The Game Of Quadruplet Mates
Chapter 20

"You don't know how long I've waited for you."

The way he said it, the way he was looking at me, it made me feel as though he really was waiting. Not just for a mate. Not just for anyone. He was waiting for me.

I had fallen asleep after he said that, too tired to keep my eyes open, but his words followed me as I dreamt.

Ajax, the monster of monsters, was my mate.

And we have marked each other to prove it.

It was unbelievable.

He woke me once, early in the morning by gathering me to his chest and arms, holding me close as he kissed me on the mouth. Ajax was looking at me like he couldn't believe I was there, he sleepily ran his fingers through my hair, holding me like I was a wisp of smoke. "June," He whispered softly. "My June."

Maybe it was a dream. I cannot remember anymore.

But the sound of rushing waterfalls and a stream of light coming from the closed curtains woke me the next day. I tried to sit up but something was holding me down, that something was an arm wrapped firmly around my waist.

The Alpha, Ajax, my mate, is sleeping, his large body draped across his bed. In sleep, his face loses some of its hardness, the hardness that the world labels him as a monster. I admire him all the same. He might be all of those things, probably more, but that's not the Ajax I was with.

At least, not the Ajax that I know.

Unable to move, I used this time to look at him, really look at him. My fingers lightly caressed his face, his eyebrows, his lips, his nose. I felt every old scar, every bump and smooth skin and every tattoo line. I suppose not many can say they've laid in bed with him- at least I hope not, though that's not really in my control. Still, holding him like this... I felt equal parts unworthy and special.

As my fingers traced his lips, a tongue came out and started sucking my finger. I let out a squeak in surprise as bright amber eyes opened, swimming with desire.

I don't get to speak, I don't even get to think, not with Ajax suddenly on top of me and very quickly, without even a good morning, slides himself- all of himself-inside me. Surprised by the turn of events, a drowsy little gasp leaves my lips as I felt his throbbing length go deeper than he ever had before.

Less frantic and hungry than yesterday, he takes his sweet time, gentler even, as he slowly grinds his hips against me in a rhythm that has my eyes roll back. I felt every pulse, every throb, every movement as he entered and not long after, I was on a similar high from yesterday, breathing hard as my entire body shook from pleasure.

He follows after a few more powerful thrusts, collapsing on top of me with a smirk on his lips.

"I haven't even had breakfast." I told him, pretending to be annoyed as I laid there panting.

Ajax shrugs, rolling on my side. "I was breakfast."

I gestured to my lips. "I meant something I could eat."

He only lifted an eyebrow and it took me a few seconds to understand, to realize what he meant, before my cheeks burned red at the implication.

I buried myself under the comforter to hide my reddening face, but Ajax is quicker.

He took my face in his hands, bringing me to his lips. "Good morning, my little mate."

"G-Good morning." I stuttered shyly. "What time is it..."

My eyes went wide at the sight of the clock.

It was ten in the morning. My heart beat quickened as I scrambled to get out of bed. I've completely slept through chores and-

"You no longer have to wake up early, June. Relax, take your time doing things, sleep all day, whatever you want. Let me work for us. Understand? I don't want you to be tired. Not ever. Except for when," Ajax's eyes darkened once more and I swear I felt him harden. "When I'm involved."

If possible, my cheeks burned even more. "But what should I do?"

"Nothing at all. If that's what you want." His eyes found the clock on his wall too. "But today, and only for today, we might have to get ready for the announcement we need to make. I want the pack to know who their Luna is as soon as possible."

I almost forgot about that.

A worried hand reaches for my forehead. The playfulness is gone from Ajax, replaced by a shaken look... a frightened look and it did not suit him. "June? You're pale."

I waved his concern away, giving him the best reassuring smile. "Sorry, I'm just not used to crowds of people."

"I will be there with you. There's nothing to fear." His next words were darker, his expression threatening as the soft tone he uses for me fades like it was never there. "They will respect you."

By the way he was speaking, I doubt his people have any choice. Ajax didn't look like the kind of man that should be angered in any way.

"Are you hungry?" And just like that, he was my Ajax again.

My stomach grumbles, the sound like an angry animal. "Ravenous."
"You don't know how long I've waited for you."

The way he said it, the way he was looking at me, it made me feel as though he really was waiting. Not just for a mate. Not just for anyone.

He chuckles, taking my hand in his and interlacing them. "Good. Breakfast is already waiting for us downstairs or would you prefer to have it in bed?"

Food in bed was a tempting offer, but the way Ajax offered it made me think he had other plans in mind. Other plans that didn't revolve around eating... eating food at least, or specifically eating food without anything else. "Let's go down instead." Ajax caresses my cheek, a look of adoration on his face. "Whatever my mate wants."

It takes another hour to get us out of bed, rolling ourselves out and fumbling with the clothes on the floor. Ajax takes me to our closet, showing me that my luggage has been fully unpacked and sorted beside his clothes. I didn't have much, packing only what could fit in the bag, but I was happy to have a few of my things from my old life here.

"We'll get you new clothes." He reassures, his hand on my lower back. "Fill this closet, fill five more if you wish."

After a quick shower, I decided to wear the final dress that I brought for the Assembly. It was too big for me, following off at the shoulders and the skirt almost touching the ground, but it was home. My old home. And it didn't feel right to not wear something that was given to me. In a way, it felt like I owed it to the unmated girls in my pack.

Ajax doesn't bother with appearances- though he doesn't really need to with his Goddess blessed attractiveness- which is a big change from what I have seen in the Assembly. He pulls on a shirt, some jeans and shoes. His flop of black hair seemed to fix itself with just a few brushes of his hand and then he was ready.

Handsome.

Frightening.

And ready in five minutes.

With his hand interlaced with mine, we left our room and headed for the dining room. The first thing I saw were pancakes, thick and fluffy and stacked high on the long wooden table. Pitchers and pitchers of syrup of every kind were on display, making me all giddy. And right next to the tower of pancakes was another tall stack of bacon. As if an afterthought, a bowl of fruit was placed on the edge of the table.

There was no luxury to how anything was presented, no random flourish, all placed on the table for quick consumption and I secretly loved it.

I wasn't in the Games anymore and it was a welcome sight.

"If you want something else, feel free to let them know." Ajax monotonously says, gesturing to the group of excited looking girls peeking from an open door at the end of the room. When they see us looking, they squeak, clambering out of sight. "Those are the girls I told you about. The ones that come in to cook and clean."

"That leads to the kitchen?" I pointed to where they disappeared.

He nods, helping me into a cushioned seat. "Yes. When I'm not here and you ever need anything, you may ask them and they will give it to you."

Ajax fills my plate with a generous amount of pancakes and bacon, pushing the syrup next to me. I feel eyes on us again and when I look up, the girls are whispering amongst themselves, smiling widely.

"Oh, she's so pretty." I heard one of them say.

"No wonder the Alpha fell in love with her. Did you hear how it happened? He wasn't even planning to go. They saw each other by chance and it was meant to be! Like destiny." They shrilled, jumping up and down. "I'm so happy. It's perfect. She's perfect. They're absolutely perfect!"

Ajax ignores them completely, his eyes faraway like in deep conversation with someone through mind link, but I... I couldn't believe it. This wasn't at all how I imagined my first encounter with the most feared pack would be. I was expecting glares and a reminder of my rank, not this. Not quiet praises and giggles.

In comparison to how most people have greeted me in my life, this was probably the most unexpected it has ever been. No one has ever just looked at me and said such nice things. And I would be suspicious of it, if not for the big smiles on their faces and the glimmer of pure joy in their eyes.

"June,"

I straightened in my seat, turning my attention to Ajax. "Yes?"

He had already finished eating, his plate empty. "I have to go check on a few things. Jeremy will come pick you up when everything is ready for the announcement."

My mark suddenly burned hot at the mention of Jeremy. "Oh. Okay."

Ajax's eyes softened. "Unless you want me to stay?"

From what I know, Alphas are really busy and for him to still be at the house at this time is already a big sacrifice to him and to whatever he has to do. "No, it's okay. You go be an Alpha. I'll keep myself busy."

He stands to his full height, a pillar of power, before leaning down to press a kiss on my lips. "Call me for anything. I'll come immediately."

"I'm going to be just fine." I insisted, digging into my food.

He gently takes me by the chin, making me look up at his amber eyes. "June?"

Knowing he would not let me win this one, I gave in. "I'll call."

Satisfied with my answer, he presses a possessive kiss on my mark which makes me sigh. "I'll see you in a bit, my little mate."

I watch him go, a man made of solid muscle striding through our home and just as I'm about to lose sight of him, he turns and gives me a small smile. It was so out of place on his lips, but it was a smile for me... and only for me.

Going back to my food with a smile of my own, I quietly ate and was surprised by the girls who emerged from the kitchen, their heads bowed low. "Luna, we just wanted to introduce ourselves."

Their voices were so meek, so... like mine that I couldn't help but stand from my seat and take hold of their hands. "Hi, I'm June. It's so nice to meet everyone. Thank you for the lovely breakfast."

Stunned was the one word I could describe their faces.

A second passes and I started to worry if I had said something wrong until they erupted in squeals of glee. "We are so lucky to have such a gracious Luna!"

They bow their heads repeatedly, their foreheads centimeters away from the floor. "Please ask us for anything. Anything at all. We will take good care of you."

"Thank you-" I don't get to finish as they start to bombard me with questions.

"How old are you, Luna? You look very young."

"You're so pretty. Do you bathe in milk?"

"The Alpha has not stopped giving instructions on how we should take care of you. He's so smitten! I've never seen him like that at all."

"Where are you from?"

I swallow, getting ready for their reactions that I'm sure won't be as nice as this. "I'm... I'm from the farm pack."

"Oh," A heartbeat passed before even more excited questions came. "I'm from a farm pack too! The Alpha saved us. That's why we're here now. Which farm pack did you come from? Maybe I know someone."

I waited, I waited for them to take it back to say they're just joking and I'm trash beneath their feet, but it never came.

And just like that, I had instant friends. The only difference is, my new friends keep calling me Luna like it's my name. Still, I enjoyed having them all the same. They all shared their pasts, all coming from different packs. They shared stories of how they got here and if they had mates themselves.

I couldn't have been happier.

"Luna, tell us about Beta Jeremy. Have you met him?"

A collection of loud sighs and fluttering hearts came from the girls. It would seem Jeremy is very popular but something about this line of questioning has me very worried. "I met him in the Assembly."

They leaned closer to me. "Who's the girl he was supposed to bring home? He told everyone within the first few hours of arriving at the Games that he was going to choose someone by the end of the weekend, but I saw him last night and he wasn't with anyone. Did she reject him?"

The memory of Jeremy standing up from his seat during my choosing flashes before my eyes and I do my best to blink it away. "I didn't see him with anyone but then I didn't really join any of the events to know more about it."

Their voices dropped as if afraid someone would hear them. "They say he chose her, in an event, took her identifier and never returned it."

I tried to observe them, to see if they knew it was me they were talking about, but all I saw was eager curiosity.

"That's not allowed, you know," The girls continued. "The bracelets must be returned after any of the events. Everyone must wear them at all times."

"He must really like her." Another added. "I just hope it wasn't someone from the city."

"But the Beta is beautiful like a city boy. All soft features and sharp edges." They whispered dreamily. "The entire pack has a crush on him, Luna. They all want to be taken by the sexy Beta."

"Who's the sexy Beta? I hope you're not talking about Konstant- s h i t." A voice spoke from behind us.

The girls all flushed red, burning with blushes on their cheeks as they giggled and squealed when Jeremy showed himself. "Hi Beta."

Words were never so true for Jeremy. He really is beautiful, all soft features with his blonde hair and baby blue eyes, but then also the dangerous edge to him. The nameless pack in him.

"Hello, girls." He greeted them with a smile, spending very little time and giving very little attention to the girls before coming around to my seat.

Jeremy stops to look at me, the very same look that he gave me when he walked into the Assembly for the very first time.

His blue eyes were bright and meaningful, always readable and never mysterious.

Like a chokehold, I was out of breath just from his stare.

"Hello, June."