that was just Marvin’s love of sequins? Either way, they had separate jobs and separate lives most of the time, and were always delighted to see each other again.
To no one’s surprise, Marvin and Trick instantly got along after introductions. What did surprise the pack, though, was Max’s easy acceptance of the barista in their midst.
“Good,” was all the Magistar said upon hearing that Patrick was staying with them indefinitely. “Someone who can make a decent cup of coffee at last.”
“Says the man with repulsive taste in coffee,” shot back Trick without flinching.
The most powerful man in that room only flipped Trick off in good humor.
“You two know each other?” asked Marvin, curious. “Max, did you make a friend and not tell us?”
Max eyed the cheese platter Lovejoy had put out to stave off hunger pangs. “Sure thing, sparkles. This one keeps my morning drip line of overly sweet caffeine in full supply.” He smacked his lips.
Trick nodded. “I invented a sticky bun-flavored latte just for him.”
“It’s heaven!” crowed Max. “And it’s mine. All mine!” He glared around − as if anyone else would want such a thing.
Colin curled his lip, then noticed most of the rest of the pack was equally repulsed.
“You go on with your bad self, snuggle-bun,” said Bryan fervently.
Max bit into a piece of cheese violently.
The front door opened and closed. The last and most important member of the pack was finally home. The rest of them immediately focused on him. Not that they all ostentatiously turned their heads or anything like that. It was more like flowers following the sun. A tilting reorientation, so to speak. Although not that kind of orientation.
Colin had a complicated relationship with his Alpha. Alec was powerful, which in Alpha terms meant he was capable of great control over himself and others. He could take away Colin’s free will, if he wanted to, with one well-executed VOICE command. He was mild mannered yet freakishly charismatic. He was a brilliant intellectual, a marine biologist, for goodness’ sake, who performed bumbling nerd with consummate skill, yet could kill most anyone with graceful efficiency. Colin had never seen a faster wolf shift or a more precise third form. Alec was like an espresso Alpha, concentrated, intense, necessary, and you better wake up right the fuck now. Also probably best when immersed in frothing milk, which Marvin could speak to, no doubt, and might explain Alec’s love of the hot tub. The fact that he was physically smaller than most Alphas, and most of his own pack, was irrelevant to his power over them.
Being in Alec’s presence made Colin buzz with need. He wanted so many things from his Alpha – comfort, approval, safety, blessing. As if Alec were a god, or a father, or a cult leader. All those desires utterly terrified Colin. So mostly he bottled them up. He tried not to need his Alpha. He tried to be cool and calm and unruffled around Alec. But he could never stop the jolt of joy that always came when Alec first walked into the room.
The Alpha hung up his lab coat and glanced around, his eyes meeting and checking on each of his pack members. He noticed Trick, of course, as a stranger in his house puttering in his kitchen with Lovejoy and Marvin. But he assessed the man as unthreatening, and then made certain all his wolves were good.
This was done via wordless glances with Bryan, his Beta, and Isaac, his Omega – a nonverbal communication of security.
To Bryan: Are we all safe?
To Isaac: Are we all happy?
Whatever response he received from both masters of impassivity, it relaxed the Alpha’s shoulders and put a smile on his face.
Marvin left the kitchen at a trot and flew into his arms. “Boyfriend!”
“Hello, my sweet sea-bean.”
A few more murmured words of sappy adoration were exchanged, and then the merman was back in the kitchen, flushed and chipper. Colin worked hard to keep the yearning out of his eyes and scent. The way Alec focused all his Alpha intensity on his mate, and yet was so gentle with him. Colin wanted that.
Instead of his normal evening routine, which dictated a quick moment alone in his office, Alec stuffed his bag in a cubby by the door and came into the den.
To Colin’s surprise, the Alpha’s attention was on him. “You all right, Colin?”
Colin frowned. Why wouldn’t I be? Oh! “The 911 text?”
“Yes.” Alec moved around the couch and crouched in front of him. He removed