Free Michael's Mate by Lynn Tyler Page B

when you get back from your vacation. I never did find out where you guys are going.”
    He followed Shannon into the kitchen, dumping the bags in the corner and waving at Quinn, Declan and Gray in the family room. It was comical to see the three grown werewolves trying to corral five small children.
    “We decided on a staycation,” he said. “With all the renovations, we haven’t had time to really enjoy the house.”
    “And, by enjoy, you mean make full use of that gigantic hot tub, I’m guessing. Thanks for installing that inside, by the way.” He shot Justin a cheeky grin. “I wouldn’t want Gray to be scarred for life if we walked up while you guys were getting it on outside. The sight of his best friend having some sexy time might give him a stroke.”
    Jealousy bubbled hotly in his stomach. He did his best to clear the emotion from his mind, but Shannon looked at him with a raised brow. Damn shifter sense of smell.
    He shrugged before the tiger could question him. “So I’m a little envious of how easy Gray and Michael get along. No big deal.”
    “Gray’s not the only one you’re jealous of,” Quinn said as he came up the stairs with a toddle on his hip.
    Taggart laid his head on his father’s shoulder. The little eagle shifter stuck his thumb in his mouth and stared at him solemnly.
    Justin tore his gaze from the child and met Quinn’s eyes. “Well, the two of them do have some kind of unspoken bond. It doesn’t bother you at all? I mean, he can even get Michael to relax when I can’t.”
    “Eagles don’t have the same pack structure we do. You’ve never been compelled to follow an Alpha. But when Declan tells Michael to relax, he can’t help but obey.” The omega bounced the toddler slightly, coaxing a small smile from the little boy.
    Justin let out a frustrated sigh. “I get it. I really do. But you have to admit there’s something deeper to their relationship. And before you tell me how he genuinely thinks of Michael as a brother, I already know. But it’s a piece of Michael I don’t get to see.”
    “And since you’ve let him in completely, it bothers you that there’s still a wall around Michael’s heart, even though it’s so small, it’s hardly noticeable.”
    “God, you’re scary,” Justin said. “Any time you want to come to shifter negotiations with me, you’re more than welcome.”
    The omega wolf preened, clearly deciding to take his comment as a compliment. “Thank you. But you understand there’s nothing romantic between Michael and either Dec or Gray, right?”
    Declan mounted the stairs with Isabella hanging onto him like a little monkey. “I’ll pretend I haven’t heard your conversation. Listen, since you’ll be mating into the pack, you need to swear loyalty to me as your Alpha. I’d prefer to do it now. Michael is pretty stressed and I don’t want him to worry about anything else.”
    There was the jealously again, thick and burning. “I’ve noticed he’s been stressed. Do you know why? Every time I bring it up, he tells me not to worry about it.” And then fucks me blind so I don’t remember to be worried.
    The Alpha smiled gently. “Mikey loves you very much and he wants to be mated. I’m not sure why he’s so stressed.”
    Someone cleared their throat.
    “I think you should talk to Michael. Like, really talk to him about what kind of mating he wants. Don’t let him distract you.”
    Justin raised an eyebrow because, really, how did Gray know about Michael’s favorite way of distracting him? “Do you realize how hard it is not to get distracted when Michael is determined to change the subject?”
    Gray’s eyes widened. “No. Can you please refrain from sharing that little piece of information? There are little ears around. Seriously, man, too much information.”
    Instead of sneering at his lover’s best friend, he settled for a polite nod. Gray meant well. He just didn’t like sharing Michael.
    Shannon patted his shoulder.