Mating Brand (Mating Heat Book 3) Read online

  “Shut up,” Brand warned, taking a threatening step forward. “You’re digging a hole and don’t even know it.”

  “I’m not! I goofed up and I’m clearing the air. Most women from our pack won’t even consider mating with him while my older brothers are single. They’re hoping they’ll hook up with them instead, but other packs would be thrilled to have Brand. He got tired of women trying to use him. That’s why he stopped going. They’d hound him for months afterward if he fucked any of them. He’s a prime catch for some bitches.”

  “Shut up!” Brand snarled, his fangs elongating.

  Charma rose from her chair and frowned. “Calm down.”

  “He’s upsetting you.”

  “I’m fine. You beating on your cousin, though, will upset me. I hate to clean up blood.”

  “I just told her you haven’t gone to the runnings in years. He usually holes up with one bitch or hides in his house until mating heat is over. He doesn’t even keep a girlfriend for long.”

  “Shut up.” Brand lunged.

  Charma stepped into his path and her palms flattened on his chest to hold him in place. She turned her head to shoot Braden a pleading look. “Go wait in the truck and seal your lips.”

  He fled, the door slamming behind him. Brand’s body trembled against her hands as she gave him her full attention. She had to tilt her head back to peer at his face. He grimly regarded her.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She rubbed him. “For what?”

  “You shouldn’t have heard about that.”

  “You had sex while we were apart. I’m just grateful you didn’t mate anyone. It would break my heart to see you with someone else and not be able to be with you. It worked out, didn’t it?”

  His hands gripped her hips. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved, hon.”

  “You’re the only man I’ve ever loved. It doesn’t matter. Your runnings are over though.” She smiled to soften her words. “That would upset me.”

  “Never. You’re it for me.”

  “We’re fine then.”

  “I’m your mate. I’d never want another.”

  She leaned into him and dropped her chin. Her cheek rested against his chest. He hugged her and placed a kiss on top of her head.

  “I’m not him.”

  “I know.”

  It amazed her that Brand would guess she had thought about Garrett and how he’d cheated. She’d driven him to it but it had still shocked her at first. She hadn’t been hurt, though, more relieved that he’d sought out physical release with other women. The thought of Brand touching someone else made pain sear through her heart.

  “I’ll send Braden without me and stay here with you. They don’t really need me at the meeting.”

  “No. You should go. I’ll be fine and this is about your pack. That’s important.” She pulled away enough to meet his intense gaze. “Call me if you have any questions about the prides. I’d offer to come along but I’m kind of afraid to do that.”

  “It’s our pack now, yours too, and after this meeting, you’ll be safe anywhere you go within our territory. I’ll make damn sure of that and my cousins will back me.”

  “Are you sure?” It worried her still that his pack might not accept her.

  “Positive. Grady married a full human and Anton mated a quarter-puma.” He grinned. “Now we have a half-breed spotted leopard in the family. We’re going to gain a reputation for being a totally cool pack. All we need now is a bear shifter—and I’m thinking Braden should volunteer for that.”

  “Don’t bears hate everyone? I heard stories that they eat our kind.”

  “Yes.” He chuckled. “That’s why I think Braden should go find one to bring home. He’ll be on toast the first time he pisses her off, which shouldn’t take too long.”

  She laughed, shook her head and pulled out of his arms. “He’s young and his intentions were good.”

  “I’ll try to remember that. Lock the door and don’t answer it. I’ll be back soon. Get the phone if it rings.”

  “I will.”

  He leaned down to kiss her lips. “I’ll be home real soon. I can’t be away for long.” He growled softly and a hungry look filled his gaze as it traveled down her body. “I’m already hurting for you.”

  “I’ll eat and wait for you on the bed.” She backed away. “Naked.”

  A pained look crossed his handsome features. “Now I’m really hurting. Damn, hon, don’t torment me while I’m in heat. I’ll hurry. Lock the door.” He spun on his heel and left the house.

  * * * * *

  Brand shot dirty looks at Braden the entire trip to the Harris Pack alpha’s house. “You don’t speak to my mate of such things,” he ordered.

  “I’m sorry.” His cousin shifted a little closer to the door to keep space between them. “Where’s your sense of humor? Gaining a mate has made you kind of a dick.”

  “You could have hurt her feelings. I didn’t want her to know about the runnings. It’s not cool to discuss fucking other women in front of your mate.”

  “She would have heard the truth from someone at some point. She didn’t seem angry.”

  “You’re lucky.” Brand slowed the truck and parked behind a line of vehicles near the driveway. “Just don’t talk when you’re around her.”

  “Really? I’m living in your basement.”

  Brand growled softly. “Fine. Just don’t discuss sex with her, or bitches, and take hints when I shoot a glare your way. That means shut your trap.”

  “I’m sure cats have runnings.”

  “You’d be wrong.” Brand jerked on the handle and slid out of his truck. “The females can take pills to stop the heat. They only allow it to happen when they’re with someone they trust or when they’re already mated. It’s frowned upon if they get pregnant otherwise.”

  “Tell it to those pussies who wanted to hurt Shannon.”

  “Only prides with low birthrates are willing to do that breeding-for-litters bullshit, and from what I’ve heard, they force the half-breed mothers to give up those babies to barren full-blooded women to raise.”

  “That’s some fucked-up shit.”

  “Agreed. Just watch your mouth around Charma and remember that she’s different from us.”

  “Fine.”

  They walked side by side to the front door. Braden opened it and stalked inside first. The scent of pack filled the entire house and it didn’t surprise Brand that they’d met in the large living room instead of going downstairs where they held their usual family meetings. He nodded at his packmates but ignored the shocked expressions as they got a whiff of him. He’d expected the scent of Charma to draw plenty of attention.

  Rave met his gaze across the room. He watched his cousin sniff the air and a grin spread across his face. “Glad you dragged your ass out of bed.”

  Grady walked out of the kitchen with a beer in his hand. His head snapped in Brand’s direction and then his eyebrows lifted.

  “Charma came home to me.”

  “The spotted leopard from college?” A smile curved Grady’s lips. “I heard something about her from Rave.”

  “She’s not leaving me a second time.” He lifted his chin to level a fierce look at the faces around the room. “She’s my mate. Got it? Anyone have a problem with that? Say so now and I’ll kill you before the meeting starts.”

  “We welcome your mate, so don’t slaughter anyone.” Anton’s deep voice spoke as he entered the room carrying a big tray of food. “Congratulations. Tell her thanks for the heads-up on the pride threat.” He shot a menacing look around the room. “Is everyone cool with she-cats as protected mates in our pack? If not, step outside to get your ass kicked. You can pick who you want to fight but there will be no killings. I’d hate to get stains on Dad’s carpet so we will definitely take it to the backyard. There’s a hose out there to wash away the blood.”

  No one spoke or moved toward the door.

  Brand relaxed. He’d never worried that his cous