The Power Of The Bite (12 page)

“There has been a Portrain at the head of this pack since the first day the wolves set foot on this land. That man who did the right thing by his pack was my great grandfather and I will not see this pack go to another. You are the only Portrain left.” The fire might have gone out of Nathaniel’s voice, but the urgency was still there. Dax expected to feel impacted by his father’s Alpha power that was bounding around the room. He could sense it, but it didn’t bother him like it usually did, which was a good thing because it meant he could keep his voice calm and even.

“And why do you think that is, father? Why am I the only Portrain left? Why was it that your great grandfather, grandfather, father and now you, have only ever been blessed with one son and heir each? No other children. I have no cousins, no relatives at all, just you. All wolves are known for having big families, multiple births and more. My mother is dead, and I know you tried for years to have more pups with Alice, but it didn’t happen. Have you ever wondered if it’s the Fates way of letting our family line know that to refuse a gift of a mate was an insult to those that guide us? That they allowed you just one son each in the hopes that somehow, in some way, the rift between vampires and wolves would be healed somewhere down the line?”

“Your head is full of nonsense, boy.” Nathaniel’s tone was scathing now, but Dax was used to it. It was the same tone of voice his father had used when Dax told him about the club.

“Or maybe it’s not. Just think about it father, that’s all I ask. As the council will have told you, I will be moving into the vampire territory within the week. Unlike my forefathers, I will not refuse the gift of the mate I was sent, and I will stand by Zane’s side until death. Whether that is as leader of the Portrain pack, or as a member of the Portrain coven – that is entirely up to you. I am following the Fate’s guidance and I will go where that leads me.”

Dax looked down at Zane and smiled. “Who knows,” he added with a wink at Zane, “we may even have kids one day. Technology has come a long way towards making that happen without having to bump uglies with anyone else. Fancy a few pups, mate of mine?”

“Whatever you want love.” Zane smiled and raising Dax’s hand in his, he kissed it softly. Dax could feel the warmth and true love in that simple gesture and he knew in his heart of hearts that he’d made the right decision. He turned back to his father, his mind clear and resolved.

“I’m sorry this is not what you wanted for me father, but it is the way it is. I’ll never regret taking Zane as a mate and if that means living in a coven for the rest of my life, then so be it. The vampires I’ve met so far have been nice people, as good as any shifter might be. Times are changing, and maybe it is time the Portrain pack changed with it.”

“I think you’re making a selfish mistake, son. You were born to be Alpha of our pack.”

Dax nodded. “I was also born to be mated to a vampire and maybe, just maybe, I’m the only one of our line who has the guts to live their destiny.” He saw a flash of something in his father’s eyes – guilt, despair, Dax wasn’t sure what it was, but it was quickly replaced with pure anger. Praying that he was right, and that his father wouldn’t cause problems, seeing as he was outside of the pack territory lines, Dax reverted to his position as host. “Enough unpleasantness,” he said with a smile that was only skin deep. “How about you enjoy the dinner that is being prepared for you? I promise you my chef is one of the best in the land, and you won’t be disappointed.”

Nathaniel threw him a look that Dax couldn’t interpret, but he guessed his father wasn’t staying for dinner. He hoped Lance and Bruce had had enough time to eat theirs. But his father didn’t say anything else as he gave the briefest of nods and stormed out of the office, slamming the door shut behind him. Turning to Zane, Dax buried his head in Zane’s short hair and clasped onto the man’s shoulders.

“That went better than expected?” Zane offered quietly.

“Yeah, it did,” Dax sighed into Zane’s hair. “I can’t help thinking that man is hiding something though.”

“Then I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what it is.” Zane’s hands were running down Dax’s back, probably a soothing gesture, but for Dax, whose emotions had been seething under his skin from the moment he saw his father in his club, the touch was like lighting a match to a flame.

“Do you remember the night I claimed you?” He asked softly.

“In graphic detail,” Zane grinned. “I even brought the lube.”

“I knew there was a reason I love you.” Dax brushed his lips against Zane’s and breathed in the scent of a contented and horny male.

“You do?” Zane whispered.

“I sure do,” and refusing to give Zane the chance to respond, Dax took his man’s lips in a storm of passion. If his mate didn’t believe him, Zane would taste it in his blood, much, much later.

Chapter Thirteen

Zane groaned and thumped the desk. His mate’s cock had an inbuilt GPS linked straight to his prostate and damn that man could make his body sing. In the five days since Nathaniel’s visit, Zane had gone to the club every night with his mate, and every night Dax seemed to want to re-enact their initial office claiming, although with a lot more loving and lube. As per normal, his mate was growling and spouting nonsense. If he’d heard the same thing while watching porn Zane would have laughed and found it hard to reach an orgasm. But coming from Dax’s mouth it was the sexiest drivel he’d ever heard and he was so incredibly turned on, he knew he could come without a touch to his own leaking cock.

“You’re so tight babe, so hot, so good. Love to see how you dance on my cock babe. Love to feel you underneath me, all around me. Gods, I love you so much. Love you forever. Want you all the time. You do it for me babe, you do it for me so good. Oh Gods…” Zane felt Dax’s grip tighten on his hips and relaxed further down on the desk. He knew what was coming.

“Oh my God, so close. So damn close. Your ass gripping me. You never want me to leave do you babe, admit it, you want me in your ass forever. Fuck, I’m coming babe, you did that to me. I’m coming. I’m coming, I fucking love you, Zane.” The last word ending on a howl that was cut off abruptly as Dax sunk his teeth into Zane’s neck. Zane felt his own cock lurch then start to spurt, his orgasm prolonged by the pleasure that came from his mate’s bite.

With his wolf splattered over his back, pinning him down, Zane rested his head on the leather that coated the top of the desk. This was something else he’d gotten used to really quickly. Since their double claiming, Dax had been affectionate, always wanting to be touching him, and although habit had Zane stiffening for a second as he remembered how Dax used to leave him as soon as he’d climaxed, he quickly squashed it. Zane understood only too well why Dax behaved the way he did in the past, and he wasn’t going to upset his mate by constantly harping on about it. What was done, was done and Zane would far rather appreciate the time they spent together now.

It was a long five minutes before Dax roused himself. Raising his head, which had been resting on Zane’s back, the wolf shifter yawned and then stroked his hands down Zane’s spine as he straightened up and gently eased his slightly softening cock out of Zane’s body.

“Damn, babe, you make coming to the office so much more fun than it used to be.” He patted Zane’s back, adding, “Wait there and I’ll grab something to clean us both up.”

Zane was more than happy to lax back on the desk, even if his bare ass was sticking up in the air. He was almost back to full strength now, thanks to an infusion of Dax’s blood every day, but Dax was a powerful and energetic lover so he didn’t think he could be faulted for taking five minutes rest.

Unfortunately when a hand did touch his ass, Zane knew instantly that it wasn’t his mate. Pushing up from the desk, faster than the man behind him could blink, Zane grabbed the hapless victim by the throat, lifting him so the man’s feet weren’t touching the floor.

Cole. What the hell was he doing here? Zane glared at Cole, who still, unbelievably, had a smirk on his face.

“Zane, what the hell?”  Dax came hurrying back into the office, a damp washcloth in his hand.

“This idiot thought my ass was available,” Zane growled.

Dax looked just as angry as Zane felt. But his words were for Zane. “Let him go and get your clothes on. I’ll deal with him.”

For a moment Zane was conflicted. He never encouraged touch from others, it wasn’t his way and the cocky grin Cole was sporting didn’t make him feel any better. But ultimately Cole was part of Dax’s pack, his ex-pack, God knows, but it was that thought that had Zane dropping Cole and doing as his mate asked. Okay, maybe not dropped exactly, more like threw him against the nearest wall so hard the walls trembled, but Zane was satisfied he’d made his point.

Pulling on his clothes in record speed, ignoring the spunk that rolled down his thighs, Zane kept a wary eye on Dax and Cole. Dax had gone to sit in his chair, watching Cole pull himself up off the floor, with some difficulty Zane noticed with a hidden smirk, and dragging himself to one of the other chairs scattered around the office.

“You know I should kill you for daring to lay a hand on my mate.” Good, Dax was addressing the important stuff first.

“Hey, the man was splayed out on your desk like a pack offering. What did you expect any red-bloodied male to do?”

“I expected a lot of things, not least you staying away from me and my mate especially after you lied to me. Clearly I was wrong about that. If I find out you’ve even looked at my mate the wrong way again I’ll tear your head off your shoulders.” As Zane zipped up and went to stand by his mate he could have sworn he heard Dax’s teeth grinding together. He rested a friendly hand on his lover’s shoulder. Being in a human club meant all of them had to be careful.

“Understood.” If Cole was fazed by what Dax was saying, it didn’t show on his face. “Anyhow, I have a good reason for being here. I’m here as part of my new position. Your father has appointed me pack liaison, between us and the new coven. So get used to dealing with me because I’m here on pack business.”

Dax didn’t look happy, and that was clearly evident on his face, but after a long moment, he simply said, “If you want to liaise with the coven then I suggest you get in touch with Broz. He’s the leader after all. Or Van, his mate.”

“Your father preferred that the pack deal with you,” Cole said smoothly. “There is a natural distrust between wolves and vamps, and your father felt that given you already had an
in
,” Zane tensed at the emphasis on that one simple word, “with the coven, that you would be the best person to speak to. Plus which, he wanted me to speak to you directly about the shifters you have on staff here.”

“I presumed, now the pack has had to acknowledge they no longer run the entire town, the bouncers I have here will have been told to terminate their employment. I’m surprised they’re still showing up for work.”

Cole shrugged, but Zane could sense a touch of discomfort in the man and his senses went on high alert. Cole was trying to hide something, and he wasn’t doing a very good job of it. “Jobs are not easy to come by. The shifters working here have families to support. The Alpha said nothing would be gained by pulling them out of the club when there’s been no problems so far.”

There was so much hidden behind those innocent words, Zane wasn’t sure where to start, but he kept quiet. If this was a pack liaison thing, then he wouldn’t undermine his mate by speaking up and possibly disrespecting Dax’s position.

“Then why bring up the bouncers? They’ve been in my employ for years. If father isn’t pulling them out, why do you have to be involved at all?”

“The pack members are now working in a vampire run area.” Cole threw Zane a hateful look. “It is my job to ensure that they have no complaints, make sure that they aren’t being abused or discriminated against in any way because they’re shifters. I will be coming into the club frequently to check up on them.”

“I’ve already had a meeting with my staff, informing them of the new change in management. All of them, including the shifters, know they have the right to leave at any time. Zane is now in charge of my security, and he too has spoken to all of the bouncers. No one expressed an interest in leaving their employment or apparently have any cause for complaint.”

“Nevertheless, problems can come up,” Cole said, “and it is my job to make sure my pack members continue to be happy here. I think, given that they are now working outside of their territory, and for a vamp boss to boot, they should at least get a pay increase, perhaps lighter hours and duties so that they can spend time reconnecting with the important things in life, like their pack.” He cast another unfavorable look at Zane. “It has also been strongly suggested that you allow one of the shifters you have on staff to manage your security efforts, rather than your mate.”

“And if I don’t follow your
suggestions
?” Dax was having trouble speaking, the anger falling off him in waves.

Cole lifted one shoulder and smirked. It was like a scene out of the Godfather and he made it worse when he opened his mouth. “Things can happen,” he said casually. “Accidents, supply delays, staff issues. The Alpha has made it clear that if you’re amenable to these and any future suggestions, then there won’t be any problems with vampires and shifters co-existing.”

“Take this message back to your Alpha.” Dax had stood up and there was no mistaking his growling. Zane didn’t bother to hide his smile at Cole shrinking in on himself. “I will not be bullied and I will not be dictated to. This is my place of business and it is outside of pack territory. I will not allow you or anyone else to come in here and threaten me, my mate, the vampires in Portrain, or any members of my staff. This is not the 1950s. There are laws against shake downs and intimidation tactics and I will use them. If the humans won’t help me, then the Paranormal Council will. And you…” Dax stalked around the desk and stood over Cole who quickly cowered in his seat. Cole had always known Dax was the stronger wolf, and whether he had the position or not, Dax would always be Alpha born.

“You are now trespassing. I will see to it that you no longer have access to this club in any way shape or form. I will ensure that if you personally put one toe in vampire territory from here on out, you will be detained and sent to the council for trial.”

“You don’t have any proof. Zane has no credibility as a witness. No one is going to take the word of a vampire against mine,” Cole blustered.

“My mate is head of my security,” Dax said, flashing a quick smile at Zane. “I have everything you just said recorded for posterity. Now get your ass out of my office and don’t you dare show your face around here again. If my staff have any complaints they can come to me or leave their jobs. But we don’t need to be dealing with the likes of you.”

Cole scrambled out of his chair, and hurried to the door. Of course he couldn’t let Dax have the last word, though. That didn’t seem to be in Cole’s nature. “Your father will hear about this. He’ll hear about how you put the life of your mate before your family and birth pack. You haven’t seen the last of me or the Portrain pack, you just watch your back.”

“Get out!” Dax yelled so hard the customers in the main club room could probably hear him. Cole certainly could because he scurried out of the office slamming the door behind him. Dax paced up and down the office floor, fuming and cursing, and for a while Zane just watched him, his own mind playing over the meeting, what was said, and more importantly what wasn’t.

Finally Dax must have worn himself out, or at least got himself under control because he went back to his chair and pulled Zane down with him. “My father’s up to something.” The words were little muffled because Dax had his nose buried in Zane’s neck.

“Or Cole is,” Zane suggested. He wasn’t so sure Nathaniel was behind Cole’s visit at all.

Dax raised his head, looking at Zane, the shock written all over his face. “You don’t think my father’s behind this?”

“I think,” Zane said slowly, his mind running over their one and only visit from Nathaniel, “your father still wants you as Alpha of the Portrain pack. He made that perfectly clear. He’s a smart man, even if he’s got secrets of his own. He would have to know, given that he trained you your whole life, that you wouldn’t respond positively to the suggestions that Cole was talking about. He knows it would just make you angry and that’s not a smart thing to do. No matter what I think about him, Nathaniel is a smart man and always has been.”

Zane watched Dax mull over what he said. When it was just the two of them alone together, Dax’s face was an open book.  Dax had said just a few days before that he felt sorry for Zane, not being able to scent emotions of any kind and consequently he tried hard not to hide anything from his mate. While Zane hadn’t liked the almost patronizing attitude his mate had used at the time, he appreciated that Dax was trying to help in his own shifter way.

“We need to keep an eye on Cole,” Dax said at last, “and have another talk to the shifters on staff. If Cole is planning to start any trouble then I don’t want them caught up in it. One thing is clear – Cole plans to use my bouncers’ pack loyalty against me, and I have to make sure they don’t get caught up in his harebrained schemes, no matter what they are.”

“That’s why you would make a good Alpha, always thinking of your pack members even when they might turn against you,” Zane said, giving Dax a quick kiss. Then he shuffled uncomfortably and of course, Dax noticed. Dax noticed every shift in mood Zane had, sometimes even before Zane had them.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Your come’s still dripping out of my ass,” Zane grumbled. Dax’s sudden roar of laughter and the tightening of the man’s big arms around his waist, made the discomfort of soggy pants just a bit more bearable.