The Moonlight Breed 8: Leap in the Dark by Gabrielle Evans (chrysanthemum read aloud .txt) 📕

longer. Each plunge into Xander’s snug body sent electrical currents up his spine, and the noises his man was making kicked his lust into overdrive.

Thankfully, he wasn’t going to have to embarrass himself, because two pumps later, Xander went stiff, roared out Braxton’s name, and painted his chest and abs with a volley of thick, creamy seed. Free to fall over the edge, Braxton dropped his head back on his shoulders and yelled to the ceiling, thrusting hard as his orgasm hit him like a tsunami.

A shiver traveled down his back, his skin felt overheated, and his extremities tingled. A wave of euphoria settled over him, even as his eyes crossed from the clenching grip on his cock, and a loud gasp floated from his mouth when his balls unloaded, spilling a river of semen into his mate’s depths.

Sweaty and panting, he fell forward to sprawl over Xander’s chest. “Sorry. I wanted to make it last, but it just felt too damn good.”

Xander chuckled and petted Braxton’s damp hair back from his face. “Do you still want to go out tonight?”

“Yes,” he answered around a huge yawn, “right after a shower and a nap.”

“Where would you like to go?”

“I don’t care. Surprise me.” He was a shmuck for all that sweet stuff, and surprisingly, Xander could be amazingly romantic when he put his mind to it.

Xander was quiet for a long while before tapping Braxton’s hip to encourage him to move. “You jump in the shower, baby. I have some phone calls to make, and then I’ll join you.”

“Who are you calling?”

Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Xander glanced over his shoulder and winked. “It’s a surprise.”

Chapter Seven

The little Mexican restaurant he’d chosen didn’t look like much from the outside, but Xander had it on good authority that the place was just what he had in mind. Talon had taken Jackson a couple of times, and he had assured him that it was quiet, the service and food were top notch, and best of all, it was owned by a shifter couple.

When they’d pulled into the parking lot, he’d been ready to throttle Talon. The place was absolutely tiny, with peeling yellow paint and an almost desolate look. Braxton on the other hand had found it charming, so Xander had swallowed any negative comments and escorted his mate through the entrance. Once inside, however, he’d had to resist the urge to walk back out the door to check that they were in the same place.

There were quite a few tables, but they were spread far enough apart to allow privacy. Deep reds and ornate gold adorned each table top, matching the décor of the rest of the room. Their server was efficient and friendly, not nosey or bothersome, and Xander was pretty sure the guy was an elf.

“How did you find this place?” Braxton hadn’t stopped smiling since they’d sat down. “It’s really nice here, and our waiter is a cutie.”

“I haven’t noticed.”

Braxton laughed as he shook his head. “I’ve seen you check him out at least twice. I don’t care, love. Look all you want, just keep your hands to yourself.” He said the last part with a wink, and Xander was reminded of just how lucky he was, and how much he’d been taking for granted lately.

However, he had not once looked at their server longer than was necessary to place his order. “I did not. Stop being a brat and eat your chips.”

They’d been offered a wide range of drinks from sangrias to frozen margaritas, but it hadn’t surprised him that Braxton had turned down anything alcoholic. In all the time they’d been together, he’d only seen his mate drink once. Even then, it was just one glass of champagne at Logan and Keeton’s wedding.

Sliding his hand across the table, he turned it over so that his knuckles rested against the tabletop and wiggled his fingers. Braxton’s grin grew wider as he placed his hand inside Xander’s and threaded their fingers together. “Thank you, Xander. I’m having a really great time.”

Their meal arrived, and they both agreed that the food was exceptional. They talked about nothing of importance, just like two old friends catching up after time apart. Braxton gave him a rundown of what he’d learned about the three new members of their pack. He was very adamant that Xander find time to meet them, and when he spoke of one in particular, his brow wrinkled with worry lines.

“Okay, what’s up? Why do you look like someone kicked your puppy?”

“Oh, nothing.” His expression cleared, and he quickly forked up a huge bite of enchilada to shovel into his mouth.

“Braxton.” Xander set his own fork down on his plate and narrowed his eyes. “Tell me.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed when he swallowed his food, he and folded his hands in his lap with a resigned expression. “Mihail is a tiger-shifter.”

“So?” It had been numerous years since he’d met another like him, and a sense of excitement swelled in his chest. “Why is this a bad thing?”

Braxton shrugged, but he wouldn’t meet Xander’s eyes. “I don’t know. I haven’t met him yet. I’m not even sure what he looks like.”

It took Xander a few seconds to puzzle it out, but when he did, he wasn’t sure if he should laugh or drag Braxton across the table and kiss him senseless. “You think he’s going to try to take over the pack.” Braxton was always looking out for him and taking care of him, even when Xander didn’t know it. In this instance, however, his mate’s concerns were unjustified.

If some fresh meat came into the pack and could do a better job, Xander would gladly hand over the title of alpha. He’d never asked for the position, and frankly, it was a lot of fucking pressure to be in charge. If Mihail wanted that responsibility, well, more power to him.

“I don’t think that will happen,” he continued. All the guys he’d met from The Hive had