Chapter seven

Ronny

"Where did Papa go?"

I step back over to the group, ruffling JJ's hair as I answer him. "He went for a little walk."

JJ's eyes go wide. "Is he coming back? The last time we went for a walk we ran away."

My eyes jump over to Jeff's. We share a look of concern before I squat down to talk to JJ eye to eye. "He's coming back. I don't think your Papa would ever run away without you, okay?"

JJ nods slowly before smiling. "You're right. Maybe he had to go potty."

"You're probably right," I tell him, standing back up. So many thoughts rush through my brain all at once. What are these two running from? Or is it a who? What happened that they had to run? Whoever they're running from, are they looking for Zander and JJ?

Part of me would love to sit JJ down and ask him all the burning questions inside my head. But that feels wrong. I want to hear it from Zander, and only when he's ready to tell us.

A surge of possessiveness runs through me. I've only known these two for a very, very short time but already, I know I would do whatever it takes within my power to keep them safe. I feel a pull towards them that I just cannot explain.

It seems their past wasn't the best which is why I'm so fucking thankful I somehow stumbled upon them. They won't have the same type of struggles as before. I can't promise them the best life because I'm a hunter who's always on the road and helping with danger, but I can promise they won't have to run anymore.

Gods, here I am making promises to a person I still haven't even met. What's wrong with me and my giant bleeding heart? Maybe I should try waiting until Zander and I can actually talk before making grand, sweeping declarations.

There's a tiny part in my head that wonders if this is how Jeff felt when he met Axel but I quickly push that away. I'm human. Zander is a cat shifter. We're literally worlds apart. Aren't we?

"Hey!" Jeff calls out, "welcome back!"

I look up, finding Martin, Cooper, and Carlos walking into camp. They all look fine so today must have been somewhat smooth without any sort of catastrophic side effect happening. I will gladly call that a win.

Carlos has a pained look on his face and his eyes dart around. "Hey, umm, where's Zander?"

"He went for a walk. What's up?"

"I think--" Carlos cuts himself off, looking away. His cheeks grow pink as he tries to find the right words. "Well, I'm not sure how to say this delicately but I'm pretty sure he might need a umm, helping hand."

Axel and Jeff look at each other before nodding. "Yeah, we smelled it too but we didn't want to say anything," Axel says. I tilt my head in confusion. "He probably went to take a cold shower."

"What are you guys talking about?"

Axel looks up at me with a frown. He lowers his voice so JJ won't hear. "I'm pretty sure our new friend is going into heat. At least, that's what it smells like."

The words play over and over in my head. Heat? Oh my gods. Zander is going into heat. I'm not clueless. I've read enough of Cooper's books to know what that is, but for some reason, the idea of Zander going through that, all alone, sends my nerves alight with something.

I should be there to help.

Wait, no, he wouldn't want that. I'm just a fucking stranger!

And yet, I feel myself pulled in his direction. "Okay," I say, clearing my throat when my voice breaks. My cheeks are bright red as I run my fingers through my hair, not wanting the guys to see just how this is affecting me. "Well, maybe I should go check on him? Just to make sure he's okay?"

Axel looks up at Carlos and the two of them share a look. Part of me is annoyed to be excluded but the bigger part of me can't think of anything other than Zander. He's all alone. He must be so anxious. I'll do everything in my power to make sure he's okay, even if that means guarding the bathroom door so no one bothers him.

"It should be fine," I hear Carlos say under his breath, "he's human so the smell of heat won't affect Ronny like it would a shifter."

"That's true," Axel finally says, turning back to me. "Go make sure he's okay but if he wants you to leave him alone, come right back." I narrow my eyes, feeling offended that Axel would think I wouldn't do just that. Before I can retort, Axel continues. "I'm sorry, I'm just being overly cautious, Ronny."

"I understand," I say with a nod. "Okay, I'll be back."

Martin gives a wolf whistle as I start walking towards the bathroom and I can feel my face heat so bright he must be able to see the red on the back of my neck which I confirm as true when the guys all chuckle. I give them the bird over my shoulder in response, pulling it back when I remember JJ is with them. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to be paying me much mind, too focused on talking to Lily who's sat in Jeff's arms.

I take my time finding my way towards the bathroom, assuming that's where Zander would go if what Axel and Carlos told me is true. What better way to cool off than with a cold shower? Although, how would he even reach the controls of the shower in his cat form? Is he lying in the sink, wishing someone would come turn the water on for him? I have to find him so I can help him, however I can.

The sound of the shower running hits my ears and my steps slow even further. Is that a random person? Or has Zander shifted into his human form? My stomach flutters uncontrollably at the thought of seeing Zander in this form.

I shouldn't even be feeling this way! From what I can piece together, Zander is on the run from something or someone. He doesn't need some hunter catching feelings for him. And that's without even thinking about the fact that I've somehow gained feelings for a cat. What the fuck is wrong with me?

I rub my face with my hands, letting out a long breath. After steeling my nerves, I knock on the bathroom door. I hear someone suck in a shaky breath.

"Zander?"

There's a long pause where no one answers. I think maybe I'm bothering someone's shower. Just before I resign myself to turn away and keep looking, I hear a soft voice call back.

"Ronny?" That voice. Zander's voice. This is the first time I'm hearing it and it's beautiful. A shiver runs down my spine.

"Is that you Zander?"

"Yes," I hear back, Zander's voice breathless and barely there. He sounds worried and something inside me snaps, wanting him to know he's safe with me. I step into the bathroom, clicking the lock behind me to give both of us a moment of uninterrupted peace.

"Are you okay, Zander? I locked the door behind me so no one will be able to come in here and bother you."

"I'm okay," he says but I don't believe him, not when his voice sounds so broken.

"I won't take a step closer, okay? You're safe in here."

"I trust you," Zander says and that statement, said with such conviction, is the first thing I believe without a doubt. I warm all over, realizing Zander trusts me. "I know you won't do anything I don't want you to do."

"Can you tell me what's going on? You sound upset."

Zander snorts but the sound is anything but amused. My heart squeezes painfully in my chest. "I sound upset because I am, in fact, upset," Zander says, grinding the words out through clenched teeth. "I'm an omega, Ronny. I'm an omega shifter who's just gone into heat for the first time in like seven years. Do you have any idea what that means?"

I swallow thickly. My mind races with all the things I know about omegas. Zander must be so uncomfortable right now. Does he have an alpha? Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable?

"Do you umm..." my words sputter out and I run my fingers through my hair, trying to find the courage to ask the question I want to ask. I'm not sure I want to know the answer but I know it needs to be answered. "Do you have an alpha?"

Zander lets out a shaky breath and the sound runs down my spine like warm water, pooling thickly in the pit of my stomach. "No," he breathes out, "there was John but he never bit me properly. He's not my alpha."

"Okay. Okay, cool," I say dumbly, cursing myself for the bone deep relief I feel. It's not my business that Zander isn't mated. It shouldn't make me happy to know he doesn't have an alpha. Gods, I need to get a grip.

The last thing Zander needs right now is me being a creep.

"Ronny?" Zander whispers, just barely loud enough for me to hear. "Why are you here?"

I lick my lips, deciding to tell the truth. "I wanted to make sure you're okay. I know we've only just met, but I care about you." My voice softens, "I care about you a lot."

"You don't even know me," Zander says back, but I can detect a hint of hope in his voice.

I rub the back of my neck, looking down at my converse shoes. "I don't understand it," I confess softly. "By all accounts I shouldn't feel this way. But I feel drawn to you. That's weird, right?"

"It's not," he says right away. "It's not weird at all." There's a long pause where all I can hear is the water streaming down in Zander's stall. Finally, he speaks again. "Do you know what true mates are?"

My breath stutters in my chest and my entire body freezes. "Yes?" I say though I know I sound like I'm asking a question instead of properly answering. I clear my throat. "True mates are two souls who are destined together. Lady Fate, the mother of the supernatural, destined them together and then does everything in her power to push them together. Is that right?"

"Yes," Zander says and his voice sounds like liquid gold, washing over me and making my entire body somehow relax and tense at the same time. "That's right, Ronny."

I bite my bottom lip so hard I'm worried I might bite right through it. "Do you have a true mate?"

"Yes," he says again in that same tone. The hairs on my arm all stand on end and anticipation fills me. My hands begin to shake. "I have a true mate, Ronny. I do. And I need him so badly right now but I can't ask him to help me. I can't. He's human and this is too much to ask for."

"Ask."

"Ronny, I can't."

"Ask, Zander."

A whimper hits my ears and I look down at my jeans, finding them tenting terribly. My cock is rock hard and straining. Gods, I can't pretend this isn't happening.

"Ronny?" I hum, letting him know I'm listening. "You're my true mate."

I just barely keep myself on my feet instead of letting my knees buckle. Holy fucking shit. I'm someone's true mate? Lady Fate saw fit to bring me my very own soul mate? She's deemed me worthy of an instant-family? I'm overwhelmed. I'm breathless. I'm so incredibly turned on.

"Really?"

"Yes," Zander says right away. "And I know this is a lot. You don't have to help me," he says gently. "You can go back to the camper and wait for me there."

"I want to help you, Zander. However I can." My head is spinning. How can he be so sure? How can he know I'm his true mate? What if I hurt him? What if I can't actually help him during his heat? I've never even had sex before! How is some virgin gonna be able to help?

"I can smell that you're panicking. Talk to me."

I let out a frustrated noise. "How can I help you?"

"You can come in here and fuck me until I can't remember my own name."

Now it's my turn to whimper. As good as that sounds in theory, I have no idea what I'm doing. "I'm a virgin," I blurt out, ripping it off like a Band-Aid. "I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm sorry, Zander."

"That's okay. That's fine. It's okay. We can take it slow. We don't have to rush," Zander reassures, his voice soothing the worry I'm feeling. I believe him. But at the same time, he's in heat. I have to help.

"But you're in heat. I want to help."

"I'm gonna open the door, okay? You can step in here with me whenever you're ready. Or you can stay out there and keep talking, okay? Just having you here is helping, I promise."

The click of the stall opening is loud in my ears, a signal that Zander trusts me, that he's accepting me. I take a steadying breath, running my sweaty hands against the front of my hoodie before starting to take off my shoes. Part of me wonders the merits of just walking in there fully clothed but that doesn't feel right. I wanna be on the same level of vulnerability as Zander, want to come to him just as bare and open as he's being with me. That feels right.

I take my time, removing each article of clothing. I fold them neatly and place them in a pile near the door. Once I'm completely bare, I step towards the shower door. Just before I walk in, I pause.

"Are you still okay with this? I can go back to the camper if you want."

"I'm ready. You can come in."

I open the door and step inside, seeing my very naked true mate in his human form for the very first time.

Oh. My. Gods.

He's the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. He has dark hair, piercing green eyes, and the most beautiful treasure trail that leads down to a thatch of pubic hair. His cock is thin and pink and dare I describe it as pretty. He's shorter than me with strong shoulders and a tapered waist. He's perfect. He's so, so perfect. And I cannot wrap my head around the idea that he's mine.

Zander's full lips drop open as he stares me up and down. Both of our cheeks are red with a blush, taking each other in, seeing each other bare for the first time. It's overwhelming in the most fantastic way. This feels like nothing I've ever experienced before.

"You're beautiful," I say, my voice soft. I wonder if that's a weird thing to admit. Maybe I should tell him he's hot, or sexy. But the smile I get in response tells me I've said exactly the right thing.

"So are you. I've seen you without your shirt but seeing you completely naked is another thing entirely. Gods, Ronny, I want you so much."

"Really?"

"Yes. Do you want me too?"

I nod my head, biting my bottom lip. My cheeks are so hot they're probably making Zander's heat even worse. "I don't know how. I mean, I know how sex works obviously but, I'm nervous. I don't want to do anything wrong."

"You won't," Zander says right away, holding out his hand for me. I take it, stepping into his space but I don't quite touch him. Thankfully, Zander goes the last couple inches, plastering our fronts together. I suck in a sharp breath and my stomach flutters wildly. "Fuck," he whispers into my skin.

"This feels--" my words cut off because I don't even have the words to describe how good this feels. Holy shit.

"I know," he whispers back, kissing the front of my shoulder. "Is it okay if I direct you, would that be okay?"

"Please do, Zander."

He nods, nipping the skin he just kissed, making pleasure lance through me. "Wrap your hand around my cock. Stroke it the same way you would stroke yourself. I'm already on the edge of coming because of my heat so it won't be too hard to get me off."

"Okay," I whisper, my voice coming out shaky. "I can do that."

I reach down, wrapping my hand around Zander's dick. It's hot in my palm and I whimper without my permission. "That's it," he murmurs, his mouth moving from my shoulder to the underside of my chin, kissing softly. Then I feel his tongue come out, licking my throat and it feels so fucking good. I want him to feel as good as he's making me feel. I'm compelled to make him come.

I stroke him slowly, taking my time to feel his dick out, to find every ridge and vein. His cock feels so warm and soft and perfect against my palm. Someday soon I want to drop to my knees and feel his cock in my mouth, to see how he tastes against my tongue. But for now, I focus all my attention on touching him in a way that makes his breath stutter. Zander makes the tiniest moan and I chase that sound, doing the same thing over just so I can hear it again.

"Oh, Ronny," Zander breathes, his breath tickling the underside of my throat. "Ronny."

"I've got you," I say, wanting him to know what this means to me, that he trusts me. I might not know what the fuck I'm doing but I want this to be good for him, I want him to know that I'll be here to help however I can. I want to take care of him.

"Keep going. I'm so close. Fuck."

I grip him tightly, speeding up my hand slightly. His breath catches and the sound is like the most beautiful music to my ears. His precum wets my fingers and I use my thumb to caress his cock head slowly, pulling another beautiful noise from his lips.

"Ronny?"

I look down into those bright, green eyes I've come to know so well in such a short time. I tilt my head, hoping my cheeks aren't quite as red as they feel. "Yeah? Am I doing this right?"

Zander nods his head quickly, another breathy noise leaving him. "Yes. Very much so. This feels amazing. But I have a question."

"Ask it," I say, my voice thick with lust.

"Can I kiss you?"

My breath stutters and my cheeks somehow heat even more than they already are. I nod, a smile crossing my lips. "Yes," I tell him. "Absolutely. Please kiss me, Zander."

Zander gets up on his tiptoes in order to get face to face. He lets out a shaky breath that I swear I can feel in my chest before his lips barely touch my own. It's more like our lips are caressing than a kiss and yet, my earth is completely shattered into splinters before coming back together whole again with pieces of Zander embedded inside me. It's the most precious kiss I've ever been given and I know without a doubt it's only the beginning.

"Zander," I gasp against his lips before surging forward and kissing him again, this time harder. My hand continues stroking him, wanting him to feel good, wanting him to come. Wanting him to come for me.

Where is this possessive side coming from? There's a feeling welling up inside of me, screaming for me to be the source of Zander's pleasure. I've never felt like this but instead of shying away, I embrace it.

When Zander's lips open, I follow suit, following his lead. His tongue dips into my mouth and I'm lost. I'm completely swept away in emotions and feelings and pleasure. Nothing will ever feel like this again, nothing will compare to the feeling of Zander pressed against me, kissing me, tasting me. I might not have a full understanding of true mates but in this moment, feeling addicted to Zander, I start to feel what being a true mate means.

"I'm gonna come," Zander says, his voice cutting off with a cry. "Please, Ronny. Keep going. You're gonna make me come."

I keep doing exactly what I'm doing, not wanting to change a single thing and throw my rhythm off. Zander's face merges into the very picture of pleasure, his brows scrunched up, his bottom lip between his teeth. His hips chase my hand and it's the sexiest thing I've ever seen.

My own cock is rock hard, on the edge of finishing without even being touched a single time. Just watching Zander move and moan and kiss me is enough to have me on the very edge.

"Oh fuck," Zander cries out moments before his cock pulses in my palm. I feel his hot cum hit my stomach and my groin, covering my cock. Fuck. I've never felt like this before, so out of control, so wanton. "Fuck. Ronny!"

I stroke him through his orgasm until he's biting my shoulder and squirming from aftershocks and over sensitivity. I finally let go of his cock, bringing my hand to my mouth. I'm not sure what comes over me but without really thinking it through, I lick his cum from my fingers, needing to taste him. Zander wants me with hooded lids, his cheeks probably as red as my own.

"Fuck, that was hot."

"Yeah?" I ask, self-consciously.

"Hell yes. Is it okay if I touch you?"

I let out a shaky breath. "You don't have to. This was about taking care of you, Zander."

"And I've been taken care of," he says with a smirk, gesturing towards his soft cock. "Can I make you come, Ronny?"

My head spins from how fast arousal hits me. I nod my head. "Yes. Please, Zander."

Zander smiles as he runs his palm over my toned stomach, collecting his own cum into his hand before using it to stroke my dick. Holy fucking shit. He's using his own cum to ease the path of his hand as he touches me. Why is that so fucking hot?

"Now you'll smell just right," he breathes, making my brain melt from how fucking hot his words are. It takes an embarrassingly short amount of time for my orgasm to take me.

"Zander," I breathe out, letting out a choked noise as I'm overcome with pleasure. Zander kisses me, biting my bottom lip as I come in his hand, adding to the mess on my stomach and groin.

"Gods," Zander says against my lips and I can feel the way he's smiling. "That was so hot, Ronny. You're perfect."

I'm not really sure what to say to that. No one's ever made me come before, no one's ever looked at me and saw perfection. Is that what having a true mate entails? Coming and compliments? Gods, I could get used to this.

"Thank you," I whisper, not really knowing what else to say.

"We should get cleaned up and head back to camp," Zander says as he gently lets go of my cock.

We both quickly use the shower spray to clean ourselves before stepping out of the shower. "Umm," I murmur, realizing we don't have towels. "This is… this is a bit awkward."

Zander chuckles warmly as he steps over to the automatic hand dryer, bending over and using it to dry himself as best as he can. We both try to fit under it which doesn't work, even a little. We end up giggling uncontrollably and I'm not sure my chest has ever felt so bright.

"I don't have any clothes," Zander says, wrapping his arm around his middle.

"Here," I murmur, picking up my pants and hoodie, handing them over. Thankfully, we stopped in town to grab clothes for both Zander and JJ before parking our RVs. He'll have clothes waiting for him back at camp, but for now, we'll have to make do. "You take these. I'll just wear my boxers and shirt back."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Let me take care of you."

Zander's cheeks turn a pretty pink color as he slides into my jeans. They're too long for him but fit for the most part around his hips. "I'm not used to this," he whispers, "someone taking care of me."

"Well," I say, pulling my shirt over my head and looking over at him. "Hopefully it'll become something that's second nature. I'm not sure how this whole true mate thing is supposed to go but already I'm attached," I confess softly. "I want you near me, I want you here. And I'm willing to put in the work it takes to be with you." Then I quickly add, "you know, if that's okay with you?"

The smile I get in response is the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. It steals my breath and makes my heart flutter within my chest. "That's very okay with me."

I take Zander's hand as we step out of the bathroom and start making our way back to camp. Gods, I hope the guys don't give me too much shit when we get back.