Fated Mates and Where to Find Them (Fated Mates #2)

by A.J. Sherwood

Max would feel bad for the two, but his sympathy could currently be found in the dictionary somewhere between shit and syphilis.

Zander stirred on the couch, sitting up and stretching both arms over his head before looking around. The way he lit up upon seeing Max was so automatic, so genuine, it reminded Max of a golden retriever spying its favorite human. What was he supposed to do with this dangerous puppy, seriously?

“You’re not going to hire a bodyguard to follow me around, are you?” “I might. Chase is probably being threatened with one, too, if that makes you feel better.” “Two bodyguards are not better than one, Zan, keep up.” “I like that nickname very much. Do keep using it.”

Zander came down the stairs, spying something on the couch, although he couldn’t see much more than a shoulder from this angle. He came all the way down and around, getting a better view of the couch, and immediately took ten points of HP damage. On the couch, sound asleep, was Max. But he’d snagged Zander’s hoodie from somewhere, and the sight of him snuggled into it made Zander clutch his heart and stagger. Oh god, the cuteness. The cuteness was overwhelming. Was it possible to die from cuteness?

Max lifted up on tiptoes and kissed Zander’s cheek before whispering into his ear, “Thank you.” Zander gave his thousand-watt smile, the one that meant Max had just made him ridiculously happy. Max liked seeing it, liked making Zander happy after all the man had done for him. There was just one problem. “I know I just made you happy, but whatever you have on your mental list to buy me—delete it. Now.” “Maaaaaax.” “Don’t whine at me. You don’t need to reward me every time I please you.” “I’m sure we can negotiate this.” “No.” “Max, I just want to—” “No.”

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Max’s brain has left the building. We do apologize for any inconvenience at this time. Please try again. Zander chuckled. “You should see your face.”

this was a very uneven playing field. Max didn’t have a damn thing to offer in return except his snarky self.

As long as you understand, no matter what the verdict is, you’re still mine. I am absolutely not letting go of you.” If there was one thing Max loved, it was how clear Zander’s desire was for him.

“You wicked tease,” Zander groaned. “If you don’t bite me, I will be very upset with you, do you understand?”

Whatever higher thought process Max still had decided to leave for the equator.

“Back with me?” Zander asked softly against his forehead. Max tried for words. Got a groan instead. Hmm, mouth wasn’t responding. He gave it a mental reboot and tried again. “Yes.”

Zander lifted Max’s chin, smacking a kiss against his sweet mouth. Max lifted up enough to kiss him back. “Don’t worry, okay? Any other vampire will take me from you over my cold, rotting corpse.” Zander thrilled at those words and couldn’t hold back a smile as he kissed Max again. “You’re a genius at making me happy.”

“You cannot distract me with food.” Max’s stomach rumbled in petulant protest. “You sure about that?” Zander jerked his chin to indicate the stomach in question. “Fine, we can shelve this until after I eat and have the energy to argue with you. Korean?” “You can have whatever you want, my heart.” Zander handed his phone over so Max could make his own selections.

Ronan doesn’t spoil me in the same way, but he does spoil me. The amount that man caters to and indulges me is almost criminal. I think what it really is, they’re just that overjoyed to have us. You know how rare a vampire’s mate is. We can literally pick anyone but we chose them. It went straight to their heads.”

“Not just the gifts?” Chase hazarded. “Okay, so…are you guys arguing?” “No, no,” Max denied with a perish-the-thought gesture. “Zan’s way of arguing with me over a gift is to try and sweet talk me into it. When that fails, he tries to seduce me. I get amazing sex out of saying no to him.”

He’s the gentlest soul you’ll ever meet, Dad.

“I was determined to marry him before we even put it together, what his nature was. Knowing he’s a vampire’s mate is only an added bonus. Like finding a treasure trove only to discover there’s another room beyond it.” This man, seriously. As if Max was a treasure.

Zander gave them both a smile. “That said, since I’ll marry into the family, may I call you Dad?” “Feel free,” Karson encouraged. “Ha, I get another son. Not often that happens to a man my age.” “It means I now have three fathers, which is something else.” Zander chuckled, eyes twinkling.

He needed Zander right then, more than words could express, and he vowed to himself several times to find a way to repay the man who always gave him everything. Which, really, shouldn’t be hard. Zander was incredibly easy to please.

Vanessa from the house of Fuck Around had not so cordially invited Max in for tea at the house of Find Out. If that tea was poisonous to her, so be it.