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Oh, so good.
Khan inhaled deeply of Nathan’s masculine aroma—so rich and sensual, like a fresh autumn breeze mixed with male musk. Turning his head, he buried his face against Nathan’s shirt-clad chest and took another deep breath. A shudder worked through him as he began to relax, and Khan was finally able to make out what Nathan was saying.
“Relax, Khan,” Nathan crooned into his ear. “Take a deep breath. That’s the way.” His mate nuzzled his temple, holding him tight to his chest. “You’re okay. You’re safe here. No one will ever hurt you, baby. I won’t let them.” Khan felt Nathan buss a kiss to his temple before whispering, “It’s gonna be you and me against the world, baby. You and me forever.”
Even knowing what Nathan was asking for—to bond—to twine their life threads—Khan knew he couldn’t deny his mate. His mate was asking to be together, and he couldn’t say no. Nathan was his mate.
For better or worse, I have to do this.
I have to make my mate happy.
Nothing else matters.
Chapter Nine
Nathan had been drinking a morning cup of coffee when he heard the motorcycles pulling up to the house. Seeing Declan rise from the table and head toward the front door, he’d been tempted to join him. Considering this wasn’t his house, even though he knew Khan was with the arriving group, Nathan had stayed put.
Then Nathan thought about his skittish little wolf, how he reacted to confrontation, and how intimidating Declan could be.
Setting down his coffee, Nathan rose. He peered toward the front, hesitating.
“Is everything okay?” Lark asked, a mixture of curiosity and concern in his voice. “Need some milk, sugar, or cream for your coffee?”
“Uh, no,” Nathan replied with a shake of his head. “I, uh, I think I’m gonna slip around the side.”
Nathan ignored Lark’s confused look in favor of hurrying out the back door. Rushing around the side of the house, he arrived just in time to see Khan peer up at Declan as he stepped onto the porch. Just as Nathan had worried, Khan appeared to visibly shake with fear before he took a step back and shucked his jacket.
Sprinting forward, Nathan wrapped his arms around Khan before he managed to strip his shirt. He clutched him close and murmured soothing words to the slender male. Recalling how both Kontra and Declan had stressed scents to Nathan, he tucked his mate’s nose against his throat.
At first, Nathan worried that the shudder that went through Khan meant he was too late, and his mate was shifting. Then he felt the pretty man sag against him. The wolf shifter snuffled at his throat, taking one deep breath after another.
Nathan held on tight and waited, continuing to murmur soothing words and promises while holding him close around the waist and rubbing his other hand over his back. Over the back of Khan’s head, he saw Sam and Declan murmuring together. The other men stood at the base of the deck’s steps, watching quietly.
When Khan finally stilled in Nathan’s arms, he peered down at him. The shifter rested his forehead against Nathan’s shoulder. His hands were clutched in Nathan’s shirt at his sides.
Taking a chance, Nathan eased a hand up his back and gently cradled Khan’s nape. He used the hold to urge the other man’s chin up. Finally, those pretty gray eyes Nathan enjoyed so much met his gaze.
“Hey, baby,” Nathan murmured, offering Khan what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “You okay now? You know you’re safe here, right?” When Khan just continued to stare at him, Nathan reiterated, “No one here will hurt you. I won’t let them. That includes Alpha Declan.”
“Y-You c-can’t promise that,” Khan whispered, his voice cracking a bit. “H-He’s the alpha.”
Of course, having known Declan in passing for several years—even if he hadn’t known the man was the alpha wolf shifter—Nathan felt confident in his assessment.
“Of course I can,” Nathan countered, lowering his head a little while continuing to hold Khan’s gaze. “Declan’s a fair man. Known him for years. Good to work with.” With a low chuckle, Nathan added, “Sure, he doesn’t suffer fools, but what self-respecting leader would?”
“Wh-What if I-I’m not strong enough?” Khan asked, nibbling his bottom lip.
The move drew Nathan’s attention to the plump flesh, making it difficult for him to concentrate on Khan’s words.
“Strong enough for what, baby?” Nathan didn’t get it.
Khan’s brows furrowed as if he didn’t understand the question. “A strong enough wolf?” After another shudder passed through him, he admitted, “I’m really not a strong wolf. It’s easier to run and hide.”
“There’s nothing wrong with running and hiding from someone stronger than ye are,” Declan cut in softly, having moved close enough to listen in on the conversation. His small smile appeared encouraging. “Fighting a losing battle is only done for two reasons, little one.”
“Why?” Khan’s voice came out more a squeak.
Declan answered in a low, soothing voice. “One, it’s a last resort. Ye have no other option. It’s either fight or die.” His eyes narrowed, and his tone lowered. “And in that case, ye fight dirty. Pull out every trick ye got to give yerself a chance to get away.”
