Meredith's Pride [Galactic Nuptials 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour ManLove) by Missy Martine Page B

mate bite?
    “Maybe not, but the intention was there when they brought him here all the way from Earth. I can’t believe Delsin is the type of alpha that would just throw him away now that they have females available to them.”
    Athaw snorted. “It doesn’t matter. It’s the alpha’s responsibility to replenish their pride with cubs, and they can’t do that with Mer for a mate.”
    Hula laughed. “You’re dreaming. Delsin will never send Mer away. I’ve seen the way he looks at him. Both he and Etu look like they could eat the man up, and I don’t mean for dinner.”
    Mer frowned, and urged Taima down the hall toward the living room. He didn’t want to get caught outside their room. When he walked into the living room, Knoton was busy bringing in more chairs. “Hey, Knoton, can I ask you a question?”
    “Of course you can.”
    Mer placed Keme on the couch and barricaded her in the corner with pillows. “What’s a mating bite?”
    Knoton gave a bark of laughter, and then scratched his head. “What brought that on?”
    “I heard the women talking, and I’d not heard the term before.”
    Knoton shrugged. “When two lions want to mate, they have sex and bite each other in the shoulder to exchange a little blood. This seals the spiritual bond, plus leaves the scent of one mate on the other, basically claiming them in a way the whole community can recognize. It’s a pretty sacred thing.”
    Mer winced, blinking back the moisture in his eyes. Neither Etu or Delsin had bitten him during sex. Athaw’s right. I’m not really their mate. And with the women here, I never will be. “Um, I’m not feeling well. Can you watch the babies for Delsin?”
    Knoton frowned, glancing down at Mer. “I’m happy to watch the cubs. Do you want me to get Delsin or Etu for you?”
    “No, that’s okay. I’m just gonna lay down until dinner.” Mer turned and walked back down the hall to his room, shutting the door behind him. He sank down on the bed and wiped the dampness from his eyes. Maybe I should just cut my losses and go back to Earth before they send me back. He jumped when someone tapped on the door.
    Etu stuck his head inside the room and smiled. “Knoton said he thought you were upset about something. What’s wrong?”
    Taking a shaky breath, Mer stood and walked to the door. “Will the women become mates to the men here now?”
    Etu frowned and stepped into the room, closing the door. He shrugged. “Probably, but nobody would force them to do anything they didn’t want to do. They’ll probably want to mate because it’s more protection for their cubs.” He smiled. “At least you won’t have to keep looking after all those little furry butts.” He walked over and put his arms around Mer, leaning close to whisper into his ear. “That will give you more time for the things you like.” Bending, he kissed him, sucking first his top lip and then his bottom, all the while urging him back toward the bed.
    Mer felt the mattress touch the back of his legs and groaned. Oh, God. Maybe he’s finally going to give me a mating bite.
     
    * * * *
     
    Etu put his finger in Mer’s belt loop and pulled their hips together. “You’re too tense, little man.” He gently turned Mer around, his hands coming up to massage his shoulders. After a few minutes he leaned in and began to nuzzle the back of Mer’s neck. “You smell so good,” he whispered and then rubbed their cheeks together.
    “I want you.” Mer wiggled in his arms, turning around to face him.
    Etu cupped the back of Mer’s head, pressing their mouths together and teasing the seam with his tongue. He licked at his lips, slipping his tongue inside when they opened, quickly becoming lost in the taste of his mate. Groaning, his tongue and lips traveled over Mer’s chin, licking and sucking. Etu felt the sting of his mate’s teeth on his chest and gasped, knowing there’d be a purpling mark there. It would disappear by morning, but for one happy moment