Quinn thought he was keeping his sleeplessness a secret, Deke knew. It wasn’t easy to miss the pacing in his room, the muttering too low for even a wolf’s hearing. He knew Quinn couldn’t understand the difference between him and Ryker, but now maybe they had time to explore that.
He marveled at Quinn’s soft skin. When Quinn had started taking his clothes off, Deke had to force himself to stop him, even though he longed to see his mate naked. He wanted to explore that beautiful body, to show Quinn that a touch could be pleasurable and not painful. What would it be like, he wondered, if he got up in the morning and found Quinn still asleep, so he’d sneak to the kitchen and prepare breakfast, rather than Quinn waiting on him? Okay, so he wasn’t as skilled as Quinn, but he was certain he could make something that would satisfy his mate.
Mate.
Goddess, the mere word filled Deke’s heart with love and pride. He’d never known mates were a real thing. He’d always assumed, like Gareth had, that they were something concocted by human writers. What if Mother Moon had subtly influenced humans into writing the words to give hope to the wolves? Maybe. And maybe Deke needed to stop being so hard on her. She might be a goddess, but when your chosen ones are slaughtered, it’s sure to throw you into despair. That was why she recreated Sean and made him her Omega.
Mother, please forgive me my uncharitable thoughts. Quinn is one man, and despite his importance to me, I can’t imagine the pain you underwent losing all you created.
A tingling blossomed in Deke’s chest, working through his body, touching the core of his being. He knew it was the Moon Mother; it had to be. When Quinn rolled over, then wrapped an arm around Deke’s stomach and snuggled in with a whimper, Deke had to believe it was Mother, telling him that they would help Quinn.
Thank you. I swear to guide him as best as I can. Like I said, he’s one man, but he’s my man, and I would die before I let him be hurt again.
“Deke?”
The word, said in sleep, still shook Deke to his depths.
“You’re safe, Quinn. Rest.”
He put an arm around Quinn and held him close until Quinn again slipped into a deep slumber, with Deke following behind shortly after.
THE SUN peered into the room, blowing away the cobwebs that filled Quinn’s head. It shone so brightly in the sky, the effect magnified as it reflected off the lake. Goddess, it seemed like it was going to be a…. It was then he realized, the sun was up! He hadn’t started Master’s breakfast or—
“Good morning, Quinn.”
Master sat at a rollaway table, with an enormous breakfast laid out on the top, as he sipped a cup of coffee. Quinn sniffed, and his stomach rumbled at the scents of bacon and sausage, the tartness of berries, the tangy pucker of grapefruit juice, and the aroma of pancakes, which, though he never told anyone, were Quinn’s favorites.
“I’m sorry, Master. I didn’t mean to oversleep. I—”
“You didn’t oversleep. We’re on vacation, and you needed rest. And from the sounds your tummy is making, you need to eat too. Come on over.”
Master didn’t seem upset at all. In fact, he seemed… happy. Quinn got up, grateful for the fact he hadn’t undressed last night, and moved for the table. With each step, the delicious aromas grew, and Quinn’s stomach protested loudly.
“Let me get you a plate.”
“Oh no, Master, I can—”
“Sit, Quinn. Please?”
It was the please that caught Quinn’s attention. Master was polite—he was kind, caring, and he… wasn’t Ryker. Why was it so hard to believe in Master?
Because my last one beat me? Raped me? Branded me? No matter what else, I’m going to bear that mark forever as a reminder of what trust can cost me.
“Thank you, Master.”
He slid into the chair and watched as Master heaped a plate full of everything Quinn loved, then handed it to him.
“But what about you?”
He smiled, and Quinn’s stomach fluttered. “I’ll get it.”
“Oh, Master, let me—”
“Eat, okay? You can keep an eye on me to make sure I get enough, how’s that?”
It seemed wrong. A lifetime of training, of beatings, of being told his place, and yet, here with Deke… Master… it seemed okay.
“Yes, Master.”
The first mouthful was delicious, and Quinn couldn’t wait to taste everything on the table. He ate slowly, though, not wanting to finish before Master.