Winning His Man, page 1
EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®
www.evernightpublishing.com
Copyright© 2017 Angelique Voisen
ISBN: 978-1-77339-401-5
Cover Artist: Jay Aheer
Editor: Karyn White
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
DEDICATION
To my readers, I hope you enjoy reading Steve and Leon’s story as much as I loved writing it.
WINNING HIS MAN
Determined Mates, 2
Angelique Voisen
Copyright © 2017
Chapter One
Steve Doyle tugged at his tie irritably, uncomfortable in his rented suit. Sweat tickled down his front and back. Being in a church full of werewolves didn’t help ease his nerves at all, but today was his younger brother Tommy’s wedding day. The least Steve could do was be there for Tommy one last time. He could never handle social situations well, but he could do this one thing for Tommy.
Abel, Tommy’s mate, was one of the enforcers of the River West wolfpack, the new pack that Tommy and Steve recently joined. Abel had proven himself capable, worthy of Steve’s brother, and Steve didn’t say that lightly. Since their parents died in a car accident, he’d taken the role of both dad and brother, although Tommy always joked he was a better brother than dad.
The door to the dressing room finally opened, revealing his grinning brother. Just like that, all his irritation vanished. It was Tommy’s day, not his. Steve was an average soldier in the pack, and unlike his attractive and magnetic brother, he preferred to remain in the shadows, unseen.
“Hey, baby brother. You look nice,” he said.
Tommy really did. His baby brother practically glowed, looking spiffy in his midnight blue suit and bowtie. Abel, he knew, wore a matching suit. Tommy had picked out the suits and decorations, given Abel wasn’t particular about anything.
“I do?” Tommy beamed, expression softening.
It was quiet here in the corridor. Soft music played from inside the chapel, where everyone waited for them. Their new family. Gone were the days Steve and Tommy moved from place to place, hoping a wolfpack would take them in. Tommy always felt guilty no pack wanted them, because he was an Omega incapable of giving birth.
Steve on the other hand, thought there were other factors, too. He was too plain, too ordinary, and looking for a pack sometimes felt like a job hunt. Roving forever wasn’t an option. Werewolves were social creatures by nature and needed packs to anchor their animals. Besides, he wasn’t that powerful a shifter. Someday or another, he was going to slip and someone might harm his brother. In a way, he was thankful to Abel, but he’d never admit that out loud to the enforcer.
“Yeah, our parents would be proud.” Steve began to reach out to ruffle Tommy’s hair, but thought better of it. Tommy must have spent quite some time making sure every detail, including his hair, perfect.
“Steve, before you walk me down the aisle, I wanted to say thank you for everything, for sticking with me during the good and bad times,” Tommy said, beginning to tear up.
“Come on, Tommy. Don’t be overdramatic.” He teased him, taking out a handkerchief to wipe at Tommy’s eyes. “It’s your wedding day. Smile or Abel will worry.”
“He will, huh?”
Despite Abel’s tough physical exterior, Steve knew the enforcer was a softie when it came to his baby brother.
“Shall we?” he asked. “We can’t keep everyone waiting.”
Tommy nodded, taking his arm. Together, they walked out of the corridor and entered the chapel. Music started playing instantly. Guests turned in their seats to watch them. Not long ago, four months to be precise, Tommy and he had had no one—no friends or family to support them. Now, thanks to Tommy mating Abel and Steve successfully becoming a part of the River West pack, things had changed for the better.
He’d thought joining a pack would cure his wolf. His animal wasn’t necessarily sick, merely lonely sometimes. As Steve handed his brother to Abel, he stood to one side, skin prickling. Emotions whirled inside of him. He’d been against Tommy and Abel’s mating at the start, thinking things had moved too fast between Abel and his brother. But maybe, all Steve really was, was jealous.
Being older than Tommy by two years, he thought he’d find his mate soon. He always made excuses for himself, told the few interested parties he had responsibilities. In truth, no one found average Joes like him interesting. Steve was neither submissive or dominant enough, and no stronger werewolf had ever decided he was mate material.
Why was he thinking such thoughts on his brother’s special day?
“Cheer up, wolf. Your brother’s in good hands.”
He nearly jumped at that deep voice, a voice that sometimes visited him in his sleep. Warily, he noticed Leon Mercer, the River West pack Beta standing next to him. He knew Leon was one of Abel’s groomsmen, but when did the big dominant Beta come to stand next to him?
Tommy was the social butterfly and easily made friends and allies in the pack. Steve by comparison, didn’t stand out. He did his duties just fine, but talking to people tired him out. Sooner or later, they figured out he was not worth knowing. Most pack members knew him, greeted him by name, but that was the extent of their interactions.
Everyone, but Leon.
In contrast to Steve’s plain dark blond hair and hazel eyes, Leon was something to look at with his short, white-blond hair and sharp, icy blue eyes. Added to that, Leon was built like a linebacker, all muscle and grace. Leon was lethal, dangerous, and gorgeous. Any sane wolf with sense would stay away from the powerful and attractive Beta, but Steve wondered what it would be like to be at the mercy of such a man.
In most packs, the Beta worked directly under the Alpha, but Butch, their Alpha, treated Leon like an equal, almost like a partner. Together, the pair worked like clockwork, running the pack with complete efficiency and at the same time, treating each member like family.
Realizing Leon expected an answer, he cleared his throat. “I am happy for Tommy.”
“You don’t look like it.”
“Can we like, talk later?” he whispered.
He wondered if Leon would pull the dominance card on him for mouthing off, but Leon merely shrugged. The Beta wore arrogance and amusement so naturally, he wondered what possessed him to like such a man. Men like Leon saw the world as a joke, except that wasn’t true. The more Steve watched Leon, the more he realized Leon wore his cockiness like a mask.
“Sure, we’ll talk,” Leon replied, smile still in place, which only served to increase his uneasiness.
Fortunately, the rest of the ceremony went on without a hitch. Steve kept his eye on Tommy and Abel, who only had eyes for each other. Unwarranted envy rammed into him at the sight of the mated pair ending the ceremony with a heated kiss. Cheers and yips erupted from the guests, and Steve shifted on his feet, eager to slip out and get some air before heading to reception.
Tommy flashed him a smile, which he returned.
“Photo time, all the family members, please go near the altar with the happy couple,” the photographer announced.
Fortunately, after a few shots, Steve’s work was done. He moved to a corner and let others take their turn.
Watching Tommy and Abel’s retreating backs, he realized the reason for his anxiety. All his life, he’d had one purpose—keep his brother safe. And now that responsibility was given to another, Steve felt lost, unsure of what to do next.
Once everyone else started to follow the happy couple outside, he exited via the side door and undid his tie. Alone in the emptying parking lot, he took in a lungful of clear mountain air. Steve shut his eyes and took a couple of seconds to contain himself.
What the fuck was wrong with him?
Today was Tommy’s happiest day, and here Steve was, mucking about in the parking lot. Why couldn’t he let his guard down, have a good time for a change, and get to know his other pack members a little better?
With Tommy a newlywed, Tommy and Abel would probably be busy settling into their new lives. If Steve wanted to remain in River West, he should rub shoulders, make friends as Tommy called it. As if it were that easy.
Steve had always been awkward as a kid, the kid who found social interactions puzzling. After their parents died, he knew he had to step up and take care of Tommy. Surrendering Tommy to the foster system wasn’t an option. Pretending to be strong for his brother seemed easy enough, and the day would come he would no longer be playing a role but had turned into someone Tommy could rely on.
“I can get through this day without breaking down,” he whispered to himself.
Steve took his car and drove out to the Rockwood Vineyards, where the reception would be held. It was a short fifteen-minute drive, although it seemed longer. Steve resolved to do better. Tommy might be looking for him. Reaching the property, he parked his car. All he had to do was endure a few more hours of this. No doubt the other pack members would linger, consume all the alcoholic drinks available, and retire with a random lover in hand.
Steve could never do that, leave everything behind, including his troubles, to have sex with a complete stranger. Werewolves were creatures who were comfortable with nudity and casual touches but not him. Steve put back his tie once more and joined the party.
By then, most of the tables and chairs were occupied. Steve promptly took his assigned seat near the couple’s table. He thought he’d croak when the time came to give his speech. Steve rose to his feet and raised his glass to Abel and Tommy.
“No one could have asked for a better brother, although you gave me headaches sometimes, Tommy. And Abel, I know you’re the perfect man for my brother. Take care of him.” He raised his glass, relieved the others followed. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Leon raising a beer bottle towards him, in a mocking salute perhaps?
Steve refused to let Leon get on his nerves. The pack numbered thirty members. Why was the Beta so fixated on him anyway? From the rumors he’d overheard, Leon always had his pick of lovers and never had a problem attracting interested parties. Maybe Leon toyed with newbies all the time.
To be fair, Leon wasn’t all that bad, merely teased him all the time. Part of him wanted Leon to turn his attention elsewhere, and yet his wolf seemed to want the Beta nearby, too. A conflict of emotions.
Others started to make their speeches, and Steve decided Tommy wouldn’t need him any longer. He slipped away, far from the tables and into quiet vineyards. Strung lights lit the path, probably for the wedding reception, but he could see just fine in the dark. He sensed other pack members already celebrating early, drunk and tangled in each other’s arms.
Steve walked down a little further, until he couldn’t feel anyone there.
“Want a smoke?”
Steve sucked in a breath and warily glanced at Leon. “I didn’t sense you at all.”
Leon shrugged, offering him a cigarette stick, which he politely refused. Leon tucked it back in the box. “Part of my special skill set.”
“Your special skill involves creeping up on unsuspecting victims?” he asked cynically.
Damn it. Steve knew he shouldn’t be talking to the pack Beta like this, being a new recruit. Pissing off the top people who could decide if he was a perfect fit or not, wasn’t the wisest idea. Tommy was mated to Abel, a high-ranking member and an asset, so his brother’s place was secure. Steve was more on a trial basis, but something about Leon prickled at him.
“Victims?” Leon wore a pretend look of hurt. “If you were my prey, you wouldn’t be standing here.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Not at all. Besides,” Leon flashed him a smile. “I prefer to do a different kind of stalking.”
“What sort?”
“Are you really this clueless, or merely playing hard to get?”
“What?” Steve asked, baffled.
He was alarmed when Leon leaned far too close for his liking, then did the unexpected. Leon claimed his lips, all heat and bite, tearing through all of his defenses.
That kiss only provoked one response. Steve’s barrier fell away, and he melted into that kiss.
Chapter Two
Damn. If Leon knew one kiss was all it took to get Steve Doyle’s undivided attention, he would have done it sooner. Ever since Steve became a member of the pack, Leon’s wolf had been tearing itself apart inside of him. The moment Steve’s distinctive and alluring scent hit his nose, he knew Steve was made to be his.
As if scared of the fire between them, Steve drew away, uncertainty on his expression.
“What was that?” Steve whispered.
“Confirmation,” he supplied.
“Of what?”
Leon had so many things to say to this wolf. He was the level-headed Beta of the pack, relied upon by Butch and the others to defuse impossible situations that would have any other werewolf lose control. So it felt like a kick to his own personal pride that one new wolf could shred through his self-discipline so easily. All this while, he’d waited to see if Steve felt the same way, except Steve always made it a point to avoid him.
Leon wasn’t a bastard. He got the clue when someone wasn’t interested in him although this was a first because he never had any problem attracting attention. His card was always full when mating season was around the corner, but ever since Steve arrived, his wolf had lost interest in anyone else. It didn’t help he knew Steve felt the same way. Leon smelled the other submissive wolf’s arousal many times, despite the fact Steve did his best to hide it.
All his life, Leon had prided himself on being single, on never being interested in the mating dance. He saw how that dance tore his parents apart. His father leaving the pack and the family had broken his mother’s heart, eventually leading to her suicide.
Leon cast those thoughts aside and focused on the present, because Steve deserved his undivided attention now more than ever.
“There’s chemistry between us, Steve. That kiss proved it.”
He thought Steve would make up an excuse would leave. Other members of the pack found Steve aloof, indifferent, a contrast to Tommy, who was open and easily likable, but Leon always knew it wasn’t because Steve was stand-offish.
He’d sensed the other wolf’s isolation right from the start and wanted to do something about it, but Steve always strayed from him, not because Steve had zero interest in him, he realized now. Steve was simply frightened of his attraction to him, uncertain like he was, but it was time Leon took some action.
This time though, Steve didn’t run. “Is that why you always joke around me? You aren’t,” Steve hesitated, “playing with me?”
Leon let out an annoyed snarl. “You thought I was playing with you? I’m not into cruel games, little wolf. When I see something I want, I go after it without hesitation.”
“And … you want me?” Steve sounded hesitant, unsure, as if he didn’t believe the words.
“Why? Do you find me so unattractive, little wolf? Repulsive?”
“No!”
Steve’s answer made him smile.
“You don’t? Then why do you keep finding excuses to leave, when I approach you?”
Steve began to look away, but he gripped the submissive wolf’s chin, forcing Steve to look at him.
“The truth, Steve,” he said, voice firm.
“I didn’t think a guy like you would be interested in someone like me.”
“What?” He was stunned by Steve’s low self-confidence. “That’s the only reason?”
“Try being me for a change.”
“I don’t know you that well, but I want to. Are you going to deny you’re attracted to me at all?”
Steve looked at him with desire-stricken eyes, but there was also old pain there. “Guys like you take your pick of the litter and move on after you’ve had your fun.”
That pissed him off a little. Leon reeled back his temper. “You don’t know me enough to judge me either.”
Steve looked taken aback. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m in no position to judge anyone.”
He released Steve. “So, are you giving me a chance?”
“Shouldn’t I be the one saying that?” Steve ventured.
This was good, Leon realized. Slowly but surely, Steve was starting to open up to him. Patience, he told his wolf. Rushing things with Steve wouldn’t do him any favors, because Steve might run away any second.
“Let’s try that again.”
Spots of color appeared on Steve’s cheeks. Fuck, but Steve looked damn adorable, a little lost and confused wolf Leon wanted to bring home and make Steve feel better.
“You mean the kiss?” Steve asked.
“What else? You drew away too quickly, so I didn’t have the time to enjoy you.”
Steve swallowed. “I kind of liked it, but I just didn’t know what it meant. What I mean is, okay.”
Leon grinned, unable to help himself.
“I’m a little awkward when it comes to things like this,” Steve admitted. “I’m kind of an introvert.”
“Then let this extrovert unleash the beast in you.” He cupped Steve’s jaw again, thumbing the unshaven stubble there thoughtfully. When he touched Steve’s bottom lip, Steve darted his tongue out, licking at it. “Oh? You have a wild side to you, too, don’t you?”
