Love and Deception

Chapter Twenty

Noah

It had been two weeks since the altercation that freed Carlie and Luca. Two weeks since they’d added the best kind of chaos into his very boring existence. Two weeks of his parents coming over daily to make sure they were doing well and spend time with Luca. He loved them but at the same time he wanted some space. They needed time to adjust to being a threesome now. He needed to be alone with his mate. His mother seemed to be incapable of understanding any kind of subtle hint he threw at her. His father and he hadn’t exactly had a real conversation those two weeks either. They stuck to pleasantries or companionable silence. He hadn’t forgiven his father for what he did. He wasn’t sure he could.

Carlie at least seemed to be getting more comfortable with his parents. Obviously his mother more than his father but the kindness she saw when he interacted with Luca was going a long way to thaw her terror. He tried to explain to her about his father’s past and how he’d ended up the way he had. But that much tragedy and drama in an abstract tale was too hard to relate to. Even for her. Luca however was completely smitten. He absolutely loved spending his time with them. He had been sad when the twins and Alex had left. Noah was certain he would enjoy the larger pack gatherings with the whole family. So many adoring fans and all that.

Elizabeth and Emmeline had retired to Liz’s house shortly after Liz and shifted back to human. She did have several scars, two prominent ones on her face, that she would have the rest of her life. Alex said they might fade and shrink but he hadn’t sounded hopeful. Elizabeth didn’t seem to mind. Emmeline sent him some scathing mental remarks that he was thankful were blocked from Carlie. She might have felt the urge to respond and that would have gotten stressful to say the least. Alex had left at the end of last week. After declaring he was no longer needed, except by his own children and mate, he headed back to London. They had all taken the time to reassure Carlie that she had done nothing wrong but she was still skeptical. Noah was still hopeful that time would ease her guilt.

Noah was sitting on his balcony enjoying some quiet while Luca napped and Carlie cleaned. She insisted and he realized, after trying to argue a few times, that she suddenly had a lot of free time on her hands. His parents were there to help with child care and Noah had more than enough savings to make sure she never had to work at all, much less right now while they adjusted the their new normal. She seemed intensely adverse to hiring a maid so Noah generally tried to stay out of her way while she cleaned the not really dirty house. She liked it though and that made him happy. She had mentioned changing a few color schemes and maybe adding some more ‘homey’ touches but the general outline pleased her. He’d carefully avoided talking any kind of financial duty regarding the house with her. They could get to that once they’d settled and she wrapped her mind around the fact that she had money now.

The glass door behind him slid open, distracting him from his ruminations. He thought perhaps Carlie was going to come chastise him for his thought train but it was his mother instead. She’d braided her hair back today and wore one of her usual summer dresses. She was probably the most feminine creature he’d ever met yet he knew she was capable of killing for those she loved and sleeping well afterwards. She was a study in contrasts sometimes. “You’re father and I are going to be leaving tomorrow.” Noah’s brow rose. She smiled and claimed the chair next to him. “Business is getting more and more demanding without him there. Not to mention it’s probably safe to leave you guys alone without a buffer now.”

“We needed a buffer?” Internally Noah sighed. He had been thinking about trying to take on some of his father’s responsibility in his large conglomerate corporation. Before. Now he wasn’t sure he could handle having to be in constant communication with him. Or close quarters.

“Darling, your whole lives have changed completely in a span of weeks. You have had zero time to process these changes. It’s like a sudden death in the family, only much more positive. Yet still an unreal amount of stress and strain. You needed a buffer.” She tossed him a slightly exasperated smile. “Not to mention how much time I got to spend with my delightful grandson. Who knows when you’ll bring him to the house.” He laughed at her sullen expression. She wouldn’t be happy until she had an entire army of grandchildren. Maybe even great grandchildren. Sometimes he wondered if her heart was too full of love so she had to find people to give it to or it would explode. But that was probably too dramatic.

“Well I appreciate it. It’s been nice having you around. Luca is already in love with you so I don’t think you have to worry about too long between visits.” His son was admirably stubborn it turned out so he had a feeling that demands to see Nana and Papa were going to be frequent and unbudging.

“Noah. I know what happened between you and your father.” She held up her hand when he started to tell her not to worry. “Just listen for a bit. I understand where you are coming from. I don’t even necessarily disagree with you. But I need to tell you some things before you decide how angry you are going to stay.” Noah sighed but sank back into his chair. She’d clearly wanted to talk to him about this for awhile. It was probably why they hadn’t left earlier. “Your father is a difficult man. Saying it doesn’t really encompass what it really means to love someone like him. He is constantly trying to sabotage himself and when he isn’t actively trying he’s somehow subconsciously trying. Your father has spent his entire life convinced he does not deserve love and that anyone who says they do is lying. This is an extremely difficult thought pattern to break. It still rears its head even now. I have never seen him able to put those thoughts away, except with his children. Each and every one of you has shown him a pure, unconditional love that he has never experienced. To him, that is more than enough reason to use any means at his disposal to ensure your survival.” Noah sighed. It was hard to hear his father’s troubles even if he already was kind of aware of them.

“I left him once.” Noah’s eyebrows hit his hairline. “When I told your father that I wanted him to turn me so we could have forever, he lost it. He was a sickly child. He was never going to change into a werewolf. For all intents and purposes he would have been a normal human. Yet he was forced into this lifestyle and he resents it even now. Back then he couldn’t fathom someone choosing this life voluntarily. He was so angry that he pushed me away as hard and viciously as he could. He said things that hurt me so deeply I had to leave. I was convinced he could never love me completely and that he was truly a ruined man. He can never take back those words and I can never take back the abandonment. It was probably the darkest time in our lives.” She was very still as she related the abbreviated tale. Noah turned deeply introspective. He couldn't imagine hurting Carlie like that. Even to save her. There was no way his father hadn’t felt the same feelings with the same intensity the moment he’d seen Noah’s mother.

“It was a difficult delivery for you. I think your father was worried one or both of us wouldn't make it. He’s always been very protective over you. And you were his first born son. Don’t get me wrong, he thinks of and loves Pierre as one of his own. But you were his first biological son. Even though he’ll tell you it doesn’t matter, he loves all his children equally, it was still a major milestone in his life. And to have it threatened like that was outside of his capabilities to handle. It still is.” She sighed heavily and took a moment to look at the quiet yard. It was surprisingly peaceful for being in the middle of a bustling city. Noah joined her. She’d given him a lot of information. Some things he’d known, and some he hadn’t. “You have to remember that your father has no frame of reference to deal with some things. In many ways he’s like a feral child. Having grown up with no guidance, love, or any kind of support. Most of what he knows he had to learn himself and then he learned some more by copying Darien once he’d demanded Erik be his playmate. But those things don’t have an emotional connection or a memory to pull off of. It’s something he mimics but doesn’t fully understand. I know it's not an excuse my love and that isn’t my purpose for this conversation. I just want you to really try and understand who he is. The good and the bad. If his disabilities are too much for you to handle, that is perfectly ok. The choice is yours.”

She let him sit for a few more minutes in quiet contemplation before rising and kissing his cheek firmly. “Take some time to think before making a decision. We love you no matter what. Now I’m going back in to soak up as much grandson time as possible before we head out. I’m going to make your favorite dinner tonight.” She smiled and gave his hair an affectionate swipe before leaving him alone with his thoughts. He remained outside on his own for some time before braving the house again. Carlie checked on him through their link and sent him some wordless comfort when she did so. Noah had never put his relationship with his father into the perspective his mother had.

Thinking of his father as a person with disabilities somehow seemed wrong but it also made a lot of sense. What was left now was to figure out whether or not he could handle the massive ups and downs that came with a truly close relationship with him. Did he want to subject his family to that? Not that he could ever cut him out of his life but they could be distantly loving. A father and son that were passingly aware of each other’s lives. He would of course be close to Noah and any other children that followed. And Carlie could make up her own mind. He frowned deeper as his mind circled the issue without a stop. With a sigh he finally put it to the side and stood. He could run it over in his mind some more later. For now he wanted to enjoy the family time before they left.

Carlie

Dinner turned out to be a heartwarming moment for them as a family. Luca enjoyed his first taste of chicken parmesan so much that he couldn’t stop smiling even after he’d shoveled two helpings in to his belly rapid fire. He sat back in his chair, content and lethargic from so much food. Clearly he took after his father. Carlie could understand the adoration though. Noah’s mom could cook. She beamed at the compliments and the affectionate grasp on her hand from her mate. When they were in smaller groups Noah’s father didn’t seem as imposing somehow. It was like he was incredibly socially awkward and once he’d become familiar with people he could handle them a few at a time. Otherwise he was tense and withdrawn, which in his case was extremely intimidating.

They announced at the end of the meal that they were leaving the next morning to go back to Springfield. Luca immediately pouted and tried to manipulate them into staying longer. His stubborn refusal to give in and constantly shifting tactics earned him a small crooked grin from Erik. When no one was watching him of course. Carlie only saw it out of her peripheral vision. Ari seemed to have the patience of a saint as she deflected attempt after attempt with ease and grace. Though she did have seven children in total. She probably had heard them all. When he realized he’d been outfoxed this time he folded his arms over his chest and pouted. It took a few minutes but Ari was able to lift his spirits with a movie and popcorn plus a promise to call on Noah’s phone so they could video chat. Carlie was sure they’d be making a visit to Springfield soon.

Luca was settling into his new life very well. He had explored the neighborhood a little bit while on a walk with Nana and Papa. He’d been very excited to find a nearby park with a playground and other children. Noah assured her that once they explained being a werewolf a little bit to him that he would be fine with other children under supervision. If the playground went well maybe they could consider a daycare a few days a week. Or maybe even a kindergarten. Luca had also grown comfortable enough with Noah now that he requested Noah put him to sleep every few nights. He had even called him Dad a few times. Noah was thrilled with these developments but kept his overt enjoyment to smiles and loving interest. He expressed it more fully to her when they were alone at nights.

Their nights together had been nothing short of mind blowing. The pure connection they felt now was so much a part of her that she could hardly remember what life had been like without it. When she’d asked about not being able to feel the others like he did he’d become evasive until she’d finally prodded him enough. Apparently there was some sort of mating ritual that sealed her into the pack through his link. There was also an official pack swearing ceremony which linked her directly to the Alpha, Erik. She had immediately panicked so Noah had quickly assured her that for now the mating link was more than enough. The pack swearing ceremony was just a formality and there was no rush. Everyone knew who she was and where she stood in their pack.

So they had planned to do it tonight. When she’d asked what the ritual entailed he’d been incredibly vague only giving her that it was something private between mates. She took that to mean there was probably a s****l component. As for the rest she was completely in the dark. She still wasn’t comfortable with the idea of speaking with Elizabeth enough to call or text her for the information. Besides, did facing down a psychotic sorcerer and nearly dying together make two people close enough to discuss their s*x lives? If it did she definitely had a few questions to ask about s*x with a certain not evil wand wielding badass.

She hadn’t thought about Lucius for days. It was like Noah had said. The memories would remain forever but as time passed they faded further and further into the quiet place in her mind that she needed to consciously access. It made her feel good to know that he wasn’t able to ruin this new life she had fought so hard for. Luca hadn’t asked about him after that initial time at the hospital. He accepted Lucius’ removal from his life with the ease that only a toddler could manage. Sometimes she found herself envying him that ability. She turned off the lights to the living room downstairs as she made her way to her and Noah’s bedroom on the second floor. His insistence that she meet him up there gave further credence to her s*x theory. Though she’d be lying if she said that the knowledge wasn’t winding her body up tight.

The bedroom door was ajar but the lights were off. She sensed Noah within so she didn’t turn them on. If he wanted a dark, sensory encounter she was so on board. She did however close the door behind her. The room was plunged into true darkness and a deep silence. She could hear Noah breathing softly giving her a general direction but she couldn’t pinpoint him. Apparently she wasn’t that used to tracking yet. She didn’t even know which way she was facing until she felt Noah’s fingertips graze the back of her neck. Her eyes immediately closed, reveling in the shared bliss filling her mind. His fingers stroked down her spine until they reached her hips. Then they flattened and traveled around to the front of her, pulling her flush against his body. His gloriously naked body.

She let her head fall back onto his shoulder and received a heated rumble from his chest. She sighed, deeply content and yet excited for the next part. No matter how long and how many times they were together like this she had a feeling that it would never lose this particular joy. The sensation of little skittering erotic pulses as his fingers slid beneath the hem of her t-shirt and slowly started creeping upwards. The intense wave of arousal that clenched her abdomen and groin as his hands flattened against her skin, feeling every inch as he made his way up to her breasts. Once he’d reached that goal he used both hands to firmly knead them. She felt his head drop down to let his hair tickle her collarbone and his lips kiss and nip at her shoulder. The sigh that left her this time was a deep arousal and appreciation.

Noah lavished her breasts with attention for several minutes before backing away from her enough to raise her shirt over her head. She felt his intention through their bond and had her arms raised as he pulled the fabric off her. He growled low when her skin was bared and made quick work of her bra. He returned his attention to her breasts, this time adding in a teasing of her n*****s to the kneading motions. She was also walked slowly towards the bed and turned around before she was pushed back onto it. She let out a small giggle as her back hit the cooled comforter. Noah’s fingers hooked into the waistline of her soft cotton pants and pulled them off slowly, laying a hot quick kiss on the skin that was revealed. He was clearly intent on going at a irritatingly slow pace again. But perhaps it was part of the ritual.

Once divested of all of her clothing she felt her internal temperature starting to climb, keeping the cooler air of the house from chilling her skin. The small light from the outside was also filtering in, giving her just enough to distinguish her mate from half of the shadows in the room. His eyes were a pale icy blue as they gazed down at her spread on his bed. She stretched wantonly, arching her back and rubbing her thighs together, enjoying the effect it had on him. His eyes seemed to lighten even further. If it was possible for them to glow she was sure they would be. She loved having the ability to do this to her mate. Her teasing was teasing her as well however and now she really was getting uncomfortably aroused.

Noah was on it. He moved closer and leaned his body over hers, careful to touch her only in the unavoidable places. He captured her lips firmly in his in a fiery, demanding kiss. She instantly surrendered to the passion and opened wide for his exploration. Despite having kissed and been kissed by him she was still amazed at the need to touch every corner of his mouth with her tongue every time they did so again. Every. Time. She felt Noah’s hand grip her knee and slide upwards along her thigh. She bent her leg as he did so, hooking it around his in an attempt to get his body closer to where she needed it. He rumbled softly again but otherwise resisted her move. She kept her frustrated sigh internal and focused more on kissing him instead. Sometimes when she nipped at his bottom lip she was able to make him throw his plans to the wind and lose himself in the moment.

Not this time. He was seriously focused on whatever he’d laid out for them. So she accepted her delicious defeat and let him take the reigns. She felt his pleasure at her decision in her mind and then he moved to kiss her jaw. Then her neck. Then a line down the center of her chest. His hands returned to her breasts. He spent some time lavishing each n****e with his tongue and gentle nips, getting her to arch off the bed and gasp in delight. Once he’d gotten his fill there he kissed down her stomach until he reached her belly button. He kissed there too and nuzzled his face into the softness of her prone belly. It was the most vulnerable place for a wolf and her complete and undying trust was what he was nearly rolling around in.

She felt her muscles begin to quiver when his mouth moved lower. Again, this wasn’t the first time it had happened. Even before she’d been a werewolf they had partaken in many s****l pleasures. Yet somehow she was still shivering with anticipation. He didn’t disappoint, sending her careening into pure bliss with a single heated lick over her slit. She couldn’t suppress the moan that followed even if she wanted to. Though his smug satisfaction radiating in her mind made her want to try and make him work for her noises. He seemed to accept the challenge and took to his endeavors with gusto.

He didn’t ease her into it either. He used a finger to spread her open and then maneuvered his shoulders between her thighs, forcing her to stay that way. Then he dove in. The sensual siege wrung more than one gasp and moan from her. He didn’t let up until he had her writhing and clutching at his hair. Even then it was only for the briefest of moments so he could slide a finger into her sheath and increase the pressure. He was driving her wildly up the first peak of her pleasure. She knew well from experience that when he started this way he had plans to take her to the second and possibly even third. That knowledge pushed her even higher. But it wasn’t until his teeth grazed her softest flesh that the pressure building in her lower abdomen exploded and sent her spiraling into the netherworld of blissful completion.

When she came back down Noah had risen over her and was intently studying her face. She smiled and got a wide one in response. She reached down to initiate reciprocation but he batted her hand away. She frowned at him only to find him no longer paying attention. He slid a hand under her backside and flipped her over onto her stomach. Her body flushed with heat again as his hands got a grip on her hips and pulled her until they were tight against his. The erection that she wanted inside her body so badly was pressed into the crevice of her bottom. Her wolf stretched and panted in her mind. She was in complete agreement. Something that happened a lot more frequently now. She was starting to feel less like they were in conflict all the time and more like they merely had different opinions on certain subjects.

Noah tracing the line of her spine with his tongue brought her back into the moment and had her rolling her back into his ministrations. He loved her tattoo and frequently traced the letters with his fingers, lips, and tongue. She knew he was planning to get her name on him somewhere. She couldn’t deny that the idea of her name permanently claiming ownership in his very skin was hot as f**k. He chuckled in her mind and reached around her body to cup her breasts again, then straightened himself out and moved his hands to her back. Her body tensed in excited preparation as she felt the head of him nudge into her body. God she wanted this so badly. He was a devilish mate drawing out her fulfillment like this.

He filled her in a single powerful thrust, creating a deep gasp bordering on a cry. He groaned once he was sheathed as far as he could go. They were still a moment, enjoying the tingles spreading out through their bodies from the point of connection. Then he curled his hips and sent a shockwave through her body. He withdrew and thrust home again, curling his hips at the end to hit her g spot again. Once he’d discovered it he’d been relentless in using it. She was losing coherency and strength in her arms. He reached forward to hold her shoulder and her opposite hip allowing her to use her arms for balance only.

They moved together. Not as fast as she wanted but not as slowly as he usually did. It was all she wanted and yet she wanted to hold off as well. To keep this perfect moment continuing for as long as possible. The more he thrust in and out of her, the higher and higher she climbed. When she saw the peak coming again she rushed for it only to have Noah angle his hips again, taking the pressure off and draping his body over the back of hers. She wasn’t exactly adverse to the new position but she was frustrated by losing her momentum. He brushed her hair from the left side of her neck, tilting her head to the side as he did. He kissed her exposed skin, then slid his teeth down letting her know his intention. She had a heartbeat to shudder before she felt his fangs sink into her flesh.

Pleasure unlike any she’d ever known exploded within her. She lost the feeling of having her skin around her, existing as a bundle of thoughtless sensations for an indeterminate period of time. It was the most soul changing experience she’d ever had. Including the birth of her son. She felt a mirror of the ecstasy from Noah. Only much more intensely than she had been able to feel him before. It was like he was thinking with her mind. And she with his. They were so wrapped up in each other they were one soul in two bodies. She felt complete in that moment of pure perfection. She could tell that he did too.

Coming back to reality was a little bittersweet. Yet her racing heart and sporadic breaths needed to return to normal before she really did pass out. With a heavy sigh of contentment, Noah flopped to the bed dragging her with him and nuzzling her neck as he held her close. She could feel his chest rising and falling quickly behind her. She was about to tease him when she felt a presence in her mind. She stiffened as it tested the edges of her consciousness curiously. The owner was male. Definitely wolf. It got closer and then shied away and she felt a distinct wave of embarrassment follow after it. He retreated away, far enough to be a distant star in her mind. Noah chuckled, bouncing her slightly. “Forgive Troy. He’s still a little young and doesn’t know all the ins and outs yet.”

“Troy? As in…” Noah watched her with a soft smile on his lips as she processed what that meant. “We’re officially mated now?” He nodded. “Wow. Are they all there?”

“Yes. Though they understand the process enough to give you space until we’re done being amorous.” She giggled but studied the map of stars in her mind. Suddenly there were so many. Some were brighter, some farther away. There was one that was very faint and darkly colored. The two brightest were obviously his parents, the darker one clearly belonging to his father. She could reach out to them now. She could ask for help or advice whenever she needed. She would never be alone again. No matter what.

“Hey. What’s the matter?” Noah was leaning over her and wiping a tear from her eye.

“Nothing. It’s a happy tear I promise.” He frowned skeptically at her. “I was just thinking that I’m never going to be alone again. I will always have people. A real family.” His face softened and he planted a soft loving kiss on her lips.

“I am yours. Body and soul for all of my days. Forever. You will never be alone again.” She smiled around a fresh round of tears.

“Body and soul. Forever.” It wasn’t just a vow but a tenant by which she would live the rest of her life.

THE END