18. Temporary Mates

Temporary Mates

Larken

L etting Dalton down wasn't part of the plan. Unfortunately, that's what happened.

The results from my tests came back with an excessive amount of magic in my system, making it unsafe for me to take Dalton through his transition. It was essential for the tests to work effectively that there was nothing to skew the data. As much as the elves were hoping to turn betas into alphas and omegas, they needed to have control of the process in order to replicate it. Or at least, that's how it was explained to my poor Dalton.

"I am so sorry!" Over and over, I apologized to him.

"Why? It's not your fault. They aren't saying never. Just a few more weeks. That's fine with me." He spoke with such a calm demeanor when I was on guard for fireworks, it completely confused me.

"But— "

"But nothing." He shrugged my apology off. "It's fine, Lark. As soon as the magic is cleared from your system, we'll be first in line," he added reasonably. "They've promised that to us already."

"And you're okay with that?"

"Yes. It's not a no, or never, or a maybe. They've told us the steps you need to take and you've assured me over and over you're going to follow them to the letter."

Okay, that was my warning not to let him down.

"I will, I swear." Everything and anything he and the elves needed me to do so I could be his partner would be done. My lizard growled his agreement. He wanted our raccoon happy.

"Then it's fine. Yes, I wanted it to happen sooner, but with everything going on, I'm alright with it taking that much longer."

Since the testing had finally started, Teárlach gained an owl form, Axel had changed into an omega and was now pregnant, and things had escalated with the Northarbor aviary once more, with attacks injuring people and damaging stock. We had also lost our Seer, Janet.

The pack had grieved her loss even as we celebrated the truth of the elves being our ancestors and Axel's pregnancy. I'd worried about Dalton's mental health there for a while, especially with the baby news, but he had congratulated his friend with real and enthusiastic happiness.

"We'll be next," he assured me when I broached it with him.

Instead of being jealous, Dalton had been joyful. He took it as a sign that The Luna was fulfilling her promises to her betas by letting them change and start families. He believed his turn was next. I just hoped he was right.

Over the weeks, as I adjusted to a new stricter schedule, where they treated me like a baby and made me take naps, I worked on my diet and fitness. Next time, nothing would get in our way. The naps really helped. I'd been supplementing my lack of sleep with energy potions, which had been asking for trouble. We had new elves working as enforcers as they figured out how to get a shifted form, so I was asked to do less with that. Being woken at night was still a problem while I was living with Roan, something that would have to change soon, likely when I was mated to Dalton.

One of the many things we had to discuss. Was this temporary? How far were we taking it?

We reached the clinic bright and early in the morning, on the day we were going to finally do this thing. Dalton had been up with the sun, anxious to get going as soon as the clinic opened for the day .

Was I nervous? As fuck! A lot was riding on this. It seemed as simple as just a mating bite sealing me to Dalton for however long as he wanted me to be his alpha. Yet, there was so much that could go wrong. What if one of us rejected the other or our animals couldn't connect?

"Lark, could you relax for one minute? You're squeezing the blood out of my fingers." Automatically, I loosened my hold. "I need them to type. You know, at my job." Dalton being snippy was a great sign. He wasn't questioning everything like I was.

"Sorry, I'm just nervous."

"Why? It'll all work out like it's supposed to." His being so calm was actually making things worse.

The clinic loomed ahead of us. I wanted to pull him to a stop and ask all one hundred of my questions and just get it all out there. One glance at his determined face told me this wasn't the time. Just because I was freaking out, didn't mean it would go badly. At the end of this, Dalton would be my mate, even just temporarily, and he'd be on his way to making his dream come true.

Everything else we could discuss later.

"Okay, we have drawn up a contract for you both to sign stating your obligations because of your…um…unusual situation," Teagan said as she passed over the paperwork for us to read and sign.

"Could you give us a rundown of what is in it?" Dalton asked as his eyes skimmed over the text.

"Well, this is just a legal document agreeing you are entering this mating of your free will. You are aware there is a minute chance it will be unbreakable."

"Like Tate and Hiroshi," Dalton confirmed. I had forgotten it appeared as if they were fated mates after all. Hiroshi's ex-betrothed had tried to break their bonding. We were all grateful it hadn't worked.

"Yes. This is just to show you are aware of any consequences of this temporary mating. We left this part blank because we did not know if you wanted Larken to take you through your first heat should this work."

"I do. Could this be amended?"

He was so sure of what he wanted. A feeling of affection swept through me. He wanted to give me his first heat. There was a chance, however slim, we could have children together.

"Could I confirm," Teagan asked, "that you are happy to bear any child who may be conceived during your heat?"

"I am." Dalton turned to me. "I'd really like to have your baby. Is that what you want?"

A part of me wanted to scream from the rooftops I wanted to keep him forever. But until I knew more about his feelings and if he was truly over Axel, I was playing my cards close to my chest. I didn't want to scare him off with how I truly felt.

"I'd love that. You would be giving me such a gift."

The smile we shared was sweet. Teagan was observing us, a tiny lift at the corner of her lips.

"This is fantastic. We hope the transition goes smoothly and your heat is productive. My assistant is just printing off the changes to the contract. I will take you through the adjustments and then you will sign."

"What comes after?" Dalton asked, still the picture of calm.

"We will check your bloods and general health once more. Larken, you were cleared of magic last week. Have you used any magic since?"

"None," I confirmed. Since we got the results of our tests, a potion hadn't touched my lips. Going cold-turkey had been a nightmare. Reliance on magic was dangerous, especially for a shifter. I was lucky. The only effect I felt was the sheer exhaustion I had once I stopped the energy potions.

Hiroshi was still feeling guilty for his part in things. Not that it was his fault. They'd needed the help, and I'd been willing. I just didn't realize there were consequences. His healer heart got involved, meaning he had been my biggest champion during my adjustment to the new schedule and diet. With him being pregnant, he had adopted many of the changes I had, a benefit for both of us, since his pregnancy was going really well, even with twins at home.

The assistant brought the new contract with the conditions we wanted entered. Once again, we looked through it, and this time we signed where we were told to.

As they led us into the examination room, my hands trembled. This was it. I had to pass. Nerves were getting the better of me. They had already cleared me of the lingering magic. All of this was just a precaution, just in case something had mysteriously happened.

Dalton would never forgive me if we were turned away.

"Thank you, both of you." I must have zoned out during the process, because I only came aware when Teagan was in front of us again .

"The results are favorable. We cannot see a reason why a bonding between the two of you should not be successful." Relief slammed into me. I reached for Dalton's hand to ground me.

"Please, head into this room." Teagan motioned to a plain room with a bed opposite where we had given our samples and had our checks.

"Are we going to be recorded?" Dalton asked, finally sounding as nervous as me.

"Yes. You agreed to it in the contract. ívarr will only review it if something is amiss with the bonding. Otherwise, the recording will be deleted."

"Okay," Dalton agreed as he nodded. "I was just checking."

"Feel free to ask whatever questions you need in order to feel safe and comfortable."

"No, I'm fine now. I just want to do this."

We entered the room, locking it behind us. Though plain, they had thought about our comfort and provided plenty of cushions, blankets, drinks, snacks, and, of course, several bottles of lube.

"Homey," Dalton said sarcastically as we stood just inside the door, staying well away from the bed. "Doesn't really help with being in the mood, does it?"

"You know, we don't have to have sex here, or at all. We can just sit, then do our bites and I can walk you home." I meant it. Whatever Dalton needed to feel comfortable, I would give to him.

"Would you be okay with that? I know we agreed to be recorded. It just feels a little strange to think of someone watching us have sex." Dalton played with the buttons of his shirt.

"Yeah, I would. Bonding doesn't have to be sexual." I came closer and straightened the shirt. A buzz of awareness went through me at having him so close, a bed right there. The idea of someone watching us fuck got me hard. Arousal simmered low in my gut, but I would never push Dalton into something he didn't want.

"I'm getting the idea you're into this. You want someone watching us as you fill me with your knot and then your mating mark." He brushed the back of his hand over my groin. My cock filled further at the simple touch.

"Maybe."

His pupils dilated, his breaths became shallower as he took in my proximity. I wanted to lick into his mouth, pull him flush against me and feel his silky dark hair under my fingers as I took him apart.

"Hmm, I'm having second thoughts about waiting until we get home."

Home. As if his little house was where I belonged .

"Can you pretend it's just me and you here, or are you coming around to the idea of someone watching you be filled?"

"Damn, not going to lie. I like the idea. I'm not sure I want them to see how gorgeous you are without clothes on."

His jealous words made me laugh. "Dimples, they've seen me shift. I had the exams to get through. They've seen it all before."

"I know, but can you just… keep your clothes on?"

"Anything for you."

His mouth was sweet when I took it in a kiss. His body melded to mine, not an inch of space between us as he gave into it. He leaned against the wall, clutching at my shirt.

"Let's make this quick and dirty, then I'll make it up to you later at home."

"Yes, please," he panted, his hazel eyes now dark pools of want.

Snatching the first bottle of lube I could get off the dresser, I unbuttoned his pants and yanked down his briefs to just under his ass.

Dalton mouthed a path over my chest and rubbed my clothed cock as I worked my fingers inside him. While I wanted to make this quick, I didn't want to hurt him .

He sighed as I stretched him open, his mouth meeting mine once more. Our tongues tangled even as Dalton worked my cock free of my clothes.

Our moans and sighs filled the room until Dalton pulled free. "I'm ready."

Gazes locked, I could see how much this meant to him. We were partners in this. I wanted him to be an omega just as much as he wanted it. To be his mate was such an honor. Even if all he wanted was a few months, they would be the best months of my life.

Using my superior strength, I hoisted Dalton into my arms and pinned him against the wall.

"They can't see you, Dimples. How you look on my cock is just for me."

I eased my length into him in one easy glide.

"Fuck!" he gasped as I was fully seated inside him.

Legs wrapped around my hips, Dalton worked himself up and down on my dick. The heat and tightness of his body wrapped around me was pure heaven. Nothing compared to being with Dalton.

We moved together, bringing us higher and higher to our peaks.

I made the move to bite him first, knowing my knot was expanding and my orgasm was close behind. Nosing at the right spot, I licked over the area where his shoulder met his neck.

Dalton shuddered. "Close! "

Another lick. "I choose you as my bonded mate." Then I bit down. Blood filled my mouth as I felt a tether form between me and Dalton.

He shook with his orgasm as my knot stretched him, and I came. He pushed his face into my chest and kissed a path to his chosen spot. "I choose you in return as my bonded mate." His bite came with a euphoric feeling as our bond snapped into place.

The alters we shared our souls with met and accepted each other in that moment. I'd never forget just how perfect it was.

Thank you for doing this for me. You're so special to me, Lark.

Dalton used our mating bond to show me just how much he cared. There was the feeling of affection and a faint picture of myself wrapped around him. It was beautiful. It gave me so much hope, tears pricked my eyes.

Thank you for letting me be your alpha. I won't let you down.

We stayed that way for a long time. "Ugh," Dalton moaned as I slipped free of his body. "We don't have clean clothes here."

Shift, I suggested. I'll unlock the door and follow. We can get our clothes another time. Or, I have an idea. I sent a mental picture. Our bond was so clear already.

You have the best ideas. Dalton grinned, fingers working on the buttons of his shirt.

I stripped off my shirt and bundled his dropped things into it. After unlocking the door, I waited until Dalton shifted before cracking it open. Once I wrapped all his clothes in my shirt, I quickly took off the rest of mine and added them to the pile and tied up my shirt. The shift came over me easily.

Dalton tried to pick up the bundle in his cute raccoon form, but it was too bulky for him to handle. I took it in my mouth and followed him out of the room towards the exit.

We didn't get far.

"Wait!" Teagan cried. "You can't just leave! We have to check you."

I paused, unsure. We must have looked ridiculous, this massive lizard and little fluffy raccoon stood in the clinic's corridor. The bundle of clothing hung from my jaws.

What do we do? Dalton asked.

No idea.

"I can give you both robes," Teagan offered.

Fuck. We have to stay, don't we? Dalton was resigned to it.

I still think my plan has merit.

Dalton laughed. Yeah, until we need their help. We did sign a contract. He reminded me .

Fine, but we're going home like this after. We can just pretend this bit didn't happen.

I didn't care if he was laughing at me. I just loved seeing him so happy. He was finally mine.

Deal.