Alpha at Home (Brothers of the Heart Book 1) Read online

  “That’s okay, it always takes me a while to wind down after a shift. I was just going to have a drink; would you like one?” She asked as she crossed to the kitchen.

  “Whatever you’re having is fine,” I managed, my blood heating as I took in her ass in that tight skirt. Averting my eyes swiftly, I admonished myself for looking, and tried to focus on the painting on the closest wall. It was too late, though, my dick was hard as a rock.

  I moved to hide the lower half of my body behind her kitchen counter, as she poured two neat glasses of whiskey and handed me one, before taking a sip of the other.

  “So, what’s up?” Gillian asked. Her tone wasn’t rude, but I could see she was watching me warily. I’m not sure if she sensed how different I was with her, or what, but things between Gilly and I were always awkward when we were alone.

  And I did my best to ensure we were rarely alone.

  “Mateo wants you ladies to put together some welcome dishes to take to the Threehorn Pack. They just recently moved in, and we’ll be meeting with them next week to go over expectations and let them know more about the area. We figured it would be a gesture of goodwill, before we have our sit down.”

  Gillian nodded and replied, “That shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll get with the women and we can divvy out dishes. We’ll have them well fed by the end of the week.”

  “Great,” I said, closing my eyes as the amber liquid slid down my throat, and I tried to block out the smooth line of Gillian’s neck. I suddenly felt itchy, like we were too close, even though there was an island between us.

  “Was that all?” she asked, and I opened my eyes just in time to see her flick her gaze away.

  I set my glass down and walked around the counter, my hand reaching out automatically to touch her arm as I asked, “Is everything okay with you?”

  I shouldn’t have touched her… I never touch her.

  Fire seemed to lick at my fingertips and course up my arm at our touch. We were close enough that I heard her sharp intake of breath, and my eyes roamed her face to get a read on what she was feeling.

  What I saw stopped my heart in my chest and made my wolf howl with need, the same need I saw reflected on her face.

  Did she feel what I was feeling? Was the blood rushing through her as excitement lit inside her veins? Did she long to feel my lips on hers, to feel our bodies touch, to mate?

  The feel of her skin beneath my hand, coupled with that dark look on her face had instinct taking over, as all rational thought flew out of my brain. Without a thought for anything but what I needed, I pulled Gilly to me and lowered my head, watching her eyes widen as her lips parted in silent invitation.

  Then, I brushed my lips against hers, and changed things forever. There would be no going back after this.

  Chapter 4

  Gillian

  It was as if every unanswered question had just been answered…

  Max’s lips on mine were perfect. It was like a perfectly blended cocktail of heat, passion, love, and rightness. At first contact, I realized one certain fact. I was his and he was mine.

  I couldn’t think, worry, or wonder what this would mean for us, for my family, for me and Mateo, all I could do, was feel.

  I felt his growl vibrating against my chest, even though he didn’t make a sound. It was a sound of pure, unadulterated lust and need, and it made my already throbbing center, burn even brighter.

  My back hit the counter as Max’s hands came around me, one fisting in my hair, the other lowering to grab my ass roughly. We were a flurry of passion as our hands and mouths stoked the fire within. I placed one hand on his abdomen under his shirt, gasping when I felt the heat of his skin, then cupped the back of his head with my other as I pulled him even closer.

  His tongue worshiped my mouth. There was no uncertainty, gnashing of teeth or awkwardness, it was as if we were both made for this moment, and our bodies knew it, even if our minds did not. We moved in time with the oldest dance of all.

  I was so primed and ready to go, that as soon as Max lifted me up and placed me on the counter, his hand diving under my skirt, I knew I’d be coming within seconds. When his fingers gently caressed the front of my panties, I let my head fall back as I sighed, then all gentleness was gone as a growl erupted from his lips and he tore my panties away.

  My skirt was shoved up around my waist and he was there… lips on my clit as he tongued my wet seam.

  “Fuck, yes, Max,” I cried, one hand bracing myself against the counter, the other on the back of his head, practically shoving his face into my pussy. The orgasm that was building was unlike any I’d ever felt, and I needed it so badly I could scream, so I did.

  My core was a tight ball, eager to unfurl, and my heart was pounding so rapidly, I worried it would come out of my chest.

  Max licked me mercilessly, then pulled my clit between his lips as he shoved two fingers inside and began fucking me. I tilted my hips up, and he started moving his fingers faster, then flattened his tongue and began flicking my clit. Within seconds I was coming so hard I thought I might pass out.

  While I was still riding out my orgasm and chanting Max’s name like a prayer, I was pulled to the edge of the counter as he thrust his dick inside.

  “Oh, my God,” I managed, my pussy clenching and throbbing around his hard, hot cock.

  He felt divine.

  Max parted his legs a little farther, bracing himself, then put one hand on the counter and the other on my hip, his fingers digging in as he pulled out slowly, then thrust back inside.

  I wanted him everywhere, to feel all of me, to see all of me, so I pulled my tank top down, along with the cups of my bra, revealing my breasts and hard pink nipples. I ran my hand over myself, reveling in the softness, before pinching my nipple hard and pulling.

  “Gilly,” Max managed, the sound rough, as if it was hard for him to speak.

  I looked into his face to see his eyes dark and lidded as he watched me play with my tit. My eyes on his, I cupped the bottom of my breast and held it, like an offering, but it was actually more of a plea. I wanted his mouth on me so bad I could feel it.

  He took my offering and pulled out slowly, then rested his wet, hard dick against my clit and lowered his head to my breast. He teased me softly, first licking, then nibbling, before slowly sucking my nipple into his mouth. When I was ready to whimper from the sensation, he rocked gently against me, his dick rubbing against my sensitive center.

  Just as I started to feel the build begin again, I was plunked off the counter. Once I was steady on my feet, Max turned me and pulled my hips back slightly, urging me to bend and lay my torso on the counter. I hissed at the cool marble beneath my still bare breast, then forgot all about it when Max entered me from behind with one quick thrust.

  Holding my hips, he pounded into me, his tone gruff as he told me how much he wanted me, how beautiful I was, and how great I felt. I felt one hand fist in my hair, and I stood up as much as I could without losing him.

  “I love you, Gillian,” Max whispered in my ear, and as my pussy began to throb around him, I felt his teeth on the back of my shoulder. Seconds later, he bit down, claiming me as pleasure beyond anything I’d ever felt shot through me. It wasn’t just an orgasm, it was so much more, like the stars aligning with me as my mate put his mark on me.

  “I love you too, Maximus,” I managed, between panting breaths, and he roared as he came inside of me.

  We were both bent over the counter, trying to catch our breath, saved from the slick sweat of each other’s bodies, because we were still almost fully clothed.

  I turned my head to the side, breathing in deeply as I tried to regulate my breathing, then closed my eyes as reality crashed over me.

  What had we done? What would I tell Mateo? My family? Had I really just mated with Maximus, my intended’s second in command and best friend? The man I’d known since I was a child, and had always wanted, but always knew I could never have?

  As Max slid out of me, I fel
t his tongue caress the wound on my neck, before he took a step back. I felt panic start to set in, then he pulled me gently back from the counter and turned me, pulling my bra and shirt up as he did. I lifted my chin slowly, afraid of what I might see on his face, but compelled to look anyway, and what I saw settled everything inside of me.

  “You love me?” I asked, my voice filled with wonder. I felt tears pricking the back of my eyes and a hard knot forming in my throat as I looked at him. His black hair was in disarray from my hands, and his eyes were brimming with love and affection.

  “And you love me,” he stated, his tone conveying his happiness.

  My heart leapt as he pulled me into his arms. I turned my head to rest my face on his chest and I could hear the still violent beating of his heart. Everything felt right and good, and I felt a calmness, a serenity, that I knew came with finally mating with the person I was meant for.

  Fear started creeping back in, so I threw my arms around his waist and squeezed him tightly to me, as I whispered, “What are we going to do?”

  Chapter 5

  Maximus

  “We’ll figure it out,” I answered gruffly, too caught up in the moment to think about anything but what we’d just done.

  It had shattered every question, any possibility of doubt. Gilly was mine, and I was hers, end of story. The fact that she was promised to my Alpha and best friend was a problem, even in my love-induced haze, I realized that, but I couldn’t worry about that now. Not when every fiber of my being was crying out with joy.

  I’d claimed her as my own. My wolf, who had been chomping at the bit earlier, was now calm and collected, content with the knowledge that my mate had been claimed.

  I knew we’d have battles to fight in the coming days, but I also believed that when something was meant to be, everything would work itself out.

  I smiled as I held Gillian close, our hearts beating as one as the smell of our mating permeated my senses and I felt my body start to respond once again. Coupling with her had not been my intention. In fact, I’d thought to live out my days in misery, watching the woman I loved, love another. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined she would feel the same way about me.

  I ran my hands up and down her arms, then to her back, and lower, until her nicely rounded bottom was filling them up and I rocked her against me.

  Gillian practically purred in response, then moaned lowly when I once again licked the bite mark I’d left on her neck.

  “I’d always imagined it would be like this,” I practically growled.

  “Me, too,” she panted, then put her arms around my neck as I lifted her up off the ground and walked us toward her bed.

  We’d had fast, mind-blowing, fantastic mating, now I wanted to take my time and worship every inch of her the way she deserved. So, I sat her gently on the bed, then slowly peeled her clothes off of her body, pausing to enjoy ever new expanse of exposed skin as I did.

  When she was finally naked before me, I stood before her for a moment to appreciate her glorious legs, gorgeous tits, and beautiful skin as she laid back on the pillows, her dark hair fanning out around her.

  Once I’d looked long enough for my cock to become completely rigid once again, I quickly disposed of my own clothes and laid out on the bed next to her.

  My eyes held hers as I enjoyed the soft, smooth feel of her skin beneath my palm, while teasing us both with slow strokes of skin on skin.

  “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever see,” I whispered.

  I watched her eyes fill and her lips turn up sweetly.

  “So are you, Max.”

  I lowered my head and brushed my lips softly against hers, then kissed her gently, taking my time and drawing out our pleasure. She opened for me on a soft moan and I swept inside, enjoying the heady taste of her.

  I’m not sure how long we laid there, drinking each other in slowly, our hands and mouths worshiping each other.

  This time, I knelt before her and lowered myself slowly, giving her time to adjust to my weight as I entered her slowly. Reverently.

  “Max,” she gasped, her back bowing as she took every inch of me.

  We made love with long strokes, hot kisses, and loving words, and I knew she’d claimed every last piece of me by the time we both came, her name on my lips.

  That night I slept more soundly than I ever had, with my mate tucked close in my arms, my wolf surprisingly content, considering I’d never gotten in that run.

  When I woke, it was with a stretch and a smile as the night came back to me, my heart full with the knowledge that Gilly was mine, and I was not going to be forced to live this life alone, longing for the impossible.

  Unfortunately, the bed beside me was empty, as was the apartment. I took my time getting up and ready, figuring Gilly would be back any moment from whatever chore had taken her away. However, when I’d showered, dressed, had a cup of coffee and looked around for a note I never found, I realized I wasn’t going to get the chance to see her before I had to get to work.

  I left a note telling her I loved her and would see her later, then locked up, and while whistling a happy tune, I went down the stairs and started to my truck. As I was passing the door to Howler’s, however, the idea that Gilly might have gone down to the bar struck me, so I changed course and tried the door.

  It was unlocked.

  The first thing I saw when I opened it, was Gillian cleaning tables in the bar, her lips moving as if she were muttering to herself.

  I grinned at the sight of her, and, needing to feel her in my arms again, I let the door slam and started toward her. At the sound of the door her head swing up and worry-filled eyes hit mine, before her face closed off completely.

  Dread hit my stomach at that look on her face, but I kept the smile on mine as I said, “Good morning, although, would’ve been better if I hadn’t woken up alone.”

  Her hand stilled on the table and I saw it flex around the rag she held.

  “Good morning, Maximus,” Gilly replied. “Sorry, I had to get to work.”

  When I was close enough, I lifted my arm to pull her to me, but she stiffened and stepped back.

  “What’s going on?” I asked warily.

  “We can’t do this,” she started, her voice almost desperate.

  “Do what?” I asked, that dread turning to cement in my gut.

  “This,” Gilly replied, gesturing between us to emphasize what she meant. “Us. There can be no us.”

  “But there is an us,” I countered. “You’re my mate, Gillian, and you know it. I claimed you last night… you felt it just as wholly as I did.”

  “I know what we felt, but it’s wrong. I’m meant to be the mate of an Alpha, you know it, and I know it. Shit, we’ve always known it. This thing between us cannot be, you’re only a Bravo,” Gilly replied, her words not harsh, but pleading, and still, it felt as if she’d punched me.

  Wanting to argue, but knowing anything I said now after being hurt and in anger would only cause more damage, I gave her a sharp nod and said, “We’ll take some time to think and talk about this later,” then I spun on my heel and crossed to the door.

  “There’s nothing to think about, Max, I’m sorry,” Gilly said from behind me, and I flinched again as if she’d hit me from behind.

  Chapter 6

  Gillian

  When the door shut behind Max, I started shaking uncontrollably, then crying soundlessly, before finally dropping to the floor and allowing the sobs out. Once I’d cried my heart out, I felt a little bit of relief, unless you counted the horrendous ache in my chest.

  Shit, it’s like an actual physical pain, I thought as I stood, rubbing my chest absently, as if that would help ease the pain there.

  Last night I’d been caught up. In my feelings, the magic between Max and I, and I’d allowed myself to hope… The cold light of day had dashed that hope away. I knew my lineage, my purpose, and it wasn’t to live happily ever after with the Bravo of the pack, as much as my entire being
was screaming that it was.

  No, I was born to be the mate of the Alpha, case closed.

  Was what Max and I shared last night confusing? Hell yes. I’d felt the way I’d always imagined I would when I mated with the Alpha I was born to be with. It had been more than sex, more than making love, it was more like and otherworldly, out of body, experience.

  I’d fallen asleep happy and content, but I’d woken up terrified.

  What if Mateo found out what Max and I had done? I’d cheated on the man that was supposed to be my other half, hell, I hadn’t thought about him at all. Once I’d felt Max’s hand on me, I was done. Completely and utterly caught in the moment.

  I’d fled my apartment as quickly and quietly as I could manage, needing to get some space and get out of the vicinity of Max’s gloriously naked, sleeping form. As soon as I’d escaped my flat and hit the bar, I’d known exactly what I needed to do, even as I knew, I’d never recover from it.

  It had killed me to hurt Maximus that way, I’d actually felt his pain deep within me, and I worried that now that we’d mated, we’d forever be linked internally in some way. Still, it was done, and there was nothing that could ever change between us.

  What scared me the most was facing Mateo, who knew me better than anyone. I was afraid he’d know immediately that something was wrong, or guess what I’d done somehow. I also didn’t know if I’d be able to live with not telling him.

  Sure, we’d never been together that way, even though the pack assumed we had been, but I was still going to be by his side for the rest of our lives, just like I was meant to be. Could I live my whole life as a lie?

  I heard the door open and whipped my head toward it, worried that Max had come back, then let out a sigh of relief when my sister walked in.

  “Hey, Tash,” I called, hoping I didn’t look guilty.

  “Morning,” she mumbled.

  Natasha wasn’t the morning person that I was, quite the opposite. A fact that I was happy of when she barely glanced in my direction, instead heading straight for the coffee pot.