online

  Maddie turned her sweet blue eyes on Nick. “I expect you to call me Aunt Maddie, honey.” She didn’t wait for Nick to respond before wrapping her arms around Nick in a fierce hug. “I heard you’ve had a rough time of it. Well you’re safe now and home where you belong.”

  ****

  “Thank you, um, Aunt Maddie.” Nick gave her an awkward pat on the back. He wasn’t used to people he didn’t know grabbing him and hugging him or in Aunt Maddie’s case, squeezing him half to death. It wasn’t a bad thing, just weird and unexpected. Maddie was an attractive, older woman of average height and shoulder-length blonde hair interspersed with strands of silver. She had a warm smile and smelled like snickerdoodles.

  Maddie let him go and gave him a knowing look. “You’ll get used to us. We’re a huggy bunch. Just go with it.”

  “We all want to be Maddie when we grow up. Don’t we Fee?” Said the pretty, curvy redhead standing next to one of the men Declan scolded earlier. From the look of him, Nick knew he had to be one of Mal’s brothers. The woman turned her bright violent eyes on Nick and held out her hand. “I’m Cathy, Paul’s mate―” She indicated the man next to her. “―and Mal’s sister-in-law. I think you met my son Luke already.”

  He took her hand and shook it. “I did. Nice to meet you, Cathy.”

  “Did Mal tell you about our wedding next week?”

  “Oh, yes, he did, and it was nice of you to invite Leo and I, but we don’t want to intrude. I mean we just met and…”

  “Nope.” Cathy waved off Nick’s lame protests. “Don’t even. You’re coming. No arguments.”

  “Just say yes. She’s got that sassy redheaded temper that is both amusing and frightening.” A tall, pretty, Hispanic woman in a sheriff’s deputy uniform advised him as she joined them and stood next to Cathy. She put out her hand. “I’m Jennifer, Kell and Gunnar’s mate.” She pointed at the former then the latter. “And Mal’s other sister-in-law.”

  Nick shook her hand as they exchanged introductions. He glanced at each woman. They were kind and welcoming. The women were unique and had strong personalities, which, it seemed to Nick, their mates encouraged. Fiona was an older version of her daughter with big dark eyes and long wavy dark brown hair interspersed with chunky purple highlights. She was about five feet tall with a bold, larger-than-life attitude. Cathy could only be described as curvalicious. She rocked her hour-glass figure with confidence. She was beautiful and reminded Nick of Christina Hendricks. Jennifer was gorgeous, tall, and fit. Nick figured people often underestimated her because of her looks. He’d bet money that under all that glam was a true badass. She gave off an if you fuck with me I’ll cut you vibe that had nothing to do with her uniform.

  Gunnar tucked Jennifer into his side. “Welcome to the family, Nick.” He held out his hand pulling Nick from his musings. “You’ll find Copper Creek is quite the special place.”

  Nick sniffed the air taking in Gunnar’s scent. “You’re the hybrid.” He winced he hadn’t meant to blurt it out like that. He mentally rolled his eyes. A hello first would have been nice, spaz.

  “Yes, I’m the hybrid,” Gunnar replied with a smirk. “Don’t worry, I’m not insulted. I get enough shit from these three arseholes.” He pointed at Mal and his brothers. “I can handle anything.”

  “Declan?” Kell clutched his hands to his chest and sent Declan a pleading look. “Can we talk to him now? Pretty please. Paul and I will be good-ish.”

  Nick bit his lips to keep from laughing when the pack’s six and half foot, two hundred and fifty-pound head enforcer poked out his lower lip in a pout that would make a thirteen-year-old girl proud.

  Declan nodded then rolled his eyes at Kell’s triumphant smile. Kell turned his assessing gaze on Nick. His calculating expression made Nick squirm. Kell leaned in and sniffed. “Huh.” He glanced over his shoulder and frowned at Paul. “He’s just a wolf. With him being smaller than the average wolf shifter I expected more, didn’t you? Something cool like sea monkeys or something.” He shook his head in disappointment.

  Nick’s body went rigid when Kell mentioned his size. Familiar feelings of anger, inadequacy, and defensiveness reared their ugly heads.

  Mal took Nick’s hand and gave it a little squeeze grounding him then Mal reached out with his free hand and smacked his older brother on the back of the head. “Sea monkeys aren’t real, moron.”

  Kell crossed his arms over his chest and nodded vigorously. “Sea monkeys are real, thank you very much,” he argued while looking down his nose at Mal. “I had some when I was a kid, remember?”

  While Mal and his brother traded barbs, Nick focused his attention on the men in the room starting with Kell. He studied the enforcer’s mannerism and eyes. He didn’t detect the normal aggression and intimidation bullies wore like a second skin. In fact, Nick saw the exact opposite. There was kindness in the Kell’s smile, humor in his eyes, and he exuded gentleness and love for his family. Nick turned his attention to the others and saw more of the same. Earlier, Mal and Cade’s exchange caught Nick off guard, and he hadn’t known how to act or what to say. Now that his mind wasn’t clouded by nerves and old memories he saw their banter and jibes for what they were, good old-fashioned fuckery. Nick found their playful childish antics amusing. He pictured them as children wreaking havoc on pack land without an ounce of remorse. Mal had said he and his brothers were extremely close. Nick was moved by how easily they included him―an outsider―in their teasing.

  “Weren’t sea monkeys just brine shrimp?” A shorter version of Jennifer asked. She held out her hand. “I’m Lada. Their daughter.” She pointed at Jennifer, Kell and Gunnar.

  Nick moved to take her hand, but Kell grabbed Lada, tucked her under his arm, and gave her a noogie. “Nobody likes a smarty pants, squirt.”

  She swatted at him, giggling the whole time. “Don’t be a hater, Dad.”

  Kell released her with a loud smacking kiss on her cheek. The love he felt for Lada was tangible and it hit Nick hard reminding him of all he’d lost. Of all Leo had lost. Sudden pain lanced his chest, and he blinked back tears. It hurt knowing he’d never have this with his family. Damn, he missed them.

  Mal wrapped an arm around his shoulder and tucked Nick into his side. “Could y’all excuse us for a minute?” He said then led Nick from the room not bothering to wait for a response.

  “Do you want me to take the baby for you, Mal?” Fiona called out.

  “No thanks, short stack. I got him,” Mal said over his shoulder. “Come with me, baby.” Nick followed along as Mal escorted him down the hallway to a family room.

  Mal led them over to the sofa and Nick sat as close to him as possible. He rested his head against Mal’s shoulder, pressing his forehead to Mal’s neck. He grinned when he realized the way Leo positioned his body while he slept on Mal was identical to the one Nick used to cuddle him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to get all emotional.” He sniffed.

  Mal kissed the top of his head. “Don’t ever apologize for how you feel. You’re entitled to your grief. Just try not to get snot on my shirt.”

  “Ew. Gross.” Nick snorted a laugh.

  “Want to tell me what triggered you?”

  “Watching Kell interact with Lada made me miss my family.” Mal ran his fingers through Nick’s hair, soothing him. “Summer and Daniel couldn’t contain their love for Leo either. He’ll never know that because all I have is a measly photograph of them for Leo. It’s all I could grab.”

  “Once we’ve dealt with your uncle and the other assholes who killed your family, we’ll go to Arkansas and collect whatever you want. I don’t care if it’s everything in your whole fucking house.”

  “All I want are the mementos that belonged to my parents. Summer and Daniel had a few things they would want me to pass on to Leo. Summer’s laptop because there are pictures and videos on it of them and Leo.” A horrible thought struck him. “What if my uncle had Brody take everything or ordered him to burn the house down? How will Leo know how muc
h Summer and Daniel loved him?” The image of having lost every tangible link to his family filled his mind and sent another wave of pain through Nick.

  “Let’s not think worst case scenario. Okay? Burning the house would draw too much attention.” Mal hugged him tightly to his side and kissed his temple. “Keep your hope alive until we know different. If, and it’s a big if, there is nothing left Leo will know how much his parents loved him, because you will tell him.”

  Nick pushed himself upright and wiped away his tears. He took a steadying breath. “Yeah, hope. I can that.” He gazed into Mal’s eyes. “Thank you for talking me off the ledge.”

  “No need to thank me, baby.” Mal took his hand and entwined their fingers. “You feel up to staying for dinner? We can always bail.”

  Nick shook his head. “Leaving would be rude.” He nodded his head at Leo. “You’re good with him.”

  Mal glanced down at Leo and shrugged. “I’m just glad he likes me.”

  “I think it’s more than like. He loved you right off.” Nick took Leo’s little socked foot in his hand, caressing the arch with his thumb. “I love him so much, Mal. I want him safe and happy.”

  “He will be, Nico. I promise you.” Mal’s fierce expression made him believe he and Leo would be free of his Uncle Craden one day.

  Once Nick felt more emotionally steady he let Mal escort him back to the kitchen. No one mentioned his little breakdown, and he was grateful for it. He couldn’t handle it if they treated him with pity or, Fates forbid, questioned his mental state. That’s Nick. He’s happy one minute, sad the next, and possibly two seconds away from a thorazine drip.

  “Oh, good, I’m glad y’all are back,” Maddie said as she fluttered around the kitchen, filling serving bowls and platters. “Terry―she’s my daughter-in-law―” She explained for his benefit. “―and my boys are gathering supplies for little Leo. So far they’ve amassed a crib, changing table, rocking chair, dresser, diapers, extra clothes, bedding, baby monitor, and a few other toys and things.”

  Nick’s mouth dropped open in shock. So far? What else did Leo need? He was six months old for Fates sake. “I have supplies for Leo that will last us awhile. They didn’t have to go to all that trouble.”

  Maddie walked over and patted his cheek. “Honey, of course they did. That’s what family does. We take care of each other. You will let me know if you need anything else, you hear?” She cocked an eyebrow that said she meant business and he better obey. “No arguments. Just nod that you understand and agree.” He nodded. “What about formula and baby food?”

  “I have plenty,” He assured her.

  She planted her hands on her hips. “That’s not what I asked. Write down what type Leo prefers.” She indicated the note pad and pen on the counter. “I’ll go to the store and pick up more tomorrow.” She cocked an eyebrow. “Nod and write,” she ordered.

  Nick did as he was told. Maddie reminded Nick of his own mother. Abigail Speer had been a no nonsense type of woman. A true force of nature, fierce and strong, yet infinitely kind and loving.

  Maddie turned her attention to Mal. “I have a few casseroles in the freezer and a couple of containers of baked goodies to take with you when you go home. Don’t forget them.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Thank you, Aunt Maddie.” Mal kissed her cheek.

  “You’re welcome, my boy.” She ran her hand over Leo’s fuzzy blond hair. “You take good care of my new nephew and great-nephew, Malcolm Creed. I expect you to come by the house in a few days so your uncles and I can spend time with them and spoil them until your mom and dads get back.” She shot Mal a look that said it was an order not a suggestion.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I’m heading out. Fiona, Cathy, and Jennifer said they have everything here under control. I’m heading to Amelia’s. She’s gathering some of Jonah’s old baby clothes.” She hugged Nick and kissed Leo’s fuzzy head. “It was so nice meeting you, Nick. You make sure you get some rest.” She glared at Mal. “He needs sleep, Malcolm. Not a mate who can’t control himself. Don’t forget your food when you leave.”

  They watched Maggie conduct her goodbye tour. She bestowed hugs on Declan and Cade.

  “Who’s Amelia?” Nick asked.

  “Declan and Cade’s baby sister.”

  Nick nodded fighting a smirk. He glanced at Mal out of the corner of his eye. “Did she just tell you to keep it in your pants?”

  Maggie stopped at the table and kissed Emma Grace, Luke, and Jay goodbye.

  Mal let out a breath. “Yep.”

  She tossed them a wave on her way out the door

  Chapter 8

  They made their way over to the table and Fiona met them halfway wearing a hopeful expression. She nodded her head towards Leo. “May I hold him?”

  Mal looked at him with raised eyebrows silently asking Nick’s permission to hand Leo over. His heart warmed at Mal’s consideration for his feelings as Leo’s guardian, but he shouldn’t have worried. They were mates and that meant they shared everything equally including decisions regarding Leo’s safety and care. He knew Mal wouldn’t allow any harm to come to Leo. “It’s up to you, Mal.”

  “Yeah?” Nick nodded. Mal’s mouth twisted as he considered his options. “I guess I can let him go for a few minutes.”

  “How generous.” Fiona rolled her eyes. Mal gently transferred Leo into Fiona’s arms. She snuggled the little cub to her chest. She pressed her nose to the baby’s head and breathed in. “Oh I love how babies smell. If you could bottle it, you’d make a million dollars.”

  “I know, right?” Nick snickered. “Leo loves his bath time. He especially loves a good lotioning.”

  Fiona smiled bright. “Emma Grace, too. She liked to be slicked up like a little greased pig.”

  “Don’t hog the baby, Aunt Fiona,” Lada called from her seat at the table.

  “You’ll wait your turn, brat.” Fiona pinned her with a playful glare and Lada stuck her tongue out in response.

  Nick enjoyed dinner. Mal’s family was loud and boisterous. They joked around, gave each other shit, but it was all done in love. There wasn’t any meanness or strife. It was the type of family he and Summer had before their parents were murdered and had longed for ever since. By the time dessert rolled around, Nick had reached his limit. He could barely keep his eyes open. The last twenty-four hours had finally caught up with him.

  Mal pushed his chair back and stood. “I think we’re going to head out.”

  Kell cocked an eyebrow. “Before brownies and ice cream.”

  “I didn’t say we weren’t taking dessert to go.” Mal rolled his eyes making Nick grin. “My mate is exhausted. I’m sure he would like to get himself and Leo settled for the night.”

  Nick took his mate’s hand and squeezed. Silently thanking him. Mal winked at him in return.

  Declan stood. “Of course, you’re tired. It was rude of us to keep you so long, Nick.”

  “It’s fine, Alpha.” Declan frowned at him. “I mean, Declan.” That was going to take some getting used to. His uncle would have eviscerated anyone who had the audacity to address him by his first name. Thinking of him made Nick shudder. He stood and took Leo from Lada who’d managed to steal him away from Fiona while everyone finished their meal.

  “Thank you for taking care of him,” he told her.

  Lada smiled. “Are you kidding? Like it was a hardship. I hope you’ll bring him by the daycare so I can watch him some more. He’s a cutie.”

  “I’ll help,” Emma Grace added with an enthusiastic nod. “I love babies.”

  “I heard that somewhere,” Nick teased the little girl. She giggled behind her hand. Nick tousled her curls. “Night, cutie.”

  “Night Uncle Nick. Night Uncle Mal.”

  Declan stood and walked around the tabled. “Come. I’ll walk you both out.”

  “Can I come, too, Da?” Emma Grace peered up at Declan with big puppy dog eyes. The alpha narrowed his eyes and her expression became more innocent. How co
uld anyone say no to that face?

  Nick fought laughter when Mal snickered beside him. She was dangerous with those eyes.

  Declan let out a breath. “Alright, babygirl.” He held out his hand. “Let’s go.”

  Emma Grace let out a little squeal and rushed to grab her father’s hand. She skipped next to him as they walked out of the kitchen.

  “Mal, Maddie reached out,” Declan informed them as they walked down the hallway. “She, Kelly, and the boys dropped supplies off at your house and set up the nursery in the spare room next to yours.”

  “Cool. Thanks, man.

  Declan opened the door and motioned for him and Mal to go first. They said their goodbyes on the porch. Emma Grace hugged them both. Mal tossed them a wave as they walked down the steps.

  “We’ll see y’all tomorrow,” Declan called out as they walked hand in hand to Mal’s truck.

  Nick secured Leo in his car seat. He felt good about tonight, but decided it was best not to get his hopes up. As a shifter he was able to scent emotions. Subterfuge, hate, and evil were easiest, because their scents were pungent like rotting flesh and sulfur. Nick’s wolf hadn’t picked any of those up when he was with Mal’s pack. Unless, they could mask or manipulate those emotions―which was possible because they had an omega in the pack―Declan and is family were who they seemed. Nick wanted to believe the decency and kindness he experienced tonight was real, but decided to wait and see. For now, Nick would trust Mal. The Fates wouldn’t choose a mate that would betray him. He gently shut the car door then turned to find Mal holding the passenger side door open for him. “So chivalrous.”

  “Damn straight, baby.” Mall wagged his eyebrows.

  Nick waved goodbye one last time to Declan and Emma Grace and climbed into the passenger seat. Mal gave him a peck on the lips before shutting the door and walking around the truck to his side. Mal climbed in behind the wheel and started the car. Instead of traveling back down the driveway toward the road, he drove around the side of the barn and took a dirt road to the other side of the creek. The headlamps offering the only light on the cloudy night. Mal took a left and traveled down a tree lined rutted drive.