Liam, Toni Griffin [freda ebook reader .TXT] 📗

pants Liam had given him all day, but he refused to show up at the Panneath Alpha's house and meet Liam's friends in nothing but a pair of hand-me-downs from his mate.

Liam kissed him soundly, told Declan to finish what he'd interrupted when he'd arrived home, and he would go get him some clothes.

Declan managed to cut and plate the caramel slice that had firmed to perfection in the fridge and finished filling all the éclair shells, covering them all with chocolate. He decided after seeing Liam's different varieties to cover some with dark, some with milk, and some with white. Everybody had their own favourites and he'd hit all the bases by using some of each.

Declan couldn't even begin to express his gratitude that werewolves didn't share a canine's inability to metabolize and digest chocolate. Declan didn't know how he'd cope if he was allergic to the sweet.

He had just finished cleaning the last dish when Liam returned carrying several bags. Pleased with the selection of clothes Liam had gotten for him Declan thanked this mate. Nothing fancy or over-the-top, just clothes Declan knew he would be comfortable wearing. He also noticed the distinct lack of underwear and when he commented, Liam simply shrugged and told him they were out. Yeah right, like he believed that. Declan wouldn't argue though. If his mate liked the idea of him going commando, Declan had no problem with it.

Dressed in jeans, runners, a shirt, and a light jacket, Declan sat in the passenger seat of Liam's car as they headed to their destination. His foot started tapping on the floorboards and he held onto his pastries and watched the town they drove through. He jumped when Liam's hand settled on his leg.

"Relax, Declan, everything will be fine."

Declan tried to relax his jittery leg. He took deep breaths, but it didn't really help the situation when his lungs filled up with the scent of his mate. Arousal grew, his body started to respond to the touch of Liam's hand on his leg.

Especially when Liam started inching his fingers higher up Declan's thigh.

"Liam."

"What?" his mate asked all innocent-like.

"You know what," he replied.

Liam didn't pay any attention, his hand continued to inch higher. "Sorry, I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about." The mischievous glint in Liam's eyes told another story though.

"There is no way in hell I am going to meet your Alpha and friends sporting a hard-on that will be extra noticeable because you refused to buy me any underwear."

"I did no such thing." Liam tried his best to sound shocked at the accusation, but the smile tugging at his lips really didn't help his cause. "I told you the store ran out."

"Right." He still didn't believe that.

Liam laughed and Declan smiled back. It felt good to banter light-heartedly with his mate. Declan had never had someone he could do that with before.

"Come on, babe. Time to go." Liam turned off the car and opened the door.

"What? We're there already?" he asked, not sure if he was ready.

"Yep." Liam exited the car and walked around the front and opened Declan's door. "Come on, babe, everything is going to be fine. I'll introduce you to Ben then we can have a little talk about what brought you to my door, naked."

Liam waggled his brows and Declan couldn't help but laugh. Declan leant into the hand caressing his cheek before turning and placing a quick kiss against Liam's palm.

"Then we'll gather with the guys and play some cards. Everyone will love you, I guarantee it. They'll all be so happy that I found my mate, it will give them hope that they too will one day find theirs."

Declan didn't know if he completely believed what Liam said but he'd only find out one way. Taking a deep breath, he unclipped his seatbelt. Holding onto the desserts like they were a lifeline, Declan got out of the car.

Liam gave him a quick kiss before breaking away and placing his hand on the small of Declan's back when they made their way up the walk to the Alpha's front door.

Declan chewed on his bottom lip the entire way. When they reached the entrance, Declan expected them to stop and wait. Instead Liam knocked on the door loudly before pushing it open and walking inside, encouraging Declan to follow with the hand still on his lower back.

"Ben," Liam yelled out.

What the hell? Liam could just barge into the Alpha's house without being admitted first? Declan had never seen such a thing. If anyone had tried that with Alpha Wallis's house, they would have found themselves in a fight, if not worse.

"Come on back, Liam. I'm in the office." A deep booming voice carried to them from down a hall.

Declan shivered at the sheer power contained in that voice.

Declan looked at his mate, still not sure about meeting Ben, but Liam continued to smile as he led him through the house. They reached an open door and Liam rapped lightly on the wooden surface before walking into the office. Declan tried to hang back, but Liam wouldn't let him.

The large man sitting behind his desk looked up from what he had been doing on his computer. If Declan thought his mate tall, the man sitting behind the desk must be close on giant sized. Even while seated, Declan could tell he would stand at least six and a half feet, if not a little taller. He had broad shoulders, dark brown, almost black hair, a five o'clock shadow that looked more permanent than not, and the most piercing blue eyes Declan had ever seen.

"Ben, I have the great satisfaction of introducing you to my mate, Declan Morgan. Declan, this is the Panneath Alpha, Benjamin Taylor."

"Well congratulations, Liam," Alpha Taylor said as a broad smile appeared. "I know how long you've looked for your mate." Ben stood, showing no surprise about his friend suddenly appearing with a mate, and walked around the desk.

Declan quickly realised he'd correctly guessed