Mating Mal Read online

  When they came out the other side, Nick sucked in a breath at the sight of the sprawling single story stone and glass house that greeted them. Thank the Fates for his enhanced sight, because he wouldn’t have wanted to miss this. Mal’s home looked as though it belonged on a snow covered mountain instead of in the middle of Texas Hill Country. “Your home is beautiful, Mal.”

  “Our home, baby,” Mal corrected, sending Nick a side-eyed grin.

  “Right. Our home. Sorry.”

  Mal reached over and took Nick’s hand, threading their fingers together. “No apologies. The mate thing is new to us. It’ll take some getting used to.” He pulled to stop in front of the garage which was attached to the house by a breezeway. He brought Nick’s hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Ready to see your new home, Nico?”

  “Yes.” Nick climbed out of the truck.

  Mal met Nick on his side of the truck and helped him with Leo. Mal took his free hand and nodded at the garage. “Once Hunter and Alan return with your truck, we’ll store it in the garage. I don’t want you driving around until we settle things with your uncle.”

  Nick nodded. “I understand. It isn’t safe for us to be out on our own. I don’t really want to be either. I prefer to be with you.” A blush heated his cheeks. Nick cleared his throat and changed the subject. “I love the porch. It’s perfect. Cozy.”

  “Cozy was exactly what I was going for when I designed the house.”

  A wrought iron glider with thick comfortable cushions sat under the large picture window with two end tables on either side. Two chairs with a center table made of the same iron and cushions sat in the opposite corner. He could imagine him and Mal snuggled on the glider under a blanket on a cold winter night watching the stars.

  “It faces west so we can watch the sun set.”

  Nick glanced at him and gave him a small smile. “I love sunsets.”

  “I know.” Mal responded smugly.

  Nick cocked his head. “How?”

  “The Fates told me.” Mal led them up the steps to the front door. “I built this house for my mate.” He pushed the door and gestured for him and Leo to enter first.

  “Wow,” Nick whispered in awe. A huge stone fireplace was the focal point of the living room. A flat screen television hung above the mantle. A microfiber sofa and recliner faced the fireplace. Plush beige carpet covered the floors. Perfect for Leo to crawl on. Someone set up a gated play area filled with toys in the corner. The cream colored walls were adorned with several large black and white landscape photos. Nick walked over and studied them. “These are wonderful.”

  “Thanks.”

  Nick jerked his head around the odd tone in Mal’s voice caught his attention. Mal stood next to him looking a bit uncomfortable. “You took these?”

  Mal nodded. “Photography is sort of a hobby of mine.”

  “Looks like more than a hobby. You’re extremely talented, Mal.”

  Mal rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m happy you like them.”

  He was too adorable for words. “I love them.”

  “What about you?”

  Nick cocked his head, confused by the question. “What about me?”

  “Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?”

  “Oh.” He felt his cheeks heat. He wondered what Mal would think about his gift. It wasn’t exactly the kind of thing you could make a living from, not like photography. Some people did, but those who became successful were few and far between, especially someone who was self-taught like Nick. Mal’s eyebrows shot up silently prompting Nick to answer. “I play the piano.”

  “Really?” Mal stared at him with a wide smile and what looked like pride. “That’s awesome. We need to get one for the house.”

  “You don’t even know if I’m any good.”

  “Doesn’t matter. It’s something you love. I can see it in your eyes. Hear it in your voice. That’s all I need to know.” He planted a chaste kiss on Nick’s lips. “I’m all about making my mate happy. Would a piano make you happy?”

  “A keyboard would make me happy. You don’t have to shell out a ton of money for a piano.”

  Mal scoffed and waved away Nick’s protests. “I have a shit ton of disposable income. I don’t really spend money on myself. So I’ve just been socking it away in the bank for a rainy day, so to speak.” He made a big production of looking out the window and up at the sky. “It’s pouring,” he stated then laughed at his own joke.

  Nick shook his head, but didn’t bother to fight his grin. “You’re crazy.”

  Mal placed a palm against Nick’s cheek. “Crazy for you.”

  Nick may or may not have sighed like a lovesick character from a sappy Lifetime movie. Mal’s lips twitched but thankfully, had the good grace not to comment on Nick’s dramatic response.

  Nick set the car seat on the couch and carefully removed Leo. His nephew had fallen asleep on the short ride to Mal’s, correction, their home. The living room bled into the kitchen. Carpet turned into a travertine tile floor accented with area rugs. The large eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and dark marble countertops had Nick itching to cook.

  “I never thought I’d be jealous of my kitchen,” Mal quipped.

  “Excuse me?”

  “You’re practically drooling, Nico.” Mal took his thumb and pretended to wipe imaginary drool from the corner of Nick’s mouth.

  He loved when Mal called him Nico. Nick tried his best to maintain his composure while his inner self melted into a puddle of goo. It was amazing the amount of emotion the simple four letter shortening of his name caused. “It’s an awesome kitchen.”

  “Do you cook?” Mal asked as his eyes tracked him as he ran his fingers along the smooth counter top.

  “Yes. I love to cook. I find it extremely therapeutic. It’s my second favorite creative outlet. The piano being my first, of course.”

  “Then I expect you to do so whenever the mood strikes. I love to eat and I’m not particularly picky, but I hate pickles, cucumbers, and watermelon. Just informing you for future reference and all.” Mal flashed a toothy grin.

  Nick returned the grin with one of his own. “Oh, my goddess. I hate them, too. Finally, someone who understands my plight. We’re perfect for each other.”

  “The Fates are never wrong.” Mal held out his hand. “Come on. I’ll show you the rest of the house.”

  Hand in hand, they stepped into a long hallway. He loved the fact that Mal’s house―their house―was a single story. He didn’t have to worry about all the safety concerns that came with a second story. Mal opened the first door on the right. “This is my darkroom.”

  Nick found the room intriguing. He’d only ever seen darkrooms in movies. Mal explained that although most photographers used strictly digital cameras, he used both film and digital depending on what he was shooting. Mal said although digital was nice and manipulating images with programs like Photoshop was fun, he was a purest at heart. According to him, there were some subjects best captured on film. Since Nick didn’t know a damn thing about photography, he took Mal’s word for it.

  Mal closed the door and pointed to a door on the left. “That’s the guest bathroom.” Nick studied the several photographs that lined the hallway, most were of Mal with his brothers. He followed Mal to another door on the right. Mal opened it and gestured for Nick to go inside. “This is obviously Leo’s room.”

  “By the Fates.” Tears stung Nick’s eyes. Mal’s family had completely set up the room for Leo. The furniture was oak. There was a changing table, a little dresser, and a crib complete with bedding. Little baby jungle animals covered the pale green and yellow fitted sheet, mesh bumper, and dust ruffle. A matching comforter hung over the railing. There was a hamper, curtains, and even a quilted wall hanging in the same pattern. “They did so much work.”

  “You’re family, baby. You and Leo.” He wrapped his arms around Nick from behind, Mal’s chest to his back. He placed a kiss below Nick’s right ear. “Trust me. Aunt
Maddie and Terry enjoyed the shit out this. If we’re not careful, Leo will become the most spoiled cub on pack land.”

  “I could think of worse things.” That wasn’t a lie considering the events of the past twenty-four hours. Given the choice between this as a reality for Leo and the alternative, Nick would choose spoiled rotten every time.

  Chapter 9

  Mal had been nervous as he drove his mate to his new home. He’d wanted―needed―Nick to like the house he built with him in mind. The smile on his mate’s face as he looked at the outside of the house loosened the knot in Mal’s gut.

  Mal led Nick through the house watching his mate’s expression as Nick studied every room. His Nico didn’t hide his pleasure at what he saw. His eyes lit up and his mouth alternated from wide with shock to giant grin. When Nick commented on the photographs, nerves got the better of Mal and he wondered if his mate would think his hobby was weird? If Nick would be disappointed that he didn’t spend his free time doing something more exciting like skydiving or studying martial arts? Mal knew photography was an odd hobby for an enforcer to have. Even though, he never let his position in the pack define him, only those closest to him knew of his love of photography. His job was demanding and at times extremely violent, the peace and beauty he discovered through the lens of a camera settled Mal’s soul. Then his mate turned that big smile on him. Pride welled up inside Mal when Nick praised his talent, along with a bit of shame for doubting his mate. Mal couldn’t wait to turn his camera on Nick and Leo. They would both make beautiful subjects. Yeah, that would happen soon.

  His angst regarding the house disappeared completely when they got to Leo’s room. He thought Nick was going to lose his shit when he saw the nursery. Mal had to admit his aunt and cousins out did themselves. Mal knew that although the furniture was a mish-mash of used hand-me-downs from several family and pack members, the bedding and decorations were new. The bedding was probably the cutest shit he’d ever seen. Seriously, how much more adorable can you get than baby elephants, monkeys, and tiger cubs? Damn. He loved his family.

  Mal ran his hand over the crib mattress. The fitted sheet was soft under his palm. He picked up the note that lay there. He smiled recognizing his Aunt Maddie’s handwriting.

  “Is that a note?” Nick eyed the white paper with curiosity.

  “Mmhmm. From Aunt Maddie.”

  “What does it say?”

  “It says: Welcome to the family Nick and Leo. You should have everything you need. If not, I expect to be informed. The bumper is mesh so you don’t have to worry about Leo suffocating if he wiggles around.” Mal shivered at the thought. “See you both tomorrow. Sleep well. Love, Aunt Maddie. P.S. Sleepers are in the second drawer of the dresser they will keep Leo plenty warm while he sleeps.”

  “Why would you need sleepers? He has blankets. Leo will be too warm with all that on.” Mal frowned as an image of the cub drenched in sweat popped into his head.

  Nick placed a hand on his forearm pulling Mal from his unpleasant thoughts. “Leo’s too young to use blankets. They are SIDS hazard at his age.”

  “Oh, fuck,” Mal breathed. His stomach swooped at the thought of any harm coming to Leo. “I have a lot to learn. I’m just used to playing and cuddling the cubs and handing them back to their parents.”

  “And changing the occasional diaper.” Nick winked. “I’ll teach you, don’t worry.” Nick went over the dresser and opened the drawer pulling out a soft looking blue fleece footed sleeper. He rubbed it against his cheek and smiled. “It feels like a cotton ball, it’s so soft. Leo will love this. Your Aunt Maddie thought of everything.” Nick carried the baby over to the changing table. Mal joined him and watched as he undressed the little cub, changed his diaper, and dressed him in his new pajamas. Leo must have been exhausted because he didn’t even stir as Nick manipulated his arms and legs.

  “Why don’t you go ahead and put Leo in his crib?” Mal suggested. “I’m sure he’d like to stretch out after a long day in the car and being passed around to everyone at dinner. Not that he would notice though.” Mall snickered. “I can’t believe he’s still asleep after you jerked him around like that.”

  Nick grinned. “He’s used to it. Summer believed in making as much noise as possible when Leo slept. They have to be able to sleep through anything. Trust me, Leo can. She also said you shouldn’t treat sleeping babies like an armed bomb ready to go off at any moment. They are tougher than they look.” Nick carried Leo over to his new bed. He laid the baby down then gasped. Mal rushed over. “What’s wrong?”

  Nick pointed to the little camera mounted on the wall above the crib. “Is that a camera?”

  Mal snorted a laugh. “Yep.” Where there was a camera? He glanced around. Aha! Mal spotted the five-inch video monitor sitting on top of the dresser. He picked it up and turned it on then handed it to Nick.

  Nick stared wide-eyed as an image of Leo appeared on the screen. “That is so cool.”

  Mal snickered. His mate was so easily impressed by the little things. “Would you like to see our room?”

  Nick nodded and muttered “Yes, please” while never taking his eyes off the monitor.

  Mal took Nick’s free hand in his and entwined their fingers. He led Nick from the room so his mate wouldn’t hurt himself since his focus was elsewhere. Mal glanced over at Leo one last time before he turned the light off and eased the door closed behind them.

  “Holy crap. Look.” Nick tilted the monitor so Mal could see the screen. The video image had changed from color to grayscale.

  Mal barked a laugh. “Holy shit. Night vision. That shit has Navy SEAL written all over it. Definitely, Kell’s idea. Remind me to thank him.” He tugged Nick towards the master bedroom and opened the door. Mal stared at the room he’d slept in alone for the past two years. He didn’t bother hiding his smile. Fates willing, he wouldn’t sleep alone tonight. Mal didn’t even care if that was all they did. Falling asleep and waking up with his mate in his arms would be a dream come true.

  Nick walked around the room taking in the décor. Mal tried to see the room with fresh eyes the way his mate did. A king-size mahogany panel bed with padded brown leather headboard dominated the space with matching bedside tables on either side. There was also a chest of drawers, dresser with mirror. An overstuffed chocolate chair, ottoman, and floor lamp Mal used for reading sat in a little nook next to the bed.

  “The colors are extremely soothing.” Nick ran a hand over the duvet.

  Mal agreed. The paisley design with dusty shades of blue, taupe, and chocolate was warm and romantic. He’d painted the walls a pale taupe and hung chocolate and blue striped drapes over the windows. Plush ivory carpet covered the floor. The only thing that was out of place in the well-appointed room―but also worked in its own way―was the colorful old quilt Mal’s grandmother made. It had been her gift to him the day he was born. He refused to ever part with it and hung it lovingly over the back of his reading chair.

  “The French doors open to a private patio complete with hot tub.” Mal wagged his eyebrows when Nick looked in his direction.

  “I’ve never been in one.”

  “We’ll remedy that as soon as possible.” He planned to make sure his Nico experienced everything he missed out on. “There’s a walk-in closet through that door.” He pointed to the closed door to his left then indicated the open door next to it. “The master bath is there.” He pulled Nick behind him and flicked the switch just inside the bathroom door on the wall.

  When they entered the bathroom, Nick’s eyebrows went up. Mal wasn’t sure how many times his mate could utter the word wow in one night, but it seemed Nick was going for the world record. Mal wasn’t ashamed to admit his bathroom was kick-ass. He envisioned spoiling his mate rotten when he designed it to include all the modern conveniences. No expense was spared, and it turned out perfectly.

  “I love the tile floor. It’s so cool.”

  Mal studied the walnut wood plank ceramic tile. It was beautiful and unique.
It added warmth to the space and Mal didn’t just mean the coils underneath. He nodded to the digital thermostat on the wall next to the light switch. “Radiant-heat. I’ll show you how to use it later. Trust me you’ll love it when the weather cools.”

  Nick shot him a smile. “I can’t wait.” He ran his fingers over the granite countertops then inspected the marble shower and a separate huge soaking tub built for two.

  Mal had imagined spending quality time with his true love among the jets―washing, cuddling, and making love. “Why don’t you take a shower and relax while I unload the truck?”

  “I can help,” Nick protested.

  Mal fought a grin. He didn’t think his mate would appreciate how adorable Mal thought his little disgruntled pout was. “I know you can, but I want to take care of you.” He caressed Nick’s cheek then rubbed his thumb between Nick’s brows soothing the frown lines there. “You’re exhausted, Nico. I can see it in your eyes. You need to decompress. I can’t think of a better way to do that than to indulge in multiple showerhead bliss.”

  Nick cocked his head. His expression called bullshit on Mal.

  Mal barked a laugh. “Okay, I can think of one better way, but just a shower for now.” He held out his arms and Nick walked into them without hesitation. His mate sighed as he burrowed in. Mal held him tight to his chest enjoying the closeness. Peace washed over him as their bond strengthened with the simple act of intimacy. He took a deep breath and spoke the words in his heart. “I love you, Nick Speer. My Nico.”

  Nick gasped and his head shot up almost clocking Mal in the chin. “You do?”

  Did he not feel it too? He had to feel it. It was the way of mates. Humans fought the instant love bond, but preternatural beings embraced it without question. “Don’t you love me?” Mal swore he sensed Nick’s love through their growing bond.