Because a visit from André any other day of the week wouldn’t be bad enough, he had to show up during an awkward first morning with my mate. And he had to go on about being family now, and I think I suppressed my shudder well. Nothing personal, but the idea of being related, even in spirit, to the D’Amore family is unsettling. Then he mentioned condoms, which I didn’t see last night, and laughed at us while he walked out.
‘We were too occupied to look for condoms. Plus, Regina was rather insistent on not delaying.’ Cain shrugged while I stared at her stomach as if, miraculously, I would know if she was pregnant.I know pregnancy doesn’t happen overnight, but I also know that once is all it can take. How unlucky would that make us? Though would it be unlucky? We are mates, and while we still need to work out logistics, most couples want a family.My sister wanted a family and has struggled with her fertility issues. I am a terrible brother, mate, and person for even thinking it would be unlucky for us to have a pup so quickly. I don’t even know how Regina feels about having a family. Let alone how she would feel about one with me. And no, I don’t just mean because of the stigma I bring. Furlan babies are historically large, and my mate is… well, a pixie.“Excuse me, but did Cain just imply I’m at fault for us not using a condom?” Regina questioned with her hands on her hips.“No. Making excuses for our negligence.” I explained.‘I’m sorry, pixie. I didn’t mean it that way.’ Cain apologized.‘That’ll teach you to keep your mouth shut, Cain.’ I sighed.“Apology accepted. Now then, I’m going to shower” Regina smiled as she dropped her robe.“Are you joining me?” She casually asked as she glanced over her shoulder on her way to the bathroom.I shouldn’t admit that I stood there dumbstruck at how quickly she dismissed the implications her cousin left on and segway it to shower sex. Either she didn’t see the need to fret long over the possibility, or this was her way of avoiding the subject. I’m unsure if either is healthy, but I agree it would be pointless to worry too much time.‘Stop standing here like a statue, dumbass. Find those condoms and go after our mate!’ Cain yelled at me.I could hear Regina and her wolf giggle in my head as I started checking the nightstands for condoms. I don’t know how they got knocked down there unless whoever put them on the nightstand bumped them when hurrying to leave before we would get here. I sighed and shook my head as I found the box on the floor in the space between the nightstand and the bed. I had to lift the nightstand to retrieve the package.Cain can be as hopeful as he wants. I’ll continue to have reservations about what is possible within the shower space. I set the box on the sink counter closest to the walk-in shower. My eyes were fixated on Regina already inside, with water spraying across her body from the various shower heads. Sure, the shower was fancy and meant to give a remarkable shower…to someone at least two feet shorter than me. Regina smiled as she turned to look at me.“You’ll have to get naked if you want to join me. Or do you mean to be a voyeur and watch me?” She teased, running her hands over her body sensually.“Can’t fit.” I gestured at the height of the shower.The room gave me just enough room to stand, slouching a little, but I could still stand. The shower had a lower header, probably to hold all the pipes needed for the overhead shower heads. Either way, I’d have to lean in an uncomfortable position to shower. I prefer my shower at home. I had to customize it to have a nine-foot ceiling to give me space.“Maybe if you plan to stand.” Regina shrugged and gestured to the tiled bench. “You can sit on that as my cousin suggested.”“Want a tip?” I arched my brow, folding my arms.“I want more than the tip.” Regina giggled, blushing at her sexual innuendo.“Not what I meant.” I sighed and rubbed my hand over my face.I had almost forgotten who her siblings were. While I’ve had limited interactions with either, I know well enough that both, especially Zoe, are bluntly vocal about intimacy. And I don’t mind innuendos or a well-timed sex joke. I also should have seen that joke coming.“Sorry. I’m not usually that brash about sexual things. I’m going to blame Gioia.” She apologized.“It’s fine,” I assured her. “I walked into that joke.”“What did you want to tell me?” She smiled.“Mentioning family is not a turn-on,” I explained.“Noted. But is this?” Regina arched her brow as her hand slid down between her legs, making a show of her fingering herself.‘Clothed or not, get the hell in that shower!’ Cain insisted.I clenched my jaw. Because, of course, that’s a damn turn-on. Regina was naked with water running down her body, looking at me with hooded eyes, touching herself. I think that would turn on any heterosexual male. Not that any other male should ever or will ever get to see my mate touching herself in the shower. I’d kill them.I was already removing my clothes as Regina masturbated. Headroom be damned. I had to duck to get into the shower and sit on the bench. Once I was seated, I pulled Regina to my lap. Regina’s soft giggle came out as a moan as I replaced her fingers with one of mine. It was even easier than last night to slip a second finger in and send her over the edge.Watching Regina come is officially my new favorite pastime. The way her eyes didn’t fully close, the soft parting of her pink lips as she moaned my name, her body quivered as the sensation surged through her, and how her nails dug into me as she used me for balance. All of it makes for the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I could easily become addicted to her calling my name like that.“Wow…” Regina gasped as she climbed fully into my lap and kissed me.“I think it’s your turn.” She smiled against my lips as her hands wandered down my body.Each touch had a ripple effect sending shivers of pleasure through my body. I know it’s the mate bond, but I don’t care. I can’t imagine feeling this way with anyone else. Even if I tried right now, I couldn’t conjure up another woman in my mind and feel aroused.Before the war, I sometimes daydreamed about my mate and what being together would be like. Never in those daydreams was Zelma, whom I pictured, even before I knew we weren’t mates. Like Lia, Zelma was like many she-wolves who wanted to be with a ranked wolf. I didn’t want a mate like that. I wanted a mate who would want me for me, not for my rank.After the war, I stopped. I held no hope of having a mate. I didn’t think I deserved one. I wouldn’t dare dream of a life with someone because it would mean putting the stigma of what I’d done on her. I still don’t know if I deserve Regina. I’m certain most people will say I don’t.However, I don’t fucking care. I don’t care if I deserve her or not. She’s mine, and I’ll fight anyone that tries to say otherwise, even if that includes her family. Especially if that family is Alexander, I’d be more than happy to put his self-healing to the test if he speaks against our mating.These are all random thoughts that I didn’t start having until well after our shower. If you call it a shower. I don’t think either of us truly got ‘clean.’ After I made her cum, Regina braved giving me a blow job. She still couldn’t fit it all in her mouth, but damn, did she try. A+ scoring for her determination and effort.When she decides to do something, she goes all in. She was rather pleased with herself that she made me cum before I could stop her this time. We didn’t use the condoms that Cain insisted I bring into the shower. Maybe if she hadn’t made me cum we could have used one, but I will need at least fifteen minutes before my dick will stir again.“You think a lot more than you speak. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. People need to learn to think more and speak less. But I’m just wondering, why do you speak so little?” Regina questioned as she brushed out her hair.I shrugged and returned to brushing my teeth. I don’t have an answer for her. That’s just how I’ve always been. An American president once said to speak softly and carry a big stick. I speak softly, and each limb is a big stick in this metaphor.“Well, I won’t argue with that analogy. My jaw is sore from your big stick.” Regina giggled and shook her head.I coughed, nearly choking on the toothpaste. I had to rush to spit it out before I looked at her. It’s her wolf. I can tell because her eyes are glowing. At least that explains the rather sharp turn into gutterville Regina went.“See, that’s the difference between us.” Gioia grinned, running a finger down my arm. “I swallowed.” Her wink contrasted with the blush in Regina’s cheeks.“Gioia, stop. Give her back.” I sighed, folding my arms as I waited for them to switch.“I am sooo sorry about her. She’s always been a bit of a forward wolf, but never like this. But of course, she’d never speak, let alone feel that way about anyone who wasn’t you.” Regina hurried to apologize.“It’s fine. She and Cain will get along. Scarily but well.” I nodded.“Speaking of them, we should probably go for a run today. They’ll want to meet. We could run to André’s villa. He only brought me this….” She gestured at her fluffy white knee-length sweater dress. “I still have a whole overnight bag of my things in the guest suite. Also, my car is there.”Cain was all about her suggestion. It’s different from having a mind link. He was very eager to meet Gioia. He wants to see and touch her fur. And if he had his way, he’d also want to mate her.“Ok.” I agreed. “You’ll probably need to go home soon. I need to return home too.”“Ivan, you make it sound like we will go to separate places.” She sighed, taking my hand.“We’re mates. Which means we will live together.” She smiled and kissed my hand.“We just have to discuss the details of where that will be. I still live with my parents, which will need to change. And as Beta heir to Incubi, we must live there.” She shrugged.“Not that I’m suggesting you give up your winery and vineyard. It’s your business, and you should still be allowed to run it. But we will need to have our primary residence in Incubi.” She hurried to recover, worried she had offended me.“I know,” I assured her and kissed her forehead. “We can talk about logistics later. Cain wants to meet Gioia.”“Ok, let’s grab our things and go.” Regina smiled. “Oh, and let’s not forget these.” She grinned as she grabbed the box of condoms.Wonder how long it will take for the newly mated bubble to burst when they leave the room.
I’m either going to die from embarrassment thanks to Gioia and her lack of a filter or pleasure because, wow, even with his fingers, Ivan makes me feel things I didn’t think were possible. I’ve been exposed to stories of my sister’s and cousins’ sexcapades. So it’s not like I’m a stranger to kinks of all kinds. I didn’t realize I’d be the sort to get off on him watching me get off. Though I don’t think my fingers could or will ever get me off half as well as he does. Thankfully I didn’t have to hear about Alexander’s conquests. The only time I heard about one was my birthday, and it disgusted me, disgusted me even more when he showed up at my party with the bitch, and she announced they were together. Liar…er Lia is damn lucky I hadn’t gotten my wolf yet. If I had, she’d never have been a problem. My mama and sister held back because they are Betas. I’m only an heir, so it’s no skin off my back if I stoned that trash. ‘Will you stop thinking about that dumb bitch? She’s not in the pi
I haven’t raised my hand or acted violently in over five years. I haven’t behaved violently since the night I attacked the Oscurità e Luce Coven which resulted in my capture. My heart wasn’t in that fight. I’m a big guy, and people will assume I’m violent. I know that for many, it would be hard to believe. My mama used to joke that they should have named me Ferdinand. Yet when Valter greeted us, I wanted to punch him through the glass doors he walked out of. Who the hell does he think he is? Walking out here to bring MY mate coffee and being dismissive of my presence? I get it. He’s bummed she found her mate. However, Regina told me they broke things off two years ago when they weren’t mates. That’s two years to have focused on finding his mate and forgetting any romantic inclinations or attraction to Regina. He’s not even tried to move forward with his life and accept that he would never have her. Over the last two years, how much harassment has she dealt with because of this delusi
“That’s the problem.” I sighed, knowing his thoughts. Finding a willing surrogate was never a problem for my cousin and his mate. Finding one healthy that met all the physical requirements wasn’t a problem. Their problem was she-wolves seeing this as an opportunity to fuck one or both of them. And even more saw this as a way of getting some power in the pack, like an honorary Luna as the mama of the heir. None seemed to get that they would have nothing to do with that pup after birth. They wouldn’t be a mama to the heir. “The surrogates that came forward were under the sick impression that André and or Darren would be making an heir naturally.” I wrinkled my nose. Ivan furrowed his brow. He understood what I meant, but it’s too adorable that he can’t wrap his mind around these she-wolves’ logic. “They realize the Alpha and Aleph are homosexuals, and even if they were bisexual, intimacy with anyone, not their mate, would cause unimaginable pain to the other.” Ivan frowned and shook
I don’t care how open that family is about sex. I always knew André was a weirdo. And that ‘gift,’ if that’s what you want to call it, he left in Regina’s guest room proves it. That gift was not appropriate. It was also needlessly complicated. Why would I want to have her hanging off me by ropes? Ropes that would dig into my skin, not that I’d feel it, but still. It was far easier just to pick her up and fuck her. It’s not like I’m some weak wolf that can’t hold his mate for any time—given that I could hold her from start to finish, that ‘gift’ from André is worthless. Of the things André has given us, the ropes thing is something I can’t see us ever using. The condoms, however… are something we should stop forgetting. I grimaced as we lay in the bed, and my brain could think enough to say, ‘You forgot the condom, dumbass.’ Regina must have had a similar thought, but her reaction was different. Instead of grimacing, she giggled and moved to straddle me. “We probably should start usi
I am officially over people treating Ivan like some second-class person. That nanny is damn lucky he’s nicer than I am. How dare she stand in the Furlan villa and speak to him like that. And it’s worse, she was HIS nanny! How can someone who helped raise and knew him as a boy treat him like that? I don’t give a flying fuck what she lost in the war. I don’t care that he’s the only surviving ranked wolf from that coup. He didn’t take part in it willingly. He is a victim like everyone else. Icky Iggy, his assclown bestie Gastone, and the wicked witch Melania are responsible. They wanted the war. Icky and Gastone wanted power, while Melania wanted to keep Zio Alec and Crista from awakening Darkness and Light. All three of them paid for their actions. Zio Alec killed Icky Iggy, Darren killed Gastone, and Katrina killed Melania. The END! I hope that future interactions with Tasha are more pleasant. I’m not saying she needs to learn her place because she’s the nanny, and we are ranked wolve
While Regina set up the Facetime on my laptop, I checked my files, looking for the envelope Alexander had brought me that day three years ago. I finally found it and tucked it into my pocket when Regina waved me over. “Now that I have everyone together, I have an announcement. Last night at the ball I found my mate. So, I’d like to introduce you to the newest member of our family.” Regina smiled and stepped slightly to the side to allow me to sit in the office chair. I took a deep breath as I slid into the office chair and came into view of the camera. Isadora smiled at me, while Damon, Zoe, and Alexander had the same expression. That expression said ‘what the fuck’ loud and clear. Her Mama may have welcomed me to their family, but the looks of the others weren’t very welcoming. “You’re serious?” Damon questioned. Regina rolled her eyes and sat on my lap to be in view. Damon and Alexander didn’t look thrilled that she was now in my lap. “Of course, I’m serious, papa. See…” R
The video meeting with my family went…I don’t know how to describe it. At least no one spoke against Ivan and I being together. That’s what mattered the most to me. I wanted him to feel welcomed by my family. I knew how hard it was for him to sit there and witness how my family interacted. I know how much he missed his parents at that moment. I missed them too. For me, it was different because I was missing people I didn’t know but wished I had a chance to. The call quickly went off the rails when we brought up the missing document. While I’m glad that my brother truly had no malicious intentions and thought he’d fulfilled his Beta duties. And I mean, he did. It wasn’t his place to break the Alpha seal to confirm what was inside the envelope. I was equally relieved and pissed when Darren revealed it was Lia behind it all. I know it’s weird to be relieved by it being that stupid bitch’s fault. But hear me out. I was relieved because it meant it wasn’t my brother’s fault. And it also m
Going to that masquerade ball was the best thing to ever happen to me. Soon to be second best. I know you’re probably wondering what could replace finding my mate as the best thing to happen to me. I will happily tell you it’s the birth of our pup. I love Regina with all my heart, and meeting her changed my life, but becoming a papa is something I believed was even less possible than having a mate. Finding out Regina was pregnant had a ripple effect of reactions, mostly good. Isadora was over the moon that she was going to be a Nonna. Damon was… sad, not disappointed that we were having a baby. He was sad that he would be away for most of the pregnancy. He’s sent little trinkets from his travels that are customs from the packs he’s visited when a new pup is on the way. Regina has loved receiving mail every week or so from around the world. Zoe sounded happy for us, though she’d had her own mountains to climb in the later months of Regina’s pregnancy. I’m not going to get into tha