Her Brother, Her Mate

Vincent POV

I had a very pleasant talk with the Gamma Matt this morning. We had a conference with some of their warriors, the ones assigned to working with the fairy knights to find Aiden. With the new developments of yesterday when I decided to visit my club instead of going to the pack house, they each wanted to ask me specific questions about the experience.

Cathal got all this information from me yesterday, but because of my little shopping expedition with Parker, I never got around to telling the werewolves who were a part of the investigation everything that happened. They heard an off-hand account from Casey but wanted to verify everything with me too.

I was surprised at how accepting everyone still was of me. I expected hostility after attacking Simone’s brother, but instead, I got the opposite. Lots of jokes were made at my expense, but they were followed by their own stories of moments of going overboard in their possessiveness of their mates. What I did was pretty mellow compared to some of these men. I guess werewolves are naturally inclined to that carnal possessiveness and since I’m mated to one, bearing her DNA through the mark she gave me, I’m going to exhibit some of those traits as well.

Lilly, Matt’s mate, was an exceptional host throughout the meeting, making sure everyone had drinks and snacks, that there were pens and notepads at every warrior’s reach, and every time she walked by her mate, they would smile and caress one another. It was like they were being drawn to each other and couldn’t resist the urge to touch each other, even a little. It was fascinating to watch because that is exactly how I feel with Simone.

Parker never came to the meeting, but his father poked his head in early on telling Matt that his son was indisposed and would make it down later. I had never met his father, but I heard many rumors about the man. He was very traditional in his values and it was no secret that he didn’t like his pack mingling with other races.

Vivian Meyers, one of my late mother’s friends from childhood and a woman I do business with on occasion would often complain about his arrogance and bigotry. Her mate is a human and she faced a lot of judgment. He is a wonderful man. A little bit of a hippy and eccentric, but a very agreeable and friendly person to be around. He refused to be made into a werewolf, and Vivian refused to change him. They were happy and loved each other fiercely and wouldn’t let their relationship be forced into some tiny mold Parker’s father was encouraging them to fit in.

I was surprised to learn that Matt was one of Vivian’s sons. I met his brothers when they would visit my club, and Matt is very different from their….wayward lifestyles. I could not even say how many times my security had to pull the other Meyer brothers from bathrooms, supply closets, and once even from my office where they were trying to get it on with some woman during one of their s****l rampages. Matt seems entirely devoted to his mate; very different from his brothers who seem only devoted to their lower extremities.

I’m on my way back to Simone now, riding in the rarely used elevator. I don’t understand what werewolves have against elevators. None of them use it, preferring to take the stairs. Where elevators are usually in the front of a building and stairs off in the corners, the pack house was the opposite, the stairs in the center of the building and the lone elevator is tucked away in the corner of the administrative offices.

After exiting, Simone’s voice causes me to pause around the corner from our apartment. Her sweet, sultry voice is for once aggressive and defiant, causing me alarm.

“This wasn’t about Vincent, but while we are on that topic, let’s discuss you not being so hostile towards him. He’s my mate, Case. I don’t know why you don’t approve, but he is an amazing man and you shouldn’t judge him without getting to know him.”

“I just don’t like my sister mated to a guy who has probably seduced and slept with half of Miami. You deserve better than that,” I hear Casey’s gruff voice. I thought me and him had an understanding yesterday? Does he still think so low of me? Even if I didn’t have the precious gift of Simone, I would never be the way he is describing me.

“I am the second girl Vincent has even slept with, and the first woman he has dated to any degree. You shouldn’t judge people without getting to know them, you a*s. By your definition, I’m the one that doesn’t deserve him. I’ve slept with way more people. Hell, you’re here because of my last f**k buddy getting too attached. Don’t you dare think I’m going to tolerate you talking s**t on my mate just because you’re my brother. He is nothing like you are accusing him of and you owe him an apology.”

My irritation melts away hearing my beautiful, awe-worthy love defend me to her own brother. I knew they were close and was very worried he could sway her against me. That was why I so desperately wanted to speak with him yesterday. I didn’t want misunderstandings and assumptions to cause him to dislike me any more than he already did.

I continue to listen as Simone defends my honor and pride blooms in my chest. When I feel Stephan and Carlos approach from the elevator, following me back up after they stayed back a few extra minutes to talk with the pack’s warriors, I hold my hand out to them indicating they should stay where they are.

I do not wish to eavesdrop any longer on my mate and I sure don’t want them to hear Simone bicker with her brother so I motion for them to follow me back into the elevator.

When the elevator doors close Stephan asks, “Boss, is something wrong?”

“Not at all. Opposite, really. My love was having a moment with her brother and I want to give them a moment of privacy. It wasn’t a good time to invade their conversation.”

They both nod in understanding. They look back and forth between each other and me and I can sense there is something they want to ask me.

“Sir, would it be possible for us to train with the wolves as well?” Carlos asks me hesitantly.

My eyes shoot up to his, “I don’t mind, but why would you want to? It is not needed for our kind.”

Carlos and Stephan look between each other, “We are enjoying our time with them, sir. They have been surprisingly welcoming.”

I nod, fully understanding what they meant. Everyone has been surprisingly welcoming since the first moment we came here. I was apprehensive, but I’m glad we came. “Discuss it with Simon, but I hardly mind. I think growing closer to the wolves will be inevitable for our kind in the future.”

Carlos smirks, “I wouldn’t mind finding me a wolf mate like you and Simon. It seems….passionate.”

“And exciting,” Stephan laughs, “Very different from our normal, mundane lives.”

He’s right. Vampires are usually solitary creatures. Besides our immediate family, we don’t have this almost hive mentality like the wolves have here. The pack is a literal family. They care for each other deeply, putting the pack, or family, before themselves. If my actions and the treatment I received today are any indications, the care you receive from the pack is unconditional. Once you are in the family, I feel like it would take extreme circumstances to be ostracized or outcasted.

We sit in the dining room as I wait for Simone to finish with her brother. I texted her and let her know that I was down here drinking coffee with Carlos and Stephan and to let me know when she was ready for me to join her again. It didn’t take long for her to reply, asking me to meet her up at the alpha floor in 10 minutes. She said she was waiting for her brother to shower and they would meet me up there.

“I’m going up to the Alpha’s floor. I doubt you will be needed with me up there. How about you both talk with Simon while I’m occupied about joining the warriors during their training?

They both smile eagerly, “Thanks, boss.”