Thrown to the Wolves

Chapter 16

Markus's POV

When I woke up, I was greeted by the adorable face of my mate. Quentin was curled up, his eyes tinged red at the corners. I smiled gently at his beautiful face, but I felt bad for losing myself enough to make my mate cry. Still, he was gorgeous any way I looked at him. Sitting up slowly, I winced at the burning pain on my back, no doubt from Quentin holding on for dear life. As silently as possible, I got out of bed, got dressed, and made my way downstairs to the kitchen. 

Sean, Kyran, and Felan were all seated at the table when I walked in, all three turning their attention to me when they heard me. Sean tilted his head. "You look happy."

"So we can assume everything went well, then?" Kyran raised a brow. Felan peeked up with interest, waiting for an answer. Nodding, I coughed awkwardly as everyone in the room relaxed. "Good. We won't have to intervene, then." Kyran stood up before helping Felan to his feet. "We better get going. Don't want to impede your honeymoon period, and we have some stuff to take care of at home. Alvah's probably taken over the house."

Felan gave a knowing smile and the two left the kitchen. I looked to Sean. "You know who Alvah is?"

"Not a clue," he answered, standing to walk behind the counter. "Here, give this to Quentin." He handed me a tray of breakfast, which I accepted gratefully. "Good luck, Alpha."

Smiling, I headed back upstairs with the tray. Arriving at the room I shared with Quentin, I opened the door and saw Quentin's eyes turn to me. "When did you get up?" I set the tray on the nightstand.

"I hate you." Quentin tried to sound angry, but as he spoke he tried to sit up and winced, making his voice come out as a whimper. 

Giving him a sheepish smile, I sat down and pulled him into my lap as slowly as possible. Once he was settled I handed him the tray and watched him eat. "Sorry, I... I tried to be gentle, but-"

"I know." Quentin spoke around his food, pausing as he looked down. "I know."

Instead of giving him a reply, I leaned my head into the crook of his neck and tightened my grip on his waist. As he continued to eat, I placed butterfly kisses against his skin, smiling at the dark bruises that I'd placed on him last night. My eyes wandered to his mate mark which was clearly visible against his pale skin. He's mine now.... No one can have him. The thought made me deliriously happy. No one can take him away anymore. I don't have to worry, because he's right here in my arms. Forever.

"-kus... Markus?" I jumped at the sound of my name, meeting Quentin's gaze. "What's wrong? You were spacing out."

Quentin had turned himself around to face me, and I could see the slight hint of pain in having to twist half of his body around. I sat back and helped him turn all the way to face me. Quentin cupped my face, getting onto his knees so he could stare down at me. His shirt slipped of his shoulder and I raised a brow. "Your shirt's too big."

"It's yours. I couldn't find mine." Quentin blushed before continuing his interrogation. "Now, what's wrong?"

I wrapped my arms around his waist again, smiling. "Nothing. I'm the happiest guy in the world right now. I was just... thinking about how happy I am." Leaning up, I pressed my against his. Quentin let his hands slide from my face to my neck, pulling me closer as I pushed him back down to the bed. I kissed Quentin urgently, hoping to quench my need to touch him. To taste him. But as I continued to kiss him it only increased the need. 

I reached my hand up underneath his shirt just as a knock on the door startled us and we pulled apart. Quentin groaned, letting go of my neck to allow his upper body to fall back against the bed. I frowned. "Who is it?"

"Thought we'd say goodbye before leaving this time." Kyran's voice drawled. "Were you in the middle of something?" 

I could hear Felan scolding Kyran outside the door and turned to Quentin. He covered his face with his hands and muttered something before looking back at me. "Help me up... Please." Nodding, I helped Quentin stand and watched his legs wobble as he attempted to walk to the bathroom to get dressed. I tried to help him, but he pushed me away and continued to hold onto any object in his path to maintain balance. It was like watching a newborn calf, but I was afraid that if I told Quentin he throw me out of the room. 

Eventually, Quentin managed to get dressed and we opened the door. Kyran looked us both up and down. "Ah, good. You're decent. Anyway, I thought you'd like a formal goodbye this time."

Quentin snorted. "Why start now? Besides, you planned this trip, didn't you? Showing up only a few days before the full moon? You don't think I'm an idiot."

"Not all the time," Kyran agreed. "But I figured you could use the push. So... In a way... You're welcome."

"Thanks, Cupid." Quentin and Kyran shared a smile.

I glanced at Felan. "You'll come back, right?"

He nodded. "Of course. We'll write ahead next time, though."

Kyran put his arm around Felan's waist. "No we won't."

With that, the pair walked down the hall and were soon out of sight. Quentin sighed. "Good riddance. The last thing I need is my brother meddling with my relationships."

I perked up, forcing down a teasing smile. "Relationships? Do we have a relationship, Quentin?"

Quentin blushed, glaring. "Shut up! You know the answer to that!"

"I assure you, I don't. Enlighten me." I leaned against the doorway, keeping Quentin in the hallway. 

He pushed against my chest, trying to get me to move, but he didn't have much luck. I watched his face blush until it was the exact shade of red as his hair, smiling at my absolutely adorable mate. Finally, when he'd given up, I leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "I love you." I whispered against the shell of his ear, moving down to nibble his neck.

Quentin relaxed into my touch, placing his hands on my shoulder. "... Me too."

"What was that?" I smiled, pulling him into my arms. 

Quentin hit my chest. "I said I love you, you idiot!!" He raised his voice and then buried his face into my chest. "... Take me back to bed."

Kissing the top of his head, I picked him up with ease. "With pleasure, my adorable little mate."