Blue Mountain (Pack 1)

His eyes closed, Simon leaned forward, his lips puckered, seemingly chasing Mitch’s touch. “What happened?” he asked breathlessly. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Mercy, no.” Mitch ran his thumb over Simon’s spit-slick lips. “That was perfect.”

“Yeah?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Because I, uh—” Simon gulped and then, in a rush, said, “I’ve never done this before. None of it.”

Without the defensive, fear-invoked anger, Simon’s nature was as sweet as his taste. Mitch’s chest tightened. “Don’t worry,” he rumbled. “I have.”

Simon growled and then jerked back, as if surprised by his own reaction. His eyes widened and his blush darkened.

“Damn, I love seeing your wolf so close to the surface,” Mitch said.

“Is that what this is?”

“Yup. We’re animals, and your wolf just reminded me that he’s staked his claim.” Mitch lapped at Simon’s pursed lips. “I’d say there’s no reason to be jealous, but you’re so adorable like that, I don’t want you to stop.”

“You won’t think it’s adorable when an Omega growls at you in front of the pack.”

“Oh yes, I will.” Mitch looked Simon in the eyes, wanting to make sure he saw the truth in his words. “You’re my mate. Nothing is off limits between us. You can say or do whatever you want with me, Simon. When we’re alone, when we’re with others, whenever. I told you before that you’re mine, but I’m yours just as much.”

“You’re not ashamed of me?”

If Mitch could go back in time, he’d eviscerate Kristof instead of giving Freddy the honor. “I think you’re incredible.” He cupped Simon’s cheeks with both hands and gazed into his eyes. “Incredibly brave. Incredibly strong. Incredibly loyal. And incredibly beautiful.”

“Mitch?” Simon rasped.

“Uh-huh?”

“Will you kiss me again?”

“I’ll be kissing you for the rest of our lives.”

Simon whimpered, closed his eyes, and stretched his face forward.

Sighing with relief and satisfaction, Mitch leaned down and kissed his mate.

Chapter 10

After spending years trying to appear stronger, braver, and tougher than he felt and always worrying about everything and everyone around him, Simon completely let go. He just…let go. And nothing bad happened. In fact, he’d had a great weekend, probably the best one in his life. Plus, with his energy no longer focused on a search for lurking danger, he couldn’t avoid the fire Mitch had lit inside him.

Huge, powerful, and fierce, Mitch Grant was a person to be admired from afar for fear that getting close would incite violence. But from the first day they’d met, Mitch hadn’t allowed Simon to get far from him and, in his own way, he’d been gentle. He’d also been wary. Simon saw it in his eyes and expressions—a constant concern that Simon would break or attack or escape. Interestingly, that very concern soothed Simon because it showed that Mitch cared.

But none of that mattered anymore. Not after the emotional weekend they’d spent talking and kissing. By finally curbing his worries, Simon had seemingly freed Mitch from his own. When Mitch looked at him now, the wariness was replaced with amusement and fascination and adoration. Evoking those emotions in such a powerful man was heady. It was also arousing. So along with stroking Simon’s ego, it fanned the flame in his belly that burned for Mitch.

Mitch, who’d stood by while Simon yelled, struck, insulted him. Mitch, who complimented everything Simon cooked as if he were a gourmet chef. Mitch, who’d bought him clothes, shoes, and toiletries without being asked and without expecting anything in return. Mitch, who showed Simon he was interested in hearing about his past without pushing for more than Simon was willing to share. Mitch, who acted excited about staying home for Thanksgiving instead of spending the holiday with his family, all because Simon was still terrified of meeting other shifters, especially the pack Alpha. And Mitch, who wedged his hulking frame onto a narrow sofa night after night so Simon could sleep in his bed without fear.

If all those actions showed Simon one thing, it was that the safest, most comfortable place for him was by Mitch’s side. But more than that, he wanted to be there. So he climbed out of bed late Sunday night and padded into the moonlit living room.

“Hey,” Mitch said before Simon stepped one foot into the room. “Is everything okay?”

Suddenly, he was unaccountably nervous. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

Mitch sat up and the blanket pooled around his waist, leaving his thick, muscular chest exposed in the moonlight. “You want me to come to bed with you.”

Though it didn’t sound like a question, Simon answered anyway. “Yes. Is that something you can tell by scent?”

“Part scent, part body language.” Mitch nodded. “But mostly just me knowing you.” He reached for something on the ground.

Simon squinted and saw that it was Mitch’s underwear. “You sleep naked?”

“Mmm hmm.” Mitch’s hands disappeared under the blanket, and he moved around, presumably putting them on. “I don’t like being constricted.”